However, I will think the matter over again, and will see how it can be best managed." After leaving the castle, Oswald went to the convent where the monk was lodged, and asked for speech with Brother Roger.

In a minute or two the latter came out.
"Are we off, young master ?" he asked.

"In truth, it is as bad here as at Alnwick; and, after a taste of liberty, I am longing to be out again; and indeed, I have had some trouble in accounting for my stay here, instead of continuing my journey to see my aged father." "If it depended upon me, I would say that we would start forthwith; but what I have somewhat feared, all along, has come to pass.

I was the bearer of a certain message of much importance, from Hotspur to the earl, and I fear that the latter will detain me.

He thinks that I know more than I have said, which indeed is true, and likes not that one who is so entirely cognisant of his secret counsels, and intentions, should go free.