THE LANCES OF LYNWOOD

by

CHARLOTTE M. YONGE

PREFACE

For an explanation of the allusions in the present Tale, scarcely anyNotes are necessary, save a reference to the bewitching Chronicle ofFroissart; and we cannot but hope that our sketch may serve as aninducement to some young readers to make acquaintance with thedelectable old Canon for themselves, undeterred by the size of histomes. 

The story of Orthon is almost verbally copied from him, and bears acurious resemblance to various German legends--such as that of"Heinzelman, " to be found in Keightley's "Fairy Mythology, " and to"Teague of the Lea, " as related in Croker's "Irish Fairy Legends. "

The old French "Vie de Bertrand du Guesclin" has likewise been drawnupon for materials, and would have supplied much more of greatinterest, such as Enrique of Trastamare's arrival in the disguise of apalmer, to consult with him during his captivity at Bordeaux, and manymost curious anecdotes of his early childhood and youth. 

To Breton tradition, his excellent wife Epiphanie Raguenel owes hertitle of Tiphaine la fee, meaning that she was endowed with magicpower, which enabled her to predict what would be lucky or unlucky daysfor her husband. His disregard of them was thought to have twice costhim the loss of a battle. 

We must apologize for having made Henry of Lancaster a year or twoolder than is warranted by the date of his birth. 

THE LANCES OF LYNWOOD

CHAPTER I

Seldom had the interior of this island presented a more peaceful andprosperous aspect than in the reign of Edward III. , when the moreturbulent spirits among his subjects had found occupation in hisforeign wars, and his wise government had established at home a degreeof plenty, tranquility, and security, such as had probably never beforebeen experienced in England. 

Castle and cottage, church and convent, alike showed the prosperity andsafety of the inhabitants, at once by the profuseness of embellishmentin those newly erected, and by the neglect of the jealous precautionsrequired in former days of confusion and misrule. Thus it was with thevillage of Lynwood, where, among the cottages and farm-houses occupyinga fertile valley in Somersetshire, arose the ancient Keep, built ofgray stone, and strongly fortified; but the defences were kept uprather as appendages of the owner's rank, than as requisite for hisprotection; though the moat was clear of weeds, and full of water, thedrawbridge was so well covered with hard-trodden earth, overgrown atthe edges with grass, that, in spite of the massive chains connectingit with the gateway, it seemed permanently fixed on the ground. Thespikes of the portcullis frowned above in threatening array, but awreath of ivy was twining up the groove by which it had once descended, and the archway, which by day stood hospitably open, was at night onlyguarded by two large oaken doors, yielding to a slight push. Beneaththe southern wall of the castle court were various flower-beds, thepride and delight of the old seneschal, Ralph Penrose, in his ownestimation the most important personage of Lynwood Keep, manager of theservants, adviser of the Lady, and instructor of the young gentleman inthe exercises of chivalry. 

One fine evening, old Ralph stood before the door, his bald foreheadand thin iron-gray locks unbonneted, and his dark ruddy-brown face(marked at Halidon Hill with a deep scar) raised with an air ofdeference, and yet of self-satisfaction, towards the Lady who stood onthe steps of the porch. She was small and fragile in figure; her face, though very lovely, was pale and thin, and her smile had in itsomething pensive and almost melancholy, as she listened to hisnarration of his dealings with a refractory tenant, and at the sametime watched a noble-looking child of seven or eight years old, who, mounted on an old war-horse, was led round the court by a youth, hiselder by some ten or eleven years. 

"See mother!" cried the child, "I am holding the reins myself. UncleEustace lays not a finger on them!"

"As I was saying, madam, " continued Ralph, disregarding theinterruption, "I told him that I should not have thought of oneexempted from feudal service in the camp, by our noble Knight, beingdeficient in his dues in his absence. I told him we should see how heliked to be sent packing to Bordeaux with a sheaf of arrows on hisback, instead of the sheaf of wheat which ought to be in our granary bythis time. But you are too gentle with them, my Lady, and they growinsolent in Sir Reginald's long absence. "

"All goes ill in his absence, " said the Lady. "It is a weary whilesince the wounded archer brought tidings of his speedy return. "

"Therefore, " said the youth, turning round, "it must be the nearer athand. Come sweet sister Eleanor, cheer up, for he cannot but comesoon. "

"So many _soons_ have passed away, that my heart is well-nigh too sickfor hope, " said Eleanor. "And when he comes it will be but a brightdream to last for a moment. He cannot long be spared from the Prince'sside. "

"You must go with him, then, sister, and see how I begin my days ofchivalry--that is, if he will but believe me fit to bear shield andlance. "

"Ah! Master Eustace, if you were but such as I have seen others of yourrace, " said Ralph, shaking his head. "There was Sir Henry--at your agehe had made the Scottish thieves look about them, I promise you. Andto go no further back than Sir Reginald himself--he stood by thePrince's side at Crecy ere he was yet fifteen!"

"It is not my fault that I have not done as much, Ralph, " said Eustace. "It is not for want of the will, as you know full well. "

"No. Thanks to me, I trust you have the will and the teaching, atleast, to make a good Knight, " said Ralph. "And yet, while I think ofthe goodly height and broad shoulders of those that have gone beforeyou--"

"But hark! hark!" cried Eustace, cutting short a comparison which didnot seem likely to be complimentary. "Dost not hear, Ralph? A horn!"

"The Lynwood note! My husband's note! O thanks, thanks to theSaints!" cried the Lady, clasping her hands, whilst Eustace, vaultinginto the saddle behind his little nephew, rode across the drawbridge asfast as the stiffened joints of old Blanc Etoile could be prevailed onto move. Gaining the summit of a rising ground, both at once shouted, "Our own pennon! It is himself!" as they beheld the dark blue crossleton an argent field floating above a troop of horsemen, whose armourglanced in the setting sun. 

"There are the Lances of Lynwood, Arthur, " said Eustace, leaping to theground. "Keep your seat, and meet your father like a brave Knight'sson. "

He then settled the reins in the child's hand, and walked beside him tomeet the new-comers. They were about twenty in number, armed alikewith corselets marked with the blue cross, steel headpieces, and longlances. In front rode two of higher rank. The first was a man ofnoble mien and lofty stature, his short dark curled hair and beard, andhandsome though sunburnt countenance, displayed beneath his small bluevelvet cap, his helmet being carried behind him by a man-at-arms, andhis attire consisting of a close-fitting dress of chamois leather, awhite mantle embroidered with the blue cross thrown over one shoulder, and his sword hanging by his side. His companion, who carried at hissaddle-bow a shield blazoned with heraldic devices in scarlet and gold, was of still greater height, and very slight; his large keen eyes, hairand moustache, black as jet; and his complexion dark brown, with awell-formed aquiline nose, and a perfect and very white set of teeth. 

The instant the first-mentioned horseman perceived Eustace and Arthur, he sprang to the ground and hurried to meet them with rapidaffectionate greetings and inquiries. In another moment Dame Eleanorappeared on the drawbridge, and, weeping with joy, was clasped in herhusband's arms. Behind her stood the venerable chaplain, Father Cyril, and a step or two further off, Ralph Penrose, both of whom in turnreceived the kindly greetings of Sir Reginald Lynwood, as, with hiswife hanging on his arm and his boy holding his hand, he passed underthe gateway of his ancestral castle. Turning the next moment, headdressed his tall companion: "Friend Gaston, I bid you welcome! DameEleanor, and you, brother Eustace, I present to you my trusty Esquire, Master Gaston d'Aubricour. "

Due courtesies passed between the Lady and the Squire, who, after a fewwords with the Knight, remained to see the disposal of the men, whileSir Reginald himself entered the hall with his wife, son and brother. Eustace did not long remain there: he found that Reginald and Eleanorhad much to say to each other, and his curiosity and interest were, besides, greatly excited by the novelty of the scene presented by thecastle court, so different from its usual peaceful monotony. The menwere unsaddling their horses, rubbing them down, walking them about, orremoving the stains of dust and mud from their own armour, while otherswere exchanging greetings with the villagers, who were gathering injoyous parties round such of the newly arrived as were natives of theplace. 

In the midst stood the strange Squire, superintending a horse-boy whowas rubbing down the Knight's tall war-horse, and at the same timeordering, giving directions, answering inquiries, or grantingpermission to the men to return home with their relations. RalphPenrose was near, his countenance, as Eustace could plainly perceive, expressing little satisfaction at finding another authority in thecourt of Lynwood Keep; the references to himself short, brief, andrapid, and only made when ignorance of the locality compelled thestranger to apply for information. The French accent and occasionalFrench phrases with which the Squire spoke, made him contract his browmore and more, and at last, just as Eustace came up, he walked slowlyaway, grumbling to himself, "Well, have it e'en your own way, I am tooold for your gay French fashions. It was not so in Humfrey Harwood'stime, when-- But the world has gone after the French now! Sir Reginaldhas brought home as many Gascon thieves as kindly Englishmen!"

Eustace listened for a moment to his mutterings, but without answeringthem, and coming within a few steps of the stranger, stood waiting tooffer him any courtesy in his power, though at the same time he feltabashed by the consciousness of his inferiority in accomplishments andexperience. 

It was the Squire who was the first to speak. "So this is SirReginald's old Keep! A fine old fortalice--would stand at least afortnight's siege. Ha! Is not yonder a weak point? I would undertaketo scale that tower, so the battering-rams made a diversion on theother side. "

"I trust it will never be tried, " said Eustace. 

"It would be as fair a feat of arms as ever you beheld! But I craveyour pardon, " added he, displaying his white teeth with a merry laugh;"the state of my own land has taught me to look on every castle witheyes for attack and defence, and your brother tells me I am not behindmy countrymen in what you English call gasconades. "

"You have seen many sieges and passages of arms?" asked Eustace, looking up in his face with an expression at once puzzled andrespectful. 

"Since our castle of Albricorte was sacked and burnt by the Count deBearn, I have seen little else--three stricken fields--two townsstormed--castles more than I can remember. "

"Alas!" said Eustace, "I have seen nothing but the muster of arms atTaunton!"

D'Aubricour laughed. "Look not downcast on it, " said he; "you havetime before you and one year at Bordeaux is worth four elsewhere. But Iforget, you are the young clerk; and yet that scarcely accords withthat bright eye of yours, and the weapon at your side. "

"They spoke once of making me a clerk, " said Eustace; "but I hope toshow my brother that I am fit for his own way of life. Sir Squire, dobut tell me, do you think I look unfit to sustain the honour of myname?"

"Mere strength is little, " said the Squire, "else were that comelygiant John Ingram, the best warrior in the army. Nor does heightreckon for much; Du Guesclin himself is of the shortest. Nor do youlook like the boy over whose weakly timid nature I have heard SirReginald lament, " he proceeded, surveying him with a critical eye. 

Eustace had, in fact, hardly reached the middle height, and was veryslender; his limbs were, however, well proportioned, his step firm, andevery movement full of activity and grace. His face, shaded withbright chestnut hair, was of a delicate complexion, the features finelymoulded, and the usual cast of expression slightly thoughtful; butthere was frequently, and especially at this moment, a bright kindlinglight in the dark blue eyes, which changed the whole countenance fromthe grave and refined look of the young scholar to the bold ardentglance of the warrior. 

"A cavalier, every inch of you!" cried d'Aubricour, striking Eustace onthe shoulder as he concluded his inspection. "I'll have the trainingof you, my _gentil damoiseau_, and see if I do not make you as _preux achevalier_ as the most burly giant of them all. Here, know you thistrick?"

He caught up one of the lances which the men had laid aside; Eustacefollowed his example, and acquitted himself to his satisfaction in oneor two chivalrous manoeuvres, till a summons to supper put an end tothe sport. 

CHAPTER 2

The house of Lynwood had long been famed for loyalty, which had oftencost them dear, since their neighbours, the Lords of Clarenham, neverfailed to take advantage of the ascendency of the popular party, andmake encroachments on their privileges and possessions. 

Thus when Sir Hugo Lynwood, the old Crusader, was made prisoner bySimon de Montfort's party at Lewes, he was treated with great severity, in order to obtain from him a recognition of the feudal superiority ofthe Clarenhams; and though the success of the royal party at Eveshamoccasioned his liberation, his possessions were greatly diminished. Nor had the turmoils of the reign of Edward II. Failed to leave theirtraces on the fortunes of the Lynwoods. Sir Henry, father of thepresent Knight, was a staunch adherent of the unfortunate monarch, andeven joined the hapless Edmund, Earl of Kent, in the rising in whichthat Prince was entrapped after the murder of his brother. On thisoccasion, it was only Sir Henry's hasty flight that preserved his life, and his lands were granted to the Baron Simon de Clarenham by the youngEdward III. , then under the dominion of his mother Isabel, and RogerMortimer; but when at length the King had freed himself from theirtrammels, the whole county of Somerset rose to expel the intruders fromLynwood Keep, and reinstate its true master. Nor did Simon deClarenham make much resistance, for well knowing that an appeal to theKing would occasion and instant revocation of the grant, he judged itadvisable to allow it to sleep for the present. 

Sir Henry Lynwood, therefore, lived and died unmolested. His eldestson, Reginald, was early sent to the Royal Camp, where he soondistinguished himself, and gained the favour and friendship of thegallant Prince of Wales. The feud with the Clarenhams seemed to becompletely extinguished, when Reginald, chiefly by the influence of thePrince, succeeded in obtaining the hand of a lady of that family, thedaughter of a brave Knight slain in the wars in Brittany. 

Since this time, both the Baron de Clarenham and his son, Sir Fulk, hadbeen on good terms with the Knight of Lynwood, and the connection hadbeen drawn still closer by the Baron's second marriage with the LadyMuriel de la Poer, a near relative of Sir Reginald's mother. Many atime had Dame Eleanor Lynwood ridden to Clarenham castle, under theescort of her young brother-in-law, to whom such a change from thelonely old Keep afforded no small delight. 

Eustace, the only one of Sir Henry's younger children who survived therough nursing or the over-nursing, whichever it might be, that thinnedin former days the families of nobles and gentleman, might as well, inthe opinion of almost all, have rested beneath a quaint little image ofhis infant figure, in brass, in the vaults of the little Norman chapel;for he was a puny, ailing child, apt to scandalize his father andbrother, and their warlike retainers, by being scared at the dazzlinghelm and nodding crest, and preferring the seat at this mother's feet, the fairy tale of the old nurse, the song of the minstrel, or the bookof the Priest, to horse and hound, or even to the sight of the martialsports of the tilt-yard. 

The last five years had, however, wrought a great change in him; hebegan to outgrow the delicacy of his constitution, and with it, toshake off his timidity of disposition. A diligent perusal of theromances of chivalry filled him with emulation, and he had appliedhimself ardently to all knightly exercises, looking with greateagerness to the time when he might appear in the Prince's court. Hehad invested it with all the glory of the Round Table and of thePaladins; and though he knew he must not look for Merlin or the SiegePerilous, the men themselves were in his fancy Rolands and Tristrems, and he scarcely dared to hope he could ever be fit to make one of them, with all his diligent attention to old Ralph's instructions. 

Some of Ralph's manoeuvres were indeed rather antiquated, and affordedmuch amusement to Gaston d'Aubricour, who was never weary of teasingthe old seneschal with descriptions of the changes in the fashion ofweapons, tourneys, and machines, and especially delighted in historiesof the marvellous effects of gunpowder. Ralph would shake his head, vowthat it would soon put an end to all true chivalry, and walk off tofurbish his favourite cross-bow, with many a murmured reflection on thefolly of quitting good old plans, and especially on that of his master, who must needs bring home a gibing Gascon, when honest English Squireswere not scarce. 

Very different was the state of the old Keep of Lynwood from the quiet, almost deserted condition, in which it had been left so long, now thatthe Knight had again taken his wonted place amongst the gentry of thecounty. Entertainments were exchanged with his neighbours, hunting andhawking matches, and all the sports of the tilt-yard, followed eachother in quick succession, and the summer passed merrily away. Merrily, that is to say, with Sir Reginald, whose stirring life in campand court had left him but few and short intervals for enjoying hishome and the society of his wife; with Eleanor, who, relieved from longanxiety, began to recover the spirits and health which had nearlyfailed her; and with Eustace, to whom the arrival of his brother andhis followers brought a continued course of novelty and delight; butless joyously with the Knight's followers, who regretted more and morethe gay court of Bordeaux, and grew impatient at the prospect ofspending a tedious winter in a peaceful English castle. 

Their anticipation of weariness, and the contrary expectations of SirReginald, were destined to be equally disappointed: for two months hadnot passed since his return before a summons arrived, or, more properlyspeaking, an invitation to the trusty and well-beloved Sir ReginaldLynwood to join the forces which the Duke of Lancaster was assemblingat Southampton, the Prince of Wales having promised to assist KingPedro of Castile in recovering the kingdom from which he had beendriven by his brother Enrique of Trastamare. 

Sir Reginald could not do otherwise than prepare with alacrity to obeythe call of his beloved Prince, though he marvelled that Edward shoulddraw his sword in the cause of such a monster of cruelty, and he wasmore reluctant than ever before to leave his home. He even promisedhis sorrowful Eleanor that this should be the last time he would leaveher. "I will but bestow Eustace in some honourable household, where hemay be trained in knightly lore--that of Chandos, perchance, or someother of the leaders who hold the good old strict rule; find goodmasters for my honest men-at-arms; break one more lance with DuGuesclin; and take to rule my vassals, till my fields, and be thehonest old country Knight my father was before me. Said I well, DameEleanor?"

Eleanor smiled, but the next moment sighed and drooped her head, whilea tear fell on the blue silk with which she was embroidering thecrosslet on his pennon. Sir Reginald might have said somewhat to cheerher, but at that instant little Arthur darted into the hall with newsthat the armourer was come from Taunton, with two mules, loaded with astore of goodly helmets, swords, and corselets, which he was displayingin the court. 

The Knight immediately walked forth into the court, where all had beenactivity and eagerness ever since the arrival of the summons, the smithhammering ceaselessly in his forge, yet without fulfilling half theorder continually shouted in his ears; Gaston d'Aubricour and RalphPenrose directing from morning to night, in contradiction of eachother, the one always laughing, the other always grumbling; themen-at-arms and retainers some obeying orders, others being scolded, the steel clanging, hammers ringing without intermission. Most of theparty, such at least as could leave their employment without a sharpreprimand from one or the other of the contending authorities, theSeneschal and the Squire, were gathered round the steps, where thearmourer was displaying, with many an encomium, his bundles of lances, his real Toledo blades, and his helmets of the choicest fashion. Gaston d'Aubricour and Ralph were disputing respecting a certain suitof armour, which the latter disapproved, because it had no guards forthe knees, while the former contended that the only use for suchprotections was to disable a man from walking, and nearly from standingwhen once unhorsed. 

"In my day, Master d'Aubricour, it was not the custom for a braveman-at-arms to look to being unhorsed; but times are changed. "

"Ay, that they are, Master Penrose, for in our day we do not giveourselves over the moment we are down, and lie closed up in our shellslike great land tortoises turned on their backs, waiting till some oneis good enough to find his way through our shell with the_misericorde_. "

"Peace, peace, Gaston, " said the Knight. "If we acquit ourselves aswell as our fathers, we shall have little to be ashamed of. What thinkyou of this man's gear?"

"That I could pick up a better suit for half the price at old Battista, the Lombard's at Bordeaux; nevertheless, since young Eustace would bethe show of the camp if he appeared there provided in Ralph's fashion, it may be as well to see whether there be any reasonableness in thisold knave. "

Before the question was decided, the trampling of horses was heard, andthere rode into the court an elderly man, whose dress and bearingshowed him to be of consideration, accompanied by a youth of eighteenor nineteen, and attended by two servants. Sir Reginald and hisbrother immediately stepped forward to receive them. 

"Sir Philip Ashton, " said the former, "how is it with you? This isfriendly in you to come and bid us farewell. "

"I grieve that it should be farewell, Sir Reginald, " said the oldKnight, dismounting whilst Eustace held his stirrup; "our country canill spare such men as you. Thanks, my young friend Eustace. See, Leonard, what good training will do for an Esquire; Eustace has alreadycaught that air and courteous demeanour that cannot be learnt hereamong us poor Knights of Somerset. "

This was to his son, who, with a short abrupt reply to the good-naturedgreeting of Sir Reginald, had scrambled down from his saddle, and stoodfixing his large gray eyes upon Gaston, whose tall active figure andlively dark countenance seemed to afford him an inexhaustible subjectof study. The Squire was presented by name to Sir Philip, received apolite compliment, and replying with a bow, turned to the youth withthe ready courtesy of one willing to relieve the shyness of an awkwardstranger. "We were but now discussing the merit between damasked steeland chain mail, what opinion do you bring to aid us?" A renewed stare, an inarticulate muttering, and Master Leonard turned away and almosthid his face in the mane of his horse, whilst his father attempted tomake up for his incivility by a whole torrent of opinions, to whichGaston listened with the outward submission due from a Squire, but withfrequent glances, accompanied by a tendency to elevate shoulder oreyebrow, which Eustace understood full well to convey that the oldgentleman knew nothing whatever on the subject. 

This concluded, Sir Philip went to pay his respects to the Lady ofLynwood, and then, as the hour of noon had arrived, all partook of themeal, which was served in the hall, the Squires waiting on the Knightsand the Lady before themselves sitting down to table. 

It was the influence of dinner that first unchained the silent tongueof Leonard Ashton, when he found himself seated next to his oldacquaintance, Eustace Lynwood, out of hearing of those whose presenceinspired him with shyness, and the clatter of knives and trenchersdrowning his voice. 

"So your brother has let you bear sword after all. How like you thetrade? Better than poring over crabbed parchments, I trow. But guessyou why we are here to-day? My father says that I must take servicewith some honourable Knight, and see somewhat of the world. He spokelong of the Lord de Clarenham, because his favour would be well in thecounty; but at last he has fixed on your brother, because he may dosomewhat for me with the Prince. "

"Then you are going with us to Bordeaux?" exclaimed Eustace, eagerly. 

"Ay, truly. "

"Nay, but that is a right joyful hearing!" said Eustace. "Old friendsshould be brethren in arms. "

"But, Eustace, " said young Ashton, lowering his voice to a confidentialwhisper, "I like not that outlandish Squire, so tall and black. Mensay he is a Moor--a worshipper of Mahound. "

Eustace laughed heartily at this report, and assured his friend that, though he had heard his brother often give his Squire in jest his _nomde guerre_ of _Gaston le Maure_, yet d'Aubricour was a gallantgentleman of Gascony. But still Leonard was not satisfied. "Had everman born in Christian land such flashing black eyes and white teeth?And is not he horribly fierce and strict?"

"Never was man of kinder heart and blither temper. "

"Then you think that he will not be sharp with us? 'More straight inyour saddle!' 'lance lower!' 'head higher;' that is what has beenringing in my ears from morning till night of late, sometimes enforcedby a sharp blow on the shoulders. Is it not so with you?"

"Oh, old Penrose took all that trouble off their hands long ago. Gastonis the gentlest of tutors compared with him. "

"I hope so!" sighed Leonard; "my very bones ache with the tutoring Iget from my father at home. And, Eustace, resolve me this--"

"Hush, do not you see that Father Cyril is about to pronounce theGrace--. There--now must I go and serve your father with thegrace-cup, but I will be with you anon. "

Leonard put his elbow on the table, mumbling to himself, "And these ofEustace's be the courtly manners my father would have me learn; theycost a great deal too much trouble!"

The meal over, Eustace took Leonard into the court to visit the horsesand inspect the new armour. They were joined by Gaston, who took uponhimself to reply to the question which Leonard wished to have resolved, namely, what they were to do in Castile, by persuading him to believethat Enrique of Trastamare was a giant twenty feet high, who rode agriffin of proportionate dimensions, and led an army whose heads grewunder their shoulders. 

In the meantime, Sir Philip Ashton was, with many polite speeches, entering upon the business of his visit, which was to request SirReginald to admit his son into his train as an Esquire. The Knight ofLynwood, though not very desirous of this addition to his followers, could not well refuse him, in consideration of the alliance which hadlong subsisted between the two houses; but he mentioned his own purposeof quitting the Prince's court as soon as the present expedition shouldbe concluded. 

"That, " said Sir Philip, softly, "will scarce be likely. Such Knightsas Sir Reginald Lynwood are not so easily allowed to hide themselves inobscurity. The Prince of Wales knows too well the value of hisright-hand counsellor. "

"Nay, Sir Philip, " said Sir Reginald, laughing, "that is rather toofine a term for a rough soldier, who never was called into counsel atall, except for the arraying a battle. It would take far sharper witsthan mine, or, indeed, I suspect, than any that we have at Bordeaux, tomeet the wiles of Charles of France. No, unless the Royal Banner beabroad in the field, you may look to see me here before another year isout. "

"I shall hope it may be otherwise, for my boy's sake, " said Sir Philip. "But be that as it may, his fame will be secured by his going forth forthe first time with such a leader as yourself. The example andfriendship of your brother will also be of the utmost service. Yourchief Squire too--so perfect in all chivalrous training, and aforeigner--who better could be found to train a poor Somersetshireclown for the Prince's Gascon court?"

"Why, for that matter, " interrupted Sir Reginald, whose patience wouldseldom serve his to the end of one of his neighbour's harangues, "itmay be honest to tell you that though Gaston is a kindly-temperedfellow, and of right knightly bearing, his life has been none of themost steady. I took up with him a couple of years since, when poor oldHumfrey Harwood was slain at Auray, and I knew not where to turn for aSquire. Save for a few wild freaks now and then, he has done rightwell, though I sometimes marvelled at his choosing to endure my stricthousehold. He obeys my orders, and has made himself well liked by themen, and I willingly trust Eustace with him, since the boy is of agrave clerkly sort of turn, and under my own eye; but it is for you todo as you will with your son. "

"Is he of honourable birth?" asked Sir Philip. 

"At least he bears coat armour, " answered Reginald. "His shield is_gules_, a wolf _passant_, _or_, and I have heard strange tales of hisfather, Beranger d'Aubricour, the Black Wolf of the Pyrenees, as he wascalled, one of the robber noblesse of the Navarrese border; but I havelittle time for such matters, and they do not dwell in my mind. If Ifind a man does his duty in my service, I care not whence he comes, norwhat his forefathers may have been. I listen to no such idle tales; butI thought it best to warn you that I answer not for all the comradesyour son may find in my troop. "

"Many thanks, noble Sir Reginald; under such care as yours he cannotfail to prosper; I am secure of his welfare in your hands. One wordmore, Sir Reginald, I pray you. You are all-powerful with PrinceEdward. My poor boy's advancement is in your hand. One word in hisfavour to the Prince--a hint of the following I could send his pennon--"

"Sir Philip, " said Reginald, "you overrate my influence, and underratethe Prince's judgment, if you imagine aught save personal merit wouldweigh with him. Your son shall have every opportunity of deserving hisnotice, but whether it be favourable or not must depend on himself. Ifyou desire more, you must not seek it of me. "

Sir Philip protested that this was all he wished, and after reiteratinghis thanks, took his leave, promising that Leonard should be at LynwoodKeep on the next Monday, the day fixed for Sir Reginald's departure. 

CHAPTER III

The morning of departure arrived. The men-at-arms were drawn up in thecourt like so many statues of steel; Leonard Ashton sat on horseback, his eyes fixed on the door; Gaston d'Aubricour, wrapped in his gaymantle, stood caressing his Arab steed Brigliador, and telling him theyshould soon exchange the chilly fogs of England for the bright sun ofGascony; Ralph Penrose held his master's horse, and a black powerfulcharger was prepared for Eustace, but still the brothers tarried. 

"My Eleanor, this should not be!" said Reginald as his wife clung tohim weeping. "Keep a good heart. 'Tis not for long. Take heed ofyour dealings with cousin Fulk. She knows not what I say. FatherCyril, keep guard over her and my boy, in case I should meet with anymishap. "

"I will, assuredly, my son, " said the Chaplain, "but it is little thata poor Priest like me can do. I would that grant to the Clarenhamswere repealed. "

"That were soon done, " said Reginald, "but it is no time for a loyalvassal to complain of grievances when his liege lord has summoned himto the field. That were to make the King's need be his law. No! no!Watch over her, good father, she is weak and tender. Look up, sweetheart, give me one cheerful wish to speed me on my journey. No? Shehas swooned. Eleanor! my wife--"

"Begone, begone, my son, " said Father Cyril, "it will be the better forher. "

"It may be, " said Reginald, "yet to leave her thus-- Here, nurse, support her, tend her well. Give her my tenderest greetings. Arthur, be duteous to her; talk to her of our return; farewell, my boy, andblessings on you. Eustace, mount. "

Sir Reginald, sighing heavily, swung himself into the saddle; Eustacewaited a moment longer. "Good Father, this was to have been in poorEleanor's charge. It is the token, you know for whom. "

"It shall reach her, my son. "

"You will send me a letter whenever you can?"

"Truly, I will; and I would have you read and write, especially inLatin, when you have the chance--good gifts should not be buried. Bethink you, too, that you will not have the same excuse for sin as therude ignorant men you will meet. "

"Eustace!" hastily called Reginald, and with a hurried farewell to allaround, the young Squire sprang on horseback, and the troop rode acrossthe drawbridge. They halted on the mound beyond; Sir Reginald shookhis pennon, till the long white swallow tails streamed on the wind, then placed it in the hands of Eustace, and saying, "On, Lances ofLynwood! In the name of God, St. George, and King Edward, do yourdevoir;" he spurred his horse forward, as if only desirous to be out ofsight of his own turrets, and forget the parting, the pain of whichstill heaved his breast and dimmed his eye. 

A few days brought the troop to Southampton, where John of Gaunt wascollecting his armament, and with it they embarked, crossed to St. Malo, and thence proceeded to Bordeaux, but there found that the Princeof Wales had already set forth, and was waiting for his brother at Dax. 

Advancing immediately, at the end of three days they came in sight ofthe forces encamped around that town. Glorious was the scene beforethem, the green plain covered in every direction with white tents, surmounted with the banners or pennons of their masters, the broad redCross of St. George waving proudly in the midst, and beside it theroyal Lions and Castles of the two Spanish monarchies. To the south, the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees began to gleam white like cloudsagainst the sky, and the gray sea-line to the west closed the horizon. Eustace drew his rein, and gazed in silent admiration, and Gaston, riding by his side, pointed out the several bearings and devices which, to the warrior of that day, spoke as plainly (often more so) as writtenwords. "See yonder, the tent of my brave countryman, the Captal deBuch, close to that of the Prince, as is ever his wont. No doubt he iswilling to wipe away the memory of his capture at Auray. There, to theleft, _gules_ and _argent_, per _pale_, is the pennon of the stout oldEnglishman, Chandos. Ha! I see the old Free Companions are here withSir Hugh Calverly! Why, 'twas but the other day they were starting toset this very Don Enrique on the throne as blithely as they now go todrive him from his. "

While Gaston spoke, the sound of horses' feet approached rapidly fromanother quarter, and a small party came in sight, the foremost of whomchecked his bridle, as, at Reginald's signal, his Lances halted anddrew respectfully aside. He was a man about thirty-six years of age, and looking even younger, from the remarkable fairness and delicacy ofhis complexion. The perfect regularity of his noble features, togetherwith the commanding, yet gentle expression of his clear light blueeyes, would, even without the white ostrich feather in his black velvetcap, have enabled Eustace to recognize in him the flower of chivalry, Edward, Prince of Wales. 

"Welcome, my trusty Reginald!" exclaimed he. "I knew that the Lancesof Lynwood would not be absent where knightly work is to be done. Ismy brother John arrived?"

"Yes, my Lord, " replied Reginald; "I parted from him but now as he rodeto the castle, while I came to seek where to bestow my knaves. "

"I know you of old for a prudent man, " said the Prince, smiling; "theProvost Marshal hath no acquaintance with that gallant little band. Methinks I see there a fair face like enough to yours to belong toanother loyal Lynwood. "

"I could wish it were a little browner and more manly, my Lord, " saidReginald. "It is my brother Eustace, who has been suffered (I takeshame to myself for it) to tarry at home as my Lady's page, till helooks as white as my Lady herself. "

"We will soon find a cure for that in the sun of Castile, " said Edward. "You are well provided with Squires. The men of Somerset know wheregood training is to be found for their sons. "

"This, my Lord, is the son of Sir Philip Ashton, a loyal Knight of ourcountry. "

"He is welcome, " said the Prince. "We have work for all. Let me seeyou this evening at supper in my tent. "

"Well, Eustace, what sayest thou?" said Gaston, as the Prince rode on. 

"A Prince to dream of, a Prince for whom to give a thousand lives!"said Eustace. 

"And that was the Prince of Wales!" said Leonard. "Why, he spoke justlike any other man. "

The two tents of the Lances of Lynwood having been erected, and allarrangements made, the Knights and Squires set out for the Prince'spavilion, the white curtains of which were conspicuous in the centre ofthe camp. Within, it was completely lined with silk, embroidered withthe various devices of the Prince: the lions of England--the lilies ofFrance--the Bohemian ostrich-plume, with its humble motto, the whiterose, not yet an emblem of discord--the blue garter and the red cross, all in gorgeous combination--a fitting background, as it were, on whichto display the chivalrous groups seen in relief against it. 

At the upper end was placed a long table for the Prince and his guests, and here Sir Reginald took his seat, with many a hearty welcome fromhis friends and companions in arms, while Gaston led his comrades tothe lower end, where Squires and pages were waiting for the provisionsbrought in by the servants, which they were to carry to their Knights. Gaston was soon engaged in conversation with his acquaintance, to someof whom he introduced Eustace and Leonard, but the former found farmore interesting occupation in gazing on the company seated at theupper table. 

The Black Prince himself occupied the centre, his brother John at hisleft hand, and at his right, a person whom both this post of honour andthe blazonry of his surcoat marked out as the dethroned King ofCastile. Pedro the Cruel had not, however, the forbidding countenancewhich imagination would ascribe to him; his features were of the fairand noble type of the old royal Gothic race of Spain; he had aprofusion of flaxen hair, and large blue eyes, rather too prominent, and but for his receding forehead, and the expression of his lips, hewould have been a handsome man of princely mien. Something, too, therewas of fear, something of a scowl; he seemed to shrink from the openand manly demeanour of Edward, and to turn with greater ease toconverse with John, who, less lofty in character than his brother, better suited his nature. 

There, too, Eustace beheld the stalwart form and rugged features of SirJohn Chandos; the slender figure and dark sparkling southern face ofthe Captal de Buch; the rough joyous boon-companion visage of Sir HughCalverly, the free-booting warrior; the youthful form of the youngstep-son of the Prince, Lord Thomas Holland; the rude features of theBreton Knight, Sir Oliver de Clisson, soon to be the bitterest foe ofthe standard beneath which he was now fighting. Many were there whoserenown had charmed the ears of the young Squire of Lynwood Keep, and helooked on the scene with the eagerness with which he would have watchedsome favourite romance suddenly done into life and action. 

