your pace, the hour at which a boat sails, today or tomorrow;
and then do you be near the hotel, again, an hour before that time.

"Do not speak to me as I come out, but keep a short distance behind me;
and if you see that I am followed by anyone, you must do your best to
rid me of him. You had better bring your present garments along with
you. They may be useful."

Roger assented joyously. The thought that, at any rate for a time, he
was to get rid of his robes filled him with joy; and the possibility
that there might be danger in the enterprise only added to his
pleasure.

Feeling the need for great care, Oswald walked for some little time
before entering a shop, passing through several quiet streets; and,
when assured that he was not followed, he went into the booth of a
clothier.

"I have occasion for two suits of clothes, such as would be worn by
cattle drovers," he said. "I am about to travel and, having money about
me, can best do so safely in such a garment. I want one suit to fit me,
and another for a companion, who is a big stout man, a good deal above
the ordinary height."

"'Tis a wise precaution, your honour, for the roads are by no means
safe, at present. I can fit you, with ease, and will pick out the
largest clothes I have in stock, for your companion."

The purchase was soon made. It consisted of a rough smock of blue
cloth, reaching to the knees, and girded in by a strap at the waist;
and breeches of the same material, reaching below the knees, with
strips of gray cloth to be wound round and round the leg, from the knee
to the ankle. In addition, Oswald bought two pairs of rough sandals,
and two lowland bonnets. Each suit was done up, at his request, in a
separate parcel; and then, retracing his steps, he joined Roger and
handed his clothes to him.

"I will go outside the gates and change my things," Roger said, "and
then go down to the port. I will then come to your hotel, as you said.
If no ship sails until tomorrow, I have only to put my robe on over
these garments, and return to the convent. If there is one sailing this
evening, I shall not go back there again; but will be on the lookout
for you, half an hour before the boat leaves the port."

"The nearer the time of sailing, the better, Roger; for if I am
watched, and there is any trouble with the man who follows me, the
sooner we are on board before any alarm is raised, the better. But I
should hardly think a boat would start, in the ev