"The old nurse did go south
toward the waterside," volunteered a groom, who observed Humphrey's
hesitation. "She seemeth like one that lacketh wit, and so I did keep a
watch upon her till she went beyond my sight."
Humphrey flung the groom a penny and went south himself at a good gait.
"If he be not at some public house I shall find him at a cock-fighting,
no doubt," said Humphrey to himself. It was now the second day of July
and clear and warm. The streets were full of hucksters having for sale,
besides their usual wares, summer fruits and vegetables. But to all
their cries Humphrey turned a deaf ear as he pushed impatiently on,
keeping a sharp lookout for old Bartlemy. And what was his amazement to
come upon him at last at the river side clad, not as the nurse, but in
his own proper character.
"How now!" exclaimed Humphrey, with a frown. "Where is thy woman's
garb? And what meanest thou to cast it aside in this manner?"
The old man peered up at him with a sly look on his face. "Ay, thou
mayest storm," he said; "but if I be tired of woman's garb, what is
that to thee?"
"Why, this," returned Humphrey.
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