ering, of the
flight from Dunwich and the shooting of the horses of the Clavering men,
and of their ride to London and to Windsor. He told everything, save
only the tale of what Sir Andrew had seen in the House of Murgh in far
Cathay.

When at last he had finished, and though it was long none there grew
weary of that story, the King turned to the clerk, and said:

"Brother Peter, make out a full pardon to Hugh de Cressi of Dunwich and
Richard Archer his servant for all slayings or other deeds wrought by
them contrary to our general peace. Draw it wide, and bring the same to
me for execution ere I sleep to-night. Make out a commission also to
the Mayor of Dunwich--nay, I'll think that matter over and instruct you
further. Hugh de Cressi, you have our thanks, and if you go on as you
have begun you shall have more ere long, for I need such men about me.
You also, strange and death-like man named Grey Dick, shall not lack
our favour if it proves that you can shoot but half as well as you have
boasted, and, unless you lie, both of you, as it seems that you have
done. And now to supper, though in truth this news does not kindle
appetite. Son, see that this gentleman is well served, and that none
mock him more about the fashion of his armour, above all Sir Ambrose,
for I'll not suffer it. Plate and damascene do not make a man, and this,
it seems, was borrowed from as brave, ay, and as learned, a knight as
ever bestrode a horse in war. Come, Lady," and taking the Queen by the
hand, he left the chamber.

That evening Hugh ate his food seated among the knights of the Household
at a high table in the great hall, at the head of which, for the King
supped in private, was placed the young Prince Edward. He noted that now
none laughed at him about the fashion of his mail or his country ways.
Indeed, when after supper Sir Ambrose Lacey came to him and asked his
pardon for the talk that he had used to him in the Windsor street--he
was sure that some word had been sent round that his business had
brought him favour with the King and that he must be treated with all
courtesy. Several of those who sat round him tried to discover what that
business was. But of this he would say nothing, parrying their questions
with others about the wars in France, and listening with open ears to
the tales of great deeds done there.

"Ah, would that I could see such things!" he said.

To which one of them answered:

"Well, why not? There'll be chance