Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/45

Rh hundred stout fellows within call, and in two days they might be gathered, armed, and sent forward before the stripling knew that anything was afoot. I have half a mind to try it."

"You will need a whole mind and more," Luke replied, throwing another pebble that set the thistle nodding. "If we had to deal only with young Edgar, I would march against the old pile of stones without waiting to strap on my mail. But the old fox has been there, as I have told you, and they will not be taken unawares. If you will take my advice, my lord, I have a plan in which without risk you may gain much."

"Come, mount," said Lord Ferrers; "it is time to return, and we will talk over your plan upon our way."

Luke rose lazily, climbed slowly into the saddle, and rode after. When they were side by side Luke explained the plan that he believed might be executed without risk. The other listened attentively, giving an occasional nod of satisfaction. When Luke had finished, Guy de Ferrers exclaimed:

"Luke, we will try it; and you shall have a double handful of good gold pieces if the enterprise succeeds. Then, if I take the castle, you shall be cared for so long as you live. If it fails, we can go back to the other method without loss."