The morning's breakfast was from
the packs which Humphrey acknowledged were too full for prudent
carrying; and by the time Walter Skinner arose at the Swan they were
off again, still southward. They were now nearer the coast, and a great
fen eagle flew screaming over their heads. "To dream that eagles do fly
over your head doth betoken evil fortune," remarked Humphrey, gravely.
"But I think we need not fear those eagles which do not fly in dreams."
And now in the yard of the Swan all was astir. Elfric had taken Black
Dick out and gently exercised him so that his spring-halt need not be
at once apparent, and there was no little anxiety on the part of the
host to get rid of his guest expeditiously. The spy, however, with his
usual dulness, did not perceive it, but took all this effusive service
as his rightful due. "I will requite thee later, worthy host," he said
grandly. "I will not fail to set thee before the king in the light of a
trusty innkeeper." With this farewell he rode pompously out of the yard
and slowly down the hill street to the river, and so passed out of the
town.
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