"I am like to
be berated by her ladyship for returning without it."
"We would not have thee so berated," said the aid, speaking for the
first time. "And so I come to thine help." And he reached beneath the
short cloak of Robert Sadler and drew forth the package.
"I pray thee, return it to me," said Robert Sadler, humbly. "Without it
I am undone."
"Do thou but parley as thou saidst with the warder on the bridge, and
thou wilt find there will be no upbraiding from her ladyship to cause
thee alarm," returned the aid.
"And when wilt thou pay me the sum of money?" asked Robert Sadler,
anxiously, not liking either his reception or his subsequent treatment
at the hands of Sir Thomas's aid.
"And what is that to thee?" demanded Sir Thomas, fiercely. "If I
withhold the sum altogether it is no more than what hath been done by
mightier men than I. Do thou parley on the bridge as thou saidst, or
thy head shall answer for it. Ride on now before us. We will await our
opportunity in the edge of the wood."
"Thou didst not speak so to me," said the traitor, "when thou wouldst
have me do this deed.
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