was now firm in the conviction that Hugo had been put into his charge,
and he was quite determined to control him in all things. So he routed
him from his slumbers and his bed without the slightest compunction,
bidding him make haste that they might take advantage of the fair day
prognosticated by the owls.

This duty done, Humphrey betook himself to the walls near the postern
where he had before noticed William Lorimer apparently deeply engaged
in reconnoitring and planning. Now, whatever Humphrey lacked, it was
not curiosity; and he was speedily beside the man-at-arms, who
impatiently, in his heart, wished him elsewhere.

"What seest thou?" began Humphrey curiously as he gazed about him on
all sides.

"The same that thou seest, no doubt," retorted William Lorimer,
gruffly.

"Why, then," observed Humphrey, slowly, "thou seest what I and thou
have seen these many times,--a bare open place beyond the ditch, and
then the wood. I had thought some king's man must have shown himself
from his hiding."

"Not so, good Humphrey, not so," rejoined William Lorimer more
pleasantly as he reflected that he would soon be rid of the prying
serving-man. "Hugo and thou will see king's men before I do."

"Ah, trust me," boasted Humphrey, complacently. "I shall know how to
manage when we see them."