The dripping cloaks were hung up to the fir poles, to dry; and the
jerkins, which were also damp, although the water had not penetrated
through them, were spread near the fire.
"It was well that I bought this little skin of wine, last night," Roger
said. "You thought it was better to be without such a burden, but the
weight of a gallon of wine doesn't count for much, and it makes all the
difference in our comfort, here."
The rain had soaked through their provision bags, but the bread and
meat in the centre were dry; and of these they made a hearty meal and,
laying the wetted food round the fire to dry, they wound up the repast
with a long draught of wine.
"Now, as soon as our breeches are dry, Master Oswald, we shall be
thoroughly comfortable."
"Yes, one can wish for nothing better. But we must not forget that some
Welshmen may come along, and if so, will be sure to want to know what
is inside."
"Then, unless there happen to be more than a dozen of them, their
curiosity may cost them dear," Roger said grimly. "I don't think there
is much fear of it. We have neither seen nor heard of any, since we
started; and it would be evil fortune, indeed, if a party happened to
come along just at this spot.
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