tongue to the
name. Your dwelling is in those parts, and so their thoughts turned to
you as their leader. But we had hoped that you would bring a hundred men
with you."

"They are already at Dax, where we shall join them," said Sir Nigel.
"But let the men break their fast, and we shall then take counsel what
to do."

"Come into my hut," said Sir Claude. "It is but poor fare that I can lay
before you--milk, cheese, wine, and bacon--yet your squire and yourself
will doubtless excuse it. This is my house where the pennon flies before
the door--a small residence to contain the Lord of Montchateau."

Sir Nigel sat silent and distrait at his meal, while Alleyne hearkened
to the clattering tongue of the Gascon, and to his talk of the glories
of his own estate, his successes in love, and his triumphs in war.

"And now that you are here, Sir Nigel," he said at last, "I have many
fine ventures all ready for us. I have heard that Montpezat is of no
great strength, and that there are two hundred thousand crowns in the
castle. At Castelnau also there is a cobbler who is in my pay, and who
will throw us a rope any dark night from his house by the town wall. I
promise you that you shall thrust your arms elbow-deep among good silver
pieces ere the nights are moonless again; for on every hand of us are
fair women, rich wine, and good plunder, as much as heart could wish."

"I have other plans," answered Sir Nigel curtly; "for I have come hither
to lead these bowmen to the help of the prince, our master, who may have
sore need of them ere he set Pedro upon the throne of Spain. It is my
purpose to start this very day for Dax upon the Adour, where he hath now
pitched his camp."

The face of the Gascon darkened, and his eyes flashed with resentment,
"For me," he said, "I care little for this war, and I find the life
which I lead a very joyous and pleasant one. I will not go to Dax."

"Nay, think again, Sir Claude," said Sir Nigel gently; "for you have
ever had the name of a true and loyal knight. Surely you will not hold
back now when your master hath need of you."

"I will not go to Dax," the other shouted.

"But your devoir--your oath of fealty?"

"I say that I will not go."

"Then, Sir Claude, I must lead the Company without you."

"If they will follow," cried the Gascon with a sneer. "These are not
hired slaves, but free companions, who will do nothing save by their own
good wills. In very sooth, my Lord Loring, they are