"Eustace! What, Eustace, in a trance?" said d'Aubricour. "Waken, andcarry this trencher of beef to your brother. Best that you should doit, " he added in a low voice, taking up a flask of wine, "and save ourcomrade from at once making himself a laughing-stock. "

The discontented glance with which Leonard's eyes followed his fellowSquires, did not pass unobserved by a person with whom d'Aubricour hadexchanged a few words, a squarely-made, dark-visaged man, with a thickblack beard, and a huge scar which had obliterated one eye; hisequipment was that of a Squire, but instead of, like others of the samedegree, attending on the guests at the upper table, he sat carelesslysideways on the bench, with one elbow on the board. 

"You gaze after that trencher as if you wished your turn was come, "said he, in a patois of English and French, which Leonard could easilyunderstand, although he had always turned a deaf ear to Gaston'sattempts to instruct him in the latter language. However, a grunt washis only reply. 

"Or, " pursued the Squire, "have you any fancy for carrying it yourself?I, for my part, think we are well quit of the trouble. "

"Why, ay, " said Leonard, "but I trow I have as much right to serve atthe Prince's table as dainty Master Eustace. My father had never putme under Sir Reginald's charge, had he deemed I should be kept hereamong the serving-men. "

"Sir Reginald? Which Sir Reginald has the honour of your service?"asked the Squire, to whom Leonard's broad Somersetshire dialect seemedto present few difficulties. 

"Sir Reginald Lynwood, he with the curled brown locks, next to thatstern-looking old fellow with the gray hair. "

"Ay, I know him of old. Him whom the Duke of Lancaster is pledging--aproud, strict Englishman--as rigid a service as any in the camp. "

"I should think so!" said Leonard. "Up in the morn hours before thesun, to mass like a choir of novices, to clean our own arms and theKnight's, like so many horse-boys, and if there be but a speck of rust, or a sword-belt half a finger's length awry--"

"Ay, ay, I once had a fortnight's service with a Knight of that stamp, but a fortnight was enough for me, I promise you. And yet Gaston leMaure chooses to stay with him rather than lead a merry life with SirPerduccas d'Albret, with all to gain, and nought to lose! A differentlife from the days he and I spent together of old. "

"Gaston d'Aubricour is as sharp as the Knight himself, " said Leonard, "and gibes me without ceasing; but yet I could bear it all, were it notfor seeing Eustace, the clerk, preferred to me, as if I were not heirto more acres than he can ever count crowns. "

"What may then be your name, fair youth, and your inheritance?"demanded the one-eyed Squire, "for your coat of arms is new in thecamp. "

"My name is Leonard Ashton; my father--" but Leonard's speech was cutshort by a Squire who stumbled over his outstretched foot. Bothparties burst into angry exclamations, Leonard's new acquaintancetaking his part. Men looked up, and serious consequences might haveensued, had not Gaston hastened to the spot. "Shame on you, youngmalapert, " said he to his hopeful pupil. "Cannot I leave you onemoment unwatched, but you must be brawling in the Prince's ownpresence? Here, bear this bread to Sir Reginald instantly, and leaveme to make your peace. Master Clifford, " added he, as Leonard shuffledaway, "'tis an uncouth slip whom Sir Reginald Lynwood has undertaken tomould into form, and if he is visited as he deserves for each piece ofdiscourtesy, his life will not be long enough for amendment, so I muste'en beg you to take my apology. "

"Most readily, Master d'Aubricour, " replied Clifford; "there would nothave been the least offence had the youth only possessed a civiltongue. "

"Is not he the son of one of your wealthy Englishmen?" asked theone-eyed Squire, carelessly. 

"Ha! Why should you think so?" said Gaston, turning sharply; "becausehe shows so much good nurture?"

"Because his brains are grown fat with devouring his father's beeves, fare on which you seem to thrive, le Maure, " said the one-eyed, "thoughyou were not wont to like English beef and English discipline betterthan Gascon wine and Gascon freedom. I begin to think that the cub ofthe Black Wolf of the Pyrenees is settling down into a tame Englishhouse-dog. "

"He has teeth and claws at your service, " replied Gaston. 

"Ay?" said the Squire interrogatively; then, changing his tone, "Buttell me honestly, Gaston, repent you not of having taken service withgallant Sir Perduccas?"

"Why, you have left him yourself. "

"Yes, because we had sharp words on the spoil of a Navarrese village. My present leader, Sir William Felton, is as free and easy as d'Albret, or Aymerigot Marcel himself. And is not yon ungainly varlet the hopeof some rich English house?"

"I must see their hopes meet with no downfall, " said Gaston, walkingaway, and muttering to himself. "A plague upon it! To train two boysis more than I bargained for, and over and above to hinder thiswiseacre Ashton from ruining himself, or being ruined by _le BorgneBasque_! What brought him here? I thought he was safe in Castile withthe Free Companions. I would let the oaf take his course, for a wilfulwrong-headed fool, but that it would scarce be doing good service toSir Reginald. "

The Knights had nearly finished their meal, and the Squires havingserved them with wine, returned to their own table, now freshlysupplied with meat, which the yeomen in their turn carved for them. Gaston kept Leonard under his own eye till the party broke up. 

On the way to the tent, he began to take him to task. "A propercommencement! Did you take the Prince's pavilion for one of your ownisland hostels, where men may freely brawl and use their fists withoutfear of aught save the parish constable?"

"What business had he to tread on my foot?" growled Leonard. 

"What business had your foot there? Was not your office, as I toldyou, to stand ready to hand me whatever I might call for?"

"I was speaking a few words to another gentleman. "

"The fewer words you speak to _le Borgne Basque_ the better, unless youthink it is Sir Reginald's pleasure that you should be instructed inall the dicing and drinking in this camp, and unless you wish that thecrowns with which your father stored your pouch should jingle in hispockets. It is well for you the Knight marked you not. "

"You held long enough parley with him yourself, " said the refractorypupil. 

"Look you, Master Leonard Ashton, I do not presume to offer myself asan example to you save, perhaps, in the matter of sitting a steed, orhanding a wine-cup. I have no purse to lose, and I have wit to keep itif I had, or at least, " as a recollection crossed him, "if I lost it, it should be to please myself, and not _le Borgne Basque_; above all, my name and fame are made, and yours--"

"What would you say of mine?" said Leonard, with sulky indignation. "The heir of Ashton is not to be evened to a wandering landlessforeigner. "

"It is not in sight of these mountain peaks, " said Gaston, contemptuously, "that I am to be called a foreigner; and as to beinglandless, if I chose to take my stand on the old tower of Albricorte, and call myself Lord of the whole hill-side, I should like to see whowould gainsay me. For name, I suspect you will find that many a manhas trembled at the sound of Beranger d'Albricorte, to whom Ashtonwould be but that of an English clown. Moreover, in this camp I wouldhave you to know that the question is, not who has the broadest lands, but who has the strongest arm. And, sir Squire, if you are not abovelistening to a piece of friendly counsel, to brag of those acres ofyours is the surest way to attract spoilers. I had rather a dozen timetrust Eustace in such company than you, not only because he has morewit, but because he has less coin. "

"Who is this man? What is his name?" asked Eustace. 

"_Le Borgne Basque_, I know no other, " said Gaston. "We reck little ofnames here, especially when it may be convenient to have themforgotten. He is a Free Companion, a _routier_, brave enough, but moreready at the sack than the assault, and loving best to plunder, waste, and plunder again, or else to fleece such sheep as our friend here. "

"How could such a man gain entrance to the Prince's pavilion?"

"Stout hearts and strong arms find entrance in most places, " saidGaston; "but, as you saw, he durst not appear at the upper table. "

The next morning the army began their march to the Pyrenees. Theyhalted for some days at the foot of the hills, whilst negotiations werepassing between the Black Prince and Charles the Bad, King of Navarre, who might easily have prevented their entrance into the Peninsula byrefusing a passage through his mountain fastnesses. 

When the permission was granted, they advanced with considerable dangerand difficulty. The rugged paths were covered with snow and ice, whichmade them doubly perilous for the horses, and but for Gaston'sfamiliarity with his native hills, Sir Reginald declared that he couldnever have brought his little troop across them in safety. 

At length they emerged through the celebrated Pass of Roncesvalles, where Eustace in imagination listened to the echoes of the dying blastof Roland. On the following evening he had the delight of reading hishistory in the veritable pages of Archbishop Turpin, which preciouswork he found in the possession of Brother Waleran, a lay-friar, in theemployment of Sir John Froissart the chronicler, who had sent him withthe army as a reporter of the events of the campaign. This newacquaintance gave very little satisfaction to Sir Reginald, who wasalmost ready to despair of Eustace's courage and manhood when he foundhe had "gone back to his books, " and manifested, if not so much seriousdispleasure, yet even more annoyance, on this occasion, than when, shortly after, he found that Leonard Ashton spent every moment at hisown disposal in the company of _le Borgne Basque_. That worthy, meeting the young gentleman, had easily persuaded him that Gaston'scautions only proceeded from fears of stories that might with too muchtruth be told against himself, and by skilful flatteries of the youngEnglishman's self-importance, and sympathy with his impatience of thestrict rule of the Knight of Lynwood, succeeded in establishing overhim great influence. 

So fared it with the two young Squires, whilst the army began to enterthe dominions of the King of Castile. Here a want of provisions wasseverely felt, for such was the hatred borne to Pedro the Cruel, thatevery inhabitant of the country fled at his approach, carrying off, ordestroying, all that could be used as food. It was the intention ofBertrand du Guesclin, the ally of Enrique of Trastamare, to remainquietly in his camp of Navaretta, and allow hunger to do its work withthe invading force, but this prudent plan was prevented by the folly ofDon Tello, brother of Enrique, who, accusing Bertrand of cowardice, sostung his fiery spirit that he resolved on instant combat, thoughknowing how little dependence could be placed on his Spanish allies. 

The challenge of the Prince of Wales was therefore accepted; and neverwere tidings more welcome than these to the half-famished army, encamped upon the banks of the Ebro, on the same ground on which, inafter years, English valour was once more to turn to flight a usurpingKing of Spain. 

CHAPTER IV

The moon was at her height, and shone full into the half-opened tent ofSir Reginald Lynwood. At the further end, quite in darkness, theKnight, bare-headed, and rosary in hand, knelt before the dark-robedfigure of a confessor, while at a short distance lay, on a couch ofdeer-skins, the sleeping Leonard Ashton. Before the looped-up curtainthat formed the door was Gaston d'Aubricour, on one knee, close to ahuge torch of pine-wood fixed in the earth, examining by its flaringsmoky light into the state of his master's armour, proving every jointwith a small hammer. Near him, Eustace, with the help of John Ingram, the stalwart yeoman, was fastening his charge, the pennon, to a mightylance of the toughest ash-wood, and often looking forth on the whitetents on which the moonbeams shed their pale, tranquil light. Therewas much to impress a mind like his, in the scene before him: theunearthly moonlight, the few glimmering stars, the sky--whose southernclearness and brightness were, to his unaccustomed eye, doublywonderful--the constant though subdued sounds in the camp, the murmurof the river, and, far away in the dark expanse of night, the sparklingof a multitude of lights, which marked the encampment of the enemy. There was a strange calm awe upon his spirit. He spoke in a low voice, and Gaston's careless light-hearted tones fell on his ear as somethinguncongenial; but his eye glanced brightly, his step was free and bold, as he felt that this was the day that must silence every irritatingdoubt of his possessing a warrior-spirit. 

The first red streak of dawn was beginning to glow in the eastern sky, when the note of a bugle rang out from the Prince's tent and wasresponded to by hundreds of other horns. That instant the quietslumbering camp awoke, the space in front of every tent was filled withbusy men, arming themselves, or saddling their horses. Gaston andEustace, already fully equipped, assisted Sir Reginald to arm; Leonardwas roused, and began to fasten on his armour; the men-at-arms cameforth from their tent, and the horses were saddled and bridled; "Andnow, " called Sir Reginald, "bring our last loaf, John Ingram. Keepnone back. By this day's eve we shall have abundance, or else nofurther need. "

The hard dry barley-bread was shared in scanty, but equal measure, andscarcely had it been devoured, before a second bugle blast, pealingthrough the camp, caused each mail-clad warrior to close his visor, andspring into the open plain, where, according to previous orders, theyarrayed themselves in two divisions, the first commanded by the Duke ofLancaster and Sir John Chandos, the second by Prince Edward and DonPedro. 

After a pause, employed in marshalling the different bands, the hostadvanced at an even pace, the rising sun glancing on their armour, andrevealing the multitude of waving crests, and streamers fluttering fromthe points of the lances, like the wings of gorgeous insects. Presently a wall of glittering armour was seen advancing to meet them, with the same brilliant display. It might have seemed some mightytournament that was there arrayed, as the two armies stood confrontingeach other, rather than a stern battle for the possession of a kingdom;and well might old Froissart declare, "It was a pleasure to see suchhosts. "

But it would be presumptuous to attempt to embellish a tale afterFroissart has once touched it. To him, then, I leave it to tell howthe rank of banneret was conferred on the gallant old Chandos, how thePrince prayed aloud for a blessing on his arms, how he gave the signalfor the advance, and how the boaster, Tello, fled in the firstencounter. The Lances of Lynwood, in the division of the Duke ofLancaster, well and gallantly did their part in the hard struggle withthe brave band of French, whose resistance was not overcome till theBlack Prince himself brought his reserved troops to the aid of hisbrother. 

With the loss of only one man-at-arms, the Lances of Lynwood had takenseveral prisoners. It was high noon, and the field was well-nighcleared of the enemy, when Sir Reginald drew his rein at the top of asteep bank clothed with brushwood, sloping towards the stream of theZadorra, threw up his visor, wiped his heated brow, and, patting hishorse's neck, turned to his brother, saying, "You have seen sharp workin this your first battle-day, Eustace. "

"It is a glorious day!" said Eustace. "See how they hurry to thewater. " And he pointed over the low shrubs to a level space on thebank of the river, where several fugitives, on foot and horseback, werecrowding together, and pressing hastily forward. 

"Ha!" cried Sir Reginald, "the golden circlet! Henry of Trastamarehimself!" and at the same instant he sprang to the ground. "You, " saidhe, "speed round the bushes, meet me at the ford they are making for. "This was directed to Gaston, and ere the last words were spoken, bothSir Reginald and Eustace were already beginning to hurry down the bank. Gaston rose to his full height in his stirrups, and, looking over thewood, exclaimed, "The Eagle crest! I must be there. On, Ashton--Ingram, this way--speed, speed, speed!" and with these wordsthrew himself from his horse, and dashed after the two brothers, asthey went crashing, in their heavy armour, downwards through theboughs. In less than a minute they were on the level ground, and SirReginald rushed forward to intercept Don Enrique, who was almost closeto the river. "Yield, yield, Sir King!" he shouted; but at the samemoment another Knight on foot threw himself between, raising a hugebattle-axe, and crying, "Away, away, Sir; leave me to deal with him!"Enrique turned, entered the river, and safely swam his horse to theother side, whilst his champion was engaged in desperate conflict. 

The Knight of Lynwood caught the first blow on his shield, and returnedit, but without the slightest effect on his antagonist, who, thoughshort in stature, and clumsily made, seemed to possess giganticstrength. A few moments more, and Reginald had fallen at full lengthon the grass, while his enemy was pressing on, to secure him as aprisoner, or to seize the pennon which Eustace held. The two Squiresstood with lifted swords before their fallen master, but it cost onlyanother of those irresistible strokes to stretch Gaston beside SirReginald, and Eustace was left alone to maintain the struggle. A fewmoments more, and the Lances would come up--but how impossible to holdout! The first blow cleft his shield in two, and though it did notpierce his armour, the shock brought him to his knee, and without thesupport of the staff of the pennon he would have been on the ground. Still, however, he kept up his defence, using sometimes his sword, andsometimes the staff, to parry the strokes of his assailant; but thestrife was too unequal, and faint with violent exertion, as well asdizzied by a stroke which the temper of his helmet had resisted, hefelt that all would be over with him in another second, when hissinking energies were revived by the cry of "St. George, " close athand. His enemy relaxing his attack, he sprang to his feet, and thatinstant found himself enclosed, almost swept away, by a crowd ofcombatants of inferior degree, as well as his own comrades as FreeLances, all of whose weapons were turned upon his opponent. A swordwas lifted over the enemy's head from behind, and would the next momenthave descended, but that Eustace sprang up, dashed it aside, cried"Shame!" and grasping the arm of the threatened Knight, exclaimed, "Yield, yield! it is your only hope!"

"Yield? and to thee?" said the Knight; "yet it is well meant. Thesword of Arthur himself would be of no avail. Tiphaine was right! Itis the fated day. Thou art of gentle birth? I yield me then, rescueor no rescue, the rather that I see thou art a gallant youth. Hark you, fellows, I am a prisoner, so get off with you. Your name, bold youth?"

"Eustace Lynwood, brother to this Knight, " said Eustace, raising hisvisor, and panting for breath. 

"You need but a few years to nerve your arm. But rest a while, you arealmost spent, " said the prisoner, in a kind tone of patronage, as helooked at the youthful face of his captor, which in a second had variedfrom deep crimson to deadly paleness. 

"My brother! my brother!" was all Eustace's answer, as he threw himselfon the grass beside Gaston, who, though bleeding fast, had raised hismaster's head, and freed him from his helmet; but his eyes were stillclosed, and the wound ghastly, for such had been the force of the blow, that the shoulder was well-nigh severed from the collarbone. "Reginald! O brother, look up!" cried Eustace. "O Gaston, does helive?"

"I have crossed swords with him before, " said the prisoner. "I grievefor the mishap. " Then, as the soldiers crowded round, he waved themoff with a gesture of command, which they instinctively obeyed. "Back, clowns, give him air. And here--one of you--bring some water from theriver. There, he shows signs of life. "

As he spoke, the clattering of horses' feet was heard--all made way, and there rode along the bank of the river a band of Spaniards, headedby Pedro himself, his sword, from hilt to point, streaming with blood, and his countenance ferocious as that of a tiger. "Where is he?" washis cry; "where is the traitor Enrique? I will send him to join therest of the brood. Where has he hidden himself?"

The prisoner, who had been assisting to life the wounded man out of thepath of the trampling horses, turned round, and replied, with markedemphasis, "King Henry of Castile is, thanks to our Lady, safe on theother side of the Zadorra, to recover his throne another day. "

"Du Guesclin himself! Ah, dog!" cried Pedro, his eyes glaring with themalignity of a demon, and raising his bloody weapon to hew downBertrand du Guesclin, for no other was the prisoner, who stood withfolded arms, his dark eyes fixed in calm scorn on the King's face, andhis sword and axe lying at his feet. 

Eustace was instantly at his side, calling out, "My Lord King, he is myprisoner!"

"Thine!" said Pedro, with an incredulous look. "Leave him to myvengeance, and thou shalt have gold--half my treasury--all thy utmostwishes can reach--"

"I give him up to none but my Lord the Prince of Wales, " returned theyoung Squire, undauntedly. 

"Fool and caitiff! out of my path! or learn what it is to oppose thewrath of Kings!" cried Pedro. 

Eustace grasped his sword. "Sir King, you must win your way to himthrough my body. "

At this moment one of the attendants whispered, "_El Principe, SenorRey_, " and, in a few seconds more, the Black Prince, with a fewfollowers, rode towards the spot. 

Hastily dismounting, Pedro threw himself on his knees to thank him forthe victory; but Edward, leaping from his horse, raised him, saying, "It is not to me, but to the Giver of victories, that you should returnthanks;" and Eustace almost shuddered to see him embrace theblood-thirsty monster, who, still intent on his prey, began the nextmoment, "Here, Senor Prince, is the chief enemy--here is the disturberof kingdoms--Du Guesclin himself--and there stands a traitorous boy ofyour country, who resolutely refuses to yield him to my just vengeance. "

As Pedro spoke, the Prince exchanged with Sir Bertrand the courteoussalutation of honourable enemies, and then said, in a quiet, gravetone, "It is not our English custom to take vengeance on prisoners ofwar. "

"My Lord, " said Eustace, stepping forward, as the Prince looked towardshim, "I deliver the prisoner into your princely hands. "

"You have our best thanks, Sir Squire, " said the Prince. "You are theyoung Lynwood, if I remember right. Where is your brother?"

"Alas! my Lord, here he lies, sorely hurt, " said Eustace, only anxiousto be rid of prisoner and Prince, and to return to Reginald, who bythis time had, by the care of Gaston, been recalled to consciousness. 

"Is it so? I grieve to hear it!" said Edward, with a face of deepconcern, advancing to the wounded Knight, bending over him, and takinghis hand, "How fares it with you, my brave Reginald?"

"Poorly enough, my Lord, " said the Knight, faintly; "I would I couldhave taken King Henry--"

"Lament not for that, " said the Prince, "but receive my thanks for theprize of scarcely less worth, which I owe to your arms. "

"What mean you, my Lord? Not Sir Bertrand du Guesclin; I got nothingfrom him but my death-blow. "

"How is this then?" said Edward; "it was from your young brother that Ireceived him. "

"Speak, Eustace!" said Sir Reginald, eagerly, and half raising himself;"Sir Bertrand your prisoner? Fairly and honourably? Is it possible?"

"Fairly and honourably, to that I testify, " said Du Guesclin. "Heknelt before you, and defended your pennon longer than I ever thoughtto see one of his years resist that curtal-axe of mine. The _routier_villains burst on us, and were closing upon me, when he turned back theweapon that was over my head, and summoned me to yield, which I did themore willingly that so gallant a youth should have such honour as maybe acquired by my capture. "

"He has it, noble Bertrand, " said Edward. "Kneel down, young Squire. Thy name is Eustace? In the name of God, St. Michael, and St. George, I dub thee Knight. Be faithful, brave and fortunate, as on this day. Arise, Sir Eustace Lynwood. "

"Thanks, thanks, my gracious Prince, " said Reginald, a light glancingin his fading eyes. "I should die content to see my brother's spurs sowell earned. "

"Die! Say not so, my faithful Reginald. Speed, Denis, and send hitherour own leech! I trust you will live to see your son win his spurs asgallantly!"

"No, my good Lord, I am past the power of leech or surgeon; I feel thatthis is my death-wound. I am glad it was in your cause. All I desireis your protection for my wife--my boy--my brother--"

"Your brother has earned it already, " said Edward. "Your child shallbe as my own. But, oh! can nought be done? Hasten the surgeon hither!Cheer thee, Reginald!--look up! O! would that Du Guesclin were free, the battle unfought, so that thou wert but safe, mine own dearbrother-in-arms!"

"Where is the Prince?" called a voice from behind. "My Lord, my Lord, if you come not speedily, there will be foul slaughter made among theprisoners by your Spanish butcher--King I would say. "

"I come, I come, Chandos, " answered Edward. "Fare thee well, my braveReginald; and you, my new-made Knight, send tidings to my tent how itis with him. "

He pressed Reginald's hand, and sighing deeply, mounted his horse, androde off with Sir John Chandos, leaving the wounded Knight to the careof his own followers. 

The stream of blood was flowing fast, life was ebbing away, and SirReginald's breath was failing, as Eustace, relieving Gaston from hisweight, laid his head on his breast, and laved his brow with water fromthe river. "You have done gallantly, my brave brother; I did wrong todoubt your spirit. Thanks be to God that I can die in peace, sure thatArthur has in you a true and loving guardian. You are young, Eustace, but my trust in you is firm. You will train him in all Christian andgodly ways--"

"It shall be the most sacred charge of my life, " said Eustace, scarcelyable to speak. 

"I know it, " said Reginald, and making an effort to raise his voice, hecontinued, "Bear witness, all of you, that I leave my son in thewardship of the King, and of my brother, Sir Eustace Lynwood. And, "added he, earnestly, "beware of Fulk Clarenham. Commend me to my sweetEleanor; tell her she is the last, as the first in my thoughts. " Then, after a pause, "Is Gaston here?"

"Yes, Sir Reginald, " said Gaston, leaning over him, and pressing thehand which he feebly raised. 

"Gaston, farewell, and thanks to you for your true and loving service. Eustace will find wherewith to recompense you in some sort, in my chestat Bordeaux, and my brave Lances likewise. And, Gaston, go not back tothe courses and comrades whence I took you. On the word of a dying man, it will be better for you when you are in this case. Leonard, striveto be a true and brave man, though I may not fulfil your father'strust. Eustace--my eyes grow dim--is this you supporting my head--arethese your tears? Weep not for me, brother. Save for my poor Eleanor, I would not have it otherwise. Mercy is sure! Hold up the blessedrood--the sign of grace--you are half a clerk, repeat me some holypsalm or prayer. "

Eustace raised the cross hilt of his sword, and with a broken voice, commenced the _Miserere_. Sir Reginald at first followed it with hislips, but soon they ceased to move, his head sank back, his hand fellpowerless, and with one long gasping breath his faithful and noblespirit departed. For several moments Eustace silently continued tohold the lifeless form in his arms, then raising the face, he imprintedan earnest kiss on the pale lips, laid the head reverently on theground, hung over it for a short space, and at last, with an effort, passed his hand over his face, and turned away. 

His first look was towards d'Aubricour, who sat resting his head on hishand, his elbow supported on his knee, while with the other hand hedashed away his tears. His countenance was deathly pale, and drops ofblood were fast falling from the deep gash in his side. "O Gaston!"exclaimed Eustace, with a feeling of self-reproach at having forgottenhim, "I fear you are badly wounded!"

"You would think little of it, had you seen more stricken fields, youngKnight, " said Gaston, attempting to smile; "I am only spent with lossof blood. Bring me a draught of water, and I can ride back to thetent. But look to your prisoner, Sir Eustace. "

Eustace turned to see what had become of his illustrious captive, andsaw him at a little distance, speaking to a Knight on horseback. "SirEustace, " said Bertrand, stepping towards him, "here is Sir WilliamBeauchamp, sent by the Prince to inquire for your gallant brother, andto summon me to his tent. I leave you the more willingly that I thinkyou have no mind for guests this evening. Farewell. I hope to bebetter acquainted. "

Eustace had little heart to answer, but he took up Du Guesclin's sword, as if to return it to him. "Keep it, Sir Knight, " said Bertrand, "youknow how to wield it. I am in some sort your godfather in chivalry, and I owe you a gift. Let me have yours, that my side may not bewithout its wonted companion. Farewell. "

"And, Sir Eustace Lynwood, " said Sir William Beauchamp, riding up, "youwill advance to Navaretta, where we take up our quarters in the Frenchcamp. I grieve for the loss which has befallen us this day; but Itrust our chivalry has gained an equally worthy member. "

Eustace bowed and, whilst Messire Bertrand mounted a horse that hadbeen brought for his use, turned back to his own melancholy duties. Thebody of Sir Reginald was raised from the ground, and placed on thelevelled lances of four of his men, and Eustace then assisted Gaston torise. He tottered, leant heavily against the young Knight, and wasobliged to submit to be lifted to the saddle; but neither pain, grief, nor faintness could check his flow of talk. 

"Well, Eustace, --Sir Eustace, I would say, --you have seen somewhat ofthe chances of war. "

"The mischances you mean, Gaston. "

"I tell you, many a man in this host would have given his whole kindredfor such luck as has befallen you. To cross swords with Du Guesclin ishonour enough. This cut will be a matter of boasting to my dying day;but, to take him prisoner--"

"Nay, that was no merit of mine. Had not the rest come up, my wars hadsoon been over, and I had been spared this grief. "

"I know what most youths would have done in your place, and beenesteemed never the worse. Dropped the pennon at that first round blowthat brought you to your knee, and called for quarter. Poor pennon, Ideemed it gone, and would have come to your aid, but before I couldrecover my feet, the fight was over, and I am glad the glory is whollyyours. Knighted under a banner in a stricken field! It is a chancewhich befalls not one man in five hundred, and you in your firstbattle! But he heeds me not. He thinks only of his brother! Look up, Sir Eustace, 'tis but the chance of war. Better die under sword andshield, than like a bed-ridden old woman; better die honoured andlamented, than worn out and forgotten. Still he has not a word! Yea, and I could weep too for company, for never lived better Knight, norone whom Squire had better cause to love!"

CHAPTER V

A battle in the days of chivalry was far less destructive than those ofmodern times. The loss in both armies at Navaretta did not amount tosix hundred; and on Pedro's side but four Knights had fallen, of whomSir Reginald Lynwood was the only Englishman. 

On the following day all the four were buried in solemn state, at thechurch of the village of Navaretta, Sir Eustace following his brother'sbier, at the head of all the men-at-arms. 

On returning to his tent, Eustace found Gaston sitting on his couch, directing Guy, and old Poitevin, who had the blue crossletted pennonspread on the ground before him. Eustace expressed his wonder. "What, "exclaimed Gaston, "would I see my Knight Banneret, the youngest Knightin the army, with paltry pennon! A banneret are you, dubbed in theopen field, entitled to take precedence of all Knight Bachelors. Here, Leonard, bring that pennon to me, that I may see if it can be cutsquare. "

"Poor Eleanor's pennon!" said Eustace, sadly. 

"Nay, what greater honour can it have than in becoming a banner? Ionly grieve that this bloodstain, the noblest mark a banner can bear, is upon the swallow-tail. But what do I see? You, a belted Knight, inyour plain Esquire's helmet, and the blood-stained surcoat! Ay, andnot even the gilded spurs!" he exclaimed indignantly. "Would that Ihad seen you depart! But it was Leonard's fault. Why, man, knew younot your duty?"

"I am no Squire of Eustace Lynwood, " said Ashton. 

"Every Squire is bound to serve the Knight in whose company he findshimself, " said d'Aubricour. "Know you not thus much of the laws ofchivalry? Come, bestir yourself, that he may be better provided infuture. You must present yourself to the Prince to-morrow, SirEustace. "

"One of his Squires bade me to his presence, " said the young Knight, "but I must now write these heavy tidings to my poor sister, and I amgoing to Father Waleran's tent to seek parchment and ink. "

"And how send you the letter?"

"By the bearer of the Prince's letters to the King. Sir RichardFerrars knows him, and will give them into his charge. So farewell, Gaston, keep quiet, and weary not yourself with my equipment. "

With these words he left the tent, and Gaston, shaking his head, andthrowing himself back on his deer-skins, exclaimed, "Tender and true, brave and loving! I know not what to make of Eustace Lynwood. Hisspirit is high as a Paladin's of old, of that I never doubted, yet ishis hand as deft at writing as a clerk's, and his heart as soft as awoman's. How he sighed and wept the livelong night, when he thoughtnone could hear him! Well, Sir Reginald was a noble Knight, and isworthily mourned, but where is the youth who would not have been moreuplifted at his own honours, than downcast at his loss; and whatnew-made Knight ever neglected his accoutrements to write sad tidingsto his sister-in-law? But, " he continued, rising again, "Guy, bring mehere the gilded spurs you will find yonder. The best were, I know, buried with Sir Reginald, and methought there was something amiss withone rowel of the other. So it is. Speed to Maitre Ferry, thearmourer, and bid him come promptly. "

"And lie you still on your couch meanwhile, Master d'Aubricour, " saidGuy, "or there will soon be another Squire missing among the Lances ofLynwood. "

"I marvel at you, d'Aubricour, " said Leonard, looking up from a pasty, which he was devouring with double relish, to make up for pastprivations, "I marvel that you should thus weary yourself, with yourfresh wound, and all for nought. "

"Call you our brave young banneret nought? Shame on thee! All Englandshould be proud of him, much more his friend and companion. "

"I wish Eustace Lynwood well with all my heart, " said Leonard, "but Isee not why he is to be honoured above all others. Yourself, Gaston, so much older, so perfect in all exercises, you who fought with thisFrenchman too, of whom they make so much, the Prince might as well haveknighted you, as Eustace, who would have been down in another momenthad not I made in to the rescue. Methinks if I had been the Prince, Iwould have inquired upon whom knighthood would sit the best. "

"And the choice would have been the same, " said Gaston. "Not only wasSir Eustace the captor of Messire Bertrand, whereas my luck was quiteotherwise; but what would knighthood have availed the wanderinglandless foreigner, as you courteously term me, save to fit me for theleadership of a band of _routiers_, and unfit me for the office of anEsquire, which I do, as you say, understand indifferently well. "

"Is it not the same with him?" cried Leonard. "He does not own apalm's breadth of land, and for gold, all he will ever possess is onthose broken spurs of his brother's. "

"Listen to me, Leonard, " said Gaston. "Rich or poor, Sir Eustace isthe only fit leader of the Lances till the little boy is of age, butthis he could not be without knightly rank. Even in this campaign, when I might have taken the command, I being disabled for the present, it must have devolved on him, who might not have been so readilyobeyed. "

"No, indeed, " said Leonard. "Strange that the touch of the Prince'ssword should make so great a difference between him and me. "

"If it was the touch of the Prince's sword that did so, " said Gaston. 

"What else?" sharply retorted Leonard. "Not height nor strength! Hishand and arm might belong to a girl, I could crush it in my grasp. " Sosaying, he extended a huge, hard, red palm. 

"Ay?" said Gaston; "I should like to see whether that great paw wouldhave won Du Guesclin's sword. "

"I tell you flatly, " proceeded Ashton, "I might follow Sir Reginald, since he was a man of substance, honoured in our country, and my fathermeant to oblige and do him grace by placing me with him. "

"Grace!" repeated Gaston. 

"But, " continued Ashton, angrily, "as to serving Eustace, the clerk, noolder than myself, half a head shorter, and a mere landless upstart, that my father's son shall never do!"

"Say you so?" said Gaston. "I recommend you not to do so quite soloud, or perchance the landless upstart might hand your father's sonover to the Provost Marshal, for preaching disaffection to his men. And, in good time, here comes the Master Armourer. "

The rest of the day was spent by Gaston in the arrangement of theequipments, so important in his estimation, and scarcely another wordwas spoken save on the choice of helm and shield, and the adaptation ofcrests and blazonry. The next point for consideration was the disposalof the prisoners taken by the Lances of Lynwood in the early part ofthe battle. Two were Squires, the other four, rough-lookingmen-at-arms who protested that they could not pay one denier towardstheir ransom. Eustace liberated them, and was greatly inclined to dothe same by the Squires; but Gaston assured him it would be doing wrongto the Prince's cause to set the rogues free without taking some goodFrench crowns from them, and therefore, permitting him to name whatransom he thought fit, he returned to them their horses, and dismissedthem to collect the sum. 

Early the next morning, Gaston had the satisfaction of beholding hisyoung banneret arrayed in knightly guise, the golden spurs on hisheels, Du Guesclin's sword by his side, and his white mantle flung overhis shoulder. Leonard was summoned to accompany him, but he growledout something so like an absolute refusal and utter disclaimer of allduty to Sir Eustace, that Gaston began to reproach him vehemently. 

