"Go on, then," commanded Sir George impetuously.
"'We must get Warder out of the way till the trial is over,' he writes. 'The ostler here, who brings this message to thee, is in our confidence, and may be trusted. Meet as arranged to-night. If we fail at the trial we will have our revenge elsewhere. I am in danger, and may not meet you yet, but follow Sir Ronald and he will reward you.'"
He stopped reading, for while they had been thus together the household had become astir, and it was evident that someone was about to enter the room in which they were seated.
His conjecture was right, for barely had he paused ere the door was pushed open, and the ostler stepped quickly in, startled indeed to find the library already occupied. He started to retire, but the baron called him back.
"Come hither, sirrah," he cried, regardless of his friend's wiser counsel to desist.
Hugh unwillingly returned.
"Do you know that?" Sir George exclaimed, holding up the packet he had discovered.
Hugh had come purposely to seek it, but deeming it unwise to admit the fact, he boldly answered in the negative. "That will do," said the younger knight quietly; "you can depart."
Again he started to go, but again Sir George called him back.
"Read it," he said peremptorily, and he thrust the parchment into the ostler's hands.