CHAPTER XXVI. THEY BRING THE BARON INTO EAST CHEAPING.
SO on the morrow just before midnight came Osberne and Stephen and the four others to the postern abovesaid. Osberne and the four were clad, over their armour, in frocks and hoods of up-country fashion; but Stephen was in his minstrel's raiment, save that he bore no fiddle, and had a heavy short sword girt to him under his cotehardy. The night was moonless, but there was little cloud, so that there was a glimmer of starlight. As they opened the door came forth from the ingle a tall man, unarmed as it seemed, and clad as a gangrel carle, and Stephen without more ado stretched out his long arm and caught him by the breast of his coat. The man stirred not nor strove, but said softly: Dost thou not know me, Stephen the Eater? I come to see the child of Wethermel; he shall know me by the token of the Imposition of Hands. And I am come to help him and all you. That heard Osberne and spake softly to the others: This is a friend and a stout-heart; he shall be of all avail to us. Speak not, said Stephen, but hold we on, and go crouching till we be under the lee of the dyke. Even so did they, and Stephen led the way, but Osberne came next and Steelhead with him; they spake not together, but Osberne felt the stronger for having him beside him, and his heart was full of joy.
