It was some ten minutes before the animal was discovered quietly
browsing and brought back to the watch-tree, and then a sign must be
made on the tree to let his companions know whither he had gone, so
that they might follow immediately on their return. And all this delay
was fatal to his catching up with the fugitives. For, once in the wood,
Humphrey's authority asserted itself. He pushed his horse ahead of
Hugo's and led the way directly through the thick forest for a short
distance when he emerged into a narrow and evidently little used
bridle-path. "It is well thou hast me to lead thee," he observed
complacently. "There be not many that know this path."

[Illustration: "It is Well That Thou Has Me to Lead Thee"]

Meanwhile Richard Wood, one of the other spies, had unexpectedly
returned, read the sign on the watch-tree, and followed his companion.
It was at this moment that Hugo discovered that Fleetfoot was not with
them. In the excitement of getting under cover of the forest he had not
noticed the dog's absence. "Where is Fleetfoot?" he asked as he stood
in his stirrups and looked about him anxiously.

"Fleetfoot is at the castle," replied Humphrey, calmly.

"By thy command?" asked Hugo, quickly.

"Ay," replied Humphrey. "Why, what young lord would journey about with
a great dog like that in his train? If thou art to play Josceline, thou
must play in earnest. Moreover, the hound would get us into trouble
with half the keepers of the forest. If ever a deer were missing, would
not thy dog bear the blame? So think no more of thy Fleetfoot."