"I am sorry not to wish Carloman good-bye," repeated Richard; "but we shall see Fru Astrida again, and Sir Eric; and Alberic must come back! Oh, do let us go! O Normandy, dear Normandy!" Richard could hardly eat for excitement, while Osmond hastily made his arrangements, girding on his sword, and giving Richard his dagger to put into his belt. He placed the remainder of the provisions in his wallet, threw a thick purple cloth mantle over the Duke, and then desired him to lie down on the straw which he had brought in. "I shall hide you in it," he said, "and carry you through the hall, as if I was going to feed my horse." "Oh, they will never guess!" cried Richard, laughing. "I will be quite still--I will make no noise--I will hold my breath." "Yes, mind you do not move hand or foot, or rustle the straw. It is no play--it is life or death," said Osmond, as he disposed the straw round the little boy. "There, can you breathe?" "Yes," said Richard's voice from the midst. "Am I quite hidden?" "Entirely. Now, remember, whatever happens, do not move. May Heaven protect us! Now, the Saints be with us!" Richard, from the interior of the bundle heard Osmond set open the door; then he felt himself raised from the ground; Osmond was carrying him along down the stairs, the ends of the straw crushing and sweeping against the wall. The only way to the outer door was through the hall, and here was the danger. Richard heard voices, steps, loud singing and laughter, as if feasting was going on; then some one said, "Tending your horse, Sieur de Centeville?" "Yes," Osmond made answer. "You know, since we lost our grooms, the poor black would come off badly, did I not attend to him." Presently came Carloman's voice: "O Osmond de Centeville! is Richard better?" "He is better, my Lord, I thank you, but hardly yet out of danger." "Oh, I wish he was well! And when will you let me come to him, Osmond? Indeed, I would sit quiet, and not disturb him." "It may not be yet, my Lord, though the Duke loves you well--he told me so but now." "Did he? Oh, tell him I love him very much--better than any one here--and it is very dull without him. Tell him so, Osmond." Richard could hardly help calling out to his dear little Carloman; but he remembered the peril of Osmond's eyes and the Queen's threat, and held his peace, with some vague notion that some day he would make Carloman King of France. In the meantime, half stifled with the straw, he felt himself carried on, down the steps, across the court; and then he knew, from the darkness and the changed sound of Osmond's tread, that they were in the stable. Osmond laid him carefully down, and whispered--"All right so far. You can breathe?" "Not well. Can't you let me out?" "Not yet--not for worlds. Now tell me if I put you face downwards, for I cannot see."