"
Hereward rode close to the wicket, and said in a low voice, "I am a
nobleman of Flanders, good sir, and a sworn foe to all French. My horse is
weary, and cannot make a step forward; and if you be a Christian man, you
will take me in and let me go off safe ere morning light."
"From Flanders?" And the man turned and seemed to consult those within. At
length the door was slowly opened, and Perry appeared, his double axe over
his shoulder.
"If you be from Flanders, come in for mercy; but be quick, ere those
Frenchmen get wind of you."
Hereward went in. Five or six men were standing round the long table, upon
which they had just laid down their double axes and javelins. More than
one countenance Hereward recognized at once. Over the peat-fire in the
chimney-corner sat a very old man, his hands upon his knees, as he warmed
his bare feet at the embers. He started up at the noise, and Hereward saw
at once that it was old Surturbrand, and that he was blind.
"Who is it? Is Hereward come?" asked he, with the dull, dreamy voice of
age.
"Not Hereward, father," said some one, "but a knight from Flanders."
The old man dropped his head upon his breast again with a querulous whine,
while Hereward's heart beat high at hearing his own name. At all events he
was among friends; and approaching the table he unbuckled his sword and
laid it down among the other weapons.
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