"Perchance he is, and his lady and his son likewise," returned
Humphrey.
The groom looked at him. "I ask thee to reveal nothing," he said
significantly. "I have but two eyes, and I must use them, as I said, to
see, all that goeth on before me. Do thou but ask Eric there to show
thee the way out of the town before the curfew ring. He hateth king's
men worse even than I. My master will summon me to the house shortly,
according to his custom. That will be the time for thee, for I can in
no wise see what goeth on behind my back, nor did I promise to do so."
At once Humphrey betook himself to Eric, explained matters so far as he
dared, and received the groom's ready promise to guide him out of the
town, which he did within an hour, while Walter Skinner sat impatiently
waiting for him to reenter the inn from the stables. Eric did more for
him also; for he provided him with provender for the horses and
abundant provisions for himself, Hugo, and the dog, receiving therefor
a good price which he promised to transmit to his master.
"And now," said Humphrey to himself, when he was well quit of the town,
"if the time cometh when Saxon as well as Norman hath preferment, my
device shall be a ladder and a tree.
Pages:
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75