s
lodged, and asked for speech with Brother Roger. In a minute or two the
latter came out.

"Are we off, young master?" he asked. "In truth, it is as bad here as
at Alnwick; and, after a taste of liberty, I am longing to be out
again; and indeed, I have had some trouble in accounting for my stay
here, instead of continuing my journey to see my aged father."

"If it depended upon me, I would say that we would start forthwith; but
what I have somewhat feared, all along, has come to pass. I was the
bearer of a certain message of much importance, from Hotspur to the
earl, and I fear that the latter will detain me. He thinks that I know
more than I have said, which indeed is true, and likes not that one who
is so entirely cognisant of his secret counsels, and intentions, should
go free. He put it down to the fact that I might be captured, on my way
back, and forced to confess the whole details of the mission with which
I am charged. It is possible that this is so, but it is more likely
that he dislikes that anyone should know secrets that concern his
safety; and although he has not said as much, at present, I believe
that it is his intention to hold me here as prisoner; though doubtless
with due courtesy, as befits Percy's messenger and esquire; until
affairs come to a head, which may not be for a year or two, yet."

"Is there a guard over you, at present?"

"Not that I know of, Roger, but it may be that the inn is watched. At
any rate, he would try to overtake me, did I attempt to leave without
his permission."

"Then, Master Oswald, I should say let us be off, at once."

"But how, Roger? On foot we should be speedily overtaken, and if not
watched at present, doubtless I shall be, after my interview with the
earl this morning. Were I to try and buy horses, I might be arrested at
once. However, I have been thinking that the best plan would be for you
to go round to the port, and to bargain for a passage for us to
Edinburgh. Then we would slip on board quietly, half an hour before she
sailed.

"Methinks it were as well that you did not go in your robes. I will
purchase a dress suitable to a cattle drover, for you, and a similar
one for myself. I will bring yours for you here, in an hour's time, if
you will wait a hundred yards from the gate for me. Then you can go to
some quiet spot and change your garments, and then go down to the port.
I will be standing at the door of my inn, and as you pass say, without
checking