Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/233

Rh and her long hair was cropped close in peasant fashion. When all was done, Lady Mortimer stood back and holding a large candle examined the work critically, feeling that any error in the disguise might cost Amabel her life. But there was nothing to criticise, To all appearance the young girl was changed into a rough peasant boy, except that her skin was not tanned by the sun and outdoor air. But to account for this, Amabel had a story to tell. She meant to represent herself as an orphan boy, who had been left destitute and ill, and was now on his way to an uncle living not far from Nottingham. As Amabel had lived near Nottingham only a few years before, and was well acquainted with the region, she expected no difficulty in telling a straight story; or, rather, a crooked story that would seem straight.

When all was ready she bade Lady Mortimer, Hugh, and the Friar farewell, and accompanied by Edgar, who awaited her, went by a secret passage underground that led her to the bank of the river, where there was an opening far from the castle. Edgar carried his battle-ax and a small taper to light the way, and went first as the passage might possibly have been discovered and guarded by the Count's men.

But on reaching the opening they found nothing suspicious, and so stepped boldly out into the