Through loop-holes and windows
went the obscene crew, with such hideous screeches as startled the whole
neighbourhood. He gave one last desperate lunge as a parting
remembrance, and felt that his weapon had made a hit. Something fell on
the floor, but the light was extinguished in the scuffle, and in vain he
attempted to grope out this trophy of his valour.
"I've sliced off a leg or a wing," thought he, "and I may lay hold on it
in the morning."
All was now quiet, and Robin, to his great comfort, was left without
further molestation.
Morning dawned bright and cheerful on the grey battlements of Bernshaw
Tower; the sun came out joyously over the hills; but Lord William walked
forth with an anxious and gloomy countenance. His wife had feigned
illness, and the old nurse had tended her through the night in a
separate chamber. This was the story he had learnt on finding her absent
when he awoke. Early presenting himself at the door, he was refused
admission. She was ill--very ill. The lady was fallen asleep, and might
not be disturbed: such was the answer he received. Rising over the hill,
he now saw the gaunt ungainly form of Robin, his new tenant, approaching
in great haste with a bundle under his arm.
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