"Tell me
not," he said, "that one partridge hath such a filling power. Else
would I feed only on partridges. Moreover, he is a knowing dog, and see
how he slinketh. He would not be that cast down for one partridge, I
warrant thee."
"It may be thou art right," replied Hugo, as he tied up Fleetfoot.
"Yea, that I may be," returned Humphrey, importantly. "A man that hath
dreams of going up a ladder and climbing a tree in the same night is
most likely to be right when it cometh to measuring up the trespasses
of a straying deerhound. For why should a man be advanced to preferment
and honor except that he hath merit? And to dream of going up a ladder
and climbing a tree is sure warrant that he hath it. And now fare we
forth to see this Brockadale."
Hugo having finished tying Fleetfoot securely with a tether so short
that he could not gnaw through it, followed Humphrey, and the dog
attempted to follow Hugo, much to Humphrey's satisfaction. "Ay, thou
wouldst follow, wouldst thou?" he said. "Bide where thou art with the
horses, and think on thy evil deeds." Then turning to the boy he added,
"If thou wilt not beat him, Hugo, my chiding may do him some good.
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