But it was a sickening thought to him, that his men had been fighting and
he not at their head.
After a while there came to Bedford Castle two witty knaves. One was a
cook, who "came to buy milk," says the chronicler; the other seemingly a
gleeman. They told stories, jested, harped, sang, drank, and pleased much
the garrison and Sir Robert, who let them hang about the place.
They asked next, whether it were true that the famous Hereward was there?
If so, might a man have a look at him?
The jailer said that many men might have gone to see him, so easy was Sir
Robert to him. But he would have no man; and none dare enter save Sir
Robert and he, for fear of their lives. But he would ask him of Herepol.
The good knight of Herepol said, "Let the rogues go in; they may amuse the
poor man."
So they went in, and as soon as they went, he knew them. One was Martin
Lightfoot, the other Leofric the Unlucky.
"Who sent you?" asked he surlily, turning his face away.
"She."
"Who?"
"We know but one she, and she is at Crowland."
"She sent you? and wherefore?"
"That we might sing to you, and make you merry."
Hereward answered them with a terrible word, and turned his face to the
wall, groaning, and then bade them sternly to go.
So they went, for the time.
The jailer told this to Sir Robert, who saw all, being a kind-hearted man.
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