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+Project Gutenberg's The Winning of the Golden Spurs, by Percy F. Westerman
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Winning of the Golden Spurs
+
+Author: Percy F. Westerman
+
+Release Date: May 16, 2011 [EBook #36122]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WINNING OF THE GOLDEN SPURS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by R.G.P.M. van Giesen
+
+
+
+
+THE WINNING OF THE
+GOLDEN SPURS
+
+[Illustration: RAYMOND SAVES THE BLACK PRINCE]
+
+THE WINNING OF
+THE GOLDEN SPURS
+
+BY
+
+PERCY F. WESTERMAN
+AUTHOR OF "A LAD OF GRIT," "THE SEA MONARCH,"
+"THE TREASURE OF THE SAN PHILIPO," ETC.
+
+
+LONDON
+JAMES NISBET & CO., LIMITED
+22 BERNERS STREET, W.
+1911
+
+
+
+Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO.
+At the Ballantyne Press, Edinburgh
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+CHAP.
+       PROLOGUE
+  I.     THE ARCHER, REDWARD BUCKLAND
+  II.    THE SHADOW OF WAR
+  III.   OF THE MIDNIGHT DESCENT OF THE FRENCH INVADERS
+  IV.    OF THE GALLANT STAND OF THE NINE ARCHERS
+  V.     THE MEN OF HAMPSHIRE AND THE GENOESE GALLEY
+  VI.    AT THE ABBEY
+  VII.   THE SACK OF SOUTHAMPTON
+  VIII.  OF THE ASSAULT ON ST. BARBARA'S TOWER
+  IX.    ON THE HEELS OF THE ENEMY
+  X.     FATHER AND SON SET OUT FOR HENNEBON
+  XI.    THE CHIRURGEON OF LÉGUÉ
+  XII.   THE JOURNEY PERILOUS
+  XIII.  THE RELIEF OF HENNEBON
+  XIV.   RAYMOND'S ERRAND
+  XV.    TRAPPED!
+  XVI.   THE TABLES TURNED
+  XVII.  THE FALL OF THE COUNT'S STRONGHOLD
+  XVIII. REDWARD'S CONFESSION
+  XIX.   CRÉCY
+  XX.    HIS LIFE FOR HIS FOE
+  XXI.   THE REJECTED GUERDON
+  XXII.  SIR RAYMOND
+  XXIII. THE ADVENTURE AT THE RUINED MILL
+  XXIV.  THE HOMECOMING
+
+
+
+
+THE WINNING OF THE GOLDEN SPURS
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+IT was early morning on the 5th day of August, 1303, the Royal City
+of Winchester. The sun had not yet risen, but a cold grey light
+filtered in through a narrow window and dimly illumined a small,
+scantily-furnished room overlooking the city walls.
+
+Seated on a rough wooden stool, his face buried in his hands, was a
+young fellow of about twenty years of age. His body swayed with
+uncontrollable grief, and, though dry-eyed, deep sobs of mingled
+remorse and despair showed the anguish that rent his body and
+distracted his mind.
+
+In a corner of the room a torch, burnt low in its iron socket, threw
+a yellow light that was fast being overmastered by the growing dawn,
+yet the glimmer was sufficient to play upon the naked blade of a
+sword, the steel of which was discoloured towards its point by a
+dull, rust-coloured stain.
+
+Suddenly the sound of a heavy footstep was heard on the stairs. The
+youth started to his feet and gazed wildly around, as if seeking a
+place of concealment or some means of escape. He was tall, well
+formed, and, in spite of his haggard looks, comely of face, and his
+clothes, though rent and covered with chalk and dust, showed that he
+was of no mean position.
+
+Realising the impossibility of hiding himself, he stood erect and
+alert, awaiting the arrival of what he took to be his fate; but,
+instead of a thundering summons of the officers of the law, there
+came a gentle rap, and the door was slowly pushed ajar.
+
+"Hist! Art there, Master Revyngton? 'Tis I, Nicholas Hobbes!"
+
+"Enter, Nicholas! Certes I thought 'twas the watch."
+
+The new arrival was a man some few years older than the fugitive. He
+was clad in a rough leather suit, frayed at elbows and knees, and to
+which shavings and feathers still clung--a silent witness to his
+trade of fletcher.
+
+"'Tis a sorry pass, Master Revyngton. How came it about?"
+
+"Ay, that I will say right willingly; but first tell me--how knowest
+thou that I am here?"
+
+"Easily said! Dick Ford told me that thou wert a fugitive in his
+house, and asked me to use my scatterbrain wits to find a way to
+smuggle thee out of the city. That being so, 'twere best I saw thee,
+and to that purpose I am here. But, again, how came it to pass?"
+
+"Faith! I can scarce say. 'Twas in the meads, yestereven. Young
+Stephen Scarsdale and Reginald, his brother, were on this side of the
+stream, I on the nether bank, with Wulf, my favourite hound. 'Ho
+there!' cried Stephen. 'What meanst thou by trespassing on the ground
+of my Lord Bishop?' 'I do not trespass,' I replied. 'The Mead hath
+ever been free to the men of this city, and no one hath yet said me
+nay.' 'I'll warrant thou art after my Lord Bishop's trout. By the
+rood, I'll send a bolt through the head of thy lurcher.' 'Thy aim
+must be more sure than when I beat thee at the butts,' I replied,
+little thinking but that he spoke in jest, but in answer he levelled
+his crossbow, and ere I was aware of it poor Wulf was lying
+transfixed on the ground."
+
+"Then I was seized by a thousand devils, and sprang across the narrow
+plank bridge to hurl the slayer of my hound into the river, but
+Stephen, whipping out his blade, bade me do likewise. In less time
+than it takes to tell our swords crossed, though, mark ye, I meant
+not to harm him; yet, like a fool, he ran in upon my blade, and 'twas
+all over in an instant."
+
+"And then?"
+
+"The younger Scarsdale, who is a worthy gentleman compared with his
+witless brother, tried to stop me as I fled. There was no help for
+it, so he, too, went down, though I trow he is not much hurt. Hast
+heard aught of Stephen?"
+
+"Naught save that he is as dead as a door-nail. But, Master
+Revyngton, 'tis, as I said, a sorry pass. What wilt thou do?"
+
+"Do? Give myself into the hands of the law. What else wouldst thou
+have me do?"
+
+"Anything but that. Consider! Thou art young and full of life. Why
+shouldst thou grace a halter if it can be avoided, for, mark well,
+the Scarsdales are a powerful family, and moreover Stephen was of the
+Bishop's household. How thinkst thou to make good thy case before thy
+peers when the weight of title and position is set against thee? Be
+sober, young master, and think on't."
+
+"Ay, 'tis hard to die thus."
+
+"No need to die at all--at any rate, just yet. Flee the country.
+France or the States of the Rhine ever offer an attraction for a
+roving blade, and peradventure in a few years the affair will have
+blown over."
+
+"But how can I escape?"
+
+"There thou hast me. Where is Dick Ford?"
+
+"Gone to gather tidings. He will be here anon."
+
+Both men relapsed into silence, staring moodily at the narrow window,
+through which could be seen the battlements of the city gilded by the
+rising sun, while ever and again came the sweet strains of a lark as
+it soared heavenwards from the dew-sodden meadows without the walls.
+
+Again came the sound of footsteps, and Dick Ford, the bowyer,
+entered. He was a short, red-complexioned man, with a cheerful
+countenance, as if nothing could upset his good nature, though at
+times his looks belied him, and the worthy citizens of Winchester oft
+had cause to remember his tongue when it ran riot. Like the fletcher,
+his appearance betrayed him, for the sharp wittle that hung from his
+girdle, the daubs of beeswax, and the faint reek of varnish marked
+his calling as a maker of the famous English longbows.
+
+"A pretty hornet's nest thou hast raised, Master Revyngton," he
+exclaimed, shaking his head. "Yesternight the city crier called thee
+at the marketcross, and on the Soke Bridge. The Bishop's Court hath
+claimed thee, and in default of thy appearance thou wilt be declared
+outlaw. Furthermore, the gates are doubly guarded, and men are even
+now in ambush on the road to the sanctuary at St. Cross if so be thou
+seekest refuge therein. By the saintly Swithun, I trow thou art the
+most sought-for man in Winton."
+
+"He hath made up his mind, Dick," exclaimed Hobbes. "Better an outlaw
+with a heavy conscience than a corpse with none at all."
+
+"Ay, let me but get once clear of the city and I'll reck not what I
+become."
+
+"Bravely spoken, Master Revyngton! And now, how canst thou make good
+thine escape? Thou canst count on us to a surety, for 'twould ill
+requite thy father's kindness to us in times past if we let thee fall
+into the hands of the Bishop's men. Where is thine arrow-wain, Dick?"
+
+"Below, in the barn."
+
+"And laden?"
+
+"Nay, but it soon could be. Wherefore?"
+
+"Place Master Revyngton in the cart and cover him with arrows. 'Tis
+the day thou journeyest to Bishopstoke and Botley. He would then be
+well on his way to the abbey at Netley."
+
+"Steady, Dick, steady! Should the guard at Kingsgate search the wain
+my neck is as good as if fitted with a halter. Yet I'll take the
+risk; but see to it, young master, if the plan goeth amiss, thou'lt
+bear me witness that I wot not of thy presence?"
+
+"Ay, good Nicholas. But if they question thee and search the cart I
+must make a bid for freedom, so stand in the way, and I'll warrant
+I'll knock thee down just to give colour to the deceit."
+
+"But strike not too hard, Master Revyngton, neither on the face, for
+I am in no mind to go home to my good wife with my nose awry or mine
+eyes closed up. A gentle tap, I pray thee--like this--and I'll
+warrant I'll fall as surely as if I were smitten with the club of the
+Southampton giant Ascupart."
+
+"After all's said and done," remarked the fletcher, "there may be no
+need to smite thee, Nick, for 'tis unlikely that they will search thy
+cart. But the day groweth apace. If it is to be done, the sooner the
+better, say I."
+
+"Then make a good meal, Master Revyngton," said Hobbes, setting a
+loaf of brown bread, some cheese, and a jack of ale, "for if not
+thou'lt feel the want of it ere long. Now set to like a good
+trencherman, though, being but plain men, our fare is likewise plain.
+Thou knowest the road?"
+
+"Passably well, save the latter part."
+
+"Then keep close, but not on it if perchance thou art pursued, for it
+is to Southampton that they'll think thou art bound. Take the by-road
+to Botley, whence the abbey lies but a league or so away."
+
+While the fletcher and the bowyer were giving advice the younger man
+did justice to the food; then, at a sign from Ford, his companion
+stole softly down the rough ladder that did duty as a staircase, and
+peered cautiously up and down the street. Another moment, and the
+three men had darted across the narrow road to a small barn, the
+mutual property of several of the inhabitants of that quarter, and
+shortly afterwards a rough cart, laden with bundles of
+newly-feathered arrows, was jolting over the rough stones towards
+Kingsgate, Nicholas Hobbes leading the sorry nag and whistling a
+lively air as well as the anticipation of being floored would permit.
+
+"Thou art early abroad, Nick," quoth one of the guards, as he made
+ready to throw open the heavy door. "There's naught but arrows in thy
+wain, I take it?"
+
+"What meanest thou?"
+
+"Why, hast heard naught of the slaying of Master Scarsdale, that tall
+youth belonging to the Bishop's household? Surely thou hast him in
+mind?"
+
+"Ay, I knew him; is he dead?"
+
+"Where hath been thine eyes and thine ears since yesternoon?"
+
+"I have but small time for gossip, Tom, above all towards the end of
+the week, when my stock hath to be renewed. But I'll hear the story
+anon, for time is precious."
+
+The heavy gate swung slowly open, the fletcher called to his horse,
+and the cart with its living burden moved towards the open country
+and safety.
+
+"Hold!" cried a hoarse voice. "Tom, thou arrant rascal, wouldst let
+the cart through unsearched What were thine orders from the captain
+of the gate?"
+
+And, to the fletcher's terror, a burly man-at-arms came down a flight
+of steps at the side of the gate, and advanced towards him.
+
+The first soldier sullenly strolled over to the back of the cart,
+but, suddenly recovering himself, Nicholas Hobbes backed his horse,
+causing the man to be pinned between the wheel and the stonework of
+the arch. There was a sudden scattering of the arrows, an indistinct
+mass hurtling through the air, and the fletcher found himself, as he
+had foretold, lying prone in the dust. When he sat up the soldiers
+were calling wildly to the rest of the guard, while a fleeing figure,
+already growing small in the distance, showed that the fugitive
+Revyngton was well on his way to freedom.
+
+With the din of the soldiers' shouts still ringing in his ears,
+Revyngton ran steadily onwards with a long, steady swing, his elbows
+pressed against his sides, and breathing easily, for he was no mean
+runner.
+
+Away in front rose the gaunt outline of St. Catherine's Hill, with
+the square tower of the Hospital of St. Cross, which sanctuary he
+knew was denied him, slightly to the right. Between ran the
+swift-flowing river Itchen, and the fugitive realised that he would
+have to run the gauntlet of the watchers before the sanctuary ere he
+could reach the ford where the river swept the base of the hill. His
+way lay through the meadows where, but a few hours ago, he had
+wandered in blissful, though then unappreciated, freedom, and
+shudderingly, and with averted face, he raced past the scene of the
+fatal encounter. Fortunately his local knowledge prevented him from
+crossing the narrow plank bridge that led solely to a marshy meadow
+enclosed by two arms of the river, so, keeping close to the shadow of
+the pollard willows, he held steadily on his way, the babbling of the
+river as it flowed with sparkling eddies in the bright sunshine
+sounding like soothing music to the hunted man.
+
+Just as he reached the ford his movements were observed by a party of
+the officers of the law who had been keeping a toilsome vigil around
+the outer wall of St. Cross, and a crossbow bolt, shot at a high
+angle, boomed through the air and buried itself less than twenty
+yards from him.
+
+There was a general scene of confusion, some of the men running after
+him afoot, others rushing off to where their horses stood tethered in
+a clump of trees.
+
+It being the hot season, the river was but ankle deep at the ford,
+and, refreshed by the coldness of the water, Revyngton hastened his
+pace up the long, dusty road towards the hamlet of Twyford. As he ran
+he could not resist the inclination to look back, and from the
+elevated position of the highway he could see the whole of the
+distance betwixt him and the cathedral city.
+
+To his satisfaction he saw that he was more than holding his own with
+those who pursued afoot, and even now they were giving up the pursuit
+and the horsemen of the party had not yet started, but away along the
+city road a number of dark, swiftly-moving objects showed that a
+troop of mounted soldiers and retainers of the episcopal authorities
+were rapidly covering the distance between them and their quarry.
+
+The sun, though the morning was yet young, smote down upon him with
+relentless strength, and there was not the faintest zephyr to cool
+his heated frame, yet onwards he sped, though the strain of the
+pursuit was gradually yet surely telling upon him.
+
+Through the almost deserted village of Twyford he ran, one or two of
+the earlier risers looking with open-mouthed astonishment at the
+fugitive, while a little way further a black-robed monk gazed
+amazedly at the approaching man, till, fearing violence, he gathered
+up his ragged gown and fled across a field at the roadside, his
+sandals clattering as he ran.
+
+At length, worn out by his exertions, Revyngton reached a spot where
+a road branched off to his left, while between it and the highway he
+was following lay a large pond, surrounded by trees and fringed with
+clusters of reeds. Here he threw himself down on the spongy turf,
+thrust his head and arms in the limpid water, and lay panting on the
+grass, oblivious of his danger, till the regular thud of horses'
+hoofs roused his jaded energies.
+
+Quickly he looked around, and to his joy he perceived the gnarled
+trunk of a tree that had fallen into a horizontal position over the
+pond, its branches form ing a dark, shady shelter. Silently and
+swiftly as an eel he plunged into the water, and a few powerful
+strokes brought him to the friendly refuge. Secure from observation,
+he drew himself upon a branch and waited the arrival of the horsemen.
+
+In a cloud of dust they appeared--five bronzed men-at-arms, with
+long, straight swords strapped against their thighs; four lay
+servants of the Bishop, with hard-set mouths and scowling faces that
+ill-matched their calling as members of an ecclesiastical house; and
+three of the city watch, more lightly armed than their companions,
+carrying crossbows across their backs. Revyngton realised that scant
+mercy could be expected at their hands.
+
+At a word from their leader the party halted, there was a hurried
+consultation, and two of the men trotted their horses to the edge of
+the pond, while the rest resumed their headlong pursuit.
+
+Then Revyngton felt that he stared death in the face, for less than
+five paces from him were the two soldiers, sitting motionless on
+their steeds and staring fixedly at the spot where he lay concealed,
+their reflections being clearly mirrored in the still water. To the
+fugitive it seemed as if his leafy bower were rent asunder, and that
+he lay exposed to his pursuers in utter helplessness; but at length,
+to his great relief, one of the men spoke.
+
+"Why this fool's errand for the sake of a hot-blooded youth? Faith, I
+am not averse to earning the five marks reward, yet 'tis a useless
+quest. Far rather would I be in a snug inn, for my throat is as dry
+as a friar's sermon."
+
+"There's drink for thee," replied the other, indicating the pond with
+a nod of his steel-capped head.
+
+"Water!" exclaimed the first with an oath; "I like it not, neither
+inside nor out, to be plain-spoken. Art game to return to Twyford,
+where the ale is of the best?"
+
+"Give them time to get out of hearing, thou dolt. Why doth the
+sheriff keep bloodhounds and use them not, eh, Giles?"
+
+"'Twould have been the better way. But now, comrade, let's away!"
+
+Revyngton waited till the sound of their horses' hoofs had died away,
+then, swimming softly back to the bank, he emerged and resumed his
+way.
+
+Now the dangers were doubled, for not only had his pursuers placed
+themselves between him and his refuge, but he knew not but that every
+bush or hedge concealed a foe. Thus he was compelled to forsake the
+high road and follow it at some distance away, keeping as close as
+possible to the shelter of the coppices and dells that formed the
+chief features of the district.
+
+As he neared the village of Fair Oak he struck the highway between
+Bishopstoke and the Bishop's hunting lodge at Waltham, and for a long
+time he lay hidden in the bracken ere the road was free from the
+seemingly endless cavalcade of huntsmen that journeyed towards the
+famous Waltham Chase, while hucksters from Southampton and Romsey,
+intent on doing a good business, were hurrying in the same direction.
+
+At length the opportunity came, and the fugitive darted across the
+road and gained the fields beyond. Here the nature of the country
+changed, the ground offering less shelter, but away to the south rose
+the dark, fir-clad hills that lay close to his goal.
+
+He had now left the Botley road well on his left, and he could
+perceive the haze of smoke that marked the hollow where the village
+lay. His clothes were long dried, and the heat was well-nigh
+unbearable, so, overcoming his fears, he turned aside to a cottage,
+the thatched roof of which rose amid a thicket. Here he found that
+another by-road or lane crossed his path, but there was no sign of
+any one passing; the cottage itself looked deserted.
+
+As the fugitive approached a dog barked, and there was a sound of
+some one moving about in an outhouse, and to the tortured man the
+sight of several pails of milk was irresistible. The yelping of the
+cur brought a woman to the door of the shed, a strong-limbed,
+coarse-featured creature, with a face lined with innumerable wrinkles
+and a back bent with years of toil in the fields.
+
+"What lack ye?" she demanded sourly.
+
+"Am I on the right road for the abbey at Netley?"
+
+"Yea. Turn to thy left hand at the cross roads."
+
+"Also, I prithee, give me a draught of milk."
+
+"Begone, for a worthless clown! Begone, I say, or the dog shall fly
+at thee," she shrieked, wild with fury; but Revyngton heeded her not,
+and seizing a small earthenware pitcher, drained its contents, then
+turning on his heel, he resumed his fearsome journey.
+
+"Haste, Tom, run up to the village and get help!" shouted the woman.
+"'Tis a gadabout churl, or a riever, or worse," and as the fugitive
+ran he heard the farm-servant making off towards Botley, while the
+woman unloosed the dog.
+
+Ere Revyngton had gone a bowshot from the cottage the cur was barking
+and yelping at his heels, showing its teeth, but fearing to close,
+till at length it drew off, leaving the man to wonder at the
+churlishness of the hard-faced woman compared with the reception of
+wayfarers on his father's manor in Devon, where meat and drink were
+ever at the disposal of even the most humble stranger.
+
+At the brow of the hill he saw the tower of the abbey amid the trees
+a mile or more away, with the beautiful expanse of Southampton Water
+as a fitting background to the peaceful scene. Yet the fugitive had
+neither time nor inclination to appreciate the natural surroundings;
+to him the abbey meant rest and safety, and with renewed hope he sped
+towards the monastic buildings.
+
+Weary and footsore he reached the outer door, his senses reeling with
+the effects of his exertions. Seeing his plight the porter gave him
+wine, and sent a lay brother to summon the abbot.
+
+As the venerable head of the establishment appeared, Revyngton raised
+himself with an effort and knelt before him.
+
+"Thy blessing, father."
+
+"_Benedicite_, my son; what wouldst thou?"
+
+"Sanctuary, father."
+
+The abbot shook his head sorrowfully.
+
+"'Tis not permitted, my son; such blessed privileges belong only to
+our parent abbey at Beaulieu and to the Hospital of St. Cross. I
+trow there is no other within the jurisdiction of the Lord Bishop of
+Winchester. What crime bast thou committed?"
+
+"I slew a man in anger, and even now my pursuers are hard at my
+heels."
+
+The abbot turned to a lay brother.
+
+"Tell Brother Balthazar to repair to the tower and to quickly bring
+me word if any soldiers appear." Then to the fugitive he added,
+"Confess thy sin and seek God's pardon; then perchance the means of
+thy earthly salvation may be vouchsafed to thee. Follow me, my son."
+
+To the venerable abbot Revyngton told the whole of the circumstances
+of the case; then, having eased his soul, the abbot took care to
+relieve his body, causing food and drink to be set before him, while
+a brother washed his cut and travel-worn feet.
+
+"Thou must make for the Abbey of the Blessed Mary at Beaulieu, where
+thou shalt find sanctuary. Knowest thou the way?"
+
+"Nay, father," replied the man, sad at heart at the prospect of
+another journey at the peril of his life.
+
+"Then listen, my son. Two of the brethren will take thee across the
+arm of the sea that thou canst see yonder. Thence it is but an hour's
+sharp travel across the heath to the abbey, the path being well worn
+by reason of many of the brethren who travel thereby. There are three
+ways from the spot where thou wilt land the one on the left hand
+goeth towards Fawley and the town of Lepe, the one on the right to
+the village of Hythe, but the way thou must take goeth neither right
+nor left, but leads towards the sun just before the hour of
+vespers----Ah! What is thy message, my son?"
+
+The last question was addressed to a novice, who, panting
+breathlessly, was standing in the doorway with folded arms and bent
+head, awaiting the abbot's pleasure.
+
+"Horsemen, father; a score or more have appeared on the hill and are
+making towards the abbey."
+
+"Then summon Brother Angelique and Brother Petrox. Hasten, for 'tis
+no season for leisure."
+
+Quickly the two brethren--tall, gaunt, yet sinewy men, with faces and
+arms tanned a deep red by reason of their calling as boatmen of the
+abbey--answered the behest, and with the reverence due to their
+superior awaited his commands.
+
+"Take this man across and put him fairly on his way to our parent
+abbey. Tarry not on thy journey, for the matter is urgent."
+
+"Is it thy wish, father, to land him at Ashlett or Cadland?" asked
+one of the monks.
+
+"At Cadland, should the tide prove aright. Now, my son," he added to
+the refugee, "take mine earnest blessing and go, and may the blessed
+Saints Mary and Edward, the patrons of our abbey, be with thee."
+
+There was little time to lose, for already the horsemen were within
+two bow-shots of the abbey, and with a loud clatter of sandals the
+two monks led the way, Revyngton following closely at their heels,
+the brethren of the abbey speeding him on his way with prayers and
+cries of encouragement.
+
+At the end of a little causeway a boat, broadbeamed and lofty of head
+and stem, rode on the little wavelets. With a sign Brother Petrox
+motioned the fugitive to step aboard, then unfastening the rope that
+held the craft to the quay, he followed Brother Angelique and pushed
+off.
+
+Both monks rolled the sleeves of their gowns above their elbows,
+seized the two heavy ash oars, and rowed with a will, Revyngton
+sitting on a rough fishing-tray at the stern of the boat and drinking
+in the cool sea breezes. The rush of events had well-nigh bewildered
+him, and listlessly he watched the rhythmical motion of the sinewy
+arms as the rowers urged the boat towards the opposite shore.
+
+Suddenly his reveries were broken by an exclamation from one of the
+monks. "They follow us; pull thy hardest!"
+
+Revyngton turned and looked astern. From the place they had left but
+a quarter of an hour before half a score of men were dragging a heavy
+boat down the steep beach.
+
+"By the blessed Peter, my holy namesake," groaned one of the monks,
+"I had overlooked that, and the oars are in the boat. See, already
+they have launched it."
+
+"'Tis after all but a crare."
+
+"With a crew of lusty fellows to make amends for its weight. The
+saints forfend them!"
+
+"Let us trust that they cannot handle the sails, for, mark well, the
+wind bloweth fair."
+
+The rowers relapsed into silence, and with long, heavy strokes, that
+seemed far too slow to the hunted fugitive, they resolutely and
+unfalteringly lessened the distance betwixt them and the nether
+shore. The hour of noon had already passed, and the sun's rays
+attained a greater strength than they had previously in the day, yet,
+though streaming with moisture, the monks laboured in their efforts
+to shake off their pursuers.
+
+"We hold our own," muttered one over his shoulder.
+
+"Nay, I doubt it; but we must needs make for Ashlett Creek, for the
+other channel is yet uncovered."
+
+Accordingly the boat's head was turned towards a distant opening in
+the mud-fringed shore, and the pursuing craft followed suit, thereby
+gaining considerably on the fugitive, who could now distinguish the
+dress of the men.
+
+"They overtake us," quoth he, speaking for the first time since the
+abbey gates had closed behind him. "See, a bowman makes ready!"
+
+Gradually the distance between the boats lessened, but the monks'
+craft was now close to the creek, and Revyngton saw in front an
+apparently closed-in basin surrounded by a high bank of slimy mud. A
+few more strokes and the boat was within the creek, which wound its
+sinuous way up to the shore, while the little waves caused by their
+rapid motion through the water lapped the sides of the narrow
+channel.
+
+Just as they were about to round the first bend the bowman let loose,
+and an arrow sung over their heads and struck the mud with a dull
+swish. Revyngton instinctively bent his head, but his companions,
+though men of peace, barely took notice of the deadly shaft.
+
+"Safe for the time," commented Brother Angelique, as the boat shot
+behind a sheltering bank.
+
+"But how about thy safety?" asked the fugitive.
+
+"By St. Edward, 'tis not to be thought of," replied the monk,
+thrusting back his sleeve, which in his exertions had slipped down.
+"They seek not us."
+
+"But thou hast aided a fugitive from justice."
+
+"Nay, that I wot not of. Besides, how am I to know that these men are
+the officers of justice They might well be but water-pikers for aught
+I know....Oh!"
+
+An exclamation of pain interrupted his words, for an arrow, shot
+haphazard from the bend of the creek over the intervening bank, had
+pierced his forearm betwixt elbow and wrist, while another shaft
+trembled with its head buried in the thwart.
+
+"On, Brother Petrox! On! 'Tis but a small matter," he gasped, and as
+the other monk seized his companion's oar, the wounded man, shutting
+his eyes tightly, snapped off the head of the arrow with his free
+hand and drew the broken shaft from the wound.
+
+A gush of blood followed, but the brave monk, gripping the wounded
+member to stop the crimson flow, never ceased to urge the rower to
+greater effort, while ever and again a shaft shot by their still
+invisible pursuers flew perilously close to their heads.
+
+At length the boat grounded on the hard bed of the channel, and
+Brother Petrox called to Revyngton to jump out. Wading through the
+shallow water the two started for the shore, leaving the wounded monk
+calmly seated in the deserted craft.
+
+From the mud hovels of the village of Ashlett wimpled women and
+rough-haired children looked interestedly at the two runners, the
+layman in his travel-stained apparel and the monk in his sombre garb.
+Men there were none, for the hours of toil had called them to the
+fields or out on the waters, where they sought a livelihood by
+fishing; but had there been, the sight of the two speeding along
+would hardly have excited anything but curiosity in the minds of
+these dull-witted sons of the soil.
+
+"I can go with thee no farther," panted the monk, as they reached the
+cross-roads. "Follow yonder path, and God be with thee." And as
+Revyngton sped onwards towards the rolling expanse of purple heather,
+he saw the solitary figure of his benefactor waving encouragingly
+towards the distant and invisible goal.
+
+Settling down to a steady pace, the fugitive kept doggedly on his
+way, his eyes fixed on a distant clump of trees that marked the brow
+of the hill overlooking the valley of the Exe where lay the abbey.
+
+Narrower and narrower became the road, till it deteriorated into a
+mere footpath, the prickly gorse encroaching on either side and
+hurting his feet as he ran. Yet, spurred onward by renewed hope, his
+strength seemed well-nigh inexhaustible.
+
+Suddenly, from behind a low heather-clad hillock at the side of the
+road, four wild-looking men sprang up and barred his progress.
+
+"Hold, stranger!" shouted one, brandishing a club. "Whither goest
+thou? Hast aught in thy scrip that we would relieve thee of, for the
+lighter thou art the easier thou'lt run."
+
+"I have nothing in the world. Let me pass, I pray; 'tis a matter that
+brooks no delay."
+
+"Nay, not so fast, young master. What is thine errand?"
+
+"My errand?" replied Revyngton, with a mirthless laugh. "I seek
+sanctuary."
+
+"Art without the pale of the law?"
+
+"Of that there is little doubt."
+
+"Then throw in thy lot with us. A free life in the forest glades,
+with many a weighty scrip to balance the lightness of our minds, is
+better than being cooped up in yonder monastery."
+
+The fugitive shook his head.
+
+"Nay, 'tis not to my liking."
+
+"Neither is the other, I trow, but look!"
+
+Following the direction of his hand, Revyngton saw coming over the
+brow of a distant hill which he had crossed but a short while ago a
+number of his pursuers. Three had procured horses, while the rest,
+some five in number, ran by their side, holding on to the stirrups to
+aid their speed.
+
+Instantly the robbers vanished into the tangle of bracken, leaving
+the fugitive alone on the narrow path, and once again he broke into a
+headlong pace, his pursuers thundering along but three arrow-flights
+behind him.
+
+Fortunately the unevenness of the path prevented the horsemen from
+riding their hardest, and when at length Revyngton, exhausted and
+faint, reached the brow of the hill, he saw that the situation was
+still in his favour. Blindly plunging onwards, with laboured
+breathing and aching sides, he ran down the hill, at the foot of
+which clustered the extensive buildings of the abbey.
+
+Through a gap in the trees on his left he caught a glimpse of the
+silvery river as it wound in majestic splendour towards the sea, but
+to the hunted man the beauty of the scene was lost; all that
+concerned him was the thought of the possibility of being overtaken
+ere he could cover the last stretch of dusty road.
+
+He was dimly conscious of hearing a crash behind him, and of looking
+round for one brief moment, thereby catching a glimpse of two of the
+horsemen mingled in utter confusion on the rough path. And still the
+sound of the rapidly approaching hoofs of the remaining horse thudded
+in his ears.
+
+Now he had gained the angle of the abbey wall. The gate, with its
+massive iron knocker, was within his grasp. The noise of the
+footfalls of the pursuer's steed ceased; there was a sharp hiss, and
+an arrow pierced the fugitive's leg just above the knee. Then, with a
+final effort, he thundered at the portal, and, as his head swam and
+his limbs gave way under him, he was dimly aware that he was
+surrounded by a group of grey-robed figures. He had found sanctuary.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE ARCHER, REDWARD BUCKLAND
+
+
+IT was early morning in the month of August, 1338, so early that the
+slanting rays of the sun still lit up the north side of the Norman
+church of St. Andrew, and cast a shadow seven times its height across
+the dew-soaked meadows.
+
+Betwixt the high ground where stood the church and the narrow creek,
+known as the Hamble River, clustered the mud-walled and thatched-roof
+houses of the village of Hamble-le-Rice. Away to the north could be
+traced the course of the tree-fringed creek till it lost itself
+behind a range of low hills, while in the other direction lay the
+estuary of the river, where it mingled itself with the salt waves of
+Southampton Water, which, in its turn, was backed by the dark, dense
+masses of trees that formed that tract of country so well known in
+history and romance--the New Forest.
+
+Peaceful, indeed, was the situation of this quiet little Hampshire
+village, and peaceful also was the general existence of its
+inhabitants. Situated on an out-of-the-way angle, far from the old
+Roman highway that led from Clausentum to Portchester, and at that
+period, as now, formed the highway between Southampton and
+Portsmouth, Hamble village was all but cut off from the rest of the
+world. Save for an occasional visit by the grey-robed monks from the
+Priory of St. Mary and St. Edward at Netley, a chance journey of a
+huckster or Chapman from Southampton or Winchester fairs, or the
+unpreventable arrival of some vessel driven by stress of weather to
+shelter in the estuary, strangers in the village were few and far
+between.
+
+Slow in thought, slower in speech, and backward in giving or taking
+offence, yet terrible when roused to anger, the Hamble folk were
+typical examples of the mediaeval English peasant whose descendants
+have made history in all parts of the globe.
+
+For years past the social condition of England had been in a
+deplorable state. The strife between King Edward II. and De Spenser
+on the one hand, and Queen Isabella and Mortimer on the other, had
+encouraged lawlessness in all grades of society. Robbers, thieves,
+murderers, and criminals of all kinds had multiplied to an enormous
+degree, and were openly protected by the great barons, as being
+useful tools in their hands. Guilds, founded for self-protective
+measures, became instruments of oppression, and, generally speaking,
+every man looked solely to his own interest.
+
+But in the village of Hamble there was little to ruffle the even
+tenor of its existence. Little did it matter whether the seamen of
+Southampton had a feud with the men of the Cinque Ports, or whether
+the monks of Beaulieu or Netley had a difference with the Bishop of
+Winchester; but should a strange craft appear in the river, or a band
+of marauders attempt to swoop down from the leafy fastnesses of
+Waltham Chase, 'twas only necessary to ring the great bell of St.
+Andrew's, and instantly the peaceful villagers would be turned into
+an angry array of armed men, ready to sell their lives dearly in
+defence of their hearths and homes.
+
+But the time was at hand when Englishmen would have to sink their
+differences and unite against a common foe. Edward III. had laid
+claim to the throne of France, and, though the stake was a great one,
+the enterprise was popular, inasmuch as the possibilities of
+individual gain in the shape of plunder held out great inducements to
+all classes of these island warriors.
+
+On this particular morning early a man emerged from one of the houses
+on the outskirts of the village, which, by reason of being built of
+stone and being fair-sized, betokened that its owner was a man of
+position--as far as the place was concerned. The house lay some two
+hundred yards away from the rest, occupying the summit of an
+even-crested ridge, and was surrounded by a palisade of stout pointed
+stakes, that afforded complete protection against the attacks of any
+ordinary band of adventurers.
+
+The man was a tall, well-made individual, with a bronzed face
+surmounted by a thick crop of reddish hair, and partially concealed
+by a heavy beard, that grew high upon his cheeks. Bushy eyebrows
+helped to further conceal his face, but any one could see from the
+grey glint of his blue eyes that the profusion of hair covered a
+comely countenance.
+
+A well-worn leather jerkin, that had once been of a vivid red colour,
+but was now nearly black with hard usage, failed to conceal the
+mighty expanse of his chest, while the short sleeves of the garment
+fitted tightly over the gnarled muscles of his arms. His lower limbs
+were also covered by leathern hose, which, by reason of exposure to
+salt water and the rough wear and tear of daily toil, were now
+colourless and frayed till all semblance of dressed leather was
+lacking. His legs, however, though of great size, did not betoken an
+equality with the strength of his arms, and, moreover, he walked with
+a slight limp.
+
+A crimson scarf, bound tightly round his head, did duty for a
+head-dress, while from a narrow black belt hung a short dagger on his
+right side, counterbalanced by a leather purse or pouch on his left.
+
+Over his shoulder he bore a pair of long ash oars, their blades still
+covered with a deposit of dry mud, while in his left hand he carried
+a six-foot yew-bow, which, unstrung, was as straight as a lance.
+
+Redward Buckland, for such was his name, was not a Hamble man in the
+strict sense of the word, yet so good-natured and easy-going was he,
+so upright in his dealings, and withal a man of such great bodily
+strength, that he was a popular member of the little community.
+
+Of his past he said little, and was asked but little. He had been
+master bowman in a company, had served against the Scots at
+Bannockburn, with the Gascons in their feudal bickerings, and there
+was hardly a castle in Normandy, Maine, Touraine, Anjou, Poitou, or
+Limousin that he did not know.
+
+Eleven years prior to the time of this story he suddenly appeared at
+Hamble, bringing with him his son Raymond, then a child five years of
+age. Men often talked of their coming; the bowman, in rusty
+brigandine and dented headpiece, the boy, a lusty, laughing
+youngster, perched on his shoulder, a wain jogging behind with a
+heavy load of rich stuff--booty from many a foreign part--the like of
+which had never before been seen in Hamble.
+
+Thereupon he purchased a farmhouse, and settled down with the
+intention of passing the rest of his days in comfort. Being a highly
+religious man--though, like most of his companions in arms, he could
+swear roundly at times--Redward Buckland acted in accordance with the
+custom of the times. Four marks and a seven-pound candle of pure wax
+he gave to the priory at Netley, and a gold-embroidered cloth to the
+church of St. Andrew at Hamble.
+
+These presents he accounted sufficient atonement and thankoffering
+alike for delinquencies and deliverances from peril during his
+sojourn abroad, and thence-forth he meant to live a quiet,
+well-ordered life, though, unable to resist the call to arms, he had
+served in short campaigns against the Scots, and had but a year
+previously crossed the Channel to take part in the Battle of Cadsand.
+Yet Hamble was his home, and to Hamble he returned as soon as each
+particular expedition had ended.
+
+Raymond Buckland, now a lad of sixteen, had little in common with his
+father as far as appearance went. He was tall, slim, yet well-knit,
+with curly flaxen hair, though the colour had a redeeming tinge of
+reddish-gold that is necessary to impart a warmth to what would
+otherwise be a lustreless head of hair. He moved with a grace and
+ease that contrasted vividly with his father's comparatively awkward
+gait, but his limbs were not wanting in strength.
+
+A vigorous outdoor life had done much to develop his frame. Mentally
+Raymond was well educated, according to the standard of the age,
+having but recently returned from the Cistercian priory at Netley,
+where for the last seven years he had been a novice. His long
+intercourse with a monastic life had somewhat deadened his natural
+inclinations, but since his return to the outside world the active
+delights of youth seemed sweeter still.
+
+"Hasten, Raymond," said his father, pausing to look back towards the
+house, where the youth still lingered. "The young flood hath just
+begun, and tide tarries for no man! And," he added, "fail not to
+bring my quiver with the black-feathered arrows."
+
+"And can I bring my crossbow?" inquired Raymond.
+
+His father gave a gruff yet good-natured assent, and, resuming his
+walk, sauntered gently towards the river.
+
+Before he had passed the church Raymond had overtaken him, carrying
+the quiver in his left hand, while across his back was slung a short
+yet powerful crossbow, his own quiver with its stock of heavy
+quarrels hanging from his belt.
+
+"Ha! That crossbow again!" exclaimed Redward, in good-natured
+contempt. "'Tis strange that an English boy should lean towards a
+windlac-drawn weapon rather than a sturdy yew-bow. An thou wert a
+Provençal or Genoese I could have understood it."
+
+"Why, father?"
+
+"Why, forsooth! Thou wert made a sturdy Englishman, with sinews and
+muscles wherewith to bend an honest longbow--not to have to turn a
+handle, like a butter-making wench, ere the bolt can be shot. And,
+moreover, suppose thou wert matched against an archer; before thy
+weapon were levelled I'll warrant there would be a dozen cloth-yard
+shafts bristling in thine hide--though one would be enough, I trow!"
+
+"But the Genoese?"
+
+"The Genoese, my son, were ever underhanded fighters, preferring to
+cause a gaping wound with a quarrel rather than a wholesome hole with
+an arrow. 'Tis said that on more than one occasion the Pope hath
+forbidden the use of the crossbow, and that the Second Lateran
+Council, a hundred years ago, did likewise."
+
+"How, then, do we find the crossbow still in use?"
+
+"I cannot tell, Raymond, save it be the natural perversity of men.
+But here we are at the shore."
+
+They had passed through the village, between rows of thatched
+cottages. Smoke was already beginning to issue from the hole in the
+roof that did duty for a chimney, showing that the inhabitants were
+early astir. The narrow road plunged sharply down to the mud-fringed
+shores of the river, for the tide was low, and long flats of
+treacherous slime extended almost from bank to bank, save for a
+channel of deep water midway between.
+
+With the air of a man who is thoroughly acquainted with the place,
+Redward Buckland followed an almost invisible path--termed throughout
+uncountable ages a Hard--that led across the mud flats to the edge of
+the water, Raymond treading carefully at his heels. At the end of the
+Hard lay a large, bluff-bowed boat, and, pulling the craft ashore by
+a length of rope, the archer tossed the oars into it and beckoned to
+his son to jump on board.
+
+"Whither are we going, father?" asked Raymond, as his sire pushed
+off, stepped awkwardly into the boat, and began to haul on board the
+heavy stone that served as an anchor.
+
+"Up the river to Botley, my son there to see Master Nicholas Hobbes."
+
+"And who is he?" rejoined Raymond with the inquisitiveness of youth.
+
+"Master Hobbes, of the city of Winton, is a fletcher, and his arrows
+are well known as the very best in the country. Also he brings with
+him a stock of bows made by Master Ford, whose fame as a bowyer
+extends well beyond the borders of Hamptonshire."
+
+"But why buy arrows, father; surely thou canst make thine own?"
+
+"Ah, Raymond! Raymond!" replied his father, shaking his head
+doubtfully, "thou hast yet to learn that though I could fashion mine
+own weapons, yet custom demands that I get them from a member of the
+honourable guild of bowyers and fletchers. Didst ever hear of a
+belted knight welding his own coat of mail?"
+
+The boy, in truth, had yet to learn of the existence of the powerful
+guilds, or combinations of trades, which, founded for the purpose of
+self-protection against the rapacity of the barons and the
+lawlessness of their retainers, became strong enough to be regarded
+with respect by these turbulent personages. As the guilds grew they
+obtained charters from their sovereign, till they reached a state
+that enabled them to deal harshly with those without the pale. Thus,
+for instance, any man following the occupation of a tanner "not being
+free"--_i.e._ made a member of a guild--was amerced, or fined, or
+even subjected to corporal punishment.
+
+Urged by the archer's long, powerful strokes the boat shot up-stream
+with the tide, passing between steeply rising banks, where the
+freshly leafed trees cast dark shadows across the verdant fields.
+Raymond sat on the stern-thwart, looking with silent admiration on
+the scene, for, as far as he could remember, it was his first
+experience of a journey by water.
+
+At length they came to a place where on the western side a smaller
+creek joined the river. Redward rested on his oars and looked towards
+the mud banks, which were even now nearly covered by the rising
+water.
+
+"We have hurried apace," he remarked, "and 'tis even too soon to go
+right up to the town. This is called Badnam Creek, and, by St.
+George, I'll wager we'll find some waterfowl amongst the reeds. Take
+thy crossbow, Raymond, and I'll pit my six-foot bow against it."
+
+Eagerly the boy took his weapon and wound the windlac till the
+highly-drawn string clicked against the catch. Then he fitted a bolt,
+and, having done so, turned to watch his sire's movements. The archer
+had already notched the cord, and the bow, with a couple of arrows,
+lay on the thwart by his side.
+
+"Steady, my son!" exclaimed the archer in alarm. "Be careful where
+thou pointest that hell-designed toy. 'Tis bad enough to have a
+foeman's shaft through one leg without having mine own son's bolt
+through the other. Hold it over the side, I pray thee!"
+
+The boat was run amid a cluster of reeds, and the twain waited
+silently and eagerly for some sign of feathered life. They were not
+kept long in suspense, for from a marsh hard by came two wild geese,
+their necks extended and their wings flapping noisily as they flew.
+
+"Quick, Raymond!" whispered his father, "loose directly they are
+overhead!"
+
+In his excitement the youth sprang to his feet, and poised his
+crossbow.
+
+But alas for his inexperience! Unaccustomed to the swaying of the
+boat he lost his balance and fell backwards across the thwart; his
+crossbow twanged, and with a deep humming sound the quarrel flew
+aimlessly into space.
+
+In a moment Raymond raised himself into a sitting position, only to
+see his father loose his second arrow.
+
+"And thou hast missed also!" he exclaimed in a tone of reproach.
+
+"Peace, lad; wait and see!"
+
+The birds still continued their passage, one gliding with wings
+outstretched, the other still beating the air with redoubled haste;
+then, even as they looked, both birds swayed in their flight, and
+fell into the water within two score paces of each other.
+
+Without further remark Redward pushed the boat clear of the reeds,
+and rowed towards his spoil. One of the geese was still transfixed by
+an arrow, the other's neck had a small wound, showing that the shaft
+had passed completely through it.
+
+"Another groat gone!" exclaimed the archer, ruefully contemplating
+the bird that had failed to stop the arrow. "But that was a grand
+shot of thine, Raymond, I trow," he added in a bantering tone;
+"'twas not learned of the monks of Netley?"
+
+Then, observing a flush of mortification overspread the boy's
+features, he continued, "Never mind, my son, even the best archer in
+the kingdom would be at a loss in a small boat at first."
+
+Presently they rounded an abrupt spur of land on their left, and came
+to a spot where the creek narrowed considerably, being enclosed by
+lofty hills on either side. A broad white road descended these hills
+to the water's edge, where it was broken by the flowing tide. A rough
+wooden hut, with a large open boat close at hand, marked the spot
+where wayfarers were ferried across to the opposite side, where a
+horn, chained to a post, was blown as a signal to attract the
+ferryman.
+
+"This is the road 'twixt Southampton and Portsmouth," said the
+archer, indicating the dusty streak by a nod of his head. "At
+Bursledon, on this side, is the fortalice of the Hewitts, though from
+here 'tis hidden by the trees. On the other side is Swanwick Shore,
+whence come some of the best mariners who man the cogs of
+Southampton. But, mark ye! Here comes a great company of armed men;
+by St. Etienne of Tours, it makes my heart glad to hear the clatter
+of harness once more! I wonder under whose banners they march?"
+
+And resting on his oars, Redward Buckland shaded his eyes from the
+glare of the sun, and peered steadfastly up the hill where the white
+road was now alive with men, a grey cloud of dust hanging over them
+like a marsh mist in autumn, through which the Cross of St. George
+blazoned on the white surcoats of the archers stood out bravely
+against the dark foliage.
+
+When the vanguard reached the foot of the hill, a bowshot from where
+the watchers sat in their little craft, a tucket sounded and the
+company halted.
+
+Then Redward's accustomed eyes lighted upon their banner, which bore
+a golden half-moon on an azure field, and unable to contain himself,
+he stood upright, waving his cap in boisterous delight.
+
+"By Our Lady, 'tis as I thought--the company of the Governor of
+Portchester! Haste we to the shore, Raymond, that I may welcome mine
+old comrades!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE SHADOW OF WAR
+
+
+A FEW strokes and the boat's keel grated on the shingle. Redward
+sprang out, hastily secured the craft, and strode towards the crowd
+of armed men, Raymond following closely at his heels.
+
+Again a tucket sounded, and the ranks broke, most of the archers
+throwing themselves down by the roadside, as if weary of foot; the
+mounted men-at-arms led their horses to the grassy glades of the
+wood, while a couple of squires rode towards the water's edge to
+summon the ferryman.
+
+On reaching the outskirts of the throng the old archer looked around
+to try and recognise some of his former comrades; nor did he look in
+vain.
+
+"Red Buckland, by the Rood!" exclaimed a bronzed and bearded
+man-at-arms, seizing him vigorously by the hand. "Right glad am I to
+see thee again. Ho, Giles, Wat, Dick!" he shouted to some of his
+comrades, "come hither and greet an old friend!"
+
+The pair were instantly surrounded by a mob of archers--burly,
+bearded men, rough in speech and coarse in manner, yet full-hearted,
+honest soldiers, the backbone of the feudalism of mediaeval England.
+
+Raymond stood at the edge of the circle of men, gazing open-mouthed
+at the unusual sight and listening with youthful eagerness, not
+unmixed with feelings of awe, as the archers talked, fighting their
+battles o'er again, or discussed their future movements.
+
+"'Twill be Francewards again ere long," remarked one, a man-at-arms,
+who, having removed his headpiece, disclosed a close crop of hair
+furrowed by a long white mark, the legacy of a Norman's axe. "Word
+came yesternight that we had to repair to Hampton to join the army
+that the King leads across the Channel."
+
+"Would I were with you, comrades," said Redward, wistfully gazing on
+the accoutrements of the troops, the sight of which roused old
+memories of camp and battlefield.
+
+"And wherefore not," replied another. "There's more to be made in a
+week's march in France than ten years' delving in Merry England. Ay,
+and I'll warrant that ere long there'll be nought but old men, women,
+and babes left to guard our hearths."
+
+"Then I must be reckoned amongst the old men," replied Redward, with
+a mirthful laugh. "Though, methinks, at two score and fifteen years,
+I am not yet too aged to strike a shrewd blow or to receive hard
+knocks!"
+
+"Then why tarry?"
+
+"Didst ever have a son, Dickon?"
+
+"Nay," replied the man, shaking his head. "Neither kith nor kin have
+I in this world, save my comrades."
+
+"Then thou knowest not how a man's whole being can be wrapped up in
+his child. I have a son--he stands yonder. How could I leave him--a
+boy of sixteen--to fare for himself while I follow the banners of
+England in foreign parts?"
+
+"But thou hast done so aforetimes?"
+
+"Ay, but then the boy was in safe keeping in the abbey of Netley. Now
+that he is too old, seeing that it is my wish and his desire not to
+remain within the priory walls, I must needs stay with him."
+
+"Red Buckland, thou art becoming chicken-hearted in thine old age.
+The boy--a lusty youth he looks--cannot remain with thee for ever,"
+argued the soldier. "Now, what say you; join our company once again,
+and bring him with thee? Methinks there are many such, nay, even
+younger and of less frame and brawn, who have already set out for the
+wars. Come, now; again I ask thee, wilt join?"
+
+"Dickon, thou dost press me hard so that I can scarce refuse. Yet no
+answer will I give till I have spoken with my boy."
+
+At that moment a trumpet sounded, and the men stood to their arms,
+forming up in two lines on either side of the road. The archers,
+armed with short swords or axes in addition to the deadly longbow,
+faced the men-at-arms, who, protected with breastplate, iron helmet,
+gorget and greaves, grasped their twelve-foot spears, gazing
+steadfastly in front as their leader rode slowly between the lines.
+
+Sir John Hacket, Constable of the King's Castle at Portchester, and
+Governor of the Town of Portsmouth (to give him his official title),
+was then in his fortieth year, yet, from the effects of campaigning
+under exceptional circumstances in all parts of Western Europe, he
+looked considerably older, his hair being a snowy white, contrasting
+vividly with his brick-red complexion.
+
+He was accoutred _cap-à-pie_ in banded mail with aillettes,
+rerebraces, vambraces, and roundels, his richly embroidered surcoat
+being emblazoned with his arms.
+
+By his left side hung a long falchion, while over the right hip was
+the _misericorde_, or dagger, with which a knight demanded his
+dismounted adversary's surrender or else gave him a _coup de grâce_.
+
+On his head he wore a flat cap of crimson velvet, his steel bascinet
+being carried by a squire; while a mounted man-at-arms bore his lance.
+
+As he proceeded between the lines of armed men, noting with
+undisguised satisfaction their martial bearing, Sir John's glance
+fell upon Redward and his son as they stood, with a knot of
+spectators from the neighbouring village, a little way behind the
+archers.
+
+"Certes," he cried to one of his attendant squires, "'tis my old
+master-bowman! Bring him hither."
+
+Thus Redward, with doffed cap, found himself once again before his
+beloved chief.
+
+"Ah, Buckland, I see the blood of a good old stock still flows in thy
+veins," he said, after questioning him over various matters
+pertaining to his welfare, "I trust I shall see thee again under my
+banner anon!" And setting spurs to his charger the knight rode to the
+edge of the river, leaving the old archer tormented with thoughts of
+the rival claims of home and camp.
+
+The work of transporting the detachment across the Hamble river
+proceeded apace, the whole of the operations being under the personal
+supervision of the Constable; and, true to the usages of warfare, the
+task was carried out in strictly military fashion.
+
+First a vanguard of archers and men-at-arms was ferried across, the
+party taking up an extended formation on the opposite shore. Then
+came the main body, with the mounted men-at-arms, the horses being
+conveyed across in a large flat-bottomed boat. Leaving only a
+rear-guard, Sir John and his personal attendants then crossed, and
+finally the rear-guard followed, leaving Redward Buckland and his son
+gazing wistfully after them from the other shore.
+
+"Heart alive, Raymond," said his father. "We, too, must be on the
+move, for the tide will not serve much longer." And pushing off, they
+turned the boat's head up-stream and continued their journey.
+
+"Didst hear what the archers said but now?" inquired Redward, resting
+on his oars, and looking doubtfully at his son, as if half afraid
+that the fighting strain would not manifest itself.
+
+"Ay, father!"
+
+"And what thinkest thou?"
+
+"I would go Francewards with thee."
+
+"Heaven be praised, my son! I was afraid that the monks of Netley had
+made thee fitted for nought but a life within a monastery; yet thou
+wouldst do well to ponder over this matter, for a life midst the
+sound of arms is not lightly taken up. Thou hast seen but little of
+the world, and look only on the glowing side of a soldier's life. The
+risks and hardships of forced marches, famine, sickness, ay, and
+possibly defeat, cannot be lightly put aside, though, when once
+passed, one is apt to look back upon them as but trifling
+adventures."
+
+"Nevertheless, I would fain go to France and fight for our King to
+help him in his just enterprise."
+
+Poor Raymond! little did he think that there would be fighting in
+plenty in store for him ere he set foot on French soil!
+
+There were nearly four miles to be covered ere their destination was
+reached, and, though favoured by the tide, the work of pulling a
+heavy boat began to tell even on the hardy frame of the archer, so,
+in reply to Raymond's entreaty to be allowed to take the oars, his
+sire consented and relinquished the heavy sticks.
+
+But his son's attempt at rowing failed to please his exacting father,
+especially when the blades threw up showers of spray under the
+vigorous yet inexperienced efforts of the young man.
+
+"Steady, Raymond! I would fain arrive at Botley with a dry skin, and
+methinks, a little less strength would avail better! Put thy back
+into it, my boy, rather than thine arms--so! I call to mind when I
+rowed down the Scheldt in a pitch-dark night, when the splash of an
+oar or the creaking of a thole would have loosened a hail of arrows
+from five hundred archers on either bank."
+
+"Tell me about it, father?"
+
+"Nay, lad; the story will keep. But look ahead. Dost mark a row of
+black posts standing above the water on yonder side?"
+
+Raymond looked.
+
+"Yes; but what are they?"
+
+"All that is left of what was once a Danish galley, the scourge of
+our shore. There she lies, much the same as when burned by the great
+Alfred, now five hundred years or more ago. May a like fate befall
+every foreign craft that comes to harry our coasts!"
+
+Soon the channel became yet narrower, till the trees on the opposite
+banks met overhead. Redward had resumed the oars, and bend after bend
+of the river soon slipped past.
+
+"There's Botley Mill," said he, pointing to a low building,
+thatched-roofed and enclosed by walls of timber and mud, while above
+the rustle of the trees could be heard the dull roar of the stream as
+it swept under the water-wheel.
+
+At a landing-place close to the road they left the boat and walked up
+a short, steep incline to where the houses of the town encompassed
+the market-place.
+
+"Ah, there is Master Hobbes," said Redward, indicating a short,
+full-bodied man, clad in a suit of green cloth, who, surrounded by a
+crowd of yeomen and villagers, was disposing of his stock of arrows
+to the accompaniment of the latest news of the city of Winchester,
+and the prospects of the war against the French.
+
+"Ho, gossip!" cried the archer. "Hast aught of thy stock left for
+me?"
+
+"Ay, Master Buckland," replied the other, "'twould be an evil day for
+me if I failed to supply the good folk of Hamble with
+arrows--particularly thy noble self," he added with a servile bow.
+
+"Tut! tut!" growled the archer deprecatingly. "A truce to such
+compliments. These the arrows? A goodly bundle! But--stand aside with
+me a moment--how fares it with him?" he added in a mysterious manner.
+
+"As before no better, though perchance a trifle worse!"
+
+"But has he ceased to----"
+
+"Nay, nay! Far from it."
+
+"Ah!" muttered the archer moodily, "'tis as I feared, though not for
+myself. Then, perchance he has had tidings?"
+
+"That I cannot say."
+
+"That being so, Nick, I had best be on the move overseas, under Sir
+John Hacket's banner once again. That I'll do, and take Raymond with
+me! Thanks, good Master Hobbes," he added in a louder tone. "'Tis as
+I said before, a goodly bundle. God speed you!"
+
+And taking the arrows from the fletcher's hand, Redward called to his
+son to follow him and strode rapidly back to the boat.
+
+During the return journey Raymond noticed that something was amiss.
+His sire relapsed into a stony silence, treating any question with an
+unusual disregard that showed that his thoughts were far away. This
+puzzled Raymond, and he strove to find some reason for this
+unlooked-for reticence, the reference to the mysterious "he" which he
+had overheard persistently coming uppermost in his mind. Yet never a
+word on the subject did the boy let fall, and it was in no little
+bewilderment that he followed his father from the Hard back to the
+house on the hill-top.
+
+The interior of Buckland's home was plainly yet well furnished after
+the style of the age. Glass in the windows there was none, oiled
+linen doing duty for that then costly material. The floor of the
+livingroom was strewn with rushes, the walls hung with woven material
+and skins of animals. Portions of armour such as were worn by
+men-at-arms, a few bucklers, and a medley of arms also found places
+on the walls, while in a corner was a bundle of bows and two cases of
+arrows. In the centre was a log fire, the sweet-smelling reek of the
+pine logs finding its way through a hole in the roof. The sleeping
+apartment opened out of this room, the building being but
+one-storeyed.
+
+As darkness set in Redward secured the doors with a massive bar of
+wood, heaped more logs on the fire, and lighted a couple of
+rushlights.
+
+His fit of depression had passed, and he resumed his usual
+cheerfulness of manner. Going into one of the adjoining rooms he
+caught hold of a huge oak chest, which, in spite of his strength,
+took all the power at his command to move. At length the chest was
+dragged across the threshold into the larger room; then, sitting down
+on a settle, the archer breathlessly gazed upon it with evident
+satisfaction.
+
+"Since it is fated that we go to the wars together," said he, "'tis
+fitting that thou shouldst be properly attired and armed. Let us see
+what this chest will provide."
+
+And, unlocking a strange yet strongly made clasp, Redward threw open
+the lid, and for a moment the boy's eyes were dazzled with the
+martial nature of its contents. There was a complete suit of armour,
+similar to that worn by the Constable of Portchester, though lacking
+the rich ornamentations, other portions of armour, and a small store
+of equipments such as were worn by mounted men-at-arms and soldiers
+of superior quality.
+
+Redward noticed the flash of excitement in his son's eyes as they
+lighted upon the suit of armour.
+
+"Nay, my son," said he, "'tis not for thee--at least, not till thou
+hast proved worthy of it. Here is a suitable garb, a quilted and
+padded coat--a trifle large for thee, perhaps, yet 'tis better to err
+on the generous side. This I found at the sack of Tournai, and 'tis
+warranted to turn a swordcut or to stop an arrow at two score paces.
+This breast-plate will also serve--and this steel cap. Now as to thy
+arms Here is a sword, slightly heavy for thee, yet anon thou'lt
+become accustomed to the feel of it, though a bowman stands an ill
+chance should he suffer a troop of lances to come within striking
+distance! Now into yonder corner throw thy crossbow, for, as I have
+shown, 'tis but a clumsy and unwieldy tool for an Englishman. Here is
+a better--a full-sized English longbow; that is the king of weapons!
+To-morrow we'll hie to the butts, and ere a week hath passed a sturdy
+archer thou'lt be or thou art no son of mine!"
+
+Raymond took the proffered articles and, with the pride of youth,
+fitted them on, to the no small satisfaction of his sire. Still
+garbed in his martial attire, he remained for a space listening to
+his father's tales of past campaigns, till at length, worn out with
+excitement, he retired for the night.
+
+When he had gone, Redward pored over the contents of the chest,
+handling each article with an almost reverent care, then replacing
+everything save Raymond's accoutrements, he relocked the heavy box,
+and was soon tossing uneasily on his rough couch.
+
+For over an hour Redward lay awake pondering over the events of the
+day, but just as sleep was about to gain the mastery, a hoarse shout
+fell upon his ear. Another followed, and a veritable babel of shrieks
+betokened that something untoward was happening in the village.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+OF THE MIDNIGHT DESCENT OF THE FRENCH INVADERS
+
+
+THE first shout was enough to rouse the old archer into active
+alertness, for, with his experience of camp life, he was accustomed
+to awaken readily at the least noise. Hastily springing up, he rushed
+to the window, swung aside the wooden flap and the flimsy fabric that
+served to admit the light, and looked out. The darkness was intense,
+save for some small tongues of dark red flame that were beginning to
+shoot up from one of the houses near the waterside, the fire casting
+a dull glare upon the neighbouring buildings and serving but to
+intensify the inky blackness of the night.
+
+"A fire," he said aloud, yet on second thoughts the ever-increasing
+shrieks, groans, shouts, and curses that were borne on the air belied
+his surmise. Moreover, his quick ear detected commands and
+ejaculations in a foreign language--the tongues of Picardy, Normandy,
+and Spain.
+
+His ready brain grasped the situation--it must be a raid by the
+French and Spaniards, who at that time swarmed in the English
+Channel.
+
+These inroads upon our shores by the French during the Hundred Years'
+War are apt to be ignored or lightly passed over by modern
+historians, yet during a time when England was busy pouring the best
+of her blood and treasure into France there was hardly a town on the
+South Coast that escaped the ravages of the French and their allies,
+the Spaniards and Genoese.
+
+"Awake! awake! Raymond!" shouted his father. "The French are upon
+us!"
+
+Raymond sprang up and began to hastily don his clothes, while the
+archer laid hands on every heavy article in the room, barricading the
+door and securing the windows. Then, having made ready his bow, he
+again looked out towards the village.
+
+By this time a series of unequal combats were taking place in the
+narrow streets or within the houses, where the terrified inhabitants
+were being routed out like rabbits. All who came across the path of
+the ruthless invaders were cut down without mercy--men, women, and
+children--while their homes were being plundered and afterwards fired
+by men to whom the sacking of a town was almost a familiar task.
+
+To add to the din the church bell was ringing a violent tocsin, and
+all who were able to escape fled either to the stout Norman tower to
+seek shelter, or else across the open country towards the town of
+Southampton.
+
+Raymond, white-faced with pardonable fear and shaking in every limb,
+now joined his father. Flight for them was now out of the question,
+for already some of the foemen had passed the house, hard in pursuit
+of a party of fugitives, the slowest of whom fell under the weapons
+of the relentless marauders. Like bloodhounds on the trail, this band
+of pursuers passed by the solitary house, ignoring its existence or
+else meaning to plunder it at their leisure after the chase of the
+fugitives was ended.
+
+Suddenly four or five dark figures, silhouetted against the now
+bright glare of the burning village, came running up the hill and
+headed straight for the house.
+
+"Quickly, Raymond, notch a shaft!" hissed the archer, and setting an
+example, he fitted an arrow to his bow and waited, with the weapon
+slightly bent, the opportunity to let fly.
+
+"By St. George, they are our friends!" exclaimed Redward.
+
+"Andrew Walter! Dick!" he shouted. "This way, for your lives, and ye
+are safe!" And throwing his great bulk against the barricade behind
+the door, he moved it sufficiently to enable the door to be opened to
+admit the fugitives.
+
+Then the furniture was replaced against the door, and the men sank
+breathless and panic-stricken on the floor. There were six in all, so
+that the little garrison now amounted to eight men, whereof three had
+had experience in warfare.
+
+"Get ye up!" ordered Redward roughly. "Think ye that I opened my
+doors to allow a set of cowardly curs to lie about my hearth? Up with
+ye!"
+
+Stung by the rebuke, the men armed themselves with bow and sword,
+gripping their weapons with newborn resolve.
+
+"Ah, by Our Lady, 'tis well ye look on the right side o' things. But
+if we are to see the light of another day we must stand firm," said
+the archer grimly. "And," he added, "let no man loose bow till I give
+the word, and may God and St. George look favourably upon us this
+night!"
+
+"Ay, gossip!" replied Walter Bevis, a veteran of Falkirk. "An' if we
+cannot live we can at least die like Englishmen! But, who comes?"
+
+Another dark figure came flying up the hill, hotly pursued by half a
+score of Frenchmen.
+
+"'Tis Will Lightfoot, of Hook!" replied one of the defenders. "Run,
+Will, run!"
+
+"Now loose!" cried Redward, and immediately five arrows flew on their
+deadly errand. It was the first time that Raymond had seen a shaft
+sped in anger, and the sight thrilled him strangely. The pursuers,
+standing out strongly against the glare, made easy marks; four of
+them fell face forwards on the ground, writhing in mortal agony; the
+fifth, struck in the right fore-arm, dropped his sword and yelled
+lustily. The others, amazed at meeting with any attempt at organised
+resistance, turned and fled towards the village, two more falling as
+the result of a second flight of the deadly arrows.
+
+Will Lightfoot, holding a dagger in his left hand and a broken sword
+in his right, came up to the improvised fortress with an easy stride,
+for his name well suited him amid the encouraging shouts of his
+friends.
+
+"Wait while I unbar the door," called Redward to the fugitive, at the
+same time directing the others to assist him in removing the
+barricade.
+
+"Nay, keep the door fast; the villains will be here anon," replied
+Lightfoot. "I'll find a way in."
+
+And suiting the action to the word, he sprang on a low fence, and
+from thence vaulted easily on to the thatched roof. Getting a grip
+with his broken sword and dagger, he ran up the sloping roof of
+thatch like a cat, and dropped through the aperture that did duty for
+a chimney, and alighted in the midst of the smouldering logs on the
+hearth.
+
+"Pardon, friends, for my mode of entry," he exclaimed. "But methinks
+the mischief I have done to thy roof, Master Buckland, will ill
+compare with the damage that our attackers will do ere a few hours
+are spent."
+
+In the lull that followed the besieged took steps to strengthen their
+defences. Redward brought out a large oaken chest filled with arrows,
+whereat his son wondered all the more at the reason for the journey
+to Botley on the previous day. Thick boards were spiked to the
+windows, dividing each opening into two oylets, or slots for
+discharging arrows, while on the side where no windows existed a few
+of the stones were removed so as to form an additional outlook
+commanding the hitherto invisible ground on the north.
+
+Food they had sufficient for three or four days, but water was
+scarce. This necessary they must procure, so once again the door was
+opened, and Raymond crept out stealthily with two leathern jacks to
+procure some of the precious fluid from the well, while the others
+crowded to the loopholes to cover his retreat if molested.
+
+With an indescribable feeling of fear, mingled with the dread of
+being thought a coward by the defenders, Raymond did his work
+silently and quickly. Thrice did he go to the well, till there was
+sufficient water stored in the house to last for a considerable
+time.
+
+All the while the shouts, groans, and cries continued, the crackling
+and roaring of the flames making a fitting accompaniment, and giving
+evidence that resistance was still being kept up in another quarter.
+
+At length the pale dawn began to show a welcome change to the anxious
+men, on whom the weary waiting told far more than the actual
+struggle.
+
+Gradually the daylight increased, and by its aid the besieged were
+able to realise more fully their hazardous position. Nearly every
+house was in flames, some even now reduced to a heap of glowing
+ashes. Here and there the corpse of a Spaniard or a Frenchman showed
+that, in spite of the surprise, the attack had been fiercely opposed.
+Those villagers who had taken refuge in the church tower still
+resisted, though, from the desultory arrows that came from the top of
+the structure, it was evident that their store of missiles was
+well-nigh exhausted.
+
+The invaders, too, were aware of this, for those wearing armour
+advanced also to the base of the tower, avoiding, however, the pieces
+of stone that the desperate men detached from the pinnacles and
+hurled down on their adversaries. Others, keeping further off, shot
+their bolts at the tower, stamping and jumping as if to terrify their
+quarry. Some of the foreign crossbowmen were so close to the house
+that sheltered Buckland's party that they could hear the clicking of
+their moulinets and the deep bass hum of the strings as the quarrels
+sped towards the mark.
+
+Out in mid-stream, their hulls swinging to the tide, lay three long,
+low-lying galleys, and between them and the shore a number of small
+boats were rowing to and fro, those putting off being full of
+plunder; and as fast as each little craft discharged its load into
+the capacious hold of its parent galley it returned to the shore to
+remove some of the huge heap of booty, which was still being
+replenished by parties of foragers.
+
+Loud and long were the maledictions of the men in Redward's house, as
+they saw their homes given to the flames and their kinsfolk and
+friends either cruelly murdered or else houseless fugitives; but soon
+their attention was riveted on the final scene in the resistance of
+those on the church tower.
+
+The crossbowmen redoubled their fire, and, covered by the heavy rain
+of missiles, a party of men-at-arms advanced with their shields held
+over their heads. A shower of blows with their heavy battle-axes soon
+splintered the oaken door, and when at length only a few fragments
+of wood and the bent and battered remains of the massive hinges
+remained, the men retreated in the same order, though two were left
+lying crushed beneath a ponderous piece of coping that the assailed
+had toppled over.
+
+Already the church was sacked. Crucifixes, candlesticks,
+altar-cloths, rich vestments, and tapestries had been ruthlessly
+taken off to the galleys; while the priest, with a score of persons,
+men, women and children, who had vainly sought sanctuary, lay dead
+within the altar rails.
+
+And now a body of lightly-armed men--Spaniards, judging by their
+swarthy complexions--advanced, bearing bundles of straw and faggots,
+almost unmolested, for the arrows of the besieged had long given out,
+and the hail of bolts from the crossbows skimmed across the top of
+the parapet like hail. The men reached the base of the tower, where
+they heaped their burdens within the doorway.
+
+A lighted torch was applied to the fuel, and a tongue of flame,
+darting from amid the thick cloud of suffocating smoke, licked the
+grim stone walls, while the spiral staircase, acting like a lofty
+chimney, fanned the fire till it glowed like a potter's furnace.
+
+A ring of armed men surrounded the tower. The crossbowmen, their work
+done, ceased their firing, discharging only an occasional bolt as the
+tormented wretches on the tower, unable to bear the choking heat,
+showed themselves above the protection of the parapet. Some of the
+defenders, maddened by their agony, threw themselves headlong;
+others, sword in hand, attempted to descend the stairs, and hurl
+themselves upon their enemies, though they perished in the flames
+long before they reached the ground; others, defying and cursing the
+invaders, shook their weapons in impotent rage, till a well-directed
+quarrel or the rapidly-increasing flames claimed the last of the
+gallant band of forgotten heroes.
+
+When resistance in this quarter was at an end, the invaders were free
+to direct their energies against the solitary stone house that had
+already wrought great mischief upon them; and, led by two knights in
+complete armour, the men-at-arms began to fall in in close order at a
+distance of two hundred paces from where Redward Buckland and his
+devoted companions awaited the onslaught.
+
+"With yonder ruin to serve as an example," said the master-bowman,
+pointing to the flaming tower, "we must fight to the death. While
+there is yet time it would be well that each man doth confess his
+sins for the betterment of his soul."
+
+So saying, all the defenders knelt down reverently, though Redward,
+trained soldier that he was, kept an eye on their gathering foes. The
+prayers _in extremis_ were hurriedly said; then, in the absence of a
+friar, they confessed to each other, according to the Roman custom
+when in peril of death. One of the villagers produced a slip of the
+Holy Thorn, brought from the miraculous tree of Glastonbury, and this
+they all kissed devoutly in the hope of obtaining spiritual
+consolation.
+
+This done, they arose from their knees, embraced each other, and
+hurried to their posts.
+
+All preparations for the attack having apparently been completed, the
+leaders advanced to the head of their men and harangued them, though
+the distance was too great for the Englishmen to hear what was said.
+This done, one of the knights closed his visor, and the other tried
+to follow his example, but the calque, dented from the effects of a
+blow, refused to allow the visor to descend. A couple of squires
+sprang forward to aid their lord, and the group, standing well in
+front of the rest, made a tempting mark.
+
+Redward was quick to act.
+
+"Quickly, Dick; nine score paces, and no windage!"
