The man who had gone a-spying up the tower came and stood before Sir Gregory.
“The priest is not this side of the door, lording.”
John Falconer’s sullen eyes seemed to catch the light of the fire.
“You lie!”
“See for yourself, Master Falconer. What’s more, he is asleep across the door, for I could hear a sound of breathing.”
A grim laugh went around the fire. Ironical looks were thrown at Falconer, who was frowning and biting his beard.
Sir Gregory spoke.
“Such insolence must be chastened; we must be rid of this bastard. Hallo, there! Axes for the breaking of a door.”
A little man with a sallow face and bright black eyes stood forward.
“The room has a window, sir.”