said Eustace, "and yet I know not how to favour such an escape as this,
even for such a cause."

"I never broke out of bounds before," said Arthur, "and never will,
though Lord Harry and Lord Thomas Holland have more than once asked
me to join them."

"Then," said the Knight, "since it is, as you say, too late to rouse
the palace, I will take you back in my hand to-morrow morn, see the
master of the Damoiseaux, and pray him to excuse you for coming to
see me ere my departure."

"Yes, that will be all well," said Arthur; "I could, to be sure,
find the corner where Lord Harry has loosened the stones, and get
in by the pages' window, ere old Master Michael is awake in the
morn; but I think such doings are more like those of a fox than
of a brave boy, and though I should be well punished, I will walk
in at the door, and hold up my head boldly."

"Shall you be punished then?" said Gaston. "Is your old master of
the Damoiseaux very severe?"

"He has not been so hitherto with me," said Arthur: "he scolds me for
little, save what you too are displeased with, Master d'Aubricour,
because I cannot bring my mouth to speak your language in your own
fashion. It is Lord Harry that chiefly falls under his displeasure.
But punished now I shall assuredly be, unless Uncle Eustace can work
wonders."

"I will see what may be done, Arthur," said Eustace. "And now, have