+
+Dick, a lusty yet experienced archer, had already notched his bow and
+fitted an arrow. Leaning slightly forward, and throwing all his
+weight into the act of drawing the six-foot bow, the man loosed the
+shaft. Even as it sped Buckland also let fly, and the defenders
+anxiously awaited the result of their comrades' skill.
+
+The first arrow struck and shivered itself against the uplifted visor
+of the French knight; but Redward's fared better, for, hitting the
+mail-clad figure under the raised arm, it sank deeply into the
+leader's body. Amid a roar of execrations on the invaders' side, and
+a hearty English cheer on the part of the bowmen, the knight
+staggered and fell on his face. The two squires stood their ground
+bravely, and with difficulty raised the ponderous armour-clad body of
+their master and bore it to the rear.
+
+"Here they come!" shouted the master-bowman. "See, they shoot! On
+your faces, men!"
+
+Crouching down behind the friendly shelter of the stone walls, the
+eight defenders awaited the onslaught, Redward alone watching the
+advance through a loophole, his head protected by an iron cap, while
+he held a stout buckler over the aperture as an additional protection
+against the deadly hail of arrows and bolts.
+
+Raymond, crouching close to his father, felt that the bitterness of
+death had passed; his terror had vanished, and he was as ready as the
+rest to strike a blow in self-defence, though against tremendous
+odds. The unfamiliar sound of the arrows striking the woodwork and
+quivering with an indescribable _ping_, or shattering themselves
+against the stonework, the invaders' war cry of "St. Denis," and the
+metallic clanging of the advancing men-at-arms were signs of an
+invisible enemy whom he was on the point of meeting in mortal combat,
+and when, after a seemingly long and weary wait, the hail of arrows
+slackened and he heard his father cry, "To arms!" he actually
+welcomed what might prove to be his death-summons.
+
+At the word of command the defenders sprang to their feet, rushed to
+the loopholes, and fired as fast as they were able into the dense
+masses of the advancing enemy. At that short range neither leathern
+coat nor iron hauberk was proof against the deadly arrows, and man
+after man fell writhing on the ground, their fall serving to dismay
+their comrades and to cheer their antagonists.
+
+Clambering over the low fencing, the men-at-arms still advanced; the
+air was thick with the groans of the wounded and the shouts of "St.
+Denis!" "Tuez les miserables!" "A bas les poltrons!" To which the
+defenders answered not a word, but in grim silence discharged their
+arrows into the disorderly press before them.
+
+By sheer weight of numbers the French men-at-arms gained the front of
+the house, and with reckless bravery attempted to tear away the
+improvised defences. Bows were cast aside, and the defenders, seizing
+swords and spears, made vicious thrusts through the loopholes as the
+shadows of the enemy were thrown across them.
+
+At length the planks across one of the windows gave way, and a crowd
+of mail-clad warriors essayed to clamber through. Thereupon the
+defenders retreated to the opposite wall, and resuming their bows,
+volleyed their deadly shafts against the rash intruders, who,
+overwhelmed by the concentration of arrows in the narrow space, gave
+back in disorder.
+
+Suddenly a figure clad from head to foot in plate armour--a form of
+defensive mail only just coming into use--appeared in the window. In
+vain the arrows rattled on the thrice-welded plate, and for a moment
+it seemed certain that the intaking was accomplished. But Redward,
+dropping his weapon, sprang forward, and before the mail-clad warrior
+could swing his long and heavy sword, the archer had thrown himself
+bodily upon the Frenchman.
+
+Realising the danger, the man tried to return, but Redward, seizing
+him in his powerful grip, strove to drag him into the house. Lying
+across the window ledge, his bulk filling the whole aperture, the
+Frenchman effectually prevented any of his comrades from coming to
+his assistance, his mail-clad legs, kicking and sprawling without,
+keeping his would-be helpers at a discreet distance.
+
+Then came a terrific struggle, Redward heaving and hauling on his
+enemy's bascinet, while the other tried his utmost to shake off the
+relentless grip. Nothing short of the breaking of the laces of the
+Frenchman's calque would release the man, and even then his
+unprotected head would be pierced by a ready arrow.
+
+The knight's resistance grew feebler, till at length a hollow voice
+exclaimed, "Je me rends!"
+
+"No quarter to base ravagers!" was the stern reply, and with a final
+mighty heave Redward dragged the steel-clad warrior through the
+window, and cast him with a sickening clang upon the stone floor.
+Then, drawing the knight's own _misericorde_, he cut the laces of his
+bascinet and plunged the dagger into his Adversary's throat.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+OF THE GALLANT STAND OF THE NINE ARCHERS
+
+
+DISMAYED by the fall of their second leader, the attackers retired
+out of bowshot, leaving the nine defenders weary and spent, yet
+exultant over their success.
+
+Their respite, however, was short, for, joined by another body of men
+from the galleys, the invaders again advanced, this time led by
+another knight, a short, broad-shouldered man, cased, like his
+unfortunate predecessor, in plate armour, over which he wore a yellow
+surcoat charged with the arms of the Spinola family.
+
+"Ah! A rascally Genoese!" exclaimed Redward as he saw the device.
+"Now we must look to ourselves, for these Genoese combine the skill
+of the French and the roguery and treachery of the Spaniards;
+moreover, they have rendered a good account of themselves both by
+land and sea in their wars with the State of Venice."
+
+Halting at a safe distance, the crossbowmen, protected by mantlets,
+faced the side of the house where the last attack had been made; a
+body of men-at-arms deployed and took up a position on each of the
+two adjacent sides; while a strong detachment of routiers, or
+lightly-armed men, worked round to the rear, the house thus being
+entirely surrounded.
+
+Once again the hail of bolts began, and under the cover of this heavy
+discharge the men-at-arms gained the walls without the slaughter that
+marked their previous attempt.
+
+With their axes they commenced a violent onslaught on the door, while
+the defenders were almost without the means of replying, firing only
+through the loopholes whenever a head appeared or a chance missile
+was thrown into the room.
+
+At length, emboldened by the slight resistance, one of the
+men-at-arms was hoisted on the shoulders of two of his comrades,
+whence he climbed upon the roof. Here he began to vigorously attack
+the thatch for the purpose of annoying the besieged and diverting
+their attempts to hold the door.
+
+Alarmed by the noise overhead, Raymond took his despised crossbow,
+and firing haphazard, sent a bolt through the roof. There was a loud
+cry, and with a mass of thatch and broken rafters the body of the
+soldier came crashing down, his chest transfixed by the thick, heavy
+bolt.
+
+Immediately Redward was hoisted up to the gaping hole, and,
+regardless of the danger of being picked off by an arrow, he hurled a
+small sack of quicklime upon the men who were battering at the door.
+
+Blinded by the powerful chemical they gave way, and ran screeching
+with agony, their leader circling round in an aimless manner,
+striving the while to tear off his bascinet and clear his eyes from
+the dust that was slowly and surely depriving him of sight.
+
+Once more the English took heart at the repulse, taunting their
+enemies as they fell back. Again they had a short respite, though the
+inaction told more on their wearied bodies than the excitement of the
+fight.
+
+Raymond felt a warm stream trickle down his arm, and found, to his
+surprise, that he had received a clean cut on his left shoulder. How
+or when it occurred he was unable to understand, for in the heat of
+the struggle he had been blind to his surroundings and the sense of
+pain.
+
+The rest of the garrison all showed signs of the tremendous odds.
+Buckland was gashed across the forehead by an arrow, while his hands
+were bruised and bleeding from the effects of his struggle with the
+knight at the window.
+
+Walter Bevis was sitting in a corner of the room, trying to extricate
+a crossbow shaft that had all but buried itself in the upper part of
+his right leg, and in spite of the excruciating pain was slowly
+drawing out the barbed head, muttering the while prayers to the
+Virgin and his patron saints.
+
+The others, having bound up their slighter injuries, cheered the
+sufferer, and in response to his entreaties, withdrew the bolt. A
+gush of blood followed, and the man, unable to bear the agony,
+fainted. Hastily applying a bandage, with the rude knowledge of
+surgery that they possessed, his comrades left him and returned to
+their posts to await the next assault.
+
+"Certes! They do not mean to let us be," exclaimed Redward; "it
+passeth my understanding why they should waste time and many lives in
+attempting to take our little fortress. Courage, my friends! Another
+repulse and they will leave us in peace."
+
+But, notwithstanding his repeated encouragements, the master-bowman
+looked doubtfully on the new phase of the attack. A party of men were
+bringing a huge mangonel ashore from one of the galleys, and setting
+it in position, prepared to bombard the house with heavy stones, each
+capable of tearing a jagged hole in the stonework. At the same time,
+the French archers advanced on all sides with wisps of burning tow
+affixed to the heads of their arrows.
+
+At a score paces from the house stood a solitary gnarled trunk of a
+dead tree, and towards this the bowman cast a hasty yet anxious
+glance. Then noting with satisfaction that the little wind there was
+blew from that direction, he gave a sigh of relief.
+
+In the meanwhile the men about the mangonel had set the powerful
+spring, and a mass of rock lay poised on the gigantic spoon, awaiting
+only the release of the engine to cast the deadly missile towards the
+doomed house.
+
+In terrible suspense the garrison crouched behind the stoutest part
+of the masonry, expecting each moment to find the huge stone crashing
+over their heads.
+
+The noise of the spring as it was released could be distinctly heard,
+then with a whirlwind of dust the stone struck the ground at a short
+distance from the house and rolled harmlessly against the wall.
+
+The next discharge sent the projectile fairly into the roof, knocking
+away the greater part and half filling the house with fragments of
+rafters, beams, and thatch.
+
+"'Twill be less thatch to burn!" remarked Buckland encouragingly,
+though the moral effect of the mangonel was beginning to tell.
+
+Suddenly there was a crash that shook the building to its
+foundations, and amid a shower of stones and dust a piece of rock
+forced its way into a corner of the building, leaving a gap a bow's
+length in width, through which the daylight streamed in, dazzling the
+defenders with the sudden change from semi-darkness.
+
+At the same time a shower of firebrands descended on the remains of
+the roof, and in a moment the house was enveloped in flames.
+
+"We are lost!" shouted one and another of the little garrison in
+dismay. "Let us sally out and die like men, rather than rats in a
+trap!"
+
+But the master-bowman, cool and collected in the hour of trial, shook
+his head, and, shouting--for the din was deafening--to his comrades
+to bear a hand, he seized an iron bar and attacked a large flag in
+the floor, plying the tool with skill and celerity.
+
+The square stone was dislodged, disclosing a gaping hole in the
+ground, the top of a rough ladder being dimly visible against its
+edge.
+
+"Down with ye!" he shouted, and once more hope sprang up in the
+breast of the despairing men. One by one they vanished into the
+chasm, till only Redward, Dick, and the unconscious Walter Bevis
+remained.
+
+There was not a moment to be lost; the flames were already scorching
+their hair and clothing, while the thick, suffocating fumes caused
+them to gasp and splutter. Raising their wounded comrade, the other
+two men lowered him into the arms of those who had already gained
+safety. Dick then descended, but Redward, after giving a glance at
+the attackers, who still maintained a respectful distance, suddenly
+stooped, dragging the body of the hapless French knight across the
+floor, and dropped it down the hole. Then he swiftly followed,
+pausing for a moment to draw a large, steel-plated shield over the
+aperture, and joined his companions in the security of their
+underground chamber.
+
+For a while they remained motionless, as if unable to realise the
+turn of fortune, and listening to the dull roar of the flames and the
+muffled crash of the falling timbers, while the confined air grew hot
+as the furnace overhead grew fiercer, and the clammy atmosphere of
+the vault began to give off a humid vapour.
+
+"Silence!" said Redward sternly, as some of the men began to talk
+excitedly. "Or, if ye do speak, speak only in whispers; for if the
+rascals discover us they'll smoke us out."
+
+Through a narrow shaft at the far end of the chamber a streak of
+light faintly filtered, and ere long the men's eyes became accustomed
+to the darkness. The underground room was about ten paces by four,
+with a stone-vaulted ceiling. A rough wall of later date cut off one
+end, but it was evident that this apartment was at one time a portion
+of a subterranean tunnel which, it was rumoured, led from the church
+towards the Abbey of Netley, but for some reason was uncompleted.
+
+Again motioning his friends to keep silent, Buckland walked over to
+the shaft, and, ascending by a rough wooden ladder, gained the hollow
+trunk of the decayed tree, where, without being seen, he could
+observe the movements of the invaders.
+
+Four blackened walls and a heap of smoking timbers was all that
+remained of what was but a short time back his home. Satisfied by
+destroying the house and, as they thought, its determined inmates,
+the foe had now retired, and were busy preparing a meal, save a few
+of the common soldiers, who were either despoiling the dead of their
+weapons and armour or carrying the wounded back to the shore to
+embark on board the galleys.
+
+Reassuring himself that their presence was unsuspected, the archer
+returned to his companions and reported the state of affairs.
+
+"By St. George, thou hast done a clever thing," said Dick admiringly.
+"But for thee we would have been roast meat ere now. But why didst
+thou keep us without knowledge of the place so long?"
+
+"To make thee fight the more lustily," replied Redward bluntly.
+"Hadst thou but known that an asylum awaited thee, thou wouldst have
+hurried here like a fox to earth, and the Frenchmen, finding the
+house still standing, would have discovered us and burned us out. Do
+I not speak aright?"
+
+"Ay, Master Redward! And 'twas as well ye did!"
+
+"And having, as ye admit, saved your lives, I demand a promise in
+return. I require ye to swear, on pain of forfeiting your eternal
+salvation, that not a word concerning this place shall pass your lips
+to any other living creature. Moreover, if I fail to come out alive,
+my son, Raymond, shall have undisputed possession of this place and
+its contents, for all I have on this earth is now stored herein."
+
+In solemn silence each man, save the still unconscious Walter, took
+the required oath, kissing the hilt of a sword in confirmation of his
+sacred promise. Then, as if a load were lifted off his mind, Redward
+again ascended the shaft to resume his observations.
+
+Slowly the long day passed. The sun was now overhead, yet the
+invaders remained inactive, neither advancing into the country nor
+returning to their ships. Gradually the fires died out, leaving only
+a number of thin columns of smoke, rising into the still sultry air,
+to mark what had but lately been a prosperous English village.
+
+After a while Redward again descended into the vault, his place being
+taken by Will Lightfoot. The opening in the hollow tree only
+commanded the village and the river, so another hole was laboriously
+cut in the trunk so as to look towards Southampton, whence Redward
+expected a speedy arrival of the companies then encamped outside the
+town.
+
+An hour later there was a stir amongst the foreign soldiers. A
+trumpet sounded, and they stood to arms, forming in a line on the
+brow of the hill where Buckland's house formerly stood.
+
+As there was only room for one person in the treetrunk, Lightfoot had
+to announce the movements to his comrades below, and, to their joy,
+they heard him cry out that a vast host of armed men was advancing.
+
+The invaders were unaware of the presence of a large force in the
+neighbourhood, and, dismayed by the numbers of their attackers, they
+turned and fled in a disorderly mob to their boats. At the same time
+the watcher espied the lofty hulls and bellying sails of five English
+ships standing down Southampton Water with the intention of cutting
+off the three hostile galleys.
+
+Barely had the boats made a second journey to the galleys with their
+load of panic-stricken men than a troop of lances, displaying the
+banners of Lord Willoughby and Sir Charles Bassett, came charging
+across the undulating ground and through the smouldering street of
+the village, sweeping aside all opposition and driving the remnant of
+the Genoese and Spaniards into the river.
+
+It was now high tide, and in the treacherous mud scores of the
+miserable wretches died a horrible death, for quarter was neither
+asked nor given. A few of those unencumbered by armour succeeded in
+swimming off to the galleys, though their companions, with abject
+cowardice, thought only of getting to sea, letting many of the
+fugitives drown alongside their ships without even throwing a rope to
+save them.
+
+Close at the heels of the lances came a body of mounted archers, who,
+on arriving at the shore, dismounted and poured volleys of arrows
+into the galleys. Notwithstanding the hail of darts that wrought
+havoc amongst the slaves who banked the oars, the three vessels
+slipped their cables and stood towards the mouth of the river,
+endeavouring to reach Southampton Water before the advancing English
+ships should bar their passage.
+
+The moment had arrived for Buckland and his companions to leave their
+underground refuge. Tying three spears together to form a stout
+battering ram, they applied one end to the mass of metal and charred
+wood that was once a shield, and which formed the door of their
+prison.
+
+With a mighty thrust the obstruction was removed, and through a
+smouldering pile of charred timbers emerged the eight men, their
+faces disfigured with dried blood and blackened with soot and smoke.
+Bevis they left, till, on Redward's suggestion, two of them returned
+and brought him up, semi-conscious and weak from the effect of his
+wounds.
+
+At that moment the companies of the Constable of Portchester and the
+Constable of Southampton came swinging along, the sun shining on
+their arms and accoutrements, while at their head rode Sir John
+Hacket and Walter de Brakkeleye, one of the Bailiffs of Southampton.
+
+"Certes!" exclaimed Sir John, reining in his horse and gazing
+open-eyed with astonishment at Redward and his band. "What have we
+here?"
+
+"Sir Knight," replied Redward, raising the hilt of his sword to his
+battered headpiece, "here thou dost see all that is left of the six
+score inhabitants of Hamble!" And, overcome by the loss of blood from
+no less than six wounds, he reeled and fell heavily on his face
+before the amazed Constable.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE MEN OF HAMPSHIRE AND THE GENOESE GALLEY
+
+
+HAVING given orders to some of his followers to convey the wounded
+men on litters to the shelter of Netley Abbey, the Constable and his
+troops resumed their march to the shore, to aid their advance-guard
+in the pursuit of the galleys.
+
+The lances and mounted archers had already galloped along the right
+bank of the river towards the Salterns at its mouth; while a body of
+men-at-arms crossed the stream by means of the abandoned boats, and
+followed the galleys on the other shore.
+
+As if by magic, the men-at-arms were joined by vast numbers of
+countrymen from the neighbouring villages of Hook, Swanwick,
+Titchfield, and Stubbington. All of them were tolerably good bowmen,
+and from both sides of the stream a well-directed fire of arrows was
+maintained on the fugitive vessels.
+
+The wind, though favourable to the English ships that were rapidly
+nearing the scene of action, was too much abeam to enable the galleys
+to hoist their sails, and the slaves toiled at the oars to gain the
+open water. Thus sped, and with the favouring tide, the vessels
+slipped rapidly past the shore.
+
+Many an anxious eye was turned towards the advancing English ships,
+and many an opinion was offered upon the foreigners' chances, for
+once they weathered the long mud spit, their sails would be hoisted
+and their superior speed would soon bear them out of sight.
+
+Holding their own, yet scarcely able to reply to the stinging hail of
+arrows, the three galleys bore steadily onwards. The foremost,
+bearing the red cross of Genoa emblazoned upon its lofty stern, led
+the forlorn procession, a Spaniard being second, while in the rear
+floundered a French vessel, one of the famous fleet of Sluys, her
+sides, like those of her consorts, bristling with English arrows.
+
+Soon the leading vessel, ill-judging her distance, turned towards the
+Solent, hoisting her huge sail, on which flamed the arms of Luigi
+Spinola. Shouts of anger and disappointment rose from the English as
+they saw the sail drawing, and the hated Genoese cleaving through the
+water with increased speed. But their cries quickly turned into a
+roar of delight as the galley ran hard and fast upon the treacherous
+and unseen mud-bank, her mast going by the board with a resounding
+crash!
+
+In spite of the frantic efforts of the rowers, the crew were unable
+to back the long, snake-like hull from the deadly embrace of the mud,
+and with the fast falling tide it was evident that the galley was
+doomed to capture.
+
+Taking warning from their consort's misfortune, the other vessels
+gave her a wide berth, and, avoiding the mud spit, turned
+south-eastward. The Spaniard hoisted her sail with all speed, the
+white foam flying from her sharp bows; but the French galley, having
+had her halliards cut through by a chance bolt, was soon overhauled
+by the Southampton ships.
+
+In less than five minutes she was boarded on both quarters and
+carried, the Frenchmen being either slain or driven overboard, and
+the watchers on shore beheld the Cross of St. George hoisted over the
+Fleur-de-Lys. A fanfare of trumpets from the conquering vessels
+announced that the English mariners had again proved themselves
+worthy of their traditions.
+
+The prize and three of the English ships anchored to await a
+favourable tide to bear them back to the town of Southampton, while
+the two remaining vessels stood towards the stranded galley of Genoa.
+The tide had now left her high and dry, with a slight list towards
+the sea, at two hundred paces from the nearest shore. The
+deep-draughted English ships could not approach within that distance,
+so they were compelled to cast anchor within easy bow-shot.
+
+Under the terrible cross-fire the galley remained, her crew seeking
+shelter from the shower of arrows, not daring to show so much as a
+hair above the low bulwarks.
+
+[Illustration: BOARDING THE GENOESE GALLEY]
+
+"By our Lady! The rogues lie close," exclaimed the Constable. "'Tis
+but a waste of good arrows. And yet we must have at them ere long,
+for already the sun is low in the heavens."
+
+"Once darkness falls they will, of a surety, escape, for with the
+next tide they can make across the shallows, where our ships dare not
+follow," replied the Bailiff.
+
+"If I mistake not, they left a mangonel behind them----"
+
+"Ay; but 'twould take a good five hours to bring it hither."
+
+Sir John saw the truth of this statement, and puckered his brows in
+his perplexity.
+
+"Craving thy pardon, sir," said a grizzled man-at-arms, standing
+within earshot of the two officers, "I know how the galley can be
+held till the morrow."
+
+"How so, sirrah?" demanded the Constable.
+
+"For over thirty years I was a marshman of Poole----"
+
+"Forbear to speak of what thou hast been," replied Sir John Hacket
+curtly, "and tell us what thou dolt propose to do."
+
+"As a marshman I know how to walk over this mud. Give me leave, with
+five of my comrades, and I'll warrant that the galley will never
+float again."
+
+"How can the man possibly reach the vessel by walking on the mud?"
+demanded Lord Willoughby, who at that moment had joined the Constable
+in order to confer with him on a plan of action. "Even now two score
+or more of the knaves lie swallowed up by the filthy slime."
+
+"Let him have his way, my Lord," replied the Constable; "and," he
+added, addressing the soldier, "get ye gone, and do your work
+quickly. A rose-noble apiece shall be your reward if ye succeed."
+
+The man-at-arms departed, and, with his chosen comrades, crossed the
+river and followed the bank till they came as close to the galley as
+they could without leaving the firm ground.
+
+Here they divested themselves of their armour, and, clad in their
+leather jerkins, gripping no other weapon but a heavy hammer and a
+short iron spike apiece, they looked more like peaceful village
+smiths than soldiers setting out on a desperate venture.
+
+From the rude huts where the Hamble fishermen kept their stores came
+a man bearing a dozen square boards, each having four small holes
+bored through it with leathern thongs attached. These the
+men-at-arms, with the quickness of frequent use, bound to their feet.
+
+"Are ye ready, comrades?"
+
+A gruff yet determined assent was given, and the men, walking with
+short, ungainly steps, gained the edge of the mud.
+
+"Now, hark ye," exclaimed their leader, turning to the master-bowman
+who commanded the archers, "give the word that the bowmen keep up a
+dropping fire to cover our approach. And I pray thee, let no man
+shoot who cannot be depended upon, for, little as I reck a shaft in
+fair fight, I am not in a mind to be feathered in the back by an
+English arrow!"
+
+The sun was now low down beyond the dark outlines of the New Forest,
+shining straight into the eyes of the archers. Nevertheless, they
+shot rapidly and well, the arrows making graceful curves as they sped
+towards the mark. No sign of life was visible on board the Genoese
+ship, as slowly and steadily the six men-at-arms plodded, with their
+boards squelching in the liquid mud, towards their goal.
+
+As they drew near, the covering volleys ceased; but, suspecting a ruse
+to draw them from shelter, the Genoese refused to show themselves.
+Thus, without opposition, the Englishmen reached the shelter of the
+lofty hull of the stranded galley, so that they were protected by her
+bulging sides from any missile the enemy might launch overboard.
+
+Soon the terrified crew were still more panic-stricken by hearing a
+succession of dull blows against their ship's side. Lustily swinging
+their mauls as well as their precarious foothold would allow, the
+Englishmen drove their iron spikes deep into the seams of the doomed
+vessel. Oaken tree-nails and iron bolts were unable to stand the
+wrench, and in a few moments a gaping hole four ells in length and a
+span in breadth proved that the boast of the man-at-arms that the
+galley would never again float was an accomplished fact.
+
+But now the startled crew were lashed into active resistance. Over
+the side, lowered by stout ropes, came the figure of a man fully clad
+in plate armour--the dreaded Luigi Spinola himself. Though deprived
+of the sight of one eye and nearly blind in the other--thanks to
+Redward Buckland's reception at the attack on his house--the Genoese
+knight could dimly see the forms of his attackers, and that sufficed.
+
+Before the Englishmen could realise their danger the keen blade of
+the Italian had cleft the skull of the nearest. Preventing himself
+from turning like a sack at the end of a rope, Spinola stretched out
+his left hand to steady himself against the side of the vessel, while
+he raised his right arm to repeat the deadly stroke. One of the
+men-at-arms seized his opportunity, and floundering in on the
+knight's blind side, smashed his gauntleted left hand into a
+shapeless mass by a blow from his maul.
+
+With a roar of agony and fury his arm fell helpless against his side,
+his body swung round, and in a moment the heavy hammer again
+descended, this time on the visor of the knight's bascinet. With a
+groan the Genoese died--literally at the rope's end; and, their work
+accomplished, the five Englishmen began their hazardous retreat,
+leaving the body of their hapless companion slowly sinking in the
+pitiless mire.
+
+Again the covering flight of arrows sped towards the galley; but, with
+the courage of despair, some of the Genoese crossbowmen sprang upon
+the towering forecastle and fired at the retreating men-at-arms. One
+of the latter fell with a heavy bolt between his shoulder-blades;
+another had a shaft completely transfixing his arm, while their
+intrepid leader was menaced by two of the best crossbowmen of the
+galley.
+
+By pure chance a stray arrow pierced the brain of one of the Genoese
+just as he was about to pull the trigger. As he fell he struck his
+companion, whose aim was affected by the sudden jolt, and the quarrel
+flew aimlessly over the Englishmen's heads.
+
+Unable to stand against the arrows of the English bowmen, the
+remainder of the Genoese again sought shelter in the waist, and, amid
+the cheers of their comrades, the four men-at-arms regained the
+shore.
+
+All that night the English slept on their arms, sentinels being
+posted to give the alarm should any of the foemen attempt to leave
+their water-logged craft. It was a still, moonless night, and the
+time of spring tides, and as the water ran inch by inch over the
+waist of the doomed galley, the watchers could distinctly hear the
+cries and lamentations, and appeals to the saints, borne on the night
+air from the demoralised Crew, as they clustered in frightened groups
+upon the raised forecastle and poop.
+
+At break of day the Englishmen stood at their arms and gazed seaward.
+There, in the same place, lay the galley, though sunk a little lower
+in the mud, while her sides were covered with seaweed that on the now
+falling tide had been caught by the arrows which bristled in her
+sides.
+
+Plenty of provisions were brought in from the countryside for the
+English forces, and, seated round roaring fires, for the morning air
+was sharp even for the time of year, the archers and men-at-arms ate
+and were merry, while the famished and disheartened Genoese, their
+stores spoiled by the water in the hold, gazed despairingly on their
+implacable enemies.
+
+The Constable of Portchester and the Bailiff of Southampton crossed
+the river about three hours after daybreak, and visited the troops on
+the east side of the stream, their arrival being greeted with
+acclamation.
+
+Calling the remnant of the men-at-arms who had so effectually
+performed their hazardous task, Sir John Hacket thanked them before
+their comrades and bestowed upon them the promised guerdon.
+
+"We have these Genoese rascals safe enough!" exclaimed the Constable.
+"But what do they?"
+
+At that moment there were signs of activity in the galley. Men were
+busily engaged in cutting away the broken mast and its tangled gear
+and cordage, while others were seen to be dividing the great sail
+into long strips.
+
+"They mean to stop the leaks by nailing the flaxen cloth over the
+outside," replied Walter de Brakkeleye. "Then, perchance, they can
+float off on the next tide."
+
+"But to what purpose?" questioned the knight. "With our two ships
+lying in the stream how can they, without mast and sail, hope to
+escape?"
+
+"I know not, Sir Knight, except it be to forestall the end, and they
+would close with us."
+
+"Then, I pray you, make them desist. A score of archers will keep
+them in play; in the meantime send mounted messengers along the banks
+to order every boat in the river to be sent down without delay!"
+
+These orders were promptly carried out, and long before the next high
+water twenty open boats of all sizes were lying off the Hard, while
+the Constable had already summoned the masters of the two Southampton
+ships to confer with them on the plan of attack.
+
+"By St. George!" exclaimed Sir John, "I already see the remnants of
+these foreign scoundrels under lock and key in the King's Castle of
+Portchester!"
+
+"Nay, by the Rood!" replied Walter Brakkeleye; "for I have sworn that,
+ere to-morrow's sun hath set, the rogues will grace a line of gibbets
+outside the Water Gate of Southampton!"
+
+"Ah, an' ye would flout my authority?" demanded the choleric knight.
+"Am I, Constable of Portchester and Governor of the town of
+Portsmouth, to be overridden by a mere Bailiff of Southampton?"
+
+"But the galley now lies in this river, which is within my
+bailiwick," retorted Brakkeleye stoutly. "Nay, she lies on the other
+side of the low water channel, which, you will accept, is within the
+bailiwick of Titchfield. That being so, as Governor I hold authority
+over that half of the river."
+
+The dispute waxed hot, the question of precedence outweighing the
+common cause of destroying a national foe. To what length the
+disputants would have gone it is impossible to say, but the opportune
+arrival of Lord Willoughby and Sir Charles Bassett settled the wordy
+strife.
+
+"'Tis our duty to settle our account with the Genoese," quoth Lord
+Willoughby. "And as ye both claim the river and all it contains,
+methinks your difference is best settled thus--all the prisoners
+taken on this side shall belong to the Bailiff of Southampton; all
+those who are taken on yonder side Sir John can hale to the castle of
+Portchester. Now be content and sink your differences in a common
+cause."
+
+This they agreed to, little knowing that neither authority would in
+the end claim a single Genoese.
+
+Directly the tide served the boats were filled with men-at-arms and
+archers, and a long procession rowed down the stream to carry the
+galley by escalade, a mantlet being raised in each boat to protect
+the men from any arrows or bolts that might assail them.
+
+Already the sea was four feet deep over the mud, and the galley, her
+waist full of water and her bulwarks awash amidships, resembled two
+lofty castles joined by a low wooden wall.
+
+Grim and determined, though faint with hunger and fatigue, the
+Genoese stood to their arms. Knowing that death in some form awaited
+them, they preferred to die in the heat of battle to dangling from a
+gallows. On the aftercastle, or poop, stood Guido and Andrea Spinola,
+brothers of the ill-fated Luigi, with two score men-at-arms and a
+number of lightly-armed slaves, though the latter were not to be
+relied upon. On the forecastle nearly a like number clustered round
+Simon and Chigi Doria, brothers of the famous Rafaele Doria, the
+ruler of the State of Genoa.
+
+On the approach of the English the trumpets blared a note of
+defiance, and the noble leaders, drawing their swords, cast their
+scabbards into the sea as a sign that they scorned to give or accept
+quarter.
+
+The poop, being nearest the deep water, was the first object of
+attack. The English archers fired but one volley, then, casting aside
+their bows, drew sword or grasped their hammers and axes and made
+ready to spring directly the boats ran alongside the galley.
+
+A huge stone, thrown from the highest part of the after-castle, came
+crashing through the bottom of the first boat, which instantly sank.
+Those of her crew who were unable to maintain their foothold on the
+submerged boat perished miserably in the mud and water, for those in
+the other boats, filled with the mad desire of fight, paid slight
+heed to their misfortunes, being only intent on gaining a foothold on
+their enemy's decks.
+
+In a short space the after-part of the galley was surrounded by nine
+large boats, while the remaining ten headed for the forecastle, and
+with shouts of fury the English strove to effect an entrance.
+
+The lofty sides and stern rendered their task very difficult and
+hazardous, the Genoese striking lustily with sword, axe, and mace
+whenever a foeman's head appeared, and it was not until, by Sir John
+Hacket's order, a portion of the amidship bulwarks were cut through
+and some of the boats floated over the submerged waist, that a living
+Englishman stood on the decks of the Genoese.
+
+Headed by the Constable, a party of men-at-arms carried the poop
+ladder by a determined rush and gained the poop. Here they were met
+by Guido and Andrea Spinola and some of the best swordsmen amongst
+the Genoese, and for a while a fierce struggle ensued, though,
+profiting by the diversion, another party of Englishmen secured a
+foothold on the stern of the galley.
+
+Unable to withstand the sweeping blows of the Constable's sword, the
+Genoese gave back, two of their number going down with their
+headpieces shattered and their skulls cleft to the chin, and Guido
+and Andrea alone remained in the van to bar the Englishman's passage.
+
+With lightning rapidity their blades met, Sir John warding off the
+double attack with marvellous skill. Suddenly the elder brother,
+putting all his strength into the blow, delivered a mighty stroke
+with his heavy sword at the Constable's head.
+
+Stepping nimbly aside, the knight avoided the deadly sweep of the
+weapon, and ere the Italian could recover himself Sir John cut him
+through the gorget till the blade met the top of his enemy's
+breastplate.
+
+Guido fell forward, and the Constable, unable to withdraw his weapon
+from the corpse, was obliged to relinquish his sword and take to his
+mace. With this ponderous instrument of offence Sir John pressed his
+antagonist so strongly that the latter could but attempt to guard
+himself. At last, with a crashing blow, the Englishman beat down the
+defence of the Genoese, shattering his sword and crushing his helmet
+like an egg-shell.
+
+Disheartened by the fall of both their leaders, and pressed before
+and behind by increasing numbers, the Genoese retreated till they
+gathered in a small ring of steel, surrounded by their incensed
+attackers. Fighting to the last, they fell, till none but those
+wearing the surcoat of St. George stood upon the after-castle, and
+close on five score bodies littered the narrow blood-stained poop.
+
+By the Constable's order one of his squires displayed his banner, and
+this was the signal for a hearty cheer from the crews of the two
+Southampton ships and the crowd of armed men on shore.
+
+But the combat was not yet over. Those of the forecastle still
+stoutly resisted, and as yet none of the Southampton men, headed by
+the brave and impetuous Walter de Brakkeleye, had gained any
+advantage, though, by the Bailiff's order, some of the archers had
+rowed a short distance off, firing anew on the Genoese whenever they
+attempted to show themselves above the side.
+
+With the fall of the after-castle, the Genoese were additionally
+assailed by the English bowmen, who now held the captured part of the
+galley; and, on the arrival of a fresh supply of arrows, the deadly
+hail smote the scanty remnant, who strove in vain to seek shelter.
+
+At length, when no one was left standing upon the forecastle, the
+English men-at-arms rushed the hardwon stronghold, mercilessly
+killing those who yet remained alive, and casting their bodies
+overboard, and the shattered galley was given to the flames.
+
+Then, with shouts and rejoicings, the soldiers returned to the shore.
+The countrymen dispersed to their homes, the two English ships
+hoisted sail and made for Southampton, whither Lord Willoughby's
+lances had already gone. The Constable of Portchester and the Bailiff
+of Southampton marshalled their followers, and marched through the
+devastated village towards their camp at Woolston.
+
+All that was left to mark the raid were the charred remains of what
+had been a prosperous hamlet and the blazing timbers of the
+once-dreaded galley of Luigi Spinola.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+AT THE ABBEY
+
+
+CALM and peaceful appeared the grey Abbey to the war-worn defenders,
+as, carried in litters or supported by the men of the Constable of
+Portchester's company, the nine archers passed through the great
+gateway.
+
+The vesper bell had just ceased its tuneful tolling, and in its place
+rose the deep, lusty voices of the monks, who, having completed yet
+another day of hard manual labour, were uniting once more in prayer
+and thanksgiving.
+
+For awhile, save for the porter, a lay brother of gigantic size and
+jovial mien, the secular portions of the Abbey were deserted, but the
+arrival of this host of rough soldiers and their wounded charges
+contrasted ill with the pious solitude of the place.
+
+The Cistercian Abbey, founded as the Priory of Saints Mary and Edward
+in 1237, was at that time in the zenith of its prosperity. Favoured
+by royal charters, the natural zeal of the monks exerted itself to
+such an extent that within a few years of its birth the Abbey bade
+fair to outshine its parent foundation at Beaulieu, and a large
+triple-aisled church, a sumptuous Abbot's house, lofty dormitories,
+architecturally perfect cloisters, a number of extensive
+outbuildings, and two artificial fish-ponds testified to the work of
+these pioneers of civilisation.
+
+Awed by the solemnity of their surroundings, the soldiers clustered
+in small, silent knots, looking around with open-mouthed astonishment
+at the unaccustomed beauty of the delicate architecture and listening
+to the distant chanting of the monks.
+
+If an archer dared even to whisper his comrades silenced him by a
+look, while, when a man-at-arms dropped his short spear on the tiled
+floor, the culprit stooped, picked up the weapon guiltily, and
+crossed himself for very shame.
+
+At length the singing ceased, the doors of the church were thrown
+wide open, and out came a long line of grey-gowned monks, walking two
+and two with bent heads and downcast eyes, while at the rear of the
+procession came the Sub-Prior and the Abbot. The former was a
+comfortable-looking, well-fed personage, with a benign countenance
+that neither fast nor penance could subdue, while the Abbot, a tall,
+gaunt man with wan features, redeemed by a pair of glittering eyes,
+looked a man whose natural sternness was increased by the strict
+rigidity of a celibate.
+
+Immediately the soldiers drew themselves up into two lines, looking
+straight in front in military style, though as the Abbot passed they
+bent their heads to receive his benison, even the wounded, save
+Walter Bevis, standing unaided to share in the blessing.
+
+It was a stirring and picturesque sight. The grey stones of the
+arched cloisters, the green patch of grass in the cloister court, and
+the still evening quiet were fitting surroundings for a procession of
+monks as their sandals clattered on the tiled floor; but the white
+surcoats bearing the red cross, the armour and weapons of the
+soldiers, and the pallid features of the wounded bespeaking strife
+and suffering, presented a strange contrast to the peacefulness of
+the Abbey.
+
+Attended by two novices, the Abbot presently returned, and, learning
+the cause of the unusual visit, gave orders for the wounded men to be
+taken care of in the Abbey infirmary. He had already learned of the
+sack and burning of Hamble, but the deed of Redward Buckland and his
+comrades moved him greatly, and he desired to speak with the
+master-bowman.
+
+Redward, his head still bound with a blood-stained bandage, was led
+before the Abbot. He had removed his steel cap, and the dying
+sunlight played on his thickly-cropped head and heightened the
+reddish hue of his beard. The Abbot gave an involuntary start of
+recognition, but, composing himself, he asked:
+
+"How art thou, my son? I see thou art sore hurt."
+
+"Nay, Father, it is but a scratch."
+
+"A brave man to speak so lightly of so great a matter. And thou didst
+keep the press of enemies back till help arrived?"
+
+"'Twas also a little matter, seeing we were behind stout walls."
+
+"And yet, by God's grace, thy valour saved us."
+
+"Saved you, Father?"
+
+"Yea, my son. Saved the priory of the blessed Saints Mary and Edward;
+for, had ye not been there to bar the way, the Frenchmen would of a
+certainty have ravaged our holy retreat."
+
+"This knowledge is beyond my understanding, yet, the saints be
+praised, I was but an instrument to that end."
+
+"The gratitude of us all is due to you, my son, and if in any way we
+can render thee a service, do but ask it. Thou'rt weary; return to thy
+friends and rest well."
+
+The master-bowman bent his head for the Abbot's blessing, then he
+turned and hobbled slowly back to join his comrades.
+
+Great was the astonishment and delight of the monks, on washing the
+thick cake of dried blood, slime, and soot from the face of their
+youngest patient, to find that it was none other than their late
+novice, Raymond, whose wound--a deep cut in his left shoulder--had
+been skilfully dressed by the monks, to whom surgery was a special
+feature of their work. He was now sleeping peacefully, a draught of
+cooling medicine having completely taken away all symptoms of fever.
+
+Walter Bevis, his leg swathed in bandages, was lying on a pallet, his
+eyes rolling and his hands tightly clenched as he strove to suppress
+a groan. Already he was in a state of semi-delirium, and in spite of
+the constant attention of two of the monks, he strove at intervals to
+rise from his couch and fly at some imaginary foe.
+
+As for the rest, with the exception of Will Lightfoot, who was busily
+devouring a platter of soup, they all were sleeping off the effects
+of a terrible mental strain. Submitting himself to the hands of two
+of the brethren, Redward had his injuries dressed, and was cleansed
+from the effects of the fire and battle; then, staggering to a couch,
+he lay down and was soon lost in dreamless sleep.
+
+The sun was high in the heavens ere Buckland awoke, feeling vastly
+refreshed and filled with renewed energy. His first inquiry was for
+his son and his comrades, then for the latest tidings of the raiders.
+
+On this latter point he could not be enlightened, save that a mounted
+messenger had passed the Abbey that morning without drawing rein.
+Though giving no news by word of mouth, the man had shown by a
+gesture that the English had been successful, though at that time the
+fate of the Genoese galley had not yet been decided.
+
+One by one the wounded archers began to awaken, till all, save
+Raymond and Bevis, were up and about. For some time Redward sat by
+his son's bedside, looking anxiously at his pale and pain-racked
+features.
+
+The master-bowman was torn by conflicting emotions. On the one hand
+he wanted to be again on the scene of action to revenge himself on
+his enemies--for the destruction of his home, and also to take steps
+to safeguard his chattels that lay in the underground chamber. On the
+other hand, he felt it impossible to tear himself away from his son,
+in whose welfare he was so much absorbed, till he was satisfied that
+there was no cause for anxiety on his account.
+
+While deep in this mental debate Redward was summoned by a novice to
+proceed to the private apartment of the Abbot.
+
+Following closely at the heels of his guide, Buckland was ushered
+into a room which, in the frigid plainness of its appearance,
+differed little from the cells of the ordinary brethren, only it was
+larger.
+
+The stone floor was strewn with rushes, and the walls were bare and
+unbroken, save for two narrow lancet windows and the low,
+Gothic-arched door by which the archer entered. In the centre of the
+room stood a plain oaken table, on which was a small ivory crucifix,
+which, together with a number of richly-bound books of illuminated
+vellum--the most highly-prized objects within the monastery
+walls--gave a fitting setting to the gaunt figure of the stern yet
+revered Abbot. Two heavy wooden stools completed the furniture of the
+apartment, one of which was for the head of the Abbey himself, the
+other for the use of any visitor of equal or higher rank; otherwise,
+all who were called into the presence of the Abbot were obliged to
+stand, with bent head, patiently waiting to be addressed, and not
+daring to speak save when spoken to.
+
+"Well, my son," quoth the Abbot, after the customary benediction had
+been given. "I have a small matter of which I would speak. Raymond,
+thy son, was until recently with us as a novice."
+
+"Yes, Father."
+
+"But thou didst send for him?"
+
+"I could not do without him."
+
+"Yet he was ill spared by us a youth of much promise. Did he not ask
+to be allowed to take the vows of chastity and obedience?"
+
+"Nay, Father."
+
+"What, then, is in thy mind with regard to his up-bringing?"
+
+"But two days agone he did ask to go with me to the wars."
+
+"Alas! Alack!" groaned the Abbot, speaking half to his visitor, half
+to himself. "To think that one brought up in the sanctity of this
+place should have a mind for the horror of war! It but shows that
+men's minds are by nature inclined to strife, and that we must ever
+be subduing the desires of malice and hatred, which, though dormant
+for years, are too often ready to burst forth with renewed strength.
+Ah me! And I did think Raymond was a brand plucked from the burning.
+Thinkst thou that 'tis not too late to turn him from his purpose and
+bring him into the brotherhood?"
+
+"Father," replied the master-bowman earnestly, "many a time have I
+pondered the matter over in my heart, for he is very dear to me. In
+my wanderings I knew him to be in safe keeping in this peaceful
+place, yet I look to my son as a tried companion of my old age, for I
+have no other kith or kin in the world. To the wars he would go, yet
+Heaven forfend that ill should happen to him."
+
+"But if he wish to stay?"
+
+"Then he may do so, though as a monk he will be as far from me as
+ever."
+
+"Then he shall be asked, my son. Should he remain with us the Order
+profiteth; should he go Franceward, then the saints be with him and
+bring him safely home again. But, I ask," he added, fixing his dark
+eyes intently on the archer, "when Raymond left us didst thou fetch
+him away?"
+
+"Nay, Father, I----"
+
+"Then where have I met thee before?"
+
+For a moment a pallor, quickly succeeded by a deep flush, overspread
+the tanned features of the master-bowman, and his mind travelled back
+for nigh two score years. Then in quick, short sentences he replied,
+telling the story of the tragedy which had darkened his life.
+
+"Ah! I thought my memory played me not false," returned the Abbot.
+"But of that enough! I knew it! And, for an archer, thou art
+certainly apt in speech. Canst read?"
+
+"Yea, Father."
+
+"And write?"
+
+"Yea, Father. Many a time have I acted as scrivener to Sir John
+Hacket, the Constable of the Castle of Portchester."
+
+"'Tis well; and rest assured, my son, that, by my holy calling, no
+word of thy past shall fall from my lips."
+
+"And there is another small matter of which I would speak," said
+Redward.
+
+The Abbot frowned, for the archer had taken the initiative, but,
+nevertheless, he signed for Redward to continue.
+
+"When we are gone to the wars," quoth the archer, "'twill be
+necessary for me to leave my small belongings in safe keeping, and no
+better place can I think of than this Abbey."
+
+"Think not to turn this holy place into a house of merchandise, my
+son!"
+
+"Nay, Father, not merchandise, but treasure."
+
+"Treasure?" interrupted the Abbot, his interest kindling. "How say
+you?"
+
+"Ay, a trifle saved from the wreck of my past, together with a little
+I have amassed during some twenty years of wandering. Of a surety I
+would offer the Abbey a good percentum for the care thereof, together
+with the right to retain all profits from its use."
+
+"My son, thou art generous to Holy Mother Church."
+
+"Nay, but I go farther. Should aught amiss happen to Raymond or me,
+the whole of my worldly goods I leave to the Abbey, without
+condition."
+
+"Then, my son, I accept, in the name of the Order, the charge
+confided to us. I will see to it this instant that Brother Aloysius,
+our scribe, will draft the agreement thereunto." And going to the
+door, the Abbot, his eyes shining at the thought of adding to the
+treasury, rang a bell that brought one of the lay servitors hastening
+to his presence.
+
+"Bring Brother Aloysius hither."
+
+With little loss of time the scrivener arrived, and the agreement was
+drawn up and signed. This done, the Abbot dismissed Redward, and,
+once more alone, leaned back in his chair with intense satisfaction.
+
+Keep Raymond within the Abbey, let him take the oaths of the Order,
+and all would be well. The Abbey would benefit considerably, for,
+once a monk, Raymond would be heirless. On the other hand, should
+father and son go to the wars--well, there were chances that they
+might not return, and then----. The Abbot sighed, for, in spite of
+his pious greed, he chid himself for his momentary satisfaction at
+the thought of harm happening to the young man, of whose presence as
+a novice he had many pleasing recollections.
+
+On Redward's return to his son's bedside he found, to his great
+delight, that Raymond was awake.
+
+"How fares it with thee, Raymond?" he asked, taking the lad's limp
+hand in his great palm and gently patting it.
+
+"I feel much better, father, and hope soon to be abroad again."
+
+"I trust so; but I have something to tell thee. Even now the Abbot has
+asked me to let thee stay with him. He himself will ask thee anon."
+
+"But I do not wish to, father. My one desire is to follow the banner
+of the Constable."
+
+"I like thy pluck, Raymond, seeing what thou hast been through. 'Twas
+an ill start for a soldier's life."
+
+"Yet we came out with honour," replied the boy, his eyes glistening
+at the thought of the unequal encounter. "When thinkest thou that we
+shall be able to leave this place?"
+
+"A matter of a few days. For my part, I must hasten back to Hamble to
+gather together the remains of my goods and chattels, and also to
+ease the dead Frenchman of his harness, for 'tis, a goodly suit of
+armour. Also, there is a fair portion of plate and money which I am
+leaving in the care of the Abbot. Some day 'twill be thine, Raymond,
+but of that matter I'll speak more anon."
+
+Towards eventide the peacefulness of the Abbey was disturbed by the
+tramp of armed men--the victorious troops returning to their camp at
+Southampton; and by the Abbot's leave most of the wounded men, with
+their escort of archers, passed out of the gate and lined the dusty
+road to welcome their rescuers and comrades. Even the monks, carried
+away by their feelings, crowded round the gateway to catch a glimpse
+of the gallant companies. News of the capture of one galley and the
+destruction of the other had already reached them, and enthusiasm ran
+high as the bronzed and dust-covered soldiers tramped homewards.
+
+Redward Buckland knew most of the banners of the various companies,
+and imparted his knowledge to his companions, while the archers who
+formed their escort cheered lustily as their fellow-soldiers turned
+to throw out words of pleasant banter.
+
+At length the master-bowman gave a loud shout. "Look, comrades, the
+company of the Constable of Portchester! See the crescent _or_ on a
+field _azure!_"
+
+Marching four abreast, their white surcoats soiled with mud, water,
+and dust, came the Portchester garrison. For, save a few who remained
+to hold the castle and the adjacent town of Portsmouth, the whole of
+Sir John Hacket's men were with the army now encamped at Woolston, on
+the outskirts of Southampton.
+
+At their head rode the fiery knight, attended by his squires, while
+at his bridle-arm, mounted on a white jennet, was Walter de
+Brakkeleye, the Bailiff of Southampton, whose men had already passed
+by. The two leaders were engaged in animated conversation, all traces
+of their bickering on the question of precedence having completely
+vanished.
+
+Suddenly the knight caught sight of the little knot of men outside
+the Abbey gate.
+
+"By the Rood, 'tis my old master-bowman and his party of villagers
+who held the Frenchmen at bay!" he exclaimed. "When I sent them to
+the Abbey I little thought to see any of them out and about so soon."
+
+In obedience to an order, the company halted and faced about. Sir
+John rode up to the little band, who respectfully saluted him,
+following Redward's example in military etiquette.
+
+"By St. George," said the knight, "'tis hard to do justice to your
+bravery; for I have only now had time to ponder over your deeds. But
+this I know--had ye not held the rascals in check the countryside
+would have been laid bare far more than it is."
+
+"But," he went on reflectively, "ye are, for the most part, homeless
+men; why not serve under my banner? Francewards riches and honour
+await you. I'll warrant ye will gain more in one campaign than in a
+lifetime in England. Buckland, I have heard, will rejoin my company.
+He will be, as before, one of my sub-officers, and if ye come with
+him, in his division ye'll be placed. I am loth to lose any of you.
+So who's for an archer's life?"
+
+With one accord Redward's companions signified their eagerness to
+follow the yellow crescent, and Sir John's face beamed with delight
+at their decision. "Then get ye back to the Abbey till ye be
+thoroughly healed of your wounds," he said, "and join the camp as
+soon as possible. I thought aright that the taste of fighting would
+but whet your appetites."
+
+"And you, Hubert," he added, addressing one of his squires, "take
+this purse and present to the Abbot as a token of my esteem for the
+kindly treatment of these men. Also make excuses for me, as the night
+draws on apace."
+
+Then, commanding the archers who had conveyed Redward's party to the
+Abbey to fall in with the rest of his company, Sir John gave the
+order to march. The column moved onwards, leaving behind it the new
+recruits to the banner of the Constable of the King's Castle of
+Portchester.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE SACK OF SOUTHAMPTON
+
+
+Two months have elapsed since Redward Buckland and his companions
+made their gallant stand against the foreign raiders; Raymond had
+developed into a full-fledged archer. Making a rapid recovery from
+his wound, the lad, with his seven companions, joined the Constable's
+banner at Southampton, whither Redward, having settled his affairs,
+had preceded them.
+
+The badly-wounded Bevis made but slow progress; fighting, he
+vehemently declared, was not in his line, so one morning he limped
+slowly through the Abbey gateway to make his way back to Hamble,
+there to rebuild his cottage and again to ply his calling as a
+fisherman.
+
+Lack of money compelled King Edward III. to remain inactive. A tax on
+wool was levied and grudgingly paid, for his subjects, finding that
+no great deed of arms was likely to ensue, lacked the enthusiasm that
+the glorious victories of later years were bound to create. Thus the
+greater part of the huge host was dispersed; many of the troops were
+moved to Rye and Winchelsea, others sent back to their own homes,
+and, save for a few soldiers, the town of Southampton resumed its
+normal appearance.
+
+By the King's special command, however, a portion of Sir John
+Hacket's company was retained at Southampton to man some of the ships
+that were to be fitted out against the rovers who still lingered in
+the Channel, and thus Raymond found himself quartered in Saint
+Barbara's Tower, a small defensive work on the south walls.
+
+Before dealing with the stirring events that happened in this ancient
+and distinguished town, it would be well to briefly describe the
+Southampton of the fourteenth century.
+
+Roughly, the town formed an irregular rectangle, with the
+south-western corner rounded off. On the north side the walls were
+pierced by the Bargate, and protected by several small towers, with a
+larger erection, termed the Polymond Tower, at the northeastern
+angle. The eastern side was defended by a wall nearly 800 yards in
+length, further protected by twenty-seven half-round towers, and
+pierced by the East Gate and two posterns.
+
+On the south the walls were in a somewhat ruinous condition, though
+it ought to have been clear that these were more open to attack. Here
+were two entrances--the God's House Tower gate at the southeastern
+angle and the Water Gate. Several towers added to the defensive works
+at this point, the chief being the God's House Tower, the Watch
+Tower, the Square Tower, St. Barbara's Tower, and the Bugle Tower.
+
+The western face was by far the best protected, the arcaded walls
+being of great height, terminating at Catchcold Tower near the
+north-western angle. Two large gates--West Gate and Biddlesgate--gave
+access to the water-front on the western shore, and in addition were
+several posterns, one of which, the Water Gate, led to the courtyard
+of the Castle, whose keep, a large circular Norman tower standing on
+an artificial mound, dominated the whole town.
+
+Sunday, the 14th of October, 1338, was a black day in the annals of
+Southampton.
+
+A few days previously more of the troops had been withdrawn, thus
+leaving practically only the men of Southampton to guard the town.
+Rumours of a large hostile fleet within the sheltered waters of the
+Solent caused bodies of men to be hastily dispatched to Lepe,
+Lymington, and other neighbouring sea-coast towns, while Sir John
+Hacket, hurriedly summoned to Portsmouth on an urgent matter of
+defence, had taken the greater part of his company with him.
+
+Redward's sub-division was amongst those left at Southampton, but he
+himself had crossed to Hythe, where he hired a horse and rode to the
+town of Lepe to gather tidings of the foemen. Thus there remained of
+his party some two score archers and men-at-arms, under the command
+of Richard Wyatt, the grizzled old warrior who had recognised his old
+comrade Redward at the passage of the Hamble River.
+
+On this particular Sunday a white mist overspread Southampton. So
+dense was the fog that even the oldest inhabitants could not recall
+the like. Raymond and his comrades were busily engaged in overhauling
+their bows and shafts, for on that afternoon a shooting match had
+been arranged between ten men of the Constable's company and ten of
+the town guard of Southampton, for displays of archery were then
+usual at the close of church service.
+
+"A pest take the fog!" grumbled the old man-at-arms. "If it does not
+lift 'twill be too thick to hold the contest."
+
+"Even this room is full of it," cried an archer, twanging his
+bow-string with his thumb. "Look, this cord is as dead as the giant
+Ascupart, whom these Southampton folk brag so much about!"
+
+"At all events, both parties fare alike. If we but win a groat apiece
+the weather can bide--that is, so long as we can see the butts!"
+
+Just then the bells of St. Michael's and the Maison Dieu struck out
+to summon the townspeople to Mass, and soon the streets were teeming
+with gaily dressed folk, all hastening to their respective churches,
+though to the men in the tower they appeared but ghostly shapes
+gliding in the misty air.
+
+"Who will come with me on to the top of the tower?" asked one of the
+archers. "I'd as lief get wet through in the open as perish with cold
+in this fog-laden room."
+
+"I am with thee," replied Raymond.
+
+"And I--and I," said several voices.
+
+Ascending a narrow spiral flight of stone steps, the comrades gained
+the summit of St. Barbara's Tower. Rearing itself sixty feet above
+the ground and thirty feet above the line of battlemented walls, this
+building was crowned by a low breastwork, and roofed with large slabs
+of stone sufficiently sloping to carry off the rainwater, but at the
+same time capable of being walked upon without difficulty.
+
+"Ha! The mist rises a little!" exclaimed one. "Though 'twill be only
+for a time."
+
+"I can perceive the watch-fire," remarked another, indicating the
+dull glow of the burning wood in an open brazier that at night or in
+thick weather was always fired on the summit of the Water Gate.
+
+"Ho! Peterkin--Simon!" shouted a hoarse voice immediately below them.
+"Out on ye for scurvy knaves! Hasten and bring oars, or I'll lay my
+staff athwart your backs!"
+
+"'Tis old John Draper, the water-bailiff," remarked one of the
+archers. "Some vessel hath found her way up the Water, and he's going
+to board her."
+
+They heard the oars tossed into the boat, and the rasping voice of
+the water-bailiff as he descended the stone steps of the quay and
+stepped into the boat. Then the sound of oars straining against the
+tholepins grew fainter and fainter, till the little craft was lost to
+sight and sound in the dense fog.
+
+Suddenly a piercing shriek, followed by the dull noise of a heavy
+splash, fell upon the ears of the archers in the tower.
+
+"What's that?" inquired one, his indifference changed into alert
+activity.
+
+"Nothing, thick head--except, perhaps, that old Draper hath missed
+his foothold and received a ducking!"
+
+"I like it not," replied the first archer. "There's black devilment
+afoot."
+
+"Thou art ever looking for trouble, Hal. Didst ever----"
+
+"Nay, methinks he's right," interrupted Will Lightfoot. "Hearken!"
+
+Leaning over the edge of the parapet the archers strove to ascertain
+the meaning of a subdued splashing that every moment grew louder.
+
+"Oars, comrades, oars! And not a score not two score, either. The
+water's _alive_ with them!"
+
+And now through the mist loomed scores of great indistinct shapes
+that only too soon resolved themselves into the outlines of long
+galleys, their size magnified by the thick veil of vapour. Before the
+astonished archers could realise their danger the huge craft ran
+alongside the quay or beached themselves with a grinding crunch on
+the gravel of the foreshore abreast the Water Gate, and from them
+leaped hordes of armed men, shouting and giving orders in half the
+tongues of Southern Europe.
+
+The surprise was complete. The Water Gate was rushed ere the massive
+gates could be closed, and the foe, with the quickness of martial
+experience, wedged the grooves of the double portcullis to prevent
+the lowering of the heavy iron slides. Into the town they poured,
+slaying all who crossed their path, and before the startled
+inhabitants, most of whom were still at Mass, could grasp the
+situation, close upon five thousand French and Genoese soldiers had
+gained possession of the greater part of the town.
+
+To add to the tumult, the bell over the watchtower began a dismal
+tocsin, and continued till a party of soldiers, climbing to the
+summit, hurled the devoted bellman crashing down upon the stones
+beneath. But other bells took up the warning note, till the Bar Gate,
+at the northern end of Southampton, gave a more timely alarm to the
+dwellers about the upper part of the town.
+
+In the meantime the archers of St. Barbara's Tower, lashed into
+activity by the orders and example of Dick Wyatt, had closed, barred,
+and bolted the great oaken door, and hastily arming themselves,
+ascended the tower, where they crouched, arrow on string, behind the
+low, battlemented parapet.
+
+"Methinks 'tis all up with Southampton," exclaimed the grizzled
+warrior. "But lie close, and do not loose string till they find us
+out."
+
+"But what can we do?"
+
+"Very little till the fog lifts. Then it will be seen, which of the
+towers still hold out."
+
+"Have they carried the Castle, think you?"
+
+"Not if the garrison have had the least warning, and, thank Heaven,
+there's enough noise to waken the Seven Sleepers. Hearken!"
+
+Above the noise of the still disembarking foreign soldiery could be
+heard pitiful screams and cries for mercy, as men, women, and
+children were cut down indiscriminately by the ruthless foe, while a
+distant clash of arms showed that in some quarters of the town the
+invaders were meeting with some amount of resistance.
+
+As if by magic, the mist suddenly rolled away, and the pale October
+sun streamed down upon a sight that was but too common in those days.
+Two score and ten galleys lay along the sea-front, their prows
+touching the shore just as the first high water was beginning to ebb,
+while in mid-stream fifty-five heavier vessels rode at anchor. From
+this powerful fleet close on twelve thousand Normans, Picards,
+Genoese, and Spaniards had landed.
+
+Already the southern portion of the town, with the exception of St.
+Barbara's and God's House Towers, was in their hands. Robert de la
+Barre, one of the bailiffs, held the Castle and the West Gate; Walter
+de Brakkeleye, the other, lay within Catchcold Tower; while through
+the Bar Gate poured a mob of terrified citizens, some of whom fled
+hot-foot even as far as Winchester.
+
+Having made sure of the lower part of the town, the invaders began
+their accustomed excesses, plundering and burning in all directions.
+
+A strong body of Genoese could be seen coming down the road that
+followed the inner side of the South Wall.
+
+"Stand fast, if ye would see to-morrow's sun!" cried the old
+man-at-arms warningly. "And do not give any sign till they discover
+us: then an arrow for each black heart!"
+
+On the opposite side of the street, which, for military reasons, was
+wider than those away from the walls, was a house of superior quality
+to its neighbours. It was a two-storeyed, half-timbered building,
+standing in a large extent of ground. Attracted by its more imposing
+appearance, three of the marauders stopped and began to batter on the
+outer gate with their short, heavy axes.
+
+"'Tis the house of Sir Reginald Scarsdale," quoth one of the archers,
+a Southampton man. "'Tis out of the frying-pan into the fire, I trow,
+with him."
+
+"What dost thou mean?" asked Raymond.
+
+"Why, this: twice his castle in the county of Yorks hath been burned
+by the Scots; so, to keep his womenfolk out of harm's way, he sends
+them down here, while he keeps watch and ward at Berwick."
+
+"His womenfolk?"
+
+"Ay! His wife, the Lady Hilda, and his daughter, the Lady Audrey.
+Pray Heaven they be not in the house!"
+
+"But they are!" exclaimed another. "I heard from one of their
+servants but a few hours back that the old lady was seized with an
+ague. And the younger, a sweet little lass, left to the mercies of
+those wretches! Alas! And we can do nothing!"
+
+Raymond's only reply was to compress his lips tightly and clutch the
+hilt of his short sword. Carefully he peered over the edge of the
+parapet, and looked down on the scene below.
+
+Already the gate was giving way before the lusty blows of the axes.
+Then, throwing his ponderous body against the shattered woodwork, a
+burly Genoese burst the remaining fragments with a resounding crash,
+and, with wild shouts of triumph, the three plunderers rushed across
+the grounds and attacked the door of the house, while the screams of
+terrified women rent the air.
+
+Without a moment's hesitation Raymond seized a coil of rope which was
+used for hauling up materials to the top of the tower, and hastily
+knotted one end round his body. He looked down. The street was now
+clear of any wandering soldiers. Taking his bow and quiver, as well
+as his sword, the youth persuaded his comrades to lower him with all
+despatch.
+
+Round and round he spun in his hazardous descent, till, with bleeding
+hands and a swimming sensation in his head, Raymond found himself on
+the ground. Instantly he unloosed the rope, darted quickly across the
+road and gained the outer gateway.
+
+By this time the inner door had been wrenched open, and the three
+Genoese were holding a debate amongst themselves, gesticulating and
+talking volubly till it seemed as if a quarrel was likely to ensue.
+Finally two entered the house, the third keeping guard outside,
+possibly to prevent any fugitive from leaving, or to keep others of
+their comrades from sharing in what promised to be a rich haul.
+
+Raymond saw and seized his chance. The man's back was turned towards
+him, yet--the raiders being mere pirates and deserving of no
+mercy--without hesitation, the youth drew string, and the next
+instant the soldier was lying on his face, his back pierced by an
+arrow.
+
+Guided by the redoubled sound of shrieks, the lad sped across the
+ground, grasping his drawn sword in his hand, and ascended the stairs
+with quick yet noiseless footsteps.
+
+At the head of the stairs lay the corpse of an old man, evidently a
+servitor, the blood welling in a crimson flood from a gaping wound in
+his throat. Without stopping, Raymond sprang over the body and burst
+into a room whence the shrieks came with terrifying shrillness.
+
+There a sight met his gaze that transformed him into a terrible
+avenging spirit rather than a human being. On the floor lay an
+elderly lady, her eyes rolling in semi-stupor, while the two ruffians
+were maltreating a young and beautiful girl, whose age could not have
+been more than sixteen. In spite of her furious struggles and
+piercing cries the two Genoese were dragging her out of the room, and
+her strength was well-nigh exhausted.
+
+With a loud shout of anger Raymond rushed upon the two men, who were
+totally unprepared for any onslaught while engaged in their work of
+cruelty and rapine. A strong sweeping blow with his sword and one of
+the villains fell lifeless to the ground, but, before the young
+archer could strike again, the second turned upon him, and in a
+moment both were struggling on the floor in a deadly embrace, the
+Genoese, a great lusty fellow, being uppermost. Raymond still
+retained his sword, though unable to shorten it, while his enemy
+strove to draw a dagger that he wore at his belt. Seeing this the lad
+dropped his sword and grasped the other's wrist, while, in turn,
+Raymond's arm was gripped to prevent him from drawing his own knife.
+
+At length the weight of his foeman's body began to tell, and slowly
+the breath was forced out of the lad's lungs by the relentless
+pressure. Raymond thought that the end was near, his face was turning
+black, red lights flashed across his eyes, and, as in a dream, he saw
+the Genoese wrench his hand free from the retaining grasp and seize
+the hilt of his dagger.
+
+"Flee!" gasped Raymond, glancing towards the maiden, and he had
+steeled himself to receive the expected _coup de grace_, suddenly he
+felt his enemy's body grow limp and a flood of hot blood rained upon
+his face.
+
+Struggling to his feet, faint, dazed, and unable for the moment to
+realise that it was not his own life's blood, Raymond gazed vacantly
+upon the body of his foeman. Then, as his scattered senses began to
+return, the youth realised that his miraculous deliverance was due to
+the prompt action of the girl to whose aid he had flown; for seeing
+how matters were turning, and desperate for her own and her rescuer's
+safety, she had possessed herself of the dagger of the slain ruffian
+and had plunged it up to the hilt in the neck of the other.
+
+For the first time Raymond could take notice of the girl. Looking at
+her white face, he could see that she was a maiden of quality and
+unquestionable beauty. As she stood there, with flashing eyes and the
+reeking dagger in her hand, she seemed in the eyes of the young
+archer like one of the mythological heroines of whom he had read in
+the library of the Abbey. But with the sense of safety came the
+inevitable reaction. She dropped the knife, and, falling beside her
+mother, burst into tears.
+
+Raymond, in spite of his inexperience, saw only too clearly that the
+elder lady was beyond pain and suffering.
+
+"Come," he said gently. "We must needs go quickly. Thy mother is--"
+He was unable to finish the sentence, but the girl understood.
+
+"I am ready," she said, in a far-away voice, "but whither shall we
+go?"
+
+Pausing to throw a coverlet over the still form of the lady, Raymond
+gave a final glance at the bodies of his late adversaries; then,
+taking the girl by the hand, he drew her gently from the room.
+
+The cool, fresh air revived his scattered wits considerably, so that
+he was able to take the necessary precautions to regain St. Barbara's
+Tower. Bidding the girl wait behind a thick shrubbery, Raymond looked
+cautiously out of the gate. The street seemed to be clear, while his
+comrades were alert and waiting his return.
+
+Calling the girl, he led her quickly across the street; the end of a
+rope was thrown down, and hastily the lad looped it round her supple
+form. Then at a signal the little garrison pulled up the rope, and
+its precious burden was safe within the shelter of St. Barbara's
+Tower!
+
+"Haste thee, boy!" shouted old Dicky Wyatt, the grizzled man-at-arms.
+"The French be upon thee!"
+
+There was not a moment to be lost. The lad seized the end of the rope
+as it descended, and hanging on like a jackanapes, was soon dangling
+in the air. A party of the enemy were running down the street, and
+already a few quarrels and arrows were whistling past his ears or
+splintering themselves against the stonework of the tower. Then a
+well-directed flight of cloth-yard shafts held the enemy in check,
+and aided by willing hands, Raymond was helped over the parapet.
+
+"A plucky deed," growled Wyatt, "but thou hast sold us, my lad. See,
+they have gone to bring re-inforcements to carry the tower by
+escalade!"
+
+"Certes, Raymond," exclaimed an archer, "thou dost look like a
+butcher What hast thou been about?"
+
+"Never mind that: the tale will keep," interrupted the man-at-arms.
+"I'll warrant we'll all look worse than that ere long! Here,
+Lightfoot! Away with Ye to the kitchen, and see that plenty of water
+is put to boil. And you, Ned, fetch an axe and hew off some of this
+lead and melt it. Methinks the townsmen of Southampton will not
+amerce us with the damage, whether we hold the tower or not!"
+
+While the preparations for defence were in progress a loud shout from
+one of the archers gave warning that the enemy were returning to the
+attack, and the two score Englishmen from the height of the tower
+looked down upon ten times their number of Picards, Normans, and
+Spaniards, to whom the assault on a fortress or the sack of a
+defenceless town were looked upon as ordinary occurrences.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+OF THE ASSAULT ON ST. BARBARA'S TOWER
+
+
+WITH fierce cries and menacing gestures the foreigners rushed down
+the street, many of them carrying axes and torches, while others bore
+a stout beam for the purpose of battering down the door of the tower.
+Their archers and crossbowmen, eager to join in the fray, had slung
+their bows, and with knives, swords, or short spears in their hands,
+surged along in a confused mass with the men-at-arms.
+
+"Now! Altogether! Loose, my lads!" shouted old Richard, and with the
+well-known twang nearly a score of bows sent their missiles crashing
+into the armed mob below.
+
+Many of the advancing foemen fell, transfixed by the deadly shafts,
+while those in the rear, pressing blindly forward, stumbled over
+those who lay writhing on the ground. When, at length, the foremost
+had reached the base of the tower, where they were safe from the
+stinging shower, they were met with a stream of molten lead, which,
+burning through hauberk and leathern jerkin with equal ease, sent the
+assailants reeling back with screams of agony.
+
+The men bearing the beam were all shot down, and the main body
+retiring hastily, in a few moments the street was deserted but for a
+number of corpses, and the solitary standing figure of a man in full
+armour. Disdaining to turn his back upon the foe, the knight walked
+slowly backwards, shaking his ponderous mace in speechless anger,
+while the arrows rattled harmlessly off his proof-plate mail.
+
+"Save your arrows, comrades, and give him a heavy stone or a dose of
+hot lead should he approach," said old Wyatt. "Methinks I've seen his
+device before. 'Tis Enrico, son of the King of Sicily."
+
+Just then the prince, his spurred heels tripping on the body of a
+man-at-arms, fell prostrate on his back, amid a roar of laughter from
+the Englishmen.
+
+"Now stand by," exclaimed one of the archers, "and directly he moves
+a limb, let fly at his armpits or behind his knees!"
+
+But the Italian was not lacking in cunning, for knowing that the
+weight of his armour would effectually prevent his rising, he lay
+perfectly quiet, his arms pressed closely to his side, till some
+varlets, bearing a heavy mantlet before them, came running up and
+lifted their master on his feet. Then, with measured step, the prince
+retired out of sight.
+
+"Ah! As I thought, the rascals have learned a trick or two!" growled
+Wyatt, pointing to the Woolhouse Tower, a structure of greater height
+than St. Barbara's Tower, and standing less than three hundred paces
+distant.
+
+Abandoned by its garrison at the first alarm, the Woolhouse Tower was
+occupied by a strong body of French archers, while an equally
+formidable band of crossbowmen took possession of the lofty Woolhouse
+hard by, so that a flight of missiles was poured upon the Englishmen
+from two different points.
+
+"Lie down, men; 'tis useless to return their fire!" commanded the
+man-at-arms. But before his advice could be acted upon five archers
+and two soldiers were hit, one of the latter, his brain pierced by a
+bolt, toppling forwards over the parapet, and falling with a
+sickening thud upon the wall below.
+
+"Would it not be well to abandon the roof and seek shelter below?"
+inquired one.
+
+"And give the rascals an easy chance to carry the tower," rejoined
+old Wyatt derisively. "Nay, we must hold the flats at all cost.