"Never mind, Gaston, " said Eustace, "you never mend matters with him inthat way, I shall do very well alone. "

"So you shall never go, " said Gaston, rising; "I will go myself, I havebeen longing to see you received by the Prince. Where is my sword?"

"Nay, Gaston, " said Eustace, "that must not be. See how the hotsunbeams lie across that hill between us and the Prince's tent. Youmust not waste your strength if it is true that we are to journey toBurgos to-day. "

"It shows how new your chivalry is, that you make so much of a merescratch, " said Gaston, hastily commencing his preparations; "Guy, goyou and saddle Brigliador. "

"No, do not touch Brigliador, " said Eustace. "You deny it in vain, Gaston; your face betrays that you do not move without pain. I learntsome leech-craft among my clerkly accomplishments, and you had bettertake care that you do not have the benefit. Leonard, since it is theonly way to quiet him, I order you to mount. "

Leonard hung his head, and obeyed. They rode towards the village ofNajara, where Eustace found the Prince entering the church, to hearmorning mass. Giving his horse to John Ingram, he followed among theother Knights who thronged the little building. 

The service at an end, he received more than one kind greeting from hisbrother's friends, and one of them, Sir Richard Ferrars, a fine oldman, whose iron-gray locks contrasted with his ruddy complexion, ledhim forward to present him to the Prince of Wales. 

"Welcome! our new-made Knight, " said Edward. "Brave comrades, Ipresent to you the youngest brother of our order, trusting you will notenvy him for having borne off the fairest rose of our chaplet ofNavaretta. "

Bertrand du Guesclin, who stood among the throng of nobles around thePrince, was the first to come forward and shake Eustace by the hand, saying with a laugh, "Nay, my Lord, this is the first time the ugliestKnight in France has been called by such a name. However, young Sir, may you win and wear many another. "

"That scarcely may be a sincere wish, Messire Bertrand, " said the Dukeof Lancaster, "unless you mean roses of love instead of roses of war. And truly, with his face, and the fame he owes to you, methinks he willnot find our damsels at Bordeaux very hard of heart. See, he blushes, as if we had guessed his very thought. "

"Truly, my Lord John, " said old Sir John Chandos sternly, "a man maywell blush to hear a son of King Edward talk as if such trifling werethe reward of knighthood. His face and his fame forsooth! as if hewere not already in sufficient danger of being cockered up, like someother striplings on whom it has pleased his Highness to conferknighthood for as mere a chance as this. "

"You have coloured his cheek in good earnest, " said the Captal de Buch. "Consider, Chandos, this is no time to damp his spirit. "

"It were a spirit scarce worth fostering, if it is to be damped by alittle breath of the lips one way or the other, " said Sir John, movingoff, and adding, when out of Eustace's hearing, "A likely lad enoughhad he been under his brother's training, but they will spoil him, andI will have no hand in it. "

Eustace had been accustomed to hold the warrior in such veneration, that he felt considerably hurt and mortified at the want of welcomewhich contrasted with the kindness of the rest; and he could hardlyrecover his self-possession sufficiently to inquire the pleasure of thePrince with regard to his brother's troop. 

"Take command yourself, " said Edward. "You surely have some Esquire orman-at-arms who can supply your own want of experience. "

"My brother's Squire, Gaston d'Aubricour, is well learned in chivalry, my Lord, " said Eustace, "and I will do my best, with his aid, to fulfilmy trust. "

"It is well, " said Edward. "The Lances of Lynwood are too well trainedeasily to forget their duty, and I fear not but that you will do well. How old is your brother's young heir?"

"Eight years, my Lord. "

"We will soon have him at Bordeaux, " said Edward, "that he may grow upwith my boys in the same friendship as their fathers. And now, " addedhe, turning from Eustace to the assembled nobles around him, "let uspart, and prepare for our further journey. In an hour's time thebugles shall summon you to depart for Burgos. "

The Prince walked away towards his tent with the Captal de Buch, andEustace looked round for his horse, which he saw at no great distancewith Ingram, but Leonard Ashton was nowhere in sight. Eustace mounted, and rode towards his own tent, desiring the yeoman to seek Ashton out, while he himself proceeded slowly, musing, with feelings ofconsiderable disappointment and vexation, on the reception he had metfrom Sir John Chandos, the man in the whole camp whose good opinion hewould have most valued. "This is folly, " thought he, however, rousinghimself after a minute or two of such meditations. "What said the goodold Baron but what I know full well myself, that I am far from meritingmy new honours? On whom does it depend, but myself to win his praise?And by our Lady's grace, I will make him confess at last, that, youngas I am, I can show that I deserve my spurs. What, ho! Ingram, whereis Master Ashton?"

"Where you will little like to hear of him, Sir Knight, " said theyeoman, galloping up on his tall Flemish horse. "At the wine-shop, yonder, in the village, with that ill-favoured, one-eyed Squire thatyou wot of. I called him as you desired, and all that I got for ananswer was, that he would come at his own time, and not at yourbidding. "

"Said he so? the ungracious, headstrong fellow!" said Eustace, lookingback wistfully. "And what to do! To ride back myself might be themeans of getting the whole troop late in starting, and disorderly--yet, to leave him!" Eustace looked at John Ingram's comely and stolid face, and then almost smiled at himself for seeking counsel from him. "Rideyou on, John, " said he; "tell Master d'Aubricour of the order todepart--let all be in readiness by the time I return. "

Then turning his horse quickly, Eustace rode back to the village. Allwas haste and confusion there--horses were being led forth and saddled, pages, grooms, and men-at-arms hurrying to and fro--buglessounding--everything in the bustle incident to immediate departure. Hecould only make his way through the press slowly, and with difficulty, which ill suited with his impatience and perplexity. In front of theventa, a low white cottage, with a wooden balcony overspread withvines, there was a still closer press, and loud vehement voices, as ofdisputants, were heard, while the various men-at-arms crowded in soclosely to see the fray, if such it were, as to be almost regardless ofthe horse, which Eustace was pressing forward upon them. He lookedover their heads to see Leonard, but in vain. He thought of retreat, but found himself completely entangled in the throng. At that moment, a cry was heard, "The Provost Marshal!" The crowd suddenly, he knewnot how, seemed to melt away from around him, in different directions, and he found himself left, on horseback, in the midst of the littlevillage green, amongst scattered groups of disreputable-looking yeomen, archers, and grooms, who were making what speed they could to depart, as from the other side the Provost, the archers of the guard, and SirJohn Chandos entered upon the scene. 

"Ha! What is all this? Whom have we here?" exclaimed the old Baron. "Sir Eustace Lynwood! By my life, a fair commencement for your daintyyoung knighthood!"

"On my word, my Lord Chandos, " said Eustace, colouring deeply, "I am noloiterer here; I came but to seek my Squire, Leonard Ashton, and foundmyself entangled in the crowd. "

"Ay, ay! I understand, " said Chandos, without listening to him; "I seehow it will be. Off to your troop instantly, Master Knight. I supposethey are all seeking Squires in the wine-shops!"

"You do me wrong, my Lord, " said Eustace; "but you shall be obeyed. "

The bugles had already sounded before he reached his own quarters, where he found that, thanks to Gaston, all was right. The tent hadbeen taken down and packed on the baggage mules, the men were mounted, and drawn up in full array, with his banner floating above their heads;and Gaston himself was only waiting his appearance to mount a stoutmule, which Martin, the horse-boy, was leading up and down. 

"This is well. Thanks, good Gaston, " said Eustace, with a sigh ofrelief, as he took off his heavy helmet, which had become much heatedduring his hasty ride in the hot sun. 

"No news of the truant?" asked Gaston. "Who but you would have thoughtof going after him? Well did I know you would never prosper without meat your elbow. "

Eustace smiled, but he was too much heated and vexed to give a verycheerful assent. He had only time to load Ferragus with his armour, and mount a small pony, before the signal for the march was given, andall set forth. Early in the year as it was, the sun already possessedgreat force, and the dry rocky soil of Castile reflected his beams, sothat, long before noon, it seemed to Eustace almost as if their marchlay through an oven. Nor were his perplexities by any means at an end;the thirst, occasioned by the heat, was excessive, and at every venta, in the villages through which they passed, the men called loudly forliquor; but the hot, fiery Spanish wine was, as Eustace had alreadybeen cautioned by Father Waleran, only fit to increase the evil, byinflaming their blood. It was the Holy Week, which was to him asufficient reason for refraining entirely, contenting himself with adrink of water, when it could be procured, which, however, was butrarely. He would willingly have persuaded his men to do the same, butremonstrance was almost without effect, and his dry lips refused toutter a prohibition, which would have been esteemed at once cruel andunreasonable. In his persuasions to Gaston he was, however, more inearnest, representing to him that he was increasing the fever of hiswound; but the Squire was perfectly impracticable. At first, heanswered in his usual gay, careless manner, that the scratch wasnothing, and that, be what it might, he had as soon die of a wound asof thirst; but as the day wore on, it seemed as if the whole nature ofthe man were becoming changed. Sometimes he was boisterously loud inhis merriment, sometimes sullen and silent; and when Eustace, unwearied, reiterated his arguments, he replied to him, not only withcomplete want of the deference he was usually so scrupulous in payingto his dignity, but with rude and scurril taunts and jests on hisyouth, his clerkly education, and his inexperience. Eustace's patiencewould scarcely have held out, but that he perceived that d'Aubricourwas by no means master of himself, and he saw in his flushed brow, andblood-shot eye, reason to fear for the future effect of the presentexcess. There was suppressed laughter among the men at some of hissallies. Without being positively in disorder, the troop did notdisplay the well-arrayed aspect which had always hitherto distinguishedthe Lances of Lynwood; and poor Eustace, wearied and worn out, hisright-hand man failing him, dispirited by Chandos's reproach, andfeeling all the cares of the world on his shoulders, had seriousthoughts of going to the Prince, and resigning the command for which hewas unfit. 

At last he beheld the Cathedral of Burgos rising in the midst of theMoorish fortifications of the town, and, halting his men under theshade of a few trees, he rode on in search of the marshals of the camp, and as soon as the open space for his tents had been assigned, hereturned to see them raised. Gaston, who had of late become moresilent, was lifted from his mule, and assisted into the tent, where hewas laid on his couch, and soon after, Eustace was relieved from hisanxiety on Leonard Ashton's account, by his appearance. He camestumbling in without one word of apology, only declaring himself asweary as a dog, and, throwing himself down on a deer-skin on his ownside of the tent, was fast asleep in another minute. 

CHAPTER VI

Leonard Ashton was awakened the next morning by the light of the risingsun streaming in where the curtain of the tent had been raised to admitthe fresh dewy morning air. The sunbeams fell on the hair and face ofEustace as he leant over Gaston, who lay stretched on the couch, andfaintly spoke: "I tell you it is more. Such fever as this would not becaused by this trifling cut. There is sickness abroad in the camp, andwhy should it not be my turn as well as another man's. Take care ofyourself, Sir Eustace. "

No sooner did Leonard understand the sense of these words, than hesprang up, rushed out of the tent, and never rested till he thoughthimself at a safe distance, when he shouted to Eustace to come to him. 

"Has he got this fever on him?" exclaimed he, as Eustace approached. 

"He is very ill at ease, " replied Eustace, "but to my mind it is causedby yesterday's fatigue and heat, added to the wine which he woulddrink. "

"It is the fever, I say, " replied Ashton; "I am sure it is. Come away, Eustace, or we shall all be infected. "

"I cannot leave him, " said Eustace. 

"What? You do not mean to peril yourself by going near him?" saidAshton. 

"I think not that there is peril in so doing, " answered Eustace; "andeven if there were, I could not leave him in sickness, after all hiskindness to me and patience with my inexperience. "

"He is no brother nor cousin to us, " said Leonard. "I see not why weshould endanger our lives for a stranger. I will not, for my own part;and, as your old friend and comrade, I would entreat you not. "

These were kinder words than Eustace had heard from Ashton since thebeginning of his jealousy, and he answered, as he thought they weremeant, in a friendly tone, "Thanks, Leonard, but I cannot look onGaston d'Aubricour as a stranger; and had I fewer causes for attachmentto him, I could not leave my post. "

"Only you do not expect me to do the same, " said Leonard; "my fathersent me here to gain honour and wealth, not to be poisoned with thebreath of a man in a fever. "

"Assuredly not, " said Eustace. "I will arrange matters so that youshall no longer sleep in our tent. But let me ask of you, Leonard, what was the meaning of your conduct of yesterday?"

"You may ask yourself, " said Leonard, sullenly; "it is plain enough, methinks. "

"Have a care, Leonard. Remember that my brother's authority is givento me. "

"Much good may it do you, " said Leonard; "but that is nothing to me. Iam no vassal of yours, to come at your call. I have my own friends, and am not going to stay in this infected part of the camp with men whokeep a fever among them. Give me but my sword and mantle from thetent, and I will trouble you no more. "

"Wait, Leonard, I will take all measures for your safety; but rememberthat I am answerable to the Prince for my brother's followers. "

"Answer for your own serfs, " retorted Leonard, who had nearly succeededin working himself into a passion. "My father might be willing tograce Sir Reginald by letting me follow him, but by his death I am myown man, and not to move at your beck and call, because the Prince laidhis sword on your shoulder. Knave Jasper, " he called to one of themen-at-arms, "bring my sword and cloak from the tent; I enter it nomore. "

"I know not how far you may be bound to me, " said Eustace, "and mustinquire from some elder Knight, but I fear that your breaking from memay be attended with evil effects to your name and fame. "

Leonard had put on his dogged expression, and would not listen. He hadalready set his mind on joining _le Borgne Basque_, and leaving theservice which his own envious service rendered galling; and the panicexcited in his mind by Gaston's illness determined him to departwithout loss of time, or listening to the representations which hecould not answer. He turned his back on Eustace, and busied himselfwith the fastenings of his sword, which had by this time been broughtto him. Even yet Eustace was not rebuffed. "One more hint, Leonard. From what I am told, there is more peril to thy health in revelry thanin the neighbourhood of poor Gaston. If you will quit one who wishesyou well, take heed to your ways. "

Still the discourteous Squire made no reply, and walked off in all thedignity of ill-humour. The young Knight, who really had a warm feelingof affection for him, stood looking after him with a sigh, and thenreturned to his patient, whom he found in an uneasy sleep. After a fewmoments' consideration, he summoned old Guy to take the part of nurse, and walked to the tent of Sir Richard Ferrars, to ask his counsel. 

The old Knight, who was standing at the door of his tent, examininginto some hurt which his steed had received the day before, kindly andcordially greeted Eustace on his approach. "I am glad you are notabove taking advice, " he said, "as many a youth might be after suchfresh honours. "

"I feel but too glad to find some one who will bestow advice on me, "said Eustace; and he proceeded to explain his difficulties with regardto Leonard Ashton. 

"Let him go! and a good riddance, " said Sir Richard; "half your caresgo with him. "

"Yet I am unwilling not to attempt to hinder my old comrade fromrunning to ruin. "

"You have quite enough on your own hands already, " said the old Knight;"he would do far more harm in your troop than out of it, and try yourpatience every hour. "

"He is my old playfellow, " said Eustace, still dissatisfied. 

"More shame for him, " said Sir Richard; "waste not another thought onso cross-grained a slip, who, as I have already feared, might prove astumbling-block to you, so young in command as you are. Let him getsick of his chosen associates, and no better hap can befall him. Andfor yourself, what shall you do with this sick Squire?"

"What can I do, save to give the best attendance I may?"

"Nay, I am not the man to gainsay it. 'Tis no more than you ought. Andyet--" He surveyed the young Knight's slender form and slightlymoulded limbs, his cheeks pale with watching and the oppressive heat ofthe night, and the heavy appearance of the eyelids that shaded his darkblue thoughtful eyes. "Is your health good, young man?"

"As good as that of other men, " said Eustace. 

"Men!" said Sir Richard; "boys, you mean! But be a man, since youwill, only take as good care of yourself as consists with duty. I hadrather have you safe than a dozen of these black-visaged Gascons. "

Eustace further waited to mention to Sir Richard his untoward encounterwith Sir John Chandos, and to beg him to explain it to the old Baron. 

"I will, " said Sir Richard; "and don't take old Chandos's uncourtlinesstoo much to heart, young Eustace. He means you no ill. Do your duty, and he will own it in time. "

Eustace thanked the old Knight, and with spirits somewhat cheered, returned to his tent, there to devote himself to the service of hissick Squire. The report that the fever was in his tent made mostpersons willing to avoid him, and he met little interruption in hiscares. Of Leonard, all that he heard was from a man-at-arms, who madehis appearance in his tent to demand Master Ashton's arms, horse, andother property, he having entered the service of Sir William Felton;and Eustace was too much engaged with his own cares to make furtherinquiry after him. 

For a day or two Gaston d'Aubricour's fever ran very high, and justwhen its violence was beginning to diminish, a fresh access wasoccasioned by the journey from Burgos to Valladolid, whither he wascarried in a litter, when the army, by Pedro's desire, marched thitherto await his promised subsidy. The unwholesome climate was of mostpernicious effect to the whole of the English army, and in especial tothe Black Prince, who there laid the foundation of the disorder whichdestroyed his health. Week after week passed on, each adding heat tothe summer, and increasing the long roll of sick and dying in the camp, while Gaston still lay, languid and feeble by day, and fevered bynight; there were other patients among the men-at-arms, requiringscarcely less care; and the young Knight himself, though, owing to histemperate habits, he had escaped the prevailing sickness, was lookingthin and careworn with the numerous troubles and anxieties that werepressing on him. 

Still he had actually lost not one of his men, and after the first weekor two, began to have more confidence in himself, and to feel his placeas their commander more than he would have done had Gaston been able toassist him. At last his trusty Squire began slowly to recover, thoughnightly returns of fever still kept him very weak. 

"The Pyrenean breezes would make me another man, " said he, one evening, when Eustace had helped him to the front of the tent, where he mightenjoy the coolness which began to succeed the sultry heat of the day. 

"I hear, " said Eustace, "that we are to return as soon as the Princecan be moved. He is weary of waiting till this dog of a Spaniard willperform his contract. "

"By my faith, " said d'Aubricour, "I believe the butcherly rogue meansto cancel his debts by the death of all his creditors. I would give myshare of the pay, were it twenty times more, for one gust of themountain air of my own hills. "

"Which way lies your home, Gaston?" asked Eustace. "Near the pass bywhich we crossed?"

"No; more to the west. My home, call you it? You would marvel to seewhat it is now. A shattered, fire-scathed keep; the wolf's den inearnest, it may be. It is all that is left of the Castle d'Albricorte. "

"How?" exclaimed Eustace. "What brought this desolation?"

"Heard you never my story?" said Gaston. "Mayhap not. You are freshin the camp, and it is no recent news, nor do men question much whencetheir comrades come. Well, Albricorte was always a noted house forcourage, and my father, Baron Beranger, not a whit behind hisancestors. He called himself a liegeman of England, because Englandwas farthest off, and least likely to give him any trouble, and madewar with all his neighbours in his own fashion. Rare was the prey thatthe old Black Wolf of the Pyrenees was wont to bring up to his lair, and right merry were the feastings there. Well I do remember how myfather and brothers used to sound their horns as a token that they didnot come empty-handed, and then, panting up the steep path, would comea rich merchant, whose ransom filled our purses half a year after, or aKnight, whose glittering armour made him a double prize, or--"

"What! you were actually--"

"Freebooters, after the fashion of our own Quatre fils Aymon, " answeredGaston, composedly. "Yes, Beranger d'Albricorte was the terror of allaround, and little was the chance that aught would pursue him to hisden. So there I grew up, as well beseemed the cub of such a wolf, racing through the old halls at my will. "

"Your mother?" asked Eustace. 

"Ah! poor lady! I remember her not. She died when I was a babe, andall I know of her was from an old hag, the only woman in the Castle, towhom the charge of me was left. My mother was a noble Navarrese damselwhom my father saw at a tourney, seized, and bore away as she wasreturning from the festival. Poor lady! our grim Castle must have beena sad exchange from her green valleys--and the more, that they say shewas soon to have wedded the Lord of Montagudo, the victor of thattourney. The Montagudos had us in bitter feud ever after, and myfather always looked like a thunderstorm if their name was spoken. They say she used to wander on the old battlements like a ghost, evergrowing thinner and whiter, and scarce seemed to joy even in her babes, but would only weep over them. That angered the Black Wolf, and therewere chidings which made matters little better, till at last the poorlady pined away, and died while I was still an infant. "

"A sad tale, " said Eustace. 

"Ay! I used to weep at it, when the old crone who nursed me would tellit over as I sat by her side in the evening. See, here is holy relicthat my mother wore round her neck, and my nurse hung round mine. Ithas never been parted from me. So I grew up to the years of pagehood, which came early with me, and forth I went on my first foray with therest of them. But as we rode joyously home with our prey before us, aband of full a hundred and fifty men-at-arms set on us in the forest. Our brave thirty--down they went on all side. I remember the tumult, the heavy mace uplifted, and my father's shield thrust over me. I canwell-nigh hear his voice saying, 'Flinch not, Gaston, my bravewolf-cub!' But then came a fall, man and horse together, and I wentdown stunned, and knew no more till a voice over me said, 'That whelpis stirring--another sword-thrust!' But another replied, 'He bears thefeatures of Alienor, I cannot slay him. '"

"It was your mother's lover?"

"Montagudo? Even so; and I was about to beg for mercy, but, at myfirst movement, the other fellow's sword struck me back senseless oncemore, and when I recovered my wits, all was still, and the moonlightshowed me where I was. And a fair scene to waken to! A score of darkshapes hung on the trees--our trusty men-at-arms--and my own head wasresting on my dead father's breast. Us they had spared fromhanging--our gentle blood did us that service; but my father and mythree brethren all were stone dead. The Count de Bearn had sworn toput an end to the ravages of the Black Wolf, and, joining with theMontagudos, had done the work, like traitor villains as they were. "

"And yourself, Gaston?"

"I was not so badly wounded but that I could soon rise to my feet--butwhere should I go? I turned towards the Castle, but the Bearnese hadbeen there before me, and I saw flames bursting from every window. Iwas weak and wounded, and sank down, bleeding and bewailing, till mysenses left me; and I should have died, but for two Benedictinesjourneying for the service of their Convent. The good brethren were infear for their bags in going through the Black Wolf's country, but theyhad pity on me; they brought me to myself, and when they had heard mytale, they turned aside to give Christian burial to my father andbrothers. They were holy men, those monks, and, for their sakes, I havespared the cowl ever since. They tended me nearly as well as you havedone, and brought me to their Convent, where they would fain have madea monk of me, but the wolf was too strong in me, and, ere a month waspassed, I had been so refractory a pupil, that they were right glad toopen the Convent gates. I walked forth to seek my fortune, without adenier, with nothing but the sword I had taken from my father's hand, and borne with me, much against the good men's will. I meant to seekservice with any one who would avenge me on the Count de Bearn. Onenight I slept on the hill-side, one day I fasted, the next I fell inwith Sir Perduccas d'Albret's troop. I had seen him in my father'scompany. He heard my tale, saw me a strong, spirited lad, and knew ad'Aubricour would be no discredit to his free lances. So he took me ashis page, and thence--but the tale would be long--I became what you seeme. "

"And you have never seen your own Castle again?"

"But once. D'Albret laughed when I called on him to revenge me on theCount de Bearn, and bade me bide my time till I met him in battle. Asto my heritage, there was no hope for that. Once, when I had justbroken with Sir Nele Loring, and left his troop, and times were hardwith me, I took my horse and rode to Albricorte, but there was noughtbut the bare mountain, and the walls black with fire. There was, indeed, a wretched shepherd and his wife, who trembled and lookeddismayed when they found that one of the Albricortes still lived; but Icould get nothing from them, unless I had taken a sheep before me onthe saddle; so I rode off again to seek some fresh service, and, bygood hap, lit on Sir Reginald just as old Harwood was dead. All I havefrom my father is my name, my shield, and an arm that I trust hasdisgraced neither. "

"No, indeed. Yours is a strange history, Gaston; such as we dream notof in our peaceful land. Homeless, friendless, I know not how you canbe thus gay spirited?"

"A light heart finds its way through the world the easiest, " saidGaston, smiling. "I have nothing to lose, and no sorrows to waste timeon. But are you not going forth this cool evening, Sir Eustace? youspoke of seeking fresh tidings of the Prince. "

Eustace accordingly walked forth, attended by his yeoman, John Ingram;but all he could learn was, that Edward had sent a remonstrance to theKing of Castile on the delay of the subsidy. 

CHAPTER VII

As Eustace was returning, his attention was caught by repeated groans, which proceeded from a wretched little hovel almost level with theearth. "Hark!" said he to Ingram, a tall stout man-at-arms from theLynwood estate. "Didst thou not hear a groaning?"

"Some of the Castilians, Sir. To think that the brutes should becontent to live in holes not fit for swine!"

"But methought it was an English tongue. Listen, John!"

And in truth English ejaculations mingled with the moans: "To St. Joseph of Glastonbury, a shrine of silver! Blessed Lady of Taunton, asilver candlestick! Oh! St. Dunstan!"

Eustace doubted no longer; and stooping down and entering the hut, hebeheld, as well as the darkness would allow him, Leonard Ashtonhimself, stretched on some mouldy rushes, and so much altered, that hecould scarcely have been recognized as the sturdy, ruddy youth who hadquitted the Lances of Lynwood but five weeks before. 

"Eustace! Eustace!" he exclaimed, as the face of his late companionappeared. "Can it be you? Have the saints sent you to my succour?"

"It is I, myself, Leonard, " replied Eustace; "and I hope to aid you. How is it--"

"Let me feel your hand, that I may be sure you are flesh and blood, "cried Ashton, raising himself and grasping Eustace's hand between hisown, which burnt like fire; then, lowering his voice to a whisper ofhorror, "She is a witch!"

"Who?" asked Eustace, making the sign of the cross. 

Leonard pointed to a kind of partition which crossed the hut, beyondwhich Eustace could perceive an old hag-like woman, bending over acauldron which was placed on the fire. Having made this effort, hesank back, hiding his face with his cloak, and trembling in every limb. A thrill of dismay passed over the Knight, and the giant, John Ingram, stood shaking like an aspen, pale as death, and crossing himselfperpetually. "Oh, take me from this place, Eustace, " repeated Leonard, "or I am a dead man, both body and soul!"

"But how came you here, Leonard?"

"I fell sick some three days since, and--and, fearing infection, SirWilliam Felton bade me be carried from his lodgings; the robbers, hismen-at-arms, stripped me of all I possessed, and brought me to thisdog-hole, to the care of this old hag. Oh, Eustace, I have heard hermutter prayers backwards; and last night--oh! last night! at the deadhour, there came in a procession--of that I would take my oath--sevenblack cats, each holding a torch with a blue flame, and danced aroundme, till one laid his paw upon my breast, and grew and grew, with itsflaming eyes fixed on me, till it was as big as an ox, and the weightwas intolerable, the while her spells were over me, and I could notopen my lips to say so much as an Ave Mary. At last, the cold dewbroke out on my brow, and I should have been dead in another instant, when I contrived to make the sign of the Cross, whereat they allwhirled wildly round, and I fell--oh! I fell miles and miles downwards, till at last I found myself, at morning's light, with the hateful oldwitch casting water in my face. Oh, Eustace, take me away!"

Such were the times, that Eustace Lynwood, with all his cool sense andmental cultivation, believed implicitly poor Leonard's deliriousfancy--black cats and all; and the glances he cast at the poor oldSpaniard were scarcely less full of terror and abhorrence, as hepromised Leonard, whom he now regarded only in the light of his oldcomrade, that he should, without loss of time, be conveyed to his owntent. 

"But go not--leave me not, " implored Leonard, clinging fast to him, almost like a child to its nurse, with a hand which was now cold asmarble. 

"No; I will remain, " said Eustace; "and you, Ingram, hasten to bringfour of the men with the litter in which Master d'Aubricour came fromBurgos. Hasten I tell you. "

Ingram, with his eyes dilated with horror, appeared but too anxious toquit this den, yet lingered. "I leave you not here, Sir Knight. "

"Thanks, thanks, John, " replied the youth; "but remain I must, andwill. As a Christian man, I defy the foul fiend and all his followers!"

John departed. Never was Leonard so inclined to rejoice in hisfriend's clerkly education, or in his knighthood, which was then somuch regarded as a holy thing, that the presence of one whose entranceinto the order was so recent was deemed a protection. The old woman, akind-hearted creature in the main, though, certainly forbidding-lookingin her poverty and ugliness, was rejoiced to see her patient visited bya friend. She came towards them, addressing Eustace with what he tookfor a spell, though, had he understood Spanish he would have found it afine flowing compliment. Leonard shrank closer to him, pressed hishand faster, and he, again crossing himself, gave utterance to a charm. Spanish, especially old Castilian, had likeness enough to Latin for thepoor old woman to recognize its purport; she poured out a volublevindication, which the two young men believed to be an attempt atfurther bewitching them. Eustace, finding his Latin rather the worsefor wear, had recourse to all the strange rhymes, or exorcisms, English, French, or Latin, with which his memory supplied him. Thanksto these, the sorceress was kept at bay, and the spirits of histerrified companion were sustained till the arrival of all the Lancesof Lynwood, headed by Gaston himself, upon his mule, in the utmostanxiety for his Knight, looking as gaunt and spectral as the phantomsthey dreaded. He blessed the saints when Eustace came forth safe andsound, and smiled and shook his head with an arch look when Leonard wascarried out; but his never-failing good-nature prevented him fromsaying a word which might savour of reproach when he saw to what acondition the poor youth was reduced. As four stout men-at-arms tookup the litter, the old woman, coming forth to her threshold, utteredsomething which his knowledge of the Romanesque tongues of SouthernFrance enabled him to interpret into a vindication of her character, and a request for a reward for her care of the sick Englishman. 

"Throw her a gold piece, Sir Eustace, or she may cast at you an evileye. There, you old hag, " he added in the Provencal patois, "takethat, and thank your stars that 'tis not with a fire that your tendercare, as you call it, is requited. "

The men-at-arms meditated ducking the witch after their own Englishfashion, but it was growing late and dark, and the Knight gave strictorders that they should keep together in their progress to their owntents. Here Leonard was deposited on the couch which Gaston insistedon giving up to him; but his change of residence appeared to be oflittle advantage, for the camp was scarce quiet for the night, beforehe shrieked out that the black cats were there. Neither Eustace norGaston could see them, but that was only a proof that they were notunder the power of the enchantment, and John Ingram was quite sure thathe had not only seen the sparkle of their fiery eyes, but felt thescratch of their talons, which struck him to the ground, with his footcaught in the rope of the tent, while he was walking about with hiseyes shut. 

The scratch was actually on his face the next morning, and he set outat the head of half the Lances of Lynwood to find the poor old woman, and visit her with condign punishment; but she was not forthcoming, andthey were obliged to content themselves with burning her house, assisted by a host of idlers. In the meantime, Sir Eustace had calledin the aid of the clergy: the chaplains of the camp came in procession, sprinkled the patient's bed with holy water, and uttered an exorcism, but without availing to prevent a third visit from the enemy. Afterthis, however, Leonard's fever began to abate, and he ceased to behaunted. 

He had been very ill; and, thoroughly alarmed, he thought himselfdying, and bitterly did he repent of the headstrong insubordination andjealously which had lead him to quit his best and only friend. He hadnot, indeed, the refinement of feeling which would have made Eustace'sgenerosity his greatest reproach; he clung to him as his support, andreceived his attentions almost as a right; but still he was sensiblethat he had acted like a fool, and that such friendship was not to bethrown away; and when he began to recover he showed himself subdued, toa certain degree grateful, and decidedly less sullen and more amenableto authority. 

In the meantime, the Prince of Wales found himself sufficientlyrecovered to undertake to return to Aquitaine, and, weary of thetreacherous delays and flagrant crimes of his ally, he resolved to quitthis fatal land of Castile. 

There was a general cry of joy throughout the camp when orders weregiven that the tents should be struck and the army begin its march inthe early coolness of the next morning; and, without further adventure, the Black Prince led his weakened and reduced forces over the Pyreneesback into France. Here they were again dispersed, as the war was at anend; and the young Sir Eustace Lynwood received high commendation fromthe Prince, and even from Chandos himself, for being able to show hisbrother's band as complete in numbers and discipline as on the day whenit was given into his charge. 

"This, " as Chandos said, "was a service which really showed him worthyof his spurs, if he would but continue the good course. "

The peace with France, however, prevented the Prince from beingdesirous of keeping up the Lances of Lynwood, and he therefore offeredto take their young leader into his own troop of Knights, who weremaintained at his own table, and formed a part of his state; and sodistinguished was this body, that no higher favour could have beenoffered. Edward likewise paid to Sir Eustace a considerable sum as thepurchase of his illustrious captive, and this, together with theransoms of the two other prisoners, enabled him to reward the faithfulmen-at-arms, some of whom took service with other Knights, and othersreturned to England. Leonard Ashton having no pleasant reminiscencesof his first campaign, and having been stripped of all his property byhis chosen associates, was desirous of returning to his father; andEustace, after restoring his equipments to something befitting anEsquire of property, and liberally supplying him with the expenses ofhis journey, bade him an affectionate farewell, and saw him depart, notwithout satisfaction at no longer feeling himself accountable for hisconduct. 

"There he goes, " said Gaston, "and I should like to hear the tales hewill amaze the good Somersetshire folk with. I trow he will make thembelieve that he took Du Guesclin himself, and that the Prince knightedyou by mistake. "

"His tale of the witches will be something monstrous, " said Eustace;"but still, methinks he is much the better for his expedition: far lesscrabbed in temper, and less clownish in manners. "

"Ay, " said Gaston, "if he were never to be under any other guidancethan yours, I think the tough ash-bough might be moulded into somethingless unshapely. You have a calmness and a temper such as he cannotwithstand, nor I understand. 'Tis not want of spirit, but it is thatyou never seem to take or see what is meant for affront. I should thinkit tameness in any other. "

"Well, poor fellow, I wish he may prosper, " said Eustace. "But now, Gaston, to our own affairs. Let us see what remains of the gold. "

"Ah! your bounty to our friend there has drawn deeply on our purse, "said Gaston. 

"It shall not be the worse for you, Gaston, for I had set aside thesethirty golden crowns for you before I broke upon my own store. It isnot such a recompense as Reginald or I myself would have wished aftersuch loving and faithful service; but gold may never recompense truth. "

"As for recompense, " said Gaston, "I should be by a long score thedebtor if we came to that. If it had not been for Sir Reginald, Ishould be by this time a reckless freebooter, without a hope in thisworld or the next; if it had not been for you, these bones of minewould long since have been picked by my cousins, the Spanish wolves. But let the gold tarry in your keeping: it were better King Edward'sgood crowns should not be, after all else that has been, in my hands. "

"But, Gaston, you will need fitting out for the service of Sir WilliamBeauchamp. "

"What! What mean you, Sir Eustace?" cried Gaston. "What have I donethat you should dismiss me from your followers?"

