re from the scouts who should be coming in. Yet it
is most improbable that the villains took the main roads with the
Countess. They will travel by secluded paths and through the forests;
and if their destination be distant, they will not trust the highways
inside a day's ride of Pontefract. Therefore, go slowly until the
trail be plain. Then--well, I need not tell you what to do then."

"By St. Denis, no, Sire! My sword arm knows how to slay."

"Would that I could go with you," Richard said, his ardor for adventure
and danger working strong. "Yet the King may not, and I do not care to
assume disguise just now. Some day . . . Peste! Some day must care
for itself and wait." . . . He drew a ring from his finger. "Here, De
Lacy," he said, "this bit of gold, bearing my arms and the Boar, may
prove of use. Show it, and your least word will be obeyed--send it to
me, and, if need be, an army brings it back. Guard it well; there are
but four others in the Kingdom. . . Nay--no thanks; Richard trusts
few--them he trusts to the end. Use the ring without stint when
necessary; but hark you, beware the friends of Buckingham. There is
mischief afoot and, maybe, treason brewing at Brecknock."

"And Your Majesty does naught to stem it?" De Lacy exclaimed.

A cold smile crossed the King's face.

"Not yet," he answered. . . "And further, if your course should lie
near Kirkstall, best be mindful of the Abbot. There may be some basis
for De Bury's notion. And now, away.--You have the Queen's prayers,
the Ring of the Boar and your own good sword. You must needs prevail."

As De Lacy and Dauvrey emerged from the shadow of the barbican a bugle
spoke and Raynor Royk rode forward and saluted.

"Are you ready?" De Lacy demanded, running his eye along the line.

"Yes, my lord."

"Forward, then;" and at a trot he led the way.

"You know our mission?" he asked.

"Yes, my lord."

"And the men, also?"

"I ventured to tell them."

"It may be heavy duty and full of danger."

The old warrior drew himself up sharply. "Your lordship does not doubt
me?"

"Nay, Raynor, never you. I only want your vouchment for the soldiers."

"Many would give their lives for you, Sir Aymer; all would die for the
Countess of Clare."

"And you all may be afforded the opportunity ere the quest be ended,"
said De Lacy grimly. "We take the path to the Hermit's Cell; see that
I do not miss it. Furthermore, you know this country intimate