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Updated: May 16, 2025
Moreover, Robert Sadler is now outside the walls. Thou canst, if thou wilt, keep him out, and we have naught to fear. Why should we go wandering with our all on the backs of sumpter mules, and with only a few men-at-arms and serving-men to bear us company?" "My son," said Lady De Aldithely, rising from her seat, "thy father gave thee into my keeping.
Thus it was that when Hugo came welcome was waiting for him in the warm hearts of his kinsfolk. And when he had received his spurs, and Lord De Aldithely asked him what reward he could give him for saving Josceline from the king's hands, the boy smiled archly upon the faithful Humphrey who stood by. "I do ask thee," he said, "that Humphrey may be my esquire."
"Here be we not safe. I had told thee before of the treachery of Robert Sadler but for thy hasty, impetuous nature which, by knowing, would have marred my plans. Thou wouldst have dealt with him according to his deserts " "Ay, that would I," interrupted Josceline, "if he be a traitor. And that will I when he returneth." Lady De Aldithely looked at him sadly.
Ask me not how. I have discovered it." Hugo looked at her and his eyes flashed indignation. "Deliver Josceline, he shall not!" he cried. "He could but for thee, for we are powerless." "Then again I say, he shall not." "Come nearer still," said Lady De Aldithely. "I would tell thee the man's name. What sayest thou to Robert Sadler?" Hugo stared. "Robert Sadler!" he repeated.
"I seek not the young lord," he said. "I betray no mouse to the cat, least of all the son of the brave De Aldithely. I will back to my own master from whom thou didst borrow me. I will say thou needest me not and hast bid me return. When thou art tired of thy life, say thou otherwise." And he looked meaningly at him. "I go with thee," said the second man-at-arms, springing from the ground.
"Whatever knightly service it is thine to render after thou hast taken thy vow, thou canst render none greater than thou dost now render to Matilda De Aldithely." "And what service is that?" inquired Josceline as he came smiling into the room. "And what solemn manner is this, my mother? There must be great deeds afoot to warrant it." And he glanced from one to the other.
As for Hugo, he lay on the grass, his eyes on the glimmering fire, and his ears alert for any sound. But all was still; and he soon fell to picturing the scene at the castle, Lady De Aldithely and Josceline, mounted for their journey, going out at the postern gate at the head of the train of sumpter mules and attended by the band of serving-men and men-at-arms.
"I did dream of serpents last night," he began, "and that foretelleth a prison." Lady De Aldithely shivered. "I pray thee, speak not of prisons, Humphrey," she said firmly, "but attend my words." "Am I not faithful?" demanded Humphrey. "Thou art, my good Humphrey," was the reply. "Was it then for Robert Sadler to do thine errand?" "I have a greater errand for thee," was the grave answer.
"Why, if Lord De Aldithely, who is a great soldier, and a great help to victory wherever he fighteth, should join with King Louis of France to fight against our king why, then it would go ill with Josceline if he were biding in the king's hand. And, knowing this, his father would forbear to fight, and so be muzzled." "And Josceline would not otherwise be harmed?" asked Hugo.
"Thou speakest not of thyself, Humphrey," he said. "How if some knave abiding here should think to take not only the son of De Aldithely, but his brave serving-man also? Thou art more careful of me than of thyself, and I shall call it to mind one day." "Ay, lad," said Humphrey, smiling in his turn. "Thou art as brave as any De Aldithely thyself.
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