it was, is speedily terminated. From what you said, I had not
looked for you for another fortnight."

"If I had not come when I did," Oswald said, "my absence might have
been prolonged, for months. However, all has gone well, and I purpose
starting at once for Alnwick, and would fain reach Wooler by
nightfall."

"That you can do, easily enough. I will order the horses to be saddled,
at once."

"I thank you, Sir Philip. I will mount here in the courtyard. I care
not, now, what notice may be taken of me; seeing that there is but some
ten miles to be ridden, to the frontier."

"Nor, I warrant me, will you meet with interference on the road," the
knight said. "I have not heard of anyone being stopped for toll, for
the past year, between this and the border."

A quarter of an hour later they left Roxburgh; and, travelling at an
easy pace, arrived at Wooler before sunset; and on the following
evening entered Alnwick. They could have reached it earlier, but Oswald
thought it as well not to enter the castle until after dark, as he did
not wish to be noticed in his present attire.

Fastening the horses to hooks in the courtyard, Oswald ran up to his
apartment, which was next to that of his uncle.

"Welcome back, Oswald!" the latter said, as he opened his door on
hearing his footsteps. "I had thought that you would be longer away."

"I am back sooner than I expected, Uncle. Will you order supper to be
brought up here, for Roger and myself? We are both hard set; though,
indeed, we had a meal of bread and cheese, at noon, at a wayside
tavern."

"Brother Roger has behaved well?"

"Excellently. He has cracked but two sconces since we left, and these
were on my behalf. He will sleep on some rushes in my room, tonight. He
hates the thought of returning to the monastery, and has begged me,
most earnestly, to ask Percy to continue him in his employment."

As soon as Oswald had donned his ordinary attire, he went to Lord
Percy's quarters.

"You are back sooner than I had expected, Oswald," Hotspur said, as he
entered. "Nothing has gone wrong, I hope?"

"Nothing, my lord, but I was forced to leave Dunbar, after but three
days' stay there; for the earl was so fearful that I might be detected,
on my way back, that he would have retained me with him until the time
for action came; sending down another messenger, by sea, to you. As
your orders were to return with all speed, I gave him the slip, and
made my way back as quickly