Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/121

Rh Edgar Mortimer may be rewarded for his hospitality."

With these words the Friar left them, carrying with him the little jar containing the wonderful compound. When he was out of hearing, Hugh spoke to Edgar in a low voice:

"I do not know whether we should harbor one who works such marvels—and yet—the Friar has done us good service. What do you think, my lord? Is there not wizard's work here? Surely I scented sulphur in the air!"

"I know nothing of such wonders," Edgar replied, "but I trust the man. My mother and my cousin see naught but good in him. And if it be of human art, surely you can make good use of that wonderful powder of his. Would it not be foolhardy to refuse so useful an ally?"

"But if it came from the evil powers?" Hugh demanded.

"Why, then," Edgar answered with a twinkle in his eye, "it can best be used to diminish evil by resisting the power of that robber Count, Guy de Ferrers. 'A house divided against itself cannot stand' says the gospel. So let us be thankful to turn the devil's weapons against himself. Meanwhile," he added, with a wide yawn, "unless I get to bed, I shall sleep through the whole siege!