Free [Roger the Chapman 04] - The Holy Innocents by Kate Sedley Page A

where I did the same, also ensuring that the door to the covered gallery was locked. Downstairs, I went on my rounds again, padding from parlour to counting-house, across the courtyard to the kitchens and thence to the second courtyard, making certain that all was secured. Like Oliver Cozin, I did not believe Ihe outlaws would venture into the town, but there were thieves everywhere, and an empty house is always a temptation. Master Colet, I thought, might consider himself a very fortunate man that his property had not been robbed ere this.
    As I re-entered the main part of the house, I knew a moment's temptation myself to sleep upstairs on a feather mattress instead of downstairs, with only my cloak for blanket. But I was the night's custodian of the place, and could not afford to sleep too soundly. Too much comfort would lull my senses. I must embrace discomfort in order to discharge my promise to the lawyer. A degree of wakefulness would keep me alert for any alien noise. There was a privy in the outer courtyard which I had already used, so I placed a freshly lighted candle, in its holder, as close to the shutters as was safe, wrapped myself in my good frieze cloak and sat down on one of the armchairs, my feet resting on a stool, which I'd dragged in from the counting-house for that purpose.
    I cIosed my eyes and, within minutes, was fast asleep.

    The first deep slumber did not last, however, and as predicted I woke many times throughout the night, on one occasion rousing myself to prowl the length of the passageway and open the door into the courtyard, listening intently for any sound which might disturb the silence of the night. But all was quiet, not even a barking dog to intrude upon the general stillness. Another time, I rose and went upstairs, peering through a wide chink in the parlour shutters to stare down into the empty street. Nothing and no one stirred. If the outlaws were up and about their evil business, it was not within the walls and defences of Totnes.
    I woke at least twice more, before failing into a doze which lasted until strong sunlight, piercing the shutters, told me that it was day. I started forward in my chair with a deafening snort, and the taste of last night's garlic foul in my mouth.
    The candle was almost burned down, only an inch or so of tallow still remaining. I blew out the flame, disentangled myself from my cloak, took my razor and soap, together with my tinder-box, from my pack, picked up the key and went out to the courtyard. Here, I stripped and washed as well as I could whilst working the pump with one or other of my hands, shook myself dry, like a dog, dressed again and drew up water from the well, carrying the bucket into the kitchen.
    There was still some tinder in the brazier which I lit, setting a pan of water over it to heat. While I waited, I considered what it would be best for me to do.
    Sometime during the day, I must visit Oliver Cozin and tell him if I were willing or not to accept his offer to remain in the house until the end of the week. But before I did that, I wished to renew my acquaintance with Grizelda Harbourne, which meant a walk of some miles to her holding near Bow Creek. And for such a walk I should need sustenance: my stomach was already rumbling with hunger, making me feel quite faint. I must therefore visit the ale-house near the castle and buy myself breakfast. My mouth began to water at the prospect.
    I shaved as quickly as possible and rubbed my teeth with willow bark, as I have seen Welshmen do and for which purpose I always carry a sliver in my pocket, gathering fresh pieces as I go. At last I had finished and, returning to the front part of the house, I stowed away my pack, made sure all was safe, locked the street door behind me and slipped the key into my pocket. Then I directed my feet towards the castle inn.

    Grizelda was outside the cottage when I entered the clearing, planting leeks in a patch of ground within the paling of her garden, but