d bury the
squire."

There was the faintest blush of dawn in the eastern sky as De Lacy and
Dauvrey crossed the Nene and re-entered Northampton. At the inn all
was quiet, and Aymer ascended quickly to Gloucester's room. The Duke
was lying on the bed, fully dressed, and the gown that Catesby had
placed ready to his hand had not been touched. He greeted the young
Knight with a smile and without rising.

"Well, Sir Aymer?" he said.

De Lacy gave him the letter.

"I took it," he explained, "from one of Rivers' squires, midway between
the Roman road and the Nene. He had followed by-paths and so avoided
the guards."

Walking to the single candle that burnt dimly on the table Richard read
the letter carefully.

"You have done good service for England this night," he said. "And now
do you retire and rest; I may need you before many hours. But first
return to the landlord his keys; they have served their end."

An hour later Northampton had thrown off its calm. A thousand
soldiers, retainers of three great nobles, had roused themselves; and
to the ordinary bustle of camp life were added the noisy greetings of
those who, once comrades, had not seen each other for years; or who,
strangers until a few hours aback, were now boon companions. Around
the inn, however, there was strict order; but whether disturbed by the
general confusion, or because their brains were too busy for slumber,
the lords were early astir. Yet, whatever worry there may have been
during the night, it was as well veiled now, as they gathered again
around the table, as when they laughed and gossiped at the same board
the prior evening. And indeed, doubtless, their minds were actually
easier; for Rivers and Grey were believing that their communication had
reached Croft; Buckingham was persuaded that at last his day of triumph
was come; and Gloucester, with Rivers' fatal letter in his pocket, knew
that he had won the first throw in the great game he was playing.

"When does Your Grace desire to resume the journey?" Rivers asked as
the breakfast was finished.

"Best start at once.--How say you, Buckingham?" said Richard.

"The Duke of Gloucester commands here," replied Stafford with a
courtier's suavity.

"Then let us proceed; it will be more kind to the King in that it will
not detain him unduly. . . I presume he will await us at Stoney
Stratford?" glancing carelessly at Rivers.

"I so requested by messenger yesterday," the Earl answered