ought of, John," the Prince remarked, "for it would
indeed be great comfort if we could turn their own spy against them.
Unless they advance upon us, I know not how we can hold out another
day, for there is not a loaf left in the army; and yet if we leave this
position where shall we hope to find such another?"

"They will stoop, fair sir, they will stoop to our lure. Even now Robert
de Duras will be telling them that the wagons are on the move, and they
will hasten to overtake us lest we pass the ford. But who is this, who
rides so fast? Here perchance may be tidings."

A horseman had spurred up to the knoll. He sprang from the saddle, and
sank on one knee before the Prince.

"How now, my Lord Audley," said Edward. "What would you have?"

"Sir," said the knight, still kneeling with bowed head before his
leader, "I have a boon to ask of you."

"Nay, James, rise! Let me hear what I can do."

The famous knight errant, pattern of chivalry for all time; rose and
turned his swarthy face and dark earnest eyes upon his master. "Sir,"
said he, "I have ever served most loyally my lord your father and
yourself, and shall continue so to do so long as I have life. Dear sir,
I must now acquaint you that formerly I made a vow if ever I should be
in any battle under your command that I would be foremost or die in the
attempt. I beg therefore that you will graciously permit me to honorably
quit my place among the others, that I may post myself in such wise as
to accomplish my vow."

The Prince smiled, for it was very sure that vow or no vow, permission
or no permission, Lord James Audley would still be in the van. "Go,
James," said he, shaking his hand, "and God grant that this day you may
shine in valor above all knights. But hark, John, what is that?"

Chandos cast up his fierce nose like the eagle which smells slaughter
afar. "Surely, sir, all is forming even as we had planned it."

From far away there came a thunderous shout. Then another and yet
another.

"See, they are moving!" cried the Captal de Buch.

All morning they had watched the gleam of the armed squadrons who
were drawn up in front of the French camp. Now whilst a great blare
of trumpets was borne to their ears, the distant masses flickered and
twinkled in the sunlight.

"Yes, yes, they are moving!" cried the Prince.

"They are moving! They are moving!" Down the line the murmur ran. And
then with a sudden impulse the archers at the hedge sprang to their f