THE KING AND THE BONDMEN.


 CHAPTER IV.
 AN ARRIVAL AT SUPPER-TIME-AND THE NEWS THAT
 FOLLOWED IT.

 JOCELIN'S departure roused the familyfrom their trouble:
 IIubert rose and closed the door, and fastened it with
 a stout wooden bar; and while a few sticks were thrown
 on the fire to raise a flame, he dropped a thick curtain
 over the window to prevent the light from being seen
 by anyone on the outside. Meantime, Cicely placed a
 piece of bacon on the table in a wooden trencher, and
 brought the cakes from the hearth, and the inmates
 of the humble dwelling sat down to their frugal supper.
 They were eating in silence, when a hasty knock
came at the door. Oh, there's Ralph," cried Cicely,
"I'm so glad !" and she sprang up to unbar the door.
 Let me go, child," said her father, we know not
who it may be." He rose, and going to the door, asked
who it was that knocked at that late hour.
 "A dusty-foot," was the answer.
 Hubert stood hesitating, when his wife said, That's
the voice of the pedlar, who brought us news of our
son from London. Let him come in." He imme-
diately unbarred the door, and admitted a tall strong
man, with a sunburnt face, a short staff in his hand, a
heavy pack on his shoulder, and dusty feet, as though
he had walked far.
 The stranger entered with a weary step, and flinging
his pack down in a corner, drew a stool to the hearth,
threw a handful of sticks on the fire, and seemed in-
clined to make himself at home. Hubert invited him
to share in the supper, on which the pedlar rose, and
looking at the table, said, 'Tis homely fare; however,