Meanwhile lanterns had been glimmering in the lower portion of the
yard; men had been frantically shouting to each other, and their
voices had mingled with the trampling of horses' feet; and now,
everything being ready, the fact was announced, and in a few minutes
the cavalcade started out upon its expedition, determined not only
to rescue the maiden, but also to administer a sharp and well-merited
rebuke upon the faithless knight who had decoyed her away.

De la Zouch arrived at his castle soon after the party started from
Haddon, and although he had failed to lull the Vernons into a false
belief in his fidelity, yet he had put them on a wrong scent, and he
congratulated himself inasmuch as he had left behind him no strong
suspicion of the truth.

Simon Greenwood had retired to rest. Sir Henry was not expected home
so soon. Indeed, he had told his chamberlain confidentially that if
events progressed aright he should probably not return for a week or
maybe more, and the sudden return of his lord found the worthy deputy
in nowise prepared to meet him, and he had his good dame to thank
that, inasmuch as she had deprived him of liquor sufficient to make
him drunk, he was in no worse condition than he happened to be.

"Ha, Simon," exclaimed the knight, as that functionary put in an
appearance, "I am back again, you see."

"Troth, and in good time, too, my lord."

"Aye, I have come pretty quick, I assure you. The birds are safe, eh?"

"Safe enough, I would stake my head on that."