Tell this to thy lord.

I ask not his confidence nor thine, nay, I would refuse it were it offered--I would know no more than my own thoughts, but I honor him, aye, and from my very heart I honor thee! Hush! not a word in answer; my speech is rude, but my heart is true; and now a few steps more and we are there," and without waiting for reply he turned suddenly, and the page found himself in the very centre of the camp, near the entrance of a small pavilion, before which two sentinels were stationed, fully armed, and pacing up and down their stated posts; the pennon of Hereford floated from the centre staff, above the drapery, marking the tent and all its appurtenances peculiarly the earl's.

The watchword was exchanged, and the sentinels lowered their arms on recognizing one of their leaders.
"Let this boy have egress and ingress from and to this tent, unquestioned and unmolested," he said; "he has the Earl of Hereford's permission, nay, commands, to wait on Sir Nigel Bruce.

His business lieth principally with him; but if he hath need to quit his side, he is to pass free.

Report this to your comrades." The soldiers bowed in respectful acquiescence.