warrant me the right scent will lie at the end on't."

"And pray, good master, wherefore may your curious nose be so mightily
set upon this same adventure?" said the clerk, his little red and
ferrety eyes peering very provokingly into those of his opposite
neighbour. Now, De Poininges was not for the moment prepared to satisfy
this unexpected inquiry, but his presence of mind did not forsake him.
Rightly guessing his friend's character--a compound in universal esteem,
to wit, fool and knave--he drew from his pouch a couple of bright ship
nobles, then but newly coined, which effectually diverted the prying
looks of Thomas le Clerke.

"Why, look ye," said the latter, as the coin jingled in his bag, "I was
ever held in good repute as a guide, and can make my way blindfold over
the bogs and mosses hereabout; and I would pilot thee to the place
yonder, if my fealty to the prior--that is--if--I mean--though I was
never a groat the richer for his bounty; yet he may not like strangers
to pry into his garners and store-houses, especially in these evil
times, when every cur begins to yelp at the heels of our bountiful
mother; and every beast to bray out its reproaches at her great wealth
and possessions."

De Poininges was more and more convinced that his neighbour knew more of
the matter than he durst tell; but it seemed expedient to conceal his
suspicions for the present. In the end it was agreed that the cunning
clerk should accompany him so far as to point out the situation; but on
no account would he consent to keep watch during the absence of De
Poininges. The latter assented to this arrangement, secretly resolving
to dictate other terms where his will should both command and be obeyed.

They immediately set out on horseback, followed by the servants, to whom
De Poininges had given a private signal.

The moon had risen. One bright star hung like a "jewel in an Ethiop's
ear" in the dark sky above the sun's track, which at this season sweeps
like a lucid zone, dividing day from night, round the northern horizon.
Such a time of purity and brightness often succeeds the sultry and
oppressive languor of the day, especially when refreshed by the passing
storm; the air so clear that objects press, as it were, upon the
eyeballs, affecting the sight as though they were almost palpable to the
touch. The dews had not descended, but the leaves were still wet. Big
drops glittered in the moonlight, pouring a copious shower on the
tra