“Right, my friend,” said Sir John Assueton, “we at least know and can be true to one another, and that of itself will give us victory.”
“We shall be prepared for them,” said Mortimer Sang, “and we shall make them fly before us by the very suddenness of our assault.”
“How many De Willoughby spears are of them?” demanded the taciturn Roger Riddel, with extreme composure.
“Some two dozen at the least, I warrant me,” replied Proudfoot, “and all fully appointed.”
“Bring they Norham Castle on their backs?” demanded Riddel again.
“Nay,” replied Proudfoot, “their leader hath kept his scheme to himself, that he may have the greater share of booty and ransom money.”
“But Norham Castle hath ears,” said Riddel again.
“Thou sayest true, friend,” replied Proudfoot. “Were resistance to be made, the din of arms and the noise of the assault would soon bring out the garrison upon ye. Quickly resolve, Sir Knights, for the hour wanes, and they will be here anon. What can ye fear of traiterie from me? Could I not have left ye to fall easy victims to Sir Miers de Willoughby’s snare?”
“So please ye, gallant knights, I will answer with my life for the truth of Ralpho Proudfoot in this matter,” said Lindsay confidently.
“Nay, an ye fear me, ye shall all stand about me,” said Proudfoot; “and if ye do find me a traitor, your five daggers may drink my blood at once.”