WILLIAM FITZ-OSBERT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 66, 18 March 1871, Page 2

WILLIAM FITZ-OSBERT.

A STOEY OF LONDON LIFE IN THE DATS OF RICHARD CCEUR DE LION. From the Faviily Friend. As Sir Hugh closed the door behind him, and descended to the hall below, he thought he heajrd a strange sound in the chamber where \he had just left his mother on her knees; B«t he proceeded on his^tay .with.-* pale face and knitted brow, aha near]~^ stumbled over Walrick, who had besn\hVtening at the door, and had fallen down the first flight of stairs in attempting a retreat. "Hold! hold, my lord! Be firm; these are slippery times," shouted the fool, rolling from under his master's feet. " What are you doing here?" asked Sir Hugh abruptly. ".I am suffering under the discomfiture of a most miserable fall, my lord. I was about to ascend the stairs when my foot slipped, and —and —and —" " Silence, Walrick! lean see tbe lie on your face," returned Sir Hugh sternly. " Well, my lord, I do confess I've had a lie on my back." " I am in no humour for your foolery.

You have been playing the spy — you need not deny it. You are growing more deceitful every day. "I have been backsliding, most truly, my lord," muttered Walrick, rising from the ground with a dejected expression, and planting himself against the wall t/aUow his master room to part. \ Sir Hugh did not or would not hear this last remark, but went on his way to see that the horses were all properly attended to, and to examine the outer gate, the moat, and other defences of the stronghold. The campaign in which he had been engaged had given him valuable experience in such matters, and for many serious reasons he was anxious to ascertain the points of strength and weakness in the old Tower. Although subsequent alterations had given it a form similar to other Norman castles, Danedred Tower was originally a Saxon stronghold, erected, as its namu implies, to protect the country from the frequent incursions of the Danes. Its walls were of unusual thickness, and the moat was almost as deep and wide as that which was then being made round the Tower of London. Having satisfied himself that the old tower would stand out well against any possible attack, Sir Hugh ordered the' garrison to assemble, and having briefly \ddressed them, gave instructions for the maintenance of a proper watch and Avard. \