"We need night, not day, for the taking of Bruyerre," said the old man gloomily. "Even now we were wise to get into some safe hiding. There is a forest glen to the right of where the prince is waiting."
In a few minutes more Sir Henry rode to the side of the prince and held out a hand to Richard.
"Thy men are in good condition," he said; "and that is as it should be, for they have sharp work before them."
"Ready are we," said Richard, but his eyes were upon the face of the white-haired man.
He sat in silence, gazing across the valley at the towers and walls of the fortress, and he seemed moved by strong emotions.
"What sayest thou, Giles Monson?" asked the prince. "Are there changes?"
"In me, my Prince," responded Giles, "but not in yonder town. A Christian man am I this day, and it is not given me to judge, but I am a true Englishman. With an honest heart and in good faith did I bring steel wares from Sheffield to the wicked Lord of Bruyerre. False and cruel was he, a robber and a villain. He laughed at me when once I was in his power. Fourteen years was I a prisoner in yonder keep, and I grew old before my time. Behold the scars of fetters on my wrists. Then was I a beggar and a starveling in the town for three years more, watched always and beaten oft. But I learned every inch of yonder hill, and at last I made my escape. By the path along which I left Bruyerre can I guide this army in. But there must be ladders stronger than the cord I came down upon."
"A dozen are with our own foot soldiers," said Sir Henry. "But haste now, lest we be discovered from the castle."
All riders were dismounting, and Richard went into the woods with his forest men to seek the glen spoken of by Giles. It was not far to find, and it led on down into the valley.
The forest growth was old and dense, and, once the soldiery marched well in, they were completely hidden. Only a strong guard waited at the wayside to intercept all passengers, and here at last came Richard, just as the sun went down.