Great Britain -- History -- Medieval period, 1066-1485 -- Juvenile fiction
Hugo smiled indulgently. His feeling toward Humphrey had, during the
last day, undergone a complete change. And, though he was but a Saxon
serving-man, the heart of the boy had now an affection for him.
Humphrey was quick to detect it, and he too smiled.
"Had the peewit short legs like the pigeon," he continued, "and did he
but want what they call the crest on the back of his head, and could
you see only the back of the bird, he might be thought a pigeon, since
he shineth on the back like a peacock in all colors blue and green can
make when mixed together. But when he standeth on his somewhat long
legs, and thou seest that his under parts be white, why, even a
Frenchman would know he was no pigeon, but must be the peewit or
lapwing. And I warrant thee we shall eat our fill of peewits if we
remain here long."
"When thinkest thou of going?" asked Hugo, interestedly.
"Why, that I know not. I would fain have another dream. I know not how
it may be with other men, but when I am right weary I dream not. Which
I take as an omen not to stir till I be rested and ready to use my
wits. Thou hast noticed that weariness dulleth the wits?"
"Yea," replied Hugo.
"Why, I have seen in my time many fall into grievous snares from
nothing more than being weary, and so, dull of sight and hearing. But
here cometh Fleetfoot sleek and satisfied. I did but turn him loose two
hours ago, and I warrant thee he hath had a fine meal. I will make him
fast once more, and then we go farther into the island to seek another
resting-place for the night. This is too near the edge of the marsh,
and too near the Don."
Mounting the horses, and with Fleetfoot once more in leash, they set
out, Humphrey picking his way and Hugo following. And by mid-day they
had come to what Humphrey decided was probably the best location for
them on the island. It was another solid, grassy place, and was graced
with three little scrub trees which gave them a leafy roof under which
to lie. From the fringe of neighboring rushes the two cut enough to
strew their resting-place thickly, and so protect their bodies from the
damp ground. Then Humphrey dug a shallow fire-pit at the north, and,
after their mid-day meal, set diligently about collecting a store of
fuel. Little was to be found solid enough to cook with, and that little
he stored carefully apart, reserving a great heap of dead rushes and
reeds for the blaze which was to ward off the night dampness and make
them comfortable. In all these labors Hugo bore his share, for the two,
by tacit consent, were no longer master and man but comrades in need
and danger.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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