+Quickly, my lads! Bring up everything ye can find that will do to
+raise a mantlet! There are plenty of hides in the store, and planks
+and poles as well."
+
+Swiftly the archers fell to work, and in a very short space they had
+stretched some stout ox-hides on poles and had raised them above the
+parapet. Strengthening their hasty barricade with several heavy
+planks, they were soon in comparative security; while through the
+narrow space betwixt the top of the battlement and the lower edge of
+the hides they could keep up a brisk discharge of arrows upon their
+assailants, while the muffled thud of shafts and quarrels striking
+upon the loosely hung hides showed both the vehemence of the attack
+and the efficacy of the defence.
+
+The defenders had now time to survey their surroundings; and, to
+every one's surprise, the Lady Audrey, calm and self-possessed, was
+busily engaged in making bandages for the wounded men.
+
+"My faith!" exclaimed Dick Wyatt, roughly yet kindly. "'Tis no place
+for thee, girl! Away with thee to the room below, and, if nursing be
+thy desire, I'll warrant there'll be enough work for thee ere long!"
+
+Reluctantly, the maiden obeyed; and the wounded archers were taken
+below so that their hurts could receive attention, while the
+survivors would be less encumbered on the narrow extent of the roof.
+
+"Stand to it once more!" shouted their leader. "They come again! Now,
+Will, be ready with the molten lead and the boiling water!"
+
+Assailed on three sides at once, the defenders were hard put to it to
+keep the attackers in check. In addition to the showers of arrows and
+stones, the enemy had gained a lodgment on the town wall, and two
+long ladders were placed against the tower, their ends resting or
+projecting above the battlements. Up swarmed a number of
+heavily-armed men, till the ladders creaked and groaned under their
+weight. Harassed by the hail of missiles, and impeded by the curtains
+of bulls' hides, the defenders could not repel the assault, and, to
+their consternation, the leaders of the attack appeared above the
+battlements.
+
+Once the mailed warriors gained the roof, all would be lost! But at
+the critical moment Richard Wyatt, seizing a massive crowbar,
+loosened a heavy coping-stone. Then, calling a couple of strong
+archers to his aid, the ponderous stone was deftly toppled over the
+battlements. Missing the first man, the stone hurled the next two
+from their swaying foothold, then, crashing through the woodwork of
+the ladder, it fell upon the heads of the men who were supporting
+those who had already ascended.
+
+The ladder cracked and broke, bringing down the other ladder in its
+fall, the fragments descending in opposite directions athwart the
+wall, where a ghastly litter of woodwork and mangled corpses marked
+the failure of the enterprise.
+
+The man who had first gained the edge of the parapet, feeling the
+ladder give beneath him, sprang for the roof; but, encumbered by his
+heavy armour, he slipped, and, clinging only by his mailed gauntlets,
+he hung dangling over the abyss.
+
+Through the bars of his visor the defenders could see his eyes
+starting from his head in his terror. But it was no time for pity.
+With gibes and fierce jests the Englishmen watched his desperate
+struggles, till, his fingers growing numb with the strain, he relaxed
+his hold and fell, with a hoarse cry, to join the crushed and mangled
+bodies of his comrades.
+
+Carried away by his enthusiasm, old Richard tore aside side the
+curtain of hides, and stood upon the parapet to view the scene of his
+triumph; but his imprudence cost him dear, fora crossbow bolt struck
+him in the side, and he fell backwards into the arms of two of the
+archers.
+
+"Lay me down," he cried feebly. "I am done for at last!" Presently he
+added, "Send Raymond to me."
+
+Quickly the young archer came and knelt beside the dying soldier,
+across whose eyes a misty film was already beginning to gather.
+
+"Raymond," he gasped, "thou'rt but a lad, but thou hast a cool head.
+Take charge of the Tower, and yield to no man. If the saints bring ye
+out scatheless, tell my master, Sir John, that I did my duty. . . .
+And now, Pearce," he added, addressing another of the archers who
+crowded around, "thou hast a strong steady hand. Grasp the bolt, I
+pray thee, and pluck it out. It would ease and hasten my passing."
+
+But the archer could not bring himself to hasten the end, in spite of
+the faint entreaties of the dying man. Then, by a supreme effort,
+Dick Wyatt struggled to his feet and tore out the deadly shaft. A
+rush of dark blood followed, and, with a loud cry of "St. George for
+England!" the old man-at-arms fell dead.
+
+The little garrison was now in sore straits. Of the original two
+score men nine were killed and twelve grievously wounded, and of the
+survivors only eleven were left to guard the roof of the Tower and
+eight to man the oylets and windows of the lower storeys.
+
+At Raymond's suggestion the steel caps of the killed and wounded were
+shown above the walls to deceive the enemy as to the strength of the
+garrison. Then, leaving two men to keep a sharp look-out, the
+remainder of the worn and famished warriors descended into a lower
+room to partake of a hasty yet plentiful meal.
+
+"I would we had a sack or two of quicklime," remarked Raymond to Will
+Lightfoot, who had charge of the defence of the lowermost storey. "We
+would then give them a warm welcome such as my father did at Hamble."
+
+Will was evidently thinking.
+
+"There is very little that will burn," he said at last reflectively.
+"They threw in some flaming wood, but, methinks, they had a good
+exchange--molten lead is not much to the taste of these rogues!"
+
+"True, the Tower cannot be fired, but why didst thou mention it?"
+
+"Because in the cellar are several bundles of straw and hay. I would
+counsel that we set them alight and hurl them on the scaling
+ladders!"
+
+"By St. George! A good device!"
+
+Once more the invaders renewed the assault, and this time ladders
+were brought against two opposite sides of the building. But, thanks
+to the trusses of flaming straw and hay, the attackers could not
+bring themselves to face the hazardous ascent.
+
+Neither did the attack upon the door at the base of the Tower meet
+with better success, for the arrows of the besieged kept the
+battering-ram inactive, while those bolder than their fellows who
+attacked the door with axes found that, however accustomed they were
+to give or receive hard knocks, molten lead and boiling water were
+more than they could stand.
+
+At length night drew on, and, save for an occasional arrow, the
+garrison were unmolested. Many of the French and Genoese, having had
+their fill of plunder, were busy removing their booty to the galleys.
+Others, mad with drink, paraded the streets uttering wild oaths and
+strange cries.
+
+Those houses that had been plundered were set on fire, and, as
+darkness fell over the ill-fated town, the glare of fifty burning
+buildings illuminated the country for miles around, and served to
+lash the surviving inhabitants into a host of desperate and
+revengeful defenders of their country's shores.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+ON THE HEELS OF THE ENEMY
+
+
+ALTHOUGH the two bailiffs, Walter de Brakkeleye and Robert de la
+Barre, had remained disgracefully inactive within their defences, the
+men of Winchester, Romsey, and other neighbouring towns and villages
+were massing to aid the men of Southampton, and a large and
+well-appointed army had gathered at ready to wrest the pillaged town
+from the Bassett, ready to wrest the pillaged town from the invaders
+and drive them back to their ships.
+
+Throughout the night the defenders of St. Barbara's Tower kept
+anxious vigil. Of the preparations for their relief they knew
+nothing. But hardly had the pale dawn begun to gather in the east
+than the foreigners were astir, taking steps to keep the galleys
+afloat on the now falling tide, as if they purposed embarking once
+more.
+
+Then, with a crash and a roar, the sound of fighting was heard
+towards the centre of the town, and from their elevated position the
+sorry remnant of the defenders saw the lances of the English charge
+down the High Street, bearing all before them. In other quarters the
+invaders, entangled in the narrow streets, were cut off by swarms of
+the infuriated inhabitants, who, knowing the peculiarities of their
+town, moved with consummate ease, hurling down stones and shooting
+arrows from the houses upon their entrapped enemy.
+
+And now, from the Castle and the West Gate and Catchcold Towers
+poured the liberated garrison, eager to avenge their disgrace. Many
+were the encounters between the Southampton men and their foes in
+this quarter of the town, till, driven back by weight of numbers, the
+enemy, who were mostly Genoese, returned slowly past St. Barbara's
+Tower, contesting every inch of ground.
+
+The little band of defenders now occupied themselves by annoying the
+retreating Italians with well-directed arrows, while, all danger of
+an assault being at an end, the barricades behind the door were
+removed so that the garrison could sally out and join their friends.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the sound of conflict, till Raymond and his
+comrades perceived the red-crossed surcoats of the Englishmen
+pressing back the discomfited Genoese. At length, unable to withstand
+the flanking fire of arrows, the enemy fled past out of bowshot of
+the Tower--all save one, whom Raymond recognised as the son of the
+King of Sicily. Burning to achieve a further deed of honour, Raymond
+threw open the door and rushed out to intercept the mailclad knight,
+who, with sweeping strokes of his sword, kept the men-at-arms at a
+respectful distance. But the lad was forestalled. A huge countryman,
+who had lost his all in the sack of the town, had crept behind the
+Prince, and, with a swinging blow of a massive club, smote the
+Italian behind the knees.
+
+With a snarl of rage and pain the Prince fell to the ground, and,
+with a shout of triumph, his assailant stood over him with his club
+upraised to give the fatal blow. Finding further resistance
+impossible, the knight dropped his sword.
+
+"_Je me rends!_" he exclaimed. "_Je vous donnerai rançon!_"
+
+"Yea, I know thou art a Françon," thundered the Englishman,
+misunderstanding the Prince's appeal for mercy, "and therefore thou
+shalt die!" And, notwithstanding a warning shout from Raymond and
+several of the Englishmen, the club descended with tremendous force,
+and the Italian lay dead upon the ground.
+
+"I'll trouble thee to mind thy own business, my master!" hissed the
+countryman, turning fiercely on Raymond.
+
+"But he was a gentleman of quality. He surrendered to thee, and he
+was worth a heavy ransom!"
+
+"Ransom, forsooth!" rejoined the man, in a frenzy. "What ransom can
+atone for a wife and five children slain? Speak not to me of ransom!"
+And, shouldering his club, the man rushed off in pursuit of the
+fugitives as they hastened towards the Water Gate.
+
+Beaten back at every point, the invaders crowded on board their
+galleys, and during the embarkation the slaughter was greater; for,
+from the walls, as well as from the shore, a heavy fire of arrows was
+hailed upon them by the infuriated townsmen.
+
+At length, with the exception of a few galleys that, caught by the
+falling tide, were burned and their crews slaughtered, the hostile
+ships withdrew, and, with a steady north-west breeze, bore away down
+Southampton Water, leaving behind them a half-burned and pillaged
+town--the terrible penalty of unpreparedness!
+
+After the _mêlée_ Raymond returned with the remnant of the
+Constable's detachment to the Tower they had held so well, and, to
+his surprise and delight, found his father awaiting him, though
+Redward hardly recognised his son. Stained with his own blood and the
+blood of the Genoese, covered with dust and grime from head to foot,
+Raymond looked a very different person from the gentle youth of three
+months back.
+
+"By St. Edward of Netley!" exclaimed Redward, "wherever I go, whether
+Francewards or otherwise, thou shalt go too; for methinks there is as
+much danger in Merrie England as in the land of the Fleur-de-Lys!"
+
+"But how camest thou here, father?" asked Raymond. "I thought thou
+wert at Lepe."
+
+"Ah, lad! it was there I saw the foemen sail towards Southampton; so I
+rode hot-foot to Hythe.[1] There I took a boat--stole it, I fear--and
+tried to cross; but in the fog I nearly ran into the thick of the
+galleys. Then I knew I was too late; so back to the shore I rowed,
+and came round the head of the Water by land. 'Twas a long journey by
+Totton, and by the time I reached Millbrook it was daylight, and the
+men of Romsey were marching in upon the town."
+
+By this time Raymond had washed his face and hands, and had brushed
+most of the grime from his clothes, having removed his white surcoat
+and breastplate.
+
+"We have had a hot time, father. They pressed us hard. Fourteen men
+lie stretched upon the straw, and nine are dead. Poor old Dick Wyatt
+is no more."
+
+"Heaven rest his soul!" exclaimed Redward, piously crossing himself.
+"He was a good and true comrade to me through thick and thin, and I
+trow 'tis hard to be stricken down almost within sight of home."
+
+Together father and son ascended the winding stair that led to the
+upper rooms. There lay the wounded defenders, carefully tended by the
+Lady Audrey. As Raymond entered the room, she looked at him in a
+puzzled manner. Then, holding out her hand, she exclaimed:
+
+"Why, 'tis my gallant preserver! And what a difference a clean face
+doth make ye are but a boy, and a handsome one at that!"
+
+A deep flush overspread the youth's face. Redward, knowing nothing of
+the circumstances of her rescue, could but express his astonishment,
+and, leaving the pair engaged in eager talk, he ascended to the roof,
+where lay the bodies of Richard Wyatt and the other soldiers, each
+grim and stern in death.
+
+From Will Lightfoot he learned most of the particulars of the
+defence, including his son's intrepid act of rescue.
+
+"Ay! Buckland," said Will, "'tis not every archer who hath the good
+fortune to rescue a noble lady such as the Lady Audrey Scarsdale!"
+
+"Scarsdale?" repeated Redward.
+
+"Ay Scarsdale--daughter of Sir Reginald Scarsdale."
+
+The master-bowman staggered as if struck by an invisible blow; then,
+recovering himself by an effort, asked Lightfoot if there were any
+tidings of Sir John Hacket.
+
+Even Will Lightfoot could not fail to notice the change in Redward's
+appearance; but, putting it down to the fearful strain of the fight,
+suggested adjourning to partake of refreshment.
+
+The task of laying to rest the bodies of their comrades was next
+proceeded with. Then Raymond, with two of his fellow-archers, entered
+the ill-fated house of the Lady Scarsdale, and removed the bodies of
+the three Genoese.
+
+Placing the corpse of the Lady Hilda reverently on a bed, they locked
+up the house and gave the keys into the custody of the Sheriff, who,
+knowing the Scarsdale family, took the necessary steps to ensure a
+fitting burial of the knight's wife, while Lady Audrey was taken care
+of by some relatives who resided in another part of Hampshire.
+
+Early the following morning Sir John Hacket, having assured himself
+that the enemy had made for the Channel and were not likely to return
+to raid some other coast town, rode into Southampton from Portsmouth,
+attended by his squires and a troop of lances and mounted archers.
+
+Proudly, yet sadly, the stern old knight gazed upon the sorry remnant
+of the detachment he had left at Southampton but a week before.
+
+"By St. George!" he exclaimed, "ye are a credit to me, and the one
+bright jewel in the sable field of incompetence and neglect! The King
+shall hear of your deeds! Ye see," he added aside to his squires,
+"what that ranter, Walter de Brakkeleye, and his co-bailiff, de la
+Barre, have done. Had they given more thought to the safe keeping of
+the town, instead of bickering, as Brakkeleye did with me respecting
+the jurisdiction of his bailiwick, not a house in Southampton would
+have been touched by foreign foemen, not one of the townsfolk harmed.
+Should the King think fit to hang them on the battlements 'twould be
+but their deserts!"
+
+"And now," he continued, addressing the archers, "I will take care
+that bravery hath its reward. Another penny a day shall be added to
+your pay, and, as for Raymond Buckland, who, I am told, undertook the
+defence after my trusted Wyatt's death, from this time forth he shall
+be one of my squires! Let him but acquit himself as he hath done
+since he hath been in my company, and he will be on the road to win a
+pair of gilded spurs!"
+
+
+[1] Not, of course, the well-known coast town in Kent, but the
+ancient villae of that name on the New Forest side of Southampton
+Water.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+FATHER AND SON SET OUT FOR HENNEBON
+
+
+NEARLY four years have elapsed since the events recorded in the last
+chapter--years full of national interest. The naval battle of Sluy's
+had been fought and won, and for the time the English fleet ruled the
+Channel, so that scarce a French or Spanish vessel dared to show
+itself betwixt Ushant and Cape Grisnez.
+
+After the siege of Tournay, a treaty had been concluded between King
+Edward III. and Philip of France, but the former was ever on the
+alert to seize a favourable opportunity of renewing hostilities, and
+late in 1341 an incident occurred that gave the King the excuse to
+prosecute the war once more--a step that led to the glorious victory
+at Creçy and the overrunning of nearly the whole of France by the
+victorious arms of England.
+
+The Duchy of Brittany was disputed between John of Montfort and
+Charles of Blois, and, while the latter was pressing his claims at
+the French Court, Montfort, by force or intrigue, had acquired the
+fortresses of Rennes, Nantes, Brest, and Hennebon; and in order to
+obtain a powerful supporter he had journeyed to England and concluded
+an offensive and defensive alliance with King Edward, at the same
+time offering to do him homage for the Duchy of Brittany.
+
+Keeping this treaty a deep secret, Montfort did not hesitate to
+return to Paris to defend his case, but realising that the French
+King did not favour him, and fearing violence at his hands, the Earl
+retired to Brittany and declared war against the Count of Blois.
+
+Philip sent his son, the Duke of Normandy, with a powerful force to
+aid Charles of Blois, and Montfort, after sending urgent requests for
+assistance to the King of England, shut himself up in Nantes, which
+was immediately besieged by the French.
+
+By the treachery of the inhabitants Nantes fell, and Montfort, taken
+prisoner, was hurried to Paris, where he was loaded with chains and
+thrown into a loathsome dungeon in the Louvre.
+
+But, though low, the fortunes of the Montforts were destined to
+recover. The cause was taken up by the Countess Joan of Montfort, the
+heroic wife of the imprisoned Earl, and being loyally supported by
+the Bretons, she withdrew her forces to the town of Hennebon, where
+she awaited the onslaught of the French, trusting in the expected aid
+from England.
+
+* * * * *
+
+But to return to Raymond Buckland and his adventures. As squire to
+Sir John Hacket, the Constable of the King's Castle of Portchester,
+he was now a member of the knight's household, spending the greater
+part of his time within the grey walls of the fortress.
+
+Four years had made a great change in Raymond's appearance. He was
+now a youth of twenty, tall and well built. Thanks to his
+surroundings, he was skilled in the arts of warfare, and few could
+withstand him at the jousts and spear-runnings that were frequently
+held in the extensive grass-grown square that formed the outer bailey
+of the castle. Moreover, his monkish training admirably fitted him
+for the more clerkly duties that fell to him, and by his diligence,
+intelligence, and courage he was held in high esteem by the fiery old
+knight.
+
+Redward, too, for his tried devotion and experience was made head
+master-bowman of the Constable's company, and, when occasion served,
+Sir John was not above asking his advice in the ordering of the
+castle and its defences.
+
+But over Raymond hung a dark cloud of perplexity. The image of the
+fair Lady Audrey was ever present in his mind, and, encouraged by the
+Constable's prediction that in due course he might be entitled to
+wear the gilded spurs of knighthood, his hopes ran high of one day
+being in a position to win the maiden's heart and hand. But to his
+unbounded surprise, Raymond found that his father was tacitly opposed
+to this, his dearest wish. With difficulty Redward had been persuaded
+to allow the young squire to wait upon Sir Reginald Scarsdale, when
+that knight wished to thank him for his services. Any mention of the
+name of Scarsdale served to plunge the master-bow-man into moodiness
+and silence, and any question that the lad put to his sire on the
+subject was turned in a way that puzzled Raymond in no small degree.
+
+One day an event happened that was to transfer the lad from the
+pleasant life of ease at the castle to a far more active and
+dangerous sphere.
+
+How well Raymond remembered it in after years. That morning he and
+another squire had mounted the four-storeyed Norman keep, and from
+the battlements looked down upon the scene below. It was a striking
+picture; the keep stood at the north-west-angle of the huge fortified
+enclosure. Immediately beneath the east and south faces of the donjon
+lay the inner bailey. In the far corner of the outer bailey stood the
+church, and close by was the water-gate, at which lay the Constable's
+state barge. Away to the south stretched the wide expanse of
+Portsmouth Harbour, its waters dotted with the sails of highsided
+cogs and other merchant vessels, as they threaded their way up the
+sinuous deep-water channels that led to the castle.
+
+Immediately opposite the water-gate was the landport, or gateway
+giving access to the castle from the land. The lads could follow the
+line of the dusty road as it passed through the little village, swept
+round the head of the harbour, and eventually was lost in the
+distance as it ran towards the City of London.
+
+"Look, Raymond," exclaimed his companion, a Hampshire lad named
+Oswald Mant. "A horseman approaches, and, my faith, he does not spare
+his steed!"
+
+"'Tis not one of the company?"
+
+"Nay, look at the livery--murrey slashed with green--he is of the
+household of Sir John Chandos."
+
+"Then something of importance hath taken place. I would 'twere good
+tidings from France!"
+
+Leaving a dense white cloud of chalky dust behind him, the messenger
+clattered down the road, pulled up for a moment at the outer gateway
+to reply to the challenge of the guard, then spurred madly across the
+courtyard to the foot of the steps leading to the keep. Here a page
+ran forward to hold his horse, and, throwing himself wearily from the
+saddle, the rider staggered up the steps and disappeared under a low
+archway that gave access to the Constable's quarters.
+
+An hour passed ere the messenger reappeared, and, after draining a
+cup of wine, he remounted and spurred his horse on his homeward
+journey.
+
+While the two squires were debating over the matter, a page sought
+them, summoning Raymond to instantly repair to Sir John's apartment.
+
+With beating heart, as if anticipating some good fortune, Raymond
+followed the page, and was ushered into the Constable's presence,
+where he found that Redward was already before him. It was a long,
+narrow room, lighted with lancet windows and hung with rich arras. At
+one end was a heavy table littered with papers and plans, and, for
+the nonce, unmindful of the dignity of his position, Sir John was
+sitting on its edge, swinging one leg, with the air of a man who is
+occupied by a perplexing problem.
+
+Directly the page had retired, the Constable signed to Redward to
+draw a thick hanging over the door.
+
+"Raymond," quoth he, "the King hath done us a signal honour. A
+messenger hath arrived with orders for me to send a trusty squire to
+the Countess of Montfort, who, as ye know, is beleaguere in Hennebon.
+'Twill be a grave and hazardous task, yet withal one of great honour.
+To my mind, I cannot name a more promising messenger than thee. Art
+willing to take the risk?"
+
+"To have a chance to distinguish myself in the King's service is my
+ardent desire, sir!"
+
+"'Tis well. Now listen. Hennebon is on the sea coast of Brittany,
+betwixt the great River Loire and the town of Brest. As the foemen
+lie thick around it, and have also, I doubt not, a strong
+water-guard, 'tis a matter of stratagem rather than open work. But,
+in any case, this packet must be delivered into the hands of the
+Countess at all costs--at all costs, I repeat. I give thee a free
+hand in the matter. Take what men thou dost deem fit--though,
+methinks, the smaller the party the more chance of success."
+
+"Methinks my father will be sufficient company for me, sir."
+
+"Ah! as I thought. Thou hast chosen wisely. Now take this map and
+mark it well--'tis by the hand of the King's own guide--and get you
+gone to prepare for thy journey, for to-morrow morn a stout little
+craft will lie off the water-gate ready to bear thee over the sea."
+
+Overjoyed at the prospects of such an adventure Raymond withdrew, and
+consulted with his father on the best means of getting through the
+cordon that was drawn round the beleaguered town.
+
+As night drew on, father and son repaired to the little church within
+the walls, and for seven long hours kept an earnest vigil before the
+altar, praying fervently for the success of their enterprise, and
+invoking the protection of their patron saints against the perils of
+land and sea. Then, as daylight dawned, they arose, weary and stiff,
+to partake of food and drink ere embarking.
+
+Tidings of their mission had already spread throughout the garrison
+of the castle, and when, accompanied by the Constable himself, the
+two travellers made their way to the water-gate, a large concourse of
+soldiers and members of the household flocked behind them to cheer
+them on their way and to wish them God-speed.
+
+Riding easily at her hempen cable, on the first of the ebb tide, lay
+the staunch vessel that was to carry them across the Channel. On her
+stern were engraved the words _Les Trois Frères de Guernesey_,
+showing her to be one of the Channel Islands boats, whose crew, brave
+and hardy fishermen, were the best pilots obtainable.
+
+They were, in fact, the only vessels that in those days were capable
+of making any pretence of sailing into the wind, and even then only,
+in nautical language, "full and bye." The usual type of ships, with
+their huge square sail, could only run before the breeze.
+
+The skiff of _Les Trois Frères_ was waiting at the little Hard, and
+the farewells were quickly said. The precious despatch was sewn in
+the hem of Raymond's jerkin, and once again the stern old knight
+impressed upon his squire the necessity of the utmost caution. Then
+he extended his hand to the lad.
+
+"God be with thee, and bring thee safely home again. I would be loth
+to lose so promising a lad!" exclaimed Sir John.
+
+"Thanks for thy good wishes, fair sir," replied Raymond. "And should
+I not return," he added, with a faint catch in his voice which, in
+spite of his stout heart, he was unable to conceal, "I pray you send
+this packet to the lady whose superscription appears hereon." And,
+thrusting into the knight's hand a bulky missive, Raymond turned
+quickly on his heel, to hide his rising colour, and stepped into the
+skiff.
+
+The Constable watched the Guernsey bark hoist her sails, and waited
+till she was well on her way down towards the harbour's mouth; then
+he returned slowly towards his quarters.
+
+Glancing at the packet, he deciphered with difficulty the
+superscription, written in a scrawling hand: "To ye richt
+worshippefulle Ladye Audrey Scarsdale."
+
+"Heaven bless the lad," he mused. "Certes I am of a mind to forward
+this missive whether he returns or not!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE CHIRURGEON OF LÉGUÉ
+
+
+WITH a powerful following wind, _Les Trois Frères_ made a rapid
+passage down the harbour, and, before Raymond fully realised the
+fact, the little vessel was lifting to the gentle heave of the
+Channel.
+
+By midday the chalk cliffs of the Isle of Wight were all that was
+visible of the shores of England, and, though a careful watch was
+kept for hostile ships, not a sail was to be seen on the wide expanse
+of water.
+
+The master, Pierre de la Corbière, was a huge-limbed, swarthy
+Guernseyman, who spoke in a guttural patois that was almost
+unintelligible to the young squire, though Redward, to whom most of
+the dialects of France were familiar, could make himself understood
+with comparative ease.
+
+Nine men and a boy composed the crew, a large one for so small a
+craft; but the perils of war, added to the dangers of the sea, were a
+sufficient excuse for their numbers. Each man, picturesquely clothed
+and wearing silver earrings, was a trained pilot, and most of them
+had served in that capacity on board the ships that had on past
+occasions taken the King and his troops to France and Flanders. All
+of them carried short daggers or knives in their belts, while a large
+chest, lashed to ringbolts in the deck, contained a good supply of
+swords and axes.
+
+"If this wind lasts," remarked the master, "we shall sight Cap de la
+Hogue within a couple of hours. Whither would ye land, good sir?"
+
+"Nay, I know not," replied Redward. "And, moreover, I care not, so
+long as it be not too close to the town."
+
+"There are the ports of Quimper, Doualan, Auray, and Morbihan," said
+Pierre, counting them on his fingers. "All of easy distance from
+Hennebon--though, perchance, we may receive a rough handling when we
+arrive. Ma foi! And the passage of the Chenal du Four 'Twould be
+quicker and safer to run into St. Brieuc."
+
+"St. Brieuc!" exclaimed Redward, referring to a very rough plan.
+"Why, 'tis at least twenty leagues from the town to which we
+journey."
+
+"Twenty leagues by land, as ye say," replied the Guernseyman
+doggedly. "But if 'tis a question of time, commend me to St. Brieuc,
+for if we lose the wind or have a contrary wind off Ushant, it may
+mean a week's buffeting in the Chenal du Four, with a score of reefs
+and unseen rocks on each side of us."
+
+"As ye will, then," assented Redward; and he moved away to tell
+Raymond of the alteration of their plans.
+
+But the young squire was in no fit mood to be informed. The long,
+swinging motion and the heat of the sun had done their work, and he
+lay prone on the deck in the miseries of sea-sickness. Knowing that
+any attempt at consolation would only aggravate the malady, the
+master-bowman turned away, and, leaning against the low bulwarks,
+gazed intently towards the still invisible French coast.
+
+Late in the afternoon the grey cliffs of La Hogue and the dark
+outline of the Isle of Aurigny were sighted; but just before sundown
+the wind died utterly away, leaving the little craft wallowing
+heavily in the long swell, her sail flapping idly against the mast.
+
+The sky, hitherto clear and cloudless, was now overcast, and away
+towards the southward a succession of flashes of lightning betokened
+an approaching storm.
+
+Even Pierre de la Corbière, bold fisherman as he was, looked anxious,
+for the vessel was now beginning to feel the influence of the
+dreadful Race of Alderney, and, with a lack of wind and a dark night
+to boot, the terrors of the Race were considerably magnified.
+
+About midnight they were in the thick of it. A slight breeze had
+sprung up, but barely sufficient to give the boat steerage-way. All
+around were tremendous broken waves, and, although Pierre stood
+gripping the tiller in an endeavour to avoid the heaviest breakers,
+the boat was urged onwards through the Race at the rate that a horse
+would trot, her mast threatening to snap under the irregular action
+of the vicious cross seas.
+
+Throughout the tumult Raymond lay like a log, utterly unmindful of
+the danger, his illness having completely overcome him. His father
+took the precaution to lash him to the mast, and throughout that
+fearful night Redward remained by his side, making endless vows to
+the saints, which he heartily meant to fulfil should they ever again
+reach dry land.
+
+Fortunately the threatened storm passed away, and as daylight broke
+_Les Trois Frères_ was beyond the influence of the Race, Guernsey and
+its attendant islands, Sark and Herm, being plainly visible.
+
+With a skill acquired by long years of experience, the Guernseyman
+steered his craft between the islands, taking advantage of every
+current that would help to bear them south, and, before the sun was
+high, the Island of Jersey was abeam. The waters, too, were dotted
+with the sails of fishing boats, forming a pleasing contrast to the
+dreary waste of water they had traversed on the previous day.
+
+Worn out and faint from the effect of his long fast, Raymond sat up
+and looked around, as if unable to bring himself to recall his
+surroundings; but after a scanty meal of dry bread and water, he felt
+the giddiness leave him, and with an effort he stood on his feet,
+gripping his father tightly for fear of falling.
+
+"Where are we?" he asked dejectedly.
+
+"Nearly there," replied Redward. "A sailorman thou'lt be some day,
+but beshrew me if thou lookest like one now! An hour ashore will make
+all the difference; but rest awhile, my son, for there's work enow
+ere long for both of us."
+
+Late in the afternoon _Les Trois Frères_ entered St. Brieuc Bay, the
+high ground showing up distinctly, while far away they could discern
+the lofty Bretagne hills, that lay between them and their
+destination; and, just as the sun was sinking low behind the Brittany
+coast, the little craft brought up under the shadow of the gloomy
+castle of Cesson.
+
+Redward and the master conferred long and anxiously on the subject of
+how to gain the shore without observation, but at length a light
+dawned upon the dull mind of the Guernseyman.
+
+"Thou hast said well," he remarked. "Of a truth we cannot make sure
+whether they of St. Brieuc are for the Countess of Montfort or
+against her. And none of us wishes to put his head into the wolf's
+mouth. But I know of a man--a foster-brother of mine--at whose house
+ye could stay until the way is clear for ye to journey across
+country. He dwells at Légué, but a mile from St. Brieuc, and I will
+go ashore and converse with him."
+
+Silently and in the now black night the little skiff was lowered, and
+Pierre de la Corbière was rowed ashore by two of his men.
+
+For nearly two hours Redward and the young squire remained on board,
+anxiously listening for the sound of oars, till at length the little
+boat shot noiselessly alongside, and the master sprang upon the deck.
+
+"'Tis easily done, though they of Blois hold the town," he exclaimed
+breathlessly. "Raoul de Rohein, of whom I spoke, is willing to
+receive you, for which service he demands five sols. He is a barber
+and chirurgeon, and lives in the Rue Mortbec. Hasten, ere it be
+light, for we must leave on top o' the tide."
+
+Once more the skiff, deeply laden, started for the shore. Raymond, in
+his light armour, had discarded his surcoat with the conspicuous
+cross of St. George, Redward in his harness could hardly be
+distinguished from a Breton, and could rely upon his knowledge of the
+French tongue to pass for a Gascon, or a Burgundian, as occasion
+served. With them went Pierre de la Corbiere and a sailor, both of
+whom rowed while the squire and his father sat in the stern-sheets.
+
+Half-an-hour's steady pulling and the skiff grounded on the sandy
+shore. Silently the three disembarked, leaving the seaman to look
+after the boat, and quickly they made their way towards the house of
+refuge.
+
+Suddenly the master stopped. "_Mon Dieu_," he exclaimed, "_c'est les
+gardes!_"
+
+Coming straight towards them was a body of halberdiers, accompanied
+by an officer. Retreat, without arousing suspicion, was impossible;
+but in a few words the ever-resourceful Redward had devised a plan.
+Raymond lay down in the road, his father lifted him by the shoulders
+while Pierre took him by the feet, and, staggering under their heavy
+burden, they advanced to meet the watch.
+
+"_Halte! Qui v'la?_" demanded the officer, flashing a lantern upon
+the trio.
+
+"'Tis le Sieur d'Erqui, Monsieur," replied the Guernseyman, speaking
+in a patois which is common between the Bretons and the Channel
+Islanders. "He has been roystering and brawling, and has been sore
+hurt."
+
+"One cannot put old heads on young shoulders," remarked the officer,
+with a deprecating shrug. "What folly hash he been at?"
+
+"I cannot say, monsieur."
+
+"Eh, bien! All the wine-shops will have the tale to-morrow! _En
+avant, mes enfants!_" he added to his men, and to the great relief of
+Raymond and his companions the watch shouldered their halberts and
+moved on towards St. Brieuc.
+
+"A narrow escape," exclaimed Pierre, crossing himself. "If we were
+discovered, three against seven would be long odds."
+
+"I've been in a worse fix before to-day," replied Redward sturdily.
+"And we could have taken them by surprise."
+
+"Nevertheless, fighting is not in my line--on land, at least--and I
+am thankful it did not come to blows."
+
+At length they arrived at a narrow street, where storeys of the
+houses projected beyond those below, till the uppermost ones appeared
+almost to meet, shutting out even the dim gloom of the now
+starlit-sky.
+
+With the air of a man who feels certain of his ground Pierre strode
+rapidly ahead, the others following closely at his heels. Presently
+he stopped outside a house, and drawing his dagger, struck lightly
+upon the door with the hilt. After a few seconds' delay they heard
+the sound of some one moving within, and the door was carefully
+unbarred and thrown open.
+
+Pierre whispered a few words to the occupant, then, bidding his
+former passengers farewell, he turned on his heel and walked swiftly
+and silently towards the shore.
+
+The Englishmen followed their host into a low, ill-lighted room, and
+for the first time they were able to see what manner of man he was.
+
+A misshapen, undersized body, surmounted by a lean, yellow-skinned
+face, and furnished with a pair of long arms, the hands of which,
+shaking as if with ague, resembled the claws of a bird, formed the
+outward appearance of the barber and chirurgeon of Légué; and Raymond
+could not repress a shudder as he gazed upon this caricature of a
+human being.
+
+"Ye are for Hennebon?" he asked in a quavering tone, rolling his
+lustreless eyes from one to the other.
+
+"Ay," replied Redward, "but how, by Saint Gregoire of Brittany, didst
+thou know?"
+
+"The shipman, my foster-brother, hath told me. But the money, the
+money?" he added, opening his withered hand.
+
+"A curse on the shipman," growled Redward to himself, "his tongue
+will be our undoing. Here, take this," he added, counting out a sum
+of money equivalent to the five sols demanded. "Canst furnish us with
+a horse apiece?"
+
+Ignoring the question, the barber counted the pieces, putting each
+coin between his toothless gums, as if doubtful of their quality.
+
+"Didst hear me--respecting the use of two horses?" demanded Redward
+sternly.
+
+"Yea, noble master," replied the barber. "But there are none to be
+had."
+
+"None?"
+
+"None! They have all been seized by those of Blois till the affair is
+over. Therefore, by necessity, ye must go afoot--and the roads are
+very unsafe for travellers at present, especially Englishmen bound
+for Hennebon!"
+
+"A pest on your words! What would ye have us do?"
+
+The old man advanced a step, peering with his bleared eyes into the
+face of the master-bowman.
+
+"For money there is much to be had!" he croaked, a sardonic smile
+overspreading his withered face, while his long fingers clawed
+invisible heaps of gold.
+
+"Out on thee for an arrant cheat! Give thy plan and name the price."
+
+Slowly and deliberately, his voice hardly above a whisper, the Breton
+replied: "Did it ever occur to thy noble self that the dress of a
+leper would make the best protection?"
+
+Redward recoiled, in spite of his hardened nerves, for sufferers from
+that loathsome and incurable disease were far from rare in Western
+Europe in those days. In France they were compelled by law to wear
+long grey gowns and hoods, and to carry a "barillet," or rattle, to
+give due warning of their approach. Under severe penalties they were
+forbidden to remain in the larger cities and towns, or to beg or use
+their rattle for the purpose of exciting pity. Thus it was common to
+see them wandering over the countryside in pairs, their approach
+being the signal for other wayfarers to pass them at a safe
+distance.[1]
+
+"But the dress?" asked Redward.
+
+"That is easily to be had. I have a stock of them in this house. And
+the price----"
+
+"They have not been used?" interrupted the master-bowman anxiously.
+
+"Certainly not, monsieur," replied the barber, with a hideous leer.
+"'Twould be impossible. But the price I ask--and they be of good
+quality--is but one livre, five sols--quite a small sum for a wealthy
+gentleman like monsieur!"
+
+At that moment a loud rapping was heard. The squire and his father
+sprang up, and, suspecting danger, their hands flew to their
+sword-hilts.
+
+With a motion of his hand, their host indicated that they should hide
+behind a heavy curtain; then, taking a torch from its socket, he made
+towards the door.
+
+After considerable parleying the nocturnal visitor was admitted, and,
+through a small hole in the mouldy curtain, Redward could see him
+without risk. That he was a man of quality was apparent by the long
+furred gown he wore; and further, by the length of the garment and
+its rich violet colour, and the mortier or silk cap, ornamented with
+Valenciennes lace, worn instead of the hat affected by the bourgeois,
+his rank was of importance.
+
+"Art thou Raoul de Rohein, the chirurgeon?" he asked, in a lisping
+voice, flourishing a musk-perfumed handkerchief as if to ward off the
+hideous shape before him.
+
+"At thy service, my lord--barber, chirurgeon, apothecary, having been
+duly examined and licensed by the great John Pitart, surgeon of the
+Châtelet of Paris."
+
+"'Tis well! I am the Sieur d'Erqui, and I am bound for the army of
+Charles of Blois, that lieth before Hennebon. In camps one has always
+the fear of plague. Therefore, believing that forewarned is
+forearmed, I come to thee for a remedy or, rather, a
+preventative--'gainst the fell disorder."
+
+"I have the very thing, monsieur! But five sols nine deniers the
+box--the nine deniers being devoted to the funds of the hospital of
+St. Brieuc, _bien entendu!_ By the holy St. Mark, the very thing! A
+mixture of sulphur, viper's cake, powder of pearls, confection of
+hyacinth, and an extract of the juice of _scorsonera_, all prepared
+according to the recipe of the learned John Pitart, and made into
+tablets covered with gold foil. One drachm three times a week, in the
+morning, is the dose, monsieur, and if exposed to the infection two
+drachms before going to bed!"
+
+"And is that all?" inquired the Sieur anxiously, as if the presence
+of the barber was a presage of the plague.
+
+"Nay, of thine own ordering there is much to be done. I perceive that
+monsieur carries the perfume of musk about with him. That is wrong.
+Instead, let him take a citron pricked with cloves. Never walk out
+fasting, neither drink wine immoderately; and, in the case of
+immediate danger, take a little theriaque; and I'll warrant Erqui
+will welcome its Sieur home in due course. And the fee, monsieur, is,
+as I said, seven sols nine deniers."
+
+"But now thou didst ask five sols and nine deniers!"
+
+"Two sols in addition for the advice--excellent advice, monsieur.
+_Merci, monsieur, et bon voyage!_"
+
+The Sieur had gone, and Raymond and his father came from their
+hiding-place. Redward explained to his son, in a few words, the
+nature of their disguise. Once again the talon-like hand of the
+miserly Raoul closed over the money, and away he went to look for the
+required garments.
+
+In a few moments he returned. The Englishmen donned the repulsive
+insignia of the leper, and took the barillets in their hands. The
+barber again unfastened the door and listened intently for any sound.
+There was none.
+
+"Take the road through the village; it leads to Pontivy. There,
+perchance, ye may find horses. Fare ye well!"
+
+And, passing out into the darkness of the night, the Englishmen began
+their long journey afoot, stealing silently through the almost
+deserted streets towards the frowning hills of Brittany.
+
+
+[1] It was not until thirty years later that the hospitals of St.
+Lazare and St. Germain were founded in Paris for the relief of these
+unfortunate sufferers. On systematic steps being taken to deal with
+the malady, the number of its victims quickly diminished; till the
+scourge was practically wiped out.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE JOURNEY PERILOUS
+
+
+LONG before the grey morn began to dawn Redward and his son had
+covered a couple of leagues, and were at the foot of a long range of
+hills. Slowly they began the ascent, and, ere the summit was reached,
+the light was sufficient for them to see their grotesque and horrible
+garb.
+
+"A safe disguise," exclaimed Raymond, "yet right glad will I be when
+we can doff these garments."
+
+"A safe disguise enough, should the barber not play us false,"
+replied his father. "I liked not his looks, though I trow he is in
+no ways to blame for the cut of his face."
+
+"But dost think that he will play us false?"
+
+"'Tis not unlikely; so the more leagues we place between us and St.
+Brieuc the better. Canst get at thy sword-hilt?"
+
+"Not easily. Wherefore dost thou ask?"
+
+"Danger might come apace and at any time. See, I have cut a slit in
+my gown so that I can grasp my sword without delay. I pray thee do
+likewise."
+
+On the brow of the first hill was a long farmstead, sheltered more or
+less by a clump of stunted pinetrees. Behind the house was an
+orchard, its branches laden with fruit, while amongst the trees were
+several cows, their heads tethered to their forefeet, after the
+manner of those parts, so that the animals could not tear down the
+branches of the fruit-trees.
+
+"A sight to gladden the eyes of an old campaigner!" exclaimed the
+master-bowman, and, taking his steel cap from beneath his cowl, he
+stole cautiously towards the cattle, Raymond waiting behind a
+sheltering tree.
+
+With the deftness born of old experience Redward did his work, and
+soon returned with his casque filled to the brim with warm milk.
+Having drunk their fill, the travellers helped themselves to a
+bounteous supply of fruit, and proceeded on their way, the fruit,
+together with some dry bread they had brought with them, making a
+passable breakfast.
+
+At the bottom of the hill they entered a small village. Although
+still early, most of the inhabitants were astir, and the Englishmen
+had their first experience of the efficacy of their disguise. For
+directly they rattled their barillets the villagers ran hither and
+thither to avoid the supposed sufferers, save a horseman and an old
+woman. The former passed them at a distance of a few paces, throwing
+them a couple of deniers. With his usual presence of mind Redward
+stooped, picked up the coins, and louted to the donor. The woman
+threw them a rusk loaf, and this was caught and quickly concealed
+beneath the sheltering cloaks.
+
+Once clear of the village they mended their pace, and, with the
+exception of a pair of shepherds, and a peasant clattering along in
+his heavy sabots, not a soul did they meet till close on midday, when
+the travellers arrived at a cross-road, where the monotony of the
+outlook was broken by four avenues of trees.
+
+"I would fain have rested here awhile," exclaimed Redward. "But with
+that for company methinks we shall do better if we get about a
+bow-shot further on!"
+
+"A corpse?"
+
+"Ay, lad; a malefactor hanged close to the scene of his crime. See,
+already the crows have begun their work."
+
+With averted heads the twain passed the gallows; but on giving a
+glance down the cross-road they saw a sight that filled them with
+misgiving, for plodding wearily along were two figures dressed like
+themselves!
+
+"Lepers, indeed!" exclaimed Redward. "My faith, they would bear us
+company."
+
+Waving their arms to attract and arrest their supposed
+fellow-sufferers, the two grey-robed men quickened their pace, but,
+directly the Englishmen had gained the cover of the tree-lined road,
+they, too, hastened to avoid being overtaken, so that by the time the
+lepers had turned the corner, Raymond and his father were some
+distance ahead.
+
+"We more than hold our own," quoth Redward, glancing over his
+shoulder. "Directly we shake them off we'll have a well-earned rest."
+
+It was as he said. The well-knit frames of the Englishmen were vastly
+superior to the diseased bodies of the lepers, and long before the
+bottom of the hill was reached their two pursuers were but dimly
+visible on the dusty road.
+
+Once again the road led upwards. Not a village was to be seen, only a
+vast undulating plain, unbroken except for an occasional clump of
+trees, while in the distance the blue outlines of a lofty range of
+hills showed that some stiff climbing would be necessary ere Hennebon
+was in sight.
+
+An hour later and they had all but gained the ridge of the next hill.
+By the roadside was a heather-covered bank, while between a mass of
+rocks a spring gushed forth, the water making a pleasant sound in the
+ears of the weary travellers.
+
+Father and son drank at the spring, then clambering over the bank,
+lay down on the springy heather, where, without being seen, they
+could command the road for nearly a league.
+
+"'Tis quite evident that we can outpace those poor wretches," said
+Raymond, stretching out his limbs to their fullest extent in
+appreciation of his natural bed. "Here we can rest in comfort till
+they draw nigh; then, refreshed, we can hasten onwards once more."
+
+For nearly an hour they remained, sleep all but claiming them. Not a
+word was spoken, though Redward gave an occasional grunt as he raised
+himself on his elbow at intervals to watch the advancing lepers.
+
+The heat, too, was terrific, the sun beating down with fierce
+violence on their unprotected resting-place.
+
+Suddenly Raymond raised himself and looked along the road they had
+just traversed. There were the two grey-robed figures moving slowly
+up the hill, but away in the distance the sun glittered upon a
+swiftly-moving mass of steel, followed by a thick cloud of dust.
+
+"Soldiers!" he exclaimed.
+
+Redward raised himself. "I like it not," he exclaimed. "They are
+following us. That rogue of a barber hath betrayed us. Lie low,
+Raymond, and let them pass; I perceive 'twill mean a journey by night
+for us."
+
+Stretching side by side, and concealing their hoods with sprays of
+heather, father and son waited and watched. The two lepers were
+within two hundred paces ere they heard the thunder of the horses'
+hoofs behind them. With a cry of terror one of the twain turned and
+fled; the other, ignorant of the intentions of the pursuing horsemen,
+held his ground, flourishing his rattle with the vigour that danger
+bestowed upon him.
+
+Like a flash the foremost soldier was upon him; a back-handed sweeping
+cut with his sword and the grey-robed figure was dashed to the earth,
+and ere his companion had come level with the spot where the
+Englishmen were concealed, he was transfixed by a lance-thrust and
+was trampled beneath the horses' hoofs.
+
+With wild cries of exultation the troop of horsemen reined in their
+steeds and surveyed the result of their fell work.
+
+"Quickly, Geoffroi! Strip those cloaks from the bodies of these
+accursed English and search them for concealed papers," ordered their
+leader. "By St. Denis, 'tis a smart piece of work, though I little
+thought the rogues would have died so tamely!"
+
+The soldier addressed dismounted, handed his still reeking lance to a
+comrade, and bent over the corpse of the man he had slain. With a
+quick motion he tore aside the robe. But the next instant, uttering a
+shriek of terror, he jumped backwards, covering his eyes with his
+hands as if to ward off a blow.
+
+"_Mon Dieu!_" exclaimed the captain, craning over the neck of his
+charger. "What have we done? They are in truth real lepers! Dolt of a
+barber! A curse upon Raoul de Rohein! He hath deceived us! Is it the
+same with the other?"
+
+The first victim had fallen on his back, and his hood, stained with
+his blood, had slipped from off his head, disclosing the repulsive
+disease-eaten features of a man whose malady was far advanced.
+
+"Stand back, all of you!" shouted the captain, beside himself with
+rage and mortification. "Stand back! Do thou, Jehan, cast thy sword
+and its sheath from thee lest thou die! And do thou, Geoffroi, ride
+fifty paces behind us, and hold communication with no man till the
+law respecting contagion is complied with. Now back to the town with
+all speed, _mes enfants_, for I have an account to settle with Maitre
+Raoul! What will they say of us when they hear we have vanquished
+nought but a pair of lepers?"
+
+The troop galloped away down the dusty road towards St. Brieuc, the
+unfortunate soldier following in the rear, his face ashen with terror
+at the thought of the loathsome death he had courted, while two
+mottled grey corpses, a discarded sword, and the imprints of the
+hoofs of the cavalry alone remained to mark the scene of so swift and
+terrible a tragedy.
+
+Shuddering at the thought of their narrow escape, Raymond and his
+father rose, and with averted faces, left behind them the bodies of
+the ill-fated men, and pursued their journey. Not till they were two
+leagues from the spot did they halt; then, selecting a secluded
+coppice, they threw themselves on the ground and were soon deep in
+dreamless slumber.
+
+The sun had set and the stars were beginning to twinkle in the
+darkening sky ere the travellers awoke stiff and cramped with lying
+on the bare earth; but stern duty urged them onwards, and with
+swinging stride they resumed their way.
+
+Along the deserted highway, past the slumbering village of Ploeue
+they jogged, too discomforted and weary even to engage in
+conversation.
+
+About two hours after midnight they were startled by hearing the
+sound of horsemen behind them. Without hesitation Redward sprang to
+the side of the road, dragging the squire with him; then kneeling
+down and placing his ear to the ground he listened intently.
+
+"'Tis but a pair of horsemen," he whispered. "See to thy sword, for
+there will be work afoot for us!"
+
+The riders had now slackened down to a slow trot, and by their
+conversation the Englishmen recognised that one of them was an old
+acquaintance--none other than the Sieur d'Erqui.
+
+"Once have we met him, and once at least hath he done us a service,"
+muttered the bowman in a low tone. "Methinks yet another service will
+he render us. Now, follow me!"
+
+Giving a tremendous salute with his rattle, Redward, with Raymond
+close at his heels, sprang into the road and barred the Sieur's way.
+Taken aback, his face livid with superstitious fear, d'Erqui reined
+in his steed, while his companion, evidently a retainer, did
+likewise.
+
+"Dismount, monsieur, lest I lay hands on thee and thou diest a
+horrible death," exclaimed Redward in a sepulchral voice, relying on
+the cowardice of the foppish Frenchman to gain his end.
+
+Without a word the Sieur leapt, or, rather, rolled, from the saddle
+and cowered down in the darkness by the roadside. Seizing the horse's
+bridle by the left hand, the soldier advanced towards the other
+horseman.
+
+Made of sterner stuff, the latter had recovered from the first
+surprise, and, perceiving that he had no supernatural foes to deal
+with, he drew his sword and rode towards his challenger. Avoiding
+with ease a terrific sweep of the heavy weapon, Redward returned the
+blow without effect, but, ere the man could shorten his sword, the
+young squire rushed in, seized him round the waist and hurled him
+from the saddle to the ground, where he had enough reason to remain
+quiet.
+
+It was the work of a moment for the Englishmen to mount the captured
+steeds, then, giving a parting salute to the discomforted Sieur, they
+pricked the horses with the points of their weapons, and urged them
+into a brisk canter.
+
+"Bravely done, Raymond," exclaimed his father. "It will fare ill with
+us now if Hennebon sees us not by to-morrow's dawn!"
+
+"But how can we ride in this disguise?" asked Raymond. "It is not the
+custom for lepers to go about on horseback."
+
+"There is a good two hours ere daybreak, and by that time, I trow, we
+shall be at least five leagues from here. Then, I hope, the saints
+being with us, that thou wilt be the Sieur d'Erqui, and I his man!"
+
+"The Sieur d'Erqui?"
+
+"Yea, and why not? Thou hast played the part of the Sieur before to
+good purpose, and why not now? But, oh for a plentiful repast! Dry
+bread and apples are but a sorry meal when one is used to English
+beef!"
+
+Maintaining a hot pace the travellers rode through the night; then
+just as day was breaking they halted, watered their horses, and,
+after hobbling them, turned them out to graze. They then divested
+themselves of their hideous cloaks and hoods, rolled the garments
+into a small compass, and resumed the rôle of soldiers.
+
+About eight o'clock they arrived at the village of Pontivy, and
+reining-in at the inn, Redward dismounted and strode up to mine host,
+who saw in every armed man a spoiler, whether he were for Montfort or
+for Blois.
+
+"Hark ye, garçon!" exclaimed the master-bowman, "thy best food and
+wine in plenty, and provender for our horses! And, as thou valuest
+thy hide, say not one word to my master, the worthy Sieur d'Erqui,
+for he is in a bad mood, and woe betide the man who addresses him!"
+
+Their steeds were led away, and Raymond and his father were shown
+into the largest room of the inn, while the waiting-maids, urged by
+the host, bustled about preparing the meal.
+
+Raymond did not belie the character his father had given him as the
+Sieur, but his reticence was due to bodily fatigue. For, while
+awaiting the meal, fitful sleep claimed him, but it was only to
+awaken with a start as his head fell forward on his chest.
+
+Never was a repast better enjoyed, and never was the desire to sleep
+so irresistible, but Redward, though weary himself, was inexorable.
+
+"Maybe swift pursuit is already at our heels," said he. "So onward we
+must go. Holá!" he shouted, hammering on the trestled board with his
+sword-hilt.
+
+In answer to the summons the host appeared, trembling in his shoes.
+
+"How is the army ordered before Hennebon And where shall my master
+find the banners of the Duke Charles?"
+
+"Sir, report hath it that the force of Blois lieth thickest about
+where this road approaches the town, so, without doubt, the banners
+of the Duke are there."
+
+Throwing down a coin to pay for their repast (whereat the host
+marvelled greatly, seeing it was not the custom of the times),
+Redward followed the supposed Sieur from the inn; their horses were
+brought round, and soon they were clattering over the pavé of the
+village towards the open country.
+
+Redward glanced backwards several times to see if there were any
+signs of pursuit, but to his great satisfaction none could be
+detected.
+
+"Thou hast heard what the rogue said the foe lie thickest along this
+road? Should any follow us we have laid a false scent, for I do not
+wish to ride straight into the camp of Blois. To that end let us turn
+off along the road to Aurai, and thence follow the coast to the walls
+of Hennebon."
+
+Accordingly they turned aside at a cross-road, having learned from a
+peasant that it led to the town of Aurai. A league or so farther on
+they again left the road and rested in a wood, sleeping without
+molestation till late in the afternoon.
+
+Darkness was drawing on as they struck the road between Hennebon and
+Aurai, about a bow-shot from the latter place. Avoiding the town the
+travellers turned towards their goal, now but a short four leagues
+distance.
+
+"We must be doubly cautious, Raymond," said his father, "for methinks
+another troop of horsemen is approaching."
+
+Once again they withdrew from the road, and, hiding beneath the
+shadow of some tall trees, they waited. Nearer and nearer came the
+sound, till, like a whirlwind, a large body of knights and mounted
+men-at-arms dashed by in the darkness, and, with a thunder of hoofs
+and a cloud of dust that rose slowly in the still night air, they
+vanished into the gloom.
+
+"By St. George! What doth it mean?" exclaimed Raymond.
+
+"Nay, I cannot say, save it be they of Blois fleeing from those of
+Montfort; every man was riding for dear life, and, mark you, with
+loose rein and hot spur!"
+
+"Then onwards, father! An hour will decide whether we reach Hennebon
+unscathed, or have to fight our way in."
+
+Almost before they were aware of the fact they rode right into the
+camp of the besiegers, but, instead of being instantly challenged and
+taken prisoners, it was like a progress through a city of the dead.
+Most of the tents were cut down, several of the temporary wooden huts
+still smouldered, while here and there their horses had to step aside
+to avoid treading on the corpse of an unarmoured man.
+
+Still wondering at this unlooked-for sight, the Englishmen spurred on
+till they drew rein outside the twin towers that guarded the gate of
+Hennebon. A hoarse voice challenged them, and torches flickered on
+the battlements as the garrison stood to their arms.
+
+"Open! We would see the Countess!" roared Redward, standing in his
+stirrups.
+
+"Who are ye, and whence come ye?" was the reply.
+
+"Messengers from the King of England."
+
+Cries of delight greeted this announcement, the drawbridge fell with
+a ponderous clang, the great gates were thrown wide open, and,
+conscious that a great duty had been well carried out, Raymond,
+followed by his father, entered the town of Hennebon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE RELIEF OF HENNEBON
+
+
+"THY name and style, fair sir?"
+
+"My name is Raymond Buckland, squire to Sir John Hacket, Constable of
+the King's Castle of Portchester and Governor of the town of
+Portsmouth. Lead me, I pray, to her grace the Countess of Montfort,
+for I have a letter which I have to give her by my own hand."
+
+"Nay," was the reply, "that cannot be--at least not at this moment.
+The Countess led a sortie yesterday at noon, and, alas, hath not yet
+returned. I, Henri Barbenoire, seigneur of the castle of Ploeac and
+Seneschal, in the absence of the Countess of this town will receive
+thy message."
+
+"That cannot be," replied Raymond courteously, "for to the Countess
+alone must I hand this letter."
+
+Barbenoire, a Breton whole-heartedly devoted to his mistress, did not
+press the point, but ordering a hasty meal to be prepared, remained
+with the young squire. It was but a sorry repast, for already the
+supplies were low, nevertheless Raymond did justice to the simple
+fare, listening awhile to the narrative of the events of the siege.
+
+Cheered by the touching confidence that the heroic Countess had given
+to the townsmen of Hennebon, the garrison had fought bravely and
+well. The Countess herself wore armour, and rode on a huge warhorse
+through the narrow streets, encouraging her people to make good
+defence, reminding them of the help she hoped would be forthcoming
+from the King of England. Nor did she spare the womenfolk, for she
+caused them to discard their long trains and heavy skirts and to don
+short kirtles so that they could move with freedom. This done, they
+were employed in carrying stones and arrows to the walls to replenish
+the missiles of the defenders, and so emboldened were they by the
+example of their mistress that the women did not hesitate to hurl the
+stones down upon the invaders.
+
+At length one day the Frenchmen massed outside the northern wall for
+a grand assault, and, ascending a lofty tower, the Countess perceived
+that their camp was empty. Instantly calling together a body of
+knights and mounted men-at-arms the lady mounted her steed and,
+placing herself at their head, rode straight for the French camp,
+cutting down tents and setting fire to everything that would readily
+burn.
+
+The watchers on the walls saw the French host desist from the assault
+and retire to intercept the Countess. Finding herself cut off from
+the town, she called in her followers, and rode furiously away to
+Aural, hotly pursued by Sir Louis d'Espagne, the second in command of
+Charles of Blois.
+
+Thus it was that Raymond had seen the Countess and her troops pass by
+him without knowledge of their identity; and now the garrison was
+ignorant of the fate of their beloved leader, none knowing whether
+she had been killed or taken, or whether she had baffled pursuit.
+
+On the morning following the arrival of Raymond and his father, the
+host of Blois still encompassed the town, yet no attempt was made to
+renew the assault.
+
+The two Englishmen were enrolled as members of the garrison, and as
+the days went past they with their foreign comrades gazed eagerly
+from the battlements in the hope of seeing the banners of the
+returning Countess.
+
+On the fifth day, Barbenoire had ascended the lofty east tower.
+Despair for his mistress had filled his soul, yet, inspiring the
+townsfolk by word and deed, he gave no sign of misgiving, being
+resolved to hold Hennebon as long as a single fighting-man was left.
+
+The rising sun dazzled his vision, but a movement on the skyline
+riveted his attention. Calling one of his captains, he pointed out
+the spot, and both agreed that it was a body of troops approaching.
+
+A very short time sufficed to spread the news, though Barbenoire
+commanded that no demonstration should be made lest it should attract
+the notice of the besiegers.
+
+Soon it was beyond doubt that the Countess was returning. Collecting
+a body of one hundred archers and spearmen, the Seneschal ordered
+them to make a feint sortie from the western side while the gateway
+on the opposite side was thrown open to receive the Countess. Then,
+when safely within the walls with all her company and an additional
+force of five hundred spears, the redoubtable Châtelaine was greeted
+with a great noise of trumpets to the cheers of the delighted
+townsfolk.
+
+The besiegers, finding themselves tricked, could not refrain from
+praising the boldness and skill of the Countess of Montfort.
+Nevertheless, they advanced to the assault, and the struggle waxed
+fierce until noon, when, unable to gain a lodgment, the partisans of
+Blois sullenly retreated to their camp.
+
+Directly the attack was repulsed, Raymond hastened to the presence of
+the Countess. She had now divested herself of her bascinet and steel
+jupon, and the young squire saw before him a tall, stately lady of
+about thirty years of age. Her finely chiselled face was crowned by a
+wealth of auburn hair, which, ruffled by the removal of her
+headpiece, served to hide the somewhat lofty brow.
+
+Raymond could but marvel that such a truly feminine form possessed
+the courage and endurance of a man, and his astonishment was
+increased when she addressed him in low, sweet tones, for he had
+heard of the Countess's soul-stirring speech, when, holding her
+little son by the hand, she had so successfully appealed to the
+chivalrous instincts of her knights and to the loyalty of the
+townsfolk.
+
+Concealing her agitation at the arrival of such important news from
+England, the Countess broke the seals and opened the letter. Her face
+flushed with pleasure as she read its contents.
+
+"Hearken, my fair lords, to the message of our noble overlord the
+King of England," she cried, turning to those who were with her.
+"Four score ships by now are on their way to aid us, and ere long
+three thousand men, under Sir Robert of Artois and Sir Walter Manny,
+will be on the heels of our enemies."
+
+Shouts of exultation greeted this announcement, and, the news quickly
+spreading, the whole town was given over to rejoicing.
+
+But meanwhile active preparations were being made by Charles of Blois
+to make another general assault, and the arrival of some formidable
+siege-engines enabled him to breach the walls in several places;
+while the garrison, kept in a state of constant alarm, were worn with
+toil and endless vigil.
+
+Every morning at sunrise, for nearly two months, the Countess would
+ascend the loftiest tower in Hennebon and gaze towards the distant
+Cape of Ushant in the hope of catching sight of the sails of the
+English fleet. But her expectations remained unrealised, for seaward
+the horizon was unbroken, while around the town lay the close lines
+of her relentless foes.
+
+At length one of her partisans, the Bishop of Leon, informed her that
+his nephew, Henri de Rohan, who was in the camp of Blois, desired to
+hold converse with her; and, being granted safe conduct, the knight
+entered the town for the purpose of inducing the besieged to
+surrender, promising an honourable capitulation, with permission for
+the garrison to withdraw.
+
+For a while it seemed as if De Rohan's words would gain the day, till
+the Countess, supported by Barbenoire, again harangued her knights,
+and the ecclesiastic withdrew discomfited.
+
+Thereupon the French advanced to the grand assault, while the
+besieged caught up their arms and silently yet resolutely awaited
+their approach.
+
+But ere the archers could begin their hail of arrows which was to
+open the attack, the ringing voice of the Countess was heard from the
+summit of the tower:--
+
+"Voilà, le secours! Violà le secours anglais! Courage, enfans; nous
+sommes sauvés!"
+
+"Will they be in time?" asked Raymond anxiously, as he stood by his
+father on the shattered wall.
+
+"If we can but make good the battlements for one hour all will be
+well. Canst see aught of the ships?"
+
+"Not as yet."
+
+"Then heaven forfend the Countess be not mistaken. Stand to it,
+Raymond, for here they come!"
+
+All conversation was stopped by the on-coming foemen. The squire
+closed his visor, and crouching behind his shield, awaited the
+attack. Under cover of the archers the men-at-arms advanced. Though
+some fell before the darts of the besieged, the main body pressed
+steadily onward, till they reached the breach in the shattered
+masonry.
+
+The impact of the two forces was terrific; men went down on both
+sides, and, as sword and lance were shattered, axes, mauls, and maces
+continued the deadly work. The air was rent with the clash of arms,
+the shouts of the combatants, and the groans of the dying; but the
+townsfolk held their own, and after an hour's desperate struggle the
+attacking party retired.
+
+"'Tis hot work!" exclaimed Redward breathlessly, throwing down a
+heavy axe and removing his steel cap to cool his heated head. "Run
+and see if our comrades are yet in sight."
+
+To gain the summit of the tower was the work of a moment, and to the
+squire's great delight he saw the English ships already within easy
+distance of the harbour, their sails bellying out before the
+favouring breeze, and the water churned by the lash of the oars.
+
+"They come! They come!" he shouted joyously.
+
+"And so doth the foe," replied Redward grimly. "Haste back to the
+breach, for, by St. George, 'tis touch-and-go with Hennebon!"
+
+Again the attackers advanced, one knight, utterly regardless of his
+life, urging his horse towards the gap in the wall. Crouching, with
+lance in rest, the Frenchman spurred over the shattered stones,
+received yet recked not a hail of arrows, and rode furiously towards
+Raymond, who, sword in hand, awaited his approach.
+
+It would have gone hardly with the young squire had it not been for
+the unevenness of the ground, for the horse stumbled over a loose
+stone, throwing its rider heavily on the ground.
+
+In spite of the weight of his armour and the shock of his fall, the
+knight, a man of gigantic strength, rose to his feet, dropping his
+lance and wrenching his mace from the saddle-bow. As he did so
+Raymond struck him a heavy blow with his weapon, but the steel turned
+against the crest of his casque and was shattered close to the hilt.
+In a moment the mace beat down the squire's shield and descended upon
+his head, and without a cry the squire dropped senseless to the
+ground.
+
+But his fall was speedily avenged. Wielding his heavy axe, Redward
+sprang forward and smote at the Frenchman's helm. Realising his
+danger, the knight sprang aside; but, though avoiding a fatal blow,
+he did not escape, for the axe, glancing off the crest, caught the
+projecting visor. Unable to stand the strain, the leathern laces of
+his helmet burst, and the bascinet, though prevented by the camail
+from falling off, was turned back to front, so that the unfortunate
+wearer was unable to see through the openings of the visor.
+
+Dazed by the blow and in total darkness, the Frenchman staggered
+blindly about, still striking feeble and aimless blows, till the
+defenders, with taunts and execrations, beat him to the ground and
+despatched him with their axes.
+
+Meanwhile Redward bent over the prostrate form of his son, but ere he
+could ascertain whether the blow had been fatal the main attack had
+commenced. Gallantly the besieged met the shock; many fell on both
+sides, and for the space of a quarter of an hour the issue hung in
+the balance.
+
+At length, reinforced by a band of knights under Louis d'Espagne, the
+assailants bore back all before them. Barbenoire, fighting gallantly
+to the last, fell covered with wounds. Redward, standing over his
+son's body, kept back the press for a time, till, borne down by the
+weight of numbers, he was struck to the earth, but ere he lost
+consciousness he was dimly aware of the sound of English voices and
+the renewed clash of arms.
+
+At the critical moment the long-expected aid had arrived!
+
+Once more the tide of battle turned, and the followers of the House
+of Blois, unable to withstand the fierce onslaught of the English,
+fled panic-stricken before the reinforcements, the knights and
+mounted men-at-arms of Sir Walter Manny riding down all who came in
+their way.
+
+When at length the victorious Manny returned from the pursuit, the
+Countess of Montfort came forth and warmly greeted him.
+
+"Of a truth, fair sir," she exclaimed, as the warrior knelt and
+kissed her hand, "I cannot but liken you to the Archangel Michael
+sent from heaven in answer to our prayers!"
+
+Meanwhile the inhabitants of the town were busy pillaging the camp of
+their enemies, bringing in additional food supplies and tending their
+own wounded--for those of their assailants who were left in their
+hands were mercilessly despatched, save where their rank made them
+likely subjects for ransom.
+
+Redward and his son were found surrounded by the bodies of friend and
+foe, senseless but still breathing. The Countess had been apprised of
+the fall of her gallant messenger, and had ordered the young squire
+and his father to be carried into her own house within the castle.
+Sir Walter Manny himself also came frequently to see how fared the
+forerunner of his arrival, and brought with him his own chirurgeon to
+attend the two.
+
+For four days Raymond lay unconscious, till one morning his scattered
+senses returned, and he opened his eyes to find himself in a roomy
+apartment overlooking the town walls. Instead of the clash of arms
+the sun was shining brightly and the birds were singing. Beside him
+were the Countess and a group of Englishmen of quality; a little
+distance off lay Redward on a soft couch, his gaze fixed intently
+upon his son.
+
+Then the young squire realised that Hennebon was saved, and that his
+father was still with him; and with a sigh of contentment he fell
+into a deep and natural slumber.
+
+The wounds of both Raymond and his father were severe, and a
+considerable time elapsed ere they were capable of moving about,
+while their complete recovery, in spite of the kindly climate of fair
+Brittany, was a tedious business. Thus they missed the remaining
+portion of the Brittany campaign, in which Robert of Artois captured
+Vannes, and was soon afterwards driven from that town by a surprise
+attack on the part of some Breton adherents of Charles of Blois.
+
+Shortly after, the existing treaty between England and France was
+terminated, for during the struggle in Brittany a truce was nominally
+in force, the armies of England and France ostentatiously supporting
+the claim of the rival dukes; but on the expiration of the treaty war
+was openly resumed between the two great nations.
+
+The King of England landed at Marbain with 12,000 men, and
+simultaneously laid siege to Vannes, Rennes, and Mantes, but the
+triple task was beyond his power, and under the influence of the
+Pope's legates he agreed to observe a truce for three years.
+
+Immediately following this pacific arrangement King Edward
+re-embarked for his own dominions, and with the army went Raymond and
+Redward, the former despondent at the news of the truce, regarding it
+as being fatal to his cherished hopes of winning the golden spurs of
+knighthood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+RAYMOND'S ERRAND
+
+
+NEARLY four years have elapsed since the young squire's mission to
+Hennebon. They have been years of comparatively uneventful waiting.
+To him the dark clouds of unkind fate showed no signs of the silver
+lining of good fortune, for he fully realised that until he had risen
+above the rank of squire he dare not hope for the hand of the fair
+Lady Audrey Scarsdale.
+
+Thus, there was nothing to do but wait patiently, under the orders of
+kindly Sir John Hacket, fervently hoping for the call to arms that
+would give him the opportunities of winning his spurs upon the soil
+of France.
+
+The three years' truce had been ill-kept. Already the Earl of Derby
+had crossed into Guienne, but news, though scanty, was far from
+reassuring, and daily the Constable of Portchester was awaiting the
+summons to assemble his men and march to join the King's forces at
+Southampton.
+
+One afternoon, in the month of May 1346, the watch on the keep of the
+castle perceived a man limping towards the gate. He was tall,
+broad-shouldered, and bronzed-faced, yet bent with physical
+infirmity, being compelled to use a rough crutch to aid his tottering
+footsteps.
+
+"Ho, Watkin!" exclaimed one of the soldiers to a comrade. "Surely
+that looks like Long Edney, of Wickham, yet methinks I am mistaken."
+
+"If't be, then, certes, he hath made a grievous error; for he went to
+Guienne, hoping to return speedily with much booty. This man hath
+pain to carry himself, let alone the plunder he hath not!"
+
+"'Tis Edney, of a surety. See, he waves his hand to us!"
+
+In a few moments the luckless man-at-arms was within the castle,
+surrounded by a crowd of rough sympathisers. Hearing the sound of
+voices, Sir John Hacket appeared, and, recognising the man as one who
+had left his service some time previously to join the forces under
+Lord Norwich, sent Raymond to lead Edney into his presence.
+
+"'Tis a sad home-coming for thee," exclaimed the knight
+sympathetically. "Yet Heaven knows there are many such. The highways
+are thick with broken soldiers."
+
+"Ay, Sir John," returned the man despondently. "A bolt through the
+thigh is a sorry return for my trouble, and not a silver penny's
+worth of spoil to show for it! Nevertheless, the saints helping me, I
+hope to adventure myself again in this matter."
+
+"And with better luck," rejoined the Constable. "And, now tell me,
+how goes the war in Guienne?"
+
+"Faith, it goeth against us in the main. Pembroke and Sir Walter
+Manny are shut up in Aiguillon, and when I left Bordeaux they had
+sent urgent appeals for succour. For my part I know but little of
+Aiguillon, being besieged with Lord Norwich in Angoulême."
+
+"And how fared Norwich?"
+
+"As crafty as ever."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"The Duke of Normandy pressed him sorely, so that the French looked
+likely to take the town by escalade. Thereupon Norwich beat a parley.
+'How, now!' exclaimed the Duke. 'Dost wish to give in?' 'Nay,'
+replied our leader, 'but as to-morrow is the Feast of the Virgin, to
+whom we both bear great devotion, I desire a cessation of strife for
+that day.' 'Right willingly,' replied the Duke, and Norwich, nigh
+bursting with badly-concealed merriment, descended from the walls.
