No one, in fact, at the various places at which we have stopped, has taken me for aught but a countryman; though the monk with me was often taxed with being an Englishman, though belonging to a monastery at Roxburgh." Again the earl was silent for some time.
"I must think over the message that I shall give you, for Percy," he said.

"I like not the delay, though I see that there is good reason for it.

As one of Hotspur's esquires, I would fain treat you with all courtesy, and lodge you here; but this might cause question as to who you are, and it were, therefore, better that you should lodge in the town.

Have you put up anywhere ?" "I rested for an hour at the sign of the Lion, my lord; engaging a room there, in order to effect a change in my clothes.

I left by the back entrance, in order that the change should not be observed." "It were best that you fetched those you travelled in away, or rather that you returned unnoticed; and, as it is getting dark now, this can doubtless be managed; and, when you sally out, place that cloak over your shoulders to hide your dress as a servitor, and go to the other inn, the Falcon.