Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/77

Rh said Count de Ferrers will possess himself of the castle and will inflict such punishment upon the refactoryrefractory [sic] inmates as their contumacy deserves."

Friar Bacon laughed aloud upon reading this strange composition, saying that it read more like the writing of a starveling clerk than like a herald's summons; whereupon, Edgar gladly turned over the message to the Franciscan to write an answer. This the Friar did briefly enough:

"Edgar, son of Francis, Baron Mortimer, holds his father's castle by right, and will defend it against the wrongful claim of Guy, Count de Ferrers."

This reply being delivered to Luke the Lurdane (who received it in his left hand, the right being still, to Hugh's satisfaction, supported in a sling from his shoulder), that worthy retainer rode back to his little party, and all disappeared into the shade of the woods.

"How soon," Edgar inquired of Hugh, as the two walked away together, "must we expect the beginning of this attack?"

"To-morrow morning at dawn," Hugh replied. "The Count would never have sent the summons until he was ready to follow it; but his men will never begin by a night attack, since they must sleep off the effects of their cups after dinner.