Nor was there any other
chosen afterward in his place, as those who read the records of that
ancient port may discover for themselves.
When Master de Cressi and his people were gone, having first searched
the great manor-house and found none in it save a few serving-men and
women, whom he swore to put to death if they disobeyed him, Grey Dick
raised the drawbridge. Then, all being made safe, he set a watch upon
the walls and saw that there was wood in the iron cradle on the topmost
tower in case it should be needful to light the beacon and bring aid.
But it was not, since the sun rose before any dared to draw near those
walls, and then those that came proved to be friendly folk from Dunwich
bearing the ill news that the Frenchmen were clean away.
About midnight the door of the chamber in which Sir Andrew knelt by a
bed whereon lay Hugh de Cressi opened and the tall Eve entered, bearing
a taper in her hand. For now her mind had returned to her and she knew
all.
"Is he dead, Father?" she asked in a small, strange voice; then, still
as any statue, awaited the answer that was more to her than life.
"Nay, daughter. Down on your knees and give thanks. God, by the skill I
gained in Eastern lands, has stayed the flow of his life's blood, and I
say that he will live."
Then he showed her how her father's sword had glanced from the short
hood of chain-mail which he had given Hugh, stunning him, but leaving
the skull unbroken.
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