+That night he ordered us to prepare our baggage, and early next
+morning we marched out straight for the enemy's camp. The Frenchmen
+flew to arms, but Norwich, forbidding our men to draw, sent a knight
+to remind the Duke of his promise."
+
+"And what did the Duke?"
+
+"He kept his word. 'I see the sly fox has outwitted us, but let us be
+content with gaining the town,' he exclaimed; and right between the
+lines of astonished Frenchmen we marched, without losing as much as a
+single stick."
+
+"Ho! ho! ho!" laughed Sir John. "A clever trick, but, methinks,
+'twill not pass another time. And Pembroke hath sent an urgent
+message to the King for aid, didst thou say?"
+
+"Ay, directly our ship tied up alongside the quay at Southampton the
+messenger rode off at headlong speed to Windsor, although he could
+scarce keep his seat by reason of sea-sickness."
+
+"Then, Raymond," exclaimed the Constable, turning to his squire, "the
+summons will be here anon. But, mark my word, this will be no
+child's-play, for, methinks, the King will be loth to let Guienne
+slip through his fingers. And now, bring me the tally of the bows,
+arrows, and spears, for no time must be lost."
+
+Joyfully the squire hastened away to get the required information,
+and the castle was soon alive with excitement at the thought of
+active service.
+
+The old knight was not wrong; the call to arms came, and, thanks to
+his sagacity and forethought, the Constable was soon ready to take
+the field. Ere June had arrived Sir John's company had marched into
+Southampton to await the King's good pleasure.
+
+Raymond saw great changes as he gazed around the old familiar place.
+The walls had been raised and strengthened; larger houses had taken
+the place of the charred ruins that the French invaders had left
+behind them, while a fleet of large ships showed that Southampton had
+quickly recovered from the horrors of pillage.
+
+The fleet was typical of the resources of Hampshire, for Southampton
+contributed twenty-one ships manned by 476 mariners, Lymington sent
+nine, Portsmouth five, Leepe, Newtown, and Yarmouth two each, while
+the county of Dorset supplied twenty-five vessels, of which Weymouth
+sent twenty-one and Poole four.
+
+Farther down the Water towards Hythe lay a larger fleet, composed of
+vessels from the Cinque Ports, London, Ipswich, and Great Yarmouth,
+while towards the Netley side were the West Country ships from
+Dartmouth, Sutton, Fowey, and Falmouth.
+
+Altogether there were not far short of eight hundred sail, assembled
+in less than fourteen days, to bear across the Channel the huge army
+destined for the conquest of France.
+
+On Midsummer Day, the Feast of St. John the Baptist, the news came
+that the King had left the Queen in the care of his cousin, the Earl
+of Kent, and was on the road to Southampton.
+
+Instantly the work of embarking the troops, horses, and baggage
+began, and never before did the good townsmen of Southampton behold
+such a fair and martial sight. Throughout the long June day the task
+proceeded, and a seemingly endless procession wended through the West
+Gate, each division having its appointed order.
+
+The Portsmouth ships were to form the rearguard, so that it was the
+duty of the Constable of Portchester to embark last of all. From his
+quarters, close to the West Gate, Sir John watched the embarkation,
+pointing out to his squires the respective devices and banners of the
+various contingents.
+
+From all parts of the kingdom, save the northern counties, whose men
+were required to watch the restive Scots, had this army foregathered,
+the flower of chivalry and the stoutest of the yeomen of England.
+There were the lions rampant of the Percies, Mowbrays, and d'Albini,
+each distinguishable by the "field," the ruddy chevrons of the de
+Claves, the gilded cockle-shell of the de Malets, and the more
+complicated devices of de Montfichet, Quince, Fortibus, de Bohun, de.
+Vere, and Fitz-Walter. Each baron had his following of men-at-arms
+and archers, the former having to lower the points of their long
+slender spears as they passed beneath the vaulted archway. After the
+feudal army, numbering four thousand men-at-arms and ten thousand
+archers, came a horde of fierce-eyed, hairy men of short stature,
+each armed with a long knife and a double-bladed axe.
+
+"Ah," exclaimed Sir John, noting the look of inquiry on Raymond's
+face. "Heaven help the Frenchman who falls wounded in the field, for
+these are the Welsh levies. I have marked their method of fighting
+before to-day, and, certes, I am of no mind to praise them for it."
+
+The Welshmen were succeeded by a straggling body of tall,
+gaunt-looking men, armed with a small shield and short spear. They
+lacked the grim stolidity of the Englishmen, and marched with merry
+laugh and careless jest uttered in a strange tongue.
+
+"The Irish levies from Leinster," remarked the Constable,
+"good-natured in peace, honest fighting-men, yet terrible when
+roused. I can recall a little affair before Cadsand, but 'tis too
+long to relate at the moment. But hark!"
+
+Redoubled cheering echoed down the narrow sloping street, and the
+knight and his squires strained their ears to ascertain the cause.
+The last of the troops had passed, yet still the archers who lined
+the route pushed back the excited townsmen with their six-foot
+staves.
+
+"The King!" exclaimed the Constable.
+
+Attended by a number of lords and barons, Edward rode slowly through
+the crowded street, acknowledging the acclamations by the faintest
+inclination of his head. He was then in his thirty-fourth year, yet
+the cares of his kingdom and the claims of his Lombard and Flemish
+creditors had made him look considerably older. A longish dark beard
+partially concealed a hard, firm mouth, while his dark piercing eyes,
+glittering beneath his broad forehead and bushy eyebrows, betokened a
+war-like temperament. His coat of plate-armour, fashioned in the
+latest style, was covered by a surcoat, upon which were embroidered
+his newly-assumed arms, the fleur-de-lis of France, quartered with
+the silver lions of England, while a velvet cap took the place, for
+the time being, of his plumed bascinet.
+
+At his right hand rode his fifteen-year-old son, Edward, afterwards
+known to fame as The Black Prince; while at his left rode Lord
+Godfrey of Harcourt, the King's much-esteemed councillor.
+
+Burning with ill-concealed impatience Edward, with his suite,
+embarked that very evening, and ere morning dawned the fleet had left
+the shelter of Southampton Water, and was heading westward for the
+English Channel, the Portsmouth ships, with the Constable and his
+company, rolling sluggishly in the rear, about a league astern of the
+main body.
+
+With the favouring north-easterly breeze all went well, and steadily
+the floating army neared the coasts of France; but on the third day
+came a flat calm, so that the ships were compelled to use their
+sweeps to prevent themselves drifting into one another.
+
+The calm was succeeded by a strong south-westerly gale, so that all
+advantage of the previous favourable breeze was totally lost; and,
+unable to make headway, the fleet was driven back towards the English
+coast, taking shelter in the Cornish harbour of Fowey.
+
+For six days the fleet lay weather-bound, till Sir Godfrey of
+Harcourt counselled the King to give up the idea of landing in
+Gascony.
+
+"Sire," he exclaimed, "Normandy is one of the plenteous countries of
+the world. On jeopardy of my head, if thou wouldst land there, there
+is none to resist thee. The people of Normandy are not used to war,
+and all the knights and squires of the country are now at the siege
+before Aiguillon."
+
+The advice, though hardly correct, the King took, and, the wind
+moderating and blowing more in their favour, the fleet again put to
+sea, and reached La Hogue without further incident.
+
+Arrived on the coast of Normandy, the English began to make a
+revengeful attack on the ports of Cherbourg and Barfleur, the ships
+of these ports having harried the coasts of England in times past,
+and with fierce shouts the soldiers pillaged the defenceless towns,
+burning every ship they found in the harbours.
+
+One night, Sir John Hacket, who had been in audience with the King,
+returned to his quarters in high glee.
+
+"Raymond," he exclaimed, "the King hath again done signal honour to
+my Company. News hath reached us that the Count of Tancarville, who
+is the most puissant noble in Normandy, lieth at a hunting lodge near
+the village of Brique, within five leagues of the camp. He hath, we
+are told, no knowledge of our presence. Could we but entrap him and
+bring him a prisoner into the camp, it will clear the way for our
+advance, for, bereft of the counsel of the Count of Tancarville, all
+Normandy would be masterless. Now, consider; I have a free hand in
+this small matter, and can use the whole of my Company to my
+advancement. What think ye? Is it better to take but a few mounted
+men, or adventure with them all?"
+
+"In my humble opinion, Sir John," replied Raymond, "the matter is
+best undertaken by but a few. Too many would give alarm. A few would,
+in the case of our plans miscarrying, be but little missed, and if
+they do succeed, then the greater the honour!"
+
+"Thy words do thee credit, Raymond, and, by St. George, a better
+leader for the enterprise than thou I cannot choose. Take your choice
+of mounted men, and begone. A guide is even now detained in the camp,
+who will lead you to Brique. Now, remember, alive or dead, bring the
+Count into the camp, but alive by choice."
+
+Quickly the young squire went about preparations for his mission.
+Five trusted men-at-arms were chosen, and their arms and horses
+carefully inspected by their young leader, who resolved to leave
+nothing to chance. Then, placing their guide, a heavy-limbed Norman
+peasant, upon a spare horse, and attaching a light chain to his wrist
+(one end being held by a soldier with orders to despatch the man at
+the first sign of treachery), the little party left the camp, passed
+the outlying cordon of sentries, and plunged into the darkness.
+
+By degrees the horsemen became accustomed to the gloom, and, riding
+closely together, with the guide in their midst, they maintained a
+brisk pace towards their goal, and ere long the camp-fires of their
+comrades were lost to sight behind them.
+
+The night was sultry; not a leaf stirred on the branches of the trees
+that lined the road, and a dull oppressive feeling pervaded the
+atmosphere.
+
+Suddenly the faint rumble of distant thunder was borne to their ears,
+and instinctively the horsemen glanced at one another, for a
+thunder-storm was looked upon by the mediaeval soldier as a harbinger
+of evil.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the storm, till the lightning flashed across
+their path, illuminating the horizon with its sulphurous glow, but as
+yet not a drop of rain had fallen.
+
+Meanwhile their guide had kept perfectly silent, answering the
+questions put to him with either a nod or a shake of his head. Though
+Raymond had acquired a smattering of the French language he was
+unable to understand the patois of the peasant, so one of the
+men-at-arms was deputed to put any necessary question to their
+impassive guide.
+
+At length they reached the confines of a dense forest, and hardly had
+they gained the dangerous shelter of the trees than down came the
+rain, accompanied by almost incessant flashes of lightning.
+
+Dazzled by the appalling light, and almost deafened by the sharp
+detonating rattle of the thunder, the little party rode in fear and
+trembling till their guide stopped them with a motion of his hand,
+and indicating an almost invisible avenue that forked from the road
+they were following, exclaimed, "V'là, m'sieurs!"
+
+"Ask him how far it is to the Count's hunting-lodge!" exclaimed
+Raymond.
+
+"He says 'not far.'"
+
+"Certes, I am as wise as before. Ask him again." The man mumbled
+something unintelligible, then held up two fingers.
+
+"A murrain on his thick-headedness; fair Sir, I cannot rightly tell
+what he doth mean."
+
+"Then be cautious. Remember, directly we catch sight of the place,
+one man remains with the guide and the rest follow me!"
+
+The path was too narrow for two to ride abreast, so they proceeded in
+single file, the guide leading, with a soldier, leaning over his
+crupper to give the necessary length of chain, following closely
+behind and through the avenue, so dense that even the lightning
+almost failed to illumine, Raymond's party rode on their desperate
+errand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+TRAPPED!
+
+
+BEFORE the raiders had proceeded very far a short exclamation from
+one of the men-at-arms caused them to pull up sharply.
+
+"What's amiss?" demanded Raymond in a whisper.
+
+"The peasant's horse hath gone lame," replied one of the soldiers.
+"Can we not despatch the guide, for, certes, he is of no further use,
+and it will save us the trouble of looking after him?"
+
+"Nay!" replied Raymond sturdily. "I am loth to cause a harmless
+peasant to be slain. Make him mount behind thee, Robert, but keep a
+tight hold on his chain."
+
+Once again the advance was resumed, the horses floundering over the
+slippery, leaf-strewn path, their riders being put to great trouble
+by reason of the overhanging branches that often almost swept them
+from their saddles.
+
+Presently they began to descend a steep declivity, the slope
+requiring all the skill of the horsemen to keep their steeds on their
+feet, while the rain, now falling in torrents, had transformed the
+little path into a foaming stream.
+
+Suddenly a vivid flash of lightning rent the darkness of the night,
+and in the dazzling glare Raymond beheld, with a thrill of horror,
+two of the men who were leading disappear into a yawning chasm almost
+at his feet, their cries drowned by the appalling crash of the
+accompanying thunder. By dint of reining in his horse till the animal
+was almost on its haunches, the young squire saved himself from a
+similar fate, and slipping to the ground he awaited, in terrible
+suspense, the next flash that would give some idea of his position.
+The succeeding period of darkness seemed to weigh upon him like a
+suffocating shroud, while the silence was broken only by the frantic
+prancing of the remaining horses, the feeble groans of one of the
+fallen men, and a low gurgling sound a short distance away--a sound
+that caused indescribable terror in the mind of the young squire.
+
+Then came another crash and a ponderous mass fell across the path he
+had just passed, and another shriek of agony rent the air. To the
+horrified Raymond, whose superstitious feelings were aroused by the
+war of the elements and the tragedy of his surroundings, the place
+savoured of the infernal regions; and gazing with wide-open eyes into
+the inky blackness, he dumbly awaited the next gleam of blinding
+light.
+
+At length, after a seemingly endless suspense, it came--a double
+flash. Short as was the duration of the glare it served to intensify
+the horror of his position.
+
+At his feet yawned the pit, wherein the feebly-moving limbs of two
+of his men still writhed in the throes of death, while their horses
+were frantically kicking each other in the confined space. Behind him
+lay another man-at-arms, the blood welling from a gaping wound in his
+throat, while a fourth lay crushed--beyond recognition by a heavy
+tree-trunk that, falling across the path, effectually prevented a
+retreat. There was no sign of their guide, but the fifth soldier was
+leaning against a tree-trunk, his hands pressed tightly over his eyes
+as if trying to shut out the ghastly scene.
+
+The next flash showed that he, too, had vanished, and Raymond was
+alone, though the shouts and cries of the unfortunate man-at-arms
+betokened that he was being haled off through the forest by some
+invisible agency--whether by men, animals, or spirits the squire
+dared not imagine.
+
+And now the underwood on either side seemed alive with movement, and
+Raymond felt, or fancied he felt, rough hands groping towards him.
+Frenzy took possession of his shaking body, and, lashed into the
+energy of despair, he unsheathed his sword and slashed madly about
+him. The blade came in violent contact with an overhanging bough and
+snapped off close to the hilt; at the same moment the squire felt a
+pair of sinewy arms encircle his feet, and with a lusty heave he was
+upset and thrown with a crash to the ground, the point of a knife
+pressing against his throat warning him of the utter uselessness of
+further resistance.
+
+Bound hand and foot, the unfortunate squire was carried or dragged
+through a thick growth of underwood, till at length his captors
+gained a large clearing. By the aid of a momentary flash he saw the
+outlines of a low building. In response to a violent knocking he
+heard the sound of bolts being withdrawn, and, borne on the shoulders
+of four strong men, he was carried into the house, and dropped
+unceremoniously upon the rush-strewn floor.
+
+Some one took a torch from its socket and bent over the prostrate
+squire. Raymond recognised the features--it was the traitorous guide!
+But gone was the heavy lustreless expression of his eyes and the
+stolid set of his swarthy jaws; instead a look of malevolent
+intelligence overspread his face, and by the subservience with which
+he was treated by his comrades it was evident that he was a man of
+authority.
+
+"Ah! Dolt, fool, beast of an Englishman! How nicely hast thou borne
+the Count of Tancarville back to the camp of the cursed invader of
+Normandy! Dead or alive, eh? Little didst thou know how near thy
+purpose was fulfilled when thy base _routier_ made to pass a knife
+across my throat. I--even I--am the Count of Tancarville!"
+
+He paused to observe the effect of this startling announcement, but
+Raymond preserved a dignified silence.
+
+"And that simpleton the Constable, thy master," he resumed. "To think
+that the Count of Tancarville would be dallying at a hunting lodge
+when base English defile the coasts of Normandy! Ah! That was a near
+one," he added as another blinding flash of lightning lit up the
+room.
+
+"Knowest thou, thou miserable fool," he continued as soon as the
+crash of the thunder permitted, "that did that fiery fork but touch
+this place thou and I would be scattered, so that all the armies of
+Philip and Edward would fail to find a fragment? Eh, I interest thee?
+'Tis well; I'll tell thee more, seeing that the knowledge will profit
+thee but little. Henri! Cut asunder the bonds that bind this
+Englishman's legs, and do thou and Etienne stand close lest he do
+himself an injury!"
+
+Handing the torch to a serving-man, the Count led the way, closely
+followed by Raymond and his two guards. In an adjoining apartment, so
+open to the winds that the torch was almost extinguished, lay seven
+sinister-looking objects, which the squire readily recognised as
+bombards.
+
+These early cannon were composed of straight lengths of flat iron,
+held together by shrunk-on iron hoops, and lashed down to a heavy
+baulk of timber, so that in training these clumsy contrivances,
+carriage and gun were practically one piece.
+
+"These are the beasts I hunt in this forest," quoth the Count. "King
+Philip hath need of them, and, by our Lady of Nîmes, 'twill be a
+sight to see the vaunted English bowmen being bowled over by these
+bombards. And food these beasts must have! Forward, garçons, and show
+this dolt mine animals' food. But, Bertrand, stand aside with that
+torch. I am in no mind to go heavenwards yet awhile."
+
+The next room was little better than a cell, lightened by the feeble
+light of an oil lamp that glimmered through a horn lanthorn. In a far
+corner could be discerned the bent figure of a monk, his cowl thrown
+back on his shoulders and his arms bared to the elbow. Ignoring the
+interruption, he continued his labours, working a pestle with
+untiring energy.
+
+"Behold the worthy successor to Michael Schwartz! My faith! It does
+my heart good to show the accursed English the resources of la belle
+France; yet, 'tis passing strange that the secret of the making of
+the devil's powder should be divulged to a priest of God. Five score
+barrels full of the powder are ready for the use of our forces, and
+I'll warrant---- Ah! What wouldst thou? Down with him, mes garçons!"
+
+For Raymond, suddenly fired with a reckless determination, had thrown
+himself upon the torch-bearer, and with a shower of sparks the
+burning brand was dashed upon the floor, missing the bench with its
+dangerous compound by less than a span!
+
+The Count and the monk, both white with fear, stamped upon the
+blazing embers, while the guards with no gentle hand had forced their
+prisoner to the ground.
+
+"A senseless piece of folly," growled the Norman. "And little credit
+to thyself."
+
+"'Twould have rid the King of England of a dangerous foe," replied
+Raymond stoutly, opening his lips for the first time since his
+capture.
+
+"Away with him, till I find a means to make use of him, Etienne!"
+exclaimed the Count, taking no notice of the squire's remark.
+
+"To the oubliette?"
+
+"Nay; two of these accursed Englishmen in one den would plague us far
+more than if kept apart. One never knows what the rogues get up to
+when they plan amongst themselves. Lock him in the old arrow-store."
+
+The old arrow-store was a damp and dismal chamber next to the cell
+where Raymond had seen the monk at his researches. It was on the
+ground floor, and lighted only by one lancet-shaped window, far too
+narrow to admit the passage of a man. The roof was vaulted, the
+arches springing from a central pillar, while the floor was paved
+with heavy slabs set in strong cement.
+
+This much the young squire saw while the men were making a cursory
+examination by the aid of two additional torches; and after removing
+an old chest they quitted the room, bolting and locking the heavy
+iron-plated door behind them.
+
+Left to himself, Raymond fell a prey to the deepest despondency. The
+failure of his ill-starred attempt, the comparative ease of his
+capture, and the mortification which the Constable would feel at his
+non-return, weighed upon the unhappy squire far more than the danger
+of his hopeless position, and, grief-stricken, he lay on a stone
+bench, listlessly marking the sound of the rapidly-retreating storm,
+till a feeble glimmer through the lancet window betokened that the
+day was dawning. He had one consolation, sorry though it was--there
+remained another Englishman within the stronghold, the solitary
+survivor of five picked men-at-arms.
+
+Presently Raymond stood up and stretched his cramped limbs, then
+standing on the bench he found that he could just reach the window.
+Grasping the stone ledge with his hands, he raised himself
+sufficiently to look out.
+
+It was a cheerless outlook. In front, a bow-shot away, lay the dense
+masses of the forest, still hazy with the morning mist. An open
+space, broken only by a moat full of slimy water, lay between the
+forest and the stronghold, though no drawbridge was visible on that
+side.
+
+And beyond the forest lay, at an unknown distance, the English camp,
+where even now Sir John Hacket was doubtless expecting his return
+with the expected captive. Overcome with the irony of the situation,
+Raymond clambered down from the window and relapsed into his moody
+and despondent attitude.
+
+For several hours he remained thus, till aroused by the drawing back
+of the bolts of his prison door. The door was thrown open, and an
+armed man entered, bearing a pitcher of water and a trencher of black
+bread, while another man stood without, for fear of an outburst of
+the prisoner. Without a word the jailer set down the meal and
+retired.
+
+Twice daily was this done, and thus the days sped, slowly and
+cheerlessly, but no visit from the Count of Tancarville served to
+break the dismal monotony.
+
+On the fifth day Raymond heard the sound of martial preparations, and
+climbing to the window he caught a brief glimpse of a body of armed
+and mounted men riding past his prison; one of whom, he had no doubt,
+was the Count. Then came the rumble of heavily-laden wains, but in
+which direction the party disappeared the squire was unable to see.
+
+Evidently the little garrison of this sylvan fortress was
+considerably depleted, for Raymond noticed that his jailer came into
+his prison alone. He thought, though, that this might have been
+through a sense of familiarity at his prisoner's dejected mien. Yet
+daily, for hours together, the sound of the pestle, dimly heard
+through the thick adjoining wall, showed that the taciturn old monk
+still pursued his dangerous task.
+
+Four more days passed in dreadful solitude, till, maddened by the
+hopelessness of his condition, Raymond resolved on desperate measures
+to attempt his escape. Plan after plan flashed through his brain,
+only to be put aside as impracticable. Feigning death, burrowing
+through the stone walls of his prison, attacking his jailer, all
+seemed hopeless, till at length a scheme, hazardous in the extreme,
+yet capable of meeting with possible success, matured in his mind and
+hourly increased his hopes of ultimate success.
+
+Usually the jailer found him sitting dejectedly upon the stone bench,
+practically invisible in the gloom to any one entering from the
+dazzling sunlight without. But on this particular morning Raymond,
+awaiting the jailer's footsteps, carefully removed his surcoat and
+hid behind the door. Directly the man entered he made, as was his
+wont, direct for the bench, when the squire, springing upon him from
+behind, muffled his head in the surcoat and bore him to the ground.
+The jug and platter fell with a resounding crash, and Raymond,
+seizing the broken pitcher, struck the jailer such a shrewd blow that
+it all but split his skull, leaving him senseless on the floor.
+
+Hastily dragging his body across to the darkest corner, Raymond
+possessed himself of his dagger and escaped from his prison.
+
+Without a moment's hesitation he burst into the adjoining apartment,
+where the old monk, engrossed in his work, did not take the slightest
+notice of his abrupt entry. Raymond had argued with himself that a
+priest engaged in warlike pursuits thereby puts himself without the
+pale of the Church; so, overcoming his scruples, he wrenched the
+pestle from the hand of the astonished monk and stunned him ere he
+could utter a sound.
+
+Then with feverish haste he stripped off and donned the monk's
+capacious gown, pulling the cowl well down over his eyes; then,
+strapping the wooden sandals over his own pointed shoes, he walked
+boldly into the corridor, with bent head and clattering gait.
+
+At the end of the passage was another heavily-barred door, at which a
+spearman stood on guard. Holding his dagger firmly in his right hand
+and concealing it within the folds of his long sleeve, Raymond moved
+straight up to the man. The sentinel opened the door, and with bowed
+head stood aside to let the supposed monk pass. In a well-feigned
+highly-pitched voice the young squire gave the customary blessing;
+then, almost amazed at his good fortune, he gained the free air once
+more.
+
+But his difficulties were not yet over. The road from the stronghold
+ran under the shelter of the low walls for some distance, then turned
+abruptly and crossed the moat by a drawbridge, at the end of which
+was a small postern and barbican.
+
+All went well till Raymond was upon the bridge, and the gate-keeper
+was making ready to throw open the outer gate, when the sham monk
+dropped one sandal upon the bridge, where it lay conspicuously in the
+dazzling sunshine.
+
+For a moment the guard paused, gazing in undisguised astonishment at
+the tell-tale object, then with a crash he closed the gate and raised
+a horn to his lips. But ere he could blow a blast Raymond was upon
+him; a glint of cold steel, and the man uttering a choking cry, threw
+up his arms and fell in a huddled heap.
+
+Disguise was no longer necessary, and the squire, opening the gate
+and casting off his gown as he ran, sped over the open space towards
+the sheltering forest.
+
+He heard some one behind him shouting the alarm, but by the time the
+watchers on the wall could wind their cross-bows Raymond was almost
+out of range, though a dropping bolt, shot at a venture, hummed close
+to his head and buried itself in the springy turf at the foot of the
+nearest tree.
+
+Though skilled in finding a course by observing the position of the
+sun, Raymond was but indifferently versed in woodcraft, and in the
+gloom of the forest all idea of direction was beyond him. Onward he
+plunged, crashing through the bracken and undergrowth, till to his
+great delight he struck a narrow path. This he followed, till at
+length he came upon the scene of his ambuscade. A yawning pit,
+partially concealed by a screen of hurdles and bracken, lay across
+the narrow way, while a score of paces beyond was a tree trunk,
+which, having been skilfully cut through close to its base, needed
+but little effort to fall into its present position, effectually
+barring the road to any but unmounted men.
+
+With a sickening feeling of horror Raymond gazed into the pit, where
+lay the mangled remains of two of his men-at-arms, though it was
+evident that the plunderer had already been there, as the corpses
+were stripped of their arms and accoutrements, while the trappings of
+the horses had vanished.
+
+Under the fallen trunk lay the body of the third soldier, plundered
+also as far as the ponderous timber would allow, while of the fourth
+no trace remained but a dark stain on the clayey soil.
+
+Clambering over the last obstacle, the squire found himself on the
+steep path that had been so dangerous a road but a short fortnight
+before. On and on he hastened, till he emerged on the high road that
+led to the camp, which he estimated to be about four and a half
+leagues distant, provided a general advance had not taken place in
+the meantime.
+
+He was hatless and without his surcoat, having left that garment with
+his late jailer, and there were no distinguishing marks to show that
+he belonged either to the army of the King of England or of Philip of
+France.
+
+Tying his blood-stained scarf over his chin, he strode boldly
+forward, trusting in the rôle of a wounded soldier to avoid being
+questioned. At length he gained the summit of a hill, from which he
+looked down upon a lovely fertile valley, and in the distance the
+blue waters of the English Channel.
+
+A spur of rising ground hid the view on his right, but a few minutes
+sufficed to gain its crest, and on looking down he saw a sight that
+filled him with joy, for below lay a large unwalled town, which he
+rightly guessed to be Caen, while a league off was the English host
+in battle array, and between him and the army was a motley array of
+Frenchmen issuing from the town to join battle with the invaders.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE TABLES TURNED
+
+
+ONLY one thing could Raymond do. He sat down on the grassy hillock
+and watched, knowing well that the fight could but end in one way.
+
+A little group of Norman knights led the van of the French, whose
+forces were composed mostly of towns-men, desperate in their vain
+attempt to save their town from pillage. Eagerly the keen eyes of the
+squire followed their disorderly advance, till they were almost lost
+to view in the distance.
+
+To him it seemed as if the white-coated lines of English archers
+stirred neither hand nor foot, but he knew full well that the blast
+of deadly arrows had sped, for as if by magic the dark masses of the
+Frenchmen broke and fled, without coming to hand-grips. Already the
+English cavalry were in hot pursuit, and the white winding road
+leading to the town was outlined with clouds of dust, which almost
+concealed the disorderly remnants of the defeated fugitives.
+
+Directly the advance guard of the fleeing army began to draw near,
+Raymond rose from the grass and ran swiftly towards the road. The
+Frenchmen, each intent upon his own safety, rushed past him, throwing
+off their armour to aid their flight, the mounted fugitives
+ruthlessly riding down their less fortunate countrymen.
+
+Seated by the roadside was a man-at-arms, who, sorely wounded in the
+shoulder, was endeavouring to divest himself of his hauberk in order
+to ease the pain. Actuated both by his own requirements and a feeling
+of pity, Raymond helped him to unburden himself of the steel-ringed
+coat, and having donned the Frenchman's discarded armour, he bathed
+his wound, a deep lance-thrust, with water obtained from a rivulet
+that ran by the roadside.
+
+After rendering this service he proceeded to complete his own
+equipment. A heavy sword and a light shield were soon found, and it
+did not require much effort on the part of the active squire to seize
+a riderless horse.
+
+With difficulty curbing the restlessness of his newly-acquired steed,
+Raymond urged it into an adjoining field to avoid being swept away by
+the panic-stricken horde of fugitives, and eagerly awaited the
+arrival of the English host.
+
+Soon the tide of fleeing Frenchmen slackened, and the braver spirits,
+maintaining a running fight, alone remained to uphold the honour of
+the ill-assorted army of the citizens of Caen.
+
+Suddenly Raymond's attention was drawn to a knot of mailed figures,
+who, surrounded by a press of Englishmen, fought savagely with the
+courage of despair. One by one the French mounted men-at-arms and
+squires fell, till only two knights remained.
+
+The pair, keeping side by side, held their enemies at bay by a shower
+of blows from sword and mace, till one, his horse slain by a
+Welshman, who paid for his act by having his head cleft by a
+back-handed sweep, was dashed to the ground and made prisoner.
+
+On seeing his comrade's fate, the other knight urged his horse
+through the crowd of assailants and made a dash for the open field,
+where Raymond awaited the chance to join his friends.
+
+Directly the squire caught sight of his emblazoned surcoat and shield
+he recognised the Frenchman--it was none other than the Count of
+Tancarville!
+
+Shaking off his pursuers, who preferred to return to squabble over
+their rights to the ransom of the captive knight, the Count rode
+straight for the place where Raymond was concealed. When he was
+twenty paces off the squire rode forward and barred his way.
+
+"Yield thyself, Sir Knight!" exclaimed Raymond.
+
+For a moment the Count gazed with undisguised astonishment at the man
+whom he had last seen as a prisoner in his stronghold, then,
+recovering himself, he put spur to his horse and rode furiously at
+the squire.
+
+The combatants were evenly matched, for the advantage of the
+Frenchman's complete coat of mail was balanced by the comparative
+freshness of his opponent and his steed. The knight had lost his
+lance, so that the fight was with swords.
+
+Reining back his horse, Raymond skilfully avoided the first rush, the
+Count's sword-point missing his unguarded face by a hand's breadth,
+while the squire's return blow fell harmlessly on his adversary's
+shield. Instantly Raymond closed in, and before the knight could turn
+his steed to meet the counter-attack, the squire's sword had bit
+deeply into his enemy's thigh. Then their blades met, and amid a
+shower of sparks and the clicking and rasping of steel, Raymond found
+himself at pains to defend his unvisored face, and it was not long
+before the blood was flowing freely from a cut on his cheek. But the
+Count's previous exertions and the loss of blood from several deep
+wounds were beginning to tell. His blows did not fall with the same
+strength that marked his first rush, though the squire could not
+break down his guard.
+
+Long they fought, their horses prancing and curveting as if realising
+that their efforts would materially aid their masters' sword-play,
+till Raymond's untried blade snapped off close to the hilt, and, with
+the exception of a short knife, he was left weaponless.
+
+A quick pull at the reins, and the squire's horse ranged alongside
+that of the Norman. The next instant Raymond had grasped his opponent
+round the body, and with a mighty heave sought to tear him from the
+saddle.
+
+Between the two plunging steeds the combatants fell, locked in a
+close embrace, Raymond uppermost; but before he could make good his
+advantage and demand his enemy's surrender a stunning kick from the
+Count's horse left its master at the Englishman's mercy.
+
+Raymond rose to his feet bruised and breathless, and at that moment a
+band of soldiers came hurrying towards them. The newcomers were the
+wild-looking Welsh mercenaries, intent on plunder; and, unable to
+make them understand who he was, the squire was for a while in danger
+of being set upon by these lawless booty-seeking warriors. Standing
+over the body of the prostrate knight, he beckoned, shouted, and
+threatened, till a highly-pitched voice behind him demanded who and
+what he was.
+
+Raymond turned and saw a gigantic, swarthy, and black-bearded man,
+clad in a bronze-coloured suit of armour, having a green dragon
+emblazoned on his surcoat and shield.
+
+"Squire to Sir John Hacket of Hamptonshire," he replied breathlessly.
+"I pray thee bid these rascals desist."
+
+A word from the stranger in an unknown tongue, and the Welshmen
+retired.
+
+"Rascals, iss what ye call tem?" asked the new arrival, laughing
+boisterously. "I would haf yes know, poy, tat tey are from
+Glamorgan--from Glamorgan, I tell you! And tey are the best men in
+the Army, I tell ye, poy, for tey are my men, I, David Evans, knight
+off Glamorgan. I pray ye pear tat in mind. I myself tought ye wass a
+Norman, or at pest a Gascon, seeing ye wass to wear a Frenchman's
+hauberk."
+
+The Welsh leader rode off, leaving Raymond to wonder how he could
+escape molestation from his friends and still stand by his captive.
+Most of the pursuers kept to the highway, and only a few came close
+to where he stood. In vain he begged and entreated the passing
+soldiers to give a hand to carry off the unconscious Count. Even the
+promise of a silver penny had no effect, for the English, intent on
+plunder, were already streaming into Caen with the last of their
+foes, and the comparatively bountiful offer of payment was invariably
+rejected with contempt.
+
+At length, despairing of obtaining assistance, Raymond left his
+prisoner and made his way back to the road, hoping to see a familiar
+face amongst the victorious soldiers who were hurrying forward to
+join in the sack of the town, but there were none of the Hampshire
+companies.
+
+Picking up another sword to replace his broken weapon, the squire
+preferred to go back to guard his captive, consoling himself with the
+thought that on the Count's return to consciousness he could lead him
+into the camp; then, suddenly bethinking himself of the rivulet
+higher up the road, he hastened towards it to slake his burning
+thirst.
+
+This he did, and thereupon made his way back by a different route to
+where the Count lay. Barely had he gone half the distance than he
+came to a dry ditch, where, to his surprise, he found two fugitives
+cowering in the long grass that grew in the trench.
+
+"Je me rends!" they both exclaimed, grovelling at his feet in fear of
+instant death, for, being but peasants, they knew that scant mercy
+was shown to those who were unable to offer ransom.
+
+In a moment Raymond saw and seized his chalice. "Vous êtes mes
+prisonniers," he exclaimed, brandishing his weapon. "Venez avec moi."
+
+Driving them before him, the squire soon reached the place where he
+had left the Count of Tancarville, and indicated by signs that they
+should carry him. This they did, panting with their exertions, for
+the knight in his complete armour was a heavy burden. Their progress
+was slow, till on arriving on the highway Raymond made them take two
+broken lances, and forming a rough litter, they were able to make a
+better pace.
+
+At length, they came in sight of the camp, and to his great joy
+Raymond saw the well-known banner of the crescent on the blue field,
+waving close to the pavilion over which floated the royal standard of
+England, for the Constable of Portchester's company was that day
+detailed as guard to the camp.
+
+Great was the delight and astonishment of Sir John Hacket and his men
+on Raymond's reappearance, for he had been given up for lost; and
+greater was the Constable's surprise when his squire, pointing to the
+litter, exclaimed with pardonable pride: "Behold, sir, I bring thee
+the Count of Tancarville according to thy instructions."
+
+Having handed over his three prisoners and given a brief account of
+his adventures, Raymond retired to a tent to enjoy a well-earned meal
+and a rest. From one of the archers he learned that his father,
+maddened by grief and rage at the supposed loss of his son, had
+obtained permission to join for the time being the Sussex company of
+Sir Guy of Bramber, vowing that twenty Norman lives would but
+ill-balance Raymond's death.
+
+The squire's leisure was of short duration, for Sir John Hacket came
+in person to inform him that the King had ordered him to appear
+before him.
+
+Raymond's eyes sparkled with delight, for this was a step at least
+towards his coveted reward, and hastily attiring himself suitably for
+the royal presence, he followed the Constable to the King's pavilion.
+
+It was a large tent, hung with damask, and divided into two parts by
+a heavy curtain. In the ante-room were crowds of knights awaiting an
+audience, their names and titles being carefully set down by a
+herald, while another, stationed at the flap of the partitioning
+curtain, where two knights in full armour stood on guard, announced
+the various personages who had business with their Sovereign.
+
+Each knight who was ushered into the inner apartment had but a short
+stay in the royal presence, and to Raymond, as he waited in
+breathless expectation, it seemed as if there was a continuous
+procession of warriors, some elated with the prospect of praise and
+honour, others nervously ignorant of why they were summoned thither;
+while others, knowing that their master had cause for displeasure,
+were pacing the crowded ante-chamber, biting their lips in their
+anxiety.
+
+All the while a buzz of suppressed voices was heard from the inner
+room, and occasionally Edward's hearty voice could be clearly
+distinguished as he praised or chid according to the merits or
+demerits of the person before him.
+
+Suddenly the sound of a galloping horse was heard, coming rapidly
+nearer, then, amid a hum of ill-concealed excitement, a knight,
+covered in mud from head to foot, and breathless from hard riding,
+burst into the ante-chamber.
+
+"Ah, Sir William!" he exclaimed to the royal herald, "I pray thee
+announce me to the King with all despatch. The matter brooks not
+delay!" And clanking in his heavy armour at the heels of the herald
+he disappeared behind the curtain that concealed the royal presence
+from the crowd of waiting knights.
+
+"'Tis Lord Bassett," whispered Sir John to his squire. "Certes, some
+event of much moment hath occurred to bring him from the field.
+Hearken!"
+
+The newcomer's voice was distinctly audible to those who waited
+without. "The men of Caen are holding out stubbornly, Sire, every
+house being closed to our troops, and our losses from the darts of
+those within are exceeding great. The Welsh levies, aye, and our own
+men as well, are killing without mercy man, woman, and child, yet
+their acts do but increase the fury of the men of Caen. I pray you,
+Sire, that the word goes forth that every soldier shall withdraw from
+the city, for otherwise they threaten to destroy it with fire."
+
+"But wherefore should we hold our hand?" inquired the King. "They of
+Caen set themselves in battle against our hosts, and must of
+necessity abide the consequences."
+
+"But the spoil, Sire, the spoil! 'Tis the richest town in all
+Normandy. If we can but prevail on the citizens to lay down their
+arms, then the sack can be resumed with more profit and less risk."
+
+"There's wisdom in thy words," replied Edward, "but thy advice is
+every whit the same as the Cardinal Legates gave to us but an hour
+agone. These we told that it was our resolve to brook no interference
+of the Holy Father in matters appertaining to war, but, by my
+halidome, the suggestion commends itself to us. Therefore withdraw
+our troops. Beat a parley with the townsmen, and demand their
+surrender with promise of quarter. Stay! I'll to the front myself!
+Herald! Dismiss the knights in waiting, and inform them that we will
+receive them on the morrow."
+
+Thus Raymond's opportunity had passed for the present, for when the
+morrow came, the King in person met the chief magistrate of Caen, and
+in the presence of the Papal Envoys, agreed to accept the
+unconditional surrender of the town, pledging his kingly word,
+however, that the massacre should cease, and before the evening came
+the squire was detailed for another errand.
+
+"Raymond," quoth Sir John Hacket, "I have it in mind that a slight
+advancement and no little honour can be obtained if we can seize the
+stronghold of the Count of Tancarville, and gain possession of the
+store of powder and the bombards of which thou hast spoken. What
+think ye? All the powder was not taken away by the Count?"
+
+"I think not, sir."
+
+"And the bombards?"
+
+"I saw none go; nevertheless they may have sent them away."
+
+"Then I'll go to Chandos and crave permission to lead the company
+against this strange hunting-lodge in the Forest of Brique. Meanwhile
+have thy two prisoners closely questioned, for, methinks, they know
+exactly where this stronghold lieth."
+
+The Constable hastened to the tent of Sir John Chandos to obtain the
+required boon, while Raymond sent for the two Normans whose lives he
+had spared. They were, so the squire ascertained, brothers, and one
+had been in the service of the Count of Eu, and knew the precise
+position of the Count of Tancarville's forest castle.
+
+Soon Sir John returned, having succeeded in his mission. One of the
+prisoners was made to act as guide, and to avoid another blunder he
+was told that should the enterprise fail through his neglect or
+treachery his brother's life would be forfeit. Rations were served
+out to the company, and an hour later Sir John's command, consisting
+of three squires, thirty men-at-arms, and fifty mounted archers,
+moved out of camp amid the encouraging shouts of their comrades, and
+disappeared in the gathering gloom towards the dark masses of the
+Forest of Brique.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE FALL OF THE COUNT'S STRONGHOLD
+
+
+UNDER the guidance of the Norman, the company proceeded by a
+different route to that by which Raymond made his escape; and, as
+night fell, they dismounted and off-saddled in a clearing within half
+a league of the Count's stronghold.
+
+Sentries were posted, and every precaution taken against surprise,
+but nothing untoward occurred to disturb the camp.
+
+Day dawned, but a thick, fleecy mist prevailed, the moisture dripping
+from the steel caps of the soldiers, who, in spite of it being a
+summer's morn in fair Normandy, actually shivered with cold. No fires
+were allowed to be lighted for fear of giving warning of their
+approach, and after a hasty breakfast the company started on the last
+portion of the journey.
+
+The way lay through a narrow avenue, similar to that in which
+Raymond's ill-fated men-at-arms met with disaster, and the Norman
+guide, anxious for his own and his brother's safety, used all his
+skill and cunning as a woodman to ensure a successful surprise.
+
+Presently through the mist two gnarled trunks attracted his
+attention, and, halting, he beckoned to the Constable to dismount. In
+low tones he explained that lie wanted a riderless horse to be driven
+in front of the company, and, the Constable assenting, one of the
+archers dismounted and urged his steed to the head of the column.
+
+To Raymond, who knew the perils of the path, the act occasioned no
+surprise, but most of the soldiers watched the action with
+wonderment.
+
+The horse had proceeded but a short distance when it stumbled over
+some invisible obstacle, and before it could recover itself, a heavy
+beam, furnished with a metal barb, came crashing down from the
+mist--hidden branches above, pinning the devoted animal to the earth.
+
+A score of willing hands dragged the timber and its victim from the
+path. "I pray you send another horse on ahead," exclaimed the
+Constable calmly, as if unmoved by his narrow escape, for had he been
+in his customary place at the head of the company his fate would have
+been sealed.
+
+Silently, and fully anticipating a fresh trap, the troop advanced,
+the successor to the ill-fated horse walking cautiously as if
+instinctively aware of its perilous mission. A bow-shot farther it
+stopped, and, in spite of the application of the point of a dagger,
+it refused to move another step.
+
+"Prenez garde, messieurs, c'est un piège," whispered the Norman.
+"Mais sans doute c'est le dernier empêchement."
+
+"Step forward, Lavant," exclaimed the Constable in a low tone to one
+of the men-at-arms. "Thrust out thy spear and see what lieth here."
+
+The man did so, and almost without resistance the weapon sank in
+turf. A twist of the spear and a large piece of what looked to be
+green sward gave way, disclosing a yawning cavity, its length being
+too great to permit a horse to leap across, while its depth was
+sufficient to kill or maim any man or beast that had the misfortune
+to fall therein.
+
+At a sign from their leader the soldiers dismounted. One man was told
+off to every four horses, a party set silently to work to cut a way
+through the dense thicket, so as to make a detour round the pitfall,
+and the rest of the soldiers stood where they were, resting on their
+arms till the path was cleared.
+
+This done, the company, now diminished in fighting numbers by
+one-fourth, resumed their march, and, as the guide had foretold, were
+unmolested by any other obstacle till they emerged from the forest at
+the edge of the extensive clearing in which stood the stronghold of
+the Count of Tancarville.
+
+The sun was now above the tree-tops, and slowly the mist was
+dispersing, so that the outlines of the fortress were just visible in
+the clouds of lifting vapour.
+
+Ordering his men to lie down within the shelter of the undergrowth,
+Sir John called his squires, the master bowman who had taken the
+place of the absent Redward, and the oldest man-at-arms, and held a
+hasty consultation upon the plan of attack.
+
+Though Raymond had not seen the castle from without, he found that
+his idea of the place did not differ greatly from the appearance of
+the actual building. It was a long, low structure, but one story in
+height, save at one corner, where a low tower commanded the rest of
+the stronghold. The walls were pierced with narrow loopholes for the
+discharge of arrows, and crowned by a battlemented breastwork. Around
+the walls was, as Raymond already knew, a ditch or moat. The
+drawbridge was raised, and the outer fortalice or barbican was
+furnished with a massive door.
+
+There were no signs of the garrison, which, at the most, numbered
+less than two score men, but the possibility of a surprise was
+guarded against by the fact that the doorway of the barbican was
+closed.
+
+For several hours the little English force lay in front of the
+stronghold, the soldiers prone on the grass, their leaders standing
+behind a dense thicket, so that no assailant was visible to the
+still unsuspecting inmates of the castle.
+
+At length some of the archers who had remained with the horses joined
+the main body, dragging with them two peasants who were captured
+while on their way to the Count's fortress. The two men bore huge
+baskets full of bread on their backs, and the booty was distributed
+and eagerly devoured by the soldiers, while the peasants, securely
+bound, were detained a short distance in the forest under a guard of
+three archers.
+
+Presently one of the men-at-arms approached Raymond. "I beg of thee,
+sir, to ask the Constable that he give me leave to force an entry
+into yonder fortress."
+
+"How so, Peter? Wouldst essay the task alone?"
+
+"Nay, Master Raymond, but with my comrade, Myles of Fareham, 'tis
+easy to attempt."
+
+"And easier to fail? What wouldst thou do?"
+
+"If we don the peasant's clothes and carry their baskets filled with
+stones on our backs, I trow 'twill be an easy business to fool those
+that are within. Once they open the gate two honest Englishmen can
+hold it against a score of Frenchmen till the main body hath time to
+come to our aid."
+
+"By St. George! Thou sayest aright; I'll speak to Sir John at once."
+
+The Constable received the project with delight, and preparations for
+the assault were instantly made. The two men-at-arms drew the
+gabardines of the peasants over their armour, so that they closely
+resembled the thick-set, shambling Normans, and shouldering their
+heavy baskets, they advanced boldly towards the outwork.
+
+Meanwhile their comrades were eager and alert. The bowmen had chosen
+their arrows and strung their bows; the men-at-arms had drawn their
+swords and had discarded their belts and sheaths to enable them to
+run the quicker to the aid of the two devoted men, and with eyes
+intently fixed on the gate of the barbican they awaited the signal to
+rush headlong across the open space that lay between them and the
+fortress.
+
+To the waiting soldiers it seemed hours ere their two comrades drew
+near to the outer work, but when within a few paces of it a sentinel
+stood forth on the wall and challenged them. Then, apparently
+suspicious of their errand, he blew a loud blast on a horn, which was
+immediately answered by the appearance of five or six men from within
+the barbican, while over a score lined the walls of the main
+stronghold, some of whom began to wind their cross-bows.
+
+At the same time the door was thrown open, and a man, apparently a
+captain, stood on the threshold. Up to now these preparations were
+simply a matter of form, no matter who the newcomer might be, and
+fortunately the iron-nerved Englishmen understood this, for,
+staggering under their loads, they still advanced with bent heads to
+avoid recognition.
+
+Suddenly the guardian of the gate realised that it was not a pair of
+ignorant peasants that he had to parley with. But the knowledge came
+too late. Peter of Purbrook had thrown down his load and dashed,
+sword in hand, at the astonished Norman. Before the latter could
+retreat a step he had fallen with his head cleft to the chin. His
+body lay athwart the threshold, and ere the others could rush to
+close the gate the Englishmen had pushed their baskets, filled with
+stones, against the door, and were awaiting the onslaught of their
+foes.
+
+With hoarse shouts of encouragement the English men-at-arms rose from
+their ambush and rushed madly to their comrades' aid, while the
+archers, shooting rapidly and coolly, directed a dropping fire of
+arrows at the defenders on the walls. But they of the outwork had
+gathered to defend the gate, and already a fierce struggle was taking
+place, the two gallant Englishmen being hard pressed by the enraged
+Normans.
+
+With axe, spear, and mace the defenders strove to thrust back the
+daring intruders, while the latter, regardless of their own safety,
+essayed to keep open the gate. Two of the Normans fell, their bodies
+adding to the ghastly pile at the entrance to the barbican, but
+directly afterwards Myles of Fareham was slain by a savage
+spear-thrust.
+
+Undismayed by the fall of his comrade, Peter of Purbrook hurled an
+axe at the helm of the slayer of his friend, then, clearing at a
+bound the heap of corpses, bade fair to drive back the defenders
+single-handed, while his comrades, with Raymond well in the fore,
+were already halfway across the intervening space.
+
+Carried away by the heat of battle, Raymond saw as in a dream the
+figure of the devoted man-at-arms clearing a path for his countrymen;
+the next instant there was a blinding flash, a deafening roar, and a
+thick, choking cloud of sulphurous smoke.
+
+One of the defenders, with the fury of despair, had fired off a
+bombard, the huge stone ball crashing through friend and foe alike,
+and bounding over the springy turf till it came to a stop a few paces
+from the edge of the forest.
+
+Appalled by the sound, the soldiers hesitated, but when the smoke had
+partially cleared away the gateway was deserted.
+
+Then the Constable's voice was heard amid the din, "Onwards, men, the
+place is ours," and regaining their wits, the Englishmen rushed
+forward and reached the deserted barbican.
+
+The discharge from the bombard, by which the remaining Frenchmen,
+save one, and four English men-at-arms, including the ill-fated
+Peter, had been swept away, was attended by one good result. The
+drawbridge had been lowered, and, after applying the linstock, the
+cannonier had darted back across it to take refuge in the fortress,
+while the heavy bombard, wrenching asunder the leather thongs that
+bound it to the carriage, had recoiled till its weight rested on the
+end of the drawbridge, effectually preventing it from being raised by
+the defenders.
+
+In the meanwhile the English archers, while engaged in keeping down
+the fire of the cross-bowmen, had marked the fugitive cannonier as he
+sped back to gain the entrance. Ere he had run but half the distance
+he fell, transfixed by a dozen arrows, while the attacking party
+roared with excitement and jubilation.
+
+Even if the defenders had had another bombard available they would
+have been prevented by the hail of shafts from training it on their
+adversaries; and, led by the Constable and his squires, the
+men-at-arms crossed the drawbridge and thundered at the main gate
+with their axes, while the archers, advancing in close order, kept up
+a hot fire against every point where a Norman dared show the crest of
+his steel cap.
+
+Under the furious blows the door was splintered; then with a united
+effort the shattered woodwork gave way, and the victorious Englishmen
+rushed headlong into the castle, only to find that not a man of the
+garrison was to be seen.
+
+With his own hands the Constable tore down the scarlet wolves' heads
+of the banner of the Count of Tancarville, and the blue guidon with
+the demi-lune floated in its place, amidst a fanfare of trumpets and
+the cheers of the victors.
+
+Then a systematic search of the stronghold was undertaken, but no
+trace of the Normans was found till an archer stumbled over a heavy
+trap-door, which, on being raised, disclosed a flight of dankstone
+steps leading to a subterranean passage. Listening intently, the
+Constable and his squires heard the faint sounds of retreating
+footsteps echoing along the stone walls of the tunnel.
+
+"It matters not," quoth Sir John. "I doubt whether there be any
+person of quality amongst them. Their burrow doubtless leads to some
+spot in the forest, and I can ill-afford to risk more lives in a
+needless undertaking."
+
+To close the entrance, pieces of heavy timber weighted with stone
+were thrown down the yawning pit, and having made all chance of a
+return by this outlet impossible, the soldiers devoted their energies
+to the exploration of the building.
+
+It was more of a fortified arsenal than a castle, the Count's
+principal fortress being ten leagues off, but the spoils of war were
+both numerous and useful.
+
+In all, including the bombard in the barbican, there were eleven
+pieces of ordnance, a score barrels of powder, steel caps, hauberks,
+and weapons of all descriptions. Unwilling to leave the booty where
+it might again fall into the hands of the Normans, the Constable made
+preparations to carry off the whole of the munitions of war.
+
+Dragging long planks across the open ground, a party of archers
+returned to where the horses had been left. By bridging the pitfall,
+the steeds were led safely across the fatal trap, and in less than an
+hour were within the stronghold, where rough carts in abundance were
+ready to be loaded up with the spoil.
+
+Meanwhile Raymond had not forgotten the unfortunate man-at-arms who
+had been captured with him in the first attempt to seize the Count.
+Aided by a couple of archers, he searched vainly for the secret
+oubliette, till at length he bethought him of the two peasants who
+had been taken earlier in the day.
+
+These were brought before him, and without much difficulty were
+compelled to lead the way. In the floor of the lowest apartment the
+peasants pointed out a small door, almost invisible in the deep
+gloom. Procuring a torch, Raymond and the archers shot back the
+bolts, and on lifting the trapdoor, a dark, evil-smelling dungeon was
+disclosed, unlighted and almost unventilated. Mingled with the noise
+of scores of rats a low moaning was heard, and in the fitful glare of
+the torchlight a narrow circular hole could be distinguished in the
+centre of the dungeon, its mouth unprotected by a barrier of any
+kind.
+
+"Art there, Robert?" asked the squire, his voice shaking with pity
+and emotion.
+
+The only reply was another low moan, as of a human being in direst
+distress. Sending one of the archers back for assistance, Raymond
+impatiently waited by the yawning pit. The man soon returned, and
+with him four lusty men-at-arms, one of whom carried a coil of stout
+rope and two more torches.
+
+Directing the men to lower him slowly and carefully, Raymond knotted
+one end of the rope under his arms and boldly descended, holding a
+flaming torch above his head. The light flickered on the slimy walls
+of the pit, which, as he descended, began to increase in size, till
+at length he reached the bottom of a deep, bottle-shaped cavity, the
+only approach to which being the narrow neck through which he had
+been lowered.
+
+The floor was ankle-deep in filth and slime; and, by the aid of the
+torch, the squire saw, crouched in the corner, apparently heedless of
+the presence of his rescuer, the figure of a man.
+
+Bending over him, Raymond failed at first to recognise his ill-fated
+companion-in-arms, for the soldier's face, instead of being the
+deep-bronzed, healthy colour that comes of a life in the open air,
+was of a ghastly greenish hue, and his eyes, dazzled by the glimmer
+of the torch, blinked with a peculiar vacant expression that
+suggested madness.
+
+Finding that the man was too weak to stand the strain of the rope
+round his chest, Raymond, placing the torch on the ground, lifted him
+to his feet, and taking him in his arms, called out to those above to
+haul up. Shielding the soldier as well as he could from the rough
+sides of the shaft, the squire with his pitiful burden came slowly to
+the surface, where rough but kindly hands took charge of the rescued
+prisoner, who was little more than a corpse.
+
+[Illustration: A PITIFUL DISCOVERY]
+
+On rejoining the Constable, Raymond found that a discovery had been
+made of another score of barrels filled with powder, and the question
+of transport was troubling Sir John sorely. For not only was the
+quantity too great for the numbers of men and waggons at their
+disposal, but the difficulty arose how to reach the highway, the path
+by which they had come being quite unsuitable for the carts.
+
+Two scouts were therefore sent out with instructions to follow the
+cart-tracks, and to find out whether any of the late garrison still
+remained in the neighbourhood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+REDWARD'S CONFESSION
+
+
+IT was close on nightfall ere the two scouts sent out by Sir John
+Hacket returned to the captured fortress. They reported that there
+was a fairly wide road which joined the highway to Caen about three
+leagues from that town, and that there were no signs of any hostile
+force in the district they had explored.
+
+So that night the company made merry in the stronghold of the Count
+of Tancarville, wine and food being found in abundance, although Sir
+John did not for one moment relax the vigilance so necessary in a
+strange country.
+
+At daybreak preparations were made for the evacuation of the
+fortress, and, headed by the two scouts, the little force set out on
+its march to the camp.
+
+First came a strong party of men-at-arms, ready for instant action in
+case of attack. Then followed the Constable and his squires,
+accompanied by the two peasants and the Norman guide, and surrounded
+by a body of dismounted archers, who marched with their bows strung
+and their quivers swinging from the hip.
+
+The carts came next, drawn by the horses of the dismounted archers,
+and piled high with the spoils of the fortress, including the
+captured bombards and as much powder as they could possibly hold.
+
+Next came a small troop of men-at-arms, followed by some more carts,
+in which the wounded, including the rescued soldier, lay on heaps of
+hay and straw; while the rear was composed of the rest of the
+men-at-arms and mounted archers.
+
+In this order they issued under the great gateway, passed over the
+drawbridge, and crossed the wide belt of open ground. When the head
+of the column reached the edge of the gloomy forest a tucket sounded
+and the soldiers came to a halt.
+
+Seeing Sir John and his squires gazing intently at the abandoned
+stronghold the men did likewise. They saw the grim and gaunt pile
+standing clearly out against the dark background of the forest, and
+from the black flag-staff fluttered the blue banner of the company,
+with its well-known device of the golden crescent.
+
+Even as they watched, the figure of a man made its appearance on the
+battlements; the banner was slowly lowered, and the man disappeared.
+
+A few moments later the same man, mounted on a swift steed, emerged
+from the gateway and thundered across the turf. Reining in his horse
+before Sir John, the rider handed the banner to the guidon-bearer,
+saluted, and fell in with his comrades; but still the Constable kept
+his eyes steadfastly on the fortress.
+
+What could it mean?
+
+Slowly the moments sped. To the perplexity of the soldiers, the
+castle had an irresistible fascination for their leaders, and,
+following their example, they, too, looked in silent wonderment at
+the gaunt masses of masonry.
+
+Suddenly, with a flash, a roar, and a cloud of smoke and dust, the
+castle appeared to split asunder; huge masses of stone flew skyward,
+then with an appalling crash the walls subsided, and in place of the
+massive outlines of the fortress there was nothing to be seen save a
+pile of blackened stones, over which floated a heavy pall of dense
+vapour.
+
+The remainder of the powder had been fired, and the sylvan stronghold
+of the Count of Tancarville was no more!
+
+"'Tis well done," was Sir John's only comment, then, on receiving the
+word of command, the company resumed its march, and plunged into the
+sombre shadows of the forest.
+
+Almost unnoticed, the little force reached the camp, for in the
+excitement of the sack of the rich town of Caen the absence of the
+company on their successful raid was of small moment to the rest of
+the army intent as they were on the gain of booty.
+
+There were two exceptions at least. One was Redward Buckland, who,
+being apprised of his son's safety, had left the Sussex company, only
+to find to his great disappointment that his comrades had departed on
+their raid.
+
+The other was the great Chandos, who, recognising more than most
+Englishmen of his day the possibilities of artillery, showed the
+greatest interest in Sir John Hacket's report of the expedition,
+promising at the first available opportunity to inform the King of
+the great service rendered by the Constable of Portchester and his
+favourite squire.
+
+But other events were taking place that effectually eclipsed for the
+time being the glory of the brilliant raid. Edward, having plundered
+Caen, described by Froissart as "large, strong, full of draperies and
+all sorts of merchandise; rich citizens, noble dames, damsels, and
+fine churches," had reserved for his own share all the plate, jewels,
+and choice cloths. The plunder, together with three hundred of the
+more opulent citizens, was placed on board the English ships and sent
+over the Channel; then, hoping to sack Rouen in a similar manner, the
+King advanced with his army up the fertile valley of the Seine.
+
+Foiled in this attempt, he continued his march towards Paris, only to
+find the bridges broken down, with a strong hostile force on the
+nether bank, and Philip with a large army rapidly approaching from
+Guienne.
+
+A desolate track, dotted with the ashes of countless towns and
+villages, marked the ruthless advance of the English, till at the
+very gates of Paris the flood-tide of invasion became the ebb of
+retreat, and Edward, hard pressed, was in danger of being cut off by
+overwhelming numbers.
+
+One night, when lying near the village of Poissy, the camp was
+aroused, and orders given to prepare to march.
+
+"Whither are we bound?" asked Raymond of his father as they met in
+the semi-darkness.
+
+Redward shook his head. "'Tis not a soldier's part to question
+orders," quoth he. "I did hear that the King would try to reach
+Flanders, but methinks this way leadeth to Paris."
+
+There was no occasion for silence, and, talking freely amongst
+themselves, the soldiers struck their tents, and at daybreak were
+well on the road to Paris, while the light-armed horsemen attached to
+the French army, who hovered around the flanks, wheeled about and
+galloped off to inform the French King of the advance of the
+invaders.
+
+Hardly had the cavalry disappeared than a halt was ordered; then,
+with great celerity, the whole English army turned and retraced its
+footsteps.
+
+The Hampshire companies, which at the outset formed the rearguard,
+now found themselves in the van, and great was their delight when it
+was rumoured that the King had entrusted to them the task of forcing
+the passage of the Seine.
+
+"'Tis Sir John Chandos' own doing," remarked Redward, "and as clever
+a feint as ever I met with. While the French are massing to prevent
+our supposed march on Paris, we are quietly slipping away towards
+Flanders."
+
+As they came in sight of the turbid river a horseman spurred madly
+towards them. "The bridge! The bridge is broken down!" he shouted,
+then without slackening his speed he rode onwards towards the main
+body which the King had under his own command.
+
+"The bridge!" growled Redward, "what of the bridge? 'Tis easily
+repaired, provided the enemy do not line the farther bank."
+
+"Then show all men what we can do," exclaimed the Constable. "Pull
+down that house for me, and I'll warrant there will be a goodly stock
+of timber sufficient to build a bridge, let alone patch one up."
+
+The men worked with a will, and soon the house was a shapeless mass
+of wood and plaster, while the soldiers, selecting the largest and
+strongest beams, dragged them to the spot where the jagged ends of
+the riven bridge gaped a good ten yards apart.
+
+Meanwhile Redward and two score of his comrades had thrown off their
+armour and quilted jackets, and, with ropes fastened to their waists,
+plunged into the swift-flowing river.
+
+To clamber up the woodwork of the broken arch was the work of a few
+minutes; then, hauling at the ropes with a will, they dragged two of
+the largest beams across the chasm, and after this was done the work
+of completing the temporary bridge was a comparatively easy matter.
+
+By this time the whole English army had crowded on its advance guard,
+and many anxious glances were thrown backwards in the direction from
+which the French attack was expected, but to every one's relief no
+enemy appeared till the last waggon of the retreating host had
+rumbled over the swaying structure. Then, as the van of the French
+army came in sight, the temporary span, together with two additional
+arches, crashed into the river, effectually preventing all pursuit
+for a considerable period.
+
+The retreat continued, the King making towards Flanders, yet at the
+same time gradually approaching the shores of the English Channel, so
+as to be able to re-embark should he find himself hemmed in by the
+hordes of infuriated Frenchmen.
+
+As the English came on swiftly and in good order, a considerable
+force, under Godemar de Faye, fell back before them, seeking a
+favourable chance to hinder their advance, while in their rear came
+the hundred thousand armed men of King Philip, who had meantime found
+means of crossing the Seine and were swiftly pursuing.
+
+At length the English reached the valley of the Somme. Here the same
+difficulty awaited them. The bridges were broken down by the
+redoubtable Godemar, after he had crossed and drawn up his troops on
+the right bank to oppose the passage of the retreating army.
+
+Edward was sore puzzled with the problem of how to effect a crossing,
+till a miserable Norman peasant, one Gobin Agace, was brought before
+him. Not by threats, but by promises of rich reward, was this
+unworthy Frenchman induced to betray his country; and, on his
+informing the King of a certain ford, the order for a general advance
+was at once given.
+
+Led by the peasant, the English rushed towards the ford. In front
+flowed the river, lapping over the white stones and shingle as it
+babbled along, an apparently peaceful stream, towards the sea.
+
+On the opposite bank lay the troops of Godemar; but not for one
+moment did the King hesitate. Commanding the archers to pour a heavy
+covering fire into the masses of Frenchmen, he drew his sword, and
+setting himself at the head of his knights and mounted troops, Edward
+dashed across the river. Short and fierce was the conflict, but
+unable to withstand the fierce onslaught, the Frenchmen gave way, and
+were soon in headlong flight.
+
+"Haste, sir," exclaimed Sir John Chandos; "command the main body to
+cross." And even as he spoke the dark outlines of the pursuing army
+appeared on the crest of a distant hill.
+
+Never was a ford crossed with such celerity. The waggons were dragged
+or lifted by the united efforts of crowds of archers, and though
+waist-deep in water, the whole army crossed in safety.
+
+Then the order was given to resume the march, the Hampshire companies
+being given the post of honour--the task of covering the retreat.
+
+As Raymond stood with his men watching the advancing Frenchmen, their
+innumerable banners waving like a reed-covered pond, the archers had
+slipped into a long, extended line, and quietly, yet resolutely,
+awaited the oncoming enemy.
+
+Suddenly the squire noticed a change in the appearance of the river.
+Instead of a silently-flowing stream that ran towards the sea, a wave
+of foaming water rushed up in the opposite direction, and almost
+instantly the river became a mass of broken water, impassable to man
+or beast. The floodtide had begun, and for six hours at least King
+Philip was doomed to rave in fruitless anger on the wrong side of the
+Somme.
+
+"We are safe enough for the present," remarked Redward to his son,
+"but methinks before daybreak there will be few of us left, for the
+best we can do is to hold them in check for an hour after the tide
+has run out. Many a tight corner have we been in ere now, but,
+certes, this is the worst."
+
+But the master-bowman was wrong, for presently a messenger came to
+Sir John Hacket with an urgent order from the King. With an
+irrepressible shout of delight, the fiery old knight summoned his
+sturdy little band around him.
+
+"It is not fated that our bones bleach on the banks of this river,
+_mes enfans_," he exclaimed. "News hath arrived that the King intends
+to give battle with the enemy, and hath already ordered his forces in
+a strong position but three leagues hence. Thither we are to repair
+with all haste. Forward, then, and ere night we shall be with the
+main body!"
+
+Eagerly the company fell in, and with hope renewed they set out for
+the camp.
+
+"Mark my word, Raymond," said his father, "'tis but putting off the
+evil day. A great fight is before us, and, by the rood, 'tis hard to
+say how it will end. But I have a small matter on my mind of which I
+would speak anon. As soon, therefore, as we arrive in camp, come
+aside with me for one brief hour."
+
+Raymond assented, and in silence they rode onwards towards their
+destination, a journey which was to many the last they would ever
+make on earth.
+
+The sun was sinking low ere they heard the trumpets of the English
+host. The place Edward had chosen to make a stand was one of great
+natural strength. The army was encamped on the edge of a low plateau,
+the right wing being additionally protected by a narrow stream, while
+in the rear was a small wood. On the summit of the hill a wooden
+windmill stood out clearly against the sky, while but a bowshot away
+was the little village of Crécy, its houses, though ransacked by the
+invaders, still standing--a contrast to those which had previously
+stood in the path of the ruthless army.
+
+As the Constable's company moved towards the quarters assigned them,
+Raymond noticed that the archers were already hard at work digging
+trenches and cutting stakes for palisades, for the King had given
+orders that everything should be ready ere night, so as to allow his
+troops a well-earned rest.
+
+After a good repast, for provisions were plentiful in that fertile
+valley, Raymond sought his father, and together they walked through
+the camp towards the solitude of the neighbouring wood. On the way
+they passed the royal pavilion, where, with his chief lords, King
+Edward sat at supper, and, judging by the cheerful voices of the
+company, it was evident that few doubts were entertained as to the
+issue of to-morrow's conflict.
+
+But, silent and sad, the master-bowman and his son went on their way,
+for Raymond knew instinctively that there was a great burden on his
+father's mind. At length they reached the dark shadows of the wood,
+and here Redward halted.
+
+"Raymond, my beloved son," he exclaimed in a voice broken with
+emotion, "'tis hard that I should have to tell thee what I am about
+to utter, but, before Heaven, I must do it, both for mine own peace
+of mind and for thine own. Two score and three years ago this very
+day I slew a man. The quarrel was of his own seeking, 'tis true, but,
+nevertheless, the law was set against me, and I was made outlaw!"
+
+The master-bowman paused to note the effect of this announcement,
+but, beyond a tightening of his lips, Redward betrayed no sign of
+dismay at this astounding confession.
+
+"Then I fled from the country, and assumed a name to which I have no
+right," resumed Redward. "In this I did thee a great injustice, for
+the ban falls on the outlaw's children equally with himself; and on
+this account I ought never to have taken a wife or to have had a
+son."
+
+"I care not for myself, father. But what if, even now, thou art
+recognised?"
+
+"It matters not, my son. A secret kept for over two score years may
+well remain a secret; but I have a misgiving that I shall never see
+the sun set to-morrow."
+
+"Father!"
+
+"Nay, Raymond, 'tis but a small matter. I cannot live much longer,
+and to fall in battle is a worthy end. But the worst is to be told.
+Thou wouldst marry the Lady Audrey!"
+
+The young squire shuddered at the altered prospect.
+
+"Alack a day!" he groaned.
+
+"Ay, Raymond. I fear thou wilt curse the day thou camest into the
+world, for to my sorrow I must tell thee--the brother of that lady's
+father was the man I slew!"
+
+For a moment the squire was incapable of speech, then, recovering
+himself with an effort, he exclaimed, "Nay, father, I blame you not.
+It is rather the fate of circumstances and my own foolish pride that
+made me look so high. I cannot for one moment continue my suit for
+the hand of the Lady Audrey, neither can I ever hope to wear the
+spurs of knighthood; but I am still thy son."
+
+"And wouldst thou know thy true name?"
+
+"Not unless it please thee, father; 'Raymond Buckland' hath served me
+well these four-and-twenty years; but," he added with pardonable
+curiosity, "if I may I would desire to know."
+
+"Dost call to mind Sir Edmund Revyngton?"
+
+"Indifferently so; I wot he is a knight of Devon."
+
+"He is also my brother, and, being without issue, his heir would be,
+but for the bar of outlawry, Redward Revyngton, now known to all men
+as Redward Buckland."
+
+It was a long story, that narrative of life marred by an act
+committed in a moment of anger, but breathlessly Raymond listened
+till the master-bowman had finished.
+
+"And if so be thou comest scatheless from the wars," he added, "the
+abbot of Netley will deliver into thy hands certain documents
+pertaining to thy welfare, and, should Heaven grant that this decree
+of outlawry be rescinded (though I shall never live to see the day),
+I pray that thou wilt ever acquit thyself as an honourable gentleman
+of Devon."
+
+Slowly father and son returned towards the camp, and as they passed
+between the long lines of tents, Redward paused before a lodging in
+front of which was a shield displaying a mailed hand argent on a
+field azure.
+
+Leaving Raymond standing in the gloom, the master-bowman went up and
+spoke to a man-at-arms who stood outside the tent.
+
+"My master cannot hold converse with any one this night, especially
+an archer," exclaimed the man roughly.
+
+"Convey my message to thy master and leave him to decide the point,
+sirrah!" replied Redward in a tone of authority, and, on seeing that
+a squire had joined him, the soldier obeyed.
+
+Soon he reappeared, and holding open the flap of the tent, signed for
+the visitors to enter.
+
+Following his father, Raymond saw a tall, well-built man, who in
+spite of his grey hairs and carefully-trimmed white beard, carried
+his years with ease. He had laid aside his armour, and, judging by
+the still lighted candles in front of a prie-dieu, he had but just
+risen from his orisons.
+
+With a knightly courtesy he waited for the master-bowman to speak,
+thinking that one of his followers had come to ask a boon, when to
+his surprise Redward addressed him by name.
+
+"Sir Maurice," he exclaimed. "Dost thou not know me? I am thy brother
+Redward!"
+
+"Redward? Back from the dead after all these years? Nay, it cannot
+be! But yet----"
+
+Drawing nearer he looked closely into the master-bowman's rugged and
+bronzed face, then, "Thank Heaven! I have found thee!" he exclaimed,
+and Raymond beheld the extraordinary sight of a belted knight and a
+surcoated archer falling on one another's necks in a transport of
+joy.
+
+Then the squire had to be presented to his uncle. "A fine and gallant
+youth, and a credit to the old stock of Revyngtons," declared the
+knight. "But, tell me, Redward, why didst thou not seek me out ere
+now, knowing I was in the camp?"
+
+"But for one thing, Maurice, I had as lief let it be thought that
+Redward Revyngton was no longer in this world. It is Raymond of whom
+I think, for I know that to-morrow's battle will count me amongst the
+slain. How think ye, Maurice? Is there hope that the King will set
+aside the outlawry, and free my son from its curse?"
