Heart.

She held her hand out to me and I touched it softly, then turned and climbed
back down the rock.
All that week I dreamed of Lorna Doone. I could not work for very long at
anything, and everybody though I was ill. Our servant, John Fry, told people that a
mad dog had bitten me. My mother almost believed him. In the evening she sat
beside me and asked me questions that I did not want to answer. I only wanted to
sit by the fire and think of Lorna Doone.
Chapter 6 Lornas Story
I could not decide when to return to the Doone valley. I did not like hiding
form people. And did Lorna think that I was just a stupid farm boy? But after some
weeks, the weather became warm and sunny, and the hillsides were bright with
flowers. I sat out under an old tree and cut the letters LD into it. Then I put on my
good clothes, went into the Bagworthy forest walked up the stream.
It had rained a lot the night before, and the waterfall was very full. The rock
was difficult to climb, and I was tired when I reached the top. I crossed the little
stream, then sat down to rest. After a few minutes I fell asleep.
*
I woke when a shadow passed over me. It was early evening, and Lorna
Doone was standing between me and the sun.
John Ridd, are you mad? she said, taking my hand to pull me up.
Not mad, but half asleep, I answered, wanting to keep her hand in mine.
Come away, come away, if you care for your life. The guards will be here
soon. Be quick, John Ridd, and let me hide you.
But I said, I wont move a step, unless you call me John.
Well John, then- John Ridd, be quick if you want to save your life.
Without another word, she led me to the hole in the rocks, and I
remembered again how I had escaped through it seven years ago. There were
some low, thick bushes beside it. Lorna pushed the bushes to one side and
showed me a small, narrow path through the rocks.
I followed her as well as I could, but because of my great size I hit my knees
and arms very often. We soon came to an open space inside the rock, a little room
with high walls of rock all round it and the blue sky for the ceiling. Lorna had
covered the rock floor with grass and flowers, and it looked very pretty.
Where are the fresh eggs you promised me, John Ridd? she asked.

She thought I had forgotten them, but I had them in my bag. I took them out
one by one and laid twenty-four eggs on the floor.
Count them, I said to her.
Lorna looked at them in surprised and began to cry.
How have I made you cry? I asked anxiously. What have I done?
You havent done anything, she answered proudly. I just cry sometimes.
Youve been very kind-theyre not kind to me here.
Hear tears embarrassed me and I said nothing. Lorna walked away from
me. Then she turned, sat down and started to tell me about her life.
*
There are only two people here who help me, she began. My grandfather,
Sir Ensor Doone, and the Counsellor, whos the wisest of all the Doones. My
grandmother is a proud old man. He seems to know whats right and whats
wrong, but he doesnt want to think about it. Hes kind to me, but to no one else.
The Counsellors very clever, but he only talks because he likes talking.
I cant remember my father or mother. They sat that my father was the
eldest son of Sir Ensor Doone, and that he was the bravest and best of men. They
call me Queen and tell me that one day the valley will be mine.
Its beautiful and peaceful here in the valley, and perhaps I should be
happy. But the men kill and steal and drink and talk roughly. I dont feel that I
belong to the Doones, and I hate their way of life. No one helps me or teaches me
whats right.
Lorna started to cry again. I did not know how to help her, so I said nothing.
After a few minutes, she continued her story.
The Counselors son, Carver Doone, wants to marry me. Hes the strongest
and bravest of all the Doones, but hes also the roughest and cruelest. I dont like
him, but he may force me to marry him. He often offers me stolen jewels.
She saw from my face that I had heard of Carver. When she told me his
name, and that he wanted Lorna as his wife, my heart was filled with anger.
Lorna continued, I had an aunt, Aunt Sabina, who was very kind to me. But
she died a year ago, and now I have no one I can talk to, except my little servant
girl, Gwenny Carfax. Shes little girl that we found almost dying in the hills. Her
father went away one day and never returned. She has no family, so now she lives

