"I should have gone," grumbled Humphrey the serving-man when he heard of it. "Who knoweth this Robert Sadler? My lord had him at the recommendation of Lord Clifford and he hath been at the castle not yet a year. Who knoweth that he is to be trusted? I should have gone. I did dream of serpents last night, and that foretelleth a prison. Robert Sadler will no doubt be caught by some marauding baron as he cometh again from Chester, and he will be thrown into the dungeon, and then my lady will see." So grumbling he was summoned to the ladies' bower just as the drawbridge was lowered to permit the departure of Robert Sadler. Ungraciously he obeyed; and just as ungraciously he continued his grumbling in her ladyship's presence. "I did dream of serpents last night," he began, "and that foretelleth a prison." Lady De Aldithely shivered. "I pray thee, speak not of prisons, Humphrey," she said firmly, "but attend my words." "Am I not faithful?" demanded Humphrey. "Thou art, my good Humphrey," was the reply. "Was it then for Robert Sadler to do thine errand?" "I have a greater errand for thee," was the grave answer. "Robert Sadler is a traitor, and we have much to do ere he return." Humphrey seemed bewildered. "And wouldst thou trust a traitor?" he at length demanded. "Abroad, good Humphrey, and in a small matter, but not within these walls." The dense Humphrey showing still by his countenance that he could not comprehend his mistress, Lady De Aldithely spoke more plainly. "I must tell thee, Humphrey, that Robert Sadler designeth for a sum of money to deliver Josceline to the king." Humphrey stared. "I have discovered it, and have been almost crazed in consequence. But a deliverer hath come." "I saw no one," said Humphrey in a dazed tone. "Didst thou not see Hugo?" asked Lady De Aldithely with a faint smile. "My lord will be fain to do much for him when he heareth what Hugo will do for Josceline." "And what can a lad like him do?" demanded Humphrey. "Thou hadst better trust me. I am forty years of age and have served the De Aldithelys all my life." "I do trust thee, Humphrey, and I do honor thee by sending thee to attend on this brave lad, Hugo." "I will not go," declared Humphrey. "Why should I leave thee and Josceline to serve a stranger? Here I bide where my lord left me." "Wilt thou not go at my command, Humphrey?" There was no reply but a mutinous look, and Lady De Aldithely continued, "Thou hast doubtless seen how very like in appearance Hugo is to my son. This good lad, Hugo, this best of lads, Hugo, will, for my sake and Josceline's, assume to be my son. He will ride forth toward London as if he made to escape to his father in France. The servants of the king will hear of it through the spies they keep in the wood near us. They will pursue him while Josceline and I escape into Scotland." Humphrey reflected. "I see it, I see it," he said at last. "Hugo is the good lad."