The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number,
and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the
king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could. It chanced that
there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain
short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was
fond of speaking of himself as a king's man. Formed by nature to make
very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out
what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs,
and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and
his knowledge of their plans. He was about the age of Humphrey, and
though he was but a spy hired by Sir Thomas, he persisted in regarding
himself as of great consequence and directly in the employ of the king.
He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood,
and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw
Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over
the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a
mile south of him.

In great haste he began to come down the tree, muttering as he did so.
"They must all away yesterday morn to York on a holiday," he cried,
"and here am I left to take the young lord in my own person. When I
have done so I warrant they get none of the reward. I will sue to the
king, and we shall see if he who catcheth the game is not entitled to
the reward."

By this time he was on the ground and strutting finely as he hurried
about for his horse. "A plague upon the beast!" he cried. "He hath
slipped halter and strayed. I had come up with the young lord while I
seek my horse."