"Is our host a gravedigger as well as an innkeeper?" asked Drake, his eye following the glance I gave at the implements.
"Nay, Greville, it means that we are forestalled; someone is already at work here."
"Who?"
"I'll wager 'tis none other than that villain Increase Joyce."
"Ho, landlord!" shouted Felgate, in a voice that sounded like the bellowing of a bull.
Our host soon appeared, cringing and bowing like the menial that he was.
"Where is the man that uses these things?" I demanded, pointing to the spades and mattock.
Our host, taken aback, stammered some inaudible reply.
"Speak up, man!" I commanded sternly.
"'Tis but a king's officer making a survey of the castle."