"Thou art right," replied Geoffrey. "I trow 'tis my father and the men of Taillemartel that are without."
"Would that we could see," continued his companion, hauling himself up the bars of the grating. "Certes, 'tis a fierce encounter."
"Dost hear English voices?" asked Geoffrey anxiously.
"Nay, I cannot distinguish any such."
Long did the sound of strife continue, till at length all was quiet, save for the exultant shouts of the garrison. Whoever the attackers were, it was evident that they had been repulsed, and with the utmost dejection the lads were compelled to admit that their hope of deliverance had been rudely shattered.
CHAPTER XIII
THE POSTERN FACED WITH POINTS OF STEEL
About three months after this event the captives were aroused from their sleep by the door of their prison being thrown open. Accompanied by four men-at-arms was Sir Denis de Valadour.
Instinctively both lads realized that something untoward was at hand, and starting to their feet they steeled themselves to meet the coming ordeal with stout hearts.
"Greetings, gentles," exclaimed Sir Denis, with a forced attempt at a smile. "Your pardon for this intrusion, for 'tis unbetimes; yet methinks the nature of my visit will make amends for all things. To be brief, after due consideration, 'tis my bounden duty to admit that I owe ye courteous treatment."