It took Diona about ten minutes to reach the back lodge gates, which were not so large or well built as those which guarded the main entrance.
She knew that the old couple that lived in this lodge were both rather infirm and seldom closed the gates unless specially ordered to do so.
There was no sign of them, and as she did not wish to be seen, she hurried past the lodge and out onto the dusty road.
For a moment she hesitated, wondering whether to turn right or left, but she realised there was really no choice because to go right would take her into the village.
Then just as she was about to walk left, knowing she would have to walk a long way before there was even a sight of a cottage, she saw coming from the direction of the village a horse and cart.
For a moment she wondered if it
