"
"We shall hear some news about Sir William, depend on't, an' thou get
him a word with my lady."
"And what the better shall I be of that?--dead men make no porridge
hot," simply retorted Dan.
"Go to," replied the other; "it's but setting Maude on the scent--I
warrant thee, she'll sharpen her wits for the work. It will be a
grievous pity should he depart, and whisper not his message to her
ladyship. Maude's thin ears, as thou knowest, can catch a whisper, and
thou wilt soon squeeze the secret out of her; then comes Darby's
turn--by to-morrow, at the latest."
The news-doting artisan rubbed his dark fists with ecstacy. "Go, knave,"
said he; "thou art a teasing little varlet."
Here Grim seemed ready to hug his comrade in the extremity of his
delight; but Dan was rather sullen, evidently ruminating on peril and
mischance, wherein the tempter had no share, though participating in the
profits of the adventure. Eventually, the stranger was placed under the
patronage of Daniel Hardseg, who, to do him justice, was well affected
towards the enterprise he had undertaken.
Passing by a low wall to the north-east of the mansion, they were soon
hidden by a projecting terrace or platform, which, in cases of siege,
could be converted into a sort of breastwork to cover the sallies of the
besieged.
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