The monotony of this dull and
weary task was reiterated until the very effort became habitual, and he
could scarcely recognise or identify any change of object from the
absorption of his faculties by the listlessness it created. One slight
curl of dust had already escaped him, another waved softly above the
trees where the path wound upwards from the valley. Again it was
visible, and the watchman seemed to awaken as from a lethargy or a
dream. Strangers were surely approaching, but without retinue, as the
wreath of dust, from its slight continuance, would seem to intimate.
Just as he came to this conclusion, two horsemen swept into view, where
a broad turn of the road was visible, disappearing again rapidly behind
the arched boughs of the forest.
Bounding almost headlong down the narrow stair, he ran immediately to
the hall, informing the deputy of what he had seen. Scarce had he
concluded when a hoarse blast from the horn rang at the outer gate. Adam
de Button hurried to the postern, where he saw two horsemen, bearing
unequivocal signs of their allegiance to the renowned constable of
Chester. They wore what was then considered a great novelty in dress,
the tabord or _supertotus_, a sleeveless garment, consisting of only two
pieces, which hung down before and behind, the sides being left
open.
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