Next appeared a wing built out from the back of the inner court of the castle--in a dilapidated, almost dangerous condition.

Then he came to a great hedge of yew, very lofty, but very thin, like a fence of old wire that had caught cart-loads of withered rubbish in its meshes.

Here he heard the sound of a spade, and by the accompanying sounds judged the implement was handled by an old man.

He peeped through the hedge, and caught sight of him.

Old he was--bent with years, but tough, wiry, and sound, and it seemed to Cosmo that the sighs and groans, or rather grunts, which he uttered, were more of impatience and discontent than oppression or weakness.