He
soon righted himself, however, and, clinging to his old friend, rode
away to Gainsborough.
CHAPTER XII
As Hugo and Humphrey with Fleetfoot in leash looked about them from the
backs of their horses, it suddenly occurred to the prudent serving-man
that to go to an inn was not the safest thing in the world for them to
do. "Thou art like our young lord Josceline, and Josceline is like his
father," said Humphrey. "And though they be few who would aid the king
against my lord now fled away to France, still there be a few
unprincipled knaves in every place. And though Lincoln had no longer
ago than nine years the good Hugh thou didst speak of for its bishop,
still, if some knave abiding here should look upon thee and say,
'Behold the son of De Aldithely! I will take him!' it might go ill with
thee. Wherefore I know not what were best to do. We be now come here,
and have no place to lay our heads. The woods and the fens be safer."
Then Hugo smiled. "Thou speakest not of thyself, Humphrey," he said.
"How if some knave abiding here should think to take not only the son
of De Aldithely, but his brave serving-man also? Thou art more careful
of me than of thyself, and I shall call it to mind one day.
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