Then, without waiting to hear protestations, or heeding the ironical laughter that came from the bewildered night-prowlers, he turned on his heels and resumed his interrupted walk along the slope of the hill.
The footpath—scarce more than a beaten track—soon disappeared altogether. Presently Taurus Antinor paused and called to Folces to come up to him.
"Methinks we must be near the house," he said.
"Aye, gracious lord," replied the man, "just on thy right, some two hundred steps from here. The way is very dark, wilt permit me to walk by thy side?"
"Walk by my side an thou wilt. Thou canst direct me more easily; but as to the darkness I can see through it well."
"But my gracious lord did not see those evil malefactors that set upon him."
"No, Folces, I was dreaming as I walked. They came upon me unawares."
"And my gracious lord allowed them to go. They were notorious miscreants."
"They were the embodiment of a strange riddle, good Folces. They helped to puzzle me—and Heaven knows that I was puzzled enough ere I saw those miserable wretches. Mayhap some day I'll understand the riddle which their abject persons did represent. But now tell me, is this the house?"