Pressing the Fair Geraldine to his breast, the Earl committed her to the
charge of his friend, and tearing himself away, followed the steps of the
demon. He had not proceeded far when he heard his name pronounced
by a voice issuing from the tree above him. Looking up, he saw Herne in
one of the topmost branches, and at a sign, instantly climbed up to him.
The thick foliage screened them from observation, arid Surrey
concluded his guide was awaiting the disappearance of the sentinel,
who was at that moment approaching the tree. But such apparently
was not the other's intentions; for the man had scarcely passed than
Herne sprang upon the ramparts, and the poor fellow turning at the
sound, was almost scared out of his senses at the sight of the dreaded
fiend. Dropping his halbert, he fell upon his face with a stifled cry Herne
then motioned Surrey to descend, and they marched together quickly
to a low door opening into the keep. Passing through it, and ascending
a flight of steps, they stood upon the landing at the top of the staircase
communicating with the Norman Tower, and adjoining the entrance to
Surrey's chamber.
Apparently familiar with the spot, Herne took down a large key from a
nail in the wall, against which it hung, and unlocked the door.
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