“We want none of your money”; and the wicket was shut.
Martin pulled out his axe, and drove the panel in.
“What are you doing? We shall rouse the town,” said Hereward.
“Let be; these are no French, but honest English, and like one all the better for a little horse-play.”
“What didst do that for?” asked the surly voice again. “Were it not for those rascal Frenchmen up above, I would come out and split thy skull for thee.”
“If there be Frenchmen up above,” said Martin, in a voice of feigned terror, “take us in for the love of the Virgin and all the saints, or murdered we shall be ere morning light.”
“You have no call to stay in the town, man, unless you like.”
Hereward rode close to the wicket, and said in a low voice, “I am a nobleman of Flanders, good sir, and a sworn foe to all French. My horse is weary, and cannot make a step forward; and if you be a Christian man, you will take me in and let me go off safe ere morning light.”
“From Flanders?” And the man turned and seemed to consult those within. At length the door was slowly opened, and Perry appeared, his double axe over his shoulder.
“If you be from Flanders, come in for mercy; but be quick, ere those Frenchmen get wind of you.”