prince said, "of the day before Cressy. They
outnumber us by more than three to one.

"There were greater odds still," Walter replied, "at Poitiers, and I
doubt not that we shall make as good an example of them."

"They are more doughty adversaries," the prince replied. "There are nigh
20,000 English in their ranks--all veterans in war--and they are led by
Du Guesclin, who is a host in himself."

"Their very numbers will be a hindrance to them," Walter replied
cheerfully; "and never did I see a better army than that which you have
under you. I would we were fighting for a better man, for Don Pedro is
to my mind treacherous as well as cruel. He promises fairly, but I
doubt if when he has gained his end he will keep his promises. He speaks
fairly and smoothly, but his deeds are at variance with his words."

"It may be, my lord," the prince replied, "that I am somewhat of your
opinion, and that I regret I so quickly committed myself to his
cause. However, he was my father's ally, and having fulfilled all his
engagements had a right to demand our assistance. I am a bad hand,
Walter, at saying no to those who beseech me."

"It is so, Sir Prince," Walter said bluntly. "Would that your heart
had been a less generous one, for your nobleness of disposition is ever
involving you in debts which hamper you sorely, and cause more trouble
to you than all your enemies!"

"That is true enough," the Black Prince said with a sigh. "Since I was
a boy I have ever been harassed with creditors; and though all Aquitaine
is mine, I verily believe that there is not a man in my father's
dominions who is so harassed and straitened for money as I."

"And yet," Walter said, smiling, "no sooner do you get it than you give
it away."

"Ah!" the prince laughed, "I cannot deny it. It is so much pleasanter to
give than to pay, that I can never find heart to balk myself. I am ever
surrounded by suitors. Some have lost estates in my cause, others have
rendered brilliant services in the field, some have burdened themselves
with debts to put their retainers in arms--all have pleased to urge,
and for the life of me I cannot say them nay. I trust, though," he added
more seriously, "that Don Pedro will fulfil his promises to pay my army.
I have bound myself to my soldiers for their wages, besides advancing
large sums to Pedro, and if he keeps not his engagements I shall indeed
be in a sore strait."

"There is one thing," Walter said; "if he fail to ke