Having succeeded in passing the barrier, Edmund did not stay to argue the question with the gatekeeper. He turned his steps towards the Castle, and in a very few minutes found himself at its embattled entrance.
The gates, of course, were fastened, but the bell-rope was hanging down, so seizing hold of that he gave it a vigorous pull.
"Holloa, my hearty, what's amiss?" asked a stentorian voice. "That's the third summons to-night."
"I want to see the constable of the Castle," replied the traveller.
"Well, thou hadst better hie thee to London, and happen, if you're lucky, you may find him there."
"Sir Ronald at London!" exclaimed Edmund, in blank dismay.
"Sir Ronald!" repeated the other. "No, the Earl of Rutland."
"But Sir Ronald Bury?"
"He's the deputy-constable."
"Well, I would see him. Is he here?"