The false priest rideth a gray, and the young
lord a black. We shall have them without Bartlemy's aid, fear not."
Then the riders withdrew, each going his way, and Bartlemy a few
moments later knocked on the door of the hut and was admitted by
Humphrey. At once the old man made up the fire in the centre of the hut
again.
"What doest thou?" demanded Humphrey. "Wouldst have other visitors?"
"Do not thou fear," responded Bartlemy. "Am I not here? And can I not
hide thee and the lad beneath yon heap of rushes if a stranger come? No
man will look for thee here. They that seek thee think that Bartlemy
will aid them; and so he would but for thy mole. I be an old man, and
never yet hath fortune come my way, and all because I did not before
meet thee. For it hath been foretold me that a man having a mole near
the end of his nose would bring me fortune. Wherefore I cleave to thee,
and will protect thee with my life, if need be." So saying, he threw
another fagot on the fire and, from a hidden cupboard, brought out a
substantial meal of venison and bread. When the meal was finished he
commanded: "Lie down and rest now, thou and the lad, while I keep
watch.
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