"
For half a mile Simon led the way until they came to a large house
which stood by itself. Peering at it from the edge of the
cutting, Aylward could see that it was made from the wreckage of
many vessels, for at each corner a prow was thrust out. Lights
blazed within, and there came the sound of a strong voice singing
a gay song which was taken up by a dozen others in the chorus.
"All is well, lad!" whispered Simon in great delight. "That is
the voice of the King. It is the very song he used to sing. 'Les
deux filles de Pierre.' 'Fore God, my back tingles at the very
sound of it. Here we will wait until his company take their
leave."
Hour after hour they crouched in the peat-cutting, listening to
the noisy songs of the revelers within, some French, some English,
and all growing fouler and less articulate as the night wore on.
Once a quarrel broke out and the clamor was like a cageful of wild
beasts at feeding-time. Then a health was drunk and there was
much stamping and cheering.
Only once was the long vigil broken. A woman came forth from the
house and walked up and down, with her face sunk upon her breast.
She was tall and slender, but her features could not be seen for a
wimple over her head. Weary sadness could be read in her bowed
back and dragging steps. Once only they saw her throw her two
hands up to Heaven as one who is beyond human aid.
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