I suppose your lordship is returning to the castle? " said Fenwolf.

"No," replied Surrey. " My attendants are waiting for me at the Garter,
and if you will accompany me thither, I will bestow a cup of good ale
upon you to recruit you after the fright you have undergone."

Fenwolf signified his graceful acquiescence, and they walked on in
silence, for the earl could not help dwelling upon the vision he had
witnessed, and his companion appeared equally abstracted. In this
sort they descended the hill near Henry the Eighth's Gate, and entered
Thames Street.



II. Of Bryan Bowntance, the Host of the Garter--Of the Duke of
Shoreditch--Of the Bold Words uttered by Mark Fytton, the Butcher, and
how he was cast into the Vault of the Curfew Tower.


Turning off on the right, the earl and his companion continued to
descend the hill until they came in sight of the Garter--a snug little
hostel, situated immediately beneath the Curfew Tower.

Before the porch were grouped the earl's attendants, most of whom had
dismounted, and were holding their steeds by the bridles. At this
juncture the door of the hostel opened, and a fat jolly-looking
personage, with a bald head and bushy grey beard, and clad in a brown
serge doublet, and hose to match, issued forth, bearing a foaming jug of
ale and a horn cup. His appearance was welcomed by a joyful shout
from the attendants.