The question amused Herman, and he chuckled.
"He came into the banqueting-hall while I was there. The fellow had a scowl on his face——"
"I never saw him without one," Engel ejaculated.
"Ha! But it was a more than usually savage one this time, for he was hungry. But go on. Think of Master Tyndale's need. I can tell it as we move forward."
The forester led the way again, and Herman, having given him the flagon to carry, went on with his story.
"His dignity had been offended because Schouts had gone to his pirate work, instead of pursuing that bargain concerning Master Tyndale. He took me for one of the varlets, and bade me serve him with food."
Herman stopped and laughed aloud, and the ranger, turning, saw his face and laughed with him.
"Didst take him any?" he asked.
"Nay, he's there, waiting for me," Herman cried, moving forward.
They laughed until the place rang, for there was no need for restraint since no one inside the castle could overhear them. Tyndale, who had been sitting in helplessness while Roye was filing at the irons in the dark, and feeling his work with his fingers, heard the sounds of laughter, and it was cheering to him.