er, was one of the old Lord de
Vesci's people, and devotedly attached to Lady Clifford. But she was
not Lady Clifford now, for she was married to a noble knight named Sir
Lancelot Threlkeld, whose domain was in the mountainous part of
Cumberland, and was called Threlkeld. He was a kind-hearted, noble
gentleman, and, as he had not taken an active part in the wars, he had
been left in possession of his lands and dignities, and was living
quietly on his own estate, when he offered his hand to the widowed Lady
Clifford, who consented to become his wife because she knew he would be
a friend to her dear boy, and they were married soon after the lady went
away from Londesborough.

As soon as they heard that King Edward had instituted a search for the
young heir, Sir Lancelot proposed to his lady to remove Robin the
shepherd, with all his family, including Henry, from Londesborough to
the hills of Cumberland, and settle them as near as possible to
Threlkeld.

Robin and Maud had now five children of their own, who all looked up to
Henry as their elder brother, and, as he was always kind and
good-natured amongst them, treating them exactly as if they had been his
brothers and sisters, they were very fond of him, nor did they ever
suppose he was not the child of their parents. It was the beautiful
summer-time when Sir Lancelot Threlkeld paid a visit to Londesborough,
and sent for Robin, to whom he told what had happened, and explained his
designs.

"The boy is no longer safe here," he said; "his life may depend on his
immediate removal, but it must be very cautiously done. I shall tell
the people here that we have increased our flocks at Threlkeld so that
we want more shepherds there, and have fixed on Robin, whose three sons,
being active lads, will be very useful. What think you of this plan?"

"It is good," replied the shepherd. "But you will see Henry yourself,
my noble lord?" (It was thus he styled his lady's husband, whose
servant he now deemed himself to be.)

"No, I think not," returned the knight; "it would please me much, but it
will be better for him that I should not seem to think about him at all.
There may be spies on the watch to take note of my movements, and if
only the shadow of a suspicion should be awakened, all would be lost.
We should have no power to save him then. How soon can you be ready to
commence the journey?"

"To-morrow if you will, my lord."

"To-morrow let it be then, and may heave