across to a pair of iron gates, which looked into an outer court, within which was another high wall. Peter I observed trembled with apprehension, but I boldly pulled the bell: In a little time a boy appeared, and demanded "who and what we were?"
I replied, "A Gentleman and his servant, who travelling had lost their way, and begged shelter for the night."
The boy replied, "That his master having been ill, was retired to rest, his Lady also; that the servants were likewise going to bed, and he could not disturb them, or admit strangers into the house: If we returned through the wood, and kept to the right-hand of the Forest, we should reach a small village." Ending these words he disappeared abruptly, and, though I repeatedly called to him, did not return.
Peter rejoiced that we were not to enter this Castle, pressed our immediate return lest our horses should be stolen. Vexed and reluctant I found myself obliged to comply, as I saw no probability of getting entrance
