To the left were reeds some twelve feet tall which fringed a pool; to
the right, thick sedge that fringed another; and they seemed to be on a
sort of tiny, grassy isle, though the water which divided them from the
next bit of solid earth could, in some places, be stepped across. The
sun shone with agreeable warmth. There were frequent whirrs of wings in
the air as small flocks of game birds rose from the water and sedge
near by.
[Illustration: Hugo looked about him with interest]
"This is not the wood nor is it Brockadale; but here one may breathe a
little without having his eyes looking on all sides for an enemy," said
Humphrey, with satisfaction. "It is the turn of the peewits to look
out. Knowest thou the peewit?"
"On the table only," answered Hugo, pleasantly.
"Ay," observed Humphrey. "Thine uncle, the prior, hath many a fat feast
in the priory, I warrant thee. But here thou shalt see the peewit at
home. Had we but come in April, we had had some eggs as well as birds
to eat."
Humphrey had made a fresh meal cake in the embers, and the two--boy and
serving-man--now sat devouring birds and cake with great appetites.
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