“Tell me who gave it you, then?”
“I can’t tell you—a woman I didn’t know.”
“Where?”
“A bit this side o’ Dorchester.”
“That’ll do. Thank you.”
The ball was safely stored in Stephen’s pocket, and he hastened to the Castle. At the gate he met his brother.
“Here’s a pretty mess!” said Osbert. “There’s Orme of the Fen run off, because I gave him a scolding for his impudence: and it is his turn to watch to-night. I have not a minute to go after him; I don’t know whatever to do.”
Stephen grasped the opportunity.
“I’ll go after him for you, if you’ll get me leave for a couple of days or more. I have a bit of business of my own I want to see to, and I can manage both at once—only don’t tell Anania of it, or she’ll worry the life out of me.”
Osbert laughed.