"We have made the best of our road, Master Geoffery, since we left our
quarters in Netherdale. But, in troth, it's a weary way, and a drouthy
one into the bargain: I have not wet even the tip of this poor beast's
nose since we started."
"Go to; an' the beasts be cared for, thine own muzzle may take its
chance of a swill. Willy, see to the horses. Now for business. Master
has been waiting for you these three hours: make what excuse you may.
Heigh-ho! my old skull will leak out my brains soon with these
upsittings."
Taking a small lamp from a recess, he commanded the strangers to follow.
A wide staircase led to the gallery, from whence a number of low doors
communicated with the chambers or dormitories. Entering a passage from
an obscure corner, they ascended a winding stair. The huge and terrific
spars of the intruders struck with a shrill clank on the narrow steps,
mingled with the grumblings of Master Geoffery Hardpiece; a continual
muttering was heard from the latter, by way of running accompaniment to
the directions which, ever and anon, he found it needful to set forth.
"There--an ass, a very ass!--keep thy face from the wall, I tell thee,
and lift up thy great leathern hoofs.
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