Humphrey seemed dissatisfied. Seeing which the old man said: "Why, we
must e'en go by the Watling Street or the Ermine Street, since we have
the young lady here in charge. Such is the custom of travellers to go
by one or the other."
"I like not the Watling Street," objected Humphrey.
"Didst hear the men at the door of my hut?" asked old Bartlemy,
earnestly.
"Yea," replied Humphrey, briefly.
"Didst note how he who watcheth for us on the Watling Street did tell
his plans in a voice that all might hear?"
"Yea."
"Therefore I go by the Watling Street and not by the Ermine Street,"
said old Bartlemy, with determination. "He that hath so little
discretion that he telleth his plans in the ears of all who may listen
is less to be feared than he that sayeth little. He that watcheth for
us on the Ermine Street hath keen eyes and a silent tongue. Therefore
go we by the Watling Street and, moreover, the friend to my counsel
hath bid me so to do. I warrant thee more than one priest will be
stopped there, while the esquire and the young lady and the nurse
escape notice."
"Mayhap thou art right," agreed Humphrey, after some reflection.
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