Food, however, we
can procure at Shrewsbury, from which point we shall take our start."
A retainer, at this moment, came out from the hall, and informed Oswald
that Sir Edmund would speak with him. When he entered, Mortimer said:
"My knights and I agree that this letter ought to be sent forward to
the king; for if it contains matters of importance, great harm might
result from delay, and the king's anger be excited against us, for not
having sent it to him. His orders to me were strict, that neither I nor
any of my force should join him; therefore I accept your offer, with
thanks. Have you formed any plan for your proceeding?"
Oswald repeated the substance of what he had said to Roger.
"I think, perhaps, you are right," Mortimer said, "and that you may
have more chance of getting safely through, on foot, than if you rode
with but a small force to escort you. When you are ready to start, I
will speak to you in private, touching some things connected with your
journey."
When Oswald returned, Mortimer said to him:
"You see, Master Oswald, the position is by no means simple. There can
be no doubt that the king regards me with no favourable eye. He holds
my nephews in his keeping, and doubtless imagines that I bear him ill
will.
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