He knew that the girls, greatly daring, had slipped out with the men who carried his goods and those of Sainton. Though his heart beat with apprehension of an ignominious fate, yet it swelled with pride, too, at the thought that Eleanor had come to see him.
The guard, seeming to dread an attempted rescue, gathered nearer to their prisoners. A slight altercation took place between Roe and the officer anent the disposition of the prisoners’ effects. Finally, Sir Thomas had his way, and their goods were handed over to the soldiers to be taken with them.
Then, a sharp command was given, the front rank lowered their halberds, the crowd gave way, and the party marched off towards the Tower.
Roger, by means of his great height, could see clear over the heads of the escort.
“That lass must be mightily smitten with thee, Walter,” he said gruffly. “She would have fallen like a stone had not Mistress Cave caught her in her arms.”
CHAPTER V
“This is the time—heaven’s maiden sentinel
Hath quitted her high watch—the lesser spangles
Are paling one by one.”