Ten days ago I had not been my own master to follow him when he bade me.

To-day, save my Queen, no man but he had a claim on me--ay, and what use had her Majesty for a villain like me who had assaulted a beadle! It was late at night when I came near Richmond.

I durst not show myself in the village, but hid that night in a hut near the river, wondering how I should apprise Ludar of my presence; and ever and anon, in my weakness, asking myself how it would fare with me were I to find that he too had deserted me?
All the next day I wandered about, hoping for news, but getting none.
One man whom I accosted looked so hard at me when I questioned him about the Hall, that I gave him no time to answer, but slunk away to avoid him.

At night, my patience came well-nigh to an end, and I resolved, come what would of it, to go to the park, if by chance I might meet Ludar there or at least send him a message.
It was dark when I climbed the palings.

There was little chance, unless I marched boldly to the door of the Hall, of seeing him that night, so I resolved to bide my time, and lying somewhere within view of the house, watch till he came out in the morning.