"Yestreen," resumed Lewin, "John Heyrown was privy with me for near two hours. He comes peddling spice from Dentown, hard by Norwich town. I have known him privily these six months. From him I hear that Roger Bigot is in the article of setting forth to come upon us here to take the castle. Geoffroi has great store of fine armour of war, eke fine metals and jewels of silver and gold. Hilgay would extend Roger's arm far south, and make a fort for him on the eastern road to London. He is pressing to London with a great force and inventions of war. Now, listen, John Heyrown is neither more nor less than in his pay, and he comes here to see if he can find friends within our walls. Roger knows of me and my value, and offereth me a high place, and also for my friends, do I but help him. What do you say?" Dom Anselm's thin face wrinkled up in thought, weighing the chances. "I think," he said at last, very slowly, "I think, that we must throw our lot in with Roger Bigot, and be his men." "I also," said Lewin. "And I have already been preparing a token of our choice." He pulled a piece of vellum from his tunic. "Here is a map of the castle, clear drawn. There you see marked the weak spot by the orchard wall; Geoffroi has been long a-mending of it since we noticed the sinking, but nothing has been done. To enter the castle need not be difficult. The donjon will be harder; but I have marked a plan for that also. At the foot of Outfangthef lie _les oubliettes_, and many deep cellars, raised on arches. It is there keep we our coined silver and the silver in bars. With his engines, knowing the spot, Roger could mine deep, and Outfangthef would fall, leaving a great breach." Anselm took the plan with admiration. "It's finely writ," he said; "should'st have been in a scriptorium." "My two hands are good thralls to me," said Lewin, pleased at the compliment to his work. "Then you and I stand committed to this thing?" "Since it seems the wisest course, for Lord Roger is a great lord and strong, I give you my hand." "Let it be so, friend Anselm. I will give John the plan this night." "Then it is a thing done. But what is your immediate end?--for I conceive you have some near purpose in view." "Some time I will tell you, but not yet." "It's a woman, you dog!" said the priest with a grin. "We must homewards," answered the other. "Hark! I hear the horns, they have returned from the chase." As he spoke, clear and sweet the tantivy came floating down the hill and over the water. "We shall be late for supper," said Lewin, "make haste; take the other pole." "God forbid we should be late for supper," said Anselm, and they began to push back. "Will Geoffroi know that Roger is about to attack Hilgay?" Anselm asked Lewin.