"Nay, kind Gaston, it were shame that so finished a Squire should bebound down by my poverty to be the sole follower of a banner which willnever again be displayed at the head of such a band as the Lances ofLynwood. "

"No, Sir Eustace, I leave you not. Recall your brother's words, 'Gonot back to old ways and comrades, ' quoth he; and if you cast me off, what else is left for me? for having once served a banneret, no othershall have my service. Where else should I find one who would care afeather whether I am dead or alive? So there it ends--put up yourpieces, or rather, give me one wherewith to purvey a new bridle forBrigliador, for the present is far from worthy of his name. "

Accordingly, the Gascon Squire still remained attached to Eustace'sservice, while the trusty Englishman, John Ingram, performed the moremenial offices. Time sped away at the court of Bordeaux; the gallantDu Guesclin was restored to liberty, after twice paying away his ransomfor the deliverance of his less renowned brethren in captivity, andEnrique of Trastamare, returning to Castile, was once more crowned bythe inhabitants. His brother Pedro, attempting to assassinate him, fell by his hand, and all the consequences of the English expeditionwere undone--all, save the wasting disease that preyed on England'sheir, and the desolation at the orphaned hearth of Lynwood Keep. 

CHAPTER VIII

Two years had passed since the fight of Navaretta, when Sir EustaceLynwood received, by the hands of a Knight newly arrived from England, a letter from Father Cyril, praying him to return home as soon aspossible, since his sister-in-law, Dame Eleanor, was very sick, anddesired to see him upon matters on which more could not be disclosed byletter. 

Easily obtaining permission to leave Bordeaux, he travelled safelythrough France, and crossing from Brittany, at length found himselfonce more in Somersetshire. It was late, and fast growing dark, whenhe rode through Bruton; but, eager to arrive, he pushed on, thoughtwilight had fast faded into night, and heavy clouds, laden with briefbut violent showers, were drifting across the face of the moon. Onthey rode, in silence, save for Gaston's execrations of the Englishclimate, and the plashing of the horses' feet in the miry tracks, alongwhich, in many places, the water was rushing in torrents. 

At length they were descending the long low hill, or rather undulation, leading to the wooded vale of Lynwood, and the bright lights of theKeep began to gleam like stars in the darkness--stars indeed to theeager eyes of the young Knight, who gazed upon them long andaffectionately, as he felt himself once more at home. "I wonder, " saidhe, "to see the light strongest towards the east end of the Castle! Iknew not that the altar lights in the chapel could be seen so far!"Then riding on more quickly, and approaching more nearly, he soon lostsight of them behind the walls, and descending the last little risingground, the lofty mass of building rose huge and black before him. 

He wound his bugle and rode towards the gate, but at the moment heexpected to cross the drawbridge, Ferragus suddenly backed, and heperceived that it was raised. "This is some strange chance!" said he, renewing the summons, but in vain, for the echoes of the surroundingwoods were the only reply. "Ralph must indeed be deaf!" said he. 

"Let him be stone deaf, " said Gaston; "he is not the sole inhabitant ofthe Castle. Try them again, Sir Eustace. "

"Hark!--methought I heard the opening of the hall door!" said Eustace. "No! What can have befallen them?"

"My teeth are chattering with cold, " said Gaston, "and the horses willbe ruined with standing still in the driving rain. Cannot we betakeourselves to the village hostel, and in the morning reproach them withtheir churlishness?"

"I must be certified that there is nothing amiss, " said Sir Eustace, springing from his saddle; "I can cross the moat on one of the supportsof the bridge. "

"Have with you then, Sir Knight, " said Gaston, also leaping to theground, while Eustace cautiously advanced along the narrow frame ofwood on which the drawbridge had rested, slippery with the wet, andrendered still more perilous by the darkness. Gaston followed, balancing himself with some difficulty, and at last they safely reachedthe other side. Eustace tried the heavy gates, but found them fastenedon the inside with a ponderous wooden bar. "Most strange!" mutteredhe; "yet come on, Gaston, I can find an entrance, unless old Ralph bemore on the alert than I expect. "

Creeping along between the walls and the moat, till they had reachedthe opposite side of the Keep, Eustace stopped at a low doorway; aslight click was heard, as of a latch yielding to his hand, the dooropened, and he led the way up a stone staircase in the thickness of thewall, warning his follower now and then of a broken step. After a longsteep ascent, Gaston heard another door open, and though still in totaldarkness, perceived that they had gained a wider space. "The passagefrom the hall to the chapel, " whispered the Knight, and feeling by thewall, they crept along, until a buzz of voices reached their ears, andlight gleamed beneath a heavy dark curtain which closed the passage. Pausing for an instant, they heard a voice tremulous with fear andeagerness: "It was himself! tall plume, bright armour! the verycrosslet on his breast could be seen in the moonlight! Oh! it was SirReginald himself, and the wild young French Squire that fell with himin Spain!"

There was a suppressed exclamation of horror, and a sound of crowdingtogether, and at that moment, Eustace, drawing aside the curtain, advanced into the light, and was greeted by a frightful shriek, whichmade him at first repent of having alarmed his sister, but the nextglance showed him that her place was empty, and a thrill of dismay madehim stand speechless and motionless, as he perceived that the curtainhe grasped was black, and the hall completely hung with the same colour. 

The servants remained huddled in terror round the hearth, and the pausewas first broken by a fair-faced boy, who, breaking from the tremblingcircle, came forward, and in a quivering tone said, "Sir, are you myfather's spirit?"

Gaston's laugh came strangely on the scene, but Eustace, bending down, and holding out his hand, said, "I am your uncle Eustace, Arthur. Where is your mother?"

Arthur, with a wild cry of joy, sprung to his neck, and hid his face onhis shoulder; and at the same moment old Ralph, with uplifted hands, cried, "Blessing on the Saints that my young Lord is safe, and thatmine eyes have seen you once again. "

"But where, oh! where is my sister?" again demanded Eustace, as his eyemet that of Father Cyril, who, summoned by the screams of the servants, had just entered the hall. 

"My son, " replied the good Father, solemnly, "your sister is where thewicked may trouble her no more. It is three days now since shedeparted from this world of sorrow. "

"Oh, had she but lived to see this day, " said Ralph Penrose, "her careswould have been over!"

"Her prayers are answered, " said Father Cyril. "Come with me, my sonEustace, if you would take a last look of her who loved and trusted youso well. "

Eustace followed him to the chamber where the Lady Eleanor Lynwood layextended on her bed. Her features were pinched and sharpened, and boretraces of her long, wasting sufferings, but they still looked lovely, though awful in their perfect calmness. Eustace knelt and recited theaccustomed prayers, and then stood gazing on the serene face, with afull heart, and gathering tears in his eyes, for he had loved thegentle Eleanor with the trusting affection of a younger brother. Hethought of that joyous time, the first brilliant day of his lonelychildhood, when the gay bridal cavalcade came sweeping down the hill, and he, half in pleasure, half in shyness, was led forth by his motherto greet the fair young bride of his brother. How had she brightenedthe dull old Keep, and given, as it were, a new existence to himself, adreamy, solitary boy--how patiently and affectionately had she tendedhis mother, and how pleasant were the long evenings when she hadunwearily listened to his beloved romances, and his visions ofsurpassing achievements of his own! No wonder that he wept for her asa brother would weep for an elder sister. 

Father Cyril, well pleased to perceive that the kindly tenderness ofhis heart was still untouched by his intercourse with the world, lethim gaze on for some time in silence, then laying his hand on his armsaid, "She is in peace. Mourn not that her sorrows are at an end, hertears wiped away, but prepare to fulfil her last wishes, those prayersin answer to which, as I fully believe, the Saints have sent you at thevery moment of greatest need. "

"Her last wishes?" said Eustace. "They shall be fulfilled to theutmost as long as I have life or breath! Oh! had I but come in time tohear them from herself, and give her my own pledge. "

"Grieve not that her trust was not brought down to aught of earth, "said Father Cyril. "She trusted in Heaven, and died in the sure beliefthat her child would be guarded; and lo, his protector is come, if, asI well believe, my son Eustace, you are not changed from the boy whobade us farewell three years ago. "

"If I am changed, it is not in my love for home, and for all who dwellthere, " said Eustace, "or rather, I love them better than before. Little did I dream what a meeting awaited me!" Again there was a longpause, which Eustace at length broke by saying, "What is the need youspoke of? What danger do you fear?"

"This is no scene for dwelling on the evil deeds of wicked menotherwise than to pray for them, " said the Priest; "but return with meto the hall, and you shall hear. "

Eustace lingered a few moments longer, before, heaving a deep sigh hereturned to the hall, where he found Gaston and Ingram, just come infrom attending to the horses, and Ralph hurrying the servants insetting out an ample meal for the travellers. 

"My good old friend, " said Eustace, holding out his hand as he entered, "I have not greeted you aright. You must throw the blame on thetidings that took from me all other thought, Ralph; for never was thereface which I was more rejoiced to see. 

"It was the blame of our own reception of you, Sir Eustace, " said oldPenrose. "I could tear my hair to think that you should have met withno better welcome than barred gates and owlet shrieks; but did you butknow how wildly your bugle-blast rose upon our ear, while we sat overthe fire well-nigh distraught with sorrow, you would not marvel that wedeemed that the spirit of our good Knight might be borne upon themoaning wind. "

"Yet, " said Arthur, "I knew the note, and would have gone to the turretwindow, but that Mistress Cicely held me fast; and when they sentJocelyn to look, the cowardly knave brought back the tale which youbroke short. "

"Boast not, Master Arthur, " said Gaston; "you believed in our ghostshipas fully as any of them. "

"But met us manfully, " said Eustace. "But why all these precautions?Why the drawbridge raised? That could scarce be against a ghost. "

"Alas! Sir Eustace, there are bodily foes abroad!" said Ralph. "Byyour leave, Master d'Aubricour, " as Gaston was about to assist hisKnight in unfastening his armour, "none shall lay a hand near SirEustace but myself on this first night of his return; thanks be to St. Dunstan that he has come!" Eustace stood patiently for several minuteswhile the old man fumbled with his armour, and presently came theexclamation, "A plague on these new-fangled clasps which a man cannotundo for his life! 'Twas this low corselet that was the death of goodSir Reginald. I always said that no good would come of these fashions!"

In process of time, Eustace was disencumbered of his heavy armour; butwhen he stood before him in his plain dress of chamois leather, oldRalph shook his head, disappointed that he had not attained the heightor the breadth of the stalwart figures of his father and brother, butwas still slight and delicate looking. The golden spurs and the swordof Du Guesclin, however, rejoiced the old man's heart, and touchingthem almost reverentially, he placed the large arm-chair at the head ofthe table, and began eagerly to invite him to eat. 

Eustace was too sorrowful and too anxious to be inclined for food, andlong before his followers had finished their meal, he turned from thetable, and asked for an account of what had befallen in his absence;for there was at that time no more idea of privacy in conversation thansuch as was afforded by the comparative seclusion of the party roundthe hearth, consisting of the Knight, his arm around his little nephew, who was leaning fondly against him; of Father Cyril, of Gaston, and oldRalph, in his wonted nook, his elbow on his knee, and his chin on hishand, feasting his eyes with the features of his beloved pupil. Inanswer to the query, "Who is the enemy you fear?" there was but oneanswer, given in different tones, "The Lord de Clarenham!"

"Ha!" cried Eustace, "it was justly then that your father, Arthur, bademe beware of him when he committed you to my charge on the battle-fieldof Navaretta. "

"Did he so?" exclaimed Father Cyril. "Did he commit the boy to yourguardianship? Formally and before witnesses?"

"I can testify to it, good Father, " said Gaston. "Ay! and you, Ingram, must have been within hearing--to say nothing of Du Guesclin. "

"And Leonard Ashton, " said Ingram. 

"It is well, " said Father Cyril; "he will be here to-morrow to beconfronted with Clarenham. It is the personal wardship that is ofchief importance, and dwelt most on my Lady's mind. "

"Clarenham lays claim then to the guardianship?" asked Eustace. 

Father Cyril proceeded with a narrative, the substance of which was asfollows:--Simon de Clarenham, as has been mentioned, had obtained fromKing Edward, in the days of the power of Isabel and Mortimer, a grantof the manor of Lynwood, but on the fall of the wicked Queen, therightful owner had been reinstated, without, however, any formalrevocation of the unjust grant. Knowing it would cost but a word ofSir Reginald to obtain its recall, both Simon and Fulk de Clarenham haddone their best to make him forget its existence; but no sooner did thenews of his death reach England, than Fulk began to take an ungenerousadvantage of the weakness of his heir. He sent a summons for the duespaid by vassals to their Lord on a new succession, and on Eleanor'sindignant refusal, followed it up by a further claim to the wardship ofthe person of Arthur himself, both in right of his alleged feudalsuperiority, and as the next of kin who was of full age. Again was hisdemand refused, and shortly after Lady Lynwood's alarms were brought toa height by an attempt on his part to waylay her son and carry him offby force, whilst riding in the neighbourhood of the Castle. The plothad failed, by the fidelity of the villagers of Lynwood, but the shockto the lady had increased the progress of the decay of her health, already undermined by grief. She never again trusted her son beyondthe Castle walls; she trembled whenever he was out of her sight, andmany an hour did she spend kneeling before the altar in the chapel. Onher brother-in-law, Sir Eustace, her chief hope was fixed; on him shedepended for bringing Arthur's case before the King, and, above all, for protecting him from the attacks of the enemy of his family, rendered so much more dangerous by his relationship. She did notbelieve that actual violence to Arthur's person was intended, butFulk's house had of late become such an abode of misrule, that hismother and sister had been obliged to leave it for a Convent, and thetales of the lawlessness which there prevailed were such that she wouldhave dreaded nothing more for her son than a residence there, even ifFulk had no interest in oppressing him. 

That Eustace should return to take charge of his nephew before herdeath was her chief earthly wish, and when she found herself rapidlysinking, and the hope of its fulfilment lessening, she obtained apromise from Father Cyril that he would conduct the boy to the Abbey ofGlastonbury, and there obtain from the Abbot protection for him untilhis uncle should return, or the machinations of Fulk be defeated by anappeal to the King. 

This was accordingly Father Cyril's intention. It was unavoidable thatFulk, the near kinsman of the deceased, should be present at thefuneral, but Father Cyril had intended to keep Arthur within thesanctuary of the chapel until he could depart under the care of twelvemonks of Glastonbury, who were coming in the stead of the Abbot--hebeing, unfortunately, indisposed. Sir Philip Ashton had likewise beeninvited, in the hope that his presence might prove a check uponClarenham. 

CHAPTER IX

With the first dawn of morning, the chapel bell began to toll, and wasreplied to by the deeper sound of the bell of the parish church. Soonthe court began to be filled with the neighbouring villagers, withbeggars, palmers, mendicant friars of all orders, pressing to thebuttery-hatch, where they received the dole of bread, meat, and ale, from the hands of the pantler, under the direction of the almoner ofGlastonbury, who requested their prayers for the soul of the noble SirReginald Lynwood, and Dame Eleanor of Clarenham, his wife. Thepeasantry of Lynwood, and the beggars, whose rounds brought themregularly to the Keep of Lynwood, and who had often experienced thebounty of the departed lady, replied with tears and blessings. Therewere not wanting the usual though incongruous accompaniments of such ascene--the jugglers and mountebanks, who were playing their tricks inone corner. 

Within the hall, all was in sad, sober, and solemn array, contrastingwith the motley concourse in the court. Little Arthur, dressed inblack, stood by the side of his uncle, to receive the greetings of hisyeoman vassals, as they came in, one by one, with clownish courtesy, but hearty respect and affection, and great satisfaction at theunexpected appearance of the young Knight. 

Next came in long file, mounted on their sleek mules, the twelve monksof Glastonbury, whom the Knight and his nephew reverently received atthe door, and conducted across the hall to the chapel, where the parishPriest, Father Cyril, and some of the neighbouring clergy had beenchanting psalms since morning light. On the way Sir Eustace held someconference with the chief, Brother Michael, who had come prepared toassist in conveying Arthur, if possible, to Glastonbury, but was veryglad to find that the Knight was able to take upon himself the chargeof his nephew, without embroiling the Abbey with so formidable an enemyas Lord de Clarenham. 

The next arrival was Sir Philip Ashton and his son, who could hardlybelieve their eyes when Eustace met them. Leonard's manner was atfirst cordial; but presently, apparently checked by some suddenrecollection, he drew back, and stood in sheepish embarrassment, fumbling with his dagger, while Sir Philip was lavishing compliments onEustace, who was rejoiced when the sound of horses made it necessary togo and meet Lord de Clarenham at the door. Arthur looked up in SirFulk's face, with a look in which curiosity and defiance wereexpressed; while Fulk, on his side, was ready to grind his teeth withvexation at the unexpected sight of the only man who could interferewith his projects. Then he glanced at his own numerous andwell-appointed retinue, compared them with the small number of theLynwood vassals, and with another look at his adversary's youthful andgentle appearance, he became reassured, and returned his salutationswith haughty ceremony. 

The whole company moved in solemn procession towards the chapel, wherethe mass and requiem were chanted, and the corpse of the Lady Eleanor, inclosed in a stone coffin, was lowered to its resting-place, in thevault of her husband's ancestors. 

It was past noon when the banquet was spread in the hall; a highertable on the dais for the retainers and yeomanry, the latter of whomwere armed with dagger, short sword, or quarter-staff. 

Sir Philip Ashton and Brother Michael were chiefly at the expense ofthe conversation, Eustace meanwhile doing the honours with gravecourtesy, taking care to keep his nephew by his side. There was no onewho did not feel as if on the eve of a storm; but all was grave anddecorous; and at length Brother Michael and the monks of Glastonbury, rejoicing that they, at least, had escaped a turmoil, took their leave, mounted their mules, and rode off, in all correctness of civilitytoward the house of Lynwood, which, as Eustace could not help feeling, they thus left to fight its own battles. 

"It waxes late, " said Lord de Clarenham, rising; "bring out the horses, Miles; and you, my young kinsman, Arthur, you are to be my guest fromhenceforth. Come, therefore, prepare for the journey. "

Arthur held fast by the hand of his uncle, who replied, "I thank you inmy nephew's name for your intended hospitality, but I purpose at onceto conduct him to Bordeaux, to be enrolled among the Prince's pages. "

"Conduct him to Bordeaux, said the Knight?" answered Sir Fulk with asneer; "to Bordeaux forsooth! It is well for you, my fair youngcousin, that I have other claims to you, since, were you once out ofEngland, I can well guess who would return to claim the lands ofLynwood. "

"What claim have you to his wardship, Sir Fulk?" asked Eustace, coldly, disdaining to take notice of the latter part of this speech. 

"As his feudal superior, and his nearest relation of full age, " repliedClarenham. 

"There are many here who can prove that it is twenty-one years past, since I was born on the feast of St. Eustace, " replied the youngKnight. "The house of Lynwood owns no master beneath the King ofEngland, and the wardship of my nephew was committed to me by both hisparents. Here is a witness of the truth of my words. Holy Father, theparchment!"

Father Cyril spread a thick roll, with heavy seals, purporting to bethe last will and testament of Dame Eleanor Lynwood, bequeathing thewardship and marriage of her son to her beloved brother, Sir EustaceLynwood, Knight Banneret, and, in his absence, to the Lord Abbot ofGlastonbury, and Cyril Langton, Clerk. 

"It is nought, " said Clarenham, pushing it from him; "the Lady ofLynwood had no right to make a will in this manner, since sheunlawfully detained her son from me, his sole guardian. "

"The force of the will may be decided by the King's justices, " saidEustace; "but my rights are not founded on it alone. My brother, SirReginald, with his last words, committed his son to my charge. "

"What proof do you bring, Sir Eustace?" said Fulk. "I question notyour word, but something more is needed in points of law, and you canscarcely expect the world to believe that Sir Reginald would commit hisonly child to the guardianship of one so young, and the next heir. "

"I am here to prove it, my Lord, " said Gaston, eagerly. "'To your careI commit him, Eustace, ' said Sir Reginald, as he lay with his head onhis brother's breast; and methought he also added, 'Beware ofClarenham. ' Was it not so, friend Leonard?"

Leonard's reply was not readily forthcoming. His father was whisperingin his ear, whilst he knit his brow, shuffled with his feet, andshrugged his shoulder disrespectfully in his father's face. 

"Speak, Master Ashton, " said Clarenham, in a cold incredulous tone, andbending on father and son glances which were well understood. "To yourtestimony, respectable and uninterested, credit must be added. "

"What mean you by that, Sir Fulk de Clarenham?" cried Gaston; "for whatdo you take me and my word?"

"Certain tales of you and your companions, Sir Squire, " answeredClarenham, "do not dispose me to take a Gascon's word for more than itis worth. "

"This passes!" cried Gaston, striking his fist on the table; "youventure it because you are not of my degree! Here, ye craven Squires, will not one of you take up my glove, when I cast back in his teethyour master's foul slander of an honourable Esquire?"

"Touch it not, I command you, " said Clarenham, "unless Masterd'Aubricour will maintain that he never heard of a certain one-eyedBasque, and never rode on a free-booting foray with the robber Knight, Perduccas d'Albret. "

"What of that?" fiercely cried Gaston. 

"Quite enough, Sir Squire, " said Fulk, coolly. 

Gaston was about to break into a tempest of rage, when Eustace's calmvoice and gesture checked him. 

"Sir Fulk, " said Eustace, "were you at Bordeaux, you would know that noman's word can be esteemed more sacred, or his character more high, than that of Gaston d'Aubricour. "

"But in the meantime, " said Clarenham, "we must be content to takethat, as well as much besides, on your own assertion, Sir Eustace. Oncemore, Master Leonard Ashton, let me hear your testimony, as to thedying words of Sir Reginald Lynwood. I am content to abide by them. "

"Come, Leonard, " said his father, who had been whispering with him allthis time, "speak up; you may be grieved to disappoint a once-friendlycompanion, but you could not help the defect of your ears. "

"Sir Philip, I pray you not to prompt your son, " said Eustace. "Standforth, Leonard, on your honour. Did you or did you not hear the wordsof my brother, as he lay on the bank of the Zadorra?"

Leonard half rose, as if to come towards him, but his father held himfast; he looked down, and muttered, "Ay, truly, I heard Sir Reginaldsay somewhat. "

"Tell it out, then. "

"He thanked the Prince for knighting you--he prayed him to have chargeof his wife and child--he bade Gaston not to return to evil courses, "said Leonard, bringing out his sentences at intervals. 

"And afterwards, " said Eustace sternly--"when the Prince was gone? Onyour honour, Leonard. "

Leonard almost writhed himself beneath the eyes that Eustace keptsteadily fixed on him. "Somewhat--somewhat he might have said ofknightly training for his son--but--but what do I know?" he added, ashis father pressed hard on his foot; "it was all in your ear, for as helay on your breast, his voice grew so faint, that I could hear littlethrough my helmet. "

"Nay, Master Ashton, " said John Ingram, pressing forward, "if Iremember right, you had thrown off your helmet, saying it was as hot asa copper cauldron; and besides, our good Knight, when he said thosewords touching Master Arthur, raised himself up somewhat, and spoke outlouder, as if that we might all hear and bear witness. "

"No witness beyond your own train, Sir Eustace?" said Clarenham. 

"None, " said Eustace, "excepting one whose word even you will scarcelydare to dispute, Sir Bertrand du Guesclin. "

"I dispute no man's word, Sir Eustace, " said Fulk; "I only say thatuntil the claim which you allege be proved in the King's Court, I amthe lawful guardian of the lands and person of the heir of Lynwood. TheLord Chancellor Wykeham may weigh the credit to be attached to thewitness of this highly respectable Esquire, or this long-earedman-at-arms, or may send beyond seas for the testimony of Du Guesclin:in the meantime, I assume my office. Come here, boy. "

"I will not come to you, Lord Fulk, " said Arthur; "or when I do, itshall be sword in hand to ask for an account for the tears you havemade my sweet mother shed. "

"Bred up in the same folly!" said Fulk. "Once more, Sir Eustace, willyou yield him to me, or must I use force?"

"I have vowed before his mother's corpse to shield him from you, "returned Eustace. 

"Think of the consequences, Sir Eustace, " said Sir Philip Ashton, coming up to him. "Remember the unrepealed grant to the Clarenhams. The Lynwood manor may be at any moment resumed, to which, failing yournephew, you are heir. You will ruin him and yourself. "

"It is his person, not his lands, that I am bound to guard, " saidEustace. "Let him do his worst; my nephew had better be a landlessman, than one such as Fulk would make him. "

"Think, " continued Sir Philip, "of the disadvantages to your cause ofprovoking a fray at such a time. Hold your hand, and yield the boy, atleast till the cause come before the Chancellor. "

"Never, " said Eustace. "His parents have trusted him to me, and I willfulfil my promise. The scandal of the fray be on him who occasions it. "

"Recollect, my Lord, " said Ashton, turning to Fulk, "that this may bemisrepresented. These young warriors are hot and fiery, and this youngKnight, they say, has succeeded to all his brother's favour with thePrince. "

"I will not be bearded by a boy, " returned Clarenham, thrusting himaside. "Hark you, Sir Eustace. You have been raised to a height whichhas turned your head, your eyes have been dazzled by the gilding ofyour spurs, and you have fancied yourself a man; but in your own countyand your own family, airs are not to be borne. We rate you at what youare worth, and are not to be imposed on by idle tales which theboastful young men of the Prince's court frame of each other. Give upthese pretensions, depart in peace to your fellows at Bordeaux, and wewill forget your insolent interference. "

"Never, while I live, " replied Eustace. "Vassals of Lynwood, guardyour young Lord. "

"Vassals of Lynwood, " said Fulk, "will you see your young Lord carriedoff to perish in some unknown region, and yourselves left a prey to anadventurer and freebooter?"

"For that matter, my Lord, " said an old farmer, "if all tales be true, Master Arthur is like to learn less harm with Sir Eustace than in yourjolly household--I for one will stand by our good Lord's brother to thelast. What say you, comrades?"

"Hurrah for the Lances of Lynwood!" shouted John Ingram, and the crywas taken up by many a gruff honest voice, till the hall rang again, and the opposing shout of "a Clarenham, a Clarenham!" was raised by theretainers of the Baron. Eustace, at the same moment, raised his nephewin his arms, and lifted him up into the embrasure of one of the highwindows. Sir Philip Ashton still hung upon Clarenham, pleading inbroken sentences which were lost in the uproar: "Hold! Hold! my Lord. Nay, nay, think but"--(here he was thrust roughly aside by Fulk)--"SirEustace, do but hear--it will be a matter for the council--in the nameof the King--for the love of Heaven--Leonard, son Leonard! for Heaven'ssake what have you to do with the matter? Down with that sword, andfollow me! Dost not hear, froward boy? Our names will be called inquestion! Leonard, on your duty--Ha! have a care! there!"

These last words were broken short, as Gaston, rushing forwards to hismaster's side, overthrew the table, which carried Sir Philip with it inthe fall, and he lay prostrate under the boards, a stumbling-block to astream of eager combatants, who one after another dashed against him, fell, and either rose again, or remained kicking and struggling witheach other. 

After several minutes' confused fighting, the tumult cleared away, asit were, leaving the principals on each side opposite to each other, and as the fortune of the day rested on their conflict, all becamegradually fixed in attention, resting upon their weapons, in readinessat any moment to renew their own portion of the combat. 

Fulk, tall and robust, had far more the appearance of strength than hisslenderly-made antagonist, but three years in the school of chivalryhad not been wasted by Eustace, and the sword of Du Guesclin was in ahand well accustomed to its use. Old Ralph was uttering under hisbreath ecstatic exclamations: "Ha! Well struck! A rare foil--aperfect hit--Have a care--Ah! there comes my old blow--That isright--Old Sir Henry's master-stroke-- There--one of your new Frenchbackstrokes--but it told--Oh! have a care--The Saintsguard--Ay--There--Follow it up! Hurrah for Lynwood!" as Fulk tottered, slipped, sank on one knee, and receiving a severe blow on the head withthe back of the sword, measured his length on the ground. 

"Hurrah for Lynwood!" re-echoed through the hall, but Eustace cut shortthe clamour at once, by saying, "Peace, my friends, and thanks! SirFulk de Clarenham, " he added, as his fallen foe moved, and began toraise himself, "you have received a lesson, by which I hope you willprofit. Leave the house, whose mourning you have insulted, and thankyour relationship that I forbear to bring this outrage to the notice ofthe King. "

While Eustace spoke, Fulk had, by the assistance of two of hisretainers, recovered his feet; but though unwounded, he was so dizziedwith the blow as to be passive in their hands, and to allow himself tobe led into the court, and placed on his horse. Before riding out ofthe gates, he turned round, and clenching his fist, glanced malignantlyat Eustace, and muttered, "You shall aby it. "

Another shout of "Down with the false Clarenham! Hurrah for the Lancesof Lynwood, and the brave young Knight!" was raised in the court by thepeasantry, among whom Fulk was so much hated, that not even regard fortheir future welfare could prevent them from indulging in this triumph. Probably, too, they expected the satisfaction of drinking the health ofthe victor, for there were many disappointed countenances when he spokefrom the steps of the porch:--"Thanks for your good-will, my friends. Fare ye well, depart in peace, and remember your young Lord. " Thenturning to the parish Priest, he added, in a low voice, "See that theyleave the Castle as soon as possible. The gates must be secured assoon as may be. "

He turned back into the hall, and at the door was met by little Arthur, who caught hold of his hand, exclaiming, "So you have won me, and shallkeep me forever, Uncle Eustace; but come in, for here is poor old SirPhilip, who was thrown down under the table in the scuffle, bemoaninghimself most lamentably. "

"Sir Philip hurt?" said Eustace, who, vexed as he was by Sir Philip'sbehaviour, preserved a certain neighbourly hereditary respect for him;"I trust not seriously, " and he advanced towards the arm-chair, whereSir Philip Ashton was sitting, attended by Father Cyril and aman-at-arms, and groaning and complaining of his bruises, while at thesame time he ordered the horses to be brought out as speedily aspossible. 

"Surely, " said Eustace, "you should not be in such haste, Sir Philip. Igrieve that you should have met with this mishap. But you had betterremain here, and try what rest will do for you. "

"Remain here!" said Sir Philip, almost shuddering. "Nay, nay, my youngSir, I would not have you to remain here, nor any of us, for longerspace than the saddling of a horse. Alas! alas! my young friend, Igrieve for you. I loved your father well. --Look from the window, Leonard. Are the horses led forth?"

"But why this haste?" asked Sir Eustace. "You are heavilybruised--best let Father Cyril look to your hurts. "

"Thanks, Sir Eustace; but--Ah! my back!--but I would not remain underthis roof for more than you could give me. I should but endangermyself without benefiting you. Alas! alas! that I should have fallenupon such a fray! I am sorry for you, my brave youth!"

"I thank you, Sir Philip, but I know not what I have done to deserveyour concern. "

"Hot blood! wilful blood!" said Sir Philip, shaking his head. "Are thehorses come? Here! your hand, Leonard, help me to rise--Ah! ah! not sofast--Oh! I shall never get over it! There--mind you, I did all toprevent this unhappy business--I am clear of it! Fare you well, SirEustace--take an old man's advice, give up the boy, and leave thecountry before worse comes of it. "

"What is likely to come of it?" said Eustace; "Clarenham made anuncalled-for, unjust, shameless attempt to seize the person of my ward. I repelled him by force of arms, and I think he would scarce like tocall the attention of justice to his own share in the matter. "

"Ah! well, you speak boldly, but before you have reached my years, youwill have learnt what it is to have for your foe the most mighty man ofthe county--nay, of the court; for your foe, Lord de Clarenham, is inclose friendship with the Earl of Pembroke. Beware, my young friend, beware!"

When the hall was clear of guests, a council was held between theKnight, the Priest, and the two Esquires. Its result was, thatArthur's person, as the most important point, should be secured, by hisuncle carrying him at once to the Prince's protection at Bordeaux; butit was only with difficulty that Eustace was prevailed on to fly, as hesaid, from his accusers. The good Father had to say, with a smile, that after all there was as much need for patience and submission underthe helm as under the cowl, before Eustace at length consented. Cyrilmeanwhile was to lay the case before the Chancellor, William ofWykeham, and Eustace gave him letters to the Duke of Lancaster and toSir Richard Ferrars, in the hopes of their recommending his suit. 

Eustace then received from the hands of the Priest a bag of gold coins, his portion as a younger son, part of which he gave to be distributedin alms, part he still confided to Father Cyril's keeping, and the resthe was to take away for present needs--and they parted for the lastnight of his brief stay at Lynwood Keep. 

CHAPTER X

In the early morning, Sir Eustace and his few followers were in theirsaddles, little Arthur riding between his uncle and Gaston. The chiefpart of the day was spent on the journey. They dined, to Arthur'sglee, on provisions they had brought with them, seated on a green banknear a stream, and at evening found themselves at the door of a largehostel, its open porch covered by a vine. 

The host and his attendants ran out at first to meet them withalacrity, but, on seeing them, appeared disappointed. And as theKnight, dismounting, ordered supper and bed, the host replied that hecould indeed engage to find food, and to accommodate their steeds, butthat the whole of the inn had been secured on behalf of two nobleladies and their train, who were each moment expected. 

"Be it so, " said Eustace; "a truss of hay beside our horses, or asettle by the fire, is all we need. Here is a taste already of awarrior's life for you, Arthur. "

The boy was delighted, certain that to sleep beside his pony was farmore delightful, as well as more manly, than to rest in his bed, like alady at home. 

As this was arranged, a sound of horses' feet approached, and a band ofmen-at-arms rode up to the door. Arthur started and seized his uncle'shand as he recognized the Clarenham colours and badge, uttering anexclamation of dismay. "Never fear, Arthur, " said Eustace, "they comefrom the way opposite to ours. It is not pursuit. See, it is anescort--there are ladies among them. "

"Four!" said Arthur. "Uncle, that tall dame in black must be the LadyMuriel. And surely the white veil tied with rose-colour belongs tokind Cousin Agnes. "

"True! These are no Clarenhams to guard against, " said Eustace to hisSquire, who looked ready for action. "Lady Muriel, the step-mother ofthe Baron and his sister, is my godmother, and, by birth, a Lynwood. "

Then stepping forward, he assisted the elder lady to dismount; shereturned his courtesy by a slight inclination, as to a stranger, buther companion, who had lightly sprung to the ground, no soonerperceived him than she exclaimed, "Eustace!" then laying her hand onLady Muriel's arm, "Mother, it is Sir Eustace Lynwood. "

"Ha! my gallant godson!" said the Baroness, greeting him cordially. "Well met, brave youth! No wonder in that knightly figure I did notknow my kinswoman's little page. How does my gentle niece, Eleanor?"

"Alack! then you have not heard the tidings?" said Eustace. 

