ude Latour?" asked Sir Nigel, as his feet touched
ground.

"He is in camp, near Montpezat, two hours' march from here, my fair
lord," said Johnston, the grizzled bowman who commanded the archers.

"Then we shall march thither, for I would fain have you all back at Dax
in time to be in the prince's vanguard."

"My lord," cried Alleyne, joyfully, "here are our chargers in the field,
and I see your harness amid the plunder which these rogues have left
behind them."

"By Saint Ives! you speak sooth, young squire," said Du Guesclin. "There
is my horse and my lady's jennet. The knaves led them from the stables,
but fled without them. Now, Nigel, it is great joy to me to have seen
one of whom I have often heard. Yet we must leave you now, for I must be
with the King of Spain ere your army crosses the mountains."

"I had thought that you were in Spain with the valiant Henry of
Trastamare."

"I have been there, but I came to France to raise succor for him. I
shall ride back, Nigel, with four thousand of the best lances of France
at my back, so that your prince may find he hath a task which is worthy
of him. God be with you, friend, and may we meet again in better times!"

"I do not think," said Sir Nigel, as he stood by Alleyne's side looking
after the French knight and his lady, "that in all Christendom you will
meet with a more stout-hearted man or a fairer and sweeter dame. But
your face is pale and sad, Alleyne! Have you perchance met with some
hurt during the ruffle?"

"Nay, my fair lord, I was but thinking of my friend Ford, and how he sat
upon my couch no later than yesternight."

Sir Nigel shook his head sadly. "Two brave squires have I lost," said
he. "I know not why the young shoots should be plucked, and an old weed
left standing, yet certes there must be come good reason, since God hath
so planned it. Did you not note, Alleyne, that the Lady Tiphaine did
give us warning last night that danger was coming upon us?"

"She did, my lord."

"By Saint Paul! my mind misgives me as to what she saw at Twynham
Castle. And yet I cannot think that any Scottish or French rovers could
land in such force as to beleaguer the fortalice. Call the Company
together, Aylward; and let us on, for it will be shame to us if we are
not at Dax upon the trysting day."

The archers had spread themselves over the ruins, but a blast upon a
bugle brought them all back to muster, with such booty as they could
bear with them stuffed int