safe than now. When Robert Sadler returneth we must be far away."

But Josceline was hard to convince. "Here is the castle," he said,
"than which none is stronger, and here be good men and true to defend
it. 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. And thou didst promise him upon thine honor
to obey me. Thou mayest not break thy pledged word."

"I had not pledged it," rejoined Josceline, sulkily, "had I known of
wanderings through forest and wild."

"Better forest and wild than the king's dungeon, my son," replied Lady
De Aldithely. "We go hence to-morrow night."

During this conversation Hugo had stood a silent and unwilling
listener. Josceline now turned to him. "And whither goest thou, Hugo?"
he asked. "With us?"

"Nay, let me speak," said Lady De Aldithely, holding up her hand to
check Hugo's reply. "Hugo goeth south toward London clad in thy
bravery, and with Humphrey to attend him."

Again Josceline showed astonishment. "I understand not thy riddles," he
said at last petulantly.