"We heard long since she was sick with grief, " said Lady Muriel, muchalarmed. "What mean you? Is she worse? You weep--surely she stilllives!"

"Ah! honoured dame, we come even now from laying her in her grave. Hereis her orphan boy. "

Young Agnes could not restrain a cry of grief and horror, and trying torepress her weeping till it should be without so many witnesses, LadyMuriel and her bower-woman led her to their apartments in the inn. Eustace was greatly affected by her grief. She had often accompaniedher step-mother on visits to Lynwood Keep in the peaceful days of theirchildhood; she had loved no sport better than to sit listening to hisromantic discourses of chivalry, and had found in the shy, delicate, dreamy boy, something congenial to her own quiet nature; and, in short, when Eustace indulged in a vision, Agnes was ever the lady of it, thepale slight Agnes, with no beauty save her large soft brown eyes, thatseemed to follow and take in every fancy or thought of his. Agnes waslooked down on, --her father thought she would do him littlehonour, --her brother cared not for her; save for her step-mother shewould have met with little fostering attention, and when Eustace sawher set aside and disregarded, his heart had bounded with the thoughtthat when he should lay his trophies at her feet, Agnes would behonoured for his sake. But Eustace's honours had been barren, and hecould only look back with a sad heart to the fancies of his youth, whenhe had deemed Knight-errantry might win the lady of his love. 

Eleanor had been one of the few who had known and loved the damsel ofClarenham, and had encouraged her to lay aside her timidity. Agnes weptfor her as a sister, and still could hardly restrain her sobs, whenEustace and his nephew were invited to the presence of the ladies tonarrate their melancholy tale. 

Many tears were shed, and caresses lavished upon the orphan. Theladies asked his destination, and on hearing that he was to be taken tothe Prince's court at Bordeaux, Agnes said, "We, too, are bound to thePrince's court. I am to journey thither with Fulk. Were it not betterfor Arthur to travel with us? Most carefully would we guard him. Itwould spare him many a hardship, for which he is scarce old enough; andhis company would be a solace, almost a protection to me. My prettyplayfellow, will you be my travelling companion?"

"I would go with you, Cousin Agnes, for you are kind and gentle, and Ilove you well; but a brave Knight's son must learn to rough it; andbesides, I would not go with Sir Fulk, your brother, for he is a falseand cruel Knight, who persecuted my blessed mother to the very death. "

"Can this be? O speak, Eustace!" said Agnes. "What means the boy?Hath Fulk shown himself other than a loving kinsman?"

The Baroness, who understood her step-son's character better than didhis young sister, and who was informed of the old enmity between thetwo houses, felt considerable anxiety as to what they were now to hear;when Eustace, beginning, "Ah, Lady, I grieve twice in the day to saddenyour heart; yet since so much has been said, it were best to relate thewhole truth, " proceeded to tell what had passed respecting the wardshipof young Arthur. Agnes's eyes filled with burning tears ofindignation. "O dear Lady Mother!" cried she, "take me back to ourConvent! How can I meet my brother! How conceal my anger and myshame!"

"This is far worse than even I feared, " said Lady Muriel. "I knew Fulkto be unscrupulous and grasping, but I did not think him capable ofsuch foul oppression. For you, my sweet Agnes--would that I couldprevail on him to leave you in the safe arms of the cloister--but, alas! I have no right to detain you from a brother's guardianship. "

"I dreaded this journey much before, " said Agnes; "but now, even mytrust in Fulk is gone; I shall see round me no one in whom to placeconfidence. Alas! alas!"

"Nay, fair Agnes, " said Eustace, "he will surely be a kind brother tothee--he cannot be otherwise. "

"How love and trust when there is no esteem? Oh, Mother, Mother! thisis loneliness indeed! In that strange, courtly throng, who willprotect and shelter me?"

"There is an Arm--" began the Baroness. 

"Yes, noble Lady, there is one arm, " eagerly exclaimed Eustace, "thatwould only deem itself too much honoured if it could be raised in yourservice. "

"I spoke of no arm of flesh, " said Lady Muriel, reprovingly--andEustace hung his head abashed. "I spake of the Guardian who will neverbe wanting to the orphan. "

There was a silence, first broken by Eustace. "One thing there is, that I would fain ask of your goodness, " said he: "many a false tale, many a foul slander, will be spoken of me, and many may give heed tothem; but let that be as it will, they shall not render my heart heavywhile I can still believe that you give no ear to them. "

"Sir Eustace, " said the Lady of Clarenham, "I have known you fromchildhood, and it would go hard with me to believe aught dishonourableof the pupil of Sir Reginald and of Eleanor. "

"Yes, Sir Eustace, " added Agnes, "it would break my heart to distrustyou; for then I must needs believe that faith, truth, and honour hadleft the world. "

"And now, " said Lady Muriel, who thought the conversation had beensufficiently tender to fulfil all the requirements of the connection offamilies, and of their old companionship, "now, Agnes, we must takeleave of our kind kinsman, since, doubtless, he will desire to renewhis journey early to-morrow. "

Eustace took the hint, and bent his knee to kiss the hands which wereextended to him by the two ladies; then left the room, feeling, amongall the clouds which darkened his path, one clear bright ray to warmand gladden his heart. Agnes trusted his truth, Agnes would be atBordeaux, --he might see her, and she would hear of his deeds. 

Agnes, while she wept over her kinswoman's death and her brother'sfaults, rejoiced in having met her old playfellow, and found him asnoble a Knight as her fancy had often pictured him; and in themeanwhile, the good old Lady Muriel sighed to herself, and shook herhead at the thought of the sorrows which an attachment would surelycause to these two young creatures. 

It was early in the morning that Eustace summoned his nephew from thecouch which one of the Clarenham retainers had yielded him, and, mounting their horses, they renewed their journey towards the coast. 

Without further adventure, the Lances of Lynwood, as Arthur still choseto call their little party, safely arrived at Rennes, the capital ofBrittany, where Jean de Montford held his court. Here they met thetidings that Charles V. Had summoned the Prince of Wales to appear athis court, to answer an appeal made against him to the sovereign by thevassals of the Duchy of Aquitaine. Edward's answer was, that he wouldappear indeed, but that it should be in full armour, with ten thousandKnights and Squires at his back; and the war had already been renewed. 

The intelligence added to Eustace's desire to be at Bordeaux, but hecould not venture through the enemy's country without exposing himselfto death or captivity; and even within the confines of Brittany itself, Duke John, though bound by gratitude and affection to the alliance ofthe King, who had won for him his ducal coronet, was unable to controlthe enmity which his subjects bore to the English, and assured theKnight that a safe-conduct from him would only occasion his beingrobbed and murdered in secret, instead of being taken a prisoner infair fight and put to ransom. 

If Eustace had been alone with his staunch followers, he would havetrusted to their good swords and swift steeds; but to place Arthur insuch perils would be but to justify Fulk's accusations; and there wasno alternative but to accept the offer made to him by Jean de Montford, for the sake of his Duchess, a daughter of Edward III. , to remain aguest at his court until the arrival of a sufficient party of EnglishKnights, who were sure to be attracted by the news of the war. 

No less than two months was he obliged to wait, during which both heand Gaston chafed grievously under their forced captivity; but atlength he learnt that a band of Free Companions had arrived at Rennes, on their way to offer their service to the Prince of Wales; accordinglyhe set forth, and after some interval found himself once more in thedomains of the house of Plantagenet. 

It was late in the evening when he rode through the gates of Bordeaux, and sought the abode of the good old Gascon merchant, where he hadalways lodged. He met with a ready welcome, and inquiring into themost recent news of the town, learnt that the Prince was considered tobe slightly improved in health; but that no word was spoken of the armytaking the field, and the war was chiefly carried on by the siege ofCastles. He asked for Sir John Chandos, and was told that high wordshad passed between him and the Prince respecting a hearth-tax, and thatsince he had returned to his government, and seldom or never appearedat the council board. It was the Earl of Pembroke who was all-powerfulthere. And here the old Gascon wandered into lamentable complaints ofthe aforesaid hearth-tax, from which Eustace could scarcely recall himto answer whether the English Baron de Clarenham had arrived atBordeaux. He had come, and with as splendid a train as ever wasbeheld, and was in high favour at court. 

This was no pleasing intelligence, but Eustace determined to go thenext day to present his nephew to the Prince immediately after thenoontide meal, when it was the wont of the Plantagenet Princes to throwtheir halls open to their subjects. 

Accordingly, leading Arthur by the hand, and attended by Gaston, hemade his appearance in the hall just as the banquet was concluded, butere the Knights had dispersed. Many well-known faces were there, butas he advanced up the space between the two long tables, he was amazedat meeting scarce one friendly glance of recognition; some lookedunwilling to seem to know him, and returned his salutation with distantcoldness; others gazed at the window, or were intent on their wine, andof these was Leonard Ashton, whom to his surprise he saw seated amongthe Knights. 

Thus he passed on until he had nearly reached the dais where dined thePrince and the personages of the most exalted rank. Here he paused ashis anxious gaze fell upon the Prince, and marked his countenance andmien--alas! how changed! He sat in his richly-carved chair, wrapped ina velvet mantle, which, even on that bright day of a southern spring, he drew closer round him with a shuddering chilliness. His elbowrested on the arm of his chair, and his wasted cheek leant on hishand--the long thin fingers of which showed white and transparent as alady's; his eyes were bent on the ground, and a look of suffering or ofmoody thought hung over the whole of that face, once full of free andopen cheerfulness. Tears filled Eustace's eyes as he beheld that wreckof manhood and thought of that bright day of hope and gladness when hisbrother had presented him to the Prince. 

As he hesitated to advance, the Prince, raising his eyes, encounteredthat earnest and sorrowful gaze, but only responding by a stern glanceof displeasure. Eustace, however, stepped forward, and bending oneknee, said, "My Lord, I come to report myself as returned to yourservice, and at the same time to crave for my nephew the protection youwere graciously pleased to promise him. "

"It is well, Sir Eustace Lynwood, " said Edward, coldly, and with amovement of his head, as if to dismiss him from his presence; "and you, boy, come hither, " he added as Arthur, seeing his uncle rise andretreat a few steps, was following his example. "I loved your fatherwell, " he said, laying his hand on the boy's bright wavy hair, "and youshall find in me a steady friend as long as you prove yourself notunworthy of the name you bear. "

In spite of the awe with which Arthur felt his head pressed by thatroyal hand, in spite of his reverence for the hero and the Prince, heraised his eyes and looked upon the face of the Prince with an earnest, pleading, almost upbraiding gaze, as if, child as he was, he deprecatedthe favour, which so evidently marked the slight shown to his uncle. But the Prince did not heed him, and rising from his chair, said, "Thine arm, Clarenham. Let us to the Princess, and present her newpage. Follow me, boy. "

With a wistful look at his uncle, standing alone on the step of thedais, Arthur reluctantly followed the Prince as, leaning on Clarenham'sarm, he left the hall, and, crossing a gallery, entered a largeapartment. At one end was a canopy embroidered with the arms andbadges of the heir of England, and beneath it were two chairs of state, one of which was occupied by Joan Plantagenet, Princess of Wales, oncethe Fair Maid of Kent, and though now long past her youth, stillshowing traces of beauty befitting the lady for whom her royal cousinhad displayed such love and constancy. 

As her husband entered, she rose, and looking anxiously at him, whileshe came forward to meet him, inquired whether he felt fatigued. "No, my fair dame, " replied the Prince, "I came but to present you your newpage; the young cousin, respecting whose safety my Lord de Clarenhamhath been so much in anxiety. "

"Then it is his uncle who hath brought him?" asked Joan. 

"Yes, " replied Edward, "he himself brought him to the hall, and evenhad the presumption to claim the protection for him that I pledged tohis father, when I deemed far otherwise of this young Eustace. "

"What account does he give of the length of time that he has spent onthe road?" asked the Princess. 

"Ay, there is the strangest part of the tale, " said Fulk Clarenham, with a sneer, "since he left the poor simple men at Lynwood believingthat he was coming at full speed to seek my Lord the Prince'sprotection for the child, a convenient excuse for eluding the inquiriesof justice into his brawls at the funeral, as well as for the rentswhich he carried off with him; but somewhat inconsistent when it is notfor five months that he makes his appearance at Bordeaux, and then inthe society of a band of _routiers_. "

"It shall be inquired into, " said the Prince. 

"Nay, nay, my Lord, " said Fulk, "may I pray you of your royal goodnessto press the matter no further. He is still young, and it were a pityto cast dishonour on a name which has hitherto been honourable. Sincemy young cousin is safe, I would desire no more, save to guard him fromhis future machinations. For his brother's sake, my Lord, I wouldplead with you. "

"Little did I think such things of him, " said the Prince, "when I laidknighthood on his shoulder in the battle-field of Navaretta; yet Iremember even then old Chandos chid me for over-hastiness. Poor oldChandos, he has a rough tongue, but a true heart!"

"And, under favour, I would say, " answered Clarenham, "that it mighthave been those early-won honours that turned the head of such a mereyouth, so entirely without guidance, or rather, with the guidance ofthat dissolute Squire, who, I grieve to observe, still haunts hisfootsteps. Knighthood, with nought to maintain it, is, in truth, asnare. "

"Well, I am weary of the subject, " said the Prince, leaning back in hischair. "The boy is safe, and, as you say, Fulk, that is all that is ofimportance. Call hither the troubadour that was in the hall at noon. I would have your opinion of his lay, " he added, turning to his wife. 

The indignation may be imagined with which Arthur listened to thisconversation, as he stood on the spot to which Edward had signed to himto advance, when he presented him to the Princess. He longed ardentlyto break in with an angry refutation of the slanders cast on his uncle, but he was too well trained in the rules of chivalry, to say nothing ofthe awful respect with which he regarded the Prince, to attempt toutter a word, and he could only edge himself as far away as waspossible from Clarenham, and cast at him glances of angry reproach. 

His uneasy movements were interpreted as signs of fatigue andimpatience of restraint by one of the ladies, who was sitting at nogreat distance, a very beautiful and graceful maiden, the Lady MaudeHolland, daughter to the Princess of Wales, by her first marriage; andshe kindly held out her hand to him, saying, "Come hither, my prettypage. You have not learnt to stand stiff and straight, like one of thesupporters of a coat-of-arms. Come hither, and let me lead you tocompany better suited to your years. "

Arthur came willingly, as there was no more to hear about his uncle;and besides, it was away from the hateful Clarenham. She led himacross the hall to a tall arched doorway, opening upon a wide andbeautiful garden, filled with the plants and shrubs of the south ofFrance, and sloping gently down to the broad expanse of the blue wavesof the Garonne. She looked round on all sides, and seeing no one, madea few steps forward on the greensward, then called aloud, "Thomas!" noanswer, "Edward! Harry of Lancaster!" but still her clear silveryvoice was unheeded, until a servant came from some other part of thebuilding, and, bowing, awaited her orders. "Where are Lord Edward andthe rest?" she asked. 

"Gone forth, " the servant believed, "to ride on the open space near St. Ursula's Convent. "

"None left at home?"

"None, noble Lady. "

"None, " repeated Lady Maude, "save the little Lord Richard, whose babycompany your pageship would hardly esteem. You must try to endure thequietness of the lady's chamber, unless you would wish to be at onceintroduced to the grave master of the Damoiseaux. "

At this moment Arthur's eye fell upon a lady who had just emerged froma long shady alley, up which she had been slowly walking, and thebright look of recognition which lighted up his face, was so differentfrom the shy and constrained expression he had hitherto worn, that LadyMaude remarked it, and following his gaze, said, "Lady Agnes deClarenham? Ah yes, she is of kin to you. Let us go meet her. " Then, as they approached, she said, "Here, Agnes, I have brought you a youngcousin of yours, whom the Prince has just conducted into my mother'schamber, where he bore so rueful a countenance that I grew pitifulenough to come forth on a bootless errand after his fellow Damoiseaux, who, it seems, are all out riding. So I shall even leave him to you, for there is a troubadour in the hall, whose lay I greatly long tohear. "

Away tripped Lady Maude, well pleased to be free from the burthen hergood-nature had imposed on her. 

"Arthur, " exclaimed Agnes, "what joy to see you! Is your uncle here?"

"Yes, " said Arthur, "but oh, Cousin Agnes! if you had been by to hearthe foul slanders which Sir Fulk has been telling the Prince--oh, Agnes! you would disown him for your brother. "

"Arthur, " said Agnes, with a voice almost of anguish, "how couldhe--why did he tarry so long on the road?"

"How could we come on when the Duke of Brittany himself said it wascertain death or captivity? We were forced to wait for an escort. Andnow, Agnes, think of your brother saying that Uncle Eustace carried offthe rents of Lynwood, when every man in the Castle could swear it wasonly the money Father Cyril had in keeping for his inheritance. "

"Alas!" said Agnes. 

"And the Prince will believe it--the Prince looks coldly on himalready, and my uncle loves the Prince like his own life. Oh, he willbe ready to die with grief! Agnes! Agnes! what is to be done? Butyou don't believe it!" he proceeded, seeing that she was weepingbitterly. "You do not believe it--you promised you never would! Ohsay you do not believe it!"

"I do not, Arthur; I never believed half they said of him; but oh, thatlong delay was a sore trial to my confidence, and cruelly confirmedtheir tales. "

"And think of Fulk, too, hindering the Prince from inquiring, becausehe says he would spare my uncle for my father's sake, when the truthis, he only fears that the blackness of his own designs should be seen!And Gaston, too, he slandered. Oh, Agnes! Agnes! that there should besuch wickedness, and we able to do nought!"

"Nought but weep and pray!" said Agnes. "And yet I can bear it betternow that you are here. Your presence refutes the worst accusation, andremoves a heavy weight from my mind. "

"You distrust him too! I cannot love you if you do. "

"Never, never! I only feared some evil had befallen you, and grievedto see the use made of your absence. Your coming should make my heartlight again. "

"Shall I often see you, Cousin Agnes? for there is none else in thiswide Castle that I shall care for. "

"Oh yes, Arthur, there are full twenty pages little older thanyourself--Lord Thomas Holland, the Prince's stepson, brother to thelady that led you to me; little Piers de Greilly, nephew to the Captalde Buch; young Lord Henry of Lancaster; and the little Prince Edwardhimself. You will have no lack of merry playmates. "

"Ah, but to whom can I talk of my blessed mother and of Uncle Eustace, and of Lynwood Keep, and poor old Blanc Etoile, that I promised Ralph Iwould bear in mind?"

"Well, Arthur, " said Agnes, cheerfully, "it is the pages' duty to waiton the ladies in hall and bower, and the ladies' office to teach themall courtly manners, and hear them read and say the Credo and Ave. Youshall be my own especial page and servant. Is it agreed?"

"Oh yes, " said the boy. "I wonder if the master of the Damoiseaux isas strict as that lady said, and I wonder when I shall see UncleEustace again. "

CHAPTER XI

If Arthur Lynwood felt desolate when he left his uncle's side, it wasnot otherwise with Sir Eustace as he lost sight of the child, who hadso long been his charge, and who repaid his anxiety with such confidingaffection. The coveted fame, favour, and distinction seemed likewiseto have deserted him. The Prince's coldness hung heavily on him, andas he cast his eyes along the ranks of familiar faces, not one friendlylook cheered him. His greetings were returned with coldness, and agrave haughty courtesy was the sole welcome. Chafed and mortified, hemade a sign to Gaston, and they were soon in the street once more. 

"Coward clown!" burst forth Gaston at once. "Would that I could sendall his grinning teeth down the false throat of him!"

"Whose? What mean you?"

"Whose but that sulky recreant, Ashton? He has done well to obtainknighthood, or I would beat him within an inch of his life with myhalbert, and if he dared challenge me, slay him as I would a carrioncrown! He a Knight! Thanks to his acres and to Lord Pembroke!"

"Patience, patience, Gaston--I have not yet heard of what he accusesme. "

"No! he has learnt policy--he saith it not openly! He would deny it, as did his Esquire when I taxed him with it! Would that you could nottell a letter! Sir Eustace, of your favour let me burn every one ofyour vile books. "

"My innocent friends! Nay, nay, Gaston--they are too knightly to meritsuch measure. Then it is the old accusation of witchcraft, I suppose. So I was in league with the Castilian witch and her cats, was I?"

"Ay; and her broom-stick or her cats wafted you to Lynwood, where yousuddenly stood in the midst of the mourners, borne into the hall on ahowling blast! How I got there, I am sorry to say, the craven declarednot, lest I should give him the lie at once!"

"But surely, such a tale is too absurd and vulgar to deceive our noblePrince. "

"Oh, there is another version for his ears. This is only for the lowersort, who might not have thought the worse of you for kidnapping yournephew, vowing his mother should remain unburied till he was in yourhands, and carrying off all his rents. "

"That is Clarenham's slander. "

"Yes. "

"And credited by the Prince? Oh! little did I think the hand whichlaid knighthood on my shoulder should repent the boon that it gave!"exclaimed Eustace, with a burst of sorrow rather than anger. 

"Do you not challenge the traitor at once?"

"I trow not, unless he speaks the charge to my face. Father Cyrildeclared that any outbreak on my part would damage our cause in theeyes of the Chancellor; we must bide our time. Since Arthur is safe, Iwill bear my own burden. I am guiltless in this matter, and I trustthat the blessing of Heaven on my deeds shall restore a name, obscured, but not tarnished. "

The resolution to forbear was tested, for time passed on withoutvindicating him. With such art had the toils of his enemies beenspread, that no opening was left him for demanding an explanation. Thecalumnies could only be brought home to the lowest retainers ofClarenham and Ashton, and the only result of the zealous refutation bythe followers of Sir Eustace was a brawl between John Ingram and ayeoman of Clarenham's, ending in their spending a week in the custodyof the Provost Marshal. 

Had there been any tournament or like sport at Bordeaux, Eustace couldhave asserted his place, and challenged the attention of the court; butthe state of the Prince's health prevented such spectacles; nor had heany opportunity of acquiring honour by his deeds in arms. No army tookthe field on either side, and the war was chiefly carried on byexpeditions for the siege or relief of frontier castles; and here hisunusual rank as Knight Banneret stood in his way, since it was contraryto etiquette for him to put himself under the command of a KnightBachelor. He was condemned therefore to a weary life of inaction, themore galling, because his poverty made it necessary to seek maintenanceas formerly at the Prince's table, where he was daily reminded, by thealtered demeanour of his acquaintance, of the unjust suspicions beneathwhich he laboured. He had hoped that a dismissal from his post in thePrince's band would give him the much-desired opportunity of claiming ahearing, but he was permitted to receive his pay and allowance asusual, and seemed completely overlooked. It was well that Gaston's gaytemper could not easily be saddened by their circumstances, and hishigh spirits and constant attachment often cheered his Knight in theirlonely evenings. Eustace had more than once striven to persuade him toforsake his failing fortunes; but to this the faithful Squire wouldnever consent, vowing that he was as deeply implicated in all theiraccusations as Sir Eustace himself; and who would wish to engage afellow-servant of the black cats! There were two others whom Eustacewould fain believe still confided in his truth and honour, his nephewArthur, and Lady Agnes de Clarenham; but he never saw them, and oftenhis heart sank at the thought of the impression that the universalbelief might make on the minds of both. And to add to his depression, a rumour prevailed throughout Bordeaux that the Baron of Clarenham hadpromised his sister's hand to Sir Leonard Ashton. 

Nearly a year had passed since Eustace had left England, and hissituation continued unchanged. Perhaps the Prince regarded him withadditional displeasure, since news had arrived that Sir Richard Ferrarshad made application to the Duke of Lancaster to interest the King inthe cause of the guardianship; for there was, at this time, a strongjealousy, in the mind of the Prince, of the mighty power and influenceof John of Gaunt, which he already feared might be used to thedisadvantage of his young sons. 

The cause was, at length, decided, and a letter from good Father Cyrilconveyed to Eustace the intelligence that the Chancellor, William ofWykeham, Bishop of Winchester, having given due weight to SirReginald's dying words and Lady Lynwood's testament, had pronounced SirEustace Lynwood the sole guardian of the person and estate of hisnephew, and authorized all the arrangements he had made on hisdeparture. 

Affairs altogether began to wear a brighter aspect. The firstindignation against Sir Eustace had subsided, and he was treated, ingeneral, with indifference rather than marked scorn. The gallant oldChandos was again on better terms with the Prince, and, coming toBordeaux, made two or three expeditions, in which Eustace volunteeredto join, and gained some favourable, though slight, notice from the oldKnight. Fulk Clarenham, too, having received from the Prince thegovernment of Perigord, was seldom at court, and no active enemyappeared to be at work against him. 

Agnes de Clarenham, always retiring and pensive, and seldom sought outby those who admired gayer damsels, was sitting apart in the embrasureof a window, whence, through an opening in the trees of the garden, shecould catch a distant glimpse of the blue waters of the river where itjoined the sea, which separated her from her native land, and from herwho had ever been as a mother to her. She was so lost in thought, thatshe scarce heard a step approaching, till the unwelcome sound of "Fairgreeting to you, Lady Agnes" caused her to look up and behold the stillmore unwelcome form of Sir Leonard Ashton. To escape from him was thefirst idea, for his clownish manners, always unpleasant to her, hadbecome doubly so, since he had presumed upon her brother's favour tooffer to her addresses from which she saw no escape; and with a briefreply of "Thanks for your courtesy, Sir Knight, " she was about to riseand mingle with the rest of the party, when he proceeded, bluntly, "Lady Agnes, will you do me a favour?"

"I know of no favour in my power, " said she. 

"Nay, " he said, "it is easily done, and it is as much to your brotheras to myself. It is a letter which, methinks, Fulk would not have readout of the family, of which I may call myself one, " and he gave a sortof smirk at Agnes;--"but he writes so crabbedly, that I, for one, cannot read two lines, --and I would not willingly give it to a clerk, who might be less secret. So methought, as 'twas the Baron's affair, Iwould even bring it here, and profit by your Convent-breeding, LadyAgnes. "

Agnes took the letter, and began to read:--

 "For the hand of the Right Noble and Worshipful Knight, Sir Leonard Ashton, at the court of my Lord the Prince of Wales, these:--

 "Fair Sir, and brother-in-arms--I hereby do you to wit, that the affair whereof we spoke goes well. Both my Lord of Pembroke, and Sir John Chandos, readily undertook to move the Prince to grant the Banneret you wot of the government of the Castle, and as he hath never forgotten the love he once bore to his brother, he will the more easily be persuaded. Of the garrison we are sure, and all that is now needful is, that the one-eyed Squire, whereof you spoke to me, should receive warning before he arrives at the Castle. 

 "Tell him to choose his time, and manage matters so that there may be no putting to ransom. He will understand my meaning. 

 "Greeting you well, therefore, "Fulk, Baron of Clarenham. "

"What means this?" exclaimed Agnes, as a tissue of treachery openedbefore her eyes. 

"Ay, that you may say, " said Leonard, his slow brain only fixed uponFulk's involved sentences, and utterly unconscious of the horrorexpressed in her tone. "How is a man to understand what he would haveme to do? Send to Le Borgne Basque at Chateau Norbelle? Is that it?Read it to me once again, Lady, for the love of the Saints. What am Ito tell Le Borgne Basque? No putting to ransom, doth he say? He mightbe secure enough for that matter--Eustace Lynwood is little like toransom himself. "

"But what mean you?" said Agnes, eagerly hoping that she had done herbrother injustice in her first horrible thought. "Sir Eustace Lynwood, if you spake of him, is no prisoner, but is here at Bordeaux. "

"He shall not long be so, " said Leonard. "Heard you not this very noonthat the Prince bestows on him the government of Chateau Norbelle onthe marches of Gascony? Well, that is the matter treated of in thisletter. Let me see, let me see, how was it to be? Yes, that is it!It is Le Borgne Basque who is Seneschal. Ay, true, that I know, --and'twas he who was to admit Clisson's men. "

"Admit Clisson's men!"

"Ay--'tis one of those Castles built by the old Paladin, Renaud deMontauban, that Eustace used to talk about. I ween he did not know ofthis trick that will be played on himself--and all of them have, theysay, certain secret passages leading through the vaults into theCastle. Le Borgne Basque knows them all, for he has served much inthose parts, and Fulk placed him as Seneschal for the very purpose. "

"For the purpose of admitting Clisson's men? Do I understand youright, Sir Knight, or do my ears play me false?"

"Yes, I speak right. Do you not see, Lady Agnes, it is the only way tofree your house of this stumbling-block--this beggarly upstartEustace--who, as long as he lives, will never acknowledge Fulk'srights, and would bring up his nephew to the same pride. "

"And is it possible, Sir Leonard, that brother of mine, and beltedKnight, should devise so foul a scheme of treachery! Oh, unsay itagain! Let me believe it was my own folly that conjured up somonstrous a thought!"

"Ay, that is the way with women, " said Leonard; "they never look at thesense of the matter. Why, this Eustace, what terms should be kept withhim, who has dealings with the Evil One? and--"

"I will neither hear a noble Knight maligned, nor suffer him to bebetrayed, " interrupted Agnes. "I have listened to you too long, SirLeonard Ashton, and will stain my ears no longer. I thank you, however, for having given me such warning as to enable me to traversethem. "

"What will you do?" asked Leonard, with a look of impotent anger. 

"Appeal instantly to the Prince. Tell him the use that is made of hisCastles, and the falsehoods told him of his most true-hearted Knight!"and Agnes, with glancing eyes, was already rising for the purpose, forgetting, in her eager indignation, all that must follow, whenLeonard, muttering "What madness possessed me to tell her!" stood fullbefore her, saying, gloomily, "Do so, Lady, if you choose to ruin yourbrother!" The timid girl stood appalled, as the horrible consequencesof such an accusation arose before her. 

That same day Eustace was summoned to the Prince's presence. 

"Sir Eustace Lynwood, " said Edward, gravely, "I hear you have servedthe King well beneath the banner of Sir John Chandos. Your friendshave wrought with me to give you occasion to prove yourself worthy ofyour spurs, and I have determined to confer on you the government of myChateau of Norbelle, on the frontier of Gascony, trusting to find you atrue and faithful governor and Castellane. "

"I trust, my Lord, that you have never had occasion to deem lesshonourably of me, " said Eustace; and his clear open eye and browcourted rather than shunned the keen look of scrutiny that the Princefixed upon him. His heart leapt at the hope that the time for inquirywas come, but the Prince in another moment sank his eyes again, withmore, however, of the weary impatience of illness than of actualdispleasure, and merely replied, "Kneel down, then, Sir Knight, andtake the oaths of fidelity. "

Eustace obeyed, hardly able to suppress a sigh at the disappointment ofhis hopes. 

"You will receive the necessary orders and supplies from Sir JohnChandos, and from the Treasurer, " said Edward, in a tone that intimatedthe conclusion of the conference; and Eustace quitted his presence, scarce knowing whether to be rejoiced or dissatisfied. 

The former, Gaston certainly was. "I have often been heartily weary ofgarrison duty, " said he, "but never can I be more weary of aught, thanof being looked upon askance by half the men I meet. And we maysometimes hear the lark sing too, as well as the mouse squeak, SirEustace. I know every pass of my native county, and the herds ofLanguedoc shall pay toll to us. "

Sir John Chandos, as Constable of Aquitaine, gave him the requisiteorders and information. The fortifications, he said, were in goodcondition, and the garrison already numerous; but a sum of money wasallotted to him in order to increase their numbers as much as he shoulddeem advisable, since it was not improbable that he might have tosustain a siege, as Oliver de Clisson was threatening that part of thefrontier. Four days were allowed for his preparations, after which hewas to depart for his government. 

Eustace was well pleased with all that he heard, and returned to hislodging, where, in the evening twilight, he was deeply engaged inconsultation with Gaston, on the number of followers to be raised, whena light step was heard hastily approaching, and Arthur, darting intothe room, flung himself on his neck, exclaiming, "Uncle! uncle! go notto this Castle!"

"Arthur, what brings you here? What means this? No foolish frolic, noescape from punishment, I trust?" said Eustace, holding him at somelittle distance, and fixing his eyes on him intently. 

"No, uncle, no! On the word of a true Knight's son, " said the boy, stammering, in his eagerness, "believe me, trust me, dear uncle--and gonot to this fearful Castle. It is a trap--a snare laid to be yourdeath, by the foulest treachery!"

"Silence, Arthur!" said the Knight, sternly. "Know you not whattreason you speak? Some trick has been played on your simplicity, andyet you--child as you are--should as soon think shame of your ownfather as of the Prince, the very soul of honour. "

"Oh, it is not the Prince: he knows nought of it; it is those doubletraitors, the Baron of Clarenham and Sir Leonard Ashton, who haveworked upon him and deceived him. "

"Oh, ho!" said Gaston. "The story now begins to wear some semblance ofprobability. "

Arthur turned, looking perplexed. "Master d'Aubricour, " said he, "Iforgot that you were here. This is a secret which should have been formy uncle's ears alone. "

"Is it so?" said Gaston; "then I will leave the room, if it please youand the Knight--though methought I was scarce small enough to be soeasily overlooked; and having heard the half--"

"You had best hear the whole, " said Arthur. "Uncle Eustace, what thinkyou?"

"I know not what to think, Arthur. You must be your own judge. "

Arthur's young brow wore a look of deep thought; at last he said, "Donot go then, Gaston. If I have done wrong, I must bear the blame, and, be it as it may, my uncle needs must tell you all that I may tell him. "

"Let us hear, then, " said Eustace. 

"Well, then, " said Arthur, who had by this time collected himself, "youmust know that this Chateau Norbelle is one of those built by thatfamous Paladin, the chief of freebooters, Sir Renaud de Montauban, ofwhom you have told me so many tales. Now all of these have secretpassages in the vaults communicating with the outer country. "

"The boy is right, " said Gaston; "I have seen one of them in the Castleof Montauban itself. "

"Then it seems, " proceeded Arthur, "that this Castle hath hitherto beenin the keeping of a certain one-eyed Seneschal, a great friend andcomrade of Sir Leonard Ashton--"

"Le Borgne Basque!" exclaimed both Knight and Squire, looking at eachother in amaze. 

"True, true, " said Arthur. "Now you believe me. Well, the enemy beingin the neighbourhood, it was thought right to increase the garrison, and place it under the command of a Knight, and these cowardly traitorshave wrought with my Lord of Pembroke and Sir John Chandos to inducethe Prince to give you this post--it being their intention that thiswicked Seneschal and his equally wicked garrison should admit SirOliver de Clisson, the butcher of Bretagne himself, through the secretpassage. And, uncle, " said the boy, pressing Eustace's hand, whiletears of indignation sprang to his eyes, "the letter expressly saidthere was to be no putting to ransom. Oh, Uncle Eustace, go not tothis Castle!"

"And how came you by this knowledge?" asked the Knight. 

"That I may never tell, " said Arthur. 

"By no means which might not beseem the son of a brave man?" saidEustace. 

