“We desire your company,” replied Spikeman.  “It is out of our abundant affection therefor that we have been so bold, and in consideration of the motive, we pray you to pardon the offence.”

“This is insulting one who is unable to defend himself,” answered the young man; “but be sure, Master Spikeman, that for this, and other like favors, a day of bitter reckoning will come.”

“Spare thy threats, beardless boy,” said the Assistant, “and know that what I do is not without warrant.  Thy wisdom consists in submission, for thou seest we have a force thou art unable to resist.  But I may not waste further words.  Place the prisoner in the middle; watch him closely; treat him well, if submissive; but should he attempt escape, shoot him down.  Forward!”

After these orders, the men started on, taking Arundel with them, who entertained no purpose of flight, even though a favorable opportunity should present itself.

If he had doubted at first whither the party were directing their steps, the doubt was soon dissipated, and he became sure that it was to the habitation of Sir Christopher.  Meanwhile, he had been turning over in his mind his observations through the day, and became satisfied that he had been watched, and that the band by which he had been captured was sent after him, and, by taking a course somewhat different from his own, and hastening their speed, had succeeded in throwing themselves in front, so as to cut him off from the Knight’s house, whither they rightly judged he was going.  The determination was obvious, he thought, that, for the present, there should be no communication between Sir Christopher and himself.

Rapidly and in silence the party pushed on, until they came to the small clearing surrounding the Knight’s house.  Here they halted, and Spikeman placed his men around the open space so as completely to surround it, with orders for half or their number to advance simultaneously toward the centre, while the others remained in the shadow of the wood.  The manoeuvre was so skilfully executed, that it was impossible for any one within the house to escape—­the men composing the circle, meeting at the same moment at the centre.

The deep silence of the night was first interrupted by the noise the Assistant made on the door with the handle of his dagger.

“Who is there?” inquired the drowsy voice of one as if just awakened.

“A person demanding admission,” answered Spikeman.

“I know that, else would you not be knocking.  Very well; abide a moment till I don some clothing and I will open, when we will become better acquainted.”

Accordingly, in a few moments the door was opened, and Spikeman, with half a dozen men, rushed into the house, leaving the others to guard the exterior.  Philip Joy (for it was he) was instantly seized, and ordered to tell where the Knight was to be found.

“It is easier to ask questions than to get answers,” said Philip.  “For me, I never could speak plain till I had been awake a half hour or so.”