And the lads hastened home.
They told no one of their adventure, save Father Edmund, who not only did not chide them, but promised to plead for them if complaint were made to Earl Simon.
And very shortly, even the next day, the Earl of Warwick with an attendant squire rode up the approach to the barbican gate, and was admitted. The boys had not long to wait in suspense: they were soon summoned from their tasks into the presence of their dread yet kind lord, and his visitor.
As they were ushered along the passage of that mighty castle, both felt a sinking of heart, Hubert more than Martin, for the latter had far more moral courage than his lithesome companion.
“Martin, we are in bad case.”
“I am not afraid.”
“Do own you were wrong.”
“I cannot, for I do not think I was.”
“Say so at all events. What is the harm?”
“My tongue was given me to express my thoughts, not to conceal them.”