At sight of the glistening gems a sudden change had come over the
features of the trooper, their expression of surliness being displaced
by that of intense cupidity. But for this he might have considered why
the offer of such valuable consideration for so trifling a service. As
it was, he had no suspicion of it; though on both sides the dialogue had
been carried on in guarded undertone. For this their reasons were
distinct, each having his own. That of the prisoner is already known;
while a simple instinct had guided the corporal--a fear that the
negotiation between them might not be altogether agreeable to his
superiors.
More cautious than ever after declaring it a bargain, he glanced
furtively to the front, then rearward, to assure himself they had not
been overheard, nor their _tete-a-tete_ noticed by any of the officers.
It seemed all right, none of these being near; and his next thought was
how to effect the exchange agreed upon. The files were wide apart, with
very little order in the line of march--a circumstance observed by
Eustace Trevor with satisfaction, as likely to help him in his design.
They were passing though a district unoccupied by any enemy and where
surprise was the last thing to be thought of. But even straggled out as
was the troop, any transfer of horses, however adroitly done, would not
only be remarked upon, but cause a block in the marching column, the
which might bring about inquiry as to the reason, and the guard, if not
the prisoner, into trouble.
"Ye maun ha' patience for a bit," said the former, in view of the
difficulty. "'Tan't safe for me to be seen changin' horses on the road.
But ye won't ha' long to wait; only till we get to the bottom o' that
hill ye see ahead, Acornbury it be called. There we can do the thing."
"Why there?"
The question was put with a special object, apart from the questioner's
impatience.
"Cause o' an inn that be theer. It stand this side o' where the pitch
begins. The Sheriff always stops at it goin' from Goodrich to Hereford,
an' he be sure o' makin' halt the day. When's we be halted--ye
comprehend, Captain?"
The man had grown civil almost to friendliness. The prospect of
becoming possessed of a valuable ring for but an hour's loan of his new
horse had worked wonders. Could he but have known that he was
hypothecating the more valuable animal with but slight chance of
redeeming it, the bargain would have been off on the instant. His
avarice blinded him; and his prisoner now felt good as sure he would
soon have Saladin once more between his knees.
"I do comprehend--quite," was the young officer's satisfied response;
and they rode on without further speech, both purposely refraining from
it.
The corporal might have saved his breath in imparting the situation of
the inn under Acornbury Hill. Eustace Trevor knew the house well as he;
perhaps better, having more than once baited his horse there. Familiar
was he with the roads and country around, not so far from his native
place by Abergavenny. Besides, he had an uncle who lived nearer, and as
a boy, with his cousins, had ridden and sported all over the district.
This topographical knowledge was now likely to stand him in stead; and
as he thought of the Monmouth road joining that he was on near the head
of Acornbury pitch, he fairly trembled with excitement. Could he but
reach their point of junction on Saladin's back he would be free.
How he longed to arrive at the roadside hostelry! Every second seemed a
minute, every minute an hour!
It was reached at length, and his suspense brought to an end. True to
expectation, a halt was commanded; and the extended line, closing up,
came to a stand on the open ground before the inn. A scrambling house
of antique architecture, its swing sign suspended from the limb of an
oaken giant, whose spreading branches shadowed a large space in front.
Under this Lingen and his officers made stop, still keeping to their
saddles, and calling to Boniface and his assistants to serve them there.
It was only for a draught they had drawn up, the journey too short to
need resting their horses. Nor was there any dismounting among the rank
and file rearward, save where some trooper whose girths had got loosened
took the opportunity to drop down and tighten them.
Seeming to do the same was the corporal in charge of Eustace Trevor, his
prisoner too, both on the ground together. Only an instant till they
were in the saddle again, but with changed horses, and the blood-crusted
ring at the bottom of the corporal's pocket. Meanwhile the officers
under the tree had got served, and, cups in hand, were quaffing
joyously. In high glee all; for the sun, now well up, promised a day
gloriously fine, and they were about to make entry into Hereford with
flying colours. Nearly twenty prisoners, it would be as a triumphal
procession.
A cry, strangely intoned, brought their merriment to an abrupt end; a
chorus of shouts, quick following with the clatter of hoofs. Turning,
they saw one on horseback just parting from the troop, as if his horse
had bolted and was running away with him!
But no. "Prisoner escaping!" came the call, as every one could now see
it was. The man in rich garb, but soiled and torn; the horse a bit of
blood none of their prisoners had been riding. One of the officers they
had taken--which?