to walk, to the dwelling of the Earl of Talbot, where she said she was
expected. The apprentices rowed back to London Bridge, elated at the
success of their enterprise, but regretting much that they had arrived too
late to hinder the outrage, or to prevent the escape of its perpetrators.



Walter on his return home related the whole circumstance to his master.

"I would you had told me, Walter," the latter said, "since we might have
taken precautions which would have prevented this foul deed from taking
place. However, I can understand your wanting to accomplish the adventure
without my aid; but we must think now what had best be said and done. As
the lady belongs to the court, there is sure to be a fine pother about the
matter, and you and all who were there will be examined touching your share
of the adventure, and how you came to be upon the spot. The others will, of
course, say that they were there under your direction; and we had best
think how much of your story you had better tell."

"Why should I not tell it all?" Walter asked indignantly.

"You should never tell a lie, Walter; but in days like these it is safer
sometimes not to tell more than is necessary. It is a good rule in life, my
boy, to make no more enemies than may be needful. This knight, who is
doubtless a great villain, has maybe powerful friends, and it is as well,
if it can be avoided, that you should not embroil yourself with these.
Many a man has been knocked on head or stabbed on a dark night, because he
could not keep his tongue from wagging. 'Least said, the sooner mended,'
is a good proverb; but I will think it over tonight, and tell you in the
morning."