+
+The knight shook his head sorrowfully. "Sir Reginald Scarsdale is
+ever with the King, and his wrath against his brother's slayer dies
+not."
+
+"And to make matters worse Raymond, ignorant of my past, seeks his
+daughter's hand in marriage."
+
+Sir Maurice smiled grimly.
+
+"I'll do my best, even if it be to beg a favour of Scarsdale himself!
+But sit down, Redward, and let us talk at ease, for the hours of
+darkness fly quickly, and there is much to be said."
+
+It was after midnight before the brothers bade each other farewell,
+and Redward and Raymond returned to their tents.
+
+On gaining the lines of the Hampshire companies, father and son
+parted, the former to compose his mind for his anticipated death, the
+latter to ponder over the astounding revelations he had just heard.
+Sleep was banished from Raymond's eyes, and long he tossed uneasily
+on his hard pallet, till the dawn grew ruddy in the east and the
+trumpets heralded the advent of the eventful day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+CRÉCY
+
+
+FOR a short space after the trumpets had sounded all was bustle, men
+running hither and thither, each with a fixed purpose. Directly
+Raymond had donned his armour he emerged from his tent to find all
+the Hampshire companies busily engaged in breaking their fast, as
+were most of the troops, the King having ordered that every man
+should make a hearty meal, so as to be sustained throughout the day.
+
+This over, the men formed into their accustomed ranks, and instantly
+there was a long procession of camp-followers and lackeys leading the
+horses to the enclosure behind the camp, for the order had gone forth
+that all combatants were to fight afoot.
+
+Long was that parade remembered by the young squire. The
+white-surcoated archers, with their well-filled quivers and, in most
+cases, an additional sheaf of arrows in their belts, the
+heavily-armed men-at-arms with rusty headpieces and war-worn
+accoutrements, all standing fast in regular lines, made a picture
+that gladdened the hearts of their leaders as they gazed upon the
+stern, bronzed faces of their men.
+
+Already the more remote columns were deploying, and soon the order
+came for the first division to march to the ground where the King had
+decided to make his stand. The battlefield was well chosen, being on
+the edge of the plateau overlooking the little valley that lay
+between the English and the direction from which the French attack
+was expected.
+
+On arriving at the allotted station, Raymond found that the supreme
+command of his division was entrusted to the Prince of Wales, a mere
+youth of fifteen, who had already shown great promise of a notable
+military career. With him were the Earls of Warwick and Oxford and a
+host of noble lords, the brunt of the fight being expected to fall
+upon this division.
+
+Raymond found that this division was drawn up in two lines, the two
+thousand bowmen being in front and the men-at-arms, numbering eight
+hundred, in the second rank, while right behind were the wild-looking
+Welsh and Irish auxiliaries, each man eagerly whetting his long knife
+for use when the time came for them to be let loose on their
+discomfited foes.
+
+Away on the left was another large division of archers and
+men-at-arms drawn up in similar order, under the command of the Earl
+of Northampton; while, glancing backwards towards the
+windmill-crowned hill, Raymond saw the close ranks of the reserve
+division, composed of seven hundred men-at-arms and two thousand
+archers, under the direct command of the King.
+
+Looking in the direction of Abbeville, Raymond could see no signs of
+the French host, and, after all, he wondered whether the attack would
+be made, seeing the strength of the natural defences occupied by the
+English.
+
+At length a dull hum of excitement ran along the ranks. The voices of
+the company-commanders could be heard ordering their men to stand to
+their arms, and in a few moments, mounted on a white palfrey and
+bearing a white rod in his hand, the King rode slowly along the front
+of those rigid lines of warriors.
+
+At intervals he reined in his steed in order to address the troops,
+bidding them stand stoutly to their arms and take heed to his honour
+in the fight. A roar of cheering greeted the monarch as he left the
+first division to inspect the second, and the men were told to stand
+at ease, and again refresh themselves with food and rest.
+
+Although awaiting an attack is one of the worst ordeals that can be
+undergone, Raymond was amazed at the coolness of the soldiers, as
+with merry laugh and jest they sat or sprawled on the ground. Many
+were busily engaged in fixing new strings to their bows, smoothing
+out the feathers of their arrows, or waxing or greasing the heads of
+their deadly shafts to enable them to pierce an obstacle with greater
+ease, while others crowded round the master-bowmen, asking advice or
+information on the coming struggle.
+
+Redward had shaken off his depression, and greeted his son with a
+cheerfulness that was all the more remarkable by reason of his
+confession on the eve of battle.
+
+"A goodly sight," he exclaimed, "and never can I hope to be in better
+company. Look at the lads! One would think they were about to try
+their turn at the butts."
+
+"And think'st thou that the French will fight?"
+
+"Assuredly; they seek to overwhelm and crush us with the weight of
+numbers. Can the archers but hold the ridge for one hour the day will
+go with us."
+
+"But 'twill be eventide ere the enemy come to blows?"
+
+"Ay; but if mine eyes do not deceive me, there they are, right on the
+skyline."
+
+Raymond looked, and in the distance he saw the cloud of dust that
+invariably envelops an army on the march. Others had detected the
+sight, and there was a general stir amongst the troops. Exclamations
+of satisfaction burst from all lips at the prospect of the approach
+of the French host.
+
+"'Twill be six or seven hours ere they draw nigh," remarked Redward,
+"and footsore and weary will they be after a three leagues' march in
+battle array. But, see, Raymond, there is thine uncle, Sir Maurice
+Revyngton, at the head of the men of Totnes, and, mark you, Sir
+Reginald Scarsdale is in close converse with him. What doth it mean,
+I wonder?"
+
+A little later in the day the sun, which had been shining brightly in
+the eyes of the English host, disappeared behind a thick bank of
+clouds. The air was close and sultry, and at midday the gloom was so
+intense that it seemed as if night was drawing nigh. With raucous
+cries a vast number of crows, ever regarded as birds of ill-omen,
+flew across the front of the army and alighted on the plain beneath;
+then resuming their flight they disappeared in the direction of the
+advancing Frenchmen.
+
+"It will go ill with the King of France," remarked Sir John Hacket to
+his squire. "If he reads the sign aright methinks he will stay his
+hand. But see, a thunder-storm approaches rapidly!"
+
+"Pass the word for the archers to protect their bow-strings,"
+exclaimed the Earl of Warwick to the nearest Constable, and in
+obedience to the order the bowmen either drew waterproof cases over
+their bows or, if unprovided with these, unstrung their weapons and
+placed the cords under their quilted coats.
+
+Hardly were these preparations completed than the rain descended in a
+torrential downpour, blotting out the horizon in a mirky blur, then,
+as suddenly as it came, the cloud passed over on its way towards
+Abbeville, and the sun again shone brilliantly, its warmth soon
+drying the sodden clothing of the soldiers.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the dark masses of Frenchmen, till within a
+league of their enemies they halted. Shortly afterwards a group of
+horsemen could be seen riding towards the English position, and, amid
+breathless excitement, it was observed that four French knights were
+approaching.
+
+Either from absolute contempt for their enemies or relying on the
+chivalrous instincts that frequently show themselves between opposing
+enemies, the Frenchmen rode within a bow-shot of the English lines,
+then, calmly trotting along the whole front of the army, they
+appeared to be making careful observations of the dispositions of
+their foe.
+
+Several knights besought the Prince of Wales to be allowed to have
+their chargers brought them, so that they might earn a slight
+advancement by engaging the intrepid Frenchmen; others requested that
+the archers should shoot them down; but to all entreaties the Prince
+firmly but courteously returned a refusal, and in perfect silence the
+English allowed the French knights to complete their reconnaissance,
+and to retire in safety to their own host.
+
+Slowly the hours passed, and still the French army showed no signs of
+advancing. The sun was now shining well behind the English, and would
+serve to dazzle the eyes of their attackers. Meanwhile the archers
+had planted their pointed stakes, and the men-at-arms in charge of
+the bombards had loaded these cumbersome engines and trained them on
+the plain across which the enemy must advance.
+
+Once again the wearisome monotony was broken by the appearance of a
+man who was observed to make his way steadily and rapidly towards the
+English lines. When within bowshot he waved his arms in token of
+friendship, and four archers were sent out to escort him to the
+Prince. The new-comer was a tall, lightly-built man, with long,
+spider-like legs and arms, and sharp, projecting elbow-joints and
+knees. He was attired in a close-fitting dress of blue cloth that
+served to increase his angularities, and from his belt hung an
+ink-horn counterbalanced by a short knife.
+
+"Mark ye," quoth Sir John Hacket to his squire, "yonder sly fox is on
+no lawful errand, and, certes, 'twill go hard with him if he plays
+the traitor with our Prince. Look at his protruding forehead and his
+shifty, blinking eyes. A creature like that would fawn to one's face
+and plunge a dagger into one's back! Hark to what he has to say."
+
+The man spoke in a deep yet quavering voice, yet so loudly that
+Raymond could hear every word.
+
+"My name, fair sir, is Alexandre Gourdain, and I am clerk in the
+household of King Philip."
+
+"Forbear to trouble me with thy name and calling," replied the Prince
+curtly, "but deliver thy message."
+
+"Message, fair sir? Nay, I bear no message, but have come to tell
+thee that, though counselled to tarry till to-morrow, my master has
+decided to begin the fight----"
+
+"One moment! Thou bring'st this news on thy own behalf?"
+
+"Yea, fair sir."
+
+"And seekest a guerdon?"
+
+"Yea, fair sir; I do but ask----"
+
+"Enough, thou recreant! Think'st thou that I would list to a
+double-faced rogue to learn the movements of a gallant foe? Hence
+with ye! Ho, archers! Strip this coward's coat from off his back, and
+give him a score lusty stripes with your bow-cords. Then turn him
+loose, and if he go not back to his master, feather him with shafts.
+Get thee gone, knave."
+
+"Is it not as I said?" remarked the Constable of Portchester in an
+undertone. "See, the archers take a delight in their task."
+
+The twenty strokes were laid on with all the force of the soldiers'
+sinewy arms, then, threatened by a hundred drawn bows, the miserable
+wretch was pushed out of the lines and sent on his way towards the
+army he had stooped to betray.
+
+Signs of animation were now observed in the dense masses of the
+enemy. The heavily-armed cavalry rode forth in a disorderly mob,
+brandishing their arms and shouting; then, retiring on the main body,
+their places were taken by a body of archers, nearly two thousand
+strong, who slowly advanced towards the foot of the rising ground,
+where the English were posted in firm array.
+
+"'Tis the crossbowmen of Genoa. Steady, my lads; their bolts will be
+singing over our heads anon," shouted Sir John, and at the same
+moment the Prince of Wales gave the signal for the archers to stand
+and make ready.
+
+Silently yet swiftly the white-surcoated lines of bow-men sprang to
+their feet and took up their allotted stations in the formation of a
+harrow. With feet planted firmly, and with arrows notched to their
+six-foot bows, they stood ready for action.
+
+At length the Genoese came within bowshot, the clicking of their
+windlacs as they drew the cords of their crossbows sounding like the
+chirping of myriad crickets. Then with a loud shout they leaped from
+the ground. Another shout, and the leap was repeated.
+
+"Do they take us for a crowd of yokels at a country fair?" asked one
+archer of his fellow. "They prance for all the world like a
+dog-baited bear."
+
+"They'll dance higher ere long, I'll warrant," replied his comrade
+grimly.
+
+Once more the Genoese leapt, then levelling their crossbows, they let
+fly a volley of short bolts.
+
+A shout of derision greeted this discharge, for, without exception,
+the bolts fell far short of the proper distance, sticking in the
+ground at a sharp angle and rendering the advance of the French
+cavalry, when it should take place, full of additional peril.
+
+"That shows what the rain did for the strings of their crossbows,"
+said Sir John Hacket to the Constable of Lewes, who had joined him at
+the beginning of the advance. "Steady, men. At the word, loose wholly
+together."
+
+The long-drawn tension was broken by the voice of the great Lord
+Chandos. "In the name of God and St. George--shoot!"
+
+The twang of two thousand longbows reverberated along the line. The
+intervening space between the armies was white with a sleet of
+arrows. Looking towards the Genoese, Raymond saw a dense mass of men
+bending over their crossbows and working their windlacs in desperate
+haste to reload their cumbersome weapons. The next moment the Genoese
+were literally swept away. Hardly an arrow failed to find a mark;
+heads, breasts, arms, and legs were transfixed by stinging shafts.
+Dead, wounded, and unscathed were mixed in a writhing, struggling
+mass, and the confusion was increased by the unwounded striving to
+fall back upon the main body of the French host.
+
+All the while the English archers shot straight and true at the
+disorganised Genoese. The squire, though unable to see the faces of
+the bowmen in front of him, was astonished at the quiet, collected
+manner in which they loosed their bows.
+
+Then, as he glanced towards the panic-stricken foemen, the squire
+observed a strong body of French mounted troops charging down, as he
+supposed, to the support of the ill-fated crossbowmen. The ground
+trembled beneath the feet of the cavalry, as with loose rein and
+wildly brandished weapons their riders pressed forward in a headlong
+charge.
+
+But to Raymond's surprise, instead of deploying right and left of the
+fugitives, the Frenchmen cut right through their Genoese mercenaries,
+slashing at the miserable men with sword and axe.
+
+In this tangled web horsemen fell in scores. Genoese and Frenchmen
+fought each other with the madness of fury and self-preservation, and
+all the time the hail of English arrows swept down knight and
+crossbow-man in indiscriminate slaughter.
+
+To add to the confusion, the bombards on the right of the Prince's
+division opened fire, and amid clouds of thick, suffocating smoke the
+heavy stone balls went crashing through the dense masses of the foe,
+and, for the first time in warfare, it was seen that thrice-tempered
+armour was useless before the power of artillery.
+
+Then a trumpet sounded from the English ranks, and the hail of arrows
+ceased as by magic. There was a loud discordant shout, the trampling
+of hundreds of feet, and through the now rapidly clearing smoke
+Raymond saw the Welsh and Irish levies dash out upon the demoralised
+foe. With their long knives they threw themselves on the Frenchmen,
+and, in the heat of the fight, all thought of quarter was ignored,
+and knights, worth a rich ransom, were slaughtered as they lay
+helpless on the ground with as little compunction as if they were
+peasants.
+
+So intently was Raymond engaged in watching the struggle before him
+that for the time being he did not notice what was happening on the
+flanks of the first division, till suddenly the hoarse voice of the
+Earl of Oxford was heard shouting, "Stand to your arms, fair knights
+and squires! The French are upon us!"
+
+For the first time on that memorable day a desperate hand-to-hand
+conflict was about to take place.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+HIS LIFE FOR HIS FOE
+
+
+UNSHEATHING his sword and holding his shield firmly on his left arm,
+the squire followed the example of the knights and men-at-arms, and
+hastened towards the left flank.
+
+Already the French cavalry, led by the Duke of Alençon, had, by sheer
+weight of numbers, forced their way to within striking distance of
+their foes, and the long rows of white-coated archers, who formed the
+first rank of the defence, were swept aside by the rush of the
+mounted French knights, for at close quarters the bowmen were useless
+against the lances, swords, and axes of their mailed antagonists.
+
+Before Raymond and his companions could throw themselves into the
+press, the horsemen had hewn a way right to the foot of the Royal
+Standard, beneath which the Prince of Wales and a chosen body of
+knights fought with magnificent courage.
+
+The French and German knights, intent on securing the Prince, hurled
+themselves in a compact body towards the Standard, and as fast as one
+warrior fell, two more took his place, till it seemed that the
+desperate bravery of the attackers would attain its purpose.
+
+Raymond found himself engaged by a tall, broad-shouldered antagonist,
+who bore on his shield the cognisance of the House of Luxemburg. For
+a space they rained blows at each other, striving by sheer force to
+cut down their respective guards, till, by a sweeping blow, the
+Frenchman shivered the squire's sword, and only by swiftly leaping
+backwards was Raymond able to avoid the deadly stroke: So narrow was
+his escape that the point of the descending blade cut a long, clean
+gash in his surcoat ere it buried itself a foot deep in the carcase
+of a slain charger. Instantly the squire rushed in, struck the
+Luxemburger with the edge of his shield, then, ere the man could
+recover himself, plunged his dagger to the hilt in his brawny throat.
+
+Without pausing to recover his breath, Raymond rushed towards a group
+of French knights who were surrounding a little knot of Englishmen.
+It was the Prince's own bodyguard, who, hard pressed, strove their
+utmost to defend their young master. Sir Reynold Cobham, beaten to
+the ground, lay pinned down by the weight of his armour; the Earl of
+Warwick, wounded in the face by a lance thrust, was fiercely beset by
+two knights of Cologne, while Edward, though unscathed, was the mark
+of nigh a score of determined Frenchmen. Nimbly avoiding one stroke,
+parrying another, and diverting a thrust with his shield, the Prince
+fought like a trained veteran rather than a mere lad of fifteen.
+
+At length a knight, armed with a huge double-handed sword, made a
+swinging cut at the Prince just as the latter had all his attention
+drawn by the fierce onslaught of a mounted knight of Sicily. For the
+moment it seemed as if nothing could save the Prince from instant
+death; but Raymond, regardless of his own safety, sprang forward, and
+with his shield and his own body strove to stay the blow. The
+knight's sword struck the squire's shield just above the upper
+leathern loop that held it to the wearer's arm. The tough metal plate
+was sheared through as if made of paper, and the blade, glancing
+upwards against the squire's bascinet, struck the Prince a harmless
+blow, merely slicing the crest of his helmet.
+
+Raymond fell at the Prince's feet, but the Constable of Portchester,
+seeing his squire stricken to the earth, dashed out the swordsman's
+brains with a crashing blow of his mace. For a short space Raymond
+lay breathless on the ground, then, feeling terribly dazed, he raised
+himself and looked around. To his utmost satisfaction he saw that the
+Prince of Wales was unhurt. Already the danger was past, for the
+Earls of Arundel and Northampton had brought up their division to the
+aid of the sorely pressed Prince, and the attackers, beaten at every
+point, were giving way in headlong flight.
+
+At length the squire staggered to his feet, and, assisted by an
+archer of his company, he slowly and painfully made his way towards
+the camp. Darkness was falling, and the English, having been ordered
+to refrain from hazardous pursuit, stood in their ranks, while a vast
+plain, dotted with thousands of corpses, of which but few wore the
+red cross surcoats, silently testified to the hard-fought fight.
+
+As Raymond passed the ranks of his own company Sir John Hacket came
+forward and grasped him by the hand.
+
+"My brave squire," he exclaimed. "Right nobly hast thou borne thyself
+this day. The Prince hath spoken highly of thy courage and devotion,
+and, without doubt, tidings of thy deeds will come to the cars of the
+King. But, Raymond," he added sadly, "I have ill tidings for thee."
+
+"My father?" gasped the squire, reading the Constable's unspoken
+words.
+
+"Ay, my boy, 'tis thy father. He fell in the thickest of the fight,
+and thou hast lost a noble sire and I a brave soldier. Now, bear up,
+Raymond, and get thee to the camp and attend to thy hurts, for thou
+wilt be required anon."
+
+Wounded in body and mind, the young squire was led to the camp, where
+it was found that the Frenchman's sword had driven the stout steel
+bascinet heavily against his temple, leaving a dark blue bruise to
+show how near he had been to death. Simple remedies were applied,
+and, having divested himself of his armour, Raymond recovered himself
+sufficiently to set out to find the body of his father, bearing a
+torch to aid him in his quest.
+
+He remembered well the place where he had last seen him, close to a
+little stunted thorn that grew on the edge of the slope which the
+Prince's division had held so well.
+
+A veritable mound of bodies showed how firmly the archers had stood,
+and how fierce had been the contest, for in a circle around the tree
+lay a heap of red-crossed surcoats, their wearers lying still in
+death with their faces to the foe, while around lay the bodies of
+their attackers, three deep in places, their rich dress and armour
+proving that the flower of French chivalry was unable to vanquish,
+although it had broken through, that double line of English archers
+and men-at-arms.
+
+The men of the Hampshire companies had suffered more severely than
+any, and Raymond, as he pursued his quest, came across many faces
+which he sadly recognised.
+
+Here and there, dotted over the ghastly field, were feeble glimmers
+of torches showing that others were engaged in the doleful task of
+looking for their fallen comrades, though in some instances ghouls
+were engaged in their dastardly work of robbing the dead.
+
+At length the ruddy glare of the torch threw its beams upon the form
+which Raymond recognised only too well. Stretched on his back, his
+sightless eyes staring up at the starry sky, lay Redward, the outlaw
+and master-bowman, the body bearing the ghastly traces of eight
+separate wounds, all of which were in front, proving that to the last
+he had fought with his face to the foe.
+
+Sorrowfully Raymond gazed upon his slain sire; then, realising that
+the sooner he performed the last rites there would be the less chance
+of the spoiler's fell work, he proceeded to carefully remove the body
+to the shelter of the stunted tree, so that he could return to the
+camp to find, if possible, the priest attached to the company.
+
+As he lifted the heavy corpse he was startled to hear a feeble voice
+exclaim, "Blessings on thy kindness, noble sir; I pray thee assist
+me."
+
+Recovering from his astonishment, the squire discovered, pinned
+beneath his father's body, a wounded knight. Swiftly Raymond bent to
+his aid, and, cutting asunder the laces of his bascinet, he found the
+stranger to be none other than Sir Reginald Scarsdale!
+
+"Faith! I did think this would have been the end of me," quoth the
+knight. "Hast a draught of wine?"
+
+Raymond shook his head. "I am returning to the camp, an' if it please
+thee, I'll help thee back to thy company."
+
+"Do so, squire, for, what with a crack over the head with a
+Frenchman's mace, and the weight of yon bowman atop o' me, I feel too
+weak to stand of mine own will. What dost thou here?"
+
+"Yonder lies my father."
+
+"Thy father? By St. Wilfrid of Ripon, he was a gallant man! Had he
+not stood over me the rascals would have settled my account. I pray
+thee tell me his name?"
+
+For a moment Raymond paused, then, in a sudden outburst of
+confidence, he exclaimed, "Redward Revyngton!"
+
+"What! Redward Revyngton! And to think that the man whom I, with a
+mad desire for vengeance, hounded out of the country should have
+given his life for me! Did he wot whom I was?"
+
+"Ay," said Raymond. "For but a few hours agone he and I saw thee in
+converse with his brother, Sir Maurice."
+
+"Then out on me for my revengeful spirit! When it lay in his power to
+thrust me through the back with a dagger, or even to let me be slain
+by my enemies, what did he do? He saved my life! This indeed is
+rendering good for evil."
+
+"And ye forgive him his trespass?"
+
+"Ay, young squire. Right willingly."
+
+"Then in my sorrow I thank Heaven," replied Raymond, and in silence
+they returned slowly to the camp, Sir Reginald leaning heavily on the
+arm of the outlaw's son.
+
+The moment the wounded knight was given into safe hands Raymond
+hastened to his quarters, where he enlisted the services of the
+priest and four stout archers. The latter took spades and torches
+with them, and the melancholy procession set out for the scene of
+Redward's last stand, Raymond with Sir John Hacket, who wished to pay
+his last respects to his trusted servant, leading the way.
+
+Rapidly the bowmen plied their spades, and soon a deep grave gaped at
+the foot of the solitary thorn. Raymond bent and kissed the cold
+brow, then, amid the solemn voice of the priest reciting the psalm,
+_Domine, refugium_, the body of the brave old master-bowman was laid
+to rest.
+
+Bare-headed and dry-eyed, Raymond watched the dark earth being
+shovelled down upon the mortal remains of his sire, then, when the
+task was accomplished, he turned and walked slowly back to the camp.
+There, in the retirement of his tent, his pent-up feelings found
+relief, and throwing himself on the ground, he burst into a flood of
+passionate weeping.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+THE REJECTED GUERDON
+
+
+MORNING came, and with it the trumpets again sounded for the troops
+to assemble. Was it that a renewal of the fight was expected? Nay,
+for the French were in headlong flight, their King being already well
+on the way to La Broye. But Edward, sensible of the advantage gained,
+had determined to advance on Calais.
+
+Silently the weary soldiers fell into their ranks. The archers, their
+white surcoats soiled with mud and stained with blood, the
+men-at-arms, with battered armour, and, in many cases,
+roughly-bandaged wounds, stood grimly in their martial array,
+conscious of the many comrades who had stood thus but a day before
+and had gone to their last account.
+
+Suddenly a fanfare of trumpets announced the approach of the King.
+With his eyes shining with pardonable pride, the monarch rode slowly
+down the war-worn lines, stopping at intervals to bestow honours and
+praise as cases of individual merit were pointed out to him. At his
+right hand rode the Prince of Wales, and attending him were Sir John
+Chandos, the Earls of Warwick, Arundel, Oxford, and Southampton.
+
+When in front of the Hampshire companies the King again drew rein,
+and surveyed the stern, determined faces of the men on whom the brunt
+of the attack had fallen. Sir John Hacket, attended by his three
+squires, stood in front of his command, the banners, according to
+custom, being lowered to the ground in the presence of the Sovereign.
+
+"By Our Lady! 'Tis our trusted Constable of Portchester!" exclaimed
+Edward. "And by report thou didst hold thyself right gallantly on
+yesterday's field. Ah, Sir John, we have something in store to make
+amends for our former forgetfulness. Advance thy banner!"
+
+The Constable, taking his banner from the hands of the guidon-bearer,
+stepped forward, and, with bended knee, presented the blue silk
+emblazoned with the golden crescent to the King, who, drawing a
+dagger from his belt, deftly cut off the pointed end of the pennon.
+Handing the severed portion to a knight in attendance, the King
+returned the banner to Sir John.
+
+The action, simple as it seemed, roused the company to the highest
+pitch of enthusiasm, for their adored leader had achieved the great
+distinction of being created a knight-banneret, the greatest honour
+to be paid by the sovereign, only on the field of battle.
+
+Ere the cheering had died away, the Prince of Wales had plucked his
+father's sleeve, and whispered in his ear.
+
+"Of a truth, 'tis the squire who brought the Count of Tancarville to
+our camp! And he is the man that came betwixt thee and thine enemies
+in the thickest of the fray! 'Tis our pleasure to bestow honours
+freely to-day, though, methinks, they be well deserved, and no man
+will chide us for being too freehanded. Thy squire's name, Sir John?"
+
+"He is named Raymond Buckland, sire."
+
+"Come hither, squire," commanded the King, alighting from his palfrey
+and taking a sword from the hand of the Earl of Warwick.
+
+The supreme moment of Raymond's life was at hand, but the squire,
+instead of kneeling to receive the honour of knighthood, advanced a
+few paces and stood irresolutely before his sovereign.
+
+"On thy knees, squire!" commanded Edward.
+
+"Nay, sire, I cannot," replied the unhappy Raymond. Low murmurs of
+astonishment arose from the King's attendants, while Sir John Hacket,
+placing his hand heavily on his squire's shoulder, hissed into his
+ear, "Kneel, thou fool! Art bereft of thy senses?"
+
+A dark cloud gathered on the King's face. Then a thought seemed to
+strike him, and he spoke again.
+
+"Here, sirrah, tell us the reason of this strange refusal. Nay, have
+no fear," he added, in a more kindly tone, observing the squire's
+dejection, "for we perceive there is something amiss that will
+account for thy demeanour."
+
+Encouraged by the King's words, and rendered bold by the desperate
+position in which circumstances had placed him, Raymond replied, in a
+low yet distinct voice, "Sire, I am the son of an outlaw, and
+therefore unworthy of the honour thou would'st bestow."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed the King. "This requires further consideration. Sir
+John, knowest aught of this?"
+
+"Nay, sire," replied the amazed Constable.
+
+Once again the young Prince of Wales whispered in his father's ear.
+The King nodded in response, and again addressed the squire.
+
+"It is our desire to hear more of this matter. See to it that thou
+comest before us in our pavilion at noon, Sir John. I hold thee
+responsible for thy squire's appearance. And, Sir William," he added,
+turning to his scrivener, "I pray thee see to it that the worthy
+Constable of Portchester and his squire be instantly admitted to our
+presence at that hour."
+
+Remounting his steed, the King, accompanied by his retinue, continued
+his tour of inspection, and, on this being completed, he returned to
+his pavilion. The ranks broke, and the men were told to enjoy a
+well-earned rest ere the march to Calais was begun on the morrow,
+while the camp-followers were put to the melancholy task of burying
+the dead who had fallen in the fight.
+
+On hearing the story from Raymond's own lips, the kind-hearted Sir
+John Hacket's expressions of surprise and pity were unbounded. For
+not for one moment had he suspected that the sturdy master-bowman,
+though an outlaw, was at one time a gentleman of quality.
+
+"Take it not too much to heart, Raymond," he said. "Many a man hath
+been in a worse scrape. I am of a mind to bring Sir Maurice Revyngton
+with us when we repair to the King's presence, and 'twould be well if
+I saw the knight at once."
+
+So saying, the Constable hastened away, leaving his squire still torn
+with conflicting emotions of hope and fear--hope that his own
+stainless character and deeds of bravery would wipe out the
+undeserved blot that threatened to mar his prospects, and fear that
+the formidable barrier of social custom and royal etiquette would for
+ever debar him from the road to success.
+
+In less than an hour Sir John returned, a broad smile of satisfaction
+overspreading his grim features. "Thy uncle will bear us company, ay,
+and another knight, if I mistake not, will interest himself on thy
+behalf. Now, bear thyself cheerfully, for I perceive that things will
+turn out aright. Waste no more time in gloomy meditations, but make
+thyself fit to appear in the King's presence, for the hour of
+audience is at hand."
+
+"And the style of mine attire?"
+
+"In full harness, Raymond, for the King will doubtless think fit to
+reward thee for bravery on the field, and on that score I have no
+doubt. 'Tis meet that thou shouldst appear in the garb of a soldier
+rather than in the dress of a common suppliant. And, moreover, our
+King delights in the wearing of harness, and looks with favour on
+those who doff their armour but rarely when they come to the wars. So
+again I tell thee, hasten!"
+
+The squire repaired to his own tent and put on his complete suit of
+armour--the same that his father had given him years ago on the eve
+of the sack of Hamble--and well the dented and tarnished steel
+befitted his tall and erect figure. Then girding on his scabbard,
+wherein was thrust the remaining part of the broken blade, and
+grasping the fragment of the shield that had diverted the murderous
+sweep of the Frenchman's two-handed sword, Raymond repaired to his
+master's tent.
+
+The Constable surveyed him with appreciation. "Eh, lad, thou dost
+well to bear the silent testimony of thy courage on thine arm. In any
+case but the present, when thy future is at stake, 'twould have been
+a braggart's ruse. But the King doth know full well that thou art no
+boaster, seeing that it was in thy power to accept honour at his
+hands, and thou didst shrink from it. But come, the hour of noon is
+near. Let us make for the royal pavilion."
+
+Between the long lines of tents, where crowds of soldiers gathered,
+in silent wonder, to see the man who had so strangely withstood his
+sovereign, the knight and the squire walked side by side, and with a
+fresh wave of doubt and fear sweeping over him, Raymond found himself
+in the anteroom of the royal tent.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+SIR RAYMOND
+
+
+SIR JOHN HACKET, having formally announced his rank and that of his
+companion, as well as the nature of their business, to the herald,
+removed his velvet cap, though he held his bascinet in his left hand,
+and at the same time removed his right-hand gauntlet. His squire did
+likewise, and, breathing a fervent prayer for courage, he prepared to
+follow his master into the royal presence.
+
+The heavy damask curtains were drawn aside by two knights in waiting,
+and Raymond heard the sonorous voice of the herald repeating the
+title and style of the Constable and his squire. Another moment and
+Raymond stood before, but at a respectful distance from, the royal
+daïs.
+
+King Edward, who still wore the mailed coat in which he rode along
+the ranks earlier in the day, was attended by a number of earls and
+barons, while by his side stood the young Prince of Wales, who
+regarded the squire with an encouraging smile.
+
+At the foot of the daïs, a little distance to the left, stood
+Raymond's uncle, Sir Maurice Revyngton, and his late father's former
+enemy, Sir Reginald Scarsdale, who, though still weak and suffering
+from his wounds, had, at Sir John's desire, appeared on the young
+squire's behalf.
+
+"Ah, squire," quoth the King, fixing his dark, keen eyes upon the
+young man's face, "when we summoned thee to appear before us we
+looked for an explanation from thine own lips. But thou hast been
+forestalled, for these two knights have already told us of thy
+condition. Now, what hast thou to say why thou shouldst not be driven
+from the camp, being the son of an outlaw?"
+
+"Nothing, sire; 'tis but the law."
+
+"Thou couldst not have said much less," remarked the King, with a
+grim laugh. "How sayest thou, Sir Reginald Scarsdale. Hast thou a
+desire to press thy claims?"
+
+"Nay, sire," replied the knight stoutly. "For his father, knowingly
+and willingly, came to my aid in the thickest of the fight, and but
+for his courage I should have been worsted."
+
+"But thine oath of vengeance?"
+
+"Sire, my desire for revenge departed the moment I heard from this
+squire the name of his father, who, in truth, slew my only brother.
+Furthermore, 'tis my intention to repair, as soon as this war is
+over, to the shrine of St. Swithin of Winchester and to seek
+absolution from mine oath."
+
+"And thou hast no wish to harm this squire?"
+
+"None, sire. On the contrary I wish him good----"
+
+"Hold, Sir Knight," interrupted the King sharply. "We asked thee a
+plain question, to be answered by 'Yea' or 'Nay,' not by
+suggestions."
+
+"And thou, Sir John," continued Edward, addressing the Constable.
+"Hast thou aught to add in favour of thy squire, beyond what thou
+didst tell us but a short time back?"
+
+"Nothing more, sire."
+
+"'Tis well. And now, squire, we have carefully considered thy case,
+and we are favourably disposed towards thee." Then, turning to his
+barons, he added, with a sly reference to the growing power of
+Parliament, "We take it, fair lords, that we shall not offend our
+faithful commoners assembled at Westminster by assuming a right to
+revoke a decree of outlawry?"
+
+A low murmur of assent was the reply.
+
+"Then, Raymond Revyngton, we hereby pardon thee for an offence that
+thou hast not committed--to wit, thou art no longer the son of an
+outlaw. Sir William de Saye, our scrivener, will draw up the deed of
+revocation, and a copy for the Lord Bishop of Winchester. Art
+content?"
+
+"Sire, I thank thee," replied Raymond, bending low before his
+sovereign.
+
+"There is yet another matter. Of thy valour there has been no
+question. We have in mind the affair with the Count of Tancarville,
+and, going farther back, thy journey to Hennebon. But more especially
+thy conduct in yesterday's fight, when our dear son, the Prince of
+Wales, was succoured by thine aid. We have a mind to inspect thy
+cloven shield, which, we do perceive, thou hast brought in case our
+memory were in need of a reminder."
+
+The squire, still kneeling, handed his buckler to an attendant, who
+in turn presented it to the King.
+
+"A lusty stroke," commented Edward, carefully examining the clean cut
+in the metal plate. "Our cousin of France hath men of sinew who in
+open fight would be worthy and gallant opponents. Had their peasants
+been as good bowmen as our gallant archers but few of us would be
+here. Squire," he added, "arise and hand over thy sword."
+
+With martial alertness, Raymond drew the fragment of steel, and a
+look of surprise o'erspread the King's face.
+
+"Thine equipment seems at fault," he remarked, smiling a little
+grimly. "Nay, we know 'twas done in a gallant fight. Advance, squire,
+and kneel before us."
+
+This time Raymond did not refuse, for was he not a man free from the
+fatal taint that had threatened to mar everything in his career? With
+rapid stride and uplifted head he advanced to the steps of the daïs,
+his armour clanking as he moved. Presenting the hilt of his weapon to
+the King, the squire sank on his knees.
+
+As in a dream he felt the flat of the broken blade touch his right
+shoulder, and the King's voice, in bold and decisive tones, saying,
+"Arise, Sir Raymond Revyngton!"
+
+When at length Raymond found himself without the royal pavilion, he
+was overwhelmed by the congratulations of his friends, including Sir
+Reginald Scarsdale.
+
+"'Twould ill become a belted knight if I did not make amends for the
+past," quoth the latter. "And to that end all I can do for thee I'll
+do willingly."
+
+"Then on thy knightly honour I hold thee to thy promise," replied
+Raymond, catching at the opportunity with new-born courage, "for I
+have a matter of much weight of which I would speak."
+
+"Then say on."
+
+Sir John and Sir Maurice, having an inkling of what was coming,
+exchanged a knowing smile, and Raymond continued, though his voice
+faltered a little.
+
+"Sir Reginald, I love thy daughter Audrey, and would ask thy consent
+to win her hand in marriage."
+
+For a while the old knight was too much astonished to reply, then,
+holding out his hand, he replied, "Then thou art the youth who
+rendered her service at that little affair with the French at
+Hampton? Out on me for a thickhead for not linking thee with that
+bold feat before. Certes! I will not be less good than my word. Take
+the maid, if she be willing to wed thee!" Thus it was that the
+newly-made knight found that success begets success, though in his
+heart he had not expected to win Sir Reginald's consent so readily.
+Yet in the midst of his good fortune the one dark shadow was the
+haunting thought of the loss of his father, and he grieved in his
+heart that death had deprived his sire of life just as his son was on
+the threshold of fame and honour.
+
+Slowly the four knights, Sir Reginald being stiff with his hurts,
+proceeded towards the lines of the Hampshire companies, where Sir
+John had invited the others to partake of refreshment. Already the
+news of Raymond's advancement had preceded them, and the soldiers,
+with loud shouts, welcomed the new knight; for the master-bowman's
+son was ever popular in the ranks of the men of Portsmouth and
+Southampton.
+
+"What are thy plans for the future," asked the Constable later in the
+day, "for as heir to Sir Maurice it is fitting that thou shouldst
+join him with the men of Devon."
+
+"Nay, by the rood," answered Raymond warmly. "Thou hast ever been a
+good master to me, Sir John, and with thee I'll abide till the end of
+the war."
+
+"I thank thee for thine appreciation, Raymond, for ever since thou
+wert my squire I have loved thee as a son. But now concerning the
+maid, the Lady Audrey?"
+
+"Until Sir Reginald returns home I will not press my suit, but should
+he do so I hope I may be permitted to withdraw from the camp for a
+few weeks to accompany him. Even then, how can I tell that the Lady
+Audrey will deal favourably with me?"
+
+"I know that she loves thee, Raymond."
+
+"How so, Sir John, seeing that I know not myself?"
+
+"Raymond, I am afraid thou art more forward with the art of war than
+with the affairs of the heart. Would a maid have sent a messenger to
+me every week whilst thou wert in Hennebon to know if there were
+tidings of thee, if she did not love thee?"
+
+"But how knew she that I was in Brittany?" was the amazed question.
+
+"How? Didst thou not give me a letter to send to her?"
+
+"Only in case I did not return."
+
+"Didst thou? Didst thou? Certes now I remember! But now I think on
+the matter, I must have forgotten that, for I did send it," replied
+Sir John, with pardonable deceit and well-feigned dismay. "But mind
+it not, Raymond, 'twas after all for the best, and, mark my words,
+she'll have thee--sure enough."
+
+On the morrow the march was resumed, the King having decided to lay
+siege to Calais, and slowly the long lines of English troops, every
+man heavily laden with booty, proceeded from the field of Crécy.
+
+Edward had long looked with covetous eyes upon the port of Calais,
+for owing to the death of his Flemish ally, Jacques d'Artevelde, at
+the hands of fellow-countrymen, and the consequent estrangement with
+the Flemings, the King was in need of a continental port for the
+distribution of English wool, and, once Calais were taken, the nest
+of pirates who made their headquarters there, to the great annoyance
+of English ships, would be dispersed. Also an entry for his troops
+would be secured within easy distance from the English coast. So,
+with these strong incentives, Edward hastened to reduce the town.
+
+Within a week of Crécy, the English lay in a triple ring around the
+land side of the town, while a strong fleet cruised constantly
+between Grisnez and Gravelines to prevent any succour being sent by
+sea, and, without attempting to carry the defences by assault, Edward
+relied upon famine to bring about the downfall of Calais.
+
+Throughout the long winter of 1346-47 the blockade was maintained,
+and the works of the besiegers resembled the outer walls of a city
+rather than temporary trenches, so that the English were in a
+position both to keep the citizens of Calais within their walls and
+to repel any attempt on the part of the French to raise the siege.
+
+Early in the spring dysentery broke out in the ranks of the English,
+and amongst those who were attacked was Sir Raymond. In spite of the
+rough yet devoted attention of his men, the skill of the harassed
+physicians, and the solicitude of his friends, the young knight was,
+for a time, in great danger, and even when the crisis was passed his
+progress towards recovery was slow and tedious.
+
+One day as he lay alone in his tent, weak and worn, Raymond heard the
+well-known sound of troops marching hurriedly out of camp, and the
+blare of trumpets denoted that something untoward was afoot.
+
+Feebly he called the names of the men who usually waited on him, but
+in vain; there was no response to his summons, and at length the
+tramp of feet died away, leaving the camp as silent as the grave,
+save for the flapping of the canvas as the keen wind whistled around
+the tents.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+THE ADVENTURE AT THE RUINED MILL
+
+
+IN his tent, in terrible suspense, the young knight, Raymond
+Revyngton, lay helpless, wondering how went the fight. In due course,
+through the opening of his tent, he saw a stream of wounded men
+returning, singly or in small parties, some with rough bandages round
+their limbs or their heads.
+
+At length came one whom he knew--an archer of the Portchester
+company.
+
+"Stephen! Stephen!" called Raymond, as loudly as he could.
+
+In obedience to the knight's cry, the man entered the tent, nursing
+the maimed fingers of his right hand with his left, while the blood
+poured freely from the stumps and trickled in a crimson stream down
+his arm, soaking his sleeve.
+
+Deftly and quickly, notwithstanding his weakness, Raymond bound the
+wounded hand, and poured out a cup of wine for the almost fainting
+archer. The draught revived him, and the colour began to steal back
+into his ashy-grey face.
+
+"How goes the battle?" asked Raymond anxiously.
+
+"'Tis not a battle, Sir Raymond, but a slight passage of arms, though
+I perceive that as a bowman my work is done. The French King hath
+tried to relieve the town, but my Lord Chandos and seven thousand of
+our men have withstood him amid the sand-hills and marshes. Save for
+a few hand-to-hand blows, the French never made a stand, and already
+they are in full flight."
+
+"Dost feel well enough to walk?" the young knight asked, after a long
+pause.
+
+"Yea, Sir Raymond."
+
+"Then get thee outside the camp, and bring me fresh tidings."
+
+The man obeyed, but ere long he returned, exclaiming: "'Tis all over.
+The enemy are nowhere in sight and our men are even now returning."
+
+"Then do not tarry longer, but go to thine own tent, for thou needest
+better care for thy hurts than I can give thee. This flask of wine I
+give thee, for, by St. Thomas, thou hast need of it. Nay, do not
+thank me, but away!"
+
+Once more the camp was alive with men, for the threatened attack of
+the huge army that Philip had gathered together for the relief of
+Calais had been ignominiously repelled, and it was known that the
+fate of the town was sealed. Raymond gathered a fairly true account
+of the fight from the conversation and joyous exclamations of the
+elated soldiery, and presently Sir John Hacket, covered with dust and
+showing signs of the conflict, entered the tent.
+
+"Art feeling better, Raymond?"
+
+"Ay, Sir John. But how goes it with us?"
+
+"Passably well but ever I seem to be a messenger of momentous tidings
+to thee, whether of good or evil."
+
+"Then there is something amiss?" questioned the young man eagerly,
+instinctively surmising that the news was unfavourable.
+
+"Yea, Raymond. My speech was ever blunt, and methinks the sooner I
+unburden myself of a message of ill-tidings the easier 'tis for both
+of us. Briefly, Sir Maurice hath fallen like the true and gallant
+knight he was, and thou art the last of the Revyngtons of Churston."
+
+"Alack-a-me that it should be so! For though I knew but little of
+him, I esteemed him a gallant, gentle, and honourable knight even
+before I wot he was my kinsman. And Sir Reginald Scarsdale--what of
+him?"
+
+"His heart is stronger than his body. In the first impact he was
+swept from his saddle by a mere stripling."
+
+"And he is killed, wounded, or taken?"
+
+"Neither, save that he is shaken by the fall, and the King vows that
+since he cannot hold his own against a youth he will send him home,
+seeing that his fighting days are over."
+
+"And does Sir Reginald know of this?"
+
+"Ay, and if the King will not relent--and he is hard to turn from his
+purpose--'twill be the first Scarsdale since the Conquest whose feet
+on his altar-tomb rest not upon a lion."
+
+"Alas! the King's decision will hit him hard! Do you, Sir John,
+convey my expressions of regret to the gentle knight, and say that it
+will give me great pleasure should he deign to visit me."
+
+For several days more Raymond lay weak and ill in his tent, but as
+April drew on and the weather became warmer his strength began slowly
+to return. At length, pale and wan, the young knight was able to walk
+slowly about the camp, supported by two of his archers.
+
+Still the siege continued, a long-drawn, tedious task, with little
+chance of knightly deeds of daring to earn advancement. The
+close-drawn lines of the besiegers still kept tenacious grip upon the
+town, and, though famine and disease wrought havoc amongst its
+gallant defenders, the end seemed as far off as ever.
+
+The return of summer found Sir Raymond Revyngton completely restored
+in health, though still chafing with impatience at the life of
+inactivity, for the younger knights looked with disfavour upon the
+King's methods of conducting the siege, and would rather have had the
+opportunity of leading their men to the assault than sit down before
+the town waiting for famine to do its fell work.
+
+Friendly tilting-matches, hawking, and sports of a similar nature
+were indulged in, and Raymond, with an exuberance of energy, took a
+leading part in the pastimes. Many a pleasant afternoon was spent in
+the open country around the English lines, hunting or making sport
+with hounds and falcons, for not an armed Frenchman was to be seen
+within twenty leagues of Calais, save the starving wretches within
+its gates.
+
+One afternoon in July Raymond and a score of young knights rode
+south-eastwards along the sand-dunes, each knight accompanied by a
+mounted serving-man and a number of hounds. The country was not of a
+nature to yield much sport, yet, eager to while away the time, the
+little cavalcade rode carelessly on over the low sandhills.
+
+On their right spread the blue waters of the English Channel, in
+front towered the chalky heights of Gris-nez, while behind lay the
+red-tiled houses and grey walls of Calais, with the semicircle of
+tents that marked the English lines.
+
+At length they reached the summit of a low hill, and here they reined
+in their steeds.
+
+"No sign of a living creature," remarked one of the party, "though
+the land away on our left seemeth well wooded. How call you yonder
+forest, Armand?" he inquired, addressing one of the attendants, a
+Gascon who had spent the greater part of his life in the
+neighbourhood of Calais.
+
+"'Tis the forest of Ambleteuse, sir," replied the man; "there the
+wild boar is to be found."
+
+"Ah There is good sport, fair sirs Let us ride forward."
+
+Half-an-hour's sharp canter brought them to the edge of the wood, and
+in a long, straggling line the gay-hearted Englishmen, with loud
+shouts and many a blast upon their horns, plunged into the gloom of
+the forest glades.
+
+For a while no signs of animal life appeared, then suddenly there
+came from one of the rearmost horsemen shouts of "A boar!"
+
+Instantly the party turned, and crashing through the underwood, made
+towards the sound. Raymond, who had been in the van, now found
+himself in the rear, and, spurring his steed and calling to his
+attendant to follow, he strove to overtake his companions, while the
+loud grunts of the hunted boar could be distinctly heard amid the
+snapping of the brushwood.
+
+At length the glade descended towards a babbling brook, and here the
+press of horsemen became so thick that many were riding hip to hip.
+Suddenly Raymond's horse trod in a rabbit-hole, and before he could
+realise what had happened he found himself hurtling through the air
+and striking the soft earth with a heavy thud. Fortunately, the young
+knight was lightly clad, and fell without injury, but on leaping to
+his feet he saw his body-servant lying, senseless on the ground,
+while the two steeds, entangled in their fall, were madly kicking
+each other with their iron-shod hoofs.
+
+In the excitement of the chase the rest of the cavalcade had rushed
+onwards, heedless of their companions' misfortunes, and the sound of
+feet was already dying away.
+
+With a bound Raymond sprang to the side of his attendant and dragged
+him out of the reach of the perilous hoofs. Then he sought for his
+horn to summon assistance, but the instrument was crushed and
+rendered useless by the fall. Baffled in his purpose, he applied his
+energies to the task of restoring the unconscious man, bathing his
+forehead with water obtained from the brook.
+
+His efforts at length were rewarded, for the servant sat up and gazed
+around in a dazed way.
+
+"Art hurt, Thompson?" asked Raymond anxiously.
+
+"Can scarcely tell, Sir Raymond, save that my head is swimming round
+like a roasting joint, and my shoulder-blades seem growing out of my
+neck."
+
+"'Tis of small moment. But stand up if thou canst." Thompson
+staggered to his feet, and to the knight's satisfaction he found that
+none of the man's limbs were broken.
+
+"'Tis a sorry pass, for we must needs find our way back afoot. Pull
+thyself together, man, for 'tis a goodly step betwixt us and the
+camp."
+
+Drawing his hunting-knife, Raymond put the two struggling
+horses--each of whom had a leg broken--out of their misery, then the
+twain set out on their homeward way. By the time they emerged from
+the forest their shadows fell far athwart the path, for the sun was
+sinking in the west; but Thompson was rapidly recovering, and their
+pace was well maintained.
+
+"There is the hill from whence we first saw the wood," remarked the
+knight. "But methinks we can leave that well on our left, for the
+camp lies yonder."
+
+"I deem thee to be right, fair sir. But, mark ye! Look at yonder
+clouds."
+
+Raymond looked in the direction indicated, and saw that a storm was
+rapidly driving towards them.
+
+"Night cometh on apace, and with it a tempest," quoth he. "Hasten, or
+we shall be benighted in this dreary plain."
+
+Hardly had they traversed a distance of three arrow-flights than the
+wind, hitherto a faint westerly breeze, sprang up with terrific
+violence. The sand rose in thick clouds, shutting out everything
+except in their immediate vicinity, and the sun, in a mist of pale
+yellow sky, sank beneath the indigo-coloured clouds.
+
+Onward they steadily plodded through the heavy yielding sand, the
+swiftly-falling darkness bringing with it a heavy storm of rain and
+hail. Wondering whether his comrades were faring as badly, the young
+knight stumbled and plunged resolutely onwards, his serving-man
+following closely at his heels, the whistling of the wind making
+conversation impossible.
+
+For over two hours the twain pursued their uncomfortable walk, till
+at length a dark object blocked their path. It was a ruined windmill.
+Making their way round its massive base, the weary travellers found
+some slight shelter from the force of the wind, and, panting from
+their exertions, they leaned against the stonework to recover their
+breath.
+
+"Dost know where we are?" shouted Raymond, his voice almost inaudible
+in the howling wind.
+
+"No, sir," replied the man.
+
+"But a short distance from where we left the wood, I marked this
+tower on our left, and, certes, we have been walking round and round
+for half the night."
+
+"Then we must needs set out once more?"
+
+"Nay. This will suffice for the present, and here we'll rest till
+daylight comes and the storm spends itself. The door is not barred, I
+hope."
+
+Walking slowly round the mill, the knight felt for the opening, till
+he stumbled over a low stone step. Cautiously ascending, he found at
+the fourth step a flat ledge, protected by a broken rail, and here
+was the door hanging by a solitary rusted hinge.
+
+[Illustration: TREACHERY AFOOT]
+
+Yielding to the pressure of his shoulder, the door flew open, and the
+knight and his companion carefully groped their way in, closing the
+door after them. Here, in absolute blackness, they found shelter, the
+storm howling wildly outside, yet scarcely to be heard within the
+massive stone walls. They had no means of procuring a light, but by
+continuing their investigations they felt a pile of broken hurdles
+and the lower-most rungs of a ladder.
+
+Raymond was about to ascend, when his servant laid a detaining hand
+upon his arm. "Hist!" he exclaimed. "Some one moves in the room
+above."
+
+"Nay, thou dreamest! . . . Ay, thou art right! Hide here, quickly. Art
+armed?"
+
+"Nought but a knife."
+
+"'Twill suffice. Now, hold thyself in readiness, but act not till I
+give the word."
+
+Crouching behind the pile of hurdles, knight and servant waited in
+breathless silence. There was the sound of a heavy trap-door being
+raised, and a voice exclaimed in French: "Is it thou, Jehan?"
+
+Receiving no reply, the questioner slowly descended a few steps of
+the ladder, and drawing a horn lantern from underneath a cloak, swung
+it around him, peering about the room.
+
+Then, perceiving no one, he muttered: "Mon Dieu! It is but fancy, yet
+why doth he tarry?" And again concealing the light, he ascended to
+the upper story and dropped the trap-hatch with a resounding thud.
+
+"There's fell treachery afoot," whispered Raymond. "Dost know who it
+is?"
+
+"'Tis Réné de Caux, of the following of the Captal de Buche, our
+King's trusted favourite. Wait patiently, for ere long no little
+advancement will be gained."
+
+Silently the Englishmen waited, every fiercer blast of the storm
+causing them to imagine that the expected visitor had arrived. At
+last they heard the door pushed open, and a dark form made its way
+into the room with a confidence gained by long practice. A low
+whistle, like the cry of a night-bird, and the trapdoor was again
+removed.
+
+"Ah, Jehan! 'Tis thou at last! Close the door ere I show a light."
+
+"A thousand pests take the weather. This storm hath all but been my
+undoing."
+
+The light of the lantern shone upon the face of the new arrival. He
+was a tall, slender man, with light hair and refined features, and on
+removing his sodden cloak a garment of slashed velvet was revealed,
+betokening that the wearer was a gentleman of quality. Armour he wore
+none, but a light sword hung from his belt, balanced by a large
+leather bag.
+
+"And how fares Sir John de Vienne?"
+
+"Strong in courage when last I saw him."
+
+"And that was----?"
+
+"But yesternight."
+
+"And he agreed to allow you to poison the wells?"
+
+"Nay, by Our Lady, he would not."
+
+"Well spoken, like a brave and gallant knight, for, by St. Denis, the
+plan is not to my liking even though these insolent islanders deserve
+all that is evil. But, see here! This letter must be given to the
+Governor of the town by to-morrow, though, alas! it is cold comfort
+to Sir John. Canst arrange to deliver it?"
+
+"They will admit me by the postern of the Boulogne Gate at midnight.
+'Twill be done."
+
+"Then take thy reward. Hold the light closer while I count, for I
+know a Gascon of old! See to it: all bright crowns, of good weight."
+
+The Frenchman addressed as Jehan handed a sealed document to the
+Gascon, who placed it in his doublet; then, setting the lantern on
+the ground and extending his hand, the latter counted the coins as
+Jehan took them from his wallet.
+
+Loosening his poignard and motioning to Thompson to draw his knife,
+Raymond prepared to spring from his hiding-place.
+
+Ere the two conspirators could recover from their astonishment the
+young knight had leapt upon them, and with one thrust of his weapon
+laid the traitorous Gascon dead at his feet. Instinctively the
+Frenchman sprang backwards and whipped out his sword.
+
+"Yield thee!" thundered Raymond.
+
+"To no man!"
+
+In an instant their blades met, the dull light of the lantern
+flashing on the glittering steel. Though Jehan had the longer weapon,
+he possessed neither the strength nor the skill of his antagonist,
+and in less than half a minute's swordplay the Frenchman's blade
+caught in the notch that the hilt of most poignards possess, and with
+a quick, powerful turn of the wrist Raymond snapped the sword off
+close to the guard.
+
+"Now wilt yield?"
+
+"If thou art a gentleman I will; if not, pass the dagger through me
+rather than let me disgrace myself."
+
+"I am Sir Raymond Revyngton, knight."
+
+"Then, Sir Raymond, I yield myself to thee; though I pray thee,
+certify my master that I fought well ere I yielded."
+
+"And thy name and quality?"
+
+"I am Jehan de Sous-Cahors, seneschal de Vimereux, and of the
+household of King Philip."
+
+"Then I have had great honour in taking thee!" said Raymond with due
+courtesy. "And now have I thy promise that there shall
+be no attempt at escape? Otherwise, though it grieve me to mishandle
+a knight, thou must be brought bound into the camp."
+
+"I swear, by St. Denis."
+
+The grey dawn was beginning to break, and the storm was dying away.
+Raymond looked out of the door, and saw with great satisfaction the
+knight's horse stabled in a small adjoining hut that had been
+invisible on the previous night. There in the distance the smoke of
+the English camp-fires showed distinctly in the now clear air, while
+less than a bowshot from the mill lay the wood that had been the
+cause of their misfortune.
+
+Suddenly the young knight heard the sound of scuffling and Thompson's
+voice shouting "Help, master, help!"
+
+Darting back to the room, he found his servant engaged in a desperate
+struggle with the captive, who was endeavouring to destroy the letter
+he had entrusted to the double-dealing Gascon, a portion of which he
+had attempted to swallow.
+
+With no gentle hand Raymond aided his man to throw the prisoner on
+his back and wrench the missive from him.
+
+"Thy parole, Sir Knight!" he exclaimed.
+
+"----has been kept," gasped the captive, "but I trow thou wilt admit
+that no farther compact was made. I am foiled in this matter, but I
+pray thee, of thy courtesy, give me leave to finish my work and
+destroy this missive."
+
+"That I cannot do. This letter, which I doubt not is of great moment,
+I will take charge of, and hand over to my Lord Chandos. 'Tis now
+daylight, and we must needs return to the camp. I am loth to let thee
+walk, but as there is but one horse between two knights, 'tis better
+that neither ride."
+
+Walking side by side, and followed by Thompson leading the captive's
+horse, Raymond and the French knight arrived at the camp without
+further incident, and, after handing his prisoner over to the
+camp-martial, the young knight repaired with all despatch to find Sir
+John Hacket.
+
+On hearing Raymond's story the Constable accompanied him to the tent
+of Sir John Chandos, whose banner floated close to the royal
+pavilion.
+
+Lord Chandos opened the letter which Raymond had gained possession
+of, and found that its contents were practically undamaged in the
+struggle.
+
+"Canst read?" he asked of the Constable. "For this crabbed fist doth
+sorely try my one eye."
+
+"Nay," replied Sir John Hacket with a grim smile. "Only enough for
+mine own use, for from my seventh year the sword ever proved a more
+pleasing companion than a scrawling, musty parchment."
+
+"And canst thou, Sir Raymond?"
+
+"I will try my best, fair sir."
+
+Raymond took the missive and began to read the superscription,
+written in French: "To the very puissant knight, Sir John de Vienne,
+seneschal of our town of Calais, greeting."
+
+The body of the letter began by thanking the Governor for his brave
+resistance, and expressing hopes of being able to speedily succour
+the besieged. It then confirmed the arrangements, previously made
+through the Gascon traitor, for a sally, in conjunction with an
+attempt on the part of the French forces to break the English lines
+from without. Should the French be unable to carry out their part and
+attack the English camp, three white lights were to be shown from the
+ruins of an old mill near Sangatte, and the besieged would then be at
+liberty to make the best terms they could for the surrender of
+Calais. The epistle was signed by no less a personage than King
+Philip of France.
+
+"By St. George, we have them," exclaimed Chandos, striking his fist
+heavily upon an oaken chest. "Though I would rather that Réné de Caux
+were swinging from a gallows in view of the town than lying dead at
+thy hands in the ruined mill. No matter; this letter must reach the
+Governor of Calais. Five hundred lances and two thousand archers will
+suffice to keep the Frenchmen from advancing upon us; and tomorrow
+night will see three white lights from the old mill at Sangatte."
+
+At nightfall a squire of the Captal de Buche crept cautiously to the
+postern of the Boulogne Gate, and, representing himself as an
+emissary of the false Réné de Caux, handed the fatal letter to the
+Governor, Sir John de Vienne. The presence of a strong force of
+Englishmen beyond the dunes of Sangatte prevented the expected French
+army from occupying the mill and signalling to their friends in the
+beleaguered city, and the following night three white lights flashed
+their message of despair to the hitherto undaunted garrison.
+
+Thus the fall of Calais was hastened, but Raymond saw nothing of the
+final act in the drama, when the heroic Eustace de St. Pierre and his
+five companions were nearly sacrificed to appease the anger of the
+English King (Queen Philippa's intercession alone saved their lives),
+for the young knight was with the five hundred lances that guarded
+the approach from Boulogne; and on the 6th of August, two days after
+Edward had taken possession of the town, the Hampshire companies,
+with whom was Sir Reginald Scarsdale, embarked for the shores of
+England.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+THE HOMECOMING
+
+
+AFTER four days of light but favourable winds the little fleet,
+consisting of seven vessels, that bore the Hampshire men homewards
+arrived off the Isle of Wight. Battle and disease had thinned their
+ranks, but the survivors returned in high spirits, flushed with
+victory and rich with the loads of spoil that lay in the holds.
+
+At Spithead the flotilla separated, Sir John Hacket's two ships
+making for Portsmouth Harbour, three heading for Southampton, and the
+remaining two setting a course down the Solent for Lepe and Lymington
+respectively. Amid a fanfare of trumpets and the farewell shouts of
+the troops to their former companions in arms, the Constable's
+vessels pointed to the north-west in the direction of the even lines
+of Portsdown, under the shadow of which lay the Castle of
+Portchester.
+
+The shields of the three knights were displayed over the side of the
+leading ship, while from her truck floated the blue banner with the
+device of the crescent and star, and on the poop were gathered Sir
+John Hacket, Sir Reginald Scarsdale, and Sir Raymond Revyngton,
+engaged in joyous conversation at the prospect of a speedy landing on
+their native soil.
+
+"And what dost thou purpose to do, Raymond?" inquired the Constable.
+"Surely there is little need to hasten westwards to thy newly-gained
+estates; 'twould be better far to wait the return of the Devonshire
+men. Tarry awhile at Portchester, for methinks there is much to be
+done here before setting out on thy travels. And thou, Sir Reginald?
+Wilt accept such hospitality that my poor castle can offer?"
+
+"I must first seek out my daughter Audrey," quoth Sir Reginald. "And
+I have but little doubt that Raymond will bear me company."
+
+"Doth she know of thy return?"
+
+"Nay, and I'll warrant the maid will be taken aback when we arrive at
+the town of Farnham."
+
+A strange smile flitted over Sir John's face.
+
+"Well, Raymond, what are thy plans?"
+
+"I bear Sir Reginald company; then, having won or lost my suit, I
+will return to the castle, Sir John. For there are several small
+matters I must give attention to at Hamble and at the Abbey of
+Netley, without which I cannot go to Churston."
+
+The vessel was now slipping through the water with a fair wind and
+favouring tide, and already the low-lying island of Portsca lay
+abeam, and the Castle of Portchester was momentarily growing more
+distinct.
+
+"By St. George, they expect us!" exclaimed Raymond excitedly. "See,
+thy banner floats above the keep, and the walls are thick with
+people. And the garlands over the water-gate! Of a surety they were
+not placed there at an hour's notice."
+
+"Now that I bethink me," remarked Sir John drily, "I did send a
+messenger to Winchelsea, so perchance he hath taken a horse and
+ridden hot-foot to Portchester."
+
+For awhile they watched in silence the grey outlines of the castle
+topped with its living fringe. The master-shipman gave an order, and
+the long yard, with its bellying sail, sank from the masthead; and
+the vessel, carried onward by its momentum and the rush of the tide,
+came abreast of the fortress. Another order, and the anchor with its
+hempen cable fell with a sudden plunge into the water; the ship
+snubbed at the tautened rope, swung round and brought up, riding
+easily to wind and tide. The voyage was over.
+
+"See, Raymond," suddenly exclaimed Sir Reginald, "thine eyes are
+younger than mine, yet if I mistake not . . . There, to the right of
+the water-gate!"
+
+"Ay, the saints be praised. 'Tis the Lady Audrey!"
+
+A small boat, manned by men wearing the Constable's livery, was
+quickly alongside, and Sir John and Sir Reginald stepped aboard,
+Raymond following with unknightly haste. Amidst the shouts of the
+excited throng of soldiers and villagers the boat's fore-foot grated
+on the shingle, and the three distinguished warriors again set foot
+on their native land.
+
+"See, Audrey," said her father, after the paternal salute had been
+given and returned, "I bring thee an old acquaintance--not the
+squire, Raymond Buckland, who saved they life at Southampton, but the
+gallant and worthy knight, Sir Raymond Revyngton."
+
+* * * * *
+
+Within a week a wedding was celebrated in the little chapel of St.
+Mary within the castle walls, and Sir Raymond Revyngton and the Lady
+Audrey Scarsdale were made man and wife. After the ceremony the
+kindly Constable congratulated the bride, and it must be confessed
+that the bridegroom's eyes were opened by Lady Audrey Revyngton's
+reply.
+
+"To thee, Sir John, I owe much of my happiness, for Raymond was ever
+a bashful lover. An he were but a simple squire I would have married
+him, but when thou toldest me that he had been made a knight I was
+filled with joy. And for thy kindly thought in sending a special
+messenger to bring me hither to await your arrival I deem myself ever
+indebted to thee!"
+
+"Nay, thank me not, fair lady," replied the gallant old warrior. "Is
+it not the bounden duty of a true knight to help another? For
+Raymond, though ever first in the field of war, hath been a laggard
+in the lists of love. Yet I am but a feeble instrument in this case,
+for against thy charms he would be powerless but in my heart I thank
+God for the part I played in bringing together two noble families
+estranged by a fatal feud."
+
+* * * * *
+
+Little remains to be told. Sir Reginald Scarsdale, in spite of his
+old age and infirmities, died as he wished, falling in defence of the
+Border against a band of Scottish raiders, and in a quiet Yorkshire
+church he rests, his altar-tomb showing his effigy with the lions at
+his feet, making a fitting addition to the four crossed-legged images
+of his crusading ancestors.
+
+Sir John Hacket, after seeing further service in France, acquiring
+additional glory and renown at Poictiers, died peacefully at a great
+age within sight of the castle whose Constableship he had held so
+worthily.
+
+And as for Sir Raymond and the fair Lady Audrey, they lived a life of
+unalloyed happiness in their manor of Churston, in the midst of the
+hills of Devon. Yet when the call to arms sounded, the redoubtable
+Sir Raymond did not shrink from its summons, and at Poictiers and at
+the slaughter of Najera in the wilds of Spain he added to his
+laurels. And does not the prowess of the head of the Revyngtons at
+the repulse of the French descent upon Dartmouth in 1377 still linger
+amongst the annals of the sons of Devon?
+
+From the union of the rival Revyngton and Scarsdale families
+descended the successors of a noble heritage--men courageous and
+generous in war, noble and law-abiding in peace, men whose names have
+helped to make the British Empire what it is to-day, and whose motto
+has been, and let us hope will ever be--
+
+"Non sibi, sed patriae."
+
+THE END
+
+Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & Co. Edinburgh & London
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Winning of the Golden Spurs, by 
+Percy F. Westerman
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+Project Gutenberg's The Winning of the Golden Spurs, by Percy F. Westerman
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Winning of the Golden Spurs
+
+Author: Percy F. Westerman
+
+Release Date: May 16, 2011 [EBook #36122]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WINNING OF THE GOLDEN SPURS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by R.G.P.M. van Giesen
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<p><center><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover"></center>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<p><h3 align="center">THE WINNING OF</h3>
+<h3 align="center">THE GOLDEN SPURS</h3>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<p><center><img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" alt="Frontispiece"></center><br>
+<center>[Illustration: RAYMOND SAVES THE BLACK PRINCE]</center>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+
+<p><h1 align="center">THE WINNING OF</h1>
+<h1 align="center">THE GOLDEN SPURS</h1>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h4 align="center">BY</h4>
+<br>
+<h3 align="center">PERCY F. WESTERMAN</h3>
+  <h5 align="center">AUTHOR OF "A LAD OF GRIT," "THE SEA MONARCH,"</h5>
+  <h5 align="center">"THE TREASURE OF THE SAN PHILIPO," ETC.</h5>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3 align="center">LONDON<br>
+JAMES NISBET & CO., LIMITED<br>
+22 BERNERS STREET, W.<br>
+1911<br></h3>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<center>
+<p>Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO.<br>
+At the Ballantyne Press, Edinburgh
+</center>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3 align="center">CONTENTS</h3><br>
+<br>
+<br>
+
+<p><table align="center" width="80%">
+
+<tbody><tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">CHAP.</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter00">PROLOGUE</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">I.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter01">THE ARCHER, REDWARD BUCKLAND</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">II.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter02">THE SHADOW OF WAR</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">III.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter03">OF THE MIDNIGHT DESCENT OF THE FRENCH INVADERS</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">IV.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter04">OF THE GALLANT STAND OF THE NINE ARCHERS</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">V.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter05">THE MEN OF HAMPSHIRE AND THE GENOESE GALLEY</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">VI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter06">AT THE ABBEY</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">VII.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter07">THE SACK OF SOUTHAMPTON</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">VIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter08">OF THE ASSAULT ON ST. BARBARA'S TOWER</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">IX.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter09">ON THE HEELS OF THE ENEMY</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">X.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter10">FATHER AND SON SET OUT FOR HENNEBON</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter11">THE CHIRURGEON OF LÉGUÉ</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XII.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter12">THE JOURNEY PERILOUS</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter13">THE RELIEF OF HENNEBON</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XIV.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter14">RAYMOND'S ERRAND</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XV.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter15">TRAPPED!</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XVI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter16">THE TABLES TURNED</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XVII.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter17">THE FALL OF THE COUNT'S STRONGHOLD</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XVIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter18">REDWARD'S CONFESSION</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XIX.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter19">CRÉCY</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XX.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter20">HIS LIFE FOR HIS FOE</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XXI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter21">THE REJECTED GUERDON</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XXII.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter22">SIR RAYMOND</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XXIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter23">THE ADVENTURE AT THE RUINED MILL</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right" valign="top">XXIV.&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="left" valign="top">
+<a href="#chapter24">THE HOMECOMING</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+</tbody></table>
+
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3 align="center">THE WINNING OF THE<br>GOLDEN SPURS</h3>
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter00"></a>
+<h3 align="center">PROLOGUE</h3>
+
+<p><p>IT was early morning on the 5th day of August, 1303, the Royal City
+of Winchester. The sun had not yet risen, but a cold grey light
+filtered in through a narrow window and dimly illumined a small,
+scantily-furnished room overlooking the city walls.
+
+<p><p>Seated on a rough wooden stool, his face buried in his hands, was a
+young fellow of about twenty years of age. His body swayed with
+uncontrollable grief, and, though dry-eyed, deep sobs of mingled
+remorse and despair showed the anguish that rent his body and
+distracted his mind.
+
+<p><p>In a corner of the room a torch, burnt low in its iron socket, threw
+a yellow light that was fast being overmastered by the growing dawn,
+yet the glimmer was sufficient to play upon the naked blade of a
+sword, the steel of which was discoloured towards its point by a
+dull, rust-coloured stain.
+
+<p><p>Suddenly the sound of a heavy footstep was heard on the stairs. The
+youth started to his feet and gazed wildly around, as if seeking a
+place of concealment or some means of escape. He was tall, well
+formed, and, in spite of his haggard looks, comely of face, and his
+clothes, though rent and covered with chalk and dust, showed that he
+was of no mean position.
+
+<p>Realising the impossibility of hiding himself, he stood erect and
+alert, awaiting the arrival of what he took to be his fate; but,
+instead of a thundering summons of the officers of the law, there
+came a gentle rap, and the door was slowly pushed ajar.
+
+<p>"Hist! Art there, Master Revyngton? 'Tis I, Nicholas Hobbes!"
+
+<p>"Enter, Nicholas! Certes I thought 'twas the watch."
+
+<p>The new arrival was a man some few years older than the fugitive. He
+was clad in a rough leather suit, frayed at elbows and knees, and to
+which shavings and feathers still clung&mdash;a silent witness to his
+trade of fletcher.
+
+<p>"'Tis a sorry pass, Master Revyngton. How came it about?"
+
+<p>"Ay, that I will say right willingly; but first tell me&mdash;how knowest
+thou that I am here?"
+
+<p>"Easily said! Dick Ford told me that thou wert a fugitive in his
+house, and asked me to use my scatterbrain wits to find a way to
+smuggle thee out of the city. That being so, 'twere best I saw thee,
+and to that purpose I am here. But, again, how came it to pass?"
+
+<p>"Faith! I can scarce say. 'Twas in the meads, yestereven. Young
+Stephen Scarsdale and Reginald, his brother, were on this side of the
+stream, I on the nether bank, with Wulf, my favourite hound. 'Ho
+there!' cried Stephen. 'What meanst thou by trespassing on the ground
+of my Lord Bishop?' 'I do not trespass,' I replied. 'The Mead hath
+ever been free to the men of this city, and no one hath yet said me
+nay.' 'I'll warrant thou art after my Lord Bishop's trout. By the
+rood, I'll send a bolt through the head of thy lurcher.' 'Thy aim
+must be more sure than when I beat thee at the butts,' I replied,
+little thinking but that he spoke in jest, but in answer he levelled
+his crossbow, and ere I was aware of it poor Wulf was lying
+transfixed on the ground."
