There were certain signs of stir as he came up. One or two idlers were standing outside the gate-house; the door was wide open, and a couple of horses were being led away round the corner.
Inside the court as he rode through he saw further signs of confusion. Half a dozen packhorses were waiting with hanging heads outside the stable door, and an agitated lay brother was explaining to a canon in his white habit, rochet and cap, that there was no more room. He threw out his hands with a gesture of despair towards Ralph as he came in.
“Mother of God!” he said, “here is another of them.”
The priest frowned at him, and hurried up to Ralph.
“Yes, father,” said Ralph, “I am another of them.”
The canon explained that the stable was full, that they were exceedingly sorry, but that they were but a poor house; and that he was glad to say there was an outhouse round the corner outside where the beasts could be lodged.
“But as for yourself, sir,” he said, “I know not what to do. We have every room full. You are a friend of Dr. Layton’s, sir?”
“I am one of the Visitors,” said Ralph. “You must make room.”
The priest sucked his lips in.
“I see nothing for it,” he said, “Dr. Layton and you, sir, must share a room.”