Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/232

204 forces of the enemy might be near enough to charge upon his workmen; and besides, he realized that to dig away the earth that formed the causeway across the moat would not long delay the besiegers. They could easily construct a rolling bridge and place it over the moat within an hour or two. Also, his men were weary, and they, too, had been greatly alarmed by the explosion, although he and the Friar had done their best to assure them that it was no accident, but a prearranged surprise. So he sent them to rest, after serving out an ample supply of food and ale, leaving only double sentries upon the walls.

Amabel, having been informed that it was decided she should set out that night, went to her own apartment, and with the assistance of Lady Mortimer, arranged her disguise. She had made her costume ready some time before. This was not a difficult undertaking, since it was only such a ragged dress as the poorest farmer's boy might wear. Around her waist, underneath her clothing, she had a leather belt, made double and containing a few gold bezants. She carried her little dagger in her bosom, and over her shoulder was a battered scrip containing some bits of bread and meat. She carried no written message of any sort, since it would have been an unnecessary risk. She had soiled and begrimed her face and hands,