"
"I have peasants yonder with spades," said Simon. "There are two
of my friends, Harding of Barnstable and West-country John who are
waiting for us with their gear. If you will come to lead us,
Squire Nigel, we are ready to venture our bodies in the attempt."
What would Knolles say in case they failed? The thought flashed
through Nigel's mind, but another came swiftly behind it. He
would not venture further unless he found hopes of success. And
if he did venture further he would put his life upon it. Giving
that, he made amends for all errors. And if on the other hand
success crowned their efforts, then Knolles would forgive his
failure at the gateway. A minute later, every doubt banished from
his mind, he was making his way through the darkness under the
guidance of Black Simon.
Outside the camp the two other men-at-arms were waiting for them,
and the four advanced together. Presently a little group of
figures loomed up in the darkness. It was a cloudy night, and a
thin rain was falling which obscured both the castle and the fort;
but a stone had been placed by Simon in the daytime which assured
that they were between the two.
"Is blind Andreas there?" asked Simon.
"Yes, kind sir, I am here," said a voice.
"This man," said Simon, "was once rich and of good repute, but he
was beggared by this robber lord, who afterwards put out his eyes
so that he has lived for many years in darkness at the charity of
others.
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