Certain it was that the sound of diabolical laughter, mingled with
the rattling of the chain and the sharp blows of the hammer, smote his
ears. The laughter became yet louder as Bouchier advanced, the
hammering ceased, and the clanking of the chain showed that its
mysterious wearer was approaching the foot of the steps to meet him.
But the captain had not nerve enough for the encounter. Invoking the
protection of the saints, he beat a precipitate retreat, and closed the
little door at the head of the steps after him.
The demon was apparently satisfied with the alarm he had occasioned,
for the hammering was not renewed at that time.
VIII Showing the Vacillations of the King between Wolsey and Anne
Boleyn.
Before returning to the state apartments, Henry took a turn on the
ramparts on the north side of the castle, between the Curfew Tower
and the Winchester Tower, and lingered for a short time on the bastion
commanding that part of the acclivity where the approach, called the
Hundred Steps, is now contrived. Here he cautioned the sentinels to be
doubly vigilant throughout the night, and having gazed for a moment at
the placid stream flowing at the foot of the castle, and tinged with the
last rays of the setting sun, he proceeded to the royal lodgings, and
entered the banquet chamber, where supper was already served.
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