"And if they be not weary, may the mist
come lower down and hold them. And now, horse, do thy best. Splash into
pools, wade, swim, do all but stick fast till we come to Peterborough
town."
The horse, thus urged, did his sagacious best, and very shortly the
serving-man was knocking at the gate of the porter's lodge. Now
Humphrey knew nothing of how he ought to proceed. He only knew that he
was in haste and that his need was urgent. He therefore determined to
employ boldness and assurance, and push his way into the canon's
presence.
"Canon Thurstan!" he cried boldly, attempting to push past the porter.
"Canon Thurstan, and at once! My lord demandeth it."
"Thou mayest not push in past me thus," said the porter, stopping him.
"Hast thou no token to show?"
"Yea, verily," answered Humphrey, hastily taking out his pouch and
producing the prior's ring. "Take this, and bid the canon see me
instantly."
The porter, calling an attendant, sent the ring by him. And presently
an order came bidding Humphrey come into the presence of the canon.
"Where is the prior's nephew?" asked the canon, with the ring in his
hand.
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