Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/44

20 have risked this enterprise except for the advice of a very shrewd fellow in his employ. This man, named "Luke the Lurdane," or "Luke the Fool," was not what this nickname would indicate. The name had been given to him not for lack of brains, but because of his playful ways and mocking-tongue. Luke was clever and skillful, and had much influence over Ferrers, who valued his opinion even more than he would have confessed.

One afternoon the two rode out upon the hilly road that was the way between the two castles, and only drew rein when they were in sight of the Mortimer towers from which the red-lion flag was fluttering in the autumn breeze. Guy de Ferrers remained on horseback gazing at the distant castle, while Luke dismounted, sat down upon a stone by the roadside, and began idly to throw pebbles at a nodding thistle-head. At last, since Ferrers said nothing Luke began to speak:

"My lord," said he, "if eyes were soldiers, you would have two castles by now; for with your envious glances you have taken the Mortimer keep half a dozen times this month. But I'm afraid there will be many a long week before you will see more than the outside of those gray walls."

"And yet," Ferrers said, still without taking his eyes from the fluttering banner, "I believe that it might be had for the taking. We have two