midday
Swiftly Hugo and Humphrey turned their heads , Hugo with a smile and an encouraging motion of the hand toward his dog , and Humphrey with a frown . `` I would I knew who sent the hound after us , '' grumbled the disgusted serving-man to himself when , the shallow water reached , both riders drew rein for the horses to drink . Once across the Wharfe Humphrey led the way to a heavy thicket , and dismounting pushed the growth this way and that and so made a passage for the horses , Fleetfoot , Hugo , and himself . In the middle of the thick was a little cleared grassy place where , crowded closely together , all might find room , and here Humphrey announced that they would take their midday rest and meal . Hugo still said nothing , but he looked very determined , as Humphrey could see . `` But I go not to Selby , '' thought the stubborn serving-man . `` I run not my head into the king 's noose so near home . ''