He instantly squatted in the hope of eluding further notice.

But when he heard the sound of running feet, he jumped up to take the chance of escape by flight.

He fell, however, with a keen shoot of pain, for the bolt of a crossbow had wounded his leg, and the blood was now streaming from it.

He was instantly laid Hold of by two or three of the men-at-arms.

It was useless to struggle, and he submitted in silence.
'It's a boy!' cried several of them together, in a tone of amazement.
'I thought it was one of those demons.