Sir Frenchman, if His Majesty deem it
necessary. You will pardon me, however, if I keep you waiting until
then."

"So be it. We start for Lincoln at daybreak. Have I your word to ride
quietly and attempt no escape, rescue or no rescue?"

"And if I refuse the word?"

"Then shall you go bound hand and foot and strapped to saddle."

"Pasque Dieu! It would be most uncomfortable riding, so I pass my
word," Darby replied carelessly. "But, understand me, it is no
acknowledgment of your authority either to demand it or to receive it."

"As to that I am answerable to the King, not to you," said De Lacy.
"And further, Sir Abductor, if you violate your word--which, indeed, I
trust but lightly--you will have an arrow through your carcass ere you
have gone two paces. I wish you good-night," and leaving Dauvrey in
command he returned to the Red Lion.

XIX

BACK TO THE KING

The door of the Inn was barred, and with the hilt of his dagger De Lacy
pounded sharply. It was the host, himself, who admitted him, and as he
passed in the man touched his arm.

"May I have a word with you, my lord?" he whispered, and led the way
into a small room in the rear. Closing the door very easily he laid
his ear against it, and then seeming satisfied came close over.

"You are from the Court, my lord?" he said softly.

"I am of the Court, but not directly from it."

"Then you do not know if His Majesty fear an uprising in the South?"

De Lacy was instantly interested, though he answered indifferently
enough. "Uprising! Not likely. Who is so far done with life as to
meditate such folly?"

"That I think I know, sir; and it is hatching as sure as Dunstan's a
saint."

"Which is anything but sure, my man. Come to the facts."

"Do you recall the two monks and the Knight you punished because of the
tymbestere."

De Lacy nodded.

"After your lordship went out the Knight returned and the three held
conference together. I myself served them with wine and heard some of
their talk--only a chance word, sir; and they were most suspicious.
They spoke of ships and troops, but I could not gain the sense of it.
Once they let fall the word 'Richmond' and tried to catch it back ere
it were out. Then they went above to the monks' room. Your worship's
room is next to it------"

"Good, I will go up," Aymer interrupted.

The landlord stopped him. "It will be too late, sir. They have gone."

"Diable!" De Lacy exclaimed. "Why