yed by foul weather and fouler roads, Hugh de Cressi and his
company came at length to London. They had suffered no further adventure
on their way for, though the times were rough and they met many
evil-looking fellows, none ventured to lift hand against six men so well
armed and sturdy. Guided by one of their number who had often been
to London on Master de Cressi's business, they rode straight to
Westminster. Having stabled their horses at an inn near by, and cleaned
the mire of the road from their mail and garments, they went up to the
palace, where Hugh told his errand to an officer whom he found on duty
at the gate.
"Then it is a fool's errand," said the captain, "seeing that his Grace
rode yesterday to his castle at Windsor to hunt and revel, and will be
gone eight days at the least."
"Then to Windsor I must follow," answered Hugh.
CHAPTER V
GREY DICK SHOWS HIS ARCHERY
So sorely did the horses need rest, that Hugh and his people could not
ride from London till the following morning, and evening was closing in
before they found themselves drawing near the gate of Windsor Castle. In
the market-place of the little town they pulled rein, while one of them
went to search for a good inn at which they might lie, for the place
seemed to be very full of people. Suddenly, as they stood there,
wondering at the mighty, new-built keep which towered above them, a
trumpet was blown and from round a corner appeared a gay procession of
noble-looking men, and with them some ladies, who carried hawk on wrist,
all mounted on splendid horses.
Now, the people who had gathered to study the strangers or tout for
their custom, took off their bonnets and bent low, saying: "The King!
The King! God save him!"
"Which is his Grace?" asked Hugh of one of them, whereon the man pointed
to a royal-eyed and bearded knight, still in early middle life, who rode
toward him, talking to a gallant youth at his side.
Now a thought came into Hugh's mind that the present time is always the
best time to strike. Leaping from his horse, he advanced bowing, and
stood in the pathway of the King. Seeing this, two of the fine Court
lords spurred their horses and rode straight at him, thinking to drive
him back. But he held his ground, for their insolence made him angry,
and, catching the bridle of one of the horses, threw it on its haunches
so sharply that the knight who rode it rolled from his saddle into the
mire, whereupon every one laughe
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