ults, was a bluff knight of the older sort, who had fought with credit
in the French wars. Yet I noted that he seemed to be helpless in their
hands, or rather in those of Deleroy, the King's favourite, who was the
chief of all the gang. It was as though that gay and handsome young man
had some hold over the old soldier, yes, and over his daughter also,
though what this might be I could not guess.

Now I will move on with the tale. In due course the parchments were
signed and delivered, and the money in good gold was paid over on my
behalf, after which the great household at Westminster became more
prodigal than before. But when the time came for the discharge of the
interest due not a groat was forthcoming. Then afterwards there was talk
of my taking over certain of the pledged lands in lieu of this interest.
Sir Robert suggested this and I assented, because Blanche had told me
that it would help her father. Only when the matter was set on foot
by my lawyers was it found that these lands were not his to transfer,
inasmuch as they had been already mortgaged to their value.

Then there was a fierce quarrel between Sir Robert Aleys and the lord
Deleroy, at which I was present. Sir Robert with many oaths accused his
cousin of having forged his name when he was absent in France, while
Deleroy declared that what he did was done with due authority. Almost
they drew swords on each other, till at length Deleroy took Aleys aside
and with a fierce grin whispered something into his ear which caused the
old knight to sink down on a stool and call out,

"Get you gone, you false rogue! Get out of this house, aye, and out
of England. If I meet you again, by God's Blood I swear that King's
favourite or no King's favourite, I'll throat you like a hog!"

To which Deleroy mocked in answer:

"Good! I'll go, my gentle cousin, which it suits me well to do who have
certain business of the King's awaiting me in France. Aye, I'll go and
leave you to settle with this worthy trader who may hold that you have
duped him. Do it as you will, except in one fashion, of which you know.
Now a word with my cousin Blanche and another at the Palace and I ride
for Dover. Farewell, Cousin Aleys. Farewell, worthy merchant for whose
loss I should grieve, did I not know that soon you will recoup yourself
out of gentle pockets. Mourn not over me over much, either of you, since
doubtless ere so very long I shall return."

Now my blood flamed up and I answered: