et you out."

Before that time elapsed some fifty or sixty people, anxious to return
to their villages, gathered round the gate.

"Best lay aside your steel cap, Ralph, before we join them," Walter
said. "In the dim light of that lamp none will notice that we have
head-gear, but if it were to glint upon the steel cap the officer might
take us for deserters and question us as to who we are."

Presently the officer came out from the guard-room again. There was a
forward movement of the little crowd, and Walter and Ralph closed in
to their midst. The gates were opened, and without any question the
villagers passed out, and the gates were shut instantly behind them.

Walter and his comrade at once started at a brisk pace and walked all
night in the direction of Hennebon. Their clothes soon dried, and elated
at their escape from danger they struggled on briskly. When morning
broke they entered a wood, and lay there till evening, as they feared
to continue their journey lest they might fall into the hands of some
roving band of French horse. They were, too, dog-tired, and were asleep
a few minutes after they lay down. The sun was setting when they awoke,
and as soon as it was dark they resumed their journey.

"I don't know what you feel, Master Walter, but I am well-nigh famished.
It is thirty-six hours since I swallowed a bit of food, just as the
French were moving to the attack. Hard blows I don't mind--I have been
used to it; but what with fighting, and being in the water for five or
six hours, and climbing up that endless rope, and walking all night on
an empty stomach, it does not suit me at all."

"I feel ravenous too, Ralph, but there is no help for it. We shall eat
nothing till we are within the walls of Hennebon, and that will be
by daylight tomorrow if all goes well. Draw your belt an inch or two
tighter, it will help to keep out the wolf."

They kept on all night, and in the morning saw to their delight the
towers of Hennebon in the distance. It was well that it was no further,
for both were so exhausted from want of food that they could with
difficulty drag their legs along.

Upon entering the town Walter made his way at once to the quarters of
the leader. Sir Walter had just risen, and was delighted at the sight of
his esquire.

"I had given you up for dead," he exclaimed. "By what miracle could you
have escaped? Are you alone?"

"I have with me only my faithful follower Ralph Smith, who is below;
but