with us. The poor girl is fat and ugly, so none of the men are interested in her. She
can go where she likes, and the guards dont stop her.
Gwenny is very patient and kind, and her example helps me. I often want to
run away from this valley because I hate the Doones so much. But when I think of
my grandfather and my love for him. Hes very old, and I dont want him to die
without a gentle hand beside him. Hes the only reason I stay. Once, someone
wanted to help me escape, but it ended terrible. The events of that day changed
my life. I stopped being a child and learned about death and darkness.
It happened a year ago, although it seems likes ten years. I was going
home from here when a young man stepped out from behind a tree. He was
beautifully dressed in red and green clothes.
Cousin Lorna, my good cousin, he said, Im Lord Alan Brandir. My father
was your mothers brother, and the government made him your guardian. Ive been
ordered to take care of you until youre twenty-one.
I was very surprised by this, because he looked so young. You, my
guardian! I said and laughed. You dont look much older than I am!
I am nineteen, he said with a laugh. If one of the Doones attacked me, Id
kill him easily.
But to me, he looked so young and thin. I was afraid for his life here in this
place.
Dont be angry, he said softly. Ive travelled a long way to find you. I know
how dangerous the Doones are- Ive known men like them in the hills of Scotland.
Im not afraid of them, so dont be afraid for me. Will you come with me and leave
this place?
A storm was starting, and the sky was growing dark. There was lightning in
the sky, and thunder. I started to feel very frightened, and thought of my
grandfather. I loved him too much to leave him.
I cant go with you, Lord Alan Brandir, I said. Youre too young, and I dont
want to leave without my grandfathers permission. Please leave immediately-its
dangerous here.
He took my hand and kissed it. Dear cousin, he said, Give me one flower
so I can remember you. Believe me- Ill come back again soon.
You will not! cried a loud voice. Carver Doone jumped from behind a tree
and seized Alan Brandir in his arms like a cat jumping on a mouse. The boy fought
bravely, but Carver lifted him up like a child and carried him away into the

darkness. I heard the sound of someone falling to the ground. There was no
scream, but I knew what had happened. The poor boy had been killed.
I was young then. Only a year passed, but I feel ten years older. Ive known
great violence, and Ive felt sad and alone since then. Theres no happiness in the
valley, only darkness and death.
*
When Lorna finished her story, it was getting late.
You must go now, she whispered. Wait a month before you return. Its too
dangerous.
Chapter 7 London
The month of waiting was near its end. Every day I climbed the hill above the valley
to see if there was a black cloth over the stone. But Lorna gave me no sign that
she needed help. I thought about her every day. I was only a farmer, and I was
afraid that a rich young lord would have her from me.
Then one afternoon, five days before the end of the month, I had been to
feed the horses. I was just going back into the house, when a man came to our
gate.
He held something up in his hand and shouted at me, In the kings name,
come here!
I walked slowly towards him. I was not going to hurry when someone shouted at
me like that.
Is this Ridds farm? he asked
Yes, sir, it is, I answered. Come in and well give you something to eat.
He was a man of about forty years of age, with a hard face and small, quick eyes.
Im hungry, he said, but I wont eat or drink until Ive seen and touched
John Ridd.
You have seen and touched him, I said. Im John Ridd.
Youre a big man, John Ridd, he said. My names Jeremy Stickles, and Im
a servant at the courts of the law in London. In the kings name, take this.
He gave me a letter and I read it carefully. It ordered me to go to London
and answer questions from the kings judges. The government did not think that
this part of the country was safe, and whey wanted information. They also wanted
information about the Doones.

