[Roger the Chapman 04] - The Holy Innocents Read Free Page B

her off. They would never have gone to the trouble of muffling her. They have taken her as a layer. Outlaws, I presume, enjoy eggs as well as their more law-abiding brothers.' I glanced round me yet again, at the little clearing, bright with spring grass, surrounded by the shadowy trees. 'I repeat, you were extremely lucky. They must have come across your cottage when they were already laden down with booty. They probably heard the hen clucking and decided to take her on the spur of the moment. I'm sorry. You'll miss her.' Grizelda nodded slowly. 'Félice was not only a companion, but also a source of livelihood. I was able to sell her eggs in Totnes market and the scrapings from the coop to the washerwomen of the town for bleach. Bird droppings help make an excellent lye, as you probably know.' Her worried gaze met mine, and she shivered. 'I can't believe those devils were here, prowling around my cottage, while I slept in ignorance inside. It makes my flesh crawl to think of it.' I hesitated, unwilling to commit myself; but at the same time racked with guilt at the thought of her sleeping here alone. Having once stumbled upon her holding, it was probable that the outlaws would return to steal the cow and pig they had been forced to leave behind. Reluctantly, I said, 'I propose selling my wares in Totnes today, but I can return at sundown, should you wish it. If you can provide me with bracken and a blanket, I shall be comfortable on the floor. It's what I'm used to.'
    A smile lifted the corners of her mouth, and she touched me fleetingly on the arm. 'You're very kind, Master Chapman, but I have no need to impose upon you. I have a friend in Ashprington. She and her goodman will give me and the animals shelter if I ask it.'  
    I breathed a silent sigh of relief, then caught the mocking look of understanding in those deep brown eyes. Flushing slightly, I urged, 'Let me beg you to do so, for tonight at least, and for some nights to come, if they can shelter you.'
      'I shall visit my friend as soon as you have left. Now, let me get you your breakfast. We have the last eggs Félice laid before she was taken.' Her voice trembled, and she turned abruptly on her heel, moving in the direction of the cottage.
    I was about to follow her, but suddenly stood rooted to the spot. Had I been a dog, my hackles would have risen.
    Grizelda, pausing to look over her shoulder, called, 'What's the matter?' When I did not reply, she retraced her steps a little. 'What is it?' she insisted.
    For answer, I shook my head, waving her to silence and scanning the encircling trees, but, except for the distant drilling of a woodpecker, all was still and silent. Cautiously, I advanced to the edge of that pillared darkness and padded between the ivy-covered trunks, some with yawning holes wide enough for owls to nest in... Then, from the corner of one eye, I detected a flash of movement and spun about to meet it, cursing that I did not have my cudgel with me. It was in the cottage, where I had abandoned it when Grizelda and I went out to inspect the hen-coop.
    The scarecrow figure who came at me had a knife. I saw the bright flash of the blade as he raised it, ready to strike.
    Grizelda, who had come running, screamed at the sight of it, fortunately deflecting my adversary's attention and giving me that necessary moment's grace in which to grab his wrist in a crushing grip, before twisting his arm up behind him. The man yelped with pain and dropped his knife from fingers which suddenly had no feeling. I let him go, stooping quickly to obtain possession of the weapon before he could retrieve it. Then, while he was still nursing his injured wrist, I put one arm in a stranglehold about his neck, pinioning him with the other clasped around his body.
    'Run back to the cottage and get something to tie him up with,' I commanded Grizelda.
    She did not move, however. 'I know this man,' she said. 'He's not one of the outlaws, if that is what you're thinking. His