“I will show thee something which I would fain have thee know, if thou wilt promise me to tell no soul whatever nor to give any hint of it.”
“’Tis well,” I answered, “I promise it.”
“Listen!” he whispered, “I go now to the Yew Hedge Meadow. After some minutes do thou follow me, and speak not to any one.”
Speaking thus, he rose and quickly left the tables. I was full of a desire to learn his meaning; and did wait but the shortest space before following him. I found him, with his cross-bow ready drawn, at the archers’ mark in the meadow.
“Do thou climb upon yon scaffolding,” said Cedric, “and roll me a ball that I may try my hand once more at this strange game of Marvin’s.”
I did as he did ask; and his bolt struck it fairly in mid career.
“Well shot!” I cried, “thou’lt yet be Marvin’s match at this game too.”
“Prithee, another ball,” called the forester.
Again I rolled the ball and again ’twas fairly struck. A third and fourth and fifth and sixth went down the trough; and I grew fairly ’mazed, for Cedric met each with a bolt as surely and as easily as if they stood stock still. I leaped down from my perch on the scaffolding and ran to him.
“Cedric!” I cried, “what means this? Thou passest Marvin’s self. Did thy hand tremble to-day from the gaze of so many onlookers?”