"We have but done our duty. She is our lawful mistress. We have fed on her father's bounty, and enjoyed his protection, and the sorrow is to see her brought to this pass."
"Where is thy husband?"
"He is adown the Gyll on the watch."
"Canst thou call him?"
"Presently, my lord, if you wish to see him."
"Yes, let us see his face. We may be able to befriend him, and he us."
The woman reached from the side of the dwelling a small whistle, made from a branch of the plaintain tree, and, going to the door, she blew a low and peculiar note, then listened for a second; but there was no response. Then a little louder she blew the same note. Immediately there came trembling through the wood a response.
"He will be here soon," said the woman, coming back to the dwelling.
Presently, the ranger pressed through the bushes into the enclosure; in one hand a dish of fine trout dangled on a string, and in the other hand a pheasant. But there was no mark of surprise on Bretwul's countenance as he beheld his visitors.
"How now, friend. Thou art not alarmed, I see," said Oswald.