+
+<p>"Then I was seized by a thousand devils, and sprang across the narrow
+plank bridge to hurl the slayer of my hound into the river, but
+Stephen, whipping out his blade, bade me do likewise. In less time
+than it takes to tell our swords crossed, though, mark ye, I meant
+not to harm him; yet, like a fool, he ran in upon my blade, and 'twas
+all over in an instant."
+
+<p>"And then?"
+
+<p>"The younger Scarsdale, who is a worthy gentleman compared with his
+witless brother, tried to stop me as I fled. There was no help for
+it, so he, too, went down, though I trow he is not much hurt. Hast
+heard aught of Stephen?"
+
+<p>"Naught save that he is as dead as a door-nail. But, Master
+Revyngton, 'tis, as I said, a sorry pass. What wilt thou do?"
+
+<p>"Do? Give myself into the hands of the law. What else wouldst thou
+have me do?"
+
+<p>"Anything but that. Consider! Thou art young and full of life. Why
+shouldst thou grace a halter if it can be avoided, for, mark well,
+the Scarsdales are a powerful family, and moreover Stephen was of the
+Bishop's household. How thinkst thou to make good thy case before thy
+peers when the weight of title and position is set against thee? Be
+sober, young master, and think on't."
+
+<p>"Ay, 'tis hard to die thus."
+
+<p>"No need to die at all&mdash;at any rate, just yet. Flee the country.
+France or the States of the Rhine ever offer an attraction for a
+roving blade, and peradventure in a few years the affair will have
+blown over."
+
+<p>"But how can I escape?"
+
+<p>"There thou hast me. Where is Dick Ford?"
+
+<p>"Gone to gather tidings. He will be here anon."
+
+<p>Both men relapsed into silence, staring moodily at the narrow window,
+through which could be seen the battlements of the city gilded by the
+rising sun, while ever and again came the sweet strains of a lark as
+it soared heavenwards from the dew-sodden meadows without the walls.
+
+<p>Again came the sound of footsteps, and Dick Ford, the bowyer,
+entered. He was a short, red-complexioned man, with a cheerful
+countenance, as if nothing could upset his good nature, though at
+times his looks belied him, and the worthy citizens of Winchester oft
+had cause to remember his tongue when it ran riot. Like the fletcher,
+his appearance betrayed him, for the sharp wittle that hung from his
+girdle, the daubs of beeswax, and the faint reek of varnish marked
+his calling as a maker of the famous English longbows.
+
+<p>"A pretty hornet's nest thou hast raised, Master Revyngton," he
+exclaimed, shaking his head. "Yesternight the city crier called thee
+at the marketcross, and on the Soke Bridge. The Bishop's Court hath
+claimed thee, and in default of thy appearance thou wilt be declared
+outlaw. Furthermore, the gates are doubly guarded, and men are even
+now in ambush on the road to the sanctuary at St. Cross if so be thou
+seekest refuge therein. By the saintly Swithun, I trow thou art the
+most sought-for man in Winton."
+
+<p>"He hath made up his mind, Dick," exclaimed Hobbes. "Better an outlaw
+with a heavy conscience than a corpse with none at all."
+
+<p>"Ay, let me but get once clear of the city and I'll reck not what I
+become."
+
+<p>"Bravely spoken, Master Revyngton! And now, how canst thou make good
+thine escape? Thou canst count on us to a surety, for 'twould ill
+requite thy father's kindness to us in times past if we let thee fall
+into the hands of the Bishop's men. Where is thine arrow-wain, Dick?"
+
+<p>"Below, in the barn."
+
+<p>"And laden?"
+
+<p>"Nay, but it soon could be. Wherefore?"
+
+<p>"Place Master Revyngton in the cart and cover him with arrows. 'Tis
+the day thou journeyest to Bishopstoke and Botley. He would then be
+well on his way to the abbey at Netley."
+
+<p>"Steady, Dick, steady! Should the guard at Kingsgate search the wain
+my neck is as good as if fitted with a halter. Yet I'll take the
+risk; but see to it, young master, if the plan goeth amiss, thou'lt
+bear me witness that I wot not of thy presence?"
+
+<p>"Ay, good Nicholas. But if they question thee and search the cart I
+must make a bid for freedom, so stand in the way, and I'll warrant
+I'll knock thee down just to give colour to the deceit."
+
+<p>"But strike not too hard, Master Revyngton, neither on the face, for
+I am in no mind to go home to my good wife with my nose awry or mine
+eyes closed up. A gentle tap, I pray thee&mdash;like this&mdash;and I'll
+warrant I'll fall as surely as if I were smitten with the club of the
+Southampton giant Ascupart."
+
+<p>"After all's said and done," remarked the fletcher, "there may be no
+need to smite thee, Nick, for 'tis unlikely that they will search thy
+cart. But the day groweth apace. If it is to be done, the sooner the
+better, say I."
+
+<p>"Then make a good meal, Master Revyngton," said Hobbes, setting a
+loaf of brown bread, some cheese, and a jack of ale, "for if not
+thou'lt feel the want of it ere long. Now set to like a good
+trencherman, though, being but plain men, our fare is likewise plain.
+Thou knowest the road?"
+
+<p>"Passably well, save the latter part."
+
+<p>"Then keep close, but not on it if perchance thou art pursued, for it
+is to Southampton that they'll think thou art bound. Take the by-road
+to Botley, whence the abbey lies but a league or so away."
+
+<p>While the fletcher and the bowyer were giving advice the younger man
+did justice to the food; then, at a sign from Ford, his companion
+stole softly down the rough ladder that did duty as a staircase, and
+peered cautiously up and down the street. Another moment, and the
+three men had darted across the narrow road to a small barn, the
+mutual property of several of the inhabitants of that quarter, and
+shortly afterwards a rough cart, laden with bundles of
+newly-feathered arrows, was jolting over the rough stones towards
+Kingsgate, Nicholas Hobbes leading the sorry nag and whistling a
+lively air as well as the anticipation of being floored would permit.
+
+<p>"Thou art early abroad, Nick," quoth one of the guards, as he made
+ready to throw open the heavy door. "There's naught but arrows in thy
+wain, I take it?"
+
+<p>"What meanest thou?"
+
+<p>"Why, hast heard naught of the slaying of Master Scarsdale, that tall
+youth belonging to the Bishop's household? Surely thou hast him in
+mind?"
+
+<p>"Ay, I knew him; is he dead?"
+
+<p>"Where hath been thine eyes and thine ears since yesternoon?"
+
+<p>"I have but small time for gossip, Tom, above all towards the end of
+the week, when my stock hath to be renewed. But I'll hear the story
+anon, for time is precious."
+
+<p>The heavy gate swung slowly open, the fletcher called to his horse,
+and the cart with its living burden moved towards the open country
+and safety.
+
+<p>"Hold!" cried a hoarse voice. "Tom, thou arrant rascal, wouldst let
+the cart through unsearched What were thine orders from the captain
+of the gate?"
+
+<p>And, to the fletcher's terror, a burly man-at-arms came down a flight
+of steps at the side of the gate, and advanced towards him.
+
+<p>The first soldier sullenly strolled over to the back of the cart,
+but, suddenly recovering himself, Nicholas Hobbes backed his horse,
+causing the man to be pinned between the wheel and the stonework of
+the arch. There was a sudden scattering of the arrows, an indistinct
+mass hurtling through the air, and the fletcher found himself, as he
+had foretold, lying prone in the dust. When he sat up the soldiers
+were calling wildly to the rest of the guard, while a fleeing figure,
+already growing small in the distance, showed that the fugitive
+Revyngton was well on his way to freedom.
+
+<p>With the din of the soldiers' shouts still ringing in his ears,
+Revyngton ran steadily onwards with a long, steady swing, his elbows
+pressed against his sides, and breathing easily, for he was no mean
+runner.
+
+<p>Away in front rose the gaunt outline of St. Catherine's Hill, with
+the square tower of the Hospital of St. Cross, which sanctuary he
+knew was denied him, slightly to the right. Between ran the
+swift-flowing river Itchen, and the fugitive realised that he would
+have to run the gauntlet of the watchers before the sanctuary ere he
+could reach the ford where the river swept the base of the hill. His
+way lay through the meadows where, but a few hours ago, he had
+wandered in blissful, though then unappreciated, freedom, and
+shudderingly, and with averted face, he raced past the scene of the
+fatal encounter. Fortunately his local knowledge prevented him from
+crossing the narrow plank bridge that led solely to a marshy meadow
+enclosed by two arms of the river, so, keeping close to the shadow of
+the pollard willows, he held steadily on his way, the babbling of the
+river as it flowed with sparkling eddies in the bright sunshine
+sounding like soothing music to the hunted man.
+
+<p>Just as he reached the ford his movements were observed by a party of
+the officers of the law who had been keeping a toilsome vigil around
+the outer wall of St. Cross, and a crossbow bolt, shot at a high
+angle, boomed through the air and buried itself less than twenty
+yards from him.
+
+<p>There was a general scene of confusion, some of the men running after
+him afoot, others rushing off to where their horses stood tethered in
+a clump of trees.
+
+<p>It being the hot season, the river was but ankle deep at the ford,
+and, refreshed by the coldness of the water, Revyngton hastened his
+pace up the long, dusty road towards the hamlet of Twyford. As he ran
+he could not resist the inclination to look back, and from the
+elevated position of the highway he could see the whole of the
+distance betwixt him and the cathedral city.
+
+<p>To his satisfaction he saw that he was more than holding his own with
+those who pursued afoot, and even now they were giving up the pursuit
+and the horsemen of the party had not yet started, but away along the
+city road a number of dark, swiftly-moving objects showed that a
+troop of mounted soldiers and retainers of the episcopal authorities
+were rapidly covering the distance between them and their quarry.
+
+<p>The sun, though the morning was yet young, smote down upon him with
+relentless strength, and there was not the faintest zephyr to cool
+his heated frame, yet onwards he sped, though the strain of the
+pursuit was gradually yet surely telling upon him.
+
+<p>Through the almost deserted village of Twyford he ran, one or two of
+the earlier risers looking with open-mouthed astonishment at the
+fugitive, while a little way further a black-robed monk gazed
+amazedly at the approaching man, till, fearing violence, he gathered
+up his ragged gown and fled across a field at the roadside, his
+sandals clattering as he ran.
+
+<p>At length, worn out by his exertions, Revyngton reached a spot where
+a road branched off to his left, while between it and the highway he
+was following lay a large pond, surrounded by trees and fringed with
+clusters of reeds. Here he threw himself down on the spongy turf,
+thrust his head and arms in the limpid water, and lay panting on the
+grass, oblivious of his danger, till the regular thud of horses'
+hoofs roused his jaded energies.
+
+<p>Quickly he looked around, and to his joy he perceived the gnarled
+trunk of a tree that had fallen into a horizontal position over the
+pond, its branches form ing a dark, shady shelter. Silently and
+swiftly as an eel he plunged into the water, and a few powerful
+strokes brought him to the friendly refuge. Secure from observation,
+he drew himself upon a branch and waited the arrival of the horsemen.
+
+<p>In a cloud of dust they appeared&mdash;five bronzed men-at-arms, with
+long, straight swords strapped against their thighs; four lay
+servants of the Bishop, with hard-set mouths and scowling faces that
+ill-matched their calling as members of an ecclesiastical house; and
+three of the city watch, more lightly armed than their companions,
+carrying crossbows across their backs. Revyngton realised that scant
+mercy could be expected at their hands.
+
+<p>At a word from their leader the party halted, there was a hurried
+consultation, and two of the men trotted their horses to the edge of
+the pond, while the rest resumed their headlong pursuit.
+
+<p>Then Revyngton felt that he stared death in the face, for less than
+five paces from him were the two soldiers, sitting motionless on
+their steeds and staring fixedly at the spot where he lay concealed,
+their reflections being clearly mirrored in the still water. To the
+fugitive it seemed as if his leafy bower were rent asunder, and that
+he lay exposed to his pursuers in utter helplessness; but at length,
+to his great relief, one of the men spoke.
+
+<p>"Why this fool's errand for the sake of a hot-blooded youth? Faith, I
+am not averse to earning the five marks reward, yet 'tis a useless
+quest. Far rather would I be in a snug inn, for my throat is as dry
+as a friar's sermon."
+
+<p>"There's drink for thee," replied the other, indicating the pond with
+a nod of his steel-capped head.
+
+<p>"Water!" exclaimed the first with an oath; "I like it not, neither
+inside nor out, to be plain-spoken. Art game to return to Twyford,
+where the ale is of the best?"
+
+<p>"Give them time to get out of hearing, thou dolt. Why doth the
+sheriff keep bloodhounds and use them not, eh, Giles?"
+
+<p>"'Twould have been the better way. But now, comrade, let's away!"
+
+<p>Revyngton waited till the sound of their horses' hoofs had died away,
+then, swimming softly back to the bank, he emerged and resumed his
+way.
+
+<p>Now the dangers were doubled, for not only had his pursuers placed
+themselves between him and his refuge, but he knew not but that every
+bush or hedge concealed a foe. Thus he was compelled to forsake the
+high road and follow it at some distance away, keeping as close as
+possible to the shelter of the coppices and dells that formed the
+chief features of the district.
+
+<p>As he neared the village of Fair Oak he struck the highway between
+Bishopstoke and the Bishop's hunting lodge at Waltham, and for a long
+time he lay hidden in the bracken ere the road was free from the
+seemingly endless cavalcade of huntsmen that journeyed towards the
+famous Waltham Chase, while hucksters from Southampton and Romsey,
+intent on doing a good business, were hurrying in the same direction.
+
+<p>At length the opportunity came, and the fugitive darted across the
+road and gained the fields beyond. Here the nature of the country
+changed, the ground offering less shelter, but away to the south rose
+the dark, fir-clad hills that lay close to his goal.
+
+<p>He had now left the Botley road well on his left, and he could
+perceive the haze of smoke that marked the hollow where the village
+lay. His clothes were long dried, and the heat was well-nigh
+unbearable, so, overcoming his fears, he turned aside to a cottage,
+the thatched roof of which rose amid a thicket. Here he found that
+another by-road or lane crossed his path, but there was no sign of
+any one passing; the cottage itself looked deserted.
+
+<p>As the fugitive approached a dog barked, and there was a sound of
+some one moving about in an outhouse, and to the tortured man the
+sight of several pails of milk was irresistible. The yelping of the
+cur brought a woman to the door of the shed, a strong-limbed,
+coarse-featured creature, with a face lined with innumerable wrinkles
+and a back bent with years of toil in the fields.
+
+<p>"What lack ye?" she demanded sourly.
+
+<p>"Am I on the right road for the abbey at Netley?"
+
+<p>"Yea. Turn to thy left hand at the cross roads."
+
+<p>"Also, I prithee, give me a draught of milk."
+
+<p>"Begone, for a worthless clown! Begone, I say, or the dog shall fly
+at thee," she shrieked, wild with fury; but Revyngton heeded her not,
+and seizing a small earthenware pitcher, drained its contents, then
+turning on his heel, he resumed his fearsome journey.
+
+<p>"Haste, Tom, run up to the village and get help!" shouted the woman.
+"'Tis a gadabout churl, or a riever, or worse," and as the fugitive
+ran he heard the farm-servant making off towards Botley, while the
+woman unloosed the dog.
+
+<p>Ere Revyngton had gone a bowshot from the cottage the cur was barking
+and yelping at his heels, showing its teeth, but fearing to close,
+till at length it drew off, leaving the man to wonder at the
+churlishness of the hard-faced woman compared with the reception of
+wayfarers on his father's manor in Devon, where meat and drink were
+ever at the disposal of even the most humble stranger.
+
+<p>At the brow of the hill he saw the tower of the abbey amid the trees
+a mile or more away, with the beautiful expanse of Southampton Water
+as a fitting background to the peaceful scene. Yet the fugitive had
+neither time nor inclination to appreciate the natural surroundings;
+to him the abbey meant rest and safety, and with renewed hope he sped
+towards the monastic buildings.
+
+<p>Weary and footsore he reached the outer door, his senses reeling with
+the effects of his exertions. Seeing his plight the porter gave him
+wine, and sent a lay brother to summon the abbot.
+
+<p>As the venerable head of the establishment appeared, Revyngton raised
+himself with an effort and knelt before him.
+
+<p>"Thy blessing, father."
+
+<p>"<i>Benedicite</i>, my son; what wouldst thou?"
+
+<p>"Sanctuary, father."
+
+<p>The abbot shook his head sorrowfully.
+
+<p>"'Tis not permitted, my son; such blessed privileges belong only to
+our parent abbey at Beaulieu and to the Hospital of St. Cross. I
+trow there is no other within the jurisdiction of the Lord Bishop of
+Winchester. What crime bast thou committed?"
+
+<p>"I slew a man in anger, and even now my pursuers are hard at my
+heels."
+
+<p>The abbot turned to a lay brother.
+
+<p>"Tell Brother Balthazar to repair to the tower and to quickly bring
+me word if any soldiers appear." Then to the fugitive he added,
+"Confess thy sin and seek God's pardon; then perchance the means of
+thy earthly salvation may be vouchsafed to thee. Follow me, my son."
+
+<p>To the venerable abbot Revyngton told the whole of the circumstances
+of the case; then, having eased his soul, the abbot took care to
+relieve his body, causing food and drink to be set before him, while
+a brother washed his cut and travel-worn feet.
+
+<p>"Thou must make for the Abbey of the Blessed Mary at Beaulieu, where
+thou shalt find sanctuary. Knowest thou the way?"
+
+<p>"Nay, father," replied the man, sad at heart at the prospect of
+another journey at the peril of his life.
+
+<p>"Then listen, my son. Two of the brethren will take thee across the
+arm of the sea that thou canst see yonder. Thence it is but an hour's
+sharp travel across the heath to the abbey, the path being well worn
+by reason of many of the brethren who travel thereby. There are three
+ways from the spot where thou wilt land the one on the left hand
+goeth towards Fawley and the town of Lepe, the one on the right to
+the village of Hythe, but the way thou must take goeth neither right
+nor left, but leads towards the sun just before the hour of
+vespers&mdash;&mdash;Ah! What is thy message, my son?"
+
+<p>The last question was addressed to a novice, who, panting
+breathlessly, was standing in the doorway with folded arms and bent
+head, awaiting the abbot's pleasure.
+
+<p>"Horsemen, father; a score or more have appeared on the hill and are
+making towards the abbey."
+
+<p>"Then summon Brother Angelique and Brother Petrox. Hasten, for 'tis
+no season for leisure."
+
+<p>Quickly the two brethren&mdash;tall, gaunt, yet sinewy men, with faces and
+arms tanned a deep red by reason of their calling as boatmen of the
+abbey&mdash;answered the behest, and with the reverence due to their
+superior awaited his commands.
+
+<p>"Take this man across and put him fairly on his way to our parent
+abbey. Tarry not on thy journey, for the matter is urgent."
+
+<p>"Is it thy wish, father, to land him at Ashlett or Cadland?" asked
+one of the monks.
+
+<p>"At Cadland, should the tide prove aright. Now, my son," he added to
+the refugee, "take mine earnest blessing and go, and may the blessed
+Saints Mary and Edward, the patrons of our abbey, be with thee."
+
+<p>There was little time to lose, for already the horsemen were within
+two bow-shots of the abbey, and with a loud clatter of sandals the
+two monks led the way, Revyngton following closely at their heels,
+the brethren of the abbey speeding him on his way with prayers and
+cries of encouragement.
+
+<p>At the end of a little causeway a boat, broadbeamed and lofty of head
+and stem, rode on the little wavelets. With a sign Brother Petrox
+motioned the fugitive to step aboard, then unfastening the rope that
+held the craft to the quay, he followed Brother Angelique and pushed
+off.
+
+<p>Both monks rolled the sleeves of their gowns above their elbows,
+seized the two heavy ash oars, and rowed with a will, Revyngton
+sitting on a rough fishing-tray at the stern of the boat and drinking
+in the cool sea breezes. The rush of events had well-nigh bewildered
+him, and listlessly he watched the rhythmical motion of the sinewy
+arms as the rowers urged the boat towards the opposite shore.
+
+<p>Suddenly his reveries were broken by an exclamation from one of the
+monks. "They follow us; pull thy hardest!"
+
+<p>Revyngton turned and looked astern. From the place they had left but
+a quarter of an hour before half a score of men were dragging a heavy
+boat down the steep beach.
+
+<p>"By the blessed Peter, my holy namesake," groaned one of the monks,
+"I had overlooked that, and the oars are in the boat. See, already
+they have launched it."
+
+<p>"'Tis after all but a crare."
+
+<p>"With a crew of lusty fellows to make amends for its weight. The
+saints forfend them!"
+
+<p>"Let us trust that they cannot handle the sails, for, mark well, the
+wind bloweth fair."
+
+<p>The rowers relapsed into silence, and with long, heavy strokes, that
+seemed far too slow to the hunted fugitive, they resolutely and
+unfalteringly lessened the distance betwixt them and the nether
+shore. The hour of noon had already passed, and the sun's rays
+attained a greater strength than they had previously in the day, yet,
+though streaming with moisture, the monks laboured in their efforts
+to shake off their pursuers.
+
+<p>"We hold our own," muttered one over his shoulder.
+
+<p>"Nay, I doubt it; but we must needs make for Ashlett Creek, for the
+other channel is yet uncovered."
+
+<p>Accordingly the boat's head was turned towards a distant opening in
+the mud-fringed shore, and the pursuing craft followed suit, thereby
+gaining considerably on the fugitive, who could now distinguish the
+dress of the men.
+
+<p>"They overtake us," quoth he, speaking for the first time since the
+abbey gates had closed behind him. "See, a bowman makes ready!"
+
+<p>Gradually the distance between the boats lessened, but the monks'
+craft was now close to the creek, and Revyngton saw in front an
+apparently closed-in basin surrounded by a high bank of slimy mud. A
+few more strokes and the boat was within the creek, which wound its
+sinuous way up to the shore, while the little waves caused by their
+rapid motion through the water lapped the sides of the narrow
+channel.
+
+<p>Just as they were about to round the first bend the bowman let loose,
+and an arrow sung over their heads and struck the mud with a dull
+swish. Revyngton instinctively bent his head, but his companions,
+though men of peace, barely took notice of the deadly shaft.
+
+<p>"Safe for the time," commented Brother Angelique, as the boat shot
+behind a sheltering bank.
+
+<p>"But how about thy safety?" asked the fugitive.
+
+<p>"By St. Edward, 'tis not to be thought of," replied the monk,
+thrusting back his sleeve, which in his exertions had slipped down.
+"They seek not us."
+
+<p>"But thou hast aided a fugitive from justice."
+
+<p>"Nay, that I wot not of. Besides, how am I to know that these men are
+the officers of justice They might well be but water-pikers for aught
+I know....Oh!"
+
+<p>An exclamation of pain interrupted his words, for an arrow, shot
+haphazard from the bend of the creek over the intervening bank, had
+pierced his forearm betwixt elbow and wrist, while another shaft
+trembled with its head buried in the thwart.
+
+<p>"On, Brother Petrox! On! 'Tis but a small matter," he gasped, and as
+the other monk seized his companion's oar, the wounded man, shutting
+his eyes tightly, snapped off the head of the arrow with his free
+hand and drew the broken shaft from the wound.
+
+<p>A gush of blood followed, but the brave monk, gripping the wounded
+member to stop the crimson flow, never ceased to urge the rower to
+greater effort, while ever and again a shaft shot by their still
+invisible pursuers flew perilously close to their heads.
+
+<p>At length the boat grounded on the hard bed of the channel, and
+Brother Petrox called to Revyngton to jump out. Wading through the
+shallow water the two started for the shore, leaving the wounded monk
+calmly seated in the deserted craft.
+
+<p>From the mud hovels of the village of Ashlett wimpled women and
+rough-haired children looked interestedly at the two runners, the
+layman in his travel-stained apparel and the monk in his sombre garb.
+Men there were none, for the hours of toil had called them to the
+fields or out on the waters, where they sought a livelihood by
+fishing; but had there been, the sight of the two speeding along
+would hardly have excited anything but curiosity in the minds of
+these dull-witted sons of the soil.
+
+<p>"I can go with thee no farther," panted the monk, as they reached the
+cross-roads. "Follow yonder path, and God be with thee." And as
+Revyngton sped onwards towards the rolling expanse of purple heather,
+he saw the solitary figure of his benefactor waving encouragingly
+towards the distant and invisible goal.
+
+<p>Settling down to a steady pace, the fugitive kept doggedly on his
+way, his eyes fixed on a distant clump of trees that marked the brow
+of the hill overlooking the valley of the Exe where lay the abbey.
+
+<p>Narrower and narrower became the road, till it deteriorated into a
+mere footpath, the prickly gorse encroaching on either side and
+hurting his feet as he ran. Yet, spurred onward by renewed hope, his
+strength seemed well-nigh inexhaustible.
+
+<p>Suddenly, from behind a low heather-clad hillock at the side of the
+road, four wild-looking men sprang up and barred his progress.
+
+<p>"Hold, stranger!" shouted one, brandishing a club. "Whither goest
+thou? Hast aught in thy scrip that we would relieve thee of, for the
+lighter thou art the easier thou'lt run."
+
+<p>"I have nothing in the world. Let me pass, I pray; 'tis a matter that
+brooks no delay."
+
+<p>"Nay, not so fast, young master. What is thine errand?"
+
+<p>"My errand?" replied Revyngton, with a mirthless laugh. "I seek
+sanctuary."
+
+<p>"Art without the pale of the law?"
+
+<p>"Of that there is little doubt."
+
+<p>"Then throw in thy lot with us. A free life in the forest glades,
+with many a weighty scrip to balance the lightness of our minds, is
+better than being cooped up in yonder monastery."
+
+<p>The fugitive shook his head.
+
+<p>"Nay, 'tis not to my liking."
+
+<p>"Neither is the other, I trow, but look!"
+
+<p>Following the direction of his hand, Revyngton saw coming over the
+brow of a distant hill which he had crossed but a short while ago a
+number of his pursuers. Three had procured horses, while the rest,
+some five in number, ran by their side, holding on to the stirrups to
+aid their speed.
+
+<p>Instantly the robbers vanished into the tangle of bracken, leaving
+the fugitive alone on the narrow path, and once again he broke into a
+headlong pace, his pursuers thundering along but three arrow-flights
+behind him.
+
+<p>Fortunately the unevenness of the path prevented the horsemen from
+riding their hardest, and when at length Revyngton, exhausted and
+faint, reached the brow of the hill, he saw that the situation was
+still in his favour. Blindly plunging onwards, with laboured
+breathing and aching sides, he ran down the hill, at the foot of
+which clustered the extensive buildings of the abbey.
+
+<p>Through a gap in the trees on his left he caught a glimpse of the
+silvery river as it wound in majestic splendour towards the sea, but
+to the hunted man the beauty of the scene was lost; all that
+concerned him was the thought of the possibility of being overtaken
+ere he could cover the last stretch of dusty road.
+
+<p>He was dimly conscious of hearing a crash behind him, and of looking
+round for one brief moment, thereby catching a glimpse of two of the
+horsemen mingled in utter confusion on the rough path. And still the
+sound of the rapidly approaching hoofs of the remaining horse thudded
+in his ears.
+
+<p>Now he had gained the angle of the abbey wall. The gate, with its
+massive iron knocker, was within his grasp. The noise of the
+footfalls of the pursuer's steed ceased; there was a sharp hiss, and
+an arrow pierced the fugitive's leg just above the knee. Then, with a
+final effort, he thundered at the portal, and, as his head swam and
+his limbs gave way under him, he was dimly aware that he was
+surrounded by a group of grey-robed figures. He had found sanctuary.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter01"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">THE ARCHER, REDWARD BUCKLAND</h5>
+
+<p>
+IT was early morning in the month of August, 1338, so early that the
+slanting rays of the sun still lit up the north side of the Norman
+church of St. Andrew, and cast a shadow seven times its height across
+the dew-soaked meadows.
+
+<p>Betwixt the high ground where stood the church and the narrow creek,
+known as the Hamble River, clustered the mud-walled and thatched-roof
+houses of the village of Hamble-le-Rice. Away to the north could be
+traced the course of the tree-fringed creek till it lost itself
+behind a range of low hills, while in the other direction lay the
+estuary of the river, where it mingled itself with the salt waves of
+Southampton Water, which, in its turn, was backed by the dark, dense
+masses of trees that formed that tract of country so well known in
+history and romance&mdash;the New Forest.
+
+<p>Peaceful, indeed, was the situation of this quiet little Hampshire
+village, and peaceful also was the general existence of its
+inhabitants. Situated on an out-of-the-way angle, far from the old
+Roman highway that led from Clausentum to Portchester, and at that
+period, as now, formed the highway between Southampton and
+Portsmouth, Hamble village was all but cut off from the rest of the
+world. Save for an occasional visit by the grey-robed monks from the
+Priory of St. Mary and St. Edward at Netley, a chance journey of a
+huckster or Chapman from Southampton or Winchester fairs, or the
+unpreventable arrival of some vessel driven by stress of weather to
+shelter in the estuary, strangers in the village were few and far
+between.
+
+<p>Slow in thought, slower in speech, and backward in giving or taking
+offence, yet terrible when roused to anger, the Hamble folk were
+typical examples of the mediaeval English peasant whose descendants
+have made history in all parts of the globe.
+
+<p>For years past the social condition of England had been in a
+deplorable state. The strife between King Edward II. and De Spenser
+on the one hand, and Queen Isabella and Mortimer on the other, had
+encouraged lawlessness in all grades of society. Robbers, thieves,
+murderers, and criminals of all kinds had multiplied to an enormous
+degree, and were openly protected by the great barons, as being
+useful tools in their hands. Guilds, founded for self-protective
+measures, became instruments of oppression, and, generally speaking,
+every man looked solely to his own interest.
+
+<p>But in the village of Hamble there was little to ruffle the even
+tenor of its existence. Little did it matter whether the seamen of
+Southampton had a feud with the men of the Cinque Ports, or whether
+the monks of Beaulieu or Netley had a difference with the Bishop of
+Winchester; but should a strange craft appear in the river, or a band
+of marauders attempt to swoop down from the leafy fastnesses of
+Waltham Chase, 'twas only necessary to ring the great bell of St.
+Andrew's, and instantly the peaceful villagers would be turned into
+an angry array of armed men, ready to sell their lives dearly in
+defence of their hearths and homes.
+
+<p>But the time was at hand when Englishmen would have to sink their
+differences and unite against a common foe. Edward III. had laid
+claim to the throne of France, and, though the stake was a great one,
+the enterprise was popular, inasmuch as the possibilities of
+individual gain in the shape of plunder held out great inducements to
+all classes of these island warriors.
+
+<p>On this particular morning early a man emerged from one of the houses
+on the outskirts of the village, which, by reason of being built of
+stone and being fair-sized, betokened that its owner was a man of
+position&mdash;as far as the place was concerned. The house lay some two
+hundred yards away from the rest, occupying the summit of an
+even-crested ridge, and was surrounded by a palisade of stout pointed
+stakes, that afforded complete protection against the attacks of any
+ordinary band of adventurers.
+
+<p>The man was a tall, well-made individual, with a bronzed face
+surmounted by a thick crop of reddish hair, and partially concealed
+by a heavy beard, that grew high upon his cheeks. Bushy eyebrows
+helped to further conceal his face, but any one could see from the
+grey glint of his blue eyes that the profusion of hair covered a
+comely countenance.
+
+<p>A well-worn leather jerkin, that had once been of a vivid red colour,
+but was now nearly black with hard usage, failed to conceal the
+mighty expanse of his chest, while the short sleeves of the garment
+fitted tightly over the gnarled muscles of his arms. His lower limbs
+were also covered by leathern hose, which, by reason of exposure to
+salt water and the rough wear and tear of daily toil, were now
+colourless and frayed till all semblance of dressed leather was
+lacking. His legs, however, though of great size, did not betoken an
+equality with the strength of his arms, and, moreover, he walked with
+a slight limp.
+
+<p>A crimson scarf, bound tightly round his head, did duty for a
+head-dress, while from a narrow black belt hung a short dagger on his
+right side, counterbalanced by a leather purse or pouch on his left.
+
+<p>Over his shoulder he bore a pair of long ash oars, their blades still
+covered with a deposit of dry mud, while in his left hand he carried
+a six-foot yew-bow, which, unstrung, was as straight as a lance.
+
+<p>Redward Buckland, for such was his name, was not a Hamble man in the
+strict sense of the word, yet so good-natured and easy-going was he,
+so upright in his dealings, and withal a man of such great bodily
+strength, that he was a popular member of the little community.
+
+<p>Of his past he said little, and was asked but little. He had been
+master bowman in a company, had served against the Scots at
+Bannockburn, with the Gascons in their feudal bickerings, and there
+was hardly a castle in Normandy, Maine, Touraine, Anjou, Poitou, or
+Limousin that he did not know.
+
+<p>Eleven years prior to the time of this story he suddenly appeared at
+Hamble, bringing with him his son Raymond, then a child five years of
+age. Men often talked of their coming; the bowman, in rusty
+brigandine and dented headpiece, the boy, a lusty, laughing
+youngster, perched on his shoulder, a wain jogging behind with a
+heavy load of rich stuff&mdash;booty from many a foreign part&mdash;the like of
+which had never before been seen in Hamble.
+
+<p>Thereupon he purchased a farmhouse, and settled down with the
+intention of passing the rest of his days in comfort. Being a highly
+religious man&mdash;though, like most of his companions in arms, he could
+swear roundly at times&mdash;Redward Buckland acted in accordance with the
+custom of the times. Four marks and a seven-pound candle of pure wax
+he gave to the priory at Netley, and a gold-embroidered cloth to the
+church of St. Andrew at Hamble.
+
+<p>These presents he accounted sufficient atonement and thankoffering
+alike for delinquencies and deliverances from peril during his
+sojourn abroad, and thence-forth he meant to live a quiet,
+well-ordered life, though, unable to resist the call to arms, he had
+served in short campaigns against the Scots, and had but a year
+previously crossed the Channel to take part in the Battle of Cadsand.
+Yet Hamble was his home, and to Hamble he returned as soon as each
+particular expedition had ended.
+
+<p>Raymond Buckland, now a lad of sixteen, had little in common with his
+father as far as appearance went. He was tall, slim, yet well-knit,
+with curly flaxen hair, though the colour had a redeeming tinge of
+reddish-gold that is necessary to impart a warmth to what would
+otherwise be a lustreless head of hair. He moved with a grace and
+ease that contrasted vividly with his father's comparatively awkward
+gait, but his limbs were not wanting in strength.
+
+<p>A vigorous outdoor life had done much to develop his frame. Mentally
+Raymond was well educated, according to the standard of the age,
+having but recently returned from the Cistercian priory at Netley,
+where for the last seven years he had been a novice. His long
+intercourse with a monastic life had somewhat deadened his natural
+inclinations, but since his return to the outside world the active
+delights of youth seemed sweeter still.
+
+<p>"Hasten, Raymond," said his father, pausing to look back towards the
+house, where the youth still lingered. "The young flood hath just
+begun, and tide tarries for no man! And," he added, "fail not to
+bring my quiver with the black-feathered arrows."
+
+<p>"And can I bring my crossbow?" inquired Raymond.
+
+<p>His father gave a gruff yet good-natured assent, and, resuming his
+walk, sauntered gently towards the river.
+
+<p>Before he had passed the church Raymond had overtaken him, carrying
+the quiver in his left hand, while across his back was slung a short
+yet powerful crossbow, his own quiver with its stock of heavy
+quarrels hanging from his belt.
+
+<p>"Ha! That crossbow again!" exclaimed Redward, in good-natured
+contempt. "'Tis strange that an English boy should lean towards a
+windlac-drawn weapon rather than a sturdy yew-bow. An thou wert a
+Provençal or Genoese I could have understood it."
+
+<p>"Why, father?"
+
+<p>"Why, forsooth! Thou wert made a sturdy Englishman, with sinews and
+muscles wherewith to bend an honest longbow&mdash;not to have to turn a
+handle, like a butter-making wench, ere the bolt can be shot. And,
+moreover, suppose thou wert matched against an archer; before thy
+weapon were levelled I'll warrant there would be a dozen cloth-yard
+shafts bristling in thine hide&mdash;though one would be enough, I trow!"
+
+<p>"But the Genoese?"
+
+<p>"The Genoese, my son, were ever underhanded fighters, preferring to
+cause a gaping wound with a quarrel rather than a wholesome hole with
+an arrow. 'Tis said that on more than one occasion the Pope hath
+forbidden the use of the crossbow, and that the Second Lateran
+Council, a hundred years ago, did likewise."
+
+<p>"How, then, do we find the crossbow still in use?"
+
+<p>"I cannot tell, Raymond, save it be the natural perversity of men.
+But here we are at the shore."
+
+<p>They had passed through the village, between rows of thatched
+cottages. Smoke was already beginning to issue from the hole in the
+roof that did duty for a chimney, showing that the inhabitants were
+early astir. The narrow road plunged sharply down to the mud-fringed
+shores of the river, for the tide was low, and long flats of
+treacherous slime extended almost from bank to bank, save for a
+channel of deep water midway between.
+
+<p>With the air of a man who is thoroughly acquainted with the place,
+Redward Buckland followed an almost invisible path&mdash;termed throughout
+uncountable ages a Hard&mdash;that led across the mud flats to the edge of
+the water, Raymond treading carefully at his heels. At the end of the
+Hard lay a large, bluff-bowed boat, and, pulling the craft ashore by
+a length of rope, the archer tossed the oars into it and beckoned to
+his son to jump on board.
+
+<p>"Whither are we going, father?" asked Raymond, as his sire pushed
+off, stepped awkwardly into the boat, and began to haul on board the
+heavy stone that served as an anchor.
+
+<p>"Up the river to Botley, my son there to see Master Nicholas Hobbes."
+
+<p>"And who is he?" rejoined Raymond with the inquisitiveness of youth.
+
+<p>"Master Hobbes, of the city of Winton, is a fletcher, and his arrows
+are well known as the very best in the country. Also he brings with
+him a stock of bows made by Master Ford, whose fame as a bowyer
+extends well beyond the borders of Hamptonshire."
+
+<p>"But why buy arrows, father; surely thou canst make thine own?"
+
+<p>"Ah, Raymond! Raymond!" replied his father, shaking his head
+doubtfully, "thou hast yet to learn that though I could fashion mine
+own weapons, yet custom demands that I get them from a member of the
+honourable guild of bowyers and fletchers. Didst ever hear of a
+belted knight welding his own coat of mail?"
+
+<p>The boy, in truth, had yet to learn of the existence of the powerful
+guilds, or combinations of trades, which, founded for the purpose of
+self-protection against the rapacity of the barons and the
+lawlessness of their retainers, became strong enough to be regarded
+with respect by these turbulent personages. As the guilds grew they
+obtained charters from their sovereign, till they reached a state
+that enabled them to deal harshly with those without the pale. Thus,
+for instance, any man following the occupation of a tanner "not being
+free"&mdash;<i>i.e.</i> made a member of a guild&mdash;was amerced, or fined, or
+even subjected to corporal punishment.
+
+<p>Urged by the archer's long, powerful strokes the boat shot up-stream
+with the tide, passing between steeply rising banks, where the
+freshly leafed trees cast dark shadows across the verdant fields.
+Raymond sat on the stern-thwart, looking with silent admiration on
+the scene, for, as far as he could remember, it was his first
+experience of a journey by water.
+
+<p>At length they came to a place where on the western side a smaller
+creek joined the river. Redward rested on his oars and looked towards
+the mud banks, which were even now nearly covered by the rising
+water.
+
+<p>"We have hurried apace," he remarked, "and 'tis even too soon to go
+right up to the town. This is called Badnam Creek, and, by St.
+George, I'll wager we'll find some waterfowl amongst the reeds. Take
+thy crossbow, Raymond, and I'll pit my six-foot bow against it."
+
+<p>Eagerly the boy took his weapon and wound the windlac till the
+highly-drawn string clicked against the catch. Then he fitted a bolt,
+and, having done so, turned to watch his sire's movements. The archer
+had already notched the cord, and the bow, with a couple of arrows,
+lay on the thwart by his side.
+
+<p>"Steady, my son!" exclaimed the archer in alarm. "Be careful where
+thou pointest that hell-designed toy. 'Tis bad enough to have a
+foeman's shaft through one leg without having mine own son's bolt
+through the other. Hold it over the side, I pray thee!"
+
+<p>The boat was run amid a cluster of reeds, and the twain waited
+silently and eagerly for some sign of feathered life. They were not
+kept long in suspense, for from a marsh hard by came two wild geese,
+their necks extended and their wings flapping noisily as they flew.
+
+<p>"Quick, Raymond!" whispered his father, "loose directly they are
+overhead!"
+
+<p>In his excitement the youth sprang to his feet, and poised his
+crossbow.
+
+<p>But alas for his inexperience! Unaccustomed to the swaying of the
+boat he lost his balance and fell backwards across the thwart; his
+crossbow twanged, and with a deep humming sound the quarrel flew
+aimlessly into space.
+
+<p>In a moment Raymond raised himself into a sitting position, only to
+see his father loose his second arrow.
+
+<p>"And thou hast missed also!" he exclaimed in a tone of reproach.
+
+<p>"Peace, lad; wait and see!"
+
+<p>The birds still continued their passage, one gliding with wings
+outstretched, the other still beating the air with redoubled haste;
+then, even as they looked, both birds swayed in their flight, and
+fell into the water within two score paces of each other.
+
+<p>Without further remark Redward pushed the boat clear of the reeds,
+and rowed towards his spoil. One of the geese was still transfixed by
+an arrow, the other's neck had a small wound, showing that the shaft
+had passed completely through it.
+
+<p>"Another groat gone!" exclaimed the archer, ruefully contemplating
+the bird that had failed to stop the arrow. "But that was a grand
+shot of thine, Raymond, I trow," he added in a bantering tone;
+"'twas not learned of the monks of Netley?"
+
+<p>Then, observing a flush of mortification overspread the boy's
+features, he continued, "Never mind, my son, even the best archer in
+the kingdom would be at a loss in a small boat at first."
+
+<p>Presently they rounded an abrupt spur of land on their left, and came
+to a spot where the creek narrowed considerably, being enclosed by
+lofty hills on either side. A broad white road descended these hills
+to the water's edge, where it was broken by the flowing tide. A rough
+wooden hut, with a large open boat close at hand, marked the spot
+where wayfarers were ferried across to the opposite side, where a
+horn, chained to a post, was blown as a signal to attract the
+ferryman.
+
+<p>"This is the road 'twixt Southampton and Portsmouth," said the
+archer, indicating the dusty streak by a nod of his head. "At
+Bursledon, on this side, is the fortalice of the Hewitts, though from
+here 'tis hidden by the trees. On the other side is Swanwick Shore,
+whence come some of the best mariners who man the cogs of
+Southampton. But, mark ye! Here comes a great company of armed men;
+by St. Etienne of Tours, it makes my heart glad to hear the clatter
+of harness once more! I wonder under whose banners they march?"
+
+<p>And resting on his oars, Redward Buckland shaded his eyes from the
+glare of the sun, and peered steadfastly up the hill where the white
+road was now alive with men, a grey cloud of dust hanging over them
+like a marsh mist in autumn, through which the Cross of St. George
+blazoned on the white surcoats of the archers stood out bravely
+against the dark foliage.
+
+<p>When the vanguard reached the foot of the hill, a bowshot from where
+the watchers sat in their little craft, a tucket sounded and the
+company halted.
+
+<p>Then Redward's accustomed eyes lighted upon their banner, which bore
+a golden half-moon on an azure field, and unable to contain himself,
+he stood upright, waving his cap in boisterous delight.
+
+<p>"By Our Lady, 'tis as I thought&mdash;the company of the Governor of
+Portchester! Haste we to the shore, Raymond, that I may welcome mine
+old comrades!"
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter02"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">THE SHADOW OF WAR</h5>
+
+<p>
+A FEW strokes and the boat's keel grated on the shingle. Redward
+sprang out, hastily secured the craft, and strode towards the crowd
+of armed men, Raymond following closely at his heels.
+
+<p>Again a tucket sounded, and the ranks broke, most of the archers
+throwing themselves down by the roadside, as if weary of foot; the
+mounted men-at-arms led their horses to the grassy glades of the
+wood, while a couple of squires rode towards the water's edge to
+summon the ferryman.
+
+<p>On reaching the outskirts of the throng the old archer looked around
+to try and recognise some of his former comrades; nor did he look in
+vain.
+
+<p>"Red Buckland, by the Rood!" exclaimed a bronzed and bearded
+man-at-arms, seizing him vigorously by the hand. "Right glad am I to
+see thee again. Ho, Giles, Wat, Dick!" he shouted to some of his
+comrades, "come hither and greet an old friend!"
+
+<p>The pair were instantly surrounded by a mob of archers&mdash;burly,
+bearded men, rough in speech and coarse in manner, yet full-hearted,
+honest soldiers, the backbone of the feudalism of mediaeval England.
+
+<p>Raymond stood at the edge of the circle of men, gazing open-mouthed
+at the unusual sight and listening with youthful eagerness, not
+unmixed with feelings of awe, as the archers talked, fighting their
+battles o'er again, or discussed their future movements.
+
+<p>"'Twill be Francewards again ere long," remarked one, a man-at-arms,
+who, having removed his headpiece, disclosed a close crop of hair
+furrowed by a long white mark, the legacy of a Norman's axe. "Word
+came yesternight that we had to repair to Hampton to join the army
+that the King leads across the Channel."
+
+<p>"Would I were with you, comrades," said Redward, wistfully gazing on
+the accoutrements of the troops, the sight of which roused old
+memories of camp and battlefield.
+
+<p>"And wherefore not," replied another. "There's more to be made in a
+week's march in France than ten years' delving in Merry England. Ay,
+and I'll warrant that ere long there'll be nought but old men, women,
+and babes left to guard our hearths."
+
+<p>"Then I must be reckoned amongst the old men," replied Redward, with
+a mirthful laugh. "Though, methinks, at two score and fifteen years,
+I am not yet too aged to strike a shrewd blow or to receive hard
+knocks!"
+
+<p>"Then why tarry?"
+
+<p>"Didst ever have a son, Dickon?"
+
+<p>"Nay," replied the man, shaking his head. "Neither kith nor kin have
+I in this world, save my comrades."
+
+<p>"Then thou knowest not how a man's whole being can be wrapped up in
+his child. I have a son&mdash;he stands yonder. How could I leave him&mdash;a
+boy of sixteen&mdash;to fare for himself while I follow the banners of
+England in foreign parts?"
+
+<p>"But thou hast done so aforetimes?"
+
+<p>"Ay, but then the boy was in safe keeping in the abbey of Netley. Now
+that he is too old, seeing that it is my wish and his desire not to
+remain within the priory walls, I must needs stay with him."
+
+<p>"Red Buckland, thou art becoming chicken-hearted in thine old age.
+The boy&mdash;a lusty youth he looks&mdash;cannot remain with thee for ever,"
+argued the soldier. "Now, what say you; join our company once again,
+and bring him with thee? Methinks there are many such, nay, even
+younger and of less frame and brawn, who have already set out for the
+wars. Come, now; again I ask thee, wilt join?"
+
+<p>"Dickon, thou dost press me hard so that I can scarce refuse. Yet no
+answer will I give till I have spoken with my boy."
+
+<p>At that moment a trumpet sounded, and the men stood to their arms,
+forming up in two lines on either side of the road. The archers,
+armed with short swords or axes in addition to the deadly longbow,
+faced the men-at-arms, who, protected with breastplate, iron helmet,
+gorget and greaves, grasped their twelve-foot spears, gazing
+steadfastly in front as their leader rode slowly between the lines.
+
+<p>Sir John Hacket, Constable of the King's Castle at Portchester, and
+Governor of the Town of Portsmouth (to give him his official title),
+was then in his fortieth year, yet, from the effects of campaigning
+under exceptional circumstances in all parts of Western Europe, he
+looked considerably older, his hair being a snowy white, contrasting
+vividly with his brick-red complexion.
+
+<p>He was accoutred <i>cap-à-pie</i> in banded mail with aillettes,
+rerebraces, vambraces, and roundels, his richly embroidered surcoat
+being emblazoned with his arms.
+
+<p>By his left side hung a long falchion, while over the right hip was
+the <i>misericorde</i>, or dagger, with which a knight demanded his
+dismounted adversary's surrender or else gave him a <i>coup de grâce</i>.
+
+<p>On his head he wore a flat cap of crimson velvet, his steel bascinet
+being carried by a squire; while a mounted man-at-arms bore his lance.
+
+<p>As he proceeded between the lines of armed men, noting with
+undisguised satisfaction their martial bearing, Sir John's glance
+fell upon Redward and his son as they stood, with a knot of
+spectators from the neighbouring village, a little way behind the
+archers.
+
+<p>"Certes," he cried to one of his attendant squires, "'tis my old
+master-bowman! Bring him hither."
+
+<p>Thus Redward, with doffed cap, found himself once again before his
+beloved chief.
+
+<p>"Ah, Buckland, I see the blood of a good old stock still flows in thy
+veins," he said, after questioning him over various matters
+pertaining to his welfare, "I trust I shall see thee again under my
+banner anon!" And setting spurs to his charger the knight rode to the
+edge of the river, leaving the old archer tormented with thoughts of
+the rival claims of home and camp.
+
+<p>The work of transporting the detachment across the Hamble river
+proceeded apace, the whole of the operations being under the personal
+supervision of the Constable; and, true to the usages of warfare, the
+task was carried out in strictly military fashion.
+
+<p>First a vanguard of archers and men-at-arms was ferried across, the
+party taking up an extended formation on the opposite shore. Then
+came the main body, with the mounted men-at-arms, the horses being
+conveyed across in a large flat-bottomed boat. Leaving only a
+rear-guard, Sir John and his personal attendants then crossed, and
+finally the rear-guard followed, leaving Redward Buckland and his son
+gazing wistfully after them from the other shore.
+
+<p>"Heart alive, Raymond," said his father. "We, too, must be on the
+move, for the tide will not serve much longer." And pushing off, they
+turned the boat's head up-stream and continued their journey.
+
+<p>"Didst hear what the archers said but now?" inquired Redward, resting
+on his oars, and looking doubtfully at his son, as if half afraid
+that the fighting strain would not manifest itself.
+
+<p>"Ay, father!"
+
+<p>"And what thinkest thou?"
+
+<p>"I would go Francewards with thee."
+
+<p>"Heaven be praised, my son! I was afraid that the monks of Netley had
+made thee fitted for nought but a life within a monastery; yet thou
+wouldst do well to ponder over this matter, for a life midst the
+sound of arms is not lightly taken up. Thou hast seen but little of
+the world, and look only on the glowing side of a soldier's life. The
+risks and hardships of forced marches, famine, sickness, ay, and
+possibly defeat, cannot be lightly put aside, though, when once
+passed, one is apt to look back upon them as but trifling
+adventures."
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, I would fain go to France and fight for our King to
+help him in his just enterprise."
+
+<p>Poor Raymond! little did he think that there would be fighting in
+plenty in store for him ere he set foot on French soil!
+
+<p>There were nearly four miles to be covered ere their destination was
+reached, and, though favoured by the tide, the work of pulling a
+heavy boat began to tell even on the hardy frame of the archer, so,
+in reply to Raymond's entreaty to be allowed to take the oars, his
+sire consented and relinquished the heavy sticks.
+
+<p>But his son's attempt at rowing failed to please his exacting father,
+especially when the blades threw up showers of spray under the
+vigorous yet inexperienced efforts of the young man.
+
+<p>"Steady, Raymond! I would fain arrive at Botley with a dry skin, and
+methinks, a little less strength would avail better! Put thy back
+into it, my boy, rather than thine arms&mdash;so! I call to mind when I
+rowed down the Scheldt in a pitch-dark night, when the splash of an
+oar or the creaking of a thole would have loosened a hail of arrows
+from five hundred archers on either bank."
+
+<p>"Tell me about it, father?"
+
+<p>"Nay, lad; the story will keep. But look ahead. Dost mark a row of
+black posts standing above the water on yonder side?"
+
+<p>Raymond looked.
+
+<p>"Yes; but what are they?"
+
+<p>"All that is left of what was once a Danish galley, the scourge of
+our shore. There she lies, much the same as when burned by the great
+Alfred, now five hundred years or more ago. May a like fate befall
+every foreign craft that comes to harry our coasts!"
+
+<p>Soon the channel became yet narrower, till the trees on the opposite
+banks met overhead. Redward had resumed the oars, and bend after bend
+of the river soon slipped past.
+
+<p>"There's Botley Mill," said he, pointing to a low building,
+thatched-roofed and enclosed by walls of timber and mud, while above
+the rustle of the trees could be heard the dull roar of the stream as
+it swept under the water-wheel.
+
+<p>At a landing-place close to the road they left the boat and walked up
+a short, steep incline to where the houses of the town encompassed
+the market-place.
+
+<p>"Ah, there is Master Hobbes," said Redward, indicating a short,
+full-bodied man, clad in a suit of green cloth, who, surrounded by a
+crowd of yeomen and villagers, was disposing of his stock of arrows
+to the accompaniment of the latest news of the city of Winchester,
+and the prospects of the war against the French.
+
+<p>"Ho, gossip!" cried the archer. "Hast aught of thy stock left for
+me?"
+
+<p>"Ay, Master Buckland," replied the other, "'twould be an evil day for
+me if I failed to supply the good folk of Hamble with
+arrows&mdash;particularly thy noble self," he added with a servile bow.
+
+<p>"Tut! tut!" growled the archer deprecatingly. "A truce to such
+compliments. These the arrows? A goodly bundle! But&mdash;stand aside with
+me a moment&mdash;how fares it with him?" he added in a mysterious manner.
+
+<p>"As before no better, though perchance a trifle worse!"
+
+<p>"But has he ceased to&mdash;&mdash;"
+
+<p>"Nay, nay! Far from it."
+
+<p>"Ah!" muttered the archer moodily, "'tis as I feared, though not for
+myself. Then, perchance he has had tidings?"
+
+<p>"That I cannot say."
+
+<p>"That being so, Nick, I had best be on the move overseas, under Sir
+John Hacket's banner once again. That I'll do, and take Raymond with
+me! Thanks, good Master Hobbes," he added in a louder tone. "'Tis as
+I said before, a goodly bundle. God speed you!"
+
+<p>And taking the arrows from the fletcher's hand, Redward called to his
+son to follow him and strode rapidly back to the boat.
+
+<p>During the return journey Raymond noticed that something was amiss.
+His sire relapsed into a stony silence, treating any question with an
+unusual disregard that showed that his thoughts were far away. This
+puzzled Raymond, and he strove to find some reason for this
+unlooked-for reticence, the reference to the mysterious "he" which he
+had overheard persistently coming uppermost in his mind. Yet never a
+word on the subject did the boy let fall, and it was in no little
+bewilderment that he followed his father from the Hard back to the
+house on the hill-top.
+
+<p>The interior of Buckland's home was plainly yet well furnished after
+the style of the age. Glass in the windows there was none, oiled
+linen doing duty for that then costly material. The floor of the
+livingroom was strewn with rushes, the walls hung with woven material
+and skins of animals. Portions of armour such as were worn by
+men-at-arms, a few bucklers, and a medley of arms also found places
+on the walls, while in a corner was a bundle of bows and two cases of
+arrows. In the centre was a log fire, the sweet-smelling reek of the
+pine logs finding its way through a hole in the roof. The sleeping
+apartment opened out of this room, the building being but
+one-storeyed.
+
+<p>As darkness set in Redward secured the doors with a massive bar of
+wood, heaped more logs on the fire, and lighted a couple of
+rushlights.
+
+<p>His fit of depression had passed, and he resumed his usual
+cheerfulness of manner. Going into one of the adjoining rooms he
+caught hold of a huge oak chest, which, in spite of his strength,
+took all the power at his command to move. At length the chest was
+dragged across the threshold into the larger room; then, sitting down
+on a settle, the archer breathlessly gazed upon it with evident
+satisfaction.
+
+<p>"Since it is fated that we go to the wars together," said he, "'tis
+fitting that thou shouldst be properly attired and armed. Let us see
+what this chest will provide."
+
+<p>And, unlocking a strange yet strongly made clasp, Redward threw open
+the lid, and for a moment the boy's eyes were dazzled with the
+martial nature of its contents. There was a complete suit of armour,
+similar to that worn by the Constable of Portchester, though lacking
+the rich ornamentations, other portions of armour, and a small store
+of equipments such as were worn by mounted men-at-arms and soldiers
+of superior quality.
+
+<p>Redward noticed the flash of excitement in his son's eyes as they
+lighted upon the suit of armour.
+
+<p>"Nay, my son," said he, "'tis not for thee&mdash;at least, not till thou
+hast proved worthy of it. Here is a suitable garb, a quilted and
+padded coat&mdash;a trifle large for thee, perhaps, yet 'tis better to err
+on the generous side. This I found at the sack of Tournai, and 'tis
+warranted to turn a swordcut or to stop an arrow at two score paces.
+This breast-plate will also serve&mdash;and this steel cap. Now as to thy
+arms Here is a sword, slightly heavy for thee, yet anon thou'lt
+become accustomed to the feel of it, though a bowman stands an ill
+chance should he suffer a troop of lances to come within striking
+distance! Now into yonder corner throw thy crossbow, for, as I have
+shown, 'tis but a clumsy and unwieldy tool for an Englishman. Here is
+a better&mdash;a full-sized English longbow; that is the king of weapons!
+To-morrow we'll hie to the butts, and ere a week hath passed a sturdy
+archer thou'lt be or thou art no son of mine!"
+
+<p>Raymond took the proffered articles and, with the pride of youth,
+fitted them on, to the no small satisfaction of his sire. Still
+garbed in his martial attire, he remained for a space listening to
+his father's tales of past campaigns, till at length, worn out with
+excitement, he retired for the night.
+
+<p>When he had gone, Redward pored over the contents of the chest,
+handling each article with an almost reverent care, then replacing
+everything save Raymond's accoutrements, he relocked the heavy box,
+and was soon tossing uneasily on his rough couch.
+
+<p>For over an hour Redward lay awake pondering over the events of the
+day, but just as sleep was about to gain the mastery, a hoarse shout
+fell upon his ear. Another followed, and a veritable babel of shrieks
+betokened that something untoward was happening in the village.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter03"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">OF THE MIDNIGHT DESCENT OF THE FRENCH INVADERS</h5>
+
+<p>
+THE first shout was enough to rouse the old archer into active
+alertness, for, with his experience of camp life, he was accustomed
+to awaken readily at the least noise. Hastily springing up, he rushed
+to the window, swung aside the wooden flap and the flimsy fabric that
+served to admit the light, and looked out. The darkness was intense,
+save for some small tongues of dark red flame that were beginning to
+shoot up from one of the houses near the waterside, the fire casting
+a dull glare upon the neighbouring buildings and serving but to
+intensify the inky blackness of the night.
+
+<p>"A fire," he said aloud, yet on second thoughts the ever-increasing
+shrieks, groans, shouts, and curses that were borne on the air belied
+his surmise. Moreover, his quick ear detected commands and
+ejaculations in a foreign language&mdash;the tongues of Picardy, Normandy,
+and Spain.
+
+<p>His ready brain grasped the situation&mdash;it must be a raid by the
+French and Spaniards, who at that time swarmed in the English
+Channel.
+
+<p>These inroads upon our shores by the French during the Hundred Years'
+War are apt to be ignored or lightly passed over by modern
+historians, yet during a time when England was busy pouring the best
+of her blood and treasure into France there was hardly a town on the
+South Coast that escaped the ravages of the French and their allies,
+the Spaniards and Genoese.
+
+<p>"Awake! awake! Raymond!" shouted his father. "The French are upon
+us!"
+
+<p>Raymond sprang up and began to hastily don his clothes, while the
+archer laid hands on every heavy article in the room, barricading the
+door and securing the windows. Then, having made ready his bow, he
+again looked out towards the village.
+
+<p>By this time a series of unequal combats were taking place in the
+narrow streets or within the houses, where the terrified inhabitants
+were being routed out like rabbits. All who came across the path of
+the ruthless invaders were cut down without mercy&mdash;men, women, and
+children&mdash;while their homes were being plundered and afterwards fired
+by men to whom the sacking of a town was almost a familiar task.
+
+<p>To add to the din the church bell was ringing a violent tocsin, and
+all who were able to escape fled either to the stout Norman tower to
+seek shelter, or else across the open country towards the town of
+Southampton.
+
+<p>Raymond, white-faced with pardonable fear and shaking in every limb,
+now joined his father. Flight for them was now out of the question,
+for already some of the foemen had passed the house, hard in pursuit
+of a party of fugitives, the slowest of whom fell under the weapons
+of the relentless marauders. Like bloodhounds on the trail, this band
+of pursuers passed by the solitary house, ignoring its existence or
+else meaning to plunder it at their leisure after the chase of the
+fugitives was ended.
+
+<p>Suddenly four or five dark figures, silhouetted against the now
+bright glare of the burning village, came running up the hill and
+headed straight for the house.
+
+<p>"Quickly, Raymond, notch a shaft!" hissed the archer, and setting an
+example, he fitted an arrow to his bow and waited, with the weapon
+slightly bent, the opportunity to let fly.
+
+<p>"By St. George, they are our friends!" exclaimed Redward.
+
+<p>"Andrew Walter! Dick!" he shouted. "This way, for your lives, and ye
+are safe!" And throwing his great bulk against the barricade behind
+the door, he moved it sufficiently to enable the door to be opened to
+admit the fugitives.
+
+<p>Then the furniture was replaced against the door, and the men sank
+breathless and panic-stricken on the floor. There were six in all, so
+that the little garrison now amounted to eight men, whereof three had
+had experience in warfare.
+
+<p>"Get ye up!" ordered Redward roughly. "Think ye that I opened my
+doors to allow a set of cowardly curs to lie about my hearth? Up with
+ye!"
+
+<p>Stung by the rebuke, the men armed themselves with bow and sword,
+gripping their weapons with newborn resolve.
+
+<p>"Ah, by Our Lady, 'tis well ye look on the right side o' things. But
+if we are to see the light of another day we must stand firm," said
+the archer grimly. "And," he added, "let no man loose bow till I give
+the word, and may God and St. George look favourably upon us this
+night!"
+
+<p>"Ay, gossip!" replied Walter Bevis, a veteran of Falkirk. "An' if we
+cannot live we can at least die like Englishmen! But, who comes?"
+
+<p>Another dark figure came flying up the hill, hotly pursued by half a
+score of Frenchmen.
+
+<p>"'Tis Will Lightfoot, of Hook!" replied one of the defenders. "Run,
+Will, run!"
+
+<p>"Now loose!" cried Redward, and immediately five arrows flew on their
+deadly errand. It was the first time that Raymond had seen a shaft
+sped in anger, and the sight thrilled him strangely. The pursuers,
+standing out strongly against the glare, made easy marks; four of
+them fell face forwards on the ground, writhing in mortal agony; the
+fifth, struck in the right fore-arm, dropped his sword and yelled
+lustily. The others, amazed at meeting with any attempt at organised
+resistance, turned and fled towards the village, two more falling as
+the result of a second flight of the deadly arrows.
+
+<p>Will Lightfoot, holding a dagger in his left hand and a broken sword
+in his right, came up to the improvised fortress with an easy stride,
+for his name well suited him amid the encouraging shouts of his
+friends.
+
+<p>"Wait while I unbar the door," called Redward to the fugitive, at the
+same time directing the others to assist him in removing the
+barricade.
+
+<p>"Nay, keep the door fast; the villains will be here anon," replied
+Lightfoot. "I'll find a way in."
+
+<p>And suiting the action to the word, he sprang on a low fence, and
+from thence vaulted easily on to the thatched roof. Getting a grip
+with his broken sword and dagger, he ran up the sloping roof of
+thatch like a cat, and dropped through the aperture that did duty for
+a chimney, and alighted in the midst of the smouldering logs on the
+hearth.
+
+<p>"Pardon, friends, for my mode of entry," he exclaimed. "But methinks
+the mischief I have done to thy roof, Master Buckland, will ill
+compare with the damage that our attackers will do ere a few hours
+are spent."
+
+<p>In the lull that followed the besieged took steps to strengthen their
+defences. Redward brought out a large oaken chest filled with arrows,
+whereat his son wondered all the more at the reason for the journey
+to Botley on the previous day. Thick boards were spiked to the
+windows, dividing each opening into two oylets, or slots for
+discharging arrows, while on the side where no windows existed a few
+of the stones were removed so as to form an additional outlook
+commanding the hitherto invisible ground on the north.
+
+<p>Food they had sufficient for three or four days, but water was
+scarce. This necessary they must procure, so once again the door was
+opened, and Raymond crept out stealthily with two leathern jacks to
+procure some of the precious fluid from the well, while the others
+crowded to the loopholes to cover his retreat if molested.
+
+<p>With an indescribable feeling of fear, mingled with the dread of
+being thought a coward by the defenders, Raymond did his work
+silently and quickly. Thrice did he go to the well, till there was
+sufficient water stored in the house to last for a considerable
+time.
+
+<p>All the while the shouts, groans, and cries continued, the crackling
+and roaring of the flames making a fitting accompaniment, and giving
+evidence that resistance was still being kept up in another quarter.
+
+<p>At length the pale dawn began to show a welcome change to the anxious
+men, on whom the weary waiting told far more than the actual
+struggle.
+
+<p>Gradually the daylight increased, and by its aid the besieged were
+able to realise more fully their hazardous position. Nearly every
+house was in flames, some even now reduced to a heap of glowing
+ashes. Here and there the corpse of a Spaniard or a Frenchman showed
+that, in spite of the surprise, the attack had been fiercely opposed.
+Those villagers who had taken refuge in the church tower still
+resisted, though, from the desultory arrows that came from the top of
+the structure, it was evident that their store of missiles was
+well-nigh exhausted.
+
+<p>The invaders, too, were aware of this, for those wearing armour
+advanced also to the base of the tower, avoiding, however, the pieces
+of stone that the desperate men detached from the pinnacles and
+hurled down on their adversaries. Others, keeping further off, shot
+their bolts at the tower, stamping and jumping as if to terrify their
+quarry. Some of the foreign crossbowmen were so close to the house
+that sheltered Buckland's party that they could hear the clicking of
+their moulinets and the deep bass hum of the strings as the quarrels
+sped towards the mark.
+
+<p>Out in mid-stream, their hulls swinging to the tide, lay three long,
+low-lying galleys, and between them and the shore a number of small
+boats were rowing to and fro, those putting off being full of
+plunder; and as fast as each little craft discharged its load into
+the capacious hold of its parent galley it returned to the shore to
+remove some of the huge heap of booty, which was still being
+replenished by parties of foragers.
+
+<p>Loud and long were the maledictions of the men in Redward's house, as
+they saw their homes given to the flames and their kinsfolk and
+friends either cruelly murdered or else houseless fugitives; but soon
+their attention was riveted on the final scene in the resistance of
+those on the church tower.
+
+<p>The crossbowmen redoubled their fire, and, covered by the heavy rain
+of missiles, a party of men-at-arms advanced with their shields held
+over their heads. A shower of blows with their heavy battle-axes soon
+splintered the oaken door, and when at length only a few fragments
+of wood and the bent and battered remains of the massive hinges
+remained, the men retreated in the same order, though two were left
+lying crushed beneath a ponderous piece of coping that the assailed
+had toppled over.
+
+<p>Already the church was sacked. Crucifixes, candlesticks,
+altar-cloths, rich vestments, and tapestries had been ruthlessly
+taken off to the galleys; while the priest, with a score of persons,
+men, women and children, who had vainly sought sanctuary, lay dead
+within the altar rails.
+
+<p>And now a body of lightly-armed men&mdash;Spaniards, judging by their
+swarthy complexions&mdash;advanced, bearing bundles of straw and faggots,
+almost unmolested, for the arrows of the besieged had long given out,
+and the hail of bolts from the crossbows skimmed across the top of
+the parapet like hail. The men reached the base of the tower, where
+they heaped their burdens within the doorway.
+
+<p>A lighted torch was applied to the fuel, and a tongue of flame,
+darting from amid the thick cloud of suffocating smoke, licked the
+grim stone walls, while the spiral staircase, acting like a lofty
+chimney, fanned the fire till it glowed like a potter's furnace.
+
+<p>A ring of armed men surrounded the tower. The crossbowmen, their work
+done, ceased their firing, discharging only an occasional bolt as the
+tormented wretches on the tower, unable to bear the choking heat,
+showed themselves above the protection of the parapet. Some of the
+defenders, maddened by their agony, threw themselves headlong;
+others, sword in hand, attempted to descend the stairs, and hurl
+themselves upon their enemies, though they perished in the flames
+long before they reached the ground; others, defying and cursing the
+invaders, shook their weapons in impotent rage, till a well-directed
+quarrel or the rapidly-increasing flames claimed the last of the
+gallant band of forgotten heroes.
+
+<p>When resistance in this quarter was at an end, the invaders were free
+to direct their energies against the solitary stone house that had
+already wrought great mischief upon them; and, led by two knights in
+complete armour, the men-at-arms began to fall in in close order at a
+distance of two hundred paces from where Redward Buckland and his
+devoted companions awaited the onslaught.
+
+<p>"With yonder ruin to serve as an example," said the master-bowman,
+pointing to the flaming tower, "we must fight to the death. While
+there is yet time it would be well that each man doth confess his
+sins for the betterment of his soul."
+
+<p>So saying, all the defenders knelt down reverently, though Redward,
+trained soldier that he was, kept an eye on their gathering foes. The
+prayers <i>in extremis</i> were hurriedly said; then, in the absence of a
+friar, they confessed to each other, according to the Roman custom
+when in peril of death. One of the villagers produced a slip of the
+Holy Thorn, brought from the miraculous tree of Glastonbury, and this
+they all kissed devoutly in the hope of obtaining spiritual
+consolation.
+
+<p>This done, they arose from their knees, embraced each other, and
+hurried to their posts.
+
+<p>All preparations for the attack having apparently been completed, the
+leaders advanced to the head of their men and harangued them, though
+the distance was too great for the Englishmen to hear what was said.
+This done, one of the knights closed his visor, and the other tried
+to follow his example, but the calque, dented from the effects of a
+blow, refused to allow the visor to descend. A couple of squires
+sprang forward to aid their lord, and the group, standing well in
+front of the rest, made a tempting mark.
+
+<p>Redward was quick to act.
+
+<p>"Quickly, Dick; nine score paces, and no windage!"
+
+<p>Dick, a lusty yet experienced archer, had already notched his bow and
+fitted an arrow. Leaning slightly forward, and throwing all his
+weight into the act of drawing the six-foot bow, the man loosed the
+shaft. Even as it sped Buckland also let fly, and the defenders
+anxiously awaited the result of their comrades' skill.
+
+<p>The first arrow struck and shivered itself against the uplifted visor
+of the French knight; but Redward's fared better, for, hitting the
+mail-clad figure under the raised arm, it sank deeply into the
+leader's body. Amid a roar of execrations on the invaders' side, and
+a hearty English cheer on the part of the bowmen, the knight
+staggered and fell on his face. The two squires stood their ground
+bravely, and with difficulty raised the ponderous armour-clad body of
+their master and bore it to the rear.
+
+<p>"Here they come!" shouted the master-bowman. "See, they shoot! On
+your faces, men!"
+
+<p>Crouching down behind the friendly shelter of the stone walls, the
+eight defenders awaited the onslaught, Redward alone watching the
+advance through a loophole, his head protected by an iron cap, while
+he held a stout buckler over the aperture as an additional protection
+against the deadly hail of arrows and bolts.
+
+<p>Raymond, crouching close to his father, felt that the bitterness of
+death had passed; his terror had vanished, and he was as ready as the
+rest to strike a blow in self-defence, though against tremendous
+odds. The unfamiliar sound of the arrows striking the woodwork and
+quivering with an indescribable <i>ping</i>, or shattering themselves
+against the stonework, the invaders' war cry of "St. Denis," and the
+metallic clanging of the advancing men-at-arms were signs of an
+invisible enemy whom he was on the point of meeting in mortal combat,
+and when, after a seemingly long and weary wait, the hail of arrows
+slackened and he heard his father cry, "To arms!" he actually
+welcomed what might prove to be his death-summons.
+
+<p>At the word of command the defenders sprang to their feet, rushed to
+the loopholes, and fired as fast as they were able into the dense
+masses of the advancing enemy. At that short range neither leathern
+coat nor iron hauberk was proof against the deadly arrows, and man
+after man fell writhing on the ground, their fall serving to dismay
+their comrades and to cheer their antagonists.
+
+<p>Clambering over the low fencing, the men-at-arms still advanced; the
+air was thick with the groans of the wounded and the shouts of "St.
