a hunted feet and Aymer
labored strenuously to overtake him. Being totally ignorant of the
country, he could rely only on sight to indicate the course; whereas
the other evidently was familiar with the by-paths, and once the first
was reached would likely, in the uncertain light, be able to elude him.
He swore at himself heartily for his carelessness, and with anger
growing hotter at every jump he drew his sword, resolved that there
would be no second escape if, when he got within reach, his order to
halt were not instantly obeyed. Yet, strive as he might, Selim could
not, in that short distance, come up with the big bay ahead; and as the
squire entered the heavier timber, he looked back and laughed
mockingly. But this act of foolish defiance worked his destruction;
for at that very instant, his horse stumbled and plunged forward on his
knees, and he, having loosed his thigh grip in turning, was hurled
headlong to the ground and rolled over and over by the impetus.

"We will see that you play us no more such tricks," said Aymer. "Bind
him with your sword belt."

The patrol bent over and tried to put the strap around the man's arms.
The body was limp in his grasp.

"He is unconscious, my lord," he said.

"It may be a sham," said De Lacy, dismounting. . . "Pasque Dieu! your
belt will not be needed. The man is dead: his neck is broken. . . It
is a graceless thing to do, yet . . . Here, my man, help me carry the
body out into the moonlight yonder . . . now, search it for a
letter--for a letter, mark you, nothing else."

Kneeling beside it, the soldier did as he was bid, and presently drew
forth a bit of parchment. It was without superscription and De Lacy
broke the wax.

"As I thought," he muttered, as his eyes fell upon the signature; then,
letting the moonlight fall full upon the page, he read:

"Vaughan:

"Buckingham joined Gloucester this evening. Grey and I are prisoners
in the inn. Send Edward on to London instantly with Croft. If
necessary, use force to keep the King, and then mark well the Dukes. I
may not write more; time is precious. I trust in your discretion.

"Rivers."

"It will go ill with the Earl when Richard sees these words," thought
De Lacy, as he mounted and returned to the road, where Dauvrey was
patiently standing guard over the other prisoner.

"Come, Giles," he said, "secure his bridle rein. We will drop him at
the next guard post, and in the morning he can return an