"Mistrust me not so foully, " said the boy. "I know it from a surehand, and there is not dishonour, save on the part of those villaintraitors. Oh, promise me, fair uncle, not to put yourself in theirhands!"

"Arthur, I have taken the oaths to the Prince as Castellane. I cannotgo back from my duty, nor give up its defence for any cause whatsoever. "

"Alas! alas!"

"There would be only one way of avoiding it, " said Eustace, "and youmust yourself say, Arthur, whether that is open to me. To go to thePrince, and tell him openly what use is made of his Castles, andimpeach the villains of their treachery. "

"That cannot be, " said Arthur, shaking his head sadly--"it is contraryto the pledge I gave for you and for myself. But go not, go not, uncle. Remember, uncle, if you will not take thought for yourself, that you are all that is left me--all that stands between me and thatwicked Clarenham. --Gaston, persuade him. "

"Gaston would never persuade me to disgrace my spurs for the sake ofdanger, " replied Eustace. "Have you no better learnt the laws ofchivalry in the Prince's household, Arthur? Besides, remember oldRalph's proverb, 'Fore-warned is fore-armed. ' Think you not thatGaston, and honest Ingram, and I may not be a match for a dozencowardly traitors? Besides which, see here the gold allotted me toraise more men, with which I will obtain some honest hearts for mydefence--and it will go hard with me if I cannot find Sir Renaud'ssecret door. "

"Then, if you will go, uncle, take, take me with you--I could, atleast, watch the door; and I know how to hit a mark with a cross-bow aswell as Lord Harry of Lancaster himself. "

"Take you, Master Arthur? What! steal away the Prince's page that Ihave been at such pains to bring hither, and carry him to a nest oftraitors! Why, it would be the very way to justify Clarenham's ownfalsehoods. "

"And of the blackest are they!" said Arthur. "Think, uncle, of mystanding by to hear him breathing his poison to the Prince, and thepreventing him from searching to find out the truth, by pretending aregard for my father's name, and your character. Oh that our noblePrince should be deluded by such a recreant, and think scorn of such aKnight as you!"

"I trust yet to prove to him that it is a delusion, " said Eustace. "Many a Knight at twenty-two has yet to make his name and fame. Mine, thanks to Du Guesclin and the Prince himself, is already made, andthough clouded for a time, with the grace of our Lady and of St. Eustace, I will yet clear it; so, Arthur, be not downcast for me, butthink what Father Cyril hath taught concerning evil report and goodreport. But tell me, how came you hither?"

"She--that is, the person that warned me--let me down from the windowupon the head of the great gurgoyle, and from thence I scrambled downby the vines on the wall, ran through the court without being seen bythe Squires and grooms, and found my way to the bridge, where happily Imet John Ingram, who brought me hither. "

"She?" repeated Gaston, with a sly look in his black eyes. 

"I have said too much, " said Arthur, colouring deeply; "I pray you toforget. "

"Forget!" proceeded the Squire, "that is sooner said than done. Weshall rack our brains to guess what lady can--"

"Hush, Gaston, " said Eustace, as his nephew looked at him imploringly, "tempt not the boy. And you, Arthur, must return to the palaceimmediately. "

"Oh, uncle!" said the boy, "may I not stay with you this one night? Itis eight weary months since I have ever seen you, save by peering downthrough the tall balusters of the Princess's balcony, when the Knightswere going to dinner in the hall, and I hoped you would keep me withyou at least one night. See how late and dark it is--the Castle gateswill be closed by this time. "

"It does indeed rejoice my heart to have you beside me, fair nephew, "said Eustace, "and yet I know not how to favour such an escape as this, even for such a cause. "

"I never broke out of bounds before, " said Arthur, "and never will, though Lord Harry and Lord Thomas Holland have more than once asked meto join them. "

"Then, " said the Knight, "since it is, as you say, too late to rousethe palace, I will take you back in my hand to-morrow morn, see themaster of the Damoiseaux, and pray him to excuse you for coming to seeme ere my departure. "

"Yes, that will be all well, " said Arthur; "I could, to be sure, findthe corner where Lord Harry has loosened the stones, and get in by thepages' window, ere old Master Michael is awake in the morn; but I thinksuch doings are more like those of a fox than of a brave boy, andthough I should be well punished, I will walk in at the door, and holdup my head boldly. "

"Shall you be punished then?" said Gaston. "Is your old master of theDamoiseaux very severe?"

"He has not been so hitherto with me, " said Arthur: "he scolds me forlittle, save what you too are displeased with, Master d'Aubricour, because I cannot bring my mouth to speak your language in your ownfashion. It is Lord Harry that chiefly falls under his displeasure. But punished now I shall assuredly be, unless Uncle Eustace can workwonders. "

"I will see what may be done, Arthur, " said Eustace. "And now, haveyou supped?"

The evening passed off very happily to the little page, who, quitereassured by his uncle's consolations, only thought of the delight ofbeing with one who seemed to supply to him the place at once of anelder brother and of a father. 

Early the next morning, Eustace walked with him to the palace. Justbefore he reached it, he made this inquiry, "Arthur, do you often seethe Lady Agnes de Clarenham?"

"Oh, yes, I am with her almost every afternoon. She hears me read, shehelps me with my French words, and teaches me courtly manners. I am herown page and servant--but, here we are. This is the door that leads tothe room of Master Michael de Sancy, the master of the Damoiseaux. "

CHAPTER XII

The next few days were spent in taking precautions against the dangerintimated by the mysterious message. Gaston gathered together a few ofthe ancient Lances of Lynwood, who were glad to enlist under the bluecrosslet, and these, with some men-at-arms, who had recently come toBordeaux to seek employment, formed a body with whom Eustace trusted tobe able to keep the disaffected in check. Through vineyards and overgently swelling hills did their course lead them, till, on the eveningof the second day's journey, the view to the south was shut in by morelofty and bolder peaks, rising gradually towards the Pyrenees, and onthe summit of a rock overhanging a small rapid stream appeared the talland massive towers of a Castle, surmounted by the broad red cross ofSt. George, and which their guide pronounced to be the Chateau Norbelle. 

"A noble eyrie!" said Eustace, looking up and measuring it with hiseye. "Too noble to be sacrificed to the snaring of one poor Knight. "

"Shame that such a knightly building should serve for such a nest oftraitors!" said Gaston. "Saving treachery, a dozen boys could keep itagainst a royal host, provided they had half the spirit of your littlenephew. "

"Let us summon the said traitors, " said Eustace, blowing a blast on hisbugle. The gates were thrown wide open, the drawbridge lowered, andbeneath the portcullis stood the Seneschal, his bunch of keys at hisgirdle. Both Eustace and Gaston cast searching glances upon him, andhis aspect made them for a moment doubt the truth of the warning. Apatch covered the lost eye, his moustache was shaved, his hair appearedmany shades lighter, as well as his beard, which had been carefullytrimmed, and altogether the obsequious Seneschal presented a strongcontrast to the dissolute reckless man-at-arms. The Knight debatedwith himself, whether to let him perceive that he was recognized; anddeciding to watch his conduct, he asked by what name to address him. 

"Thibault Sanchez, " replied Le Borgne Basque, giving his real name, which he might safely do, as it was not known to above two men in thewhole Duchy of Aquitaine. "Thibault Sanchez, so please you, noble Sir, a poor Squire from the mountains, who hath seen some few battles andcombats in his day, but never one equal to the fight of Najara, whereyour deeds of prowess--"

"My deeds of prowess, Sir Seneschal, had better rest in silence untilour horses have been disposed of, and I have made the rounds of theCastle before the light fails us. "

"So late, Sir Knight! and after a long and weary journey? Surely youwill drink a cup of wine, and take a night's rest first, relying on me, who, though I be a plain man, trust I understand somewhat of the dutiesof mine office. "

"I sleep not until I have learnt what is committed to my charge, "replied the Knight. "Lead the way, Master Sanchez. "

"Ah! there is what it is to have a Knight of fame, " cried Le BorgneBasque. "What vigilance! what earnestness! Ah, this will be, as Itold my comrades even now, the very school of chivalry, the pride ofthe country. "

They had by this time crossed the narrow court, and passing beneath asecond portcullised door defended on either side by high battlementwalls, nearly double as thick as the steps themselves were wide. Atthe head was an arched door, heavily studded with nails, and openinginto the Castle hall, a gloomy, vaulted room, its loop-hole windows, intheir mighty depth of wall, affording little light. A large wood firewas burning in the hearth, and its flame cast a bright red light onsome suits of armour that were hung at one end of the hall, as well ason some benches, and a long table in the midst, where were placed sometrenchers, drinking horns, and a flask or two of wine. 

"A drop of wine, noble Knight, " said the Seneschal. "Take a cup torecruit you after your journey, and wash the dust from your throat. "

A long ride in full armour beneath the sun of Gascony made this nounacceptable proposal, but the probability that the wine might bedrugged had been contemplated by Eustace, who had not only resolved toabstain himself, but had exacted the same promise from d'Aubricour, sorely against his will. 

"We will spare your flasks till a time of need, " said Eustace, onlyaccepting the basin of fair water presented to him to lave his hands. "And now to the walls, " he added, after he had filled a cup with waterfrom the pitcher and refreshed himself with it. Gaston followed hisexample, not without a wistful look at the wine, and Sanchez wasobliged to lead the way up a long flight of spiral steps to two othervaulted apartments, one over the other--the lower destined for thesleeping chamber of the Knight and his Squire, the higher for such ofthe men-at-arms as could not find accommodation in the hall, or in theoffices below. Above this they came out on the lead-covered roof, surrounded with a high crenellated stone parapet, where two or threewarders were stationed. Still higher rose one small octagonalwatch-tower, on the summit of which was planted a spear bearing St. George's pennon, and by its side Sir Eustace now placed his own. 

This done, Eustace could not help standing for a few moments to lookforth upon the glorious expanse of country beneath him--the rich fieldsand fair vineyards spreading far away to the west and north, with townsand villages here and there rising among them; while far away to theeast, among higher hills, lay the French town of Carcassonne, a whitemass, just discernible by the light of the setting sun; and the southwas bounded by the peaks of the Pyrenees, amongst which lay allEustace's brightest recollections of novelty, adventure, and hopes ofglory. 

Descending the stairs once more, after traversing the hall, they foundthemselves in the kitchen, where a large supper was preparing. Here, too, was the buttery, some other small chambers fit for storehouses, and some stalls for horses, all protected by the great bartizan at thefoot of the stairs, which was capable of being defended even after theouter court was won. By the time the new-comers had made themselvesacquainted with these localities, the evening was fast closing in, andSanchez pronounced that the Knight's survey was concluded in good timefor supper. 

"I have not yet seen the vaults, " said Eustace. 

"The vaults, Sir Knight! what would you see there, save a few rustedchains, and some whitened bones, that have been there ever since thedays of the Count de Montfort and the heretic Albigenses! They saythat their accursed spirits haunt the place. "

"I have heard, " returned Sir Eustace, "that these Castles of Gasconyare said to have secret passages communicating with their vaults, and Iwould willingly satisfy my own eyes that we are exposed to no suchperil here. "

"Nay, not a man in the Castle will enter those vaults after sunset, SirKnight. The Albigenses, Sir Eustace!"

"I will take the risk alone, " said Eustace. "Hand me a torch there!"

Gaston took another, and Thibault Sanchez, seeing them so resolute, chose to be of the party. The torches shed their red glare over thestone arches on which the Castle rested, and there was a chill damp airand earthy smell, which made both Knight and Squire shudder and start. No sooner had they entered than Thibault, trembling exclaimed, in atone of horror, "There! there! O blessed Lady, protect us!"

"Where?" asked Eustace, scarce able to defend himself from animpression of terror. 

"'Tis gone--yet methought I saw it again. --There! look yonder, SirKnight--something white fluttering behind that column!"

Gaston crossed himself, and turned pale; but Eustace had settled hisnerves. "A truce with these vain follies, Master Seneschal, " said he, sternly. "Those who know Le Borgne Basque cannot believe his fears, either of saints or demons, to be other than assumed. "

No ghost could have startled the Seneschal of the Chateau Norbelle asmuch as this sobriquet. He fell back, and subsided into completesilence, as he meditated whether it were best to confess the plot, andthrow himself upon Sir Eustace's mercy, or whether he could hope thatthis was merely a chance recognition. He inclined to the latter beliefwhen he observed that the Knight was at fault respecting the secretpassage, searching in vain through every part of the vault, and twicepassing over the very spot. The third time, however, it so chancedthat his spur rung against something of metal, and he called for Gastonto hold his torch lower. The light fell not only upon an iron ring, but upon a guard which evidently covered a key-hole. 

Sanchez, after in vain professing great amazement, and perfectignorance of any such entrance, gave up his bunch of keys, protestingthat there was nothing there which could unlock the mysterious door:but the Knight had another method. "Look you, Master Sanchez, " saidhe, "it may be, as you say, that this door hath not been unclosed forhundreds of years, notwithstanding I see traces in the dust as if ithad been raised of late. I shall, however, sleep more securely ifconvinced that it is an impossibility to lift it. Go, therefore, Gaston, and call half a dozen of the men, to bring each of them theheaviest stone they can find from that heap I saw prepared for amangonel in the court-yard. "

"Oh, excellent!" exclaimed Gaston, "and yet, Sir Eustace--"

There he stopped, but it was evident that he was reluctant to leave hismaster alone with this villain. Eustace replied by drawing his goodsword, and giving him a fearless smile, as he planted his foot upon thetrap-door; and fixing his gaze upon Le Borgne Basque, made him feelthat this was no moment for treachery. 

Gaston sped fast out of the dungeon, and, in brief space, made hisappearance at the head of the men-at-arms, some bearing torches, otherslabouring under the weight of the huge stones, which, as he rightlythought, they were far more inclined to heave at Sir Eustace's headthan to place in the spot he pointed out. They were, however, compelled to obey, and, with unwilling hands, built up such a pile uponthe secret door, that it could not be lifted from beneath withoutgigantic strength, and a noise which would re-echo through the Castle. This done, Sir Eustace watched them all out of the vault himself, closed the door, locked it, and announced to the Seneschal hisintention of relieving him for the future from the care of the keys. Still watching him closely, he ascended to the hall, and gave thesignal for the supper, which shortly made its appearance. 

Thibault Sanchez, who laid claim to some share of gentle blood, waspermitted to enjoy the place of honour together with Sir Eustace andd'Aubricour--the rather that it gave them a better opportunity ofkeeping their eye upon him. 

There was an evident attempt, on the part of the garrison, to engagetheir new comrades in a carouse in honour of their arrival, but thiswas brought to an abrupt conclusion by Sir Eustace, who, in a tonewhich admitted no reply, ordered the wine flasks to the buttery, andthe men, some to their posts and others to their beds. Ingram walkedoff, muttering his discontent; and great was the ill-will excitedamongst, not only the original garrison, but the new-comers fromBordeaux, who, from their lairs of straw, lamented the day when theytook service with so severe and rigid a Knight, and compared hisdiscipline with that of his brother, Sir Reginald, who, strict as hemight be, never grudged a poor man-at-arms a little merriment. "But asto this Knight, one might as well serve a Cistercian monk!"

As to Le Borgne Basque, he betook himself to the buttery; and there, inan undertone of great terror, began to mutter to his friend and ally, Tristan de la Fleche, "It is all over with us! He is a wizard! SirLeonard Ashton was right--oaf as he was; I never believed him before;but what, save enchantment, could have enabled him to recognize meunder this disguise, or how could he have gone straight to yonder door?"

"Think you not that he had some warning?" asked Tristan. 

"Impossible, save from Clarenham, or from Ashton himself; and, dolt ashe is, I trow he has sense enough to keep his own counsel. He has notforgotten the day when he saw this dainty young sprig rise up in hisgolden spurs before his eyes. I know how it is! It is with him as itwas with the Lord of Corasse!"

"How was that, Thibault?"

"Why, you must know that Raymond de Corasse had helped himself to thetithes of a certain Church in Catalonia, whereby the Priest who claimedthem said to him, 'Know that I will send thee a champion that thou wiltbe more afraid of than thou hast hitherto been of me. ' Three monthsafter, each night, in the Castle of Corasse, began such turmoil asnever was known; raps at every door, and especially that of theKnight--as if all the goblins in fairy-land had been let loose. TheKnight lay silent all one night; but the next, when the rioting wasrenewed as loud as ever, he leapt out of his bed, and bawled out, 'Whois it at this hour thus knocks at my chamber door?' He was answered, 'It is I. ' 'And who sends thee hither?' asked the Knight. 'The Clerkof Catalonia, whom thou hast much wronged. I will never leave theequiet until thou hast rendered him a just account. ' 'What art thoucalled, ' said the Knight, 'who art so good a messenger?' 'Orthon is myname. ' But it fell out otherwise from the Clerk's intentions, forOrthon had taken a liking to the Knight, and promised to serve himrather than the Clerk--engaging never to disturb the Castle--for, indeed, he had no power to do ill to any. Often did he come to theKnight's bed by night, and pull the pillow from under his head--"

"What was he like?" asked Tristan. 

"The Lord de Corasse could not tell; he only heard him--he never sawaught; for Orthon only came by night, and, having wakened him, wouldbegin by saying, 'he was come from England, Hungary, or elsewhere, ' andtelling all the news of the place. "

"And what think you was he?"

"That was what our Lord, the Count de Foix, would fain have known, whenhe had much marveled at the tidings that were brought him by the Lordde Corasse, and had heard of the strange messenger who brought them. He entreated the Knight to desire Orthon to show himself in his ownproper form--and then, having seen, to describe him. 

"So at night, when Orthon came again, and plucked away the pillow, theKnight asked him from whence he came? 'From Prague, in Bohemia, 'answered Orthon. 'How far is it?'--'Sixty days' journey. ' 'Hast thoureturned thence in so short a time?'--'I travel as fast as the wind, orfaster. ' 'What! hast thou got wings?'--'Oh, no. ' 'How, then, canstthou fly so fast?'--'That is no business of yours!' 'No, ' said theKnight--'I should like exceedingly to see what form thou hast. '--'Thatconcerns you not, ' replied Orthon; 'be satisfied that you hear me. ' 'Ishould love thee better had I seen thee, ' said the Knight, --whereuponOrthon promised that the first thing he should see to-morrow, onquitting his bed, should be no other than himself. "

"Ha! then, I wager that he saw one of the black cats that played roundyoung Ashton's bed. "

"Nay, the Knight's lady would not rise all day lest she should seeOrthon; but the Knight, leaping up in the morning, looked about, butcould see nothing unusual. At night, when Orthon came, he reproachedhim for not having shown himself, as he had promised. 'I have, ' repliedOrthon. 'I say No, ' said the Knight. 'What! you saw nothing when youleapt out of bed?'--'Yes, ' said the Lord de Corasse, after havingconsidered awhile, 'I saw two straws, which were turning and playingtogether on the floor. ' 'That was myself, ' said Orthon. 

"The Knight now desired importunately that Orthon would show himself inhis own true shape. Orthon told him that it might lead to his beingforced to quit his service--but he persisted, and Orthon promised toshow himself when first the Knight should leave his chamber in themorning. Therefore, as soon as he was dressed, the Knight went to awindow overlooking the court, and there he beheld nothing but a largelean sow, so poor, that she seemed nothing but skin and bone, with longhanging ears, all spotted, and a thin sharp-pointed snout. The Lord deCorasse called to his servants to set the dogs on the ill-favouredcreature, and kill it; but, as the kennel was opened, the sow vanishedaway, and was never seen afterwards. Then the Lord de Corasse returnedpensive to his chamber, fearing that the sow had indeed beenOrthon!--and truly Orthon never returned more to his bed-side. Withina year, the Knight was dead!"

"Is it true, think you, Sanchez?"

"True! why, man, I have seen the Chateau de Corasse, seven leagues fromOrthes!"

"And what think you was Orthon?"

"It is not for me to say; but, you see, there are some who stand fairin men's eyes, who have strange means of gaining intelligence! It willbe a merit to weigh down a score of rifled Priests, if we can butcircumvent a wizard such as this!"

"But he has brought his books! I saw that broad-faced Englishman carryup a whole pile of them, " cried Tristan, turning pale. "With his bookshe will be enough to conjure us all into apes!"

"Now or never, " said Sanchez, encouragingly. 

"When all is still, I will go round and waken our comrades, while youcreep forth by the hole beneath the bartizan, and warn Clisson that thesecret passage is nought, but that when he sees a light in oldMontfort's turret--"

Tristan suddenly trod on his foot, as a sign of silence, as a stepdescended the stairs, and Sir Eustace stood before them. 

"You appear to be agreeably employed, gentlemen, " said he, glancing atthe stoup of wine which was before them; "but my orders are as preciseas Norman William's. No lights in this Castle, save my own, aftereight o'clock. To your beds, gentlemen, and a good night to you!" Hewas still fully armed, so that it was unsafe to attack him. And he sawthem up the spiral stairs that led from the hall, and watched thementer the narrow dens that served them as sleeping rooms, where many acurse was uttered on the watchfulness of the wizard Knight. At theturn of midnight, Le Borgne Basque crept forth, in some hope that theremight be an opportunity of fulfilling his designs, and earning thereward promised him both by Clarenham and the French. But he had notdescended far before a red gleam of torchlight was seen on the darkstairs, and, ere he could retreat, the black head and dark eyes ofGaston appeared, glancing with mischievous amusement, as he said, inhis gay voice, "You are on the alert, my old comrade. You have notforgotten your former habits when in command here. But Sir Eustaceintrusts the care of changing the guard to none but me; so I will nottrouble you to disturb yourself another night. " And the baffledmiscreant retreated. 

In this manner passed day after day, in a tacit yet perpetual warbetween the Knight and the garrison. Not a step could be taken, scarcea word spoken, without some instant reminder that either Sir Eustace orGaston was on the watch. On the borders of the enemy's country, therewas so much reason for vigilance, that the garrison could notreasonably complain of the services required of them; the perpetualwatch, and numerous guards; the occupations which Knight and Squireseemed never weary of devising for the purpose of keeping themseparate, and their instant prohibition of any attempt at the riotousfestivity which was their only consolation for the want of activeexercises. They grew heartily weary, and fiercely impatient ofrestraint, and though the firm, calm, steady strictness of the Knightwas far preferable to the rude familiarity and furious passions of manya Castellane, there were many of the men-at-arms who, though notactually engaged in the conspiracy, were impatient of what they calledhis haughtiness and rigidity. These men were mercenaries fromdifferent parts of France, accustomed to a lawless life, and caringlittle or nothing whatever whether it were beneath the standard of KingCharles or King Edward that they acquired pay and plunder. TheEnglishmen were, of course, devoted to their King and Prince, andthough at times unruly, were completely to be depended upon. Yet, while owning Sir Eustace to be a brave, gallant, and kind-heartedKnight, there were times when even they felt a shudder of dread andalmost of hatred pass over them, when tales were told of thesupernatural powers he was supposed to possess; when Leonard Ashton'sadventure with the cats was narrated, or the story of his suddenarrival at Lynwood Keep on the night before the lady's funeral. Hisown immediate attendants might repel the charge with honestindignation, but many a stout warrior slunk off in terror to bed fromthe sight of Sir Eustace, turning the pages of one of his heavy booksby the light of the hall fire, and saw in each poor bat that flittedabout within the damp depths of the vaulted chambers the familiarspirit which brought him exact intelligence of all that passed atBordeaux, at Paris, or in London. Nay, if he only turned his eyes onthe ground, he was thought to be looking for the twisting straws. 

CHAPTER XIII

There was a village at some distance from the Chateau Norbelle, theinhabitants of which were required to furnish it with provisions. TheCastellane, by paying just prices, and preventing his men from treatingthe peasants in the cruel and exacting manner to which they wereaccustomed, had gained their good-will. Prompt intelligence of theproceedings of the French army was always brought to him, and he wasthus informed that a large treasure was on its way from Bayonne toCarcasonne, being the subsidy promised by Enrique, King of Castile, tohis allies, Bertrand du Guesclin and Oliver de Clisson. 

It became the duty of the English to intercept these supplies, andEustace knew that he should incur censure should he allow the occasionto pass. But how divide his garrison? Which of the men-at-arms couldbe relied on? After consultation with d'Aubricour, it was determinedthat he himself should remain with John Ingram and a sufficient numberof English to keep the traitors in check, while Gaston went forth incommand of the party, who were certain to fight with a good will wherespoil was the object. They would be absent at least two nights, sincethe pass of the Pyrenees, where they intended to lie in ambush, was ata considerable distance, nor was the time of the arrival of the convoyabsolutely certain. 

The expedition proved completely successful, and on the morning of thethird day the rising sun beheld Gaston d'Aubricour riding triumphantlyat the head of his little band, in the midst of which was a long lineof heavily-laden baggage mules. The towers of Chateau Norbelleappeared in his view, when suddenly with a cry of amazement heperceived that the pennon of St. George and the banner of Lynwood wereboth absent from the Keep. He could scarcely believe his eyes, butforcing his horse onward with furious impetuosity to obtain a nearerview, he discovered that it was indeed true. 

"The miscreants!" he shouted. "Oh, my Knight, my Knight!" and turningto the men who followed him, he exclaimed, "There is yet hope! Willyou see our trust betrayed, our noble Knight foully murdered anddelivered to his enemies, or will ye strike a bold stroke in hisdefence? He who is not dead to honour, follow me!"

There was a postern, of which Eustace had given Gaston the key, on hisdeparture, and thither the faithful Squire hastened, without lookingback to see whether he was followed by many or few--in fact, ratherready to die with Sir Eustace than hoping to rescue him. The tenEnglishmen and some eight Frenchmen, infected by the desperation of hismanner, followed him closely as he rushed up the slope, dashed throughthe moat, and in another moment, opening the door, burst into thecourt. There stood a party of the garrison, upon whom he rushed with ashout of "Death, death to the traitor!" Gaston's arm did the work ofthree, as he hewed down the villains, who, surprised and discomfited, made feeble resistance. Who they were, or how many, he saw not, hecared not, but struck right and left, till the piteous cries for mercy, in familiar tones, made some impression, and he paused, as did hiscompanions, while, in a tone of rage and anguish, he demanded, "Whereis Sir Eustace?"

"Ah! Master d'Aubricour, 'twas not me, 'twas the traitor, Sanchez--'twas Tristan, " was the answer. "Oh, mercy, for our blessedLady's sake!"

"No mercy, dogs! till ye have shown me Sir Eustace in life and limb. "

"Alas! alas! Master d'Aubricour!" This cry arose from some of theEnglish; and Gaston, springing towards the bartizan, beheld thesenseless form of his beloved Knight lying stretched in a pool of hisown blood! Pouring out lamentations in the passionate terms of theSouth, tearing his hair at having been beguiled into leaving theCastle, and vowing the most desperate vengeance against Clarenham andhis accomplices, he lifted his master from the ground, and, as he didso, he fancied he felt a slight movement of the chest, and a faint moanfell upon his ear. 

What recked Gaston that the Castle was but half taken, that enemieswere around on every side? He saw only, heard only, thought only, ofSir Eustace! What was life or death, prosperity or adversity, save asshared with him! He lifted the Knight in his arms, and, hurrying upthe stone steps, placed him on his couch. 

"Bring water! bring wine!" he shouted as he crossed the hall. Ahorse-boy followed with a pitcher of water, and Gaston, unfastening thecollar of his doublet, raised his head, held his face towards the air, and deluged it with water, entreating him to look up and speak. 

A few long painful gasps, and the eyes were half unclosed, while ascarce audible voice said, "Gaston! is it thou? I deemed it was over!"and then the eyes closed again. Gaston's heart was lightened at havingheard that voice once more, even had that word been his last--andanswering, "Ay, truly, Sir Knight, all is well so you will but lookup, " he succeed in pouring a little water into his mouth. 

He was interrupted by several of the men-at-arms, who came trooping upto the door, looking anxiously at the wounded Knight, while theforemost said, "Master Gaston, here is gear which must be looked to. Thibault Sanchez and half a dozen more have drawn together inMontfort's tower, and swear they will not come forth till we havepromised their lives. "

"Give them no such pledge!--Hang without mercy!" cried another voicefrom behind. "Did not I myself hear the traitorous villains send offTristan de la Fleche to bear the news to Carcassonne? We shall havethe butcher of Bretagne at our throats before another hour is over. "

"Cowardly traitor!" cried Gaston. "Wherefore didst thou not cut thethroat of the caitiff, and make in to the rescue of the Knight?"

"Why, Master d'Aubricour, the deed was done ere I was well awake, andwhen it was done, and could not be undone, and we were but four men toa dozen, what could a poor groom do? But you had better look toyourself; for it is true as the legends of the saints, that Tristan isgone to Carcassonne, riding full speed on the Knight's own blackcharger!"

The news seemed to have greater effect in restoring Eustace than any ofGaston's attentions. He again opened his eyes, and made an effort toraise his head, as he said, almost instinctively, "Secure the gates!Warders, to your posts!"

The men stood amazed; and Eustace, rallying, looked around him, andperceived the state of the case. "Said you they had sent to summon theenemy?" said he. 

"Martin said so, " replied Gaston, "and I fear it is but too true. "

"Not a moment to be lost!" said Eustace. "Give me some wine!" and hespoke in a stronger voice, "How many of you are true to King Edward andto the Prince? All who will not fight to the death in their cause havefree leave to quit this Castle; but, first, a message must be sent toBordeaux. "

"True, Sir Eustace, but on whom can we rely?" asked Gaston. 

"Alas! I fear my faithful Ingram must be slain, " said the Knight, "else this could never have been. Know you aught of him?" he added, looking anxiously at the men. 

The answer was a call from one of the men: "Here, John, don't standthere grunting like a hog; the Knight is asking for you, don't youhear?"

A slight scuffle was heard, and in a few seconds the broad figure ofIngram shouldered through the midst of the men-at-arms. He came, almost like a man in a dream, to the middle of the room, and there, suddenly dropping upon his knees, he clasped his hands, exclaiming, "I, John Ingram, hereby solemnly vow to our blessed Lady of Taunton, andSt. Joseph of Glastonbury, that never more will I drink sack, or wineor any other sort or kind, spiced or unspiced, on holiday or commonday, by day or night. So help me, our blessed Lady and St. Joseph. "

"Stand up, John, and let us know if you are in your senses, " saidGaston, angrily; "we have no time for fooleries. Let us know whetheryou have been knave, traitor, or fool; for one or other you must havebeen, to be standing here sound and safe. "

"You are right, Sir Squire, " said Ingram, covering his face with hishands. "I would I were ten feet underground ere I had seen this day;"and he groaned aloud. 

"You have been deceived by their arts, " said Eustace. "That I can wellbelieve; but that you should be a traitor, never, my trusty John!"

"Blessings on you for the word, Sir Eustace!" cried the yeoman, whiletears fell down his rough cheeks. "Oh! all the wine in the world maybe burnt to the very dregs ere I again let a drop cross my lips! but itwas drugged, Sir Eustace, it was drugged--that will I aver to my dyingday. "

"I believe it, " said Eustace; "but we must not wait to hear your tale, John. You must take horse and ride with all speed to Bordeaux. One ofyou go and prepare a horse--"

"Take Brigliador!" said Gaston; "he is the swiftest. Poor fellow! wellthat I spared him from our journey amid the mountain passes. "

"Then, " proceeded Eustace, "bear the news of our case--that we havebeen betrayed--that Clisson will be on us immediately--that we will doall that man can do to hold out till succour can come, which I pray thePrince to send us. "

"Take care to whom he addresses himself, " said Gaston. "To some ourstrait will be welcome news. "

"True, " said Eustace. "Do thy best to see Sir John Chandos, or, if hebe not at the court, prefer thy suit to the Prince himself--to any savethe Earl of Pembroke. Or if thou couldst see little Arthur, it mightbe best of all. Dost understand my orders, John?"

"Ay, Sir, " said Ingram, shaking his great head, while the tears stillflowed down his cheeks; "but to see you in this case!"

"Think not of that, kind John, " said Eustace; "death must come sooneror later, and a sword-cut is the end for a Knight. "

"You will not, shall not die, Sir Eustace!" cried Gaston. "Yourwounds--"

"I know not, Gaston; but the point is now, not of saving my life, butthe Castle. Speed, speed, Ingram! Tell the Prince, if this Castle betaken, it opens the way to Bordeaux itself. Tell him how many bravemen it contains, and say to him that I pray him not to deem thatEustace Lynwood hath disgraced his knighthood. Tell Arthur, too, tobear me sometimes in mind, and never forget the line he comes of. Farethee well, good John!"

"Let me but hear that I have your forgiveness, Sir Knight. "

"You have it, as freely as I hope for mercy. One thing more: shouldyou see Leonard Ashton, let him know that I bear him no ill-will, andpray him not to leave the fair fame of his old comrade foully stained. Farewell: here is my hand--do not take it as scorn that it is myleft--my right I cannot move--"

The yeoman still stood in a sort of trance, gazing at him, as if unableto tear himself away. 

"See him off, Gaston, " said the Knight; "then have the walls properlymanned--all is in your hands. "

Gaston obeyed, hurrying him to the gate, and giving him more hope ofSir Eustace's recovery than he felt; for he knew that nothing but theprospect of saving him was likely to inspire the yeoman with eitherspeed or pertinacity enough to be of use. He fondly patted Brigliador, who turned his neck in amaze at finding it was not his master whomounted him, and having watched them for a moment, he turned to lookround the court, which was empty, save for the bodies of those whom hehad slain in his furious onset. He next repaired to the hall, where hefound the greater part of the men loitering about and exchangingdifferent reports of strange events which had taken place:--"He can'tbe a wizard, for certain, " said one, "or he never would be in thiscase, unless his bargain was up. "

"It were shame not to stand by him now in the face of the enemy, " saidanother. "How bold he spoke, weak and wounded as he was!"

"He is of the old English stock, " said a third, --"a brave, stout-hearted young Knight. "

"Well spoken, old Simon Silverlocks, " said Gaston, entering. "I doubtwhere you would find another such within the wide realm of France. "

"He is brave enough, that no man doubts, " answered Simon, "but somewhatof the strictest, especially considering his years. Sir Reginald wasnothing to him. "

"Was it not time to be strict when there was such a nest of treacherywithin the Castle?" said Gaston. "We knew that murderous miscreant ofa Basque, and had we not kept well on our guard against him, you, Master Simon, would long since have been hanging as high fromMontfort's tower as I trust soon to see him. "

"But how knew you him, Master d'Aubricour? that is the question, " saidold Simon with a very solemn face of awe. 

"How? why by means of somewhat sharper eyes than you seem to possess. Ihave no time to bandy words--all I come to ask is, will you do the dutyof honest men or not? If not, away with you, and I and the Knight willabide here till it pleases Messire Oliver, the butcher, to practice histrade on us. I remember, if some of the Lances of Lynwood do not, acertain camp at Valladolid, when some of us might have been ill off hadhe not stood by our beds of sickness; nor will I easily desert thatpennon which was so gallantly made a banner. "

These were remembrances to stir the hearts of the ancient Lances ofLynwood, and there was a cry among them of, "We will never turn ourbacks on it! Lynwood for ever!"

