others labouring under the weight of the huge stones, which, as he
rightly thought, they were far more inclined to heave at Sir Eustace's
head than to place in the spot he pointed out. They were, however,
compelled to obey, and, with unwilling hands, built up such a pile
upon the secret door, that it could not be lifted from beneath
without gigantic strength, and a noise which would re-echo through
the Castle. This done, Sir Eustace watched them all out of the
vault himself, closed the door, locked it, and announced to the
Seneschal his intention of relieving him for the future from the
care of the keys. Still watching him closely, he ascended to the
hall, and gave the signal for the supper, which shortly made its
appearance.

Thibault Sanchez, who laid claim to some share of gentle blood, was
permitted to enjoy the place of honour together with Sir Eustace and
d'Aubricour--the rather that it gave them a better opportunity of
keeping their eye upon him.

There was an evident attempt, on the part of the garrison, to engage
their new comrades in a carouse in honour of their arrival, but this
was brought to an abrupt conclusion by Sir Eustace, who, in a tone
which admitted no reply, ordered the wine flasks to the buttery, and
the men, some to their posts and others to their beds. Ingram walked
off, muttering his discontent; and great was the ill-will excited
amongst, not only the original garrison, but the new-comers from
Bordeaux, who, from their lairs of straw, lamented the day when
they took service with so severe and rigid a Knight, and compared
his discipline with that of his brother, Sir Reginald, who, strict
as he might be, never grudged a poor man-at-arms a little merriment.
"But as to this Knight, one might as well serve a Cistercian monk!"