But presently, roused by hoarse laughter, he glanced up to find the three
plaguing the helpless prisoner with sundry kicks and buffets; so Jocelyn
crossed the dungeon, and putting the tormentors aside, stood amazed to
behold in this latest captive none other than Sir Pertinax. Straightway he
loosed off the gag, whereupon the good knight incontinent swore a gasping
oath and prayed his limbs might be loosed also; the which done, he
forthwith sprang up, and falling on the astonished three, he beat and
clouted them with fist and manacles, and drave them to and fro about the
dungeon.
"Ha, dogs! Wilt spurn me with they vile feet, buffet me with thy beastly
hands, forsooth!" roared he and kicked and cuffed them so that they,
thinking him mad, cried aloud in fear until Sir Pertinax, growing a-weary,
seated himself against the wall, and folding his arms, scowled indignant
upon Jocelyn who greeted him merrily:
"Hail and greeting to thee, my Pertinax; thy gloomy visage is a joy!"
Sir Pertinax snorted, but spake not; wherefore the Duke questioned him full
blithe: "What fair, good wind hath blown thee dungeon-wards, sweet soul?"
"Ha!" quoth the knight.
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