“Hubert.”
“‘Martin,’ ‘Hubert,’ of what? have you no ‘de,’ no second names?”
“We are not permitted to bear them.”
“Doubtless for good reason. And now, what shall prevent me from hanging such nobodies, and burying you both beneath this oak, without anybody being the wiser?”
“The fact that you are a gentleman,” said Hubert boldly.
The earl seemed struck by the answer.
“Boy,” said he, “thou hast answered well, and second name or not, thou hast the right blood in thee; nor is the other lad wanting in courage. But you must both answer for this. Tomorrow I visit Kenilworth, and will see your lord.
“Release them, my men.
“Fare ye well till tomorrow.
“My poor Bruno!”