Cue for Treason

Peter and Kit tell the Bells that Sir Philip is attacking Peter’s family. The Bells get their weapons and hurry to help, along with other neighbors in the valley. Peter and Kit ride to Keswick to tell Mr. Armthwaite, the Justice of the Peace, about the conspiracy. When they share the story, Peter thinks Mr. Armthwaite’s reaction is strange. Kit realizes he is in on the conspiracy and threatens him with her pistol. She and Peter lock him in his room and escape. They steal his two horses, which are of high quality. Their own horses follow out of loyalty, leaving Mr. Armthwaite no way to give chase. They realize that they cannot tell who to trust amongst the country’s officials, so they determine to ride to London themselves to deliver the message.

Peter and Kit ride hard, as they know they will soon be pursued. They realize they have no money and can’t sell the horses, as people will assume they’re horse thieves. Kit bemoans that she doesn’t yet have access to her fortune. They find some food and money in the saddlebags, which they hope will be enough to get to London.