o
patria mori_.' That," I continued, "is a line for every soldier to
remember.

"But come, leave the myth of a masquerading ancient for another time;
for now, my friend, I must talk of other things, which are more real."
Then I told him of the Queen's commission.

"Dost thou not desire to have a companion on this journey?" he asked.
"Though, if I do go, this time thou must promise to not ride so fast as
we did on our trip from Scotland."

"No, Frederick," I replied, "methinks it best that thou shouldst remain
here. Your company, as thou knowest, would be greatly appreciated by
me; yet do I think that thou couldst serve her Majesty better wert thou
to stay at Windsor. All the nobles are now flocking unto Gloucester's
side, and she thinks that they do aim at lessening her influence over
the King. If it be possible for thee to serve her I know that thou
wilt do so. Heaven knows she doth need all the assistance she can get,
if she has to cope with Gloucester."

"And of what use can I be against men of such power?" he asked.

"Perhaps none; yet thou mayst in some way serve her."

The next morning, after I had said farewell to Hazel, the Queen, Mary
and Harleston, I set out on my journey, accompanied by three picked men
of my command. Two of these fellows were men which had served under me
ever since I had been at court, and had proven to be, both, most
excellent swordsmen and trusty servants; that is so far as most of
these men are trusty--the which is not an over strong recommendation.
The third was a mighty Irishman, by the name of Michael O'Brien, which
had come to Windsor shortly after our return from Scotland. I knew
nothing of him; but he had a face of exceeding honesty, and besides,
his giant strength was equal to that of four soldiers of the general
kind.

My trip was quite uneventful and monotonous.

In order that I may let you know the length of time that it doth take
for news to travel in the country I will tell ye a little incident, by
way of illustration.

When we reached Tewkesbury, near which Edward had won his battle, and
where Henry's son was murdered, it was the time of day when we must
needs rest and refresh ourselves. When I had entered an inn--which
seemed the best afforded by the town--and was seated at table a sedate
looking old gentleman came and sat himself down on the side opposite to
me.

"I crave thy pardon, young sir, for my freedom in thus addressing thee,
who are, to me, a