"It would seem so," replied the duke.
The old woman now thought proper to assume a more respectful
demeanour towards her visitors, and inquired whether her son should
attend upon them on his return from the forest, but they said it was
unnecessary.
"The king is about to have a grand hunting-party the day after to-
morrow," observed Surrey, "and we wished to give your son some
instructions respecting it. They can, however, be delivered to another
keeper."
And they departed with Bryan, and returned to the castle. At midnight
they again issued forth. Their steeds awaited them near the upper
gate, and, mounting, they galloped across the greensward in the
direction of Herne's Oak. Discerning no trace of the ghostly huntsman,
they shaped their course towards the forest.
Urging their steeds to their utmost speed, and skirting the long avenue,
they did not draw the rein till they reached the eminence beyond it;
having climbed which, they dashed down the farther side at the same
swift pace as before. The ride greatly excited them, but they saw
nothing of the wild huntsman; nor did any sound salute their ears
except the tramp of their own horses, or the occasional darting forth of
a startled deer.
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