Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/143

Rh her way, if remaining unconvinced of its wisdom.

"My mother," he said, "begs me to grant your request, and of course I shall not refuse. After all, I do not know that you, even in the open country, will be in any greater danger than if you remain to stand the chances of the siege. So, Amabel, when the right time comes, you shall go forth, and bring us aid if you can. Good-night, my cousin, and reflect well before deciding to undertake so dangerous a mission. Meanwhile we will consult as to the wisest way of sending you out, and of insuring your safety."

Amabel left them, and the discussion of ways and means was resumed, and continued until late, for all felt that the next few days would bring about most vigorous efforts by the Count. It was necessary that the garrison should be better informed as to what was to be done against them, and it seemed as if Amabel's proposal had been taken as a hint by the Friar, for the old man offered suddenly to go as a spy among the besiegers, and to find out what they were preparing.

"I can slip out," said he, "early in the morning—even before daylight. They will never know me, in the world, having seen me only as a mendicant Friar at the door of the Count's castle. I will alter the cut of my beard, and will appear