CHAPTER VIII
OF THE AMBUSH LAID BY THE MEN OF TAILLEMARTEL
Slowly the months sped, yet towards taking any definite steps to secure his father's release Geoffrey could do little or nothing.
The realization of his two great hopes—the return of Sir Raoul from the French capital, and the expected invasion by King Henry—seemed too uncertain. The feast of St. Silvester—a critical time in the affairs of Sir Oliver Lysle—was now but a few days off, and, as the rapidly dwindling interval appreciably diminished, the need for action on the part of his son became more and more urgent.
Early one morning in June a horseman rode with loose rein up to the castle with the news of the approach of a strong body of mounted men from Malevereux, and that the invaders' intention was undoubtedly to sack and plunder the village of Taillemartel, that, up to the present, had escaped the unwelcome attentions of the ruthless Sir Yves. Possibly its proximity to the castle had accounted for its immunity hitherto, but with the force at his command on this occasion the Lord of Malevereux doubtless thought the opportunity had come to sack the village.
"Now is the time to gain honour and distinction, young sir," quoth Gripwell to his charge, as he hurried from the armoury with his harness but partly buckled, and a sheaf of weapons under his arm. "'Tis not for me to give orders, but saving thy presence, I would suggest that we take steps to thwart these rogues of Malevereux. Though they be the stronger party I have but little doubt that by stratagem we may worst them."
"How so, Arnold?" asked Geoffrey.
"Thus," was the reply, and the man-at-arms proceeded to unfold a carefully prepared plan of action.
Geoffrey and the seneschal expressed their unstinted admiration of Gripwell's proposal, and without a moment's hesitation the plan was put into execution.
Leaving but ten men to guard the castle Geoffrey led the rest of the garrison to the village, which lay but two bow-shots from the walls of Taillemartel. Here the soldiers proceeded to occupy the cottages on either side of the only road that passed through the little village, while outposts were placed with instructions to hasten back to the main body without being perceived, on the first sign of the approach of the enemy.