The Herd Boy and His Hermit

own, thy

e, but rest

hepherd's l

DSWO

r leading upward to the real castle hall above, while this served as a place where she met her husband's retainers

n his back, and a broad shady hat, as though on pilgrimage. He was evidently a strang

s thee?' demanded the la

ered, and his accent and tone were such that a thrill seemed to pass over the lady's whole person, but she controlled it, and only sa

due time the hall was cleared, excepting of the lady, an old female servant, and Hob, who had sat all the time with h

Gaffer, let me see what ails thy leg.' Then kneeling down and busying herself with the b

was Hob's answer, with an eye on the door, and i

she asked anxiously. 'Be they

it but to bring her home for the night. I would have had her away as soon as day dawned, and no questions asked, but the witches, or the foul fiend himself, must needs bring up a sn

should brin

who lost her out hawking. Her father is a black Yorkist

make himself known to h

eeding, and how much more my goodwife cannot tell. I took the maid back so soon as it was safe yester morn, and sent back my young lord, much against his will, half-way t

foe will draw their conclusions!' said the lady, clasping her hand

he rest; and for him we wot on, I sent him and his flock off westward, appointing each of them the same trysting-place-on the slope beneath Derwent Hill, my lady-whence I thought, if it were your will and the good knight Sir Lancelot's, we migh

he is even now at the very border of the forest ground! Sure, there can be no cause tha

celot-'

will scarce be back for a week or more

st, there are those in Sir Lancelot's following who might be too apt

of a countrywoman bringing eggs and meat to sell at the castl

spot behind the gorse bushes, divested himself of his bandages, and changed the side of his shepherd's plaid to one much older and more weat

ed to show when the lady would be ready for him to attend her. He waited long, for she had first

ght be tempted to some imprudence while waiting, he beheld the kerchief waving in the sunset light of the afternoon, and presently, shroud

n, when the darkness was begun, but her only an

ce where he could put them under the protection of one of the tenants of his manor. It was a long walk, longer than Hob had perhaps felt when he had undertaken to conduct the lady through it, for ladies, though inured to many dangers in those days, were unaccustomed to travelling on their own feet; but the mother's heart seemed to heed no obstacle,

Hob, and in another moment there was a c

r a moment of overwhelming joy against the faithful

ere-and som

nd stood on the path in a moment's hesit

ut the mother was little altered, and as she held out her arms no word was wasted ere he sprang

oking on with clasped hands and streaming eyes, giving thanks for the meeting o

raised with branches, skins and canvas, to protect their few articles of property. There was a smouldering fire, over which Doll had prepared a rabbit which the dog had caught, and which she had intended for Hal's supper and that of her husband if he came home in time. While the lady lavished thanks upon h

e back to him more fully, and then he nestled again in her arms as if she were far more

I heard of her, in a convent

nsidering interrogative sound, 'I mind her we

he lady should not tarry longer. 'He,' indicating Hal, might walk beside her through the wood, and thus prol

, and awkwardly helped her to her saddle. He walked by her side through the wood, holding her rein, while Hob, going before, did his best in the t

ollection, only of being lifted in his arms, kissed and blessed, and seeing him ride away with his troop, clanking in their armour. After that he remembered nothing, save the being put into a homelier dress, and travelling on

thou wast called in those

. The little one

ear boy! But knowst th

nurse said I must forget all that. Mother dear, when that maiden came and talked of

child, that thou s

d thine,' said Hal, in a bewildered tone. 'My f

Lord Clifford, slain by savage hands on Towton field for his faith to King Harry! Thou, my poor boy, art the Baron of Clifford

re there not some big ones on the hall window seats? Did not Brother Eldr

knightly training, and learn to use sw

lie hurt, I do not want those hard, cruel ways.

sternation, which was increased when he said, 'I have no mind to go out a

ith the sheep. That my son, and my lord's son,

en occasion comes, and strength is

ighed the lady. 'Sir Lancelot may find the way.

d I see a shepherd boy with the wisdom an

im a saint. I had rather hear the boy talk of sword and lance than prate of books an

, mother, for I ha

hough,' said Hob. 'She

o make thee meet to tread in thy brave father's steps! But now, comrade of sheep thou art, and I fea

whatever she perceive

rock. Thither she could repair in her plaid, and by-and-by throw it off, and return in her own character to the castle, as though she had gone forth to worship there. When lifted off the shaggy pony she

de Vesci, at Londesborough, but his mother had since married Sir Lancelot Threlkeld, and had intimated that her boy sh