+Denis!" "Tuez les miserables!" "A bas les poltrons!" To which the
+defenders answered not a word, but in grim silence discharged their
+arrows into the disorderly press before them.
+
+<p>By sheer weight of numbers the French men-at-arms gained the front of
+the house, and with reckless bravery attempted to tear away the
+improvised defences. Bows were cast aside, and the defenders, seizing
+swords and spears, made vicious thrusts through the loopholes as the
+shadows of the enemy were thrown across them.
+
+<p>At length the planks across one of the windows gave way, and a crowd
+of mail-clad warriors essayed to clamber through. Thereupon the
+defenders retreated to the opposite wall, and resuming their bows,
+volleyed their deadly shafts against the rash intruders, who,
+overwhelmed by the concentration of arrows in the narrow space, gave
+back in disorder.
+
+<p>Suddenly a figure clad from head to foot in plate armour&mdash;a form of
+defensive mail only just coming into use&mdash;appeared in the window. In
+vain the arrows rattled on the thrice-welded plate, and for a moment
+it seemed certain that the intaking was accomplished. But Redward,
+dropping his weapon, sprang forward, and before the mail-clad warrior
+could swing his long and heavy sword, the archer had thrown himself
+bodily upon the Frenchman.
+
+<p>Realising the danger, the man tried to return, but Redward, seizing
+him in his powerful grip, strove to drag him into the house. Lying
+across the window ledge, his bulk filling the whole aperture, the
+Frenchman effectually prevented any of his comrades from coming to
+his assistance, his mail-clad legs, kicking and sprawling without,
+keeping his would-be helpers at a discreet distance.
+
+<p>Then came a terrific struggle, Redward heaving and hauling on his
+enemy's bascinet, while the other tried his utmost to shake off the
+relentless grip. Nothing short of the breaking of the laces of the
+Frenchman's calque would release the man, and even then his
+unprotected head would be pierced by a ready arrow.
+
+<p>The knight's resistance grew feebler, till at length a hollow voice
+exclaimed, "Je me rends!"
+
+<p>"No quarter to base ravagers!" was the stern reply, and with a final
+mighty heave Redward dragged the steel-clad warrior through the
+window, and cast him with a sickening clang upon the stone floor.
+Then, drawing the knight's own <i>misericorde</i>, he cut the laces of his
+bascinet and plunged the dagger into his Adversary's throat.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter04"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">OF THE GALLANT STAND OF THE NINE ARCHERS</h5>
+
+<p>
+DISMAYED by the fall of their second leader, the attackers retired
+out of bowshot, leaving the nine defenders weary and spent, yet
+exultant over their success.
+
+<p>Their respite, however, was short, for, joined by another body of men
+from the galleys, the invaders again advanced, this time led by
+another knight, a short, broad-shouldered man, cased, like his
+unfortunate predecessor, in plate armour, over which he wore a yellow
+surcoat charged with the arms of the Spinola family.
+
+<p>"Ah! A rascally Genoese!" exclaimed Redward as he saw the device.
+"Now we must look to ourselves, for these Genoese combine the skill
+of the French and the roguery and treachery of the Spaniards;
+moreover, they have rendered a good account of themselves both by
+land and sea in their wars with the State of Venice."
+
+<p>Halting at a safe distance, the crossbowmen, protected by mantlets,
+faced the side of the house where the last attack had been made; a
+body of men-at-arms deployed and took up a position on each of the
+two adjacent sides; while a strong detachment of routiers, or
+lightly-armed men, worked round to the rear, the house thus being
+entirely surrounded.
+
+<p>Once again the hail of bolts began, and under the cover of this heavy
+discharge the men-at-arms gained the walls without the slaughter that
+marked their previous attempt.
+
+<p>With their axes they commenced a violent onslaught on the door, while
+the defenders were almost without the means of replying, firing only
+through the loopholes whenever a head appeared or a chance missile
+was thrown into the room.
+
+<p>At length, emboldened by the slight resistance, one of the
+men-at-arms was hoisted on the shoulders of two of his comrades,
+whence he climbed upon the roof. Here he began to vigorously attack
+the thatch for the purpose of annoying the besieged and diverting
+their attempts to hold the door.
+
+<p>Alarmed by the noise overhead, Raymond took his despised crossbow,
+and firing haphazard, sent a bolt through the roof. There was a loud
+cry, and with a mass of thatch and broken rafters the body of the
+soldier came crashing down, his chest transfixed by the thick, heavy
+bolt.
+
+<p>Immediately Redward was hoisted up to the gaping hole, and,
+regardless of the danger of being picked off by an arrow, he hurled a
+small sack of quicklime upon the men who were battering at the door.
+
+<p>Blinded by the powerful chemical they gave way, and ran screeching
+with agony, their leader circling round in an aimless manner,
+striving the while to tear off his bascinet and clear his eyes from
+the dust that was slowly and surely depriving him of sight.
+
+<p>Once more the English took heart at the repulse, taunting their
+enemies as they fell back. Again they had a short respite, though the
+inaction told more on their wearied bodies than the excitement of the
+fight.
+
+<p>Raymond felt a warm stream trickle down his arm, and found, to his
+surprise, that he had received a clean cut on his left shoulder. How
+or when it occurred he was unable to understand, for in the heat of
+the struggle he had been blind to his surroundings and the sense of
+pain.
+
+<p>The rest of the garrison all showed signs of the tremendous odds.
+Buckland was gashed across the forehead by an arrow, while his hands
+were bruised and bleeding from the effects of his struggle with the
+knight at the window.
+
+<p>Walter Bevis was sitting in a corner of the room, trying to extricate
+a crossbow shaft that had all but buried itself in the upper part of
+his right leg, and in spite of the excruciating pain was slowly
+drawing out the barbed head, muttering the while prayers to the
+Virgin and his patron saints.
+
+<p>The others, having bound up their slighter injuries, cheered the
+sufferer, and in response to his entreaties, withdrew the bolt. A
+gush of blood followed, and the man, unable to bear the agony,
+fainted. Hastily applying a bandage, with the rude knowledge of
+surgery that they possessed, his comrades left him and returned to
+their posts to await the next assault.
+
+<p>"Certes! They do not mean to let us be," exclaimed Redward; "it
+passeth my understanding why they should waste time and many lives in
+attempting to take our little fortress. Courage, my friends! Another
+repulse and they will leave us in peace."
+
+<p>But, notwithstanding his repeated encouragements, the master-bowman
+looked doubtfully on the new phase of the attack. A party of men were
+bringing a huge mangonel ashore from one of the galleys, and setting
+it in position, prepared to bombard the house with heavy stones, each
+capable of tearing a jagged hole in the stonework. At the same time,
+the French archers advanced on all sides with wisps of burning tow
+affixed to the heads of their arrows.
+
+<p>At a score paces from the house stood a solitary gnarled trunk of a
+dead tree, and towards this the bowman cast a hasty yet anxious
+glance. Then noting with satisfaction that the little wind there was
+blew from that direction, he gave a sigh of relief.
+
+<p>In the meanwhile the men about the mangonel had set the powerful
+spring, and a mass of rock lay poised on the gigantic spoon, awaiting
+only the release of the engine to cast the deadly missile towards the
+doomed house.
+
+<p>In terrible suspense the garrison crouched behind the stoutest part
+of the masonry, expecting each moment to find the huge stone crashing
+over their heads.
+
+<p>The noise of the spring as it was released could be distinctly heard,
+then with a whirlwind of dust the stone struck the ground at a short
+distance from the house and rolled harmlessly against the wall.
+
+<p>The next discharge sent the projectile fairly into the roof, knocking
+away the greater part and half filling the house with fragments of
+rafters, beams, and thatch.
+
+<p>"'Twill be less thatch to burn!" remarked Buckland encouragingly,
+though the moral effect of the mangonel was beginning to tell.
+
+<p>Suddenly there was a crash that shook the building to its
+foundations, and amid a shower of stones and dust a piece of rock
+forced its way into a corner of the building, leaving a gap a bow's
+length in width, through which the daylight streamed in, dazzling the
+defenders with the sudden change from semi-darkness.
+
+<p>At the same time a shower of firebrands descended on the remains of
+the roof, and in a moment the house was enveloped in flames.
+
+<p>"We are lost!" shouted one and another of the little garrison in
+dismay. "Let us sally out and die like men, rather than rats in a
+trap!"
+
+<p>But the master-bowman, cool and collected in the hour of trial, shook
+his head, and, shouting&mdash;for the din was deafening&mdash;to his comrades
+to bear a hand, he seized an iron bar and attacked a large flag in
+the floor, plying the tool with skill and celerity.
+
+<p>The square stone was dislodged, disclosing a gaping hole in the
+ground, the top of a rough ladder being dimly visible against its
+edge.
+
+<p>"Down with ye!" he shouted, and once more hope sprang up in the
+breast of the despairing men. One by one they vanished into the
+chasm, till only Redward, Dick, and the unconscious Walter Bevis
+remained.
+
+<p>There was not a moment to be lost; the flames were already scorching
+their hair and clothing, while the thick, suffocating fumes caused
+them to gasp and splutter. Raising their wounded comrade, the other
+two men lowered him into the arms of those who had already gained
+safety. Dick then descended, but Redward, after giving a glance at
+the attackers, who still maintained a respectful distance, suddenly
+stooped, dragging the body of the hapless French knight across the
+floor, and dropped it down the hole. Then he swiftly followed,
+pausing for a moment to draw a large, steel-plated shield over the
+aperture, and joined his companions in the security of their
+underground chamber.
+
+<p>For a while they remained motionless, as if unable to realise the
+turn of fortune, and listening to the dull roar of the flames and the
+muffled crash of the falling timbers, while the confined air grew hot
+as the furnace overhead grew fiercer, and the clammy atmosphere of
+the vault began to give off a humid vapour.
+
+<p>"Silence!" said Redward sternly, as some of the men began to talk
+excitedly. "Or, if ye do speak, speak only in whispers; for if the
+rascals discover us they'll smoke us out."
+
+<p>Through a narrow shaft at the far end of the chamber a streak of
+light faintly filtered, and ere long the men's eyes became accustomed
+to the darkness. The underground room was about ten paces by four,
+with a stone-vaulted ceiling. A rough wall of later date cut off one
+end, but it was evident that this apartment was at one time a portion
+of a subterranean tunnel which, it was rumoured, led from the church
+towards the Abbey of Netley, but for some reason was uncompleted.
+
+<p>Again motioning his friends to keep silent, Buckland walked over to
+the shaft, and, ascending by a rough wooden ladder, gained the hollow
+trunk of the decayed tree, where, without being seen, he could
+observe the movements of the invaders.
+
+<p>Four blackened walls and a heap of smoking timbers was all that
+remained of what was but a short time back his home. Satisfied by
+destroying the house and, as they thought, its determined inmates,
+the foe had now retired, and were busy preparing a meal, save a few
+of the common soldiers, who were either despoiling the dead of their
+weapons and armour or carrying the wounded back to the shore to
+embark on board the galleys.
+
+<p>Reassuring himself that their presence was unsuspected, the archer
+returned to his companions and reported the state of affairs.
+
+<p>"By St. George, thou hast done a clever thing," said Dick admiringly.
+"But for thee we would have been roast meat ere now. But why didst
+thou keep us without knowledge of the place so long?"
+
+<p>"To make thee fight the more lustily," replied Redward bluntly.
+"Hadst thou but known that an asylum awaited thee, thou wouldst have
+hurried here like a fox to earth, and the Frenchmen, finding the
+house still standing, would have discovered us and burned us out. Do
+I not speak aright?"
+
+<p>"Ay, Master Redward! And 'twas as well ye did!"
+
+<p>"And having, as ye admit, saved your lives, I demand a promise in
+return. I require ye to swear, on pain of forfeiting your eternal
+salvation, that not a word concerning this place shall pass your lips
+to any other living creature. Moreover, if I fail to come out alive,
+my son, Raymond, shall have undisputed possession of this place and
+its contents, for all I have on this earth is now stored herein."
+
+<p>In solemn silence each man, save the still unconscious Walter, took
+the required oath, kissing the hilt of a sword in confirmation of his
+sacred promise. Then, as if a load were lifted off his mind, Redward
+again ascended the shaft to resume his observations.
+
+<p>Slowly the long day passed. The sun was now overhead, yet the
+invaders remained inactive, neither advancing into the country nor
+returning to their ships. Gradually the fires died out, leaving only
+a number of thin columns of smoke, rising into the still sultry air,
+to mark what had but lately been a prosperous English village.
+
+<p>After a while Redward again descended into the vault, his place being
+taken by Will Lightfoot. The opening in the hollow tree only
+commanded the village and the river, so another hole was laboriously
+cut in the trunk so as to look towards Southampton, whence Redward
+expected a speedy arrival of the companies then encamped outside the
+town.
+
+<p>An hour later there was a stir amongst the foreign soldiers. A
+trumpet sounded, and they stood to arms, forming in a line on the
+brow of the hill where Buckland's house formerly stood.
+
+<p>As there was only room for one person in the treetrunk, Lightfoot had
+to announce the movements to his comrades below, and, to their joy,
+they heard him cry out that a vast host of armed men was advancing.
+
+<p>The invaders were unaware of the presence of a large force in the
+neighbourhood, and, dismayed by the numbers of their attackers, they
+turned and fled in a disorderly mob to their boats. At the same time
+the watcher espied the lofty hulls and bellying sails of five English
+ships standing down Southampton Water with the intention of cutting
+off the three hostile galleys.
+
+<p>Barely had the boats made a second journey to the galleys with their
+load of panic-stricken men than a troop of lances, displaying the
+banners of Lord Willoughby and Sir Charles Bassett, came charging
+across the undulating ground and through the smouldering street of
+the village, sweeping aside all opposition and driving the remnant of
+the Genoese and Spaniards into the river.
+
+<p>It was now high tide, and in the treacherous mud scores of the
+miserable wretches died a horrible death, for quarter was neither
+asked nor given. A few of those unencumbered by armour succeeded in
+swimming off to the galleys, though their companions, with abject
+cowardice, thought only of getting to sea, letting many of the
+fugitives drown alongside their ships without even throwing a rope to
+save them.
+
+<p>Close at the heels of the lances came a body of mounted archers, who,
+on arriving at the shore, dismounted and poured volleys of arrows
+into the galleys. Notwithstanding the hail of darts that wrought
+havoc amongst the slaves who banked the oars, the three vessels
+slipped their cables and stood towards the mouth of the river,
+endeavouring to reach Southampton Water before the advancing English
+ships should bar their passage.
+
+<p>The moment had arrived for Buckland and his companions to leave their
+underground refuge. Tying three spears together to form a stout
+battering ram, they applied one end to the mass of metal and charred
+wood that was once a shield, and which formed the door of their
+prison.
+
+<p>With a mighty thrust the obstruction was removed, and through a
+smouldering pile of charred timbers emerged the eight men, their
+faces disfigured with dried blood and blackened with soot and smoke.
+Bevis they left, till, on Redward's suggestion, two of them returned
+and brought him up, semi-conscious and weak from the effect of his
+wounds.
+
+<p>At that moment the companies of the Constable of Portchester and the
+Constable of Southampton came swinging along, the sun shining on
+their arms and accoutrements, while at their head rode Sir John
+Hacket and Walter de Brakkeleye, one of the Bailiffs of Southampton.
+
+<p>"Certes!" exclaimed Sir John, reining in his horse and gazing
+open-eyed with astonishment at Redward and his band. "What have we
+here?"
+
+<p>"Sir Knight," replied Redward, raising the hilt of his sword to his
+battered headpiece, "here thou dost see all that is left of the six
+score inhabitants of Hamble!" And, overcome by the loss of blood from
+no less than six wounds, he reeled and fell heavily on his face
+before the amazed Constable.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter05"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER V</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">THE MEN OF HAMPSHIRE AND THE GENOESE GALLEY</h5>
+
+<p>
+HAVING given orders to some of his followers to convey the wounded
+men on litters to the shelter of Netley Abbey, the Constable and his
+troops resumed their march to the shore, to aid their advance-guard
+in the pursuit of the galleys.
+
+<p>The lances and mounted archers had already galloped along the right
+bank of the river towards the Salterns at its mouth; while a body of
+men-at-arms crossed the stream by means of the abandoned boats, and
+followed the galleys on the other shore.
+
+<p>As if by magic, the men-at-arms were joined by vast numbers of
+countrymen from the neighbouring villages of Hook, Swanwick,
+Titchfield, and Stubbington. All of them were tolerably good bowmen,
+and from both sides of the stream a well-directed fire of arrows was
+maintained on the fugitive vessels.
+
+<p>The wind, though favourable to the English ships that were rapidly
+nearing the scene of action, was too much abeam to enable the galleys
+to hoist their sails, and the slaves toiled at the oars to gain the
+open water. Thus sped, and with the favouring tide, the vessels
+slipped rapidly past the shore.
+
+<p>Many an anxious eye was turned towards the advancing English ships,
+and many an opinion was offered upon the foreigners' chances, for
+once they weathered the long mud spit, their sails would be hoisted
+and their superior speed would soon bear them out of sight.
+
+<p>Holding their own, yet scarcely able to reply to the stinging hail of
+arrows, the three galleys bore steadily onwards. The foremost,
+bearing the red cross of Genoa emblazoned upon its lofty stern, led
+the forlorn procession, a Spaniard being second, while in the rear
+floundered a French vessel, one of the famous fleet of Sluys, her
+sides, like those of her consorts, bristling with English arrows.
+
+<p>Soon the leading vessel, ill-judging her distance, turned towards the
+Solent, hoisting her huge sail, on which flamed the arms of Luigi
+Spinola. Shouts of anger and disappointment rose from the English as
+they saw the sail drawing, and the hated Genoese cleaving through the
+water with increased speed. But their cries quickly turned into a
+roar of delight as the galley ran hard and fast upon the treacherous
+and unseen mud-bank, her mast going by the board with a resounding
+crash!
+
+<p>In spite of the frantic efforts of the rowers, the crew were unable
+to back the long, snake-like hull from the deadly embrace of the mud,
+and with the fast falling tide it was evident that the galley was
+doomed to capture.
+
+<p>Taking warning from their consort's misfortune, the other vessels
+gave her a wide berth, and, avoiding the mud spit, turned
+south-eastward. The Spaniard hoisted her sail with all speed, the
+white foam flying from her sharp bows; but the French galley, having
+had her halliards cut through by a chance bolt, was soon overhauled
+by the Southampton ships.
+
+<p>In less than five minutes she was boarded on both quarters and
+carried, the Frenchmen being either slain or driven overboard, and
+the watchers on shore beheld the Cross of St. George hoisted over the
+Fleur-de-Lys. A fanfare of trumpets from the conquering vessels
+announced that the English mariners had again proved themselves
+worthy of their traditions.
+
+<p>The prize and three of the English ships anchored to await a
+favourable tide to bear them back to the town of Southampton, while
+the two remaining vessels stood towards the stranded galley of Genoa.
+The tide had now left her high and dry, with a slight list towards
+the sea, at two hundred paces from the nearest shore. The
+deep-draughted English ships could not approach within that distance,
+so they were compelled to cast anchor within easy bow-shot.
+
+<p>Under the terrible cross-fire the galley remained, her crew seeking
+shelter from the shower of arrows, not daring to show so much as a
+hair above the low bulwarks.
+
+
+
+<p><center><img src="images/boarding.jpg" alt="boarding"></center><br>
+<center>[Illustration: BOARDING THE GENOESE GALLEY]</center>
+
+
+
+<p>"By our Lady! The rogues lie close," exclaimed the Constable. "'Tis
+but a waste of good arrows. And yet we must have at them ere long,
+for already the sun is low in the heavens."
+
+<p>"Once darkness falls they will, of a surety, escape, for with the
+next tide they can make across the shallows, where our ships dare not
+follow," replied the Bailiff.
+
+<p>"If I mistake not, they left a mangonel behind them&mdash;&mdash;"
+
+<p>"Ay; but 'twould take a good five hours to bring it hither."
+
+<p>Sir John saw the truth of this statement, and puckered his brows in
+his perplexity.
+
+<p>"Craving thy pardon, sir," said a grizzled man-at-arms, standing
+within earshot of the two officers, "I know how the galley can be
+held till the morrow."
+
+<p>"How so, sirrah?" demanded the Constable.
+
+<p>"For over thirty years I was a marshman of Poole&mdash;&mdash;"
+
+<p>"Forbear to speak of what thou hast been," replied Sir John Hacket
+curtly, "and tell us what thou dolt propose to do."
+
+<p>"As a marshman I know how to walk over this mud. Give me leave, with
+five of my comrades, and I'll warrant that the galley will never
+float again."
+
+<p>"How can the man possibly reach the vessel by walking on the mud?"
+demanded Lord Willoughby, who at that moment had joined the Constable
+in order to confer with him on a plan of action. "Even now two score
+or more of the knaves lie swallowed up by the filthy slime."
+
+<p>"Let him have his way, my Lord," replied the Constable; "and," he
+added, addressing the soldier, "get ye gone, and do your work
+quickly. A rose-noble apiece shall be your reward if ye succeed."
+
+<p>The man-at-arms departed, and, with his chosen comrades, crossed the
+river and followed the bank till they came as close to the galley as
+they could without leaving the firm ground.
+
+<p>Here they divested themselves of their armour, and, clad in their
+leather jerkins, gripping no other weapon but a heavy hammer and a
+short iron spike apiece, they looked more like peaceful village
+smiths than soldiers setting out on a desperate venture.
+
+<p>From the rude huts where the Hamble fishermen kept their stores came
+a man bearing a dozen square boards, each having four small holes
+bored through it with leathern thongs attached. These the
+men-at-arms, with the quickness of frequent use, bound to their feet.
+
+<p>"Are ye ready, comrades?"
+
+<p>A gruff yet determined assent was given, and the men, walking with
+short, ungainly steps, gained the edge of the mud.
+
+<p>"Now, hark ye," exclaimed their leader, turning to the master-bowman
+who commanded the archers, "give the word that the bowmen keep up a
+dropping fire to cover our approach. And I pray thee, let no man
+shoot who cannot be depended upon, for, little as I reck a shaft in
+fair fight, I am not in a mind to be feathered in the back by an
+English arrow!"
+
+<p>The sun was now low down beyond the dark outlines of the New Forest,
+shining straight into the eyes of the archers. Nevertheless, they
+shot rapidly and well, the arrows making graceful curves as they sped
+towards the mark. No sign of life was visible on board the Genoese
+ship, as slowly and steadily the six men-at-arms plodded, with their
+boards squelching in the liquid mud, towards their goal.
+
+<p>As they drew near, the covering volleys ceased; but, suspecting a ruse
+to draw them from shelter, the Genoese refused to show themselves.
+Thus, without opposition, the Englishmen reached the shelter of the
+lofty hull of the stranded galley, so that they were protected by her
+bulging sides from any missile the enemy might launch overboard.
+
+<p>Soon the terrified crew were still more panic-stricken by hearing a
+succession of dull blows against their ship's side. Lustily swinging
+their mauls as well as their precarious foothold would allow, the
+Englishmen drove their iron spikes deep into the seams of the doomed
+vessel. Oaken tree-nails and iron bolts were unable to stand the
+wrench, and in a few moments a gaping hole four ells in length and a
+span in breadth proved that the boast of the man-at-arms that the
+galley would never again float was an accomplished fact.
+
+<p>But now the startled crew were lashed into active resistance. Over
+the side, lowered by stout ropes, came the figure of a man fully clad
+in plate armour&mdash;the dreaded Luigi Spinola himself. Though deprived
+of the sight of one eye and nearly blind in the other&mdash;thanks to
+Redward Buckland's reception at the attack on his house&mdash;the Genoese
+knight could dimly see the forms of his attackers, and that sufficed.
+
+<p>Before the Englishmen could realise their danger the keen blade of
+the Italian had cleft the skull of the nearest. Preventing himself
+from turning like a sack at the end of a rope, Spinola stretched out
+his left hand to steady himself against the side of the vessel, while
+he raised his right arm to repeat the deadly stroke. One of the
+men-at-arms seized his opportunity, and floundering in on the
+knight's blind side, smashed his gauntleted left hand into a
+shapeless mass by a blow from his maul.
+
+<p>With a roar of agony and fury his arm fell helpless against his side,
+his body swung round, and in a moment the heavy hammer again
+descended, this time on the visor of the knight's bascinet. With a
+groan the Genoese died&mdash;literally at the rope's end; and, their work
+accomplished, the five Englishmen began their hazardous retreat,
+leaving the body of their hapless companion slowly sinking in the
+pitiless mire.
+
+<p>Again the covering flight of arrows sped towards the galley; but, with
+the courage of despair, some of the Genoese crossbowmen sprang upon
+the towering forecastle and fired at the retreating men-at-arms. One
+of the latter fell with a heavy bolt between his shoulder-blades;
+another had a shaft completely transfixing his arm, while their
+intrepid leader was menaced by two of the best crossbowmen of the
+galley.
+
+<p>By pure chance a stray arrow pierced the brain of one of the Genoese
+just as he was about to pull the trigger. As he fell he struck his
+companion, whose aim was affected by the sudden jolt, and the quarrel
+flew aimlessly over the Englishmen's heads.
+
+<p>Unable to stand against the arrows of the English bowmen, the
+remainder of the Genoese again sought shelter in the waist, and, amid
+the cheers of their comrades, the four men-at-arms regained the
+shore.
+
+<p>All that night the English slept on their arms, sentinels being
+posted to give the alarm should any of the foemen attempt to leave
+their water-logged craft. It was a still, moonless night, and the
+time of spring tides, and as the water ran inch by inch over the
+waist of the doomed galley, the watchers could distinctly hear the
+cries and lamentations, and appeals to the saints, borne on the night
+air from the demoralised Crew, as they clustered in frightened groups
+upon the raised forecastle and poop.
+
+<p>At break of day the Englishmen stood at their arms and gazed seaward.
+There, in the same place, lay the galley, though sunk a little lower
+in the mud, while her sides were covered with seaweed that on the now
+falling tide had been caught by the arrows which bristled in her
+sides.
+
+<p>Plenty of provisions were brought in from the countryside for the
+English forces, and, seated round roaring fires, for the morning air
+was sharp even for the time of year, the archers and men-at-arms ate
+and were merry, while the famished and disheartened Genoese, their
+stores spoiled by the water in the hold, gazed despairingly on their
+implacable enemies.
+
+<p>The Constable of Portchester and the Bailiff of Southampton crossed
+the river about three hours after daybreak, and visited the troops on
+the east side of the stream, their arrival being greeted with
+acclamation.
+
+<p>Calling the remnant of the men-at-arms who had so effectually
+performed their hazardous task, Sir John Hacket thanked them before
+their comrades and bestowed upon them the promised guerdon.
+
+<p>"We have these Genoese rascals safe enough!" exclaimed the Constable.
+"But what do they?"
+
+<p>At that moment there were signs of activity in the galley. Men were
+busily engaged in cutting away the broken mast and its tangled gear
+and cordage, while others were seen to be dividing the great sail
+into long strips.
+
+<p>"They mean to stop the leaks by nailing the flaxen cloth over the
+outside," replied Walter de Brakkeleye. "Then, perchance, they can
+float off on the next tide."
+
+<p>"But to what purpose?" questioned the knight. "With our two ships
+lying in the stream how can they, without mast and sail, hope to
+escape?"
+
+<p>"I know not, Sir Knight, except it be to forestall the end, and they
+would close with us."
+
+<p>"Then, I pray you, make them desist. A score of archers will keep
+them in play; in the meantime send mounted messengers along the banks
+to order every boat in the river to be sent down without delay!"
+
+<p>These orders were promptly carried out, and long before the next high
+water twenty open boats of all sizes were lying off the Hard, while
+the Constable had already summoned the masters of the two Southampton
+ships to confer with them on the plan of attack.
+
+<p>"By St. George!" exclaimed Sir John, "I already see the remnants of
+these foreign scoundrels under lock and key in the King's Castle of
+Portchester!"
+
+<p>"Nay, by the Rood!" replied Walter Brakkeleye; "for I have sworn that,
+ere to-morrow's sun hath set, the rogues will grace a line of gibbets
+outside the Water Gate of Southampton!"
+
+<p>"Ah, an' ye would flout my authority?" demanded the choleric knight.
+"Am I, Constable of Portchester and Governor of the town of
+Portsmouth, to be overridden by a mere Bailiff of Southampton?"
+
+<p>"But the galley now lies in this river, which is within my
+bailiwick," retorted Brakkeleye stoutly. "Nay, she lies on the other
+side of the low water channel, which, you will accept, is within the
+bailiwick of Titchfield. That being so, as Governor I hold authority
+over that half of the river."
+
+<p>The dispute waxed hot, the question of precedence outweighing the
+common cause of destroying a national foe. To what length the
+disputants would have gone it is impossible to say, but the opportune
+arrival of Lord Willoughby and Sir Charles Bassett settled the wordy
+strife.
+
+<p>"'Tis our duty to settle our account with the Genoese," quoth Lord
+Willoughby. "And as ye both claim the river and all it contains,
+methinks your difference is best settled thus&mdash;all the prisoners
+taken on this side shall belong to the Bailiff of Southampton; all
+those who are taken on yonder side Sir John can hale to the castle of
+Portchester. Now be content and sink your differences in a common
+cause."
+
+<p>This they agreed to, little knowing that neither authority would in
+the end claim a single Genoese.
+
+<p>Directly the tide served the boats were filled with men-at-arms and
+archers, and a long procession rowed down the stream to carry the
+galley by escalade, a mantlet being raised in each boat to protect
+the men from any arrows or bolts that might assail them.
+
+<p>Already the sea was four feet deep over the mud, and the galley, her
+waist full of water and her bulwarks awash amidships, resembled two
+lofty castles joined by a low wooden wall.
+
+<p>Grim and determined, though faint with hunger and fatigue, the
+Genoese stood to their arms. Knowing that death in some form awaited
+them, they preferred to die in the heat of battle to dangling from a
+gallows. On the aftercastle, or poop, stood Guido and Andrea Spinola,
+brothers of the ill-fated Luigi, with two score men-at-arms and a
+number of lightly-armed slaves, though the latter were not to be
+relied upon. On the forecastle nearly a like number clustered round
+Simon and Chigi Doria, brothers of the famous Rafaele Doria, the
+ruler of the State of Genoa.
+
+<p>On the approach of the English the trumpets blared a note of
+defiance, and the noble leaders, drawing their swords, cast their
+scabbards into the sea as a sign that they scorned to give or accept
+quarter.
+
+<p>The poop, being nearest the deep water, was the first object of
+attack. The English archers fired but one volley, then, casting aside
+their bows, drew sword or grasped their hammers and axes and made
+ready to spring directly the boats ran alongside the galley.
+
+<p>A huge stone, thrown from the highest part of the after-castle, came
+crashing through the bottom of the first boat, which instantly sank.
+Those of her crew who were unable to maintain their foothold on the
+submerged boat perished miserably in the mud and water, for those in
+the other boats, filled with the mad desire of fight, paid slight
+heed to their misfortunes, being only intent on gaining a foothold on
+their enemy's decks.
+
+<p>In a short space the after-part of the galley was surrounded by nine
+large boats, while the remaining ten headed for the forecastle, and
+with shouts of fury the English strove to effect an entrance.
+
+<p>The lofty sides and stern rendered their task very difficult and
+hazardous, the Genoese striking lustily with sword, axe, and mace
+whenever a foeman's head appeared, and it was not until, by Sir John
+Hacket's order, a portion of the amidship bulwarks were cut through
+and some of the boats floated over the submerged waist, that a living
+Englishman stood on the decks of the Genoese.
+
+<p>Headed by the Constable, a party of men-at-arms carried the poop
+ladder by a determined rush and gained the poop. Here they were met
+by Guido and Andrea Spinola and some of the best swordsmen amongst
+the Genoese, and for a while a fierce struggle ensued, though,
+profiting by the diversion, another party of Englishmen secured a
+foothold on the stern of the galley.
+
+<p>Unable to withstand the sweeping blows of the Constable's sword, the
+Genoese gave back, two of their number going down with their
+headpieces shattered and their skulls cleft to the chin, and Guido
+and Andrea alone remained in the van to bar the Englishman's passage.
+
+<p>With lightning rapidity their blades met, Sir John warding off the
+double attack with marvellous skill. Suddenly the elder brother,
+putting all his strength into the blow, delivered a mighty stroke
+with his heavy sword at the Constable's head.
+
+<p>Stepping nimbly aside, the knight avoided the deadly sweep of the
+weapon, and ere the Italian could recover himself Sir John cut him
+through the gorget till the blade met the top of his enemy's
+breastplate.
+
+<p>Guido fell forward, and the Constable, unable to withdraw his weapon
+from the corpse, was obliged to relinquish his sword and take to his
+mace. With this ponderous instrument of offence Sir John pressed his
+antagonist so strongly that the latter could but attempt to guard
+himself. At last, with a crashing blow, the Englishman beat down the
+defence of the Genoese, shattering his sword and crushing his helmet
+like an egg-shell.
+
+<p>Disheartened by the fall of both their leaders, and pressed before
+and behind by increasing numbers, the Genoese retreated till they
+gathered in a small ring of steel, surrounded by their incensed
+attackers. Fighting to the last, they fell, till none but those
+wearing the surcoat of St. George stood upon the after-castle, and
+close on five score bodies littered the narrow blood-stained poop.
+
+<p>By the Constable's order one of his squires displayed his banner, and
+this was the signal for a hearty cheer from the crews of the two
+Southampton ships and the crowd of armed men on shore.
+
+<p>But the combat was not yet over. Those of the forecastle still
+stoutly resisted, and as yet none of the Southampton men, headed by
+the brave and impetuous Walter de Brakkeleye, had gained any
+advantage, though, by the Bailiff's order, some of the archers had
+rowed a short distance off, firing anew on the Genoese whenever they
+attempted to show themselves above the side.
+
+<p>With the fall of the after-castle, the Genoese were additionally
+assailed by the English bowmen, who now held the captured part of the
+galley; and, on the arrival of a fresh supply of arrows, the deadly
+hail smote the scanty remnant, who strove in vain to seek shelter.
+
+<p>At length, when no one was left standing upon the forecastle, the
+English men-at-arms rushed the hardwon stronghold, mercilessly
+killing those who yet remained alive, and casting their bodies
+overboard, and the shattered galley was given to the flames.
+
+<p>Then, with shouts and rejoicings, the soldiers returned to the shore.
+The countrymen dispersed to their homes, the two English ships
+hoisted sail and made for Southampton, whither Lord Willoughby's
+lances had already gone. The Constable of Portchester and the Bailiff
+of Southampton marshalled their followers, and marched through the
+devastated village towards their camp at Woolston.
+
+<p>All that was left to mark the raid were the charred remains of what
+had been a prosperous hamlet and the blazing timbers of the
+once-dreaded galley of Luigi Spinola.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter06"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER VI</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">AT THE ABBEY</h5>
+
+<p>
+CALM and peaceful appeared the grey Abbey to the war-worn defenders,
+as, carried in litters or supported by the men of the Constable of
+Portchester's company, the nine archers passed through the great
+gateway.
+
+<p>The vesper bell had just ceased its tuneful tolling, and in its place
+rose the deep, lusty voices of the monks, who, having completed yet
+another day of hard manual labour, were uniting once more in prayer
+and thanksgiving.
+
+<p>For awhile, save for the porter, a lay brother of gigantic size and
+jovial mien, the secular portions of the Abbey were deserted, but the
+arrival of this host of rough soldiers and their wounded charges
+contrasted ill with the pious solitude of the place.
+
+<p>The Cistercian Abbey, founded as the Priory of Saints Mary and Edward
+in 1237, was at that time in the zenith of its prosperity. Favoured
+by royal charters, the natural zeal of the monks exerted itself to
+such an extent that within a few years of its birth the Abbey bade
+fair to outshine its parent foundation at Beaulieu, and a large
+triple-aisled church, a sumptuous Abbot's house, lofty dormitories,
+architecturally perfect cloisters, a number of extensive
+outbuildings, and two artificial fish-ponds testified to the work of
+these pioneers of civilisation.
+
+<p>Awed by the solemnity of their surroundings, the soldiers clustered
+in small, silent knots, looking around with open-mouthed astonishment
+at the unaccustomed beauty of the delicate architecture and listening
+to the distant chanting of the monks.
+
+<p>If an archer dared even to whisper his comrades silenced him by a
+look, while, when a man-at-arms dropped his short spear on the tiled
+floor, the culprit stooped, picked up the weapon guiltily, and
+crossed himself for very shame.
+
+<p>At length the singing ceased, the doors of the church were thrown
+wide open, and out came a long line of grey-gowned monks, walking two
+and two with bent heads and downcast eyes, while at the rear of the
+procession came the Sub-Prior and the Abbot. The former was a
+comfortable-looking, well-fed personage, with a benign countenance
+that neither fast nor penance could subdue, while the Abbot, a tall,
+gaunt man with wan features, redeemed by a pair of glittering eyes,
+looked a man whose natural sternness was increased by the strict
+rigidity of a celibate.
+
+<p>Immediately the soldiers drew themselves up into two lines, looking
+straight in front in military style, though as the Abbot passed they
+bent their heads to receive his benison, even the wounded, save
+Walter Bevis, standing unaided to share in the blessing.
+
+<p>It was a stirring and picturesque sight. The grey stones of the
+arched cloisters, the green patch of grass in the cloister court, and
+the still evening quiet were fitting surroundings for a procession of
+monks as their sandals clattered on the tiled floor; but the white
+surcoats bearing the red cross, the armour and weapons of the
+soldiers, and the pallid features of the wounded bespeaking strife
+and suffering, presented a strange contrast to the peacefulness of
+the Abbey.
+
+<p>Attended by two novices, the Abbot presently returned, and, learning
+the cause of the unusual visit, gave orders for the wounded men to be
+taken care of in the Abbey infirmary. He had already learned of the
+sack and burning of Hamble, but the deed of Redward Buckland and his
+comrades moved him greatly, and he desired to speak with the
+master-bowman.
+
+<p>Redward, his head still bound with a blood-stained bandage, was led
+before the Abbot. He had removed his steel cap, and the dying
+sunlight played on his thickly-cropped head and heightened the
+reddish hue of his beard. The Abbot gave an involuntary start of
+recognition, but, composing himself, he asked:
+
+<p>"How art thou, my son? I see thou art sore hurt."
+
+<p>"Nay, Father, it is but a scratch."
+
+<p>"A brave man to speak so lightly of so great a matter. And thou didst
+keep the press of enemies back till help arrived?"
+
+<p>"'Twas also a little matter, seeing we were behind stout walls."
+
+<p>"And yet, by God's grace, thy valour saved us."
+
+<p>"Saved you, Father?"
+
+<p>"Yea, my son. Saved the priory of the blessed Saints Mary and Edward;
+for, had ye not been there to bar the way, the Frenchmen would of a
+certainty have ravaged our holy retreat."
+
+<p>"This knowledge is beyond my understanding, yet, the saints be
+praised, I was but an instrument to that end."
+
+<p>"The gratitude of us all is due to you, my son, and if in any way we
+can render thee a service, do but ask it. Thou'rt weary; return to thy
+friends and rest well."
+
+<p>The master-bowman bent his head for the Abbot's blessing, then he
+turned and hobbled slowly back to join his comrades.
+
+<p>Great was the astonishment and delight of the monks, on washing the
+thick cake of dried blood, slime, and soot from the face of their
+youngest patient, to find that it was none other than their late
+novice, Raymond, whose wound&mdash;a deep cut in his left shoulder&mdash;had
+been skilfully dressed by the monks, to whom surgery was a special
+feature of their work. He was now sleeping peacefully, a draught of
+cooling medicine having completely taken away all symptoms of fever.
+
+<p>Walter Bevis, his leg swathed in bandages, was lying on a pallet, his
+eyes rolling and his hands tightly clenched as he strove to suppress
+a groan. Already he was in a state of semi-delirium, and in spite of
+the constant attention of two of the monks, he strove at intervals to
+rise from his couch and fly at some imaginary foe.
+
+<p>As for the rest, with the exception of Will Lightfoot, who was busily
+devouring a platter of soup, they all were sleeping off the effects
+of a terrible mental strain. Submitting himself to the hands of two
+of the brethren, Redward had his injuries dressed, and was cleansed
+from the effects of the fire and battle; then, staggering to a couch,
+he lay down and was soon lost in dreamless sleep.
+
+<p>The sun was high in the heavens ere Buckland awoke, feeling vastly
+refreshed and filled with renewed energy. His first inquiry was for
+his son and his comrades, then for the latest tidings of the raiders.
+
+<p>On this latter point he could not be enlightened, save that a mounted
+messenger had passed the Abbey that morning without drawing rein.
+Though giving no news by word of mouth, the man had shown by a
+gesture that the English had been successful, though at that time the
+fate of the Genoese galley had not yet been decided.
+
+<p>One by one the wounded archers began to awaken, till all, save
+Raymond and Bevis, were up and about. For some time Redward sat by
+his son's bedside, looking anxiously at his pale and pain-racked
+features.
+
+<p>The master-bowman was torn by conflicting emotions. On the one hand
+he wanted to be again on the scene of action to revenge himself on
+his enemies&mdash;for the destruction of his home, and also to take steps
+to safeguard his chattels that lay in the underground chamber. On the
+other hand, he felt it impossible to tear himself away from his son,
+in whose welfare he was so much absorbed, till he was satisfied that
+there was no cause for anxiety on his account.
+
+<p>While deep in this mental debate Redward was summoned by a novice to
+proceed to the private apartment of the Abbot.
+
+<p>Following closely at the heels of his guide, Buckland was ushered
+into a room which, in the frigid plainness of its appearance,
+differed little from the cells of the ordinary brethren, only it was
+larger.
+
+<p>The stone floor was strewn with rushes, and the walls were bare and
+unbroken, save for two narrow lancet windows and the low,
+Gothic-arched door by which the archer entered. In the centre of the
+room stood a plain oaken table, on which was a small ivory crucifix,
+which, together with a number of richly-bound books of illuminated
+vellum&mdash;the most highly-prized objects within the monastery
+walls&mdash;gave a fitting setting to the gaunt figure of the stern yet
+revered Abbot. Two heavy wooden stools completed the furniture of the
+apartment, one of which was for the head of the Abbey himself, the
+other for the use of any visitor of equal or higher rank; otherwise,
+all who were called into the presence of the Abbot were obliged to
+stand, with bent head, patiently waiting to be addressed, and not
+daring to speak save when spoken to.
+
+<p>"Well, my son," quoth the Abbot, after the customary benediction had
+been given. "I have a small matter of which I would speak. Raymond,
+thy son, was until recently with us as a novice."
+
+<p>"Yes, Father."
+
+<p>"But thou didst send for him?"
+
+<p>"I could not do without him."
+
+<p>"Yet he was ill spared by us a youth of much promise. Did he not ask
+to be allowed to take the vows of chastity and obedience?"
+
+<p>"Nay, Father."
+
+<p>"What, then, is in thy mind with regard to his up-bringing?"
+
+<p>"But two days agone he did ask to go with me to the wars."
+
+<p>"Alas! Alack!" groaned the Abbot, speaking half to his visitor, half
+to himself. "To think that one brought up in the sanctity of this
+place should have a mind for the horror of war! It but shows that
+men's minds are by nature inclined to strife, and that we must ever
+be subduing the desires of malice and hatred, which, though dormant
+for years, are too often ready to burst forth with renewed strength.
+Ah me! And I did think Raymond was a brand plucked from the burning.
+Thinkst thou that 'tis not too late to turn him from his purpose and
+bring him into the brotherhood?"
+
+<p>"Father," replied the master-bowman earnestly, "many a time have I
+pondered the matter over in my heart, for he is very dear to me. In
+my wanderings I knew him to be in safe keeping in this peaceful
+place, yet I look to my son as a tried companion of my old age, for I
+have no other kith or kin in the world. To the wars he would go, yet
+Heaven forfend that ill should happen to him."
+
+<p>"But if he wish to stay?"
+
+<p>"Then he may do so, though as a monk he will be as far from me as
+ever."
+
+<p>"Then he shall be asked, my son. Should he remain with us the Order
+profiteth; should he go Franceward, then the saints be with him and
+bring him safely home again. But, I ask," he added, fixing his dark
+eyes intently on the archer, "when Raymond left us didst thou fetch
+him away?"
+
+<p>"Nay, Father, I&mdash;&mdash;"
+
+<p>"Then where have I met thee before?"
+
+<p>For a moment a pallor, quickly succeeded by a deep flush, overspread
+the tanned features of the master-bowman, and his mind travelled back
+for nigh two score years. Then in quick, short sentences he replied,
+telling the story of the tragedy which had darkened his life.
+
+<p>"Ah! I thought my memory played me not false," returned the Abbot.
+"But of that enough! I knew it! And, for an archer, thou art
+certainly apt in speech. Canst read?"
+
+<p>"Yea, Father."
+
+<p>"And write?"
+
+<p>"Yea, Father. Many a time have I acted as scrivener to Sir John
+Hacket, the Constable of the Castle of Portchester."
+
+<p>"'Tis well; and rest assured, my son, that, by my holy calling, no
+word of thy past shall fall from my lips."
+
+<p>"And there is another small matter of which I would speak," said
+Redward.
+
+<p>The Abbot frowned, for the archer had taken the initiative, but,
+nevertheless, he signed for Redward to continue.
+
+<p>"When we are gone to the wars," quoth the archer, "'twill be
+necessary for me to leave my small belongings in safe keeping, and no
+better place can I think of than this Abbey."
+
+<p>"Think not to turn this holy place into a house of merchandise, my
+son!"
+
+<p>"Nay, Father, not merchandise, but treasure."
+
+<p>"Treasure?" interrupted the Abbot, his interest kindling. "How say
+you?"
+
+<p>"Ay, a trifle saved from the wreck of my past, together with a little
+I have amassed during some twenty years of wandering. Of a surety I
+would offer the Abbey a good percentum for the care thereof, together
+with the right to retain all profits from its use."
+
+<p>"My son, thou art generous to Holy Mother Church."
+
+<p>"Nay, but I go farther. Should aught amiss happen to Raymond or me,
+the whole of my worldly goods I leave to the Abbey, without
+condition."
+
+<p>"Then, my son, I accept, in the name of the Order, the charge
+confided to us. I will see to it this instant that Brother Aloysius,
+our scribe, will draft the agreement thereunto." And going to the
+door, the Abbot, his eyes shining at the thought of adding to the
+treasury, rang a bell that brought one of the lay servitors hastening
+to his presence.
+
+<p>"Bring Brother Aloysius hither."
+
+<p>With little loss of time the scrivener arrived, and the agreement was
+drawn up and signed. This done, the Abbot dismissed Redward, and,
+once more alone, leaned back in his chair with intense satisfaction.
+
+<p>Keep Raymond within the Abbey, let him take the oaths of the Order,
+and all would be well. The Abbey would benefit considerably, for,
+once a monk, Raymond would be heirless. On the other hand, should
+father and son go to the wars&mdash;well, there were chances that they
+might not return, and then&mdash;&mdash;. The Abbot sighed, for, in spite of
+his pious greed, he chid himself for his momentary satisfaction at
+the thought of harm happening to the young man, of whose presence as
+a novice he had many pleasing recollections.
+
+<p>On Redward's return to his son's bedside he found, to his great
+delight, that Raymond was awake.
+
+<p>"How fares it with thee, Raymond?" he asked, taking the lad's limp
+hand in his great palm and gently patting it.
+
+<p>"I feel much better, father, and hope soon to be abroad again."
+
+<p>"I trust so; but I have something to tell thee. Even now the Abbot has
+asked me to let thee stay with him. He himself will ask thee anon."
+
+<p>"But I do not wish to, father. My one desire is to follow the banner
+of the Constable."
+
+<p>"I like thy pluck, Raymond, seeing what thou hast been through. 'Twas
+an ill start for a soldier's life."
+
+<p>"Yet we came out with honour," replied the boy, his eyes glistening
+at the thought of the unequal encounter. "When thinkest thou that we
+shall be able to leave this place?"
+
+<p>"A matter of a few days. For my part, I must hasten back to Hamble to
+gather together the remains of my goods and chattels, and also to
+ease the dead Frenchman of his harness, for 'tis, a goodly suit of
+armour. Also, there is a fair portion of plate and money which I am
+leaving in the care of the Abbot. Some day 'twill be thine, Raymond,
+but of that matter I'll speak more anon."
+
+<p>Towards eventide the peacefulness of the Abbey was disturbed by the
+tramp of armed men&mdash;the victorious troops returning to their camp at
+Southampton; and by the Abbot's leave most of the wounded men, with
+their escort of archers, passed out of the gate and lined the dusty
+road to welcome their rescuers and comrades. Even the monks, carried
+away by their feelings, crowded round the gateway to catch a glimpse
+of the gallant companies. News of the capture of one galley and the
+destruction of the other had already reached them, and enthusiasm ran
+high as the bronzed and dust-covered soldiers tramped homewards.
+
+<p>Redward Buckland knew most of the banners of the various companies,
+and imparted his knowledge to his companions, while the archers who
+formed their escort cheered lustily as their fellow-soldiers turned
+to throw out words of pleasant banter.
+
+<p>At length the master-bowman gave a loud shout. "Look, comrades, the
+company of the Constable of Portchester! See the crescent <i>or</i> on a
+field <i>azure!</i>"
+
+<p>Marching four abreast, their white surcoats soiled with mud, water,
+and dust, came the Portchester garrison. For, save a few who remained
+to hold the castle and the adjacent town of Portsmouth, the whole of
+Sir John Hacket's men were with the army now encamped at Woolston, on
+the outskirts of Southampton.
+
+<p>At their head rode the fiery knight, attended by his squires, while
+at his bridle-arm, mounted on a white jennet, was Walter de
+Brakkeleye, the Bailiff of Southampton, whose men had already passed
+by. The two leaders were engaged in animated conversation, all traces
+of their bickering on the question of precedence having completely
+vanished.
+
+<p>Suddenly the knight caught sight of the little knot of men outside
+the Abbey gate.
+
+<p>"By the Rood, 'tis my old master-bowman and his party of villagers
+who held the Frenchmen at bay!" he exclaimed. "When I sent them to
+the Abbey I little thought to see any of them out and about so soon."
+
+<p>In obedience to an order, the company halted and faced about. Sir
+John rode up to the little band, who respectfully saluted him,
+following Redward's example in military etiquette.
+
+<p>"By St. George," said the knight, "'tis hard to do justice to your
+bravery; for I have only now had time to ponder over your deeds. But
+this I know&mdash;had ye not held the rascals in check the countryside
+would have been laid bare far more than it is."
+
+<p>"But," he went on reflectively, "ye are, for the most part, homeless
+men; why not serve under my banner? Francewards riches and honour
+await you. I'll warrant ye will gain more in one campaign than in a
+lifetime in England. Buckland, I have heard, will rejoin my company.
+He will be, as before, one of my sub-officers, and if ye come with
+him, in his division ye'll be placed. I am loth to lose any of you.
+So who's for an archer's life?"
+
+<p>With one accord Redward's companions signified their eagerness to
+follow the yellow crescent, and Sir John's face beamed with delight
+at their decision. "Then get ye back to the Abbey till ye be
+thoroughly healed of your wounds," he said, "and join the camp as
+soon as possible. I thought aright that the taste of fighting would
+but whet your appetites."
+
+<p>"And you, Hubert," he added, addressing one of his squires, "take
+this purse and present to the Abbot as a token of my esteem for the
+kindly treatment of these men. Also make excuses for me, as the night
+draws on apace."
+
+<p>Then, commanding the archers who had conveyed Redward's party to the
+Abbey to fall in with the rest of his company, Sir John gave the
+order to march. The column moved onwards, leaving behind it the new
+recruits to the banner of the Constable of the King's Castle of
+Portchester.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter07"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER VII</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">THE SACK OF SOUTHAMPTON</h5>
+
+<p>
+Two months have elapsed since Redward Buckland and his companions
+made their gallant stand against the foreign raiders; Raymond had
+developed into a full-fledged archer. Making a rapid recovery from
+his wound, the lad, with his seven companions, joined the Constable's
+banner at Southampton, whither Redward, having settled his affairs,
+had preceded them.
+
+<p>The badly-wounded Bevis made but slow progress; fighting, he
+vehemently declared, was not in his line, so one morning he limped
+slowly through the Abbey gateway to make his way back to Hamble,
+there to rebuild his cottage and again to ply his calling as a
+fisherman.
+
+<p>Lack of money compelled King Edward III. to remain inactive. A tax on
+wool was levied and grudgingly paid, for his subjects, finding that
+no great deed of arms was likely to ensue, lacked the enthusiasm that
+the glorious victories of later years were bound to create. Thus the
+greater part of the huge host was dispersed; many of the troops were
+moved to Rye and Winchelsea, others sent back to their own homes,
+and, save for a few soldiers, the town of Southampton resumed its
+normal appearance.
+
+<p>By the King's special command, however, a portion of Sir John
+Hacket's company was retained at Southampton to man some of the ships
+that were to be fitted out against the rovers who still lingered in
+the Channel, and thus Raymond found himself quartered in Saint
+Barbara's Tower, a small defensive work on the south walls.
+
+<p>Before dealing with the stirring events that happened in this ancient
+and distinguished town, it would be well to briefly describe the
+Southampton of the fourteenth century.
+
+<p>Roughly, the town formed an irregular rectangle, with the
+south-western corner rounded off. On the north side the walls were
+pierced by the Bargate, and protected by several small towers, with a
+larger erection, termed the Polymond Tower, at the northeastern
+angle. The eastern side was defended by a wall nearly 800 yards in
+length, further protected by twenty-seven half-round towers, and
+pierced by the East Gate and two posterns.
+
+<p>On the south the walls were in a somewhat ruinous condition, though
+it ought to have been clear that these were more open to attack. Here
+were two entrances&mdash;the God's House Tower gate at the southeastern
+angle and the Water Gate. Several towers added to the defensive works
+at this point, the chief being the God's House Tower, the Watch
+Tower, the Square Tower, St. Barbara's Tower, and the Bugle Tower.
+
+<p>The western face was by far the best protected, the arcaded walls
+being of great height, terminating at Catchcold Tower near the
+north-western angle. Two large gates&mdash;West Gate and Biddlesgate&mdash;gave
+access to the water-front on the western shore, and in addition were
+several posterns, one of which, the Water Gate, led to the courtyard
+of the Castle, whose keep, a large circular Norman tower standing on
+an artificial mound, dominated the whole town.
+
+<p>Sunday, the 14th of October, 1338, was a black day in the annals of
+Southampton.
+
+<p>A few days previously more of the troops had been withdrawn, thus
+leaving practically only the men of Southampton to guard the town.
+Rumours of a large hostile fleet within the sheltered waters of the
+Solent caused bodies of men to be hastily dispatched to Lepe,
+Lymington, and other neighbouring sea-coast towns, while Sir John
+Hacket, hurriedly summoned to Portsmouth on an urgent matter of
+defence, had taken the greater part of his company with him.
+
+<p>Redward's sub-division was amongst those left at Southampton, but he
+himself had crossed to Hythe, where he hired a horse and rode to the
+town of Lepe to gather tidings of the foemen. Thus there remained of
+his party some two score archers and men-at-arms, under the command
+of Richard Wyatt, the grizzled old warrior who had recognised his old
+comrade Redward at the passage of the Hamble River.
+
+<p>On this particular Sunday a white mist overspread Southampton. So
+dense was the fog that even the oldest inhabitants could not recall
+the like. Raymond and his comrades were busily engaged in overhauling
+their bows and shafts, for on that afternoon a shooting match had
+been arranged between ten men of the Constable's company and ten of
+the town guard of Southampton, for displays of archery were then
+usual at the close of church service.
+
+<p>"A pest take the fog!" grumbled the old man-at-arms. "If it does not
+lift 'twill be too thick to hold the contest."
+
+<p>"Even this room is full of it," cried an archer, twanging his
+bow-string with his thumb. "Look, this cord is as dead as the giant
+Ascupart, whom these Southampton folk brag so much about!"
+
+<p>"At all events, both parties fare alike. If we but win a groat apiece
+the weather can bide&mdash;that is, so long as we can see the butts!"
+
+<p>Just then the bells of St. Michael's and the Maison Dieu struck out
+to summon the townspeople to Mass, and soon the streets were teeming
+with gaily dressed folk, all hastening to their respective churches,
+though to the men in the tower they appeared but ghostly shapes
+gliding in the misty air.
+
+<p>"Who will come with me on to the top of the tower?" asked one of the
+archers. "I'd as lief get wet through in the open as perish with cold
+in this fog-laden room."
+
+<p>"I am with thee," replied Raymond.
+
+<p>"And I&mdash;and I," said several voices.
+
+<p>Ascending a narrow spiral flight of stone steps, the comrades gained
+the summit of St. Barbara's Tower. Rearing itself sixty feet above
+the ground and thirty feet above the line of battlemented walls, this
+building was crowned by a low breastwork, and roofed with large slabs
+of stone sufficiently sloping to carry off the rainwater, but at the
+same time capable of being walked upon without difficulty.
+
+<p>"Ha! The mist rises a little!" exclaimed one. "Though 'twill be only
+for a time."
+
+<p>"I can perceive the watch-fire," remarked another, indicating the
+dull glow of the burning wood in an open brazier that at night or in
+thick weather was always fired on the summit of the Water Gate.
+
+<p>"Ho! Peterkin&mdash;Simon!" shouted a hoarse voice immediately below them.
+"Out on ye for scurvy knaves! Hasten and bring oars, or I'll lay my
+staff athwart your backs!"
+
+<p>"'Tis old John Draper, the water-bailiff," remarked one of the
+archers. "Some vessel hath found her way up the Water, and he's going
+to board her."
+
+<p>They heard the oars tossed into the boat, and the rasping voice of
+the water-bailiff as he descended the stone steps of the quay and
+stepped into the boat. Then the sound of oars straining against the
+tholepins grew fainter and fainter, till the little craft was lost to
+sight and sound in the dense fog.
+
+<p>Suddenly a piercing shriek, followed by the dull noise of a heavy
+splash, fell upon the ears of the archers in the tower.
+
+<p>"What's that?" inquired one, his indifference changed into alert
+activity.
+
+<p>"Nothing, thick head&mdash;except, perhaps, that old Draper hath missed
+his foothold and received a ducking!"
+
+<p>"I like it not," replied the first archer. "There's black devilment
+afoot."
+
+<p>"Thou art ever looking for trouble, Hal. Didst ever&mdash;&mdash;"
+
+<p>"Nay, methinks he's right," interrupted Will Lightfoot. "Hearken!"
+
+<p>Leaning over the edge of the parapet the archers strove to ascertain
+the meaning of a subdued splashing that every moment grew louder.
+
+<p>"Oars, comrades, oars! And not a score not two score, either. The
+water's <i>alive</i> with them!"
+
+<p>And now through the mist loomed scores of great indistinct shapes
+that only too soon resolved themselves into the outlines of long
+galleys, their size magnified by the thick veil of vapour. Before the
+astonished archers could realise their danger the huge craft ran
+alongside the quay or beached themselves with a grinding crunch on
+the gravel of the foreshore abreast the Water Gate, and from them
+leaped hordes of armed men, shouting and giving orders in half the
+tongues of Southern Europe.
+
+<p>The surprise was complete. The Water Gate was rushed ere the massive
+gates could be closed, and the foe, with the quickness of martial
+experience, wedged the grooves of the double portcullis to prevent
+the lowering of the heavy iron slides. Into the town they poured,
+slaying all who crossed their path, and before the startled
+inhabitants, most of whom were still at Mass, could grasp the
+situation, close upon five thousand French and Genoese soldiers had
+gained possession of the greater part of the town.
+
+<p>To add to the tumult, the bell over the watchtower began a dismal
+tocsin, and continued till a party of soldiers, climbing to the
+summit, hurled the devoted bellman crashing down upon the stones
+beneath. But other bells took up the warning note, till the Bar Gate,
+at the northern end of Southampton, gave a more timely alarm to the
+dwellers about the upper part of the town.
+
+<p>In the meantime the archers of St. Barbara's Tower, lashed into
+activity by the orders and example of Dick Wyatt, had closed, barred,
+and bolted the great oaken door, and hastily arming themselves,
+ascended the tower, where they crouched, arrow on string, behind the
+low, battlemented parapet.
+
+<p>"Methinks 'tis all up with Southampton," exclaimed the grizzled
+warrior. "But lie close, and do not loose string till they find us
+out."
+
+<p>"But what can we do?"
+
+<p>"Very little till the fog lifts. Then it will be seen, which of the
+towers still hold out."
+
+<p>"Have they carried the Castle, think you?"
+
+<p>"Not if the garrison have had the least warning, and, thank Heaven,
+there's enough noise to waken the Seven Sleepers. Hearken!"
+
+<p>Above the noise of the still disembarking foreign soldiery could be
+heard pitiful screams and cries for mercy, as men, women, and
+children were cut down indiscriminately by the ruthless foe, while a
+distant clash of arms showed that in some quarters of the town the
+invaders were meeting with some amount of resistance.
+
+<p>As if by magic, the mist suddenly rolled away, and the pale October
+sun streamed down upon a sight that was but too common in those days.
+Two score and ten galleys lay along the sea-front, their prows
+touching the shore just as the first high water was beginning to ebb,
+while in mid-stream fifty-five heavier vessels rode at anchor. From
+this powerful fleet close on twelve thousand Normans, Picards,
+Genoese, and Spaniards had landed.
+
+<p>Already the southern portion of the town, with the exception of St.
+Barbara's and God's House Towers, was in their hands. Robert de la
+Barre, one of the bailiffs, held the Castle and the West Gate; Walter
+de Brakkeleye, the other, lay within Catchcold Tower; while through
+the Bar Gate poured a mob of terrified citizens, some of whom fled
+hot-foot even as far as Winchester.
+
+<p>Having made sure of the lower part of the town, the invaders began
+their accustomed excesses, plundering and burning in all directions.
+
+<p>A strong body of Genoese could be seen coming down the road that
+followed the inner side of the South Wall.
+
+<p>"Stand fast, if ye would see to-morrow's sun!" cried the old
+man-at-arms warningly. "And do not give any sign till they discover
+us: then an arrow for each black heart!"
+
+<p>On the opposite side of the street, which, for military reasons, was
+wider than those away from the walls, was a house of superior quality
+to its neighbours. It was a two-storeyed, half-timbered building,
+standing in a large extent of ground. Attracted by its more imposing
+appearance, three of the marauders stopped and began to batter on the
+outer gate with their short, heavy axes.
+
+<p>"'Tis the house of Sir Reginald Scarsdale," quoth one of the archers,
+a Southampton man. "'Tis out of the frying-pan into the fire, I trow,
+with him."
+
+<p>"What dost thou mean?" asked Raymond.
+
+<p>"Why, this: twice his castle in the county of Yorks hath been burned
+by the Scots; so, to keep his womenfolk out of harm's way, he sends
+them down here, while he keeps watch and ward at Berwick."
+
+<p>"His womenfolk?"
+
+<p>"Ay! His wife, the Lady Hilda, and his daughter, the Lady Audrey.
+Pray Heaven they be not in the house!"
+
+<p>"But they are!" exclaimed another. "I heard from one of their
+servants but a few hours back that the old lady was seized with an
+ague. And the younger, a sweet little lass, left to the mercies of
+those wretches! Alas! And we can do nothing!"
+
+<p>Raymond's only reply was to compress his lips tightly and clutch the
+hilt of his short sword. Carefully he peered over the edge of the
+parapet, and looked down on the scene below.
+
+<p>Already the gate was giving way before the lusty blows of the axes.
+Then, throwing his ponderous body against the shattered woodwork, a
+burly Genoese burst the remaining fragments with a resounding crash,
+and, with wild shouts of triumph, the three plunderers rushed across
+the grounds and attacked the door of the house, while the screams of
+terrified women rent the air.
+
+<p>Without a moment's hesitation Raymond seized a coil of rope which was
+used for hauling up materials to the top of the tower, and hastily
+knotted one end round his body. He looked down. The street was now
+clear of any wandering soldiers. Taking his bow and quiver, as well
+as his sword, the youth persuaded his comrades to lower him with all
+despatch.
+
+<p>Round and round he spun in his hazardous descent, till, with bleeding
+hands and a swimming sensation in his head, Raymond found himself on
+the ground. Instantly he unloosed the rope, darted quickly across the
+road and gained the outer gateway.
+
+<p>By this time the inner door had been wrenched open, and the three
+Genoese were holding a debate amongst themselves, gesticulating and
+talking volubly till it seemed as if a quarrel was likely to ensue.
+Finally two entered the house, the third keeping guard outside,
+possibly to prevent any fugitive from leaving, or to keep others of
+their comrades from sharing in what promised to be a rich haul.
+
+<p>Raymond saw and seized his chance. The man's back was turned towards
+him, yet&mdash;the raiders being mere pirates and deserving of no
+mercy&mdash;without hesitation, the youth drew string, and the next
+instant the soldier was lying on his face, his back pierced by an
+arrow.
+
+<p>Guided by the redoubled sound of shrieks, the lad sped across the
+ground, grasping his drawn sword in his hand, and ascended the stairs
+with quick yet noiseless footsteps.
+
+<p>At the head of the stairs lay the corpse of an old man, evidently a
+servitor, the blood welling in a crimson flood from a gaping wound in
+his throat. Without stopping, Raymond sprang over the body and burst
+into a room whence the shrieks came with terrifying shrillness.
+
+<p>There a sight met his gaze that transformed him into a terrible
+avenging spirit rather than a human being. On the floor lay an
+elderly lady, her eyes rolling in semi-stupor, while the two ruffians
+were maltreating a young and beautiful girl, whose age could not have
+been more than sixteen. In spite of her furious struggles and
+piercing cries the two Genoese were dragging her out of the room, and
+her strength was well-nigh exhausted.
+
+<p>With a loud shout of anger Raymond rushed upon the two men, who were
+totally unprepared for any onslaught while engaged in their work of
+cruelty and rapine. A strong sweeping blow with his sword and one of
+the villains fell lifeless to the ground, but, before the young
+archer could strike again, the second turned upon him, and in a
+moment both were struggling on the floor in a deadly embrace, the
+Genoese, a great lusty fellow, being uppermost. Raymond still
+retained his sword, though unable to shorten it, while his enemy
+strove to draw a dagger that he wore at his belt. Seeing this the lad
+dropped his sword and grasped the other's wrist, while, in turn,
+Raymond's arm was gripped to prevent him from drawing his own knife.
+
+<p>At length the weight of his foeman's body began to tell, and slowly
+the breath was forced out of the lad's lungs by the relentless
+pressure. Raymond thought that the end was near, his face was turning
+black, red lights flashed across his eyes, and, as in a dream, he saw
+the Genoese wrench his hand free from the retaining grasp and seize
+the hilt of his dagger.
+
+<p>"Flee!" gasped Raymond, glancing towards the maiden, and he had
+steeled himself to receive the expected <i>coup de grace</i>, suddenly he
+felt his enemy's body grow limp and a flood of hot blood rained upon
+his face.
+
+<p>Struggling to his feet, faint, dazed, and unable for the moment to
+realise that it was not his own life's blood, Raymond gazed vacantly
+upon the body of his foeman. Then, as his scattered senses began to
+return, the youth realised that his miraculous deliverance was due to
+the prompt action of the girl to whose aid he had flown; for seeing
+how matters were turning, and desperate for her own and her rescuer's
+safety, she had possessed herself of the dagger of the slain ruffian
+and had plunged it up to the hilt in the neck of the other.
+
+<p>For the first time Raymond could take notice of the girl. Looking at
+her white face, he could see that she was a maiden of quality and
+unquestionable beauty. As she stood there, with flashing eyes and the
+reeking dagger in her hand, she seemed in the eyes of the young
+archer like one of the mythological heroines of whom he had read in
+the library of the Abbey. But with the sense of safety came the
+inevitable reaction. She dropped the knife, and, falling beside her
+mother, burst into tears.
+
+<p>Raymond, in spite of his inexperience, saw only too clearly that the
+elder lady was beyond pain and suffering.
+
+<p>"Come," he said gently. "We must needs go quickly. Thy mother is&mdash;"
+He was unable to finish the sentence, but the girl understood.
+
+<p>"I am ready," she said, in a far-away voice, "but whither shall we
+go?"
+
+<p>Pausing to throw a coverlet over the still form of the lady, Raymond
+gave a final glance at the bodies of his late adversaries; then,
+taking the girl by the hand, he drew her gently from the room.
+
+<p>The cool, fresh air revived his scattered wits considerably, so that
+he was able to take the necessary precautions to regain St. Barbara's
+Tower. Bidding the girl wait behind a thick shrubbery, Raymond looked
+cautiously out of the gate. The street seemed to be clear, while his
+comrades were alert and waiting his return.
+
+<p>Calling the girl, he led her quickly across the street; the end of a
+rope was thrown down, and hastily the lad looped it round her supple
+form. Then at a signal the little garrison pulled up the rope, and
+its precious burden was safe within the shelter of St. Barbara's
+Tower!
+
+<p>"Haste thee, boy!" shouted old Dicky Wyatt, the grizzled man-at-arms.
+"The French be upon thee!"
+
+<p>There was not a moment to be lost. The lad seized the end of the rope
+as it descended, and hanging on like a jackanapes, was soon dangling
+in the air. A party of the enemy were running down the street, and
+already a few quarrels and arrows were whistling past his ears or
+splintering themselves against the stonework of the tower. Then a
+well-directed flight of cloth-yard shafts held the enemy in check,
+and aided by willing hands, Raymond was helped over the parapet.
+
+<p>"A plucky deed," growled Wyatt, "but thou hast sold us, my lad. See,
+they have gone to bring re-inforcements to carry the tower by
+escalade!"
+
+<p>"Certes, Raymond," exclaimed an archer, "thou dost look like a
+butcher What hast thou been about?"
+
+<p>"Never mind that: the tale will keep," interrupted the man-at-arms.
+"I'll warrant we'll all look worse than that ere long! Here,
+Lightfoot! Away with Ye to the kitchen, and see that plenty of water
+is put to boil. And you, Ned, fetch an axe and hew off some of this
+lead and melt it. Methinks the townsmen of Southampton will not
+amerce us with the damage, whether we hold the tower or not!"
+
+<p>While the preparations for defence were in progress a loud shout from
+one of the archers gave warning that the enemy were returning to the
+attack, and the two score Englishmen from the height of the tower
+looked down upon ten times their number of Picards, Normans, and
+Spaniards, to whom the assault on a fortress or the sack of a
+defenceless town were looked upon as ordinary occurrences.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter08"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER VIII</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">OF THE ASSAULT ON ST. BARBARA'S TOWER</h5>
+
+<p>
+WITH fierce cries and menacing gestures the foreigners rushed down
+the street, many of them carrying axes and torches, while others bore
+a stout beam for the purpose of battering down the door of the tower.
+Their archers and crossbowmen, eager to join in the fray, had slung
+their bows, and with knives, swords, or short spears in their hands,
+surged along in a confused mass with the men-at-arms.
+
+<p>"Now! Altogether! Loose, my lads!" shouted old Richard, and with the
+well-known twang nearly a score of bows sent their missiles crashing
+into the armed mob below.
+
+<p>Many of the advancing foemen fell, transfixed by the deadly shafts,
+while those in the rear, pressing blindly forward, stumbled over
+those who lay writhing on the ground. When, at length, the foremost
+had reached the base of the tower, where they were safe from the
+stinging shower, they were met with a stream of molten lead, which,
+burning through hauberk and leathern jerkin with equal ease, sent the
+assailants reeling back with screams of agony.
+
+<p>The men bearing the beam were all shot down, and the main body
+retiring hastily, in a few moments the street was deserted but for a
+number of corpses, and the solitary standing figure of a man in full
+armour. Disdaining to turn his back upon the foe, the knight walked
+slowly backwards, shaking his ponderous mace in speechless anger,
+while the arrows rattled harmlessly off his proof-plate mail.
+
+<p>"Save your arrows, comrades, and give him a heavy stone or a dose of
+hot lead should he approach," said old Wyatt. "Methinks I've seen his
+device before. 'Tis Enrico, son of the King of Sicily."
+
+<p>Just then the prince, his spurred heels tripping on the body of a
+man-at-arms, fell prostrate on his back, amid a roar of laughter from
+the Englishmen.
+
+<p>"Now stand by," exclaimed one of the archers, "and directly he moves
+a limb, let fly at his armpits or behind his knees!"
+
+<p>But the Italian was not lacking in cunning, for knowing that the
+weight of his armour would effectually prevent his rising, he lay
+perfectly quiet, his arms pressed closely to his side, till some
+varlets, bearing a heavy mantlet before them, came running up and
+lifted their master on his feet. Then, with measured step, the prince
+retired out of sight.
+
+<p>"Ah! As I thought, the rascals have learned a trick or two!" growled
+Wyatt, pointing to the Woolhouse Tower, a structure of greater height
+than St. Barbara's Tower, and standing less than three hundred paces
+distant.
