was little
else than general family relationship or former family affiliation,
that could guide the judgment. And the session was long and tiresome
and not particularly satisfactory, for of all the names gone over, only
the Marquis of Dorset and the Courtneys of Exeter seemed likely
traitors, and yet it was very certain there must be many more.

As De Lacy passed into the antechamber Lord Darby came forward and
confronted him.

"I have come as I gave parole," he said haughtily. "It is now
withdrawn, and I demand that you straightway prefer your charge."

"So be it," said De Lacy, and bowed him into the presence of the King.

Richard eyed Darby with searching sternness, as he bent knee before
him, nor did he extend his hand for the usual kiss; and his voice was
coldly judicial as without pause or preliminary he began:

"We are informed, Lord Darby, of the happenings last night in the town
of Sheffield. You have demanded to be brought before the King and have
refused explanation to another. Such is your warrant and privilege as
a Peer of England. You are accused by Sir Aymer de Lacy with being
concerned in the abduction of the Countess of Clare. What have you to
answer?"

"That I am not guilty, Sire; and I defy the foreign upstart who brings
the accusation."

The King frowned. "Be so good, my lord, as to answer our questions
without recriminations," he said sharply. "Then, being innocent, will
you explain how it was that you were in conference with the fellow
known as 'Flat-Nose,' who was the leader of the abductors?"

Lord Darby smiled blandly.

"Naught easier, my liege. The fellow who was with me at the house in
Sheffield, last night, was not that villain but my own chief
man-at-arms."

"Has he not a flat nose and------" De Lacy broke in; but Richard
silenced him with a gesture.

"Describe this retainer of yours," he ordered.

"He is stout of build and medium in height; his hair is red, his face
broad, and he has a heavy nose, so broken by a sword hilt that it
might, indeed, be termed flat," Darby answered.

"How long has he been in your service?"

"For years, Sire--at least a dozen."

"Where was he on the day and evening of the abduction?"

"The day, in the evening of which I understand the Countess
disappeared," Darby began with easy confidence, "I rode from my castle
of Roxford in early morning, en route for Pontefract and the Court.
This under officer of mine, Simon Gorges by name, who