And this
he could do for two reasons; he pursued it quietly, and the king felt a
little fear of him. Moreover, the king did not discover how much he
owed to him for the thwarting of his plans. Else, powerful noble though
he was, Lord De Launay would have been punished.
Meanwhile, Hugo and Humphrey were making the best of their way, and
stopping not to look to the right hand nor to the left. After them
galloped the men-at-arms, and not many miles out of the city they
overtook them.
Upon their approach the fugitives gave themselves up as lost. "Lad,"
said Humphrey, despairingly, "we have done our best, and we be taken at
last. No doubt these be the king's men-at-arms that ride so swiftly
upon our track. See how they be armed, and how their horses stride!"
Hugo looked over his shoulder, and his face was pale. But there was no
regret in his heart for the attempt he had made to save Josceline, even
though the king's dungeon seemed now to open before him. He said
nothing, and a moment later the men-at-arms swept up and surrounded
them, their leader saluting Hugo, much to the boy's surprise.
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