"
"Yea," observed Hugo. "Many things might come to pass, if thou couldst
make all the plans."
Humphrey did not hear the sarcasm in Hugo's tones. He heard only what
he was pleased to take as a compliment to his own abilities. "Why, I
believe thou art right," he answered. "Were I to make the plans, some
that are now at the top would be at the bottom. Thou hast well said.
But come. It grows dark. Let us go down ere the king's man come back on
his way to the vale."
Slowly they made their way down. "This perching on trees all day is fit
to make an old man of a boy," said Humphrey, as he stepped clumsily
about on his half-numbed feet.
"Sh!" said Hugo.
Humphrey instantly stood still in the darkness and listened. Weary and
slow steps were approaching. They came nearer, and directly under the
oak they ceased, for the spy, his pompous manner quite gone, had
stopped to rest a little. And now a rustling in the branches above was
heard. Eagerly the spy looked up and strained his eyes to see.
"Josceline! son of Lord De Aldithely!" he called, "I arrest thee in the
king's name. Thou darest not oppose me.
Pages:
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96