f which twenty
thousand are expert men-at-arms. It is fitting therefore that you make
such terms as you may, lest worse befall."

"Give my greetings to the King of France and tell him that England will
never pay ransom for me. But it seems to me, my Lord Cardinal, that you
have our numbers and condition very ready upon your tongue, and I
would fain know how the eye of a Churchman can read a line of battle
so easily. I have seen that these knights of your household have walked
freely to and fro within our camp, and I much fear that when I welcomed
you as envoys I have in truth given my protection to spies. How say you,
my Lord Cardinal?"

"Fair Prince, I know not how you can find it in your heart or conscience
to say such evil words."

"There is this red-bearded nephew of thine, Robert de Duras. See where
he stands yonder, counting and prying. Hark hither, young sir! I have
been saying to your uncle the Cardinal that it is in my mind that you
and your comrades have carried news of our dispositions to the French
King. How say you?"

The knight turned pale and sank his eyes. "My lord," he murmured, "it
may be that I have answered some questions."

"And how will such answers accord with your honor, seeing that we have
trusted you since you came in the train of the Cardinal?"

"My lord, it is true that I am in the train of the Cardinal, and yet
I am liege man of King John and a knight of France, so I pray you to
assuage your wrath against me."

The Prince ground his teeth and his piercing eyes blazed upon the youth.
"By my father's soul! I can scarce forbear to strike you to the earth!
But this I promise you, that if you show that sign of the Red Griffin
in the field and if you be taken alive in to-morrow's battle, your head
shall most assuredly be shorn from your shoulders."

"Fair son, indeed you speak wildly," cried the Cardinal. "I pledge you
my word that neither my nephew Robert nor any of my train will take part
in the battle. And now I leave you, sire, and may God assoil your soul,
for indeed in all this world no men stand in greater peril than you and
those who are around you, and I rede you that you spend the night
in such ghostly exercises as may best prepare you for that which may
befall." So saying the Cardinal bowed, and with his household walking
behind him set off for the spot where they had left their' horses,
whence they rode to the neighboring Abbey.

The angry Prince turned upon his heel and ent