"I would see this ring," said Humphrey, curiously.
"And so thou shalt," promised Hugo, "when we be safely lodged."
"How far reacheth the ring?" inquired Humphrey.
"Even to France," was the reply.
"Then I would that thou wouldst trust it in my keeping," said Humphrey, earnestly.
The boy looked at him; once more he beheld him rushing upon the spy in the Isle of Axholme; once more heard his indignant cry, "And wouldst thou slay my dear lad?" His eyes shone, but all he said was, "I will trust thee with the custody of the ring, Humphrey, save at such times as I must have it to show."
The serving-man smiled well pleased, though he said nothing; for there was no time for words, since they had already come to the door of the house they sought.
"The ring is a powerful one," said Humphrey, when they had been well received and lodged. "I would fain see it."
Hugo smiled and handed it to him. The serving-man took it in his large hand and regarded it narrowly. "After all it is but a carved fish on a red stone," he said.
"Thou dost not ask what it betokeneth?"