d. In a moment he was on his feet again,
and shouting:

"Out of the road, jackanapes, dressed in your grandfather's mail, unless
you would stop there in the stocks. Do you know whose path you block?"

"That of his Grace," answered Hugh, "for whom I have a message that he
will be glad to hear, and, popinjay, this for yourself; were it not
for his presence it is you who should stop upon the road till you were
carried thence."

Now, noting this disturbance, the King spoke to the youth at his side,
who came forward and said, in a pleasant, courteous voice, addressing
Hugh:

"Sir, why do you make trouble in these streets, and tumble the good Sir
Ambrose Lacey from his horse with such scant ceremony?"

"Sir," answered Hugh, "because the good Sir Ambrose tried to ride his
horse over me for no offence save that I would deliver a message to his
Grace, which he will wish to hear."

"This is scarcely a time for the giving of messages," replied the young
man, "but what is your name, and who sends the message? I am the Prince
Edward," he added modestly, "so you may speak to me without fear."

"My name is Hugh de Cressi, your Highness, and I am sent by the Reverend
Father Sir Andrew Arnold, of Dunwich, and have followed his Grace from
Westminster, whither I and my men rode first."

Now, the Prince went to the King and spoke to him, and, returning
presently, said:

"My father says that he knows both the names you give well enough and
holds them dear. He bids that you and your people should follow him
to the castle, where you will be entertained, with your horses. Sir
Ambrose," he added, "the King desires that you should forget your
choler, since he saw what passed, and deems that this young stranger did
well to check your horse. Follow on, Hugh de Cressi, the officers will
show you where you and your men may lodge."

So Hugh obeyed, and rode with the rest of the train and his folks
through the gates of Windsor Castle. Nor did they do so unobserved,
since many of the Court had no love for Sir Ambrose, and were glad to
see him tumbled in the mire.

After they had stabled their beasts, as Hugh, followed by Grey Dick,
was advancing toward a hall which he was told that he might enter, an
officer came up.

"His Grace desires your presence before you sup," he said.

Pointing to Grey Dick, at whom the officer looked doubtfully, Hugh asked
that he might accompany him, as he had much to do with the message.
After some argument