The door had barely closed before Eustace emerged from his uncomfortable retreat, covered with insects of many kinds.
"Ha, ha!" he laughed. "Simon boasts that he cares for no man, save his lord; but he has to care for Dame Greenwood, though, ha, ha! I would even venture in that vile hole once more to see him thwacked again."
"Thank heaven Mistress Vernon is safe," said Manners. "Simon will not disturb her, think you?"
"Not he, sir, never fear. Simon Greenwood knows better than that; and, see, I have brought thee this," and the page pulled out a dagger and offered it to him.
"Nay, put it back," said Manners kindly. "I would not kill my gaoler, he is but performing his commands."
"But if it were for Sir Henry De la Zouch?"
"Ha! then I might, perchance."
"You have much to forgive me," continued the page, "for I have done thee grievous wrong."
"How? Thou art but a lad, and I have seen thee only once before?"
"It was then, at the hawking party, when Sir Henry slew the pedlar. It has haunted me ever since."