"And I will get to know as much as I can from the maids, and will keep
you well informed of the movements of your friends. Their trial comes
off, you say, to-morrow?"

"I think it does."

"They will not go far to-day, then?"

"I cannot say, but they will be well watched. What accommodation have
you here for half-a-dozen stalwart fellows?"

"Plenty in the inn."

"I don't need telling that: but here---in the yard. I am expecting
some guests for the night."

"Let me see. It means money."

"Of course it does."

"And I shall run great risks."

"You will be well repaid, though," said Edmund, "and they might as
well be here, I trow, as elsewhere; only see that they don't have too
much drink, and be careful that they are not seen lounging together
about in the yard."

"Trust me," laughed the ostler, "I shall manage that easily enough.
I shall bolt the doors and fasten them in, and nothing except a rat
could get out then."

"Nay, you misunderstand me. They are not prisoners, but men who have
been hired for the journey."

"I see now; ah, I see," returned his companion in the most unconcerned
manner possible. "In that case they only want a little watching."

"And, mayhap, a little restraining, yes. Here is a shilling for some
ale, which they will be expecting. You will meet them for me, and take
charge of them?"

"Very well, James, so be it; where shall I meet though? It would never
do for them to hang about here that's very certain, for our landlord
would have his eyes upon them in a minute. He is awfully sharp on
tramps and beggars and such."

"No, certainly not," agreed Edmund; "meet them at the Temple Gates at
six."

"It shall be done; and in the meanwhile you will have a first-rate
view of the entertainment from here."

"What entertainment?"

"The players are here to-day. See, there is the stage and everything.
'Tis the Earl of Leicester's company, too," and pushing the door still
farther open, he pointed out to Edmund Wynne's astonished eyes one
of the rudely extemporised platforms which passed in those days for
stages.

Those who have witnessed the splendid scenic triumphs which have been
achieved by managers of late years would be astonished indeed were
they confronted by one of the theatres of the earliest dramatic times.
Nothing could present a much greater contrast than the elaborate
drapery and the ingenious trap-doors, side wings, and numerous other
mechanical contrivances which are now