Hie, you there," he called
to one of the men-at-arms, "go to Master de Cressi's house and bid him
meet us by the market-cross mounted and armed, with all his sons and
people. And, you, get out my horse. Mother Agnes, bring my armour,
since I have no other squire! We'll go to the Mayor. Now, while I don my
harness, tell me all that's passed, wasting no words."
Another half-hour almost had gone by before Hugh met his father, two of
his brothers and some men riding into the market-place. They greeted in
haste but thankfulness, and something of the tale was told while they
passed on to the house of the Mayor, who, as they thought, had already
been warned of their coming by messengers. But here disappointment
awaited them, for this officer, a man of wealth and honour, was, as it
chanced, absent on a visit to Norwich, whence it was said that he would
not return for three full days.
"Now what shall we do?" asked Sir Andrew, his face falling. "It is
certain that the burgesses of Dunwich will not draw sword in an unknown
quarrel, except upon the direct order of their chief, for there is no
time to collect them and publish the King's warrant. It would seem that
we must wait till to-morrow and prepare to-night."
"Not I," answered Hugh. "The warrant is to me as well as to the Mayor.
I'll leave it with his clerk, which is good delivery, and away to
Blythburgh Manor on the instant with any who will follow me, or without
them.
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