s; but the energy of Margaret and the zeal of her
adherents were still unexhausted and unconquered.

Either unconscious or contemptuous of the perils to which he was
subjected, the student, with his silent companions, performed the
voyage, and landed in sight of the Fortress-Palatine. And now Hugh
stopped before a house of good fashion, knocked at the door, which was
opened by an old servitor, disappeared for a few moments, and returning,
informed Sibyll, in a meaning whisper, that the gentlewoman within was
a good Lancastrian, and prayed the donzell to rest in her company till
Master Warner's return.

Sibyll, accordingly, after pressing her father's hand without fear--for
she had deemed the sole danger Adam risked was from the rabble by the
way--followed Hugh into a fair chamber, strewed with rushes, where an
aged dame, of noble air and aspect, was employed at her broidery frame.
This gentlewoman, the widow of a nobleman who had fallen in the service
of Henry, received her graciously, and Hugh then retired to complete
his commission. The student, the mule, the model, and the porter pursued
their way to the entrance of that part of the gloomy palace inhabited
by Henry. Here they were stopped, and Adam, after rummaging long in vain
for the chamberlain's passport, at last happily discovered it, pinned to
his sleeve, by Sibyll's forethought. On this a gentleman was summoned
to inspect the order, and in a few moments Adam was conducted to the
presence of the illustrious prisoner.

"And what," said a subaltern officer, lolling by the archway of the (now
styled) "Bloody Tower," hard by the turret devoted to the prisoner, [The
Wakefield Tower] and speaking to Adam's guide, who still mounted guard
by the model,--"what may be the precious burden of which thou art the
convoy?"

"Marry, sir," said Hugh, who spoke in the strong Yorkshire dialect,
which we are obliged to render into intelligible English--"marry, I weet
not,--it is some curious puppet-box, or quiet contrivance, that Master
Warner, whom they say is a very deft and ingenious personage, is
permitted to bring hither for the Lord Henry's diversion."

"A puppet-box!" said the officer, with much animated curiosity. "'Fore
the Mass! that must be a pleasant sight. Lift the lid, fellow!"

"Please your honour, I do not dare," returned Hugh,--"I but obey
orders."

"Obey mine, then. Out of the way," and the officer lifted the lid of the
pannier with the point of his dagge