gency, I have not an instant
to devote to aught but this insurrection. I do not fear Darby--though
he would desert to the rebels without hesitation if he thought it would
advantage him--but Stanley's course will be his also--it will prove to
him there is no hope for the Tudor. Furthermore, assuming that this
Gorges is Flat-Nose, he has warned those in charge of the Countess--if,
as God grant, she be alive--and to imprison or to kill Darby would be
simply to hang more awful peril over her, and aid not a jot the finding
of her prison. As it is, Darby must bring this Simon Gorges with him,
or raise fresh suspicion by leaving him behind. Yet he has two chances
to escape even if he be guilty. Sir John de Bury is still ill at
Pontefract, and as he alone knows Flat-Nose, Darby may confidently
produce Gorges; and then have him removed by a chance arrow or sword
thrust during the coming campaign. The other chance hangs upon the
triumph of Buckingham and Darby's desertion to him at the critical
instant. In such event, he can frankly acknowledge the abducting of
the Countess without fear of punishment and force her to wed him. The
Tudor would be glad enough to pay the debt so cheaply."

"Perchance Darby may force the fellow to confess that he alone is
guilty," De Lacy suggested.

"A man is not so ready to condemn himself to death," Richard answered;
"and to confess would necessitate all the details, and in the maze
Darby could not escape ensnarement."

"Might it not have been well, Sire, to detain him and dispatch a force
to search Roxford? Many a time were we near it, but then, alas, no
suspicion rested upon him."

The King shook his head. "That might have been proper a fortnight
since, but it is so no longer. Every soldier is needed with the army
now, and it would require a goodly force to reduce Roxford, if you were
met with a lifted bridge; though methinks you would be received most
courteously--and find your quarry flown; if she was there, Flat-Nose
has removed her since the adventure at Sheffield."

"Your Majesty is right," said Aymer; "I crave pardon for my ungrateful
doubt."

"Nay, nay, I do not blame you. Only remember, De Lacy, that Richard
the King is not Richard the man. The man sympathizes with you and
trusts you; but he must be the King to do you service and aid your
quest. . . Nay, do not thank me. When we have crushed Stafford and
Tudor, rescued Beatrix, and you are Earl of Clare, it will be t