With the celerity of practice the two concealed themselves in the wood in such a position that they could see the path. And presently there came into view a small party of knights on their way northward. "They look not so dangerous," commented Hugo. "Nay," agreed Humphrey. "I would liefer see them than king's spies. But bide we here a bit and see if more will come." It was very still in the wood that morning and a little sound seemed a great one. So the two, while they waited, talked together in low tones. "The merry-hearted canon is in most things wise, I do suppose," observed Humphrey. "But I feel not like a priest though I wear his garb. And I fear to do something which will betray me to be but the Saxon serving-man which I am. Still, I must wear it?" And he looked inquiringly at Hugo. "Yea," replied the boy. "The land is so full of priests that few scan them closely. And, moreover, there be Saxons among them. He was born but a Saxon serf who was the great pope Adrian IV." "Sayest thou so?" said Humphrey. "I will e'en take courage and wear the priest's garb as well as I can. I suppose thou knowest all this from thine uncle, the prior?" [Illustration: Humphrey in Priest's Garb] "Yea," answered Hugo, with a smile. A while there was silence, while both listened. Then Humphrey said, "But I like not the canon's plan that we go to St. Albans." "And wherefore?" asked Hugo. "That I cannot tell. I do but know that I like it not. It were better to go straight to London. So think I, and so do I say." Hugo reflected. He knew that the way was not particularly safe for them anywhere. "If it should be discovered that we have been at Peterborough," he said at length. "Yea, lad," broke in Humphrey. "I had not thought of that. But would they not straight seek for us at St. Albans, where the merry-hearted canon hath sent us? And neither did I like the parish priest at Oundle. He did speed us too gladly. And he knoweth that we go to St. Albans." "Thou mayest be right, Humphrey," said Hugo. "It will doubtless cost the monks at St. Albans small grief if they do not see us. We will go to London as thou sayest." Humphrey regarded him approvingly. "It is easy to see that thou art far from being a fool," he said. "Hiding and skulking through wood and fen are making thee wary." The two now resumed their journey, and Humphrey asked, "Hast ever been on this Watling Street?" "Nay," replied Hugo. "I was bred up, as thou knowest, by mine uncle, the prior, and all my travels have been by ear. What I did hear him speak of I know, but not much else." "And he did never speak of the Watling Street?" "Yea, he hath oft spoken of it. But it is a long road, and here in England since the time of the Romans. I know that it goeth to London." "Then we go to St. Albans after all?" "Why, St. Albans lieth on the Watling Street. So said the Canon Thurstan. But we need not stop long there."