"Right, mine old comrades. Our walls are strong; our hearts arestronger; three days, and aid must come from Bordeaux. The traitorsare captives, and we know to whom to trust; for ye, of English birth, and ye, my countrymen, who made in so boldly to the rescue, ye will notfail at this pinch, and see a brave and noble Knight yielded to a packof cowardly murderers. "

"Never! never! We will stand by him to the last drop of our blood, "they replied; for the sight of the brave wounded Knight, as well as theexample of Gaston's earnestness and devotion, had had a powerfuleffect, and they unanimously joined the Squire in a solemn pledge todefend both Castle and Knight to the last extremity. 

"Then up with the good old banner!" said Gaston, "and let us giveMessire Oliver such a reception as he will be little prepared for. " Hethen gave some hasty directions, appointed old Silverlocks, a skilledand tried warrior, to take the place of Seneschal for the time, and tosuperintend the arrangements; and sending two men to guard the entranceof Montfort's tower, where Sanchez and his accomplices had shutthemselves up, he returned to the Castellane's chamber. 

Never was there an apartment more desolate. Chateau Norbelle was builtmore to be defended than to be inhabited, and the rooms were rather somuch inclosed space than places intended for comfort. The walls were ofunhewn stone, and, as well as the roof, thickly tapestried withcobwebs, --the narrow loophole which admitted light was unglazed, --andthere was nothing in the whole chamber that could be called furniture, save the two rude pallets which served the Knight and Squire for beds, and a chest which had been forced open and rifled by the mutineers. They had carried off Eustace's beloved books, to burn them in the courtas instruments of sorcery, and a few garments it had likewise containedlay scattered about the room. Gaston hastened to the side of hisbeloved Knight, almost dreading, from his silence and stillness, tofind him expiring. But he was only faint and exhausted, and whenGaston raised him, and began to examine his wounds, he looked up, saying, "Thanks, thanks, kind Gaston! but waste not your time here. The Castle! the Castle!"

"What care I for the Castle compared to your life!" said Gaston. 

"For my honour and your own, " said Eustace, fixing his eyes on hisSquire's face. "Gaston, I fear you, " he added, stretching out his handand grasping that of d'Aubricour; "if you survive, you will forget theduty you owe the King, for the purpose of avenging me upon Clarenham. If ever you have loved me, Gaston, give me your solemn promise thatthis shall not be. "

"It was the purpose for which I should have lived, " said Gaston. 

"You resign it?" said Eustace, still retaining his hold of his hand. "You touch not one of my wounds till you have given me your oath. "

"I swear it, then, " said Gaston, "since you will ever have your ownway, and I do it the rather that Messire Oliver de Clisson willprobably save me the pain of keeping the pledge. "

"You have taken all measures for defence?"

"Yes. The men-at-arms, such as are left, may be trusted, and have alltaken an oath to stand by us, which I do not think they will readilybreak. The rest either made off with the baggage-mules, or were slainwhen we broke in to your rescue, or are shut up with Le Borgne Basquein Montfort's tower. I have sent the men to their posts, put themunder Silverlock's orders, and told him to come to me for directions. "

Eustace at last resigned himself into the Squire's hands. A brokenarm, a ghastly-looking cut on the head, and a deep thrust with aponiard in the breast, seemed the most serious of the injuries he hadreceived; but there were numerous lesser gashes and stabs which hadoccasioned a great effusion of blood, and he had been considerablybruised by his fall. 

Gaston could attempt nothing but applying some ointment, sold by a Jewat Bordeaux as an infallible cure for all wounds and bruises; and, having done all he could for the comfort of his patient, quitted him toattend to the defence of the Castle. 

His first visit was to Montfort's tower, one of the four flanking themain body of the Castle. 

"Well, Master Thibault Sanchez, or, if you like it better, Le BorgneBasque, " cried he, "thank you for saving us some trouble. You havefound yourself a convenient prison there, and I hope you are at yourease. "

"We shall see how you are at your ease, Master Gaston le Maure, "retorted Sanchez from the depths of the tower, "when another Borgneshall make his appearance, and string you up as a traitor to KingCharles, your liege lord. "

"Le Borgne Basque talking of traitors and such gear!" returned Gaston;"but he will tell a different tale when the succours come from thePrince. "

"Ha! ha!" laughed Thibault, "a little bird whispered in mine ear thatyou may look long for succour from Bordeaux. "

This was, in a great measure, Gaston's own conviction; but he onlyreplied the more vehemently that it could not fail, since neitherKnights nor Castles were so lightly parted with, and that he trustedsoon to have the satisfaction of seeing the inhabitants of the towerreceive the reward of their treachery. 

Thus they parted--Thibault, perfectly well satisfied to remain where hewas, since he had little doubt that Oliver de Clisson's speedy arrivalwould set him at liberty, and turn the tables upon Gaston; and Gaston, glad that, since he could not at present have the satisfaction ofhanging him, he was in a place where he could do no mischief, andwhence he could not escape. 

Now the warder on the watch-tower blew a blast, and every eye wasturned towards the eastern part of the country, where, in the directionof Carcassonne, was to be seen a thick cloud of dust, from which, indue time, were visible the flashes of armour, and the points ofweapons. Gaston, having given his orders, and quickened the activityof each man in his small garrison, hurried down to bear the tidings toSir Eustace, and to array himself in his own brightest helmet andgayest surcoat. 

Ascending again to the battlements, he could see the enemy approaching, could distinguish the banner of Clisson, and count the long array ofmen-at-arms and crossbow-men as they pursued their way through thebright green landscape, now half hidden by a rising ground, now slowlywinding from its summit. 

At last they came to the foot of the slope. Gaston had already markedthe start and pause, which showed when they first recognized theEnglish standard; and there was another stop, while they rangedthemselves in order, and, after a moment's interval, a man-at-arms rodeforward towards the postern door, looked earnestly at it, and called"Sanchez!"

"Shoot him dead!" said Gaston to an English crossbow-man who stoodbeside him; "it is the villain Tristan, on poor Ferragus. "

The arblast twanged, and Tristan fell, while poor Ferragus, afterstarting violently, trotted round to the well-known gate, and stoodthere neighing. "Poor fellow!" said Gaston, "art calling Brigliador? Iwould I knew he had sped well. "

The French, dismayed by the reception of their guide, held back; butpresently a pursuivant came forward from their ranks, and, after histrumpet had been sounded, summoned, in the name of the good Knight, Messire Oliver de Clisson, the garrison of Chateau Norbelle tosurrender it into his hands, as thereto commissioned by his grace, Charles, King of France. 

The garrison replied by another trumpet, and Gaston, standing forthupon the battlements, over the gateway, demanded to speak with SirOliver de Clisson, and to have safe-conduct to and from the open spaceat the foot of the slope. This being granted, the drawbridge waslowered, and the portcullis raised. Ferragus entered, and wentstraight to his own stall; and Gaston d'Aubricour came forth incomplete armour, and was conducted by the pursuivant to the leader ofthe troop. Sir Oliver de Clisson, as he sat on horseback with thevisor of his helmet raised, had little or nothing of the appearance ofthe courteous Knight of the period. His features were not, perhaps, originally as harsh and ill-formed as those of his compeer, Bertrand duGuesclin, but there was a want of the frank open expression andcourteous demeanour which so well suited the high chivalrous temper ofthe great Constable of France. They were dark and stern, and the lossof an eye, which had been put out by an arrow, rendered him still morehard-favoured. He was, in fact, a man soured by early injuries--hisfather had been treacherously put to death by King John of France, whenDuke of Normandy, and his brother had been murdered by anEnglishman--his native Brittany was torn by dissensions anddivisions--and his youth had been passed in bloodshed and violence. Hehad now attained the deserved fame of being the second Knight inFrance, honourable and loyal as regarded his King, but harsh, rigid, cruel, of an unlovable temper, which made him in after years a mark forplots and conspiracies; and the vindictive temper of the Celtic raceleading him to avenge the death of his brother upon every Englishmanwho fell into his hands. 

"So, Sir Squire!" exclaimed he, in his harsh voice, "what excuse do youcome to make for slaying my messenger ere he had time to deliver hischarge?"

"I own him as no messenger, " returned Gaston. "He was a renegadetraitor from our own Castle, seeking his accomplice in villainy!"

"Well, speak on, " said Oliver, to whom the death of a man-at-arms was amatter of slight importance. "Art thou come to deliver up the Castleto its rightful lord?"

"No, Messire Oliver, " replied Gaston. "I come to bring the reply ofthe Castellane, Sir Eustace Lynwood, that he will hold out the Castleto the last extremity against all and each of your attacks. "

"Sir Eustace Lynwood? What means this, Master Squire? Yonder knavedeclared he was dead!"

"Hear me, Sir Oliver de Clisson, " said Gaston. "Sir Eustace Lynwoodhath a pair of mortal foes at the Prince's court, who prevailed on apart of the garrison to yield him into your hands. In my absence, theyin part succeeded. By the negligence of a drunken groom they wereenabled to fall upon him in his sleep, and, as they deemed, hadmurdered him. I, returning with the rest of the garrison, was enabledto rescue him, and deliver the Castle, where he now lies--alive, indeed, but desperately wounded. Now, I call upon you, Sir Oliver, tojudge, whether it be the part of a true and honourable Knight to becomepartner of such miscreants, and to take advantage of so foul a web oftreachery?"

"This may be a fine tale for the ears of younger knights-errant, SirSquire, " was the reply of Clisson. "For my part though I am no loverof treason, I may not let the King's service be stayed by scruples. For yourself, Sir Squire, I make you a fair offer. You are, by yourtongue and countenance, a Gascon--a liegeman born of King Charles ofFrance. To you, and to every other man of French birth, I offer toenter his service, or to depart whither it may please you, with armsand baggage, so you will place the Castle in our hands--and leave us towork our will of the island dogs it contains!"

"Thanks, Sir Oliver, for such a boon as I would not vouchsafe to stoopto pick up, were it thrown at my feet!"

"Well and good, Sir Squire, " said Clisson, rather pleased at the boldreply. "We understand each other. Fare thee well. "

And Gaston walked back to the Castle, muttering to himself, "Had itbeen but the will of the Saints to have sent Du Guesclin hither, thenwould Sir Eustace have been as safe and free as in Lynwood Keep itself!But what matters it? If he dies of his wounds, what good would my lifedo me, save to avenge him--and from that he has debarred me. So, grimOliver, do thy worst!--Ha!" as he entered the Castle--"downportcullis--up drawbridge! Archers, bend your bows! Martin, stonesfor the mangonel!"

Nor was the assault long delayed. Clisson's men only waited to securetheir horses and prepare their ladders, and the attack was made onevery side. 

It was well and manfully resisted. Bravely did the little garrisonstruggle with the numbers that poured against them on every side, andthe day wore away in the desperate conflict. 

Sir Eustace heard the loud cries of "Montjoie St. Denis! Clisson!" onthe one side, and the "St. George for Merry England! A Lynwood!" withwhich his own party replied; he heard the thundering of heavy stones, the rush of combatants, the cries of victory or defeat. Sometimes hiswhole being seemed in the fight; he clenched his teeth, he shouted hiswar-cry, tried to raise himself and lift his powerless arm; thenreturned again to the consciousness of his condition, clasped eitherthe rosary or the crucifix, and turned his soul to fervent prayer;then, again, the strange wild cries without confounded themselves intoone maddening noise on his feverish ear, or, in the confusion of hisweakened faculties, he would, as it were, believe himself to be hisbrother dying on the field of Navaretta, and scarce be able to rousehimself to a feeling of his own identity. 

So passed the day--and twilight was fast deepening into night, when thecries, a short time since more furious than ever, and nearer and moreexulting on the part of the French, at length subsided, and finallydied away; the trampling steps of the men-at-arms could be heard in thehall below, and Gaston himself came up with hasty step, undid hishelmet, and, wiping his brow, threw himself on the ground with his backagainst the chest, saying, "Well, we have done our devoir, at any rate!Poor Brigliador! I am glad he has a kind master in Ingram!"

"Have they won the court?" asked Eustace. "I thought I heard theirshouts within it. "

"Ay! Even so. How could we guard such an extent of wall with barelyfive and twenty men? Old Silverlocks and Jaques de l'Eure are slainMartin badly wounded, and we all forced back into the inner court, after doing all it was in a man to do. "

"I heard your voice, bold and cheerful as ever, above the tumult, " saidEustace. "But the inner court is fit for a long defence--thatstaircase parapet, where so few can attack at once. "

"Ay, " said Gaston, "it was that and the darkness that stopped them. There I can detain them long enough to give the chance of the succours, so those knaves below do not fail in spirit--and they know well enoughwhat chance they have from yon grim-visaged Breton! But as to thosesuccours, I no more expect them than I do to see the Prince at theirhead! A hundred to one that he never hears of our need, or, if heshould, that Pembroke and Clarenham do not delay the troops till toolate. "

"And there will be the loss of the most important castle, and the mostfaithful and kindest heart!" said Eustace. "But go, Gaston--food andrest you must need after this long day's fight--and the defences mustbe looked to, and the men cheered!"

"Yes, " said Gaston, slowly rising, and bending over the Knight; "but isthere nought I can do for you, Sir Eustace?"

"Nought, save to replenish my cup of water. It is well for me that theenemy have not cut us off from the Castle well. "

Gaston's supper did not occupy him long. He was soon again inEustace's room, talking over his plan of defence for the next day; butwith little, if any, hope that it would be other than his laststruggle. At last, wearied out with the exertions of that day and thepreceding, he listened to Eustace's persuasions, and, removing the morecumbrous portions of his armour, threw himself on his bed, and, in amoment, his regular breathings announced that he was sound asleep. 

It was in the pale early light of dawn that he awoke, and, starting upwhile still half asleep, exclaimed, "Sir Eustace, are you there? Ishould have relieved guard long since!" Then, as he recalled hissituation, "I had forgot! How is it with you, Sir Eustace? Have youslept?"

"No, " said Eustace. "I have not lost an hour of this last night Ishall ever see. It will soon be over now--the sun is already reddeningthe sky; and so, Gaston, ends our long true-hearted affection. Littledid I think it would bring thee to thy death in the prime of theystrength and manhood!" and he looked mournfully on the lofty statureand vigorous form of the Squire, as he stood over him. 

"For that, Sir Eustace, there is little cause to grieve. I have been awanderer, friendless and homeless, throughout my life; and save foryourself, and, perhaps, poor little Arthur's kind heart, where is onewho would cast a second thought on me, beyond, perhaps, saying, 'He wasa brave and faithful Squire!' But little, little did I think, when Isaw your spurs so nobly won, that this was to be the end of it--thatyou were to die, defamed and reviled, in an obscure den, and by thefoul treachery of--"

"Speak not of that, Gaston, " said Eustace. "I have dwelt on it in thelong hours of the night, and I have schooled my mind to bear it. Thosewith whom we shall soon be, know that if I have sinned in many points, yet I am guiltless in that whereof they accuse me--and, for the rest, there are, at least, two who will think no shame of Eustace Lynwood. And now, if there is yet time, Gaston, since no Priest is at hand, Iwould pray thee to do me the last favour of hearing the confession ofmy sins. "

And Gaston kneeling down, the Knight and Squire, according to thecustom of warriors in extremity, confessed to each other, with thecrucifix raised between them. Eustace then, with his weak and failingvoice, repeated several prayers and psalms appropriate to the occasion, in which Gaston joined with hearty devotion. By this time, a slightstir was heard within the Castle; and Gaston, rising from his knees, went to the loophole, which commanded a view of the court, where theFrench had taken up their quarters for the night in some of theoutbuildings--and the lion rampant of Clisson was waving in triumph onthe gateway tower. 

"All silent there, " said he; "but I must go to rouse our knaves in timeto meet the first onset. " And, as he clasped on his armour, hecontinued, "All that is in the power of man will we do! Rest assured, Sir Eustace, they reach you not save through my body; and let yourprayers be with me. One embrace, Sir Eustace, and we meet no more--"

"In this world. " Eustace concluded the sentence, as Gaston hung overhim, and his tears dropped on his face. "Farewell, most faithful andmost true-hearted! Go, I command thee! Think not on me--think on thyduty--and good angels will be around us both. Farewell, farewell. "

Gaston, for the first time in his life, felt himself unable to speak. He crossed the room with slow and lingering step; then, with a greateffort, dashed out at the door, closing his visor as he did so, and, after a short interval, during which he seemed to have stopped on thestairs, Eustace could hear his gay bold tones, calling, "Up! up! mymerry men, all! Let not the French dogs find the wolf asleep in hisden. They will find our inner bartizan a hard stone for theirteeth--and it will be our own fault, if they crack it before the comingof our brave comrades from Bordeaux!"

CHAPTER XIV

The open space beyond the walls of Bordeaux presented a bright andlively scene. It was here that the pages of the Black Prince were wontto exercise those sports and pastimes for which the court of the palacescarce offered sufficient space, or which were too noisy for theneighbourhood of the ladies, and of the invalid Prince. 

Of noble and often of princely birth were all who entered that schoolof chivalry, and, for the most part, the fine open countenances, noblebearing, and well-made figures of the boys, testified their highdescent, as completely as the armorial bearings embroidered on the backand front of their short kirtles. Many different provinces had senttheir noblest to be there trained in the service of the bravest Knightsand Princes. There, besides the brown-haired, fair-skinned Englishboy, was the quick fiery Welsh child, who owned an especial allegianceto the Prince; the broad blue-eyed Fleming, whose parents rejoiced inthe fame of the son of Philippa of Hainault; the pert, lively Gascon, and the swarthy Navarrese mountaineer--all brought together in closeand ever-changing contrast of countenance, habits, and character. 

Of all the merry groups scattered through that wide green space, themost interesting was one formed by three boys, who stood beneath atree, a little from the rest. The two eldest might be from ten toeleven years old, the third two or three years younger, and hisdelicate features, fair pale complexion, and slender limbs, made himappear too weak and childish for such active sports as the rest wereengaged in, but that the lordly glance of his clear blue eye, his firmtread, and the noble carriage of his shapely head, had in themsomething of command, which attracted notice even before the exceedingbeauty of his perfectly moulded face, and long waving curls of goldenhair. 

So like him, that they might have passed for brothers, was one of theelder boys, who stood near--there was the same high white brow, proudlip, regular features, and bright eye; but the complexion, thoughnaturally fair, was tanned to a healthy brown where exposed to the sun;the frame was far stronger and more robust; and the glance of the eyehad more in it of pride and impatience, than of calm command soremarkable in the little one. The three boys were standing inconsultation over an arrow which they had just discovered, stuck deepin the ground. 

"'Tis my arrow, that I shot over the mark on Monday, " said the elder. 

"Nay, Harry, " said the younger boy, "that cannot be; for rememberThomas Holland said your arrow would frighten the good nuns of St. Ursula in their garden. "

"It must be mine, " persisted Harry--"for none of you all can shoot asfar. "

"Yes, English Arthur can, " said the little boy. "He shot a wholecloth-yard beyond you the day--"

"Well, never mind, Edward, " said Harry, sharply--"who cares forarrows?--weapons for clowns, and not for Princes!"

"Nay, not so, Lord Harry, " interrupted the third boy: "I have heard myuncle say, many a time, that England's archery is half herstrength--and how it was our archers at the battle of Crecy--"

"I know all that--how the men of Genoa had wet bow-strings, and oursdry ones, " said Henry; "but they were peasants, after all!"

"Ay; but a King of England should know how to praise and value his goodyeomen. "

Henry turned on his heel, and, saying, "Well, let the arrow be whose itwill, I care not for it, " walked off. 

"Do you know why Harry of Lancaster goes, Arthur?" said Edward, smiling. 

"No, my Lord, " replied Arthur. 

"He cannot bear to hear aught of King of England, " was the answer. "Ifyou love me, good Arthur, vex him not with speaking of it. "

"Father Cyril would say, he ought to learn content with the rank wherehe was born, " said Arthur. 

"Father Cyril, again!" said Prince Edward. "You cannot live a daywithout speaking of him, and of your uncle. "

"I do not speak of them so much now, " said Arthur, colouring, "It isonly you, Lord Edward, who never make game of me for doing so--though, I trow, I have taught Pierre de Greilly to let my uncle's name alone. "

"Truly, you did so, " said Edward, laughing, "and he has scarce yet losthis black eye. But I love to hear your tales, Arthur, of that quietCastle, and the old Blanc Etoile, and your uncle, who taught you toride. Sit down here on the grass, and tell me more. But what are youstaring at so fixedly? At the poor jaded horse, that yonderman-at-arms is urging on so painfully?"

"'Tis--No, it is not--Yes, 'tis Brigliador, and John Ingram himself, "cried Arthur. "Oh, my uncle! my uncle!" And, in one moment, he hadbounded across the ditch, which fenced in their exercising ground, andhad rushed to meet Ingram. "Oh, John!" exclaimed he, breathlessly, "have they done it? Oh, tell me of Uncle Eustace! Is he alive?"

"Master Arthur!" exclaimed Ingram, stopping his wearied horse. 

"Oh, tell me, Ingram, " reiterated Arthur, "is my uncle safe?"

"He is alive, Master Arthur--that is, he was when I came away, but assore wounded as ever I saw a Knight. And the butcher of Brittany isupon them by this time! And here I am sent to ask succours--and I knowno more whom to address myself, than the cock at the top of Lynwoodsteeple!"

"But what has chanced, John?--make haste, and tell me. "

And John, in his own awkward and confused style, narrated how he hadbeen entrapped by Sanchez, and the consequences of his excess. "But, "said he, "I have vowed to our Lady of Taunton, and St. Joseph ofGlastonbury, that never again--"

Arthur had covered his face with his hands, and gave way to tears ofindignation and grief, as he felt his helplessness. But one hand waskindly withdrawn, and a gentle voice said, "Weep not, Arthur, but comewith me, and my father will send relief to the Castle, and save youruncle. "

"You here, Lord Edward?" exclaimed Arthur, who had not perceived thatthe Prince had followed him. "Oh yes, thanks, thanks! None but thePrince can save him. Oh, let me see him myself, and that instantly!"

"Then, let us come, " said Edward, still holding Arthur's hand. 

Arthur set off at such a pace, as to press the little Prince into abreathless trot by his side; but he, too, was all eagerness, andscorned to complain. They proceeded without interruption to the courtof the palace. Edward, leading the way, hastened to his mother'sapartments. He threw open the door, looked in, and, saying to Arthur, "He must be in the council chamber, " cut short an exclamation of LadyMaude Holland, by shutting the door, and running down a long gallery toan ante-chamber, where were several persons waiting for an audience, and two warders, with halberts erect, standing on guard outside aclosed door. 

"The Prince is in council, my Lord. "

Edward drew up his head, and, waving them aside with a gesture thatbecame the heir of England, said, "I take it upon myself. " He thenopened the door, and, still holding Arthur fast by the hand, led himinto the chamber where the Prince of Wales sat in consultation. 

There was a pause of amazement as the two boys advanced to the highcarved chair on which the Prince was seated--and Edward exclaimed, "Father, save Arthur's uncle!"

"What means this, Edward?" demanded the Prince of Wales, somewhatsternly. "Go to your mother, boy--we cannot hear you now, and--"

"I cannot go, father, " replied the child, "till you have promised tosave Arthur's uncle! He is wounded!--the traitors have woundedhim!--and the French will take the Castle, and he will be slain! AndArthur loves him so much!"

"Come here, Edward, " said the Prince, remarking the flushed cheek andtearful eye of his son, "and tell me what this means. "

Edward obeyed, but without loosing his hold of his young friend's hand. "The man-at-arms is come, all heat and dust, on the poor drooping, jaded steed--and he said, the Knight would be slain, and the Castletaken, unless you would send him relief. It is Arthur's uncle that heloves so well. "

"Arthur's uncle?" repeated the Prince--and, turning his eyes on thesuppliant figure, he said, "Arthur Lynwood! Speak, boy. "

"Oh, my Lord, " said Arthur, commanding his voice with difficulty, "Iwould only pray you to send succour to my uncle at Chateau Norbelle, and save him from being murdered by Oliver de Clisson. "

It was a voice which boded little good to Arthur's suit that now spoke. "If it be Sir Eustace Lynwood, at Chateau Norbelle, of whom the youngPrince speaks, he can scarce be in any strait, since the garrison ismore than sufficient. "

The little page started to his feet, and, regarding the speaker withflashing eyes, exclaimed, "Hearken not to him, my Lord Prince! He isthe cause of all the treachery!--he is the ruin and destruction of myuncle;--he has deceived you with his falsehoods!--and now he would behis death!"

"How now, my young cousin!" said Clarenham, in a most irritating toneof indifference--"you forget in what presence you are. "

"I do not, " replied Arthur, fiercely. "Before the Prince, FulkClarenham, I declare you a false traitor!--and, if you dare deny it, there lies my gloves!"

Fulk only replied by a scornful laugh, and, addressing the Prince, said, "May I pray of your Grace not to be over severe with my youngmalapert relation. "

The Captal de Buch spoke: "You do not know what an adversary you haveprovoked, Fulk! The other day, I met my nephew, little Pierre, with aneye as black as the patch we used to wear in our young days ofknight-errantry. 'What wars have you been in, Master Pierre?' I asked. It was English Arthur who had fought with him, for mocking at histalking of nothing but his uncle. But you need not colour, and look soabashed, little Englishman!--I bear no more malice than I hope Pierredoes--I only wish I had as bold a champion! I remember thine uncle, ifhe is the youth to whom the Constable surrendered at Navaretta, and ofwhom we made so much. "

"Too much then, and too little afterwards, " said old Sir John Chandos. 

"You do not know all, Chandos, " said the Prince. 

"You do not yourself know all, my Lord, " said Arthur, turning eagerly. "Lord de Clarenham has deceived you, and led you to imagine that myuncle wished ill to me, and wanted to gain my lands; whereas it is hehimself who wants to have me in his hands to bend me to his will. It ishe who has placed traitors in Chateau Norbelle to slay my uncle anddeliver him to the enemy; they have already wounded him almost todeath"--here Arthur's lips quivered, and he could hardly restrain aburst of tears--"and they have sent for Sir Oliver de Clisson, thebutcher. Gaston will hold out as long as they can, but if you will notsend succours, my Lord, he will--will be slain; and kind Gaston too;"and Arthur, unable to control himself any longer, covered his face withhis hands, and gave way to a silent suppressed agony of sobs and tears. 

"Cheer thee, my boy, " said the Prince, kindly; "we will see to thineuncle. " Then, looking at his nobles, he continued, "It seems thatthese varlets will allow us no more peace; and since there does intruth appear to be a Knight and Castle in jeopardy, one of you had, perhaps, better go with a small band, and clear up this mystery. If itbe as the boy saith, Lynwood hath had foul wrong. "

"I care not if I be the one to go, my Lord, " said Chandos; "my men areaver kept in readiness, and a night's gallop will do the lazy knavesall the good in the world. "

Arthur, brushing off the tears, of which he was much ashamed, looked atthe old Knight in transport. 

"Thanks, Chandos, " said the Prince; "I would commit the matter to noneso willingly as to you, though I scarce would have asked it, considering you were not quite so prompt on a late occasion. "

"My Lord of Pembroke will allow, however, that I did come in time, "said Sir John. "It was his own presumption and foolhardiness that gothim into the scrape, and he was none the worse for the lesson hereceived. But this young fellow seems to have met with this mischanceby no fault of his own; and I am willing to see him righted; for he isa good lad as well as a brave, as far as I have known him. "

"How came the tidings?" asked the Prince. "Did not one of you boys saysomewhat of a man-at-arms?"

"Yes, my Lord, " said Arthur; "John Ingram, my uncle's own yeoman, hascome upon Brigliador with all speed. I sent him to the guard-room, where he now waits in case you would see him. "

"Ay, " said old Chandos, "a man would have some assurance that he is notgoing on a fool's errand. Let us have him here, my Lord. "

"Cause him to be summoned, " said the Prince to Arthur. 

"And at the same time, " said Chandos, "send for my Squire, HenryNeville, to the ante-chamber. The men may get on their armour in themeantime. "

In a few minutes John Ingram made his appearance, the dust not yetwiped from his armour, his hair hanging is disordered masses over hisforehead, and his jaws not completely resting from the mastication of ahuge piece of pasty. His tale, though confused, could not be for aninstant doubted, as he told of the situation in which he had leftChateau Norbelle and its Castellane, "The best man could wish to liveunder. Well, he hath forgiven me, and given me his hand upon it. "

"Forgiven thee--for what?" said the Prince. 

"Ah! my Lord, I may speak of treason, but I am one of the traitorsmyself! Did not the good Knight leave me in charge to make my roundsconstantly in the Castle, while he slept after his long watching? andlo, there comes that wily rascal, the Seneschal, Sanchez, with his''Tis a cold night, friend John; the Knight wakes thee up early; comedown to the buttery, and crack a cup of sack in all friendliness!'Down then go I, oaf that I was, thinking that, may be, our Knight wasover strict and harsh, and pulled the reins so tight, that a poorman-at-arms must needs get a little diversion now and then--as theproverb says, 'when the cat's away, the mice may play. ' But it wasdrugged, my Lord, else when would one cup of spiced wine have soovercome me that I knew nought till I hear Master d'Aubricour shoutingtreason in the courtyard like one frantic? But the Knight has forgivenme, and I have sworn to our blessed Lady of Taunton, and St. Joseph ofGlastonbury, that not a draught of wine, spiced or unspiced, shallagain cross my lips. "

"A wholesome vow, " said the Prince; "and her is a token to make theeremember it, "--and he placed in the hand of the yeoman a chain of somevalue. "Go to the guard-room, where you shall be well entertained tillsuch time as we need thee again, as we may, if you have been, as yousay, long in Sir Eustace Lynwood's service. But what now? Hast more tosay?"

"I would say--so please you, my Lord--that I pray you but to let meride back to Chateau Norbelle with this honourable Knight, for I oweall service to Sir Eustace, nor could I rest till I know how it fareswith him. "

"As you will, good fellow, " said the Prince; "and you, Chandos, comewith me to my chamber--I would speak with you before you depart. "

"My Lord, " said Arthur, "would you but grant me one boon--to go withSir John to Chateau Norbelle?"

"You too? You would almost make me think you all drawn by witchcraftto this Castle!" But Arthur's eagerness extorted a consent, and herode off amid Sir John Chandos's troop, boldly enough at first, but byand by so sleepily, that, as night advanced, Sir John ordered him to beplaced in front of a trooper, and he soon lost all perception of therough rapid pace at which they travelled. It was broad day when he wasawakened by a halt, and the first thing he heard was, "There is St. George's pennon still safe!"

He sat upright, gazed eagerly forwards, and beheld a tall dark towerrising by the bank of a stream at some distance. "Chateau Norbelle?"he asked. 

"Oh, ho! my little page, " said Chandos. "You are alive again, are you?Ay, Chateau Norbelle it is--and we are in time it seems! But let ushave you on your own steed again. And let us see--if Oliver be therehimself, we shall have sharp work. Ay, keep you by the side of the oldmaster leech there--he will be sure to keep out of peril. Now--closein--lances in rest--bows bent. Forward banner!"

Arthur, by no means approving of the companionship assigned him, contrived to wedge in his pony a little in the rear of Sir John's twoSquires, as the whole squadron rode down the slope of the hill, and upthe ascent on which the Castle stood. Loud cries and shrieks fromwithin began to strike their ears--the clash of arms--all the tumult ofattack and defence raging fearfully high and wild. 

"Ho, ho! friend Oliver!--we have you in a trap!" said old Chandos, inhigh glee, as he drew up close without the walls. "Neville, guard thegates!"

He signed to about half his band to remain without, and cut off theretreat of the enemy. The Jew doctor chose his post in their rear, close to the Castle moat--but not so Arthur. Unnoticed and forgotten, he still kept close behind the Squire, who rode alongside of Sir JohnChandos, as he crossed the drawbridge. The Castle gate was open, andshowed a wild confused mass of struggling men and flashing arms. Itwas the last, most furious onset, when Clisson, enraged by the longresistance of so weak a garrison, was concentrating his strength in oneeffort, and, in the excitement of the assault, he had failed to remarkthat his sentinels had transgressed his orders, and mingled with thecrowd, who were striving, by force of numbers, to overwhelm the smalltroop of defenders of the bartizan. 

In rushed Chandos, shouting his war-cry!--In dashed his stout warriors, and loud and fierce pealed forth "St. George! St George!" drowning thenow feebler note of "Montjoie, St. Denis!" and fearful were the shrieksof horror and of pain that rose mingled with it. Hemmed in, attacked infront and rear, their retreat cut off, the French looked in vain forescape; some went down beneath the tremendous charge of the English, some cried for mercy, and surrendered as prisoners. Oliver de Clissonhimself, seeing that all was lost, swinging round his head his heavybattle-axe, opened for himself a way, and, with a few followers, brokethrough the men whom Chandos had left outside, and, cutting down agroom who was holding it, captured one of his led horses, on which herode off at his leisure, confident in his own gigantic strength. 

So little resistance had been offered, that Arthur's bold advance hadinvolved him in little danger; he was borne onwards, and only wasconscious of a frightful tumult, where all seemed to be striking andcrushing together. At last, there was something of a lull; the criesof mercy, and offers to surrender, alone were heard. Arthur found hispony standing still, and himself pressed hither and thither by thecrowd, from which he knew not how to escape. 

Above these various sounds he heard an opening door--there was a pressforward, which carried him with it. The heavy doors, shivered here andthere by Clisson's axe, had been thrown wide open; but the crowd closedin--he saw no more. He threw himself from his pony, struggledforwards, and at last, emerging between the arms of two tall men, hebeheld Sir John Chandos dismounting from his war-horse, which was heldby a grim, bloody, dusty figure in broken armour, whose length of limb, and the crisp, black, curled hair that showed through the shatteredhelmet, proved that it could be no other than Gaston d'Aubricour. 

Arthur darted forwards, his heart upon his lips; but neither Knight norSquire had eye or ear for him; they were hastily exchanging queriesabout--he knew not what--they were not of his uncle; and, borne on byhis impatience, he hurried past them up the narrow stone stair. Morethan one corpse--a ghastly sight--lay on the steps, but he hastened on;half a dozen men were standing on the stones at the top, all, likeGaston, dusty and gory, and leaning on their weapons, or on the wall, as if exhausted. They were looking intently at the court, and gave noheed to the boy, as he ran on into the hall. Two men lay theregroaning before the fire. Arthur stood and looked round, hesitatingwhether to ask them for his uncle; but, perceiving the spiral stairs, quickly ascended. Far and far up he wound, till he came to a low-browedarch; he paused, and saw a large vaulted room, through the loop-holewindow of which shone a yellow stream of golden sunshine. There was alow bed in one corner, and on it lay a motionless form. On tiptoe, andwith a throbbing heart, the boy approached; he saw the face--it wasghastly pale. He stood transfixed--could it be?--yes, it must stillbe, his own Uncle Eustace. 

