Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/313

Rh it left Edgar free to go with Hugh and three stout soldiers at nightfall to the opening of the underground way.

Hardly had they arrived at the end of the passage and, pushing aside the thick bushes that screened the entrance, stepped out upon the river-shore, when they heard the sound of oars, but faintly, as if the oars had been muffled. They could see nothing, but soon a light skiff approached, and they heard its prow come with a grating sound into the pebbly shore. Then a young fellow stepped ashore, a well-built young man in a suit of mail, and turning assisted the Lady Amabel—who was again in woman's clothing—to alight.

Edgar stepped forward and took her in his arms, saying: "Good news or bad news—I am thankful that you are once more with us!"

Amabel turned and greeted Hugh, grasping his hand warmly, and then spoke to her companion:

"This is Edgar, son of Baron Mortimer, and this is Hugh of Cambray, the baron's comrade in arms, whom he left in charge of the garrison. Edgar and Hugh, I come with Henry of Huntingdon, the son of the Earl. His father is upon the further shore with his forces. But come, let us go into the castle, where I can tell you something of my story. How goes on the siege?"