"
The little spy, his importance all gone, did as the burly innkeeper
bade him, and Hugo and Humphrey were left alone in the kitchen with the
servants.
"What do we?" asked Humphrey, in a low tone. "Flee?"
"Nay," replied Hugo. "That were to invite pursuit."
"This innkeeper is a knave," said Humphrey.
"The more reason for caution," answered Hugo.
"I have heard that some priests be great sleepers and great eaters,"
said Humphrey a few moments later.
"Some priests be," agreed Hugo.
"Then I be one of them. I do now drowse in my chair, and naught but the
call to supper shall awake me. And then will I play so busily with my
food that no words can escape me save _pax vobiscum_. This rascal
innkeeper learns naught of me."
Presently back came the innkeeper with Walter Skinner in his turn
playing scullion. "Here, sir priest," cried the innkeeper. "Here is he
who shall serve thee at thy meal."
But there was no response. The priest's head was sunk on his breast,
and he seemed asleep. His novice also appeared to sleep.
The innkeeper, emboldened, now gazed openly and curiously at the two.
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