nd there had
come to be little choice for the foeman between the accomplished
axe-play of the master and the sweeping blows of the sturdy squire.
And as among the veteran soldiery of the French-Italian borders no name
stood higher than De Lacy, so also was no wearer of the silver spurs
more respected than he who bore the banner of the Trippant Stag.

"It is a great fortress, Giles," said the Knight. "Never have I seen a
stronger."

"Marry, no; nor one, I ween, wherein the discipline was sterner. Are
all castles in this land of yours, my lord, so conducted?"

"All wherein the Duke of Gloucester holds command."

"Of a truth, then," said Dauvrey, "the tales I have heard of this
Prince are not so wide of the clout."

"What were the tales?"

"They were many and various, yet I gathered that he was a great warrior
and fit to be a ruler of men."

"And you gathered truly," returned De Lacy. "He is the best soldier
and shrewdest man in all this island Kingdom."

"How looks he to the eye, my lord?"

"You may judge that for yourself; observe him at the evening meal.
Here comes the summons."

A step came rapidly up the stairs and a page halted at the half-opened
doorway.

"His Grace requests that Sir Aymer de Lacy join him in the great hall,"
he said.

The Knight arose and flung his short cloak about him.

"Lead on," he ordered; "we follow."

When they entered the hall the Duke was already seated on the dais,
surrounded by the officers of his household. On the right, De Lacy
recognized Sir Robert Wallingford, to whom, as Constable of Pontefract,
he had been conducted upon his arrival; but the others he was not able
to identify, although, of course, he knew by reputation several who
should be among them. The chair on Richard's left was unoccupied, and
he motioned for De Lacy to take it.

"Sit you here," he said. . . . "Gentlemen, I present Sir Aymer de
Lacy. He is fresh from London and, I doubt not, can give you much news
of the Court and Capital."

All arose and bowed to De Lacy, who bowed back at them.

"My knowledge, such as it is," said he, "is freely yours. Yet as I was
only a few weeks in London my budget may be very meagre. But if you
will ask, I will gladly tell you what I know."

And they did not hesitate to ask, and he was kept busy answering
questions upon every conceivable subject, from the details of the
funeral of the dead King to the fashion of the latest gown. Indeed it
was not unti