So he sends out his two grandsons to tell me what they
were after, while they were drinking his good ale to health of their
King Edward. So forewarned, forearmed. We have left them empty
walls, get in as they can or may--unless that traitor Tordu chooses
to stay and make terms with them."
"Master Hardcastle! Would he fly? Surely not!" asked Grisell.
"Master Hardcastle, with Dutch Hannekin and some of the better sort,
went off long since to join their knight's banner, and the Saints
know how the poor young lad sped in all the bloody work they have
had. For my part, I felt not bound to hold out the castle against my
old lord's side, when there was no saving it for you, so I put what
belonged to me together, and took poor old Roan, and my young lady's
pony, and made my way hither, no one letting me. I doubt me much,
lady, that there is little hope of winning back your lands, whatever
side may be uppermost, yet there be true hearts among our villeins,
who say they will never pay dues to any save their lord's daughter."
"Then I am landless and homeless," sighed Grisell.
"The greater cause that you should make your home with us, lady,"
returned Lambert Groot; and he went on to lay before Ridley the state
of the case, and his own plans. House and business, possibly a seat
in the city council, were waiting for him at Bruges, and the vessel
from Ostend which had continually brought him supplies for his
traffic was daily expected.
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