+
+<p>Abandoned by its garrison at the first alarm, the Woolhouse Tower was
+occupied by a strong body of French archers, while an equally
+formidable band of crossbowmen took possession of the lofty Woolhouse
+hard by, so that a flight of missiles was poured upon the Englishmen
+from two different points.
+
+<p>"Lie down, men; 'tis useless to return their fire!" commanded the
+man-at-arms. But before his advice could be acted upon five archers
+and two soldiers were hit, one of the latter, his brain pierced by a
+bolt, toppling forwards over the parapet, and falling with a
+sickening thud upon the wall below.
+
+<p>"Would it not be well to abandon the roof and seek shelter below?"
+inquired one.
+
+<p>"And give the rascals an easy chance to carry the tower," rejoined
+old Wyatt derisively. "Nay, we must hold the flats at all cost.
+Quickly, my lads! Bring up everything ye can find that will do to
+raise a mantlet! There are plenty of hides in the store, and planks
+and poles as well."
+
+<p>Swiftly the archers fell to work, and in a very short space they had
+stretched some stout ox-hides on poles and had raised them above the
+parapet. Strengthening their hasty barricade with several heavy
+planks, they were soon in comparative security; while through the
+narrow space betwixt the top of the battlement and the lower edge of
+the hides they could keep up a brisk discharge of arrows upon their
+assailants, while the muffled thud of shafts and quarrels striking
+upon the loosely hung hides showed both the vehemence of the attack
+and the efficacy of the defence.
+
+<p>The defenders had now time to survey their surroundings; and, to
+every one's surprise, the Lady Audrey, calm and self-possessed, was
+busily engaged in making bandages for the wounded men.
+
+<p>"My faith!" exclaimed Dick Wyatt, roughly yet kindly. "'Tis no place
+for thee, girl! Away with thee to the room below, and, if nursing be
+thy desire, I'll warrant there'll be enough work for thee ere long!"
+
+<p>Reluctantly, the maiden obeyed; and the wounded archers were taken
+below so that their hurts could receive attention, while the
+survivors would be less encumbered on the narrow extent of the roof.
+
+<p>"Stand to it once more!" shouted their leader. "They come again! Now,
+Will, be ready with the molten lead and the boiling water!"
+
+<p>Assailed on three sides at once, the defenders were hard put to it to
+keep the attackers in check. In addition to the showers of arrows and
+stones, the enemy had gained a lodgment on the town wall, and two
+long ladders were placed against the tower, their ends resting or
+projecting above the battlements. Up swarmed a number of
+heavily-armed men, till the ladders creaked and groaned under their
+weight. Harassed by the hail of missiles, and impeded by the curtains
+of bulls' hides, the defenders could not repel the assault, and, to
+their consternation, the leaders of the attack appeared above the
+battlements.
+
+<p>Once the mailed warriors gained the roof, all would be lost! But at
+the critical moment Richard Wyatt, seizing a massive crowbar,
+loosened a heavy coping-stone. Then, calling a couple of strong
+archers to his aid, the ponderous stone was deftly toppled over the
+battlements. Missing the first man, the stone hurled the next two
+from their swaying foothold, then, crashing through the woodwork of
+the ladder, it fell upon the heads of the men who were supporting
+those who had already ascended.
+
+<p>The ladder cracked and broke, bringing down the other ladder in its
+fall, the fragments descending in opposite directions athwart the
+wall, where a ghastly litter of woodwork and mangled corpses marked
+the failure of the enterprise.
+
+<p>The man who had first gained the edge of the parapet, feeling the
+ladder give beneath him, sprang for the roof; but, encumbered by his
+heavy armour, he slipped, and, clinging only by his mailed gauntlets,
+he hung dangling over the abyss.
+
+<p>Through the bars of his visor the defenders could see his eyes
+starting from his head in his terror. But it was no time for pity.
+With gibes and fierce jests the Englishmen watched his desperate
+struggles, till, his fingers growing numb with the strain, he relaxed
+his hold and fell, with a hoarse cry, to join the crushed and mangled
+bodies of his comrades.
+
+<p>Carried away by his enthusiasm, old Richard tore aside side the
+curtain of hides, and stood upon the parapet to view the scene of his
+triumph; but his imprudence cost him dear, fora crossbow bolt struck
+him in the side, and he fell backwards into the arms of two of the
+archers.
+
+<p>"Lay me down," he cried feebly. "I am done for at last!" Presently he
+added, "Send Raymond to me."
+
+<p>Quickly the young archer came and knelt beside the dying soldier,
+across whose eyes a misty film was already beginning to gather.
+
+<p>"Raymond," he gasped, "thou'rt but a lad, but thou hast a cool head.
+Take charge of the Tower, and yield to no man. If the saints bring ye
+out scatheless, tell my master, Sir John, that I did my duty. . . .
+And now, Pearce," he added, addressing another of the archers who
+crowded around, "thou hast a strong steady hand. Grasp the bolt, I
+pray thee, and pluck it out. It would ease and hasten my passing."
+
+<p>But the archer could not bring himself to hasten the end, in spite of
+the faint entreaties of the dying man. Then, by a supreme effort,
+Dick Wyatt struggled to his feet and tore out the deadly shaft. A
+rush of dark blood followed, and, with a loud cry of "St. George for
+England!" the old man-at-arms fell dead.
+
+<p>The little garrison was now in sore straits. Of the original two
+score men nine were killed and twelve grievously wounded, and of the
+survivors only eleven were left to guard the roof of the Tower and
+eight to man the oylets and windows of the lower storeys.
+
+<p>At Raymond's suggestion the steel caps of the killed and wounded were
+shown above the walls to deceive the enemy as to the strength of the
+garrison. Then, leaving two men to keep a sharp look-out, the
+remainder of the worn and famished warriors descended into a lower
+room to partake of a hasty yet plentiful meal.
+
+<p>"I would we had a sack or two of quicklime," remarked Raymond to Will
+Lightfoot, who had charge of the defence of the lowermost storey. "We
+would then give them a warm welcome such as my father did at Hamble."
+
+<p>Will was evidently thinking.
+
+<p>"There is very little that will burn," he said at last reflectively.
+"They threw in some flaming wood, but, methinks, they had a good
+exchange&mdash;molten lead is not much to the taste of these rogues!"
+
+<p>"True, the Tower cannot be fired, but why didst thou mention it?"
+
+<p>"Because in the cellar are several bundles of straw and hay. I would
+counsel that we set them alight and hurl them on the scaling
+ladders!"
+
+<p>"By St. George! A good device!"
+
+<p>Once more the invaders renewed the assault, and this time ladders
+were brought against two opposite sides of the building. But, thanks
+to the trusses of flaming straw and hay, the attackers could not
+bring themselves to face the hazardous ascent.
+
+<p>Neither did the attack upon the door at the base of the Tower meet
+with better success, for the arrows of the besieged kept the
+battering-ram inactive, while those bolder than their fellows who
+attacked the door with axes found that, however accustomed they were
+to give or receive hard knocks, molten lead and boiling water were
+more than they could stand.
+
+<p>At length night drew on, and, save for an occasional arrow, the
+garrison were unmolested. Many of the French and Genoese, having had
+their fill of plunder, were busy removing their booty to the galleys.
+Others, mad with drink, paraded the streets uttering wild oaths and
+strange cries.
+
+<p>Those houses that had been plundered were set on fire, and, as
+darkness fell over the ill-fated town, the glare of fifty burning
+buildings illuminated the country for miles around, and served to
+lash the surviving inhabitants into a host of desperate and
+revengeful defenders of their country's shores.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter09"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER IX</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">ON THE HEELS OF THE ENEMY</h5>
+
+<p>
+ALTHOUGH the two bailiffs, Walter de Brakkeleye and Robert de la
+Barre, had remained disgracefully inactive within their defences, the
+men of Winchester, Romsey, and other neighbouring towns and villages
+were massing to aid the men of Southampton, and a large and
+well-appointed army had gathered at ready to wrest the pillaged town
+from the Bassett, ready to wrest the pillaged town from the invaders
+and drive them back to their ships.
+
+<p>Throughout the night the defenders of St. Barbara's Tower kept
+anxious vigil. Of the preparations for their relief they knew
+nothing. But hardly had the pale dawn begun to gather in the east
+than the foreigners were astir, taking steps to keep the galleys
+afloat on the now falling tide, as if they purposed embarking once
+more.
+
+<p>Then, with a crash and a roar, the sound of fighting was heard
+towards the centre of the town, and from their elevated position the
+sorry remnant of the defenders saw the lances of the English charge
+down the High Street, bearing all before them. In other quarters the
+invaders, entangled in the narrow streets, were cut off by swarms of
+the infuriated inhabitants, who, knowing the peculiarities of their
+town, moved with consummate ease, hurling down stones and shooting
+arrows from the houses upon their entrapped enemy.
+
+<p>And now, from the Castle and the West Gate and Catchcold Towers
+poured the liberated garrison, eager to avenge their disgrace. Many
+were the encounters between the Southampton men and their foes in
+this quarter of the town, till, driven back by weight of numbers, the
+enemy, who were mostly Genoese, returned slowly past St. Barbara's
+Tower, contesting every inch of ground.
+
+<p>The little band of defenders now occupied themselves by annoying the
+retreating Italians with well-directed arrows, while, all danger of
+an assault being at an end, the barricades behind the door were
+removed so that the garrison could sally out and join their friends.
+
+<p>Nearer and nearer came the sound of conflict, till Raymond and his
+comrades perceived the red-crossed surcoats of the Englishmen
+pressing back the discomfited Genoese. At length, unable to withstand
+the flanking fire of arrows, the enemy fled past out of bowshot of
+the Tower&mdash;all save one, whom Raymond recognised as the son of the
+King of Sicily. Burning to achieve a further deed of honour, Raymond
+threw open the door and rushed out to intercept the mailclad knight,
+who, with sweeping strokes of his sword, kept the men-at-arms at a
+respectful distance. But the lad was forestalled. A huge countryman,
+who had lost his all in the sack of the town, had crept behind the
+Prince, and, with a swinging blow of a massive club, smote the
+Italian behind the knees.
+
+<p>With a snarl of rage and pain the Prince fell to the ground, and,
+with a shout of triumph, his assailant stood over him with his club
+upraised to give the fatal blow. Finding further resistance
+impossible, the knight dropped his sword.
+
+<p>"<i>Je me rends!</i>" he exclaimed. "<i>Je vous donnerai rançon!</i>"
+
+<p>"Yea, I know thou art a Françon," thundered the Englishman,
+misunderstanding the Prince's appeal for mercy, "and therefore thou
+shalt die!" And, notwithstanding a warning shout from Raymond and
+several of the Englishmen, the club descended with tremendous force,
+and the Italian lay dead upon the ground.
+
+<p>"I'll trouble thee to mind thy own business, my master!" hissed the
+countryman, turning fiercely on Raymond.
+
+<p>"But he was a gentleman of quality. He surrendered to thee, and he
+was worth a heavy ransom!"
+
+<p>"Ransom, forsooth!" rejoined the man, in a frenzy. "What ransom can
+atone for a wife and five children slain? Speak not to me of ransom!"
+And, shouldering his club, the man rushed off in pursuit of the
+fugitives as they hastened towards the Water Gate.
+
+<p>Beaten back at every point, the invaders crowded on board their
+galleys, and during the embarkation the slaughter was greater; for,
+from the walls, as well as from the shore, a heavy fire of arrows was
+hailed upon them by the infuriated townsmen.
+
+<p>At length, with the exception of a few galleys that, caught by the
+falling tide, were burned and their crews slaughtered, the hostile
+ships withdrew, and, with a steady north-west breeze, bore away down
+Southampton Water, leaving behind them a half-burned and pillaged
+town&mdash;the terrible penalty of unpreparedness!
+
+<p>After the <i>mêlée</i> Raymond returned with the remnant of the
+Constable's detachment to the Tower they had held so well, and, to
+his surprise and delight, found his father awaiting him, though
+Redward hardly recognised his son. Stained with his own blood and the
+blood of the Genoese, covered with dust and grime from head to foot,
+Raymond looked a very different person from the gentle youth of three
+months back.
+
+<p>"By St. Edward of Netley!" exclaimed Redward, "wherever I go, whether
+Francewards or otherwise, thou shalt go too; for methinks there is as
+much danger in Merrie England as in the land of the Fleur-de-Lys!"
+
+<p>"But how camest thou here, father?" asked Raymond. "I thought thou
+wert at Lepe."
+
+<p>"Ah, lad! it was there I saw the foemen sail towards Southampton; so I
+rode hot-foot to Hythe.[1] There I took a boat&mdash;stole it, I fear&mdash;and
+tried to cross; but in the fog I nearly ran into the thick of the
+galleys. Then I knew I was too late; so back to the shore I rowed,
+and came round the head of the Water by land. 'Twas a long journey by
+Totton, and by the time I reached Millbrook it was daylight, and the
+men of Romsey were marching in upon the town."
+
+<p>By this time Raymond had washed his face and hands, and had brushed
+most of the grime from his clothes, having removed his white surcoat
+and breastplate.
+
+<p>"We have had a hot time, father. They pressed us hard. Fourteen men
+lie stretched upon the straw, and nine are dead. Poor old Dick Wyatt
+is no more."
+
+<p>"Heaven rest his soul!" exclaimed Redward, piously crossing himself.
+"He was a good and true comrade to me through thick and thin, and I
+trow 'tis hard to be stricken down almost within sight of home."
+
+<p>Together father and son ascended the winding stair that led to the
+upper rooms. There lay the wounded defenders, carefully tended by the
+Lady Audrey. As Raymond entered the room, she looked at him in a
+puzzled manner. Then, holding out her hand, she exclaimed:
+
+<p>"Why, 'tis my gallant preserver! And what a difference a clean face
+doth make ye are but a boy, and a handsome one at that!"
+
+<p>A deep flush overspread the youth's face. Redward, knowing nothing of
+the circumstances of her rescue, could but express his astonishment,
+and, leaving the pair engaged in eager talk, he ascended to the roof,
+where lay the bodies of Richard Wyatt and the other soldiers, each
+grim and stern in death.
+
+<p>From Will Lightfoot he learned most of the particulars of the
+defence, including his son's intrepid act of rescue.
+
+<p>"Ay! Buckland," said Will, "'tis not every archer who hath the good
+fortune to rescue a noble lady such as the Lady Audrey Scarsdale!"
+
+<p>"Scarsdale?" repeated Redward.
+
+<p>"Ay Scarsdale&mdash;daughter of Sir Reginald Scarsdale."
+
+<p>The master-bowman staggered as if struck by an invisible blow; then,
+recovering himself by an effort, asked Lightfoot if there were any
+tidings of Sir John Hacket.
+
+<p>Even Will Lightfoot could not fail to notice the change in Redward's
+appearance; but, putting it down to the fearful strain of the fight,
+suggested adjourning to partake of refreshment.
+
+<p>The task of laying to rest the bodies of their comrades was next
+proceeded with. Then Raymond, with two of his fellow-archers, entered
+the ill-fated house of the Lady Scarsdale, and removed the bodies of
+the three Genoese.
+
+<p>Placing the corpse of the Lady Hilda reverently on a bed, they locked
+up the house and gave the keys into the custody of the Sheriff, who,
+knowing the Scarsdale family, took the necessary steps to ensure a
+fitting burial of the knight's wife, while Lady Audrey was taken care
+of by some relatives who resided in another part of Hampshire.
+
+<p>Early the following morning Sir John Hacket, having assured himself
+that the enemy had made for the Channel and were not likely to return
+to raid some other coast town, rode into Southampton from Portsmouth,
+attended by his squires and a troop of lances and mounted archers.
+
+<p>Proudly, yet sadly, the stern old knight gazed upon the sorry remnant
+of the detachment he had left at Southampton but a week before.
+
+<p>"By St. George!" he exclaimed, "ye are a credit to me, and the one
+bright jewel in the sable field of incompetence and neglect! The King
+shall hear of your deeds! Ye see," he added aside to his squires,
+"what that ranter, Walter de Brakkeleye, and his co-bailiff, de la
+Barre, have done. Had they given more thought to the safe keeping of
+the town, instead of bickering, as Brakkeleye did with me respecting
+the jurisdiction of his bailiwick, not a house in Southampton would
+have been touched by foreign foemen, not one of the townsfolk harmed.
+Should the King think fit to hang them on the battlements 'twould be
+but their deserts!"
+
+<p>"And now," he continued, addressing the archers, "I will take care
+that bravery hath its reward. Another penny a day shall be added to
+your pay, and, as for Raymond Buckland, who, I am told, undertook the
+defence after my trusted Wyatt's death, from this time forth he shall
+be one of my squires! Let him but acquit himself as he hath done
+since he hath been in my company, and he will be on the road to win a
+pair of gilded spurs!"
+
+<p>
+[1] Not, of course, the well-known coast town in Kent, but the
+ancient villae of that name on the New Forest side of Southampton
+Water.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter10"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER X</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">FATHER AND SON SET OUT FOR HENNEBON</h5>
+
+<p>
+NEARLY four years have elapsed since the events recorded in the last
+chapter&mdash;years full of national interest. The naval battle of Sluy's
+had been fought and won, and for the time the English fleet ruled the
+Channel, so that scarce a French or Spanish vessel dared to show
+itself betwixt Ushant and Cape Grisnez.
+
+<p>After the siege of Tournay, a treaty had been concluded between King
+Edward III. and Philip of France, but the former was ever on the
+alert to seize a favourable opportunity of renewing hostilities, and
+late in 1341 an incident occurred that gave the King the excuse to
+prosecute the war once more&mdash;a step that led to the glorious victory
+at Creçy and the overrunning of nearly the whole of France by the
+victorious arms of England.
+
+<p>The Duchy of Brittany was disputed between John of Montfort and
+Charles of Blois, and, while the latter was pressing his claims at
+the French Court, Montfort, by force or intrigue, had acquired the
+fortresses of Rennes, Nantes, Brest, and Hennebon; and in order to
+obtain a powerful supporter he had journeyed to England and concluded
+an offensive and defensive alliance with King Edward, at the same
+time offering to do him homage for the Duchy of Brittany.
+
+<p>Keeping this treaty a deep secret, Montfort did not hesitate to
+return to Paris to defend his case, but realising that the French
+King did not favour him, and fearing violence at his hands, the Earl
+retired to Brittany and declared war against the Count of Blois.
+
+<p>Philip sent his son, the Duke of Normandy, with a powerful force to
+aid Charles of Blois, and Montfort, after sending urgent requests for
+assistance to the King of England, shut himself up in Nantes, which
+was immediately besieged by the French.
+
+<p>By the treachery of the inhabitants Nantes fell, and Montfort, taken
+prisoner, was hurried to Paris, where he was loaded with chains and
+thrown into a loathsome dungeon in the Louvre.
+
+<p>But, though low, the fortunes of the Montforts were destined to
+recover. The cause was taken up by the Countess Joan of Montfort, the
+heroic wife of the imprisoned Earl, and being loyally supported by
+the Bretons, she withdrew her forces to the town of Hennebon, where
+she awaited the onslaught of the French, trusting in the expected aid
+from England.
+
+<p><center>* * * * *</center>
+
+<p>But to return to Raymond Buckland and his adventures. As squire to
+Sir John Hacket, the Constable of the King's Castle of Portchester,
+he was now a member of the knight's household, spending the greater
+part of his time within the grey walls of the fortress.
+
+<p>Four years had made a great change in Raymond's appearance. He was
+now a youth of twenty, tall and well built. Thanks to his
+surroundings, he was skilled in the arts of warfare, and few could
+withstand him at the jousts and spear-runnings that were frequently
+held in the extensive grass-grown square that formed the outer bailey
+of the castle. Moreover, his monkish training admirably fitted him
+for the more clerkly duties that fell to him, and by his diligence,
+intelligence, and courage he was held in high esteem by the fiery old
+knight.
+
+<p>Redward, too, for his tried devotion and experience was made head
+master-bowman of the Constable's company, and, when occasion served,
+Sir John was not above asking his advice in the ordering of the
+castle and its defences.
+
+<p>But over Raymond hung a dark cloud of perplexity. The image of the
+fair Lady Audrey was ever present in his mind, and, encouraged by the
+Constable's prediction that in due course he might be entitled to
+wear the gilded spurs of knighthood, his hopes ran high of one day
+being in a position to win the maiden's heart and hand. But to his
+unbounded surprise, Raymond found that his father was tacitly opposed
+to this, his dearest wish. With difficulty Redward had been persuaded
+to allow the young squire to wait upon Sir Reginald Scarsdale, when
+that knight wished to thank him for his services. Any mention of the
+name of Scarsdale served to plunge the master-bow-man into moodiness
+and silence, and any question that the lad put to his sire on the
+subject was turned in a way that puzzled Raymond in no small degree.
+
+<p>One day an event happened that was to transfer the lad from the
+pleasant life of ease at the castle to a far more active and
+dangerous sphere.
+
+<p>How well Raymond remembered it in after years. That morning he and
+another squire had mounted the four-storeyed Norman keep, and from
+the battlements looked down upon the scene below. It was a striking
+picture; the keep stood at the north-west-angle of the huge fortified
+enclosure. Immediately beneath the east and south faces of the donjon
+lay the inner bailey. In the far corner of the outer bailey stood the
+church, and close by was the water-gate, at which lay the Constable's
+state barge. Away to the south stretched the wide expanse of
+Portsmouth Harbour, its waters dotted with the sails of highsided
+cogs and other merchant vessels, as they threaded their way up the
+sinuous deep-water channels that led to the castle.
+
+<p>Immediately opposite the water-gate was the landport, or gateway
+giving access to the castle from the land. The lads could follow the
+line of the dusty road as it passed through the little village, swept
+round the head of the harbour, and eventually was lost in the
+distance as it ran towards the City of London.
+
+<p>"Look, Raymond," exclaimed his companion, a Hampshire lad named
+Oswald Mant. "A horseman approaches, and, my faith, he does not spare
+his steed!"
+
+<p>"'Tis not one of the company?"
+
+<p>"Nay, look at the livery&mdash;murrey slashed with green&mdash;he is of the
+household of Sir John Chandos."
+
+<p>"Then something of importance hath taken place. I would 'twere good
+tidings from France!"
+
+<p>Leaving a dense white cloud of chalky dust behind him, the messenger
+clattered down the road, pulled up for a moment at the outer gateway
+to reply to the challenge of the guard, then spurred madly across the
+courtyard to the foot of the steps leading to the keep. Here a page
+ran forward to hold his horse, and, throwing himself wearily from the
+saddle, the rider staggered up the steps and disappeared under a low
+archway that gave access to the Constable's quarters.
+
+<p>An hour passed ere the messenger reappeared, and, after draining a
+cup of wine, he remounted and spurred his horse on his homeward
+journey.
+
+<p>While the two squires were debating over the matter, a page sought
+them, summoning Raymond to instantly repair to Sir John's apartment.
+
+<p>With beating heart, as if anticipating some good fortune, Raymond
+followed the page, and was ushered into the Constable's presence,
+where he found that Redward was already before him. It was a long,
+narrow room, lighted with lancet windows and hung with rich arras. At
+one end was a heavy table littered with papers and plans, and, for
+the nonce, unmindful of the dignity of his position, Sir John was
+sitting on its edge, swinging one leg, with the air of a man who is
+occupied by a perplexing problem.
+
+<p>Directly the page had retired, the Constable signed to Redward to
+draw a thick hanging over the door.
+
+<p>"Raymond," quoth he, "the King hath done us a signal honour. A
+messenger hath arrived with orders for me to send a trusty squire to
+the Countess of Montfort, who, as ye know, is beleaguere in Hennebon.
+'Twill be a grave and hazardous task, yet withal one of great honour.
+To my mind, I cannot name a more promising messenger than thee. Art
+willing to take the risk?"
+
+<p>"To have a chance to distinguish myself in the King's service is my
+ardent desire, sir!"
+
+<p>"'Tis well. Now listen. Hennebon is on the sea coast of Brittany,
+betwixt the great River Loire and the town of Brest. As the foemen
+lie thick around it, and have also, I doubt not, a strong
+water-guard, 'tis a matter of stratagem rather than open work. But,
+in any case, this packet must be delivered into the hands of the
+Countess at all costs&mdash;at all costs, I repeat. I give thee a free
+hand in the matter. Take what men thou dost deem fit&mdash;though,
+methinks, the smaller the party the more chance of success."
+
+<p>"Methinks my father will be sufficient company for me, sir."
+
+<p>"Ah! as I thought. Thou hast chosen wisely. Now take this map and
+mark it well&mdash;'tis by the hand of the King's own guide&mdash;and get you
+gone to prepare for thy journey, for to-morrow morn a stout little
+craft will lie off the water-gate ready to bear thee over the sea."
+
+<p>Overjoyed at the prospects of such an adventure Raymond withdrew, and
+consulted with his father on the best means of getting through the
+cordon that was drawn round the beleaguered town.
+
+<p>As night drew on, father and son repaired to the little church within
+the walls, and for seven long hours kept an earnest vigil before the
+altar, praying fervently for the success of their enterprise, and
+invoking the protection of their patron saints against the perils of
+land and sea. Then, as daylight dawned, they arose, weary and stiff,
+to partake of food and drink ere embarking.
+
+<p>Tidings of their mission had already spread throughout the garrison
+of the castle, and when, accompanied by the Constable himself, the
+two travellers made their way to the water-gate, a large concourse of
+soldiers and members of the household flocked behind them to cheer
+them on their way and to wish them God-speed.
+
+<p>Riding easily at her hempen cable, on the first of the ebb tide, lay
+the staunch vessel that was to carry them across the Channel. On her
+stern were engraved the words <i>Les Trois Frères de Guernesey</i>,
+showing her to be one of the Channel Islands boats, whose crew, brave
+and hardy fishermen, were the best pilots obtainable.
+
+<p>They were, in fact, the only vessels that in those days were capable
+of making any pretence of sailing into the wind, and even then only,
+in nautical language, "full and bye." The usual type of ships, with
+their huge square sail, could only run before the breeze.
+
+<p>The skiff of <i>Les Trois Frères</i> was waiting at the little Hard, and
+the farewells were quickly said. The precious despatch was sewn in
+the hem of Raymond's jerkin, and once again the stern old knight
+impressed upon his squire the necessity of the utmost caution. Then
+he extended his hand to the lad.
+
+<p>"God be with thee, and bring thee safely home again. I would be loth
+to lose so promising a lad!" exclaimed Sir John.
+
+<p>"Thanks for thy good wishes, fair sir," replied Raymond. "And should
+I not return," he added, with a faint catch in his voice which, in
+spite of his stout heart, he was unable to conceal, "I pray you send
+this packet to the lady whose superscription appears hereon." And,
+thrusting into the knight's hand a bulky missive, Raymond turned
+quickly on his heel, to hide his rising colour, and stepped into the
+skiff.
+
+<p>The Constable watched the Guernsey bark hoist her sails, and waited
+till she was well on her way down towards the harbour's mouth; then
+he returned slowly towards his quarters.
+
+<p>Glancing at the packet, he deciphered with difficulty the
+superscription, written in a scrawling hand: "To ye richt
+worshippefulle Ladye Audrey Scarsdale."
+
+<p>"Heaven bless the lad," he mused. "Certes I am of a mind to forward
+this missive whether he returns or not!"
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter11"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XI</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">THE CHIRURGEON OF LÉGUÉ</h5>
+
+<p>
+WITH a powerful following wind, <i>Les Trois Frères</i> made a rapid
+passage down the harbour, and, before Raymond fully realised the
+fact, the little vessel was lifting to the gentle heave of the
+Channel.
+
+<p>By midday the chalk cliffs of the Isle of Wight were all that was
+visible of the shores of England, and, though a careful watch was
+kept for hostile ships, not a sail was to be seen on the wide expanse
+of water.
+
+<p>The master, Pierre de la Corbière, was a huge-limbed, swarthy
+Guernseyman, who spoke in a guttural patois that was almost
+unintelligible to the young squire, though Redward, to whom most of
+the dialects of France were familiar, could make himself understood
+with comparative ease.
+
+<p>Nine men and a boy composed the crew, a large one for so small a
+craft; but the perils of war, added to the dangers of the sea, were a
+sufficient excuse for their numbers. Each man, picturesquely clothed
+and wearing silver earrings, was a trained pilot, and most of them
+had served in that capacity on board the ships that had on past
+occasions taken the King and his troops to France and Flanders. All
+of them carried short daggers or knives in their belts, while a large
+chest, lashed to ringbolts in the deck, contained a good supply of
+swords and axes.
+
+<p>"If this wind lasts," remarked the master, "we shall sight Cap de la
+Hogue within a couple of hours. Whither would ye land, good sir?"
+
+<p>"Nay, I know not," replied Redward. "And, moreover, I care not, so
+long as it be not too close to the town."
+
+<p>"There are the ports of Quimper, Doualan, Auray, and Morbihan," said
+Pierre, counting them on his fingers. "All of easy distance from
+Hennebon&mdash;though, perchance, we may receive a rough handling when we
+arrive. Ma foi! And the passage of the Chenal du Four 'Twould be
+quicker and safer to run into St. Brieuc."
+
+<p>"St. Brieuc!" exclaimed Redward, referring to a very rough plan.
+"Why, 'tis at least twenty leagues from the town to which we
+journey."
+
+<p>"Twenty leagues by land, as ye say," replied the Guernseyman
+doggedly. "But if 'tis a question of time, commend me to St. Brieuc,
+for if we lose the wind or have a contrary wind off Ushant, it may
+mean a week's buffeting in the Chenal du Four, with a score of reefs
+and unseen rocks on each side of us."
+
+<p>"As ye will, then," assented Redward; and he moved away to tell
+Raymond of the alteration of their plans.
+
+<p>But the young squire was in no fit mood to be informed. The long,
+swinging motion and the heat of the sun had done their work, and he
+lay prone on the deck in the miseries of sea-sickness. Knowing that
+any attempt at consolation would only aggravate the malady, the
+master-bowman turned away, and, leaning against the low bulwarks,
+gazed intently towards the still invisible French coast.
+
+<p>Late in the afternoon the grey cliffs of La Hogue and the dark
+outline of the Isle of Aurigny were sighted; but just before sundown
+the wind died utterly away, leaving the little craft wallowing
+heavily in the long swell, her sail flapping idly against the mast.
+
+<p>The sky, hitherto clear and cloudless, was now overcast, and away
+towards the southward a succession of flashes of lightning betokened
+an approaching storm.
+
+<p>Even Pierre de la Corbière, bold fisherman as he was, looked anxious,
+for the vessel was now beginning to feel the influence of the
+dreadful Race of Alderney, and, with a lack of wind and a dark night
+to boot, the terrors of the Race were considerably magnified.
+
+<p>About midnight they were in the thick of it. A slight breeze had
+sprung up, but barely sufficient to give the boat steerage-way. All
+around were tremendous broken waves, and, although Pierre stood
+gripping the tiller in an endeavour to avoid the heaviest breakers,
+the boat was urged onwards through the Race at the rate that a horse
+would trot, her mast threatening to snap under the irregular action
+of the vicious cross seas.
+
+<p>Throughout the tumult Raymond lay like a log, utterly unmindful of
+the danger, his illness having completely overcome him. His father
+took the precaution to lash him to the mast, and throughout that
+fearful night Redward remained by his side, making endless vows to
+the saints, which he heartily meant to fulfil should they ever again
+reach dry land.
+
+<p>Fortunately the threatened storm passed away, and as daylight broke
+<i>Les Trois Frères</i> was beyond the influence of the Race, Guernsey and
+its attendant islands, Sark and Herm, being plainly visible.
+
+<p>With a skill acquired by long years of experience, the Guernseyman
+steered his craft between the islands, taking advantage of every
+current that would help to bear them south, and, before the sun was
+high, the Island of Jersey was abeam. The waters, too, were dotted
+with the sails of fishing boats, forming a pleasing contrast to the
+dreary waste of water they had traversed on the previous day.
+
+<p>Worn out and faint from the effect of his long fast, Raymond sat up
+and looked around, as if unable to bring himself to recall his
+surroundings; but after a scanty meal of dry bread and water, he felt
+the giddiness leave him, and with an effort he stood on his feet,
+gripping his father tightly for fear of falling.
+
+<p>"Where are we?" he asked dejectedly.
+
+<p>"Nearly there," replied Redward. "A sailorman thou'lt be some day,
+but beshrew me if thou lookest like one now! An hour ashore will make
+all the difference; but rest awhile, my son, for there's work enow
+ere long for both of us."
+
+<p>Late in the afternoon <i>Les Trois Frères</i> entered St. Brieuc Bay, the
+high ground showing up distinctly, while far away they could discern
+the lofty Bretagne hills, that lay between them and their
+destination; and, just as the sun was sinking low behind the Brittany
+coast, the little craft brought up under the shadow of the gloomy
+castle of Cesson.
+
+<p>Redward and the master conferred long and anxiously on the subject of
+how to gain the shore without observation, but at length a light
+dawned upon the dull mind of the Guernseyman.
+
+<p>"Thou hast said well," he remarked. "Of a truth we cannot make sure
+whether they of St. Brieuc are for the Countess of Montfort or
+against her. And none of us wishes to put his head into the wolf's
+mouth. But I know of a man&mdash;a foster-brother of mine&mdash;at whose house
+ye could stay until the way is clear for ye to journey across
+country. He dwells at Légué, but a mile from St. Brieuc, and I will
+go ashore and converse with him."
+
+<p>Silently and in the now black night the little skiff was lowered, and
+Pierre de la Corbière was rowed ashore by two of his men.
+
+<p>For nearly two hours Redward and the young squire remained on board,
+anxiously listening for the sound of oars, till at length the little
+boat shot noiselessly alongside, and the master sprang upon the deck.
+
+<p>"'Tis easily done, though they of Blois hold the town," he exclaimed
+breathlessly. "Raoul de Rohein, of whom I spoke, is willing to
+receive you, for which service he demands five sols. He is a barber
+and chirurgeon, and lives in the Rue Mortbec. Hasten, ere it be
+light, for we must leave on top o' the tide."
+
+<p>Once more the skiff, deeply laden, started for the shore. Raymond, in
+his light armour, had discarded his surcoat with the conspicuous
+cross of St. George, Redward in his harness could hardly be
+distinguished from a Breton, and could rely upon his knowledge of the
+French tongue to pass for a Gascon, or a Burgundian, as occasion
+served. With them went Pierre de la Corbiere and a sailor, both of
+whom rowed while the squire and his father sat in the stern-sheets.
+
+<p>Half-an-hour's steady pulling and the skiff grounded on the sandy
+shore. Silently the three disembarked, leaving the seaman to look
+after the boat, and quickly they made their way towards the house of
+refuge.
+
+<p>Suddenly the master stopped. "<i>Mon Dieu</i>," he exclaimed, "<i>c'est les
+gardes!</i>"
+
+<p>Coming straight towards them was a body of halberdiers, accompanied
+by an officer. Retreat, without arousing suspicion, was impossible;
+but in a few words the ever-resourceful Redward had devised a plan.
+Raymond lay down in the road, his father lifted him by the shoulders
+while Pierre took him by the feet, and, staggering under their heavy
+burden, they advanced to meet the watch.
+
+<p>"<i>Halte! Qui v'la?</i>" demanded the officer, flashing a lantern upon
+the trio.
+
+<p>"'Tis le Sieur d'Erqui, Monsieur," replied the Guernseyman, speaking
+in a patois which is common between the Bretons and the Channel
+Islanders. "He has been roystering and brawling, and has been sore
+hurt."
+
+<p>"One cannot put old heads on young shoulders," remarked the officer,
+with a deprecating shrug. "What folly hash he been at?"
+
+<p>"I cannot say, monsieur."
+
+<p>"Eh, bien! All the wine-shops will have the tale to-morrow! <i>En
+avant, mes enfants!</i>" he added to his men, and to the great relief of
+Raymond and his companions the watch shouldered their halberts and
+moved on towards St. Brieuc.
+
+<p>"A narrow escape," exclaimed Pierre, crossing himself. "If we were
+discovered, three against seven would be long odds."
+
+<p>"I've been in a worse fix before to-day," replied Redward sturdily.
+"And we could have taken them by surprise."
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, fighting is not in my line&mdash;on land, at least&mdash;and I
+am thankful it did not come to blows."
+
+<p>At length they arrived at a narrow street, where storeys of the
+houses projected beyond those below, till the uppermost ones appeared
+almost to meet, shutting out even the dim gloom of the now
+starlit-sky.
+
+<p>With the air of a man who feels certain of his ground Pierre strode
+rapidly ahead, the others following closely at his heels. Presently
+he stopped outside a house, and drawing his dagger, struck lightly
+upon the door with the hilt. After a few seconds' delay they heard
+the sound of some one moving within, and the door was carefully
+unbarred and thrown open.
+
+<p>Pierre whispered a few words to the occupant, then, bidding his
+former passengers farewell, he turned on his heel and walked swiftly
+and silently towards the shore.
+
+<p>The Englishmen followed their host into a low, ill-lighted room, and
+for the first time they were able to see what manner of man he was.
+
+<p>A misshapen, undersized body, surmounted by a lean, yellow-skinned
+face, and furnished with a pair of long arms, the hands of which,
+shaking as if with ague, resembled the claws of a bird, formed the
+outward appearance of the barber and chirurgeon of Légué; and Raymond
+could not repress a shudder as he gazed upon this caricature of a
+human being.
+
+<p>"Ye are for Hennebon?" he asked in a quavering tone, rolling his
+lustreless eyes from one to the other.
+
+<p>"Ay," replied Redward, "but how, by Saint Gregoire of Brittany, didst
+thou know?"
+
+<p>"The shipman, my foster-brother, hath told me. But the money, the
+money?" he added, opening his withered hand.
+
+<p>"A curse on the shipman," growled Redward to himself, "his tongue
+will be our undoing. Here, take this," he added, counting out a sum
+of money equivalent to the five sols demanded. "Canst furnish us with
+a horse apiece?"
+
+<p>Ignoring the question, the barber counted the pieces, putting each
+coin between his toothless gums, as if doubtful of their quality.
+
+<p>"Didst hear me&mdash;respecting the use of two horses?" demanded Redward
+sternly.
+
+<p>"Yea, noble master," replied the barber. "But there are none to be
+had."
+
+<p>"None?"
+
+<p>"None! They have all been seized by those of Blois till the affair is
+over. Therefore, by necessity, ye must go afoot&mdash;and the roads are
+very unsafe for travellers at present, especially Englishmen bound
+for Hennebon!"
+
+<p>"A pest on your words! What would ye have us do?"
+
+<p>The old man advanced a step, peering with his bleared eyes into the
+face of the master-bowman.
+
+<p>"For money there is much to be had!" he croaked, a sardonic smile
+overspreading his withered face, while his long fingers clawed
+invisible heaps of gold.
+
+<p>"Out on thee for an arrant cheat! Give thy plan and name the price."
+
+<p>Slowly and deliberately, his voice hardly above a whisper, the Breton
+replied: "Did it ever occur to thy noble self that the dress of a
+leper would make the best protection?"
+
+<p>Redward recoiled, in spite of his hardened nerves, for sufferers from
+that loathsome and incurable disease were far from rare in Western
+Europe in those days. In France they were compelled by law to wear
+long grey gowns and hoods, and to carry a "barillet," or rattle, to
+give due warning of their approach. Under severe penalties they were
+forbidden to remain in the larger cities and towns, or to beg or use
+their rattle for the purpose of exciting pity. Thus it was common to
+see them wandering over the countryside in pairs, their approach
+being the signal for other wayfarers to pass them at a safe
+distance.[1]
+
+<p>"But the dress?" asked Redward.
+
+<p>"That is easily to be had. I have a stock of them in this house. And
+the price&mdash;&mdash;"
+
+<p>"They have not been used?" interrupted the master-bowman anxiously.
+
+<p>"Certainly not, monsieur," replied the barber, with a hideous leer.
+"'Twould be impossible. But the price I ask&mdash;and they be of good
+quality&mdash;is but one livre, five sols&mdash;quite a small sum for a wealthy
+gentleman like monsieur!"
+
+<p>At that moment a loud rapping was heard. The squire and his father
+sprang up, and, suspecting danger, their hands flew to their
+sword-hilts.
+
+<p>With a motion of his hand, their host indicated that they should hide
+behind a heavy curtain; then, taking a torch from its socket, he made
+towards the door.
+
+<p>After considerable parleying the nocturnal visitor was admitted, and,
+through a small hole in the mouldy curtain, Redward could see him
+without risk. That he was a man of quality was apparent by the long
+furred gown he wore; and further, by the length of the garment and
+its rich violet colour, and the mortier or silk cap, ornamented with
+Valenciennes lace, worn instead of the hat affected by the bourgeois,
+his rank was of importance.
+
+<p>"Art thou Raoul de Rohein, the chirurgeon?" he asked, in a lisping
+voice, flourishing a musk-perfumed handkerchief as if to ward off the
+hideous shape before him.
+
+<p>"At thy service, my lord&mdash;barber, chirurgeon, apothecary, having been
+duly examined and licensed by the great John Pitart, surgeon of the
+Châtelet of Paris."
+
+<p>"'Tis well! I am the Sieur d'Erqui, and I am bound for the army of
+Charles of Blois, that lieth before Hennebon. In camps one has always
+the fear of plague. Therefore, believing that forewarned is
+forearmed, I come to thee for a remedy or, rather, a
+preventative&mdash;'gainst the fell disorder."
+
+<p>"I have the very thing, monsieur! But five sols nine deniers the
+box&mdash;the nine deniers being devoted to the funds of the hospital of
+St. Brieuc, <i>bien entendu!</i> By the holy St. Mark, the very thing! A
+mixture of sulphur, viper's cake, powder of pearls, confection of
+hyacinth, and an extract of the juice of <i>scorsonera</i>, all prepared
+according to the recipe of the learned John Pitart, and made into
+tablets covered with gold foil. One drachm three times a week, in the
+morning, is the dose, monsieur, and if exposed to the infection two
+drachms before going to bed!"
+
+<p>"And is that all?" inquired the Sieur anxiously, as if the presence
+of the barber was a presage of the plague.
+
+<p>"Nay, of thine own ordering there is much to be done. I perceive that
+monsieur carries the perfume of musk about with him. That is wrong.
+Instead, let him take a citron pricked with cloves. Never walk out
+fasting, neither drink wine immoderately; and, in the case of
+immediate danger, take a little theriaque; and I'll warrant Erqui
+will welcome its Sieur home in due course. And the fee, monsieur, is,
+as I said, seven sols nine deniers."
+
+<p>"But now thou didst ask five sols and nine deniers!"
+
+<p>"Two sols in addition for the advice&mdash;excellent advice, monsieur.
+<i>Merci, monsieur, et bon voyage!</i>"
+
+<p>The Sieur had gone, and Raymond and his father came from their
+hiding-place. Redward explained to his son, in a few words, the
+nature of their disguise. Once again the talon-like hand of the
+miserly Raoul closed over the money, and away he went to look for the
+required garments.
+
+<p>In a few moments he returned. The Englishmen donned the repulsive
+insignia of the leper, and took the barillets in their hands. The
+barber again unfastened the door and listened intently for any sound.
+There was none.
+
+<p>"Take the road through the village; it leads to Pontivy. There,
+perchance, ye may find horses. Fare ye well!"
+
+<p>And, passing out into the darkness of the night, the Englishmen began
+their long journey afoot, stealing silently through the almost
+deserted streets towards the frowning hills of Brittany.
+
+<p>
+[1] It was not until thirty years later that the hospitals of St.
+Lazare and St. Germain were founded in Paris for the relief of these
+unfortunate sufferers. On systematic steps being taken to deal with
+the malady, the number of its victims quickly diminished; till the
+scourge was practically wiped out.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter12"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XII</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">THE JOURNEY PERILOUS</h5>
+
+<p>
+LONG before the grey morn began to dawn Redward and his son had
+covered a couple of leagues, and were at the foot of a long range of
+hills. Slowly they began the ascent, and, ere the summit was reached,
+the light was sufficient for them to see their grotesque and horrible
+garb.
+
+<p>"A safe disguise," exclaimed Raymond, "yet right glad will I be when
+we can doff these garments."
+
+<p>"A safe disguise enough, should the barber not play us false,"
+replied his father. "I liked not his looks, though I trow he is in
+no ways to blame for the cut of his face."
+
+<p>"But dost think that he will play us false?"
+
+<p>"'Tis not unlikely; so the more leagues we place between us and St.
+Brieuc the better. Canst get at thy sword-hilt?"
+
+<p>"Not easily. Wherefore dost thou ask?"
+
+<p>"Danger might come apace and at any time. See, I have cut a slit in
+my gown so that I can grasp my sword without delay. I pray thee do
+likewise."
+
+<p>On the brow of the first hill was a long farmstead, sheltered more or
+less by a clump of stunted pinetrees. Behind the house was an
+orchard, its branches laden with fruit, while amongst the trees were
+several cows, their heads tethered to their forefeet, after the
+manner of those parts, so that the animals could not tear down the
+branches of the fruit-trees.
+
+<p>"A sight to gladden the eyes of an old campaigner!" exclaimed the
+master-bowman, and, taking his steel cap from beneath his cowl, he
+stole cautiously towards the cattle, Raymond waiting behind a
+sheltering tree.
+
+<p>With the deftness born of old experience Redward did his work, and
+soon returned with his casque filled to the brim with warm milk.
+Having drunk their fill, the travellers helped themselves to a
+bounteous supply of fruit, and proceeded on their way, the fruit,
+together with some dry bread they had brought with them, making a
+passable breakfast.
+
+<p>At the bottom of the hill they entered a small village. Although
+still early, most of the inhabitants were astir, and the Englishmen
+had their first experience of the efficacy of their disguise. For
+directly they rattled their barillets the villagers ran hither and
+thither to avoid the supposed sufferers, save a horseman and an old
+woman. The former passed them at a distance of a few paces, throwing
+them a couple of deniers. With his usual presence of mind Redward
+stooped, picked up the coins, and louted to the donor. The woman
+threw them a rusk loaf, and this was caught and quickly concealed
+beneath the sheltering cloaks.
+
+<p>Once clear of the village they mended their pace, and, with the
+exception of a pair of shepherds, and a peasant clattering along in
+his heavy sabots, not a soul did they meet till close on midday, when
+the travellers arrived at a cross-road, where the monotony of the
+outlook was broken by four avenues of trees.
+
+<p>"I would fain have rested here awhile," exclaimed Redward. "But with
+that for company methinks we shall do better if we get about a
+bow-shot further on!"
+
+<p>"A corpse?"
+
+<p>"Ay, lad; a malefactor hanged close to the scene of his crime. See,
+already the crows have begun their work."
+
+<p>With averted heads the twain passed the gallows; but on giving a
+glance down the cross-road they saw a sight that filled them with
+misgiving, for plodding wearily along were two figures dressed like
+themselves!
+
+<p>"Lepers, indeed!" exclaimed Redward. "My faith, they would bear us
+company."
+
+<p>Waving their arms to attract and arrest their supposed
+fellow-sufferers, the two grey-robed men quickened their pace, but,
+directly the Englishmen had gained the cover of the tree-lined road,
+they, too, hastened to avoid being overtaken, so that by the time the
+lepers had turned the corner, Raymond and his father were some
+distance ahead.
+
+<p>"We more than hold our own," quoth Redward, glancing over his
+shoulder. "Directly we shake them off we'll have a well-earned rest."
+
+<p>It was as he said. The well-knit frames of the Englishmen were vastly
+superior to the diseased bodies of the lepers, and long before the
+bottom of the hill was reached their two pursuers were but dimly
+visible on the dusty road.
+
+<p>Once again the road led upwards. Not a village was to be seen, only a
+vast undulating plain, unbroken except for an occasional clump of
+trees, while in the distance the blue outlines of a lofty range of
+hills showed that some stiff climbing would be necessary ere Hennebon
+was in sight.
+
+<p>An hour later and they had all but gained the ridge of the next hill.
+By the roadside was a heather-covered bank, while between a mass of
+rocks a spring gushed forth, the water making a pleasant sound in the
+ears of the weary travellers.
+
+<p>Father and son drank at the spring, then clambering over the bank,
+lay down on the springy heather, where, without being seen, they
+could command the road for nearly a league.
+
+<p>"'Tis quite evident that we can outpace those poor wretches," said
+Raymond, stretching out his limbs to their fullest extent in
+appreciation of his natural bed. "Here we can rest in comfort till
+they draw nigh; then, refreshed, we can hasten onwards once more."
+
+<p>For nearly an hour they remained, sleep all but claiming them. Not a
+word was spoken, though Redward gave an occasional grunt as he raised
+himself on his elbow at intervals to watch the advancing lepers.
+
+<p>The heat, too, was terrific, the sun beating down with fierce
+violence on their unprotected resting-place.
+
+<p>Suddenly Raymond raised himself and looked along the road they had
+just traversed. There were the two grey-robed figures moving slowly
+up the hill, but away in the distance the sun glittered upon a
+swiftly-moving mass of steel, followed by a thick cloud of dust.
+
+<p>"Soldiers!" he exclaimed.
+
+<p>Redward raised himself. "I like it not," he exclaimed. "They are
+following us. That rogue of a barber hath betrayed us. Lie low,
+Raymond, and let them pass; I perceive 'twill mean a journey by night
+for us."
+
+<p>Stretching side by side, and concealing their hoods with sprays of
+heather, father and son waited and watched. The two lepers were
+within two hundred paces ere they heard the thunder of the horses'
+hoofs behind them. With a cry of terror one of the twain turned and
+fled; the other, ignorant of the intentions of the pursuing horsemen,
+held his ground, flourishing his rattle with the vigour that danger
+bestowed upon him.
+
+<p>Like a flash the foremost soldier was upon him; a back-handed sweeping
+cut with his sword and the grey-robed figure was dashed to the earth,
+and ere his companion had come level with the spot where the
+Englishmen were concealed, he was transfixed by a lance-thrust and
+was trampled beneath the horses' hoofs.
+
+<p>With wild cries of exultation the troop of horsemen reined in their
+steeds and surveyed the result of their fell work.
+
+<p>"Quickly, Geoffroi! Strip those cloaks from the bodies of these
+accursed English and search them for concealed papers," ordered their
+leader. "By St. Denis, 'tis a smart piece of work, though I little
+thought the rogues would have died so tamely!"
+
+<p>The soldier addressed dismounted, handed his still reeking lance to a
+comrade, and bent over the corpse of the man he had slain. With a
+quick motion he tore aside the robe. But the next instant, uttering a
+shriek of terror, he jumped backwards, covering his eyes with his
+hands as if to ward off a blow.
+
+<p>"<i>Mon Dieu!</i>" exclaimed the captain, craning over the neck of his
+charger. "What have we done? They are in truth real lepers! Dolt of a
+barber! A curse upon Raoul de Rohein! He hath deceived us! Is it the
+same with the other?"
+
+<p>The first victim had fallen on his back, and his hood, stained with
+his blood, had slipped from off his head, disclosing the repulsive
+disease-eaten features of a man whose malady was far advanced.
+
+<p>"Stand back, all of you!" shouted the captain, beside himself with
+rage and mortification. "Stand back! Do thou, Jehan, cast thy sword
+and its sheath from thee lest thou die! And do thou, Geoffroi, ride
+fifty paces behind us, and hold communication with no man till the
+law respecting contagion is complied with. Now back to the town with
+all speed, <i>mes enfants</i>, for I have an account to settle with Maitre
+Raoul! What will they say of us when they hear we have vanquished
+nought but a pair of lepers?"
+
+<p>The troop galloped away down the dusty road towards St. Brieuc, the
+unfortunate soldier following in the rear, his face ashen with terror
+at the thought of the loathsome death he had courted, while two
+mottled grey corpses, a discarded sword, and the imprints of the
+hoofs of the cavalry alone remained to mark the scene of so swift and
+terrible a tragedy.
+
+<p>Shuddering at the thought of their narrow escape, Raymond and his
+father rose, and with averted faces, left behind them the bodies of
+the ill-fated men, and pursued their journey. Not till they were two
+leagues from the spot did they halt; then, selecting a secluded
+coppice, they threw themselves on the ground and were soon deep in
+dreamless slumber.
+
+<p>The sun had set and the stars were beginning to twinkle in the
+darkening sky ere the travellers awoke stiff and cramped with lying
+on the bare earth; but stern duty urged them onwards, and with
+swinging stride they resumed their way.
+
+<p>Along the deserted highway, past the slumbering village of Ploeue
+they jogged, too discomforted and weary even to engage in
+conversation.
+
+<p>About two hours after midnight they were startled by hearing the
+sound of horsemen behind them. Without hesitation Redward sprang to
+the side of the road, dragging the squire with him; then kneeling
+down and placing his ear to the ground he listened intently.
+
+<p>"'Tis but a pair of horsemen," he whispered. "See to thy sword, for
+there will be work afoot for us!"
+
+<p>The riders had now slackened down to a slow trot, and by their
+conversation the Englishmen recognised that one of them was an old
+acquaintance&mdash;none other than the Sieur d'Erqui.
+
+<p>"Once have we met him, and once at least hath he done us a service,"
+muttered the bowman in a low tone. "Methinks yet another service will
+he render us. Now, follow me!"
+
+<p>Giving a tremendous salute with his rattle, Redward, with Raymond
+close at his heels, sprang into the road and barred the Sieur's way.
+Taken aback, his face livid with superstitious fear, d'Erqui reined
+in his steed, while his companion, evidently a retainer, did
+likewise.
+
+<p>"Dismount, monsieur, lest I lay hands on thee and thou diest a
+horrible death," exclaimed Redward in a sepulchral voice, relying on
+the cowardice of the foppish Frenchman to gain his end.
+
+<p>Without a word the Sieur leapt, or, rather, rolled, from the saddle
+and cowered down in the darkness by the roadside. Seizing the horse's
+bridle by the left hand, the soldier advanced towards the other
+horseman.
+
+<p>Made of sterner stuff, the latter had recovered from the first
+surprise, and, perceiving that he had no supernatural foes to deal
+with, he drew his sword and rode towards his challenger. Avoiding
+with ease a terrific sweep of the heavy weapon, Redward returned the
+blow without effect, but, ere the man could shorten his sword, the
+young squire rushed in, seized him round the waist and hurled him
+from the saddle to the ground, where he had enough reason to remain
+quiet.
+
+<p>It was the work of a moment for the Englishmen to mount the captured
+steeds, then, giving a parting salute to the discomforted Sieur, they
+pricked the horses with the points of their weapons, and urged them
+into a brisk canter.
+
+<p>"Bravely done, Raymond," exclaimed his father. "It will fare ill with
+us now if Hennebon sees us not by to-morrow's dawn!"
+
+<p>"But how can we ride in this disguise?" asked Raymond. "It is not the
+custom for lepers to go about on horseback."
+
+<p>"There is a good two hours ere daybreak, and by that time, I trow, we
+shall be at least five leagues from here. Then, I hope, the saints
+being with us, that thou wilt be the Sieur d'Erqui, and I his man!"
+
+<p>"The Sieur d'Erqui?"
+
+<p>"Yea, and why not? Thou hast played the part of the Sieur before to
+good purpose, and why not now? But, oh for a plentiful repast! Dry
+bread and apples are but a sorry meal when one is used to English
+beef!"
+
+<p>Maintaining a hot pace the travellers rode through the night; then
+just as day was breaking they halted, watered their horses, and,
+after hobbling them, turned them out to graze. They then divested
+themselves of their hideous cloaks and hoods, rolled the garments
+into a small compass, and resumed the rôle of soldiers.
+
+<p>About eight o'clock they arrived at the village of Pontivy, and
+reining-in at the inn, Redward dismounted and strode up to mine host,
+who saw in every armed man a spoiler, whether he were for Montfort or
+for Blois.
+
+<p>"Hark ye, garçon!" exclaimed the master-bowman, "thy best food and
+wine in plenty, and provender for our horses! And, as thou valuest
+thy hide, say not one word to my master, the worthy Sieur d'Erqui,
+for he is in a bad mood, and woe betide the man who addresses him!"
+
+<p>Their steeds were led away, and Raymond and his father were shown
+into the largest room of the inn, while the waiting-maids, urged by
+the host, bustled about preparing the meal.
+
+<p>Raymond did not belie the character his father had given him as the
+Sieur, but his reticence was due to bodily fatigue. For, while
+awaiting the meal, fitful sleep claimed him, but it was only to
+awaken with a start as his head fell forward on his chest.
+
+<p>Never was a repast better enjoyed, and never was the desire to sleep
+so irresistible, but Redward, though weary himself, was inexorable.
+
+<p>"Maybe swift pursuit is already at our heels," said he. "So onward we
+must go. Holá!" he shouted, hammering on the trestled board with his
+sword-hilt.
+
+<p>In answer to the summons the host appeared, trembling in his shoes.
+
+<p>"How is the army ordered before Hennebon And where shall my master
+find the banners of the Duke Charles?"
+
+<p>"Sir, report hath it that the force of Blois lieth thickest about
+where this road approaches the town, so, without doubt, the banners
+of the Duke are there."
+
+<p>Throwing down a coin to pay for their repast (whereat the host
+marvelled greatly, seeing it was not the custom of the times),
+Redward followed the supposed Sieur from the inn; their horses were
+brought round, and soon they were clattering over the pavé of the
+village towards the open country.
+
+<p>Redward glanced backwards several times to see if there were any
+signs of pursuit, but to his great satisfaction none could be
+detected.
+
+<p>"Thou hast heard what the rogue said the foe lie thickest along this
+road? Should any follow us we have laid a false scent, for I do not
+wish to ride straight into the camp of Blois. To that end let us turn
+off along the road to Aurai, and thence follow the coast to the walls
+of Hennebon."
+
+<p>Accordingly they turned aside at a cross-road, having learned from a
+peasant that it led to the town of Aurai. A league or so farther on
+they again left the road and rested in a wood, sleeping without
+molestation till late in the afternoon.
+
+<p>Darkness was drawing on as they struck the road between Hennebon and
+Aurai, about a bow-shot from the latter place. Avoiding the town the
+travellers turned towards their goal, now but a short four leagues
+distance.
+
+<p>"We must be doubly cautious, Raymond," said his father, "for methinks
+another troop of horsemen is approaching."
+
+<p>Once again they withdrew from the road, and, hiding beneath the
+shadow of some tall trees, they waited. Nearer and nearer came the
+sound, till, like a whirlwind, a large body of knights and mounted
+men-at-arms dashed by in the darkness, and, with a thunder of hoofs
+and a cloud of dust that rose slowly in the still night air, they
+vanished into the gloom.
+
+<p>"By St. George! What doth it mean?" exclaimed Raymond.
+
+<p>"Nay, I cannot say, save it be they of Blois fleeing from those of
+Montfort; every man was riding for dear life, and, mark you, with
+loose rein and hot spur!"
+
+<p>"Then onwards, father! An hour will decide whether we reach Hennebon
+unscathed, or have to fight our way in."
+
+<p>Almost before they were aware of the fact they rode right into the
+camp of the besiegers, but, instead of being instantly challenged and
+taken prisoners, it was like a progress through a city of the dead.
+Most of the tents were cut down, several of the temporary wooden huts
+still smouldered, while here and there their horses had to step aside
+to avoid treading on the corpse of an unarmoured man.
+
+<p>Still wondering at this unlooked-for sight, the Englishmen spurred on
+till they drew rein outside the twin towers that guarded the gate of
+Hennebon. A hoarse voice challenged them, and torches flickered on
+the battlements as the garrison stood to their arms.
+
+<p>"Open! We would see the Countess!" roared Redward, standing in his
+stirrups.
+
+<p>"Who are ye, and whence come ye?" was the reply.
+
+<p>"Messengers from the King of England."
+
+<p>Cries of delight greeted this announcement, the drawbridge fell with
+a ponderous clang, the great gates were thrown wide open, and,
+conscious that a great duty had been well carried out, Raymond,
+followed by his father, entered the town of Hennebon.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter13"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XIII</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">THE RELIEF OF HENNEBON</h5>
+
+<p>
+"THY name and style, fair sir?"
+
+<p>"My name is Raymond Buckland, squire to Sir John Hacket, Constable of
+the King's Castle of Portchester and Governor of the town of
+Portsmouth. Lead me, I pray, to her grace the Countess of Montfort,
+for I have a letter which I have to give her by my own hand."
+
+<p>"Nay," was the reply, "that cannot be&mdash;at least not at this moment.
+The Countess led a sortie yesterday at noon, and, alas, hath not yet
+returned. I, Henri Barbenoire, seigneur of the castle of Ploeac and
+Seneschal, in the absence of the Countess of this town will receive
+thy message."
+
+<p>"That cannot be," replied Raymond courteously, "for to the Countess
+alone must I hand this letter."
+
+<p>Barbenoire, a Breton whole-heartedly devoted to his mistress, did not
+press the point, but ordering a hasty meal to be prepared, remained
+with the young squire. It was but a sorry repast, for already the
+supplies were low, nevertheless Raymond did justice to the simple
+fare, listening awhile to the narrative of the events of the siege.
+
+<p>Cheered by the touching confidence that the heroic Countess had given
+to the townsmen of Hennebon, the garrison had fought bravely and
+well. The Countess herself wore armour, and rode on a huge warhorse
+through the narrow streets, encouraging her people to make good
+defence, reminding them of the help she hoped would be forthcoming
+from the King of England. Nor did she spare the womenfolk, for she
+caused them to discard their long trains and heavy skirts and to don
+short kirtles so that they could move with freedom. This done, they
+were employed in carrying stones and arrows to the walls to replenish
+the missiles of the defenders, and so emboldened were they by the
+example of their mistress that the women did not hesitate to hurl the
+stones down upon the invaders.
+
+<p>At length one day the Frenchmen massed outside the northern wall for
+a grand assault, and, ascending a lofty tower, the Countess perceived
+that their camp was empty. Instantly calling together a body of
+knights and mounted men-at-arms the lady mounted her steed and,
+placing herself at their head, rode straight for the French camp,
+cutting down tents and setting fire to everything that would readily
+burn.
+
+<p>The watchers on the walls saw the French host desist from the assault
+and retire to intercept the Countess. Finding herself cut off from
+the town, she called in her followers, and rode furiously away to
+Aural, hotly pursued by Sir Louis d'Espagne, the second in command of
+Charles of Blois.
+
+<p>Thus it was that Raymond had seen the Countess and her troops pass by
+him without knowledge of their identity; and now the garrison was
+ignorant of the fate of their beloved leader, none knowing whether
+she had been killed or taken, or whether she had baffled pursuit.
+
+<p>On the morning following the arrival of Raymond and his father, the
+host of Blois still encompassed the town, yet no attempt was made to
+renew the assault.
+
+<p>The two Englishmen were enrolled as members of the garrison, and as
+the days went past they with their foreign comrades gazed eagerly
+from the battlements in the hope of seeing the banners of the
+returning Countess.
+
+<p>On the fifth day, Barbenoire had ascended the lofty east tower.
+Despair for his mistress had filled his soul, yet, inspiring the
+townsfolk by word and deed, he gave no sign of misgiving, being
+resolved to hold Hennebon as long as a single fighting-man was left.
+
+<p>The rising sun dazzled his vision, but a movement on the skyline
+riveted his attention. Calling one of his captains, he pointed out
+the spot, and both agreed that it was a body of troops approaching.
+
+<p>A very short time sufficed to spread the news, though Barbenoire
+commanded that no demonstration should be made lest it should attract
+the notice of the besiegers.
+
+<p>Soon it was beyond doubt that the Countess was returning. Collecting
+a body of one hundred archers and spearmen, the Seneschal ordered
+them to make a feint sortie from the western side while the gateway
+on the opposite side was thrown open to receive the Countess. Then,
+when safely within the walls with all her company and an additional
+force of five hundred spears, the redoubtable Châtelaine was greeted
+with a great noise of trumpets to the cheers of the delighted
+townsfolk.
+
+<p>The besiegers, finding themselves tricked, could not refrain from
+praising the boldness and skill of the Countess of Montfort.
+Nevertheless, they advanced to the assault, and the struggle waxed
+fierce until noon, when, unable to gain a lodgment, the partisans of
+Blois sullenly retreated to their camp.
+
+<p>Directly the attack was repulsed, Raymond hastened to the presence of
+the Countess. She had now divested herself of her bascinet and steel
+jupon, and the young squire saw before him a tall, stately lady of
+about thirty years of age. Her finely chiselled face was crowned by a
+wealth of auburn hair, which, ruffled by the removal of her
+headpiece, served to hide the somewhat lofty brow.
+
+<p>Raymond could but marvel that such a truly feminine form possessed
+the courage and endurance of a man, and his astonishment was
+increased when she addressed him in low, sweet tones, for he had
+heard of the Countess's soul-stirring speech, when, holding her
+little son by the hand, she had so successfully appealed to the
+chivalrous instincts of her knights and to the loyalty of the
+townsfolk.
+
+<p>Concealing her agitation at the arrival of such important news from
+England, the Countess broke the seals and opened the letter. Her face
+flushed with pleasure as she read its contents.
+
+<p>"Hearken, my fair lords, to the message of our noble overlord the
+King of England," she cried, turning to those who were with her.
+"Four score ships by now are on their way to aid us, and ere long
+three thousand men, under Sir Robert of Artois and Sir Walter Manny,
+will be on the heels of our enemies."
+
+<p>Shouts of exultation greeted this announcement, and, the news quickly
+spreading, the whole town was given over to rejoicing.
+
+<p>But meanwhile active preparations were being made by Charles of Blois
+to make another general assault, and the arrival of some formidable
+siege-engines enabled him to breach the walls in several places;
+while the garrison, kept in a state of constant alarm, were worn with
+toil and endless vigil.
+
+<p>Every morning at sunrise, for nearly two months, the Countess would
+ascend the loftiest tower in Hennebon and gaze towards the distant
+Cape of Ushant in the hope of catching sight of the sails of the
+English fleet. But her expectations remained unrealised, for seaward
+the horizon was unbroken, while around the town lay the close lines
+of her relentless foes.
+
+<p>At length one of her partisans, the Bishop of Leon, informed her that
+his nephew, Henri de Rohan, who was in the camp of Blois, desired to
+hold converse with her; and, being granted safe conduct, the knight
+entered the town for the purpose of inducing the besieged to
+surrender, promising an honourable capitulation, with permission for
+the garrison to withdraw.
+
+<p>For a while it seemed as if De Rohan's words would gain the day, till
+the Countess, supported by Barbenoire, again harangued her knights,
+and the ecclesiastic withdrew discomfited.
+
+<p>Thereupon the French advanced to the grand assault, while the
+besieged caught up their arms and silently yet resolutely awaited
+their approach.
+
+<p>But ere the archers could begin their hail of arrows which was to
+open the attack, the ringing voice of the Countess was heard from the
+summit of the tower:&mdash;
+
+<p>"Voilà, le secours! Violà le secours anglais! Courage, enfans; nous
+sommes sauvés!"
+
+<p>"Will they be in time?" asked Raymond anxiously, as he stood by his
+father on the shattered wall.
+
+<p>"If we can but make good the battlements for one hour all will be
+well. Canst see aught of the ships?"
+
+<p>"Not as yet."
+
+<p>"Then heaven forfend the Countess be not mistaken. Stand to it,
+Raymond, for here they come!"
+
+<p>All conversation was stopped by the on-coming foemen. The squire
+closed his visor, and crouching behind his shield, awaited the
+attack. Under cover of the archers the men-at-arms advanced. Though
+some fell before the darts of the besieged, the main body pressed
+steadily onward, till they reached the breach in the shattered
+masonry.
+
+<p>The impact of the two forces was terrific; men went down on both
+sides, and, as sword and lance were shattered, axes, mauls, and maces
+continued the deadly work. The air was rent with the clash of arms,
+the shouts of the combatants, and the groans of the dying; but the
+townsfolk held their own, and after an hour's desperate struggle the
+attacking party retired.
+
+<p>"'Tis hot work!" exclaimed Redward breathlessly, throwing down a
+heavy axe and removing his steel cap to cool his heated head. "Run
+and see if our comrades are yet in sight."
+
+<p>To gain the summit of the tower was the work of a moment, and to the
+squire's great delight he saw the English ships already within easy
+distance of the harbour, their sails bellying out before the
+favouring breeze, and the water churned by the lash of the oars.
+
+<p>"They come! They come!" he shouted joyously.
+
+<p>"And so doth the foe," replied Redward grimly. "Haste back to the
+breach, for, by St. George, 'tis touch-and-go with Hennebon!"
+
+<p>Again the attackers advanced, one knight, utterly regardless of his
+life, urging his horse towards the gap in the wall. Crouching, with
+lance in rest, the Frenchman spurred over the shattered stones,
+received yet recked not a hail of arrows, and rode furiously towards
+Raymond, who, sword in hand, awaited his approach.
+
+<p>It would have gone hardly with the young squire had it not been for
+the unevenness of the ground, for the horse stumbled over a loose
+stone, throwing its rider heavily on the ground.
+
+<p>In spite of the weight of his armour and the shock of his fall, the
+knight, a man of gigantic strength, rose to his feet, dropping his
+lance and wrenching his mace from the saddle-bow. As he did so
+Raymond struck him a heavy blow with his weapon, but the steel turned
+against the crest of his casque and was shattered close to the hilt.
+In a moment the mace beat down the squire's shield and descended upon
+his head, and without a cry the squire dropped senseless to the
+ground.
+
+<p>But his fall was speedily avenged. Wielding his heavy axe, Redward
+sprang forward and smote at the Frenchman's helm. Realising his
+danger, the knight sprang aside; but, though avoiding a fatal blow,
+he did not escape, for the axe, glancing off the crest, caught the
+projecting visor. Unable to stand the strain, the leathern laces of
+his helmet burst, and the bascinet, though prevented by the camail
+from falling off, was turned back to front, so that the unfortunate
+wearer was unable to see through the openings of the visor.
+
+<p>Dazed by the blow and in total darkness, the Frenchman staggered
+blindly about, still striking feeble and aimless blows, till the
+defenders, with taunts and execrations, beat him to the ground and
+despatched him with their axes.
+
+<p>Meanwhile Redward bent over the prostrate form of his son, but ere he
+could ascertain whether the blow had been fatal the main attack had
+commenced. Gallantly the besieged met the shock; many fell on both
+sides, and for the space of a quarter of an hour the issue hung in
+the balance.
+
+<p>At length, reinforced by a band of knights under Louis d'Espagne, the
+assailants bore back all before them. Barbenoire, fighting gallantly
+to the last, fell covered with wounds. Redward, standing over his
+son's body, kept back the press for a time, till, borne down by the
+weight of numbers, he was struck to the earth, but ere he lost
+consciousness he was dimly aware of the sound of English voices and
+the renewed clash of arms.
+
+<p>At the critical moment the long-expected aid had arrived!
+
+<p>Once more the tide of battle turned, and the followers of the House
+of Blois, unable to withstand the fierce onslaught of the English,
+fled panic-stricken before the reinforcements, the knights and
+mounted men-at-arms of Sir Walter Manny riding down all who came in
+their way.
+
+<p>When at length the victorious Manny returned from the pursuit, the
+Countess of Montfort came forth and warmly greeted him.
+
+<p>"Of a truth, fair sir," she exclaimed, as the warrior knelt and
+kissed her hand, "I cannot but liken you to the Archangel Michael
+sent from heaven in answer to our prayers!"
+
+<p>Meanwhile the inhabitants of the town were busy pillaging the camp of
+their enemies, bringing in additional food supplies and tending their
+own wounded&mdash;for those of their assailants who were left in their
+hands were mercilessly despatched, save where their rank made them
+likely subjects for ransom.
+
+<p>Redward and his son were found surrounded by the bodies of friend and
+foe, senseless but still breathing. The Countess had been apprised of
+the fall of her gallant messenger, and had ordered the young squire
+and his father to be carried into her own house within the castle.
+Sir Walter Manny himself also came frequently to see how fared the
+forerunner of his arrival, and brought with him his own chirurgeon to
+attend the two.
+
+<p>For four days Raymond lay unconscious, till one morning his scattered
+senses returned, and he opened his eyes to find himself in a roomy
+apartment overlooking the town walls. Instead of the clash of arms
+the sun was shining brightly and the birds were singing. Beside him
+were the Countess and a group of Englishmen of quality; a little
+distance off lay Redward on a soft couch, his gaze fixed intently
+upon his son.
+
+<p>Then the young squire realised that Hennebon was saved, and that his
+father was still with him; and with a sigh of contentment he fell
+into a deep and natural slumber.
+
+<p>The wounds of both Raymond and his father were severe, and a
+considerable time elapsed ere they were capable of moving about,
+while their complete recovery, in spite of the kindly climate of fair
+Brittany, was a tedious business. Thus they missed the remaining
+portion of the Brittany campaign, in which Robert of Artois captured
+Vannes, and was soon afterwards driven from that town by a surprise
+attack on the part of some Breton adherents of Charles of Blois.
+
+<p