"And besides," put in Walcot, "we are safe, Master Rumbold said, from being overlooked on this side." "The place seems Scylla or Charybdis," said Howard laughing, "and a veritable vermin trap to boot--if one may judge by the snuffling in there," and he pointed to the wainscot, "eh, Master Hannibal?" "The four-legged pests do somewhat overabound here, my lord," answered Rumbold; "but my own friends are safe enough, I pledge you my word. I did but entreat Master West to be a bit careful. His voice is scarce so still and small as caution behoves." "Liken it rather unto that of a trumpet," piped the shrill tones of Ferguson, "which shall blare to the uttermost walls--" [Sidenote: Walls have ears.] "All in its good time, Master Ferguson," interrupted Walcot; "meanwhile remember walls have ears." "And so have listeners," growled West, still sorely put about with himself for his own forgetfulness, "long as asses' ones." "Nay," said Rumbold, "they'd have to be longer and sharper too, to pierce these walls. More than three feet and a half thick I know them to be." "And all of pure stone?" inquired a voice. "No, of oak, Master Sheriff, which is at least as trustworthy." "It is a strange omen," said Walcot ruminatively, "A what?" derisively chorused half a dozen voices. "'Tis not the first time oak has served Charles a good turn in his evil hour." "What's the man maundering about?" said West. "I know not," growled Rumsey. "Unless it be of that accursed Boscobel oak-tree. Well, well, I'll warrant root and branch shall be lopped this time close enough, eh, Master Rumbold? and we'll bring its fine acorns into the mud. Come, to business. Are we all here?" "I do not see my friend of the other night," said Howard looking round. "The young gentleman who so deftly rendered my hand that surgeon's service." "Lawrence Lee, you mean, my lord?" "Ay, that was his name. A likely young fellow he seemed. A neighbour of yours, I think you said, Master Hannibal?" "He should have been here," said the maltster; "but 'tis no matter, we can do without him. He is--" [Sidenote: Noisy rats.] "To be trusted, let us hope," growled West. "I swear, Master Rumbold," and he glowered towards the wainscot, "your rats are the noisiest I ever heard." Poor Ruth shivered with terror. She had but stirred to avert the worse crash of a slip she had nearly made in that cramped space. "The vane atop of this roof, creaking in the wind," said Rumbold carelessly. "If we should find these Rye House rats of the spy genus, we'll spit them on it," said West. "And you along with them, Master Rumbold," said a voice which had not yet spoken. [Sidenote: A chest of tools.]