CHAPTER XV

It was still very early, and the narrow line of sky seen from theturret window was gilded by the bright pale-green light of morning, when Sir Eustace awoke. All around was perfectly still, and he couldhave believed himself waking merely from a dream of tumult anddisturbance, but for his feelings of pain and weakness. At some littledistance lay, on a softly-dressed sheepskin, the oriental figure of theJewish mediciner, and, at the foot of his own bed, the unexpected formof little Arthur reclined, half sitting, half lying, with his headresting on his crossed arms, and his long curls floating over them. All was a riddle to his misty remembrance, clouded by weakness; and, invague uncertain recollections and conjectures, the time rolled away, till the sounds of awakening and calls of the warders within the Castlebetokened that it was occupied by no small number of persons. StillArthur slept on, and Eustace abstained from the slightest movement thatcould disturb him, till a step stole quietly to the door, and Gaston'shead was seen cautiously and anxiously looking in. Eustace, raisinghis hand, beckoned him, and made a sign of silence. 

"How is with you, Sir Eustace? It must needs be better. I see a lightin your eye once more. "

"I am another man since yesterday, Gaston; but be careful--see there. "

"Little fear of breaking such sleep as that, " said Gaston. "'Tis anoble-hearted little fellow, and if matters go better with ushenceforth, it will be his work. "

"What is become of Clisson?"

"He was riding off headlong when Master Henry Neville last beheld him, gaining thereby a sound rating from old Chandos. "

"Sir John Chandos here?"

"Fast asleep in your own carved chair, with his feet on the oakensettle. "

"Sir John Chandos!" again exclaimed Eustace. 

"Even so. All thanks to the brave young damoiseau who--"

Here Gaston's ardour had the effect of awakening the doctor, whoimmediately began to grumble at his patient's admitting visitorswithout permission. By the time he had examined Eustace's wounds andpronounced him to be progressing favourably, the whole Castle was upand awake, and Arthur, against his will, was sent down to attend on SirJohn Chandos at breakfast, when scarce satisfied that his uncle couldspeak to him. 

In process of time he came up to announce a visit from Chandos himself, and close on his steps followed the stalwart old warrior. Pausing atthe door, he looked around him, struck with the aspect of thedungeon-like apartment, still more rugged in the morning light than inthe evening gloom--the bare rough walls, an arrow sticking between thestones immediately above the Knight's head, the want of furniture, theKnight's own mantle and that of Gaston both called into requisition toprotect him from the damp chill night air, their bright hues and richembroidery contrasting with the squalid appearance of all around, as, indeed, did the noble though pale features of the wounded man himself, and the graceful attire and shining hair of the fair young boy whostood over him. But Sir John beheld all with no dissatisfaction. 

"Well, my brave young Sir, " said he, advancing, "how is it with youthis morning? You look cheerily; I trust we shall soon have you onhorseback again. "

"Thanks to the blessed Saints and to you, Sir John, " replied Eustace. "I fear you fared ill last night for, "--and he looked round with asmile--"you see, I occupy the state bed-chamber. "

"The better, Sir Eustace, " said Chandos. "It does my heart good to seesuch a chamber as this--none of the tapestry and hangings which ouryoung Knights nowadays fence themselves with, as if they kept out thefoe--this is what it is meant for--a stronghold, and not a bower. I'llhave my dainty young Master Neville up here, to see how a good Knightshould be lodged. "

"I fear he would scarce consider it as an example, " said Eustace, smiling, "since all our simplicity would not have availed to protectus, but for your coming. We little dreamt to see this morning's light. "

"True, but where should I look for a garrison to make such a defence asyou and your Squire have done? When I saw the spot, and looked at thenumbers, and heard how long you had held out, methought I was returnedonce more to the good old days of Calais. And here this youth of mine, not yet with his spurs, though I dare say full five years older thanyou, must needs look sour upon it, because he has to sleep on a settlefor one night--and that, too, when he has let Oliver de Clisson slipthrough his fingers, without so much as a scratch taken or given oneither side! It grieves my very soul to think on it! But all has goneto rack and ruin since the Prince has been unable to set the example. "

"Is the Prince better in health?"

"Yes--so they say--but his looks tell another tale, and I never expectto see him on horseback again, " said the old warrior, with a deep sigh. "But I have to do his bidding here, and have much to ask of you, SirEustace; and I do it the more willingly, that I rejoice to see a braveman righted. "

"Has the Prince, then, commanded an inquiry into my conduct?" exclaimedEustace, joyfully. "It is what I have ever most warmly desired. "

"And know you whom you have to thank?" said Sire John. "That youngsterwho stands at your feet--'twas he that, with little Prince Edward, burst into the council, and let not another word be said till he hadtold your need, given Fulk Clarenham the lie direct, and challenged himto prove his words. Pray when is the defiance to be fought out, SirPage?"

Arthur coloured crimson, and looked down; then raising his glowingface, said firmly, "To-morrow, if need were, Sir--for God would defendthe right!"

"Roundly spoken, Master Page! But let not your early years be alltalk, nothing worth. "

"The same warning that you gave to me, Sir John, " said Eustace. 

"When you thought I looked coldly and churlishly on your new-wonhonours, " said Sir John. "I own I thought the Prince was bestowingknighthood over lightly--and so do I say still, Sir Eustace. But Isaw, afterwards, that you were not so easily uplifted as I had thought. I saw you as diligent in the study of all that was knightly as if yourspurs were yet to earn, and I knew the Prince had a brave young servantin you. "

"If he would have trusted me!" said Eustace. 

"He hath been deceived by the flatterers who have gained his ear. Itshould not have been thus had I been at court; but things have beenmuch against my counsel. It may be that I have been too plainspoken--forgetting that he is not the boy who used to be committed tomy charge--it may be that he hath been over hasty--and yet, when I lookon his changed mien and wasted face, I can scarce blame him, nor mustyou, Sir Eustace, though cruel injustice hath, I fear, been done you. "

"I blame our glorious Prince!" exclaimed the young Knight. "I would assoon blame the sun in heaven because the clouds hide his face from mefor a time!"

"The clouds are likely to be dispersed with a vengeance, " said Chandos. "The confession of yonder mutinous traitors will clear you from allthat your accusers have said, by proving their villainy and baseness!"

"How? Sanchez and his fellows? Have they surrendered?"

"Yes. They kept themselves shut up in Montfort's tower until they lostall hope of relief from their friends without; then, being in fear ofstarvation, they were forced to surrender, and came forth, praying thattheir lives might be spared. I, as you may suppose, would as lief havespared the life of a wolf, and the halters were already round theirnecks, when your dark-visaged Squire prayed me to attempt to gain aconfession from them; and, sure enough, they told a marvelloustale:--that Clarenham had placed them here to deliver you up to theenemy, whom they were to admit by a secret passage--and that they wouldhave done it, long since, save that you and your Squire not onlydiscovered the passage, but showed such vigilance, and so frustratedall their plans, that they firmly believed that you held commerce withthe foul fiend. Did you, in truth, suspect their treachery?"

"Yes, " replied Eustace, looking at Arthur. "The recognition of LeBorgne Basque in the Seneschal would have been sufficient to set us onour guard. "

"But the passage?" asked Sir John, "what knowledge had you of that? forthey vow that you could never have discovered it but by art magic. "

"We found it by long and diligent search. "

"And what led you to search, Sir Eustace? I you can clear up thematter, it will be the better for you; for this accusation ofwitchcraft will hang to you like a burr--the more, perhaps, as you aresomewhat of a scholar!"

"It was I who warned him of it, Sir Knight, " said Arthur, steppingforward. 

"You, young Page!" exclaimed Sir John. "Are you jesting? Ha! then youmust have, page-like, been eaves-dropping!--I should scarce havethought it of you. "

"Oh, uncle!" exclaimed Arthur, in great distress, "you do not believeme capable of aught so unknightly? Do but say that you, at least, trust my word, when I say that I learnt their plots by no meansunbecoming the son of Sir Reginald Lynwood. "

"I believe you fully, Arthur, " replied his uncle; "the more, that Ishould have been the last person to whom you would have broughtinformation gained in such a fashion. "

"And how was it gained?" asked Sir John. 

"That, " said the boy, "is a secret I am bound never to disclose. "

"Strange, passing strange, " repeated the old Knight, shaking his head. "Clarenham and Ashton would scarce have taken any into their councilswho would warn you. And you will or can tell no more?"

"No more, " replied the boy. "I was bidden secretly to warn my uncle ofthe entrance to the vaults, and of the treachery of this villaingarrison. I did so, and he who says aught dishonourable of him or ofme lies in his throat. "

"Can you read this riddle, Sir Eustace?" asked Chandos, looking rathersuspiciously at the very faint glow which mantled in the white cheek ofthe wounded Knight. 

"I know nothing but what he has told you, Sir John, " replied he. 

"Nor guess aught?" said Sir John; "but perhaps that is scarce a fairquery; and I will to the rest of my business, though it is scarceneeded--only I would have the Prince see the full extent of thefalsehoods with which he has been gulled. " And he then proceeded toinquire into the circumstances of Lady Eleanor's funeral, the brawling, the violent abstraction of Arthur, and of a considerable portion of hisproperty, and the long delay, which had given his enemies so muchopportunity to blacken his character. Eustace explained all fully tothe satisfaction of Chandos, and appealed to numerous witnesses. 

"That is well, " said the old Knight. "We shall have it all clear asdaylight;--and the only wonder is, that the Prince could be so longdeceived by such monstrous falsehoods. Let me see--your right to thewardship is established?"

"Yes; it hath been so decided by the Bishop of Winchester. "

"And let me tell you, Sir Eustace, you did yourself little good bygetting the interest of the Duke of Lancaster. Methought it stillfurther prejudiced the Prince. "

"It was justice that I sought, not favour, " said Eustace. 

"The knightly view, " said Sir John; "and it was more the work of yourfriends than yourself; but I never loved that young John of Lancaster, and still less since he hath seemed willing to make a party forhimself. I trow he hath given the Prince a distrust of all uncles. Ha! little varlet!" added he, as he met Arthur's eyes--"if you can keepone secret, keep another, or, still better, forget what I have said. Understandest thou?"

"I will answer for him, " said Eustace. 

"And now, " said Chandos, "I must be on my way back; for that expeditionto Bescancon must be looked to. But what is to be done with the boy?"

"Oh, I remain here, " cried Arthur, eagerly. "The Prince consented. Oh, I pray of you let me stay here. "

"In this dismal old Castle, Arthur, " said Eustace, "apart from all yourplaymates? It will not be like home, remember; for scarce ever willyou be able to go beyond the walls--and with me lying here, and Gastonalways occupied, you will find it weary work. "

"Not with you, Uncle Eustace! I shall sit by you, and tend you, andread to you. It is so long since I have been with you! Oh, send menot away! I care for no playmate--for nothing in the wide world, asfor you!"

"Well, let him e'en stay, " said Sir John; "it will be a better trainingfor him than among the gilded little varlets who are cockered up amongPrincess Joan's ladies. "

The two Knights had next to arrange some matters respecting thegarrison; Sir John leaving a sufficient number of men to secure thecastle in case of a second attack. He was somewhat inclined to leaveMaster Henry Neville to command them; but consideration for Eustace andGaston induced him to spare the young gentleman a sojourn which hewould have regarded as so far from enviable. Nor was the leech moredesirous of a lengthened stay with a patient whom he suspected to beunable to requite him for the discomfort which he might endure in hisservice. He therefore pronounced Sir Eustace to stand in no furtherneed of his attentions; and recommending rest, and providing him withgood store of remedies, he saddled his mule to accompany Sir JohnChandos. 

The old Commander took his leave, with many kind wishes for SirEustace's speedy recovery, and promises that he should ere long hearfrom Bordeaux. In ten minutes more Arthur, standing at the window, announced that the troop was riding off, with Clisson's pennon borneamong them in triumph, and Sanchez and his accomplices, with theirhands tied, and their feet fastened together beneath the bodies oftheir horses. 

CHAPTER XVI

Four or five weeks had passed away since Sir John Chandos had quittedthe Chateau Norbelle. 

The Knight had nearly recovered his full strength, but still wore hisbroken arm in a scarf, when, one evening, as he was sitting on thebattlements, delighting the ears of Arthur and of Gaston with aninterminable romance of chivalry, three or four horseman, bearing thecolours and badges of the Black Prince, were descried riding towardsthe Castle. Knight, Squire, and Page instantly descended to thecourtyard, which, in short space, was entered by the messengers, theprincipal of whom, an elderly man-at-arms, respectfully saluted theKnight, and delivered to him a parchment scroll, tied with silk ofscarlet and blue, supporting the heavy seal of the Prince of Wales andDuke of Aquitaine, and addressed to the hands of the honourable KnightBanneret Sir Eustace Lynwood, Castellane of the Chateau Norbelle. Thisdocument bore the signature of Edward himself, and contained hismandate to Eustace, to come immediately to his court at Bordeaux, leaving the command of the Chateau Norbelle to the bearer. 

The old man-at-arms was closely questioned all the evening respectingthe state of the court, but he could give little information. Sir JohnChandos was at Bordeaux, and had daily attended the council, to whichthe Prince was devoting more attention than usual; a vessel had alsoarrived bearing letters from England to the Prince; this was all theinformation that could be obtained. 

The next morning Eustace, with Gaston, Arthur, and Ingram, all full ofexpectation, and delighted at the change from the gloomy solitary oldCastle, were all posting on their way back to Bordeaux. They slept atan hostel about twelve miles from the town, first, however, by desireof the Prince's messengers, sending Ingram on to announce their speedyarrival, and about ten in the morning rode into town. 

There was evidently some grand spectacle at hand, for the Bordelais, gentle and simple, in holiday habits, were proceeding in the directionof the palace; but the Knight and his attendants had no time to waitfor inquiries, and pressed on with the stream to the gates of thecourtyard, where they found warders placed, to keep back the densethrong of people. At the mention of Sir Eustace's name they readilyand respectfully admitted him and his companions into the court. 

"Ha!" cried Gaston, "what means this? is there a tilt towards? Thisreminds me of the good old days, ere the Prince fell ill. The lists, the galleries, the ladies, the Prince's own chair of state, too! Oh, Sir Eustace, I could tear my hair that you cannot yet use your swordarm!"

"Can it be a challenge on the part of Fulk?" said Eustace, "or a replyto yours, Arthur? Yet that can hardly be. And see, there is nobarrier in the midst, only a huge block. What can be intended?"

"I do not see Agnes among the ladies in the galleries, " said Arthur, looking up as eagerly, and more openly, than his uncle was doing. "Andoh, here comes the Princess, --yes, and Lord Edward and little LordRichard with her! And here is the Prince himself leaning on the Earlof Cambridge! Uncle Eustace, Lord Edward is beckoning to me! May Irun to him?"

"Come with me, since I must present myself, " said Eustace, dismounting, as one of the Prince's Squires held his horse. 

"And, oh! who is yonder dark-browed dwarfish Knight at the Prince'sright hand?" cried Arthur. 

Eustace could scarcely believe his eyes, as he looked where the boypointed. 

The royal party were now seated in full array on their raised platform;the Prince upon his chair of state, with more brightness in his eye andof vigour in his movements than when Eustace had last seen him; and athis side sat his wife, --her features still retaining the majesticbeauty of Joan Plantagenet, the Fair Maid of Kent--but worn and fadedwith anxiety. She watched her princely Lord with an eye full of care, and could scarcely spare attention for the lovely child who clung toher side, and whose brilliantly fair complexion, wavy flaxen hair, highbrow, and perfectly formed though infantine features, already promisedthat remarkable beauty which distinguished the countenance of RichardII. On the other side of the Prince sat his sister-in-law, theCountess of Cambridge, a Spanish Infanta; and her husband, Edmund, afterwards Duke of York, was beside the Princess of Wales. But morewonderful than all, among them stood the Constable of France. The twoboys, Prince Edward and his cousin Henry of Lancaster, were stationedas pages on each side of the Princess, but as their play-fellow, Arthur, advanced with his uncle, they both sprang down the steps of thegallery to meet him, and each took a hand. Edward, however, firstbethinking himself of the respect which, Prince as he was, he owed to abelted Knight, made his reverence to Sir Eustace, who, at a sign fromthe Prince of Wales, mounted the steps and bent his knee to the groundbefore him. 

"Nay, Sir Eustace, " said the Prince, bending forward, "it is rather Iwho should kneel to you for pardon; I have used you ill, Eustace, and, I fear me, transgressed the pledge which I gave to your brother on theplain of Navaretta. "

"Oh, say not so, my gracious liege, " said Eustace, as tears gathered inhis eyes, --"it was but that your noble ear was deceived by the slandersof my foes!"

"True, Sir Eustace--yet, once, Edward of England would not have heard aslanderous tale against one of his well-proved Knights without siftingit well. But I am not as once I was--sickness hath unnerved me, and, Ifear me, hath often led me to permit what may have dimmed my fame. Whowould have dared to tell me that I should suffer my castles to be madeinto traps for my faithful Knights? And now, Sir Eustace, that I amabout to repair my injustice towards you, let me feel, as a man whoseaccount for this world must ere long be closed, that I have yourforgiveness. "

The Prince took the hand of the young Knight, who struggled hard withhis emotion. "And here is another friend, " he added--"a firmer friend, though foe, than you have found some others. "

"Well met, my chivalrous godson, " said the Constable du Guesclin, holding out his hand. "I rejoice that my neighbour, Oliver, did notput an end to your _faits d'armes_. "

"I marvel--, " Eustace hardly found words between wonder and condolence. The Prince caught the import of his hesitating sentences. 

"He thinks you a prisoner, Sir Bertrand, " he said. "No, Sir Eustace, Messire le Connetable is captive only in his good-will to you. Iwrote, to pray him to send me his witness to those last words of yourbrother, since you had ever appealed to him, and he replied by anoffer, which does us too much honour, to become our guest. "

"I am no scribe, apart from my fairy Dame Tiphaine, " said Du Guesclin, abruptly. "It cost me less pains to ride hither, --besides that Ilonged to renew my old English acquaintances, and see justice done toyou, fair godson. "

"Ha! Sir Bertrand, thou recreant!--so no other spell drew thee hither?Thou hast no gallantry even for such an occasion as this!" said a gayvoice. 

"How should the ill-favoured Knight deal in gallantries?" said DuGuesclin, turning. "Here is one far fitter for your Grace's eyes. "

"And you, discourteous Constable, were keeping him for you own behoof, when all my maidens have been speaking for weeks of no name but theKnight of the beleaguered Castle!"

And Eustace had to kiss the fair hand of the Princess of Wales. 

In the meantime, the three boys were whispering together. "It is allwell, all gloriously well, is it not, Arthur, as I told you?" saidEdward. "I knew my father would settle all in his own noble fashion. "

"What said the master of the Damoiseaux?" asked Arthur, as the sightof that severe functionary revived certain half-forgotten terrors. 

"Oh, he, the old crab-stock!" said Henry, --"he looked sour enough atfirst; but Edward kept your counsel well, till you were safe at a gooddistance from Bordeaux; and then, though he said somewhat ofcomplaining to my Lord the Prince, it was too late to mend it. And whenSir John Chandos came back, and bade him be content, he vowed you wereenough to spoil a whole host of pages; but did not we all wish some ofour uncles would get themselves betrayed?"

"But what means all this preparation?" asked Arthur--"these lists! Oh, surely, there is not to be a tourney, which I have so longed to see!"

"No, " said Edward, "that cannot be, my mother says, while my father isso weakly and ill. But there are the trumpets! you will soon see whatwill befall. "

And, with a loud blast of trumpets, the gorgeously arrayed heralds rodeinto the court, followed by a guard of halberdiers, in the midst ofwhom rode a Knight in bright armour, his visor closed, but his shieldand crest marking the Baron of Clarenham. 

When the trumpets had ceased, and the procession reached the centre ofthe lists, they halted, and drew up in order, --the principal herald, Aquitaine, immediately in front of the Prince. After another shortclear trumpet-blast, Aquitaine unrolled a parchment, and, in a loudvoice, proclaimed the confession of Fulk, Baron of Clarenham, of hisfoul and unknightly conduct, in attempting to betray the person of thegood Knight and true, Eustace Lynwood, Knight Banneret, with that ofhis Esquire, Gaston d'Aubricour, and of certain other trusty andwell-beloved subjects of his liege Lord, King Edward of England, together with the fortalice, called Chateau Norbelle, in the county ofGascogne, appertaining to my Lord Edward, Prince of Wales and Duke ofAquitaine, into the hands of the enemy--having for that purposetampered with and seduced Thibault Sanchez, Seneschal of the Castle, Tristan de la Fleche, and certain others, who, having confessed theircrime, have received their deserts, by being hung on a gallows--uponwhich same gallows it was decreed by the authority of the Prince, Dukeand Governor of Aquitaine, that the shield of Fulk de Clarenham shouldbe hung--he himself being degraded from the honours and privileges ofknighthood, of which he had proved himself unworthy--and his landsforfeited to the King, to be disposed of at his pleasure. 

Clarenham was then compelled to dismount from his horse, and to, firstone foot, and then the other, upon the block, where a broad red-facedcook, raising his cleaver, cut off the golden spurs. Sir John Chandos, as Constable of Aquitaine, then came forward, and, taking the shieldfrom the arm of Clarenham, gave it, reversed, into the hands of one ofthe heralds, who carried it away. The belt, another token ofknighthood, was next unbuckled, and Chandos, taking the sword, broke itin three pieces across his knee, saying, "Lie there, dishonouredsteel!" and throwing it down by the spurs. Lastly, the helmet, with thebaronial bars across the visor, was removed, and thrown to the ground, leaving visible the dark countenance, where the paleness of shame andthe flush of rage alternated. 

"And now, away with the traitor, away with the recreant Knight! outupon him!" cried in a loud voice Sir John Chandos, while the shout wastaken up by a deafening multitude of voices--in the midst of which thedegraded Knight and landless Baron made his way to the gate, and, as hepassed out, a redoubled storm of shouts and yells arose from without. 

"Out upon the traitor!" cried Harry of Lancaster with the loudest. "Away with him! But, Edward, and you too, Arthur, why shout you not?Hate you not traitors and treason?"

"I would not join my voice with the rabble, " said Edward, "and it makesme sad to see knighthood fallen. What say you, Arthur?"

"Alas! he is my mother's kinsman, " said Arthur, "and I loved his namefor her sake as for that of Agnes too. Where is Agnes?"

"In the Convent of the Benedictine nuns, " said Edward. "But in yourear, Arthur, what say you to our plan that she shall be heiress of herbrother's lands, on condition of her wedding--guess whom?"

"Not mine uncle! Oh, Lord Edward, is it really so? How rejoiced oldRalph would be!"

"Speak not of it, Arthur--it was my mother who told me, when Agnescraved permission to go to the Convent, and I feared she would becomeone of those black-veiled nuns, and I should never see her more. "

"Where is my uncle?" asked Arthur, gazing round. "I thought he wasstanding by the Lady Princess's chair--"

"He went to speak to Sir John Chandos but now, " said Prince Henry, "butI see him not. Mark! what a lull in the sounds without!"

In fact, the various cries of execration which had assailed FulkClarenham on his exit from the gates of the Castle, after sounding moreand more violent for some minutes, had suddenly died away almost intostillness--and the cause was one little guessed at within the court. The unhappy Fulk was moving onwards, almost as in a dream, without aimor object, other than to seek a refuge from the thousand eyes thatmarked his disgrace, and the tongues that upbraided him with it; but, in leaving the court, he entered upon a scene where danger, as well asdisgrace, was to be apprehended. The rabble of the town, ever pleasedat the fall of one whose station was higher than their own, mindful ofunpaid debts, and harsh and scornful demeanour, and, as natives, rejoiced at the misfortune of a foreigner, all joined in one cryof--"Away with the recreant Englishman!--down with him!--down withhim!" Every hand was armed with a stone, and brief would have beenFulk's space for repentance, had not the cry in its savage tones struckupon the ear of Eustace as he stood in the lists, receiving thecongratulations of Sir John Chandos and of other Knights, who, withchanged demeanour, came to greet the favoured hero. 

"They will murder him, " exclaimed Eustace; and breaking from his newfriends, he made his way to the gate, and hurried into the town, justas Fulk had fallen to the ground, struck by a heavy stone hurled by thehand of no other than John Ingram. He rushed forward amid the hail ofstones, and, as he lifted Clarenham's head, called out, "How is this!Brave men of Bordeaux, would you become murderers! Is this likehonourable men, to triumph over the fallen!"

They held back in amazement for a second; then, as Eustace knelt by himand tried to recall his consciousness, murmurs arose, "Why interfereshe with our affairs? He is English, " and they all held together. "Another of the purse-proud English, who pay no debts, and ruin thepoor Bordelais. " "His blood we will have, if we cannot have his money. Away, Master Knight, be not so busy about the traitor, if you would notpartake his fate. "

Eustace looked up as the stones were uplifted, and more than one FreeCompanion had drawn his sword. "Hold, " he exclaimed in a clearfull-toned voice that filled every ear. "Hold! I am Eustace Lynwood, the Castellane of Chateau Norbelle!"

There was an instant silence. Every one pressed forward to see him, whose recent adventures had made him an object of much interest andcuriosity, and the attention of the crowd was entirely diverted fromthe former unhappy subject of their pursuit. Whispers passed of "NobleKnight! flower of chivalry! how generous and Christian-like he bendsover his enemy! Nay, if he revenge not himself, what right have we?And see, his arm is still in a scarf from the treachery of thosevillains! Well, I would yet give yon ruffian his desert. "

By this time Eustace having observed Ingram among the crowd, summonedhim to his side, and at the same time courteously craving the aid ofone of the by-standers (who, of course, though collectively lions, wereindividually lambs), succeeded in conveying Clarenham, whose senses hadso far returned that he was able to rise with their assistance, to thedoor of a monastery chapel, the porch of which opened upon the street. 

"Holy Fathers, " said Eustace, "I crave the protection of the Church foran unhappy, and, I trust, a penitent man, praying you will tend himwell to aid and relief alike of body and soul, until you hear from meagain. "

With these words he quitted the chapel before his late enemy hadsufficiently recovered his faculties to recognize his preserver. 

Leonard Ashton, for whom Eustace inquired, had, it appeared, savedhimself by making full confession, and had been sent home, in deepdisgrace, though spared public dishonour. 

It was some few days after these events that the presence of Lady Agnesde Clarenham was requested in the parlour of her nunnery, which wassome miles distant from Bordeaux, by a person who, as the porteressinformed her, was the bearer of a message from the Princess of Wales. She descended accordingly, but her surprise was great on beholding, instead of one of the female attendants of her mistress as she hadexpected, the slender figure of the young Knight with whom she had lastparted at the hostelry. 

Her first feeling was not one of kindness towards him. Agnes hadindeed grieved and felt indignant when she saw him oppressed and indanger from her brother's treachery, but, in these days of favour, shecould not regard with complacency the cause of her brother's ruin, andof the disgrace of her house. She started, and would have retreated, but that he prevented, by saying, in a tone which had in it more ofsorrow than of any other feeling, "Lady Agnes, I pray you to hearme--for you have much to forgive. "

"Forgive! Nay, Sir Eustace, it is you who have so much to forgive myunhappy house! Oh, can you, " she added, as the countenance and mannerrecalling long past days made her forget her displeasure, "can you tellme where the wretched one has shrouded his head from the shame whicheven I cannot but confess he has merited?"

"I heard of the Bar--of your brother this very morn, " said Eustace, "from one of the good brethren of the Convent where he has takenshelter, the Convent of the Augustine friars of St. Mary; they spoke ofhim as amended in health, and, though sorely dejected, returning, theyhoped, to a better spirit. '

"Thanks, Sir Eustace, even so do I hope and pray it may be--sincerepentance is the only good which can yet be his. But tell me, SirEustace--for vague rumours only reach us in this lonely cell--was ittrue that the populace pursued the fallen one with clamours, and mighteven have slain him, but for his rescue by a gallant Knight, who bravedtheir utmost fury?"

"It was even so, Lady, " said Eustace, with some embarrassment. 

"Oh! who was that noblest of Knights, that I may name him in my mostfervent prayers? who has that strongest claim on the gratitude of thebroken-hearted sister?"

"Nay, Lady, it was but common duty, the mere mercy of a Christian man, who could not see a fellow-creature die such a death, withoutattempting to save him. "

"Oh, Sir Eustace! it is not like your former self to deny the greatnessof a noble deed! I will not be robbed of my gratitude! Tell me thename of that most noble of men!"

He half smiled, then looking down, and colouring deeply: "Do youremember, Lady Agnes, the Knight whom you bound by a promise, that incase of the triumph of his cause--"

"Eustace, Eustace! Oh, I should have known that nothing was too greatand high for you, that you would not disparage the nobleness of anyother than yourself. Oh, how shall I ever render you my thanks! Aftersuch cruel treachery as that from which you have, and, I fear me, arestill suffering! Alas! alas! that I should be forced to use such harshwords of my own brother!"

"I trust you may still be comforted, Lady, " said Eustace. "From whatthe good Fathers tell me, there is hope that Fulk may yet be an alteredman, and when the pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which he has vowed, isconcluded, may return in a holy temper. "

"Return; but whither should he return?" said Agnes, in a broken, despondent tone, --"landless, homeless, desolate, outcast, what shelteris open to him? For if the porteress's tale spoke truth, his lands andmanors are forfeited to the King. "

"They are so, in truth; but there is one way, Agnes, in which they maystill be restored to their true owner. "

"How so? What mean you, Sir Eustace?"

"Agnes, I would not have broken upon your sorrow by speaking thusabruptly, but that the Prince's, or rather the King's desire wasurgent, that the matter should be determined without loss of time. Toyou, in all justice, does he will that the castles and manors ofClarenham should descend, but on one condition. "

Agnes raised her eyes, and, while she slowly shook her head, lookedanxiously at him as he paused in considerable embarrassment. 

"On condition that you, Lady Agnes, should permit the King and Princeto dispose of your fair hand in marriage. "

Agnes gave a slight cry, and leant against the grate of the parlour. "Oh, that may never be, and--but how advantageth that poor Fulk?"

"Because, Lady Agnes--because it is to me that they would grant thathand which I have so long loved passionately and hopelessly. Agnes, itwas not willingly, but at the command of the Prince, that I came hitherwith a suit which must seem to you most strangely timed, from one whohas been the most unwilling cause of so much misery to you, whom, fromearliest years, he has ever loved more than his own life. I know, too, that you cannot endure to rise on the ruin of your brother, nor could Ibear to feel that I was living on the lands of a kinsman and neighbourwhose overthrow I had wrought. But see you not, that jointly we can dowhat we never could do separately, that, the condition fulfilled, wecould kneel before King Edward, and entreat for the pardon andrestoration of Fulk, which, to such prayers, he would surely grant?"

Agnes' tears were gathering fast, and she spoke in a broken voice, asshe said, "Eustace, you are the most generous of Knights, " and then, ashamed of having said so much, covered her face with her veil andturned away. Eustace stood watching her, with his soul in his eyes;but before either had summoned courage to break the silence, theporteress came hurrying in, "Good lack! good lack! if ever my eyes sawthe like--here is the Princess of Wales herself at the gate, and allher train--where is sister Katherine? where is the mother abbess?Alas, alas! that nought should be ready to receive her! Oh, and I havemislaid the key of the great gate!" While the good woman was bustlingon in her career, Eustace had time to say, "Yea, Agnes, the Princess iscome, in case you hear my suit favourably, to conduct you back toBordeaux. Think of a true and devoted heart, think of Fulk ere youdecide!" As he spoke, the whole train of black-veiled nuns camesweeping into the parlour, whence Agnes hastily escaped to collect herthoughts during the few instants before she could be summoned to attendthe Princess, while Eustace walked into the Convent court, which was bythis time filled by the gay party which accompanied the Princess. 

Agnes quickly gained her cell, and sank down on her bed to make themost of the minutes that might be her own. Never, probably, had ladyshorter time in which to decide, or did it seem more impossible to cometo a resolution; but Agnes had known Eustace all her life, had nevermet one whom she thought his equal, found him raised a thousand-fold inher estimation by the events of the day, and could not bear to think ofdisappointing the hopes which had lighted up that bright eye andanimated that whole face. 

Then, too, why by her act completely ruin her brother? The thoughtsflashed through her mind in rapid succession, and she did not rise withmuch reluctance when called to meet the Princess, though longing formore time, which after all would but have enabled her to harass herselfmore. 

"Well, my gentle Agnes, " said the Princess, "what say you? Come youback to the court, where my boys are wearing for their playfellow?Hasten, then sweet maiden, for I promised little Edward to bring youback, and I know not how to face his wrath if you come not. "

Agnes, still almost dreaming, offered no opposition, but allowed herdress to be arranged, took leave of the abbess and her nuns, andshortly found herself, she scarcely knew how, mounted on her palfrey inthe Princess's train, with Sir Eustace Lynwood at her side. 

And old Ralph Penrose was one of the happiest of mankind, when hebeheld his pupil return the first Knight in the county--the honoured ofthe Prince. 

For the next seven years the Clarenham vassals rejoiced in the gentle, noble, and firm rule of their new Lord and Lady; yet it was remarked, with some surprise, that the title of Baron of Clarenham was dropped, and that Sir Eustace and Dame Agnes Lynwood, instead of living at theirprincipal Castle, took up their abode at a small manor which haddescended to the lady from her mother, while the Castle was placedunder the charge of Gaston d'Aubricour, beneath whose care thefortifications assumed a more modern character, and the garrison learntthe newest fashions of handling their weapons. 

At the end of that time Sir Eustace and his Lady travelled to thecourt, where, alas! of all the royal party who had rejoiced at theirmarriage, they found only the Young King Richard II. And his mother, the Princess Joanna, once the Fair Maid of Kent, but now sadly aged bytime and sorrow, who received kindly, though tearfully, those whoreminded her of those last bright days of her life at Bordeaux, andreadily promised to forward their request at the council, "where, alas!" she said, shaking her head, "Lord Henry of Lancaster, now Earlof Bolingbroke, too often loved to oppose her and her son. "

No one at the council could refuse, thought the amazement of all wasgreat, when the request was made known that King Richard would bepleased to reinstate in his titles, lands, and manors, Fulk, late Baronof Clarenham, in consideration of his good services to Christendom, rendered on the coast of Africa under the banner of the Knights of St. John, whose Grand Master attested his courage and faithfulness. 

Soon Clarenham Castle opened its gates to receive its humbled, repentant, and much-changed Lord, who was welcomed by all the gentleblood in the county--at the head of whom rode Sir Eustace with hisSquire, and his nephew Arthur, now a gallant young man, only waitingthe summons, promised him by the Princess, to receive knighthood at thesame time as his royal master, Richard II.