The letter told me to hurry to London, but I waited for five days, hoping for a
sign from Lorna Doone. But no black cloth appeared on the white rock, so I left my
home and travelled with Jeremy Stickles to London.
In those days, the journey to London was long and dangerous. It took us
many days to get there, but we arrived safely. The streets of London were dirty and
noisy and full of people, and I did not like the city. I liked the River Thames and the
big church at Westminster, but nothing else.
I waited in London for two months, until I had spent nearly all my money. I
often went to the law courts, but I found no one to help me. Then one day an officer
came from a courtroom and ordered me to go there. I entered and stood in front of
one of the most powerful men in England, Judge Jeffreys.
The room was not very large. At one end there were three high seats where
three men were sitting. In the middle was Judge Jeffreys, a big, strong man with
angry eyes.
Who are you? asked the judge.
My name is John Ridd, I answered. I was called to London two months ago by
Jeremy Stickles. Ive waited here, and nothing has happened, and now I want to go
home. I have no more money.
Havent you been paid for the journey and for your costs in the city? Judge
Jeffreys asked.
No, sir.
He called his officer. Pay this man immediately. He can come back to me
tomorrow.
The next day I returned to the court, and the judge questioned me.
Youre a big man, John, he said I have some questions for you. In your part of
the country, are there thieves who do a lot of harm to people?
Yes, sir.
Why doesnt Lord Wichehalse hang them all? Thats what he should do. Hes the
judge in that part of the country. Or he could send the robbers to me and Ill hang
them, said Judge Jeffreys.
These robbers are from a very good family. Theyre dangerous, violent men and
their home in the hills is very well protected. I think Lord Wichehalse is afraid, I
answered.
Whats name of these people?

Theyre the Doones of Bagworthy forest, sir. We think there are about forth of
them, but that doesnt include the women and children.

Forty Doones! cried the judge. Forty thieves! How long have they been there?
About thirty or forty years, sir, I answered.
Did you know that Lord Wichehalse has a friend of the Doones? said the judged,
fixing his eyes on me.
I was very surprised. The idea was new to me, but I thought that it could be true.
John Ridd, your eyes tell me everything I need to know. I see that you had not
thought of it. Now, have you ever seen a man called Tom Faggus?
Yes sir, I said, Ive often seen him. Hes my cousin.
Tom Faggus is a good man. I know hes a thief yes but hes a good man and
loyal to King Charles. But Im afraid that another judge not me will hang him.
Tell him to change his name and profession. Now, one other thing, in your part of
the country, are people talking about a rebellion against our king?
No, sir, I answered. Were all quiet, good men and were loyal to our king.
Thats good, said the judge. I like you, John Ridd. Keep away from the Doones,
and from Lord Wichehalse. Say nothing about whats happened there. Ill send a
man to your part of the country to tell me how things are. Now go, Ill remember
you.
*
I travelled back to Somerset alone and arrived home safely. My mother and sisters
were very pleased with the presents that I had bought for them in London. That
day, everyone on the farm came to see me the men, their wives and their
children. They all wanted to hear my stories about London.
But, more than anything else, I wanted to visit Lorna. Early the next morning, I
climbed to the top of the hill that looked over the Doone valley, I looked towards the
white stone and saw that it was covered with a black cloth!
I did not know how long the stone had been covered, but I did not wait another
minute. I went up the stream to the waterfall and climbed up into the valley.
Birds were singing in the golden evening. The trees were bright in the light of the
sunset. I waited. At last Lorna came, looking very small and beautiful in the

shadows, I ran towards her, not thinking of the guards or the danger. She looked
frightened.
Are you in trouble? I asked.
Oh yes, she answered, but that was a long time ago- two months or more, sir.
She looked away from me, with a cold look in her eyes.
I felt very frightened. Perhaps another man had taken her from me. I tried to turn
away and leave, but could not. I could not stop myself- I started to cry.
Lorna heard it and it told her everything. She came to me and held out her arms.
Her bright eyes were full of kindness.
John Ridd, she whispered softly, I didnt want to make you sad.
Youre the only person who can do that, I answered. I could not look at her.
Come away from this bright place. Come into the shadows, said Lorna.
She led me to her secret place in the rocks. Now she knew my feelings for her. She
could not look at me, but she could not look away either.
Lorna, do you love me? I managed to say.
Yes, I like you very much, she answered.
But do you love me, Lorna, more than all the world?
No, she said. I like you very much, when you dont talk wildly. I like your strength.
You could even fight Carver and beat him- I like that. But I put the black cloth on
the rock two months ago, and you didnt come. Why didnt you come when I
needed help, if you like me so much? The Counsellors trying to make me marry
Carver. My grandfather thinks Im too young- Carvers thirty-five and I, only
seventeen. Another man, Charlie Doone, watches me all the time too, so my
grandfathers afraid that Carver and Charlie will fight because of me. People watch
me and follow me everywhere I go. Im only here with you today because little
Gwenny Carfax helps me.
When I heard this, I promised never to leave Lorna again. I gave her the little
present that I had brought her from London. I explained why I had not come, and
was forgiven. We spoke sweet words to each other. Her eyes and her words
showed me that she had begun to care for me, and I was happier than I had ever
been. We planned how she could send news to me if she needed me.
Now go John, she said. You must go home. You can come and see me again in
two months.

