Now, my friends,
let each come forward with a list of the number of his friends who he will
engage shall be present on Thursday."
At this point, Guy, seeing that the main business of the meeting had been
declared, and that there now remained but to settle the details, got down
from his post. With the aid of some ivy he climbed the wall and dropped
down beyond it, and made his way back to his lodging. When Simon returned
an hour later, Guy was apparently as fast asleep as before. When sleeping
at the butchers' quarter he always rose at a very early hour, so that none
who might have noticed him in his butcher's attire should see him go out
in that of an apprentice, and he was obliged to walk about for some time
before he could call at the count's. As soon as he thought that they would
be likely to be stirring he knocked at the door. The old woman opened it.
"Is your master up yet?" he asked.
She nodded, and without further question he made his way upstairs to the
Italian's chamber.
"You are early, Master Aylmer," the latter said in surprise as he entered.
"Have you news of importance?"
"I have indeed, Count," and he at once related all that he had heard
through the hole in the shutter.
"The insolence of these people surpasses all bounds," the count said
angrily as he walked up and down the room. "Were there any force in the
town that could resist them I would warn the Duke of Aquitaine what was
intended, but as it is, nothing would be gained by it.
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