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Then with a roar Bolle leaped upon the two remaining men-at-arms as they faced about, and very soon between his axe and the sword of the priest behind, they sank to the ground and died still fighting, who knew they had no hope of quarter. It was over and done and dreadful silence fell upon the place, the silence of the dead broken only by the heavy breathing of those who remained alive.
What would he care about the burning of two witches a hundred miles away, this leech who is sucking himself full upon the carcass of some fat monastery? No, no, never count on her." "At least she is brave and true, Emlyn, and has done her best, for which may Heaven's blessing rest upon her always. Now, what of Thomas Bolle?"
Wealth may be useful in London town for all our sakes. Also horses and a packbeast must be got, and other things." In due course Thomas Bolle was found fast asleep in a neighbour's house, for after his adventures and triumph he had drunk hard and rested long.
What passed between them Cicely did not hear, but presently the old man came out with Emlyn, and looked her and Bolle up and down sharply for a long while as though to take their measures.
Moreover, in those times people were always moving to and fro in the dark, and none could know if this troop had anything to do with the band they had seen in the forest, which might have gone some other way. When Cicely was ready they went downstairs, and in Mother Matilda's private room found Jacob Smith and Thomas Bolle awaiting them.
The party of Foterell, of whom there may have been a score, captained by Bolle, made a circle round the three green oak stakes, within which stood Cicely and Emlyn and old Bridget, still tied to her post, for no one had thought or found time to cut her loose.
And how were you about to handle these women, one of whom by her mien is of no low degree?" and he stared at Cicely. "The tumult," answered the Abbot, "was caused by yonder fool, Thomas Bolle, a lay-brother of my monastery, who rushed among us armed and shouting 'In the King's name, stay." "Then why did you not stay, Sir Abbot? Is the King's name one to be mocked at? Know that I sent on the man."
Come, let us cut our way through ere the shafts begin to fly, and take refuge among the trees or in the Nunnery." "Women's counsel is good sometimes," said Bolle. "Form up, Foterells, and march." "Nay," broke in Cicely, "loose Bridget first, lest they should burn her after all; I'll not stir else."
In thirty seconds it was all over; the rout had come and gone, only Thomas in his hideous attire stood bowing before the King, who exclaimed "I thank thee, Thomas Bolle, thou hast made me laugh as I have not laughed for years. Little wonder that thy mistress was condemned for witchcraft.
So at what hour do we ride on this mad errand?" "At eleven of the clock," answered Cicely, "if the King's safe-conduct and commission have come by then." "So be it. Then I bid you good-night. Come with me, worthy Bolle, for there'll be no sleep for us. I go to call my clerks and you must go to the stable. Lady Harflete and you, Cousin Emlyn, get you to bed."
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