Then she turned and ran down the valley.

Chapter 8 Friends and Enemies

At his time, we began to hear strange stories in the village. King Charles 2 had no
children, and he wanted his brother, James, to be king after his death. People said
that some men in this part of the country were against James and were preparing
to fight against him. When I heard this, I remembered Judge Jeffreyss words. I
said nothing, but I was afraid of what might happen.
One evening I had a long talk with Annie. I knew that she was in love with Tom
Faggus. She hoped that he would ask her to marry him.
Be careful, I said, Toms a highwayman!
And what are the Doones? Annie said, Arent they highwaymen too? But you
love one of them.
I was very surprised. How did you know? I asked.
I didnt know, she answered. I only guessed it from some things youve said. And
I knew that you went to the Doone valley to see someone. Now I know its true.
I told Annie all about my love for Lorna, but I did not tell my mother, because the
Doones had killed my father. I was afraid she would be very angry.
*
On my last visit to Lorna, I had promised not to go to the valley for two months.
When the eight weeks ended, I climbed up there again. But although I waited until
the moon came up, Lorna did not come.
I wen again the next day with a preset of fish and eggs, which I put in a little bed of
grass near the edge of the water. As I was putting them there, I saw a man coming
slowly down the valley. I quickly hid behind a tree. The man came nearer and I saw
that his face was cold and cruel.
He came to the edge of the water and saw the eggs and fish.
So! he cried angrily, Charlies leaving presents here for Lorna!

The mans face became black with anger, and I guessed that he was Carver
Doone. This was the man who wanted to marry Lorna! He took the fish and the
eggs and went away. I waited, but Lorna did not come. All the beauty of the
evening had gone.
*

The next day I went to the valley again, and waited near the entrance to Lornas
secret place. Suddenly there was the sound of a gun. The shot went through my
hat and carried it off my head. The hat fell into the water and was carried away
over the waterfall. Shaking with fear, I quickly hid behind a rock.
Carver came out from behind some bushes and ran to the edge of the waterfall. He
stood within a few feet of where I was hiding.
Have I killed you, Charlie? he shouted. This is the third time that Ive shout at
you.
He went away laughing, and I laughed too- silently. I felt sure that one day I would
fight Carver Doone and win Lorna from him.
That evening, our servant, Betty, made strange signs to me, then came and
whispered in my ear, Lorna Doone. I quickly followed her out of the house.
When we got outside she said, I have a message for you from Lorna Doone. Her
servant brought it, Lorna cant meet you in the evening. Go to the valley in the
morning.
*
Of course, I was up the next morning before the October sunrise. I climbed up into
the valley while the first light of morning was coming over the hills. Winter was
near, and the trees and bushes were touched with red and gold. At last I stood at
the top of the rock. I looked up the valley and saw Lorna. She looked glad to see
me, and this made me happy.
At last youve come, John! she cried. Theyve kept me prisoner in my house
every evening.
I followed her into her hiding-place in the rocks. Lorna started to speak of the
difficulties and dangers of her life, but I said softly, That isnt what I want to hear.
What do you mean? she said, pretending not to understand me.

Do you love me? I asked.

I love you, she said. But how does that help us? My life is too dangerous. We
can never marry. It can never happen-never.
I went home that day feeling happy and sad. When I got home, I found Tom
Faggus there; he had come to tell my mother that he wanted to marry Annie.
That same day, I told my mother about Lorna. She understood and accepted my
feelings, and that made me very happy.