The
squire stood aside to let him pass, then crossed to his master.

"Did you recognize that fellow?" De Lacy queried.

"No, my lord."

"He styles himself 'Sir Philebert de Shaunde.'"

Dauvrey scratched his head. "I am sure I never saw him before."

"Well, it is small matter, but as we may see more of him hereafter it
will be wise to keep him in mind"--and he told of the encounter.

"What became of the damsel?" the squire asked.

"She disappeared during the scuffle; but doubtless the landlord can
advise you where to find her," De Lacy said good-naturedly.

"A most extraordinary tymbestere who refuses a Knight's caress,"
Dauvrey explained.

"But would not, you think, refuse a squire's?"

"Nay, my lord, what I think is that she might bear investigation. She
is in disguise, I will stake my head."

"How does that concern us?"

"Only as every mystery concerns us now. To solve one sometimes solves
another."

"It is a queer notion, Giles, but it will do no harm to question the
host. Meanwhile, I will await you without."

Night had fallen and it was very dark save when, at intervals, the
narrow crescent of the new moon cut through the clouds that were
crowding one another in heavy ranks across the sky. Before the inn the
street was illumined feebly by the reflection of the torches and
candles from within, and at wide intervals along the roadway light
shone from the houses. But all this only made more dense and visible
the blackness that lay around.

From far up the street came the sound of singing and laughter; and De
Lacy, recognizing the voices of some of his own men, envied them their
light hearts and freedom from care and sorrow. They lived for the day;
the morrow was sufficient when it came.

Presently the squire appeared.

"It is as I suspected," he said. "The girl has never before been seen
about the inn or even in the town. He says he knows all the
tymbesteres for miles around, but this one is not of them."

"It is a pity we had none to watch her when she left the room," De Lacy
replied. "However, I hear our men making merry out yonder, and after
going with me to see that they are up to no serious mischief you are at
liberty to devote the entire time until the morning in searching for
this mysterious maid--though it will be good sleep wasted, I have no
doubt."

The two started down the road, keeping well in the centre where the
walking was likely to be easiest. There were no side pa