cular crony at the hovel. His "Hilloa!" was terrific.

"Why, a murrain to thee, goodman Grim, thy fire is colder than my
halidome; the sun is so high it puts it out, I reckon. Here have I two
iron pots, a plate from my master's best greaves, and a pair of spurs
that want piecing, and I'm like to tinker them as I list on a cold
stithy. Get out, thou"--Here he became aware of an additional inmate to
Grim's dwelling; and this discovery for a while checked the copious
torrent of Dan's eloquence. Shortly, Darby drew him aside, and from
their looks it might be gathered that some scheme was negotiating for
the pilgrim's safe admission at the hall. To an entreaty, more
strenuously urged on the part of our diplomatist, Dan replied, in a
louder tone--

"Why, look thee, gossip, it were as much as my lugs were
worth--but--I'll e'en try."

"We shall hear some news about Sir William, depend on't, an' thou get
him a word with my lady."

"And what the better shall I be of that?--dead men make no porridge
hot," simply retorted Dan.

"Go to," replied the other; "it's but setting Maude on the scent--I
warrant thee, she'll sharpen her wits for the work. It will be a
grievous pity should he depart, and whisper not his message to her
ladyship. Maude's thin ears, as thou knowest, can catch a whisper, and
thou wilt soon squeeze the secret out of her; then comes Darby's
turn--by to-morrow, at the latest."

The news-doting artisan rubbed his dark fists with ecstacy. "Go, knave,"
said he; "thou art a teasing little varlet."

Here Grim seemed ready to hug his comrade in the extremity of his
delight; but Dan was rather sullen, evidently ruminating on peril and
mischance, wherein the tempter had no share, though participating in the
profits of the adventure. Eventually, the stranger was placed under the
patronage of Daniel Hardseg, who, to do him justice, was well affected
towards the enterprise he had undertaken.

Passing by a low wall to the north-east of the mansion, they were soon
hidden by a projecting terrace or platform, which, in cases of siege,
could be converted into a sort of breastwork to cover the sallies of the
besieged. At the salient angle of this curtain stood a small postern, to
which Dan applied a heavy key, and beckoning to his companion, they
ascended a narrow staircase. A succession of dark passages led to the
great hall, from which a small arched doorway communicated by a private
entrance to the chapel. As they passe