the latter up in detail; and then
hurl himself upon the Earl of Richmond at the quickest possible moment.
But as the royal army advanced into the disaffected districts, the
revolt faded away like fog before the sun; and without striking a blow
or laying lance in rest, it marched into Salisbury. And thus it was
that when the Tudor arrived off Plymouth, he found no greeting but an
adverse wind and a hostile populace. So he wore ship and turned back
to Brittany, making no effort to aid those who had proclaimed him at
risk of life and fortune. But such was ever Henry's way.

In these days of strain and striving Sir Aymer de Lacy had few hours of
leisure. He who was of the Third Richard's household must needs keep
pace with a master in whose slender body was concentrated the energy of
many men, and who in times of war never rested nor grew tired.

The Darby episode had been whispered through the Court; and speculation
was rife as to the truth of the accusation. Nor was it set at rest
when he overtook the array without the flat-nosed Simon Gorges among
his retainers. The King, however, seemed to treat him as though the
matter were ended; and the courtiers, noting it, were quick to trim to
the royal wind.

Yet on the very night of Darby's arrival, had Richard held council with
De Lacy, and secret instruction had gone forth to keep him under
constant surveillance and on no account whatever to permit him to
separate from the army.

"It is suspicious, this course of his," the King said; "but for the
present, it will profit nothing to tax him with it. Let him think
himself trusted; and perchance the doings of the next few weeks may
disclose something that will clear our path of doubt and show the
truth. If not, then shall this Gorges be brought before Sir John de
Bury and in our presence, though we ride to Pontefract for the purpose.
Meanwhile, do you avoid his lordship, and permit no brawling between
his retainers and your own. Ratcliffe shall caution him, also, and
most peremptorily in this particular. Later, if he be acquittanced of
the crime, you may settle the quarrel as you see fit."

And while there had been sore provocations on both sides, for each went
as near the line of open rupture as he dared, yet when Salisbury was
reached, the command had not been disregarded; though it was very
evident to the Household, and perchance to Richard, too--for he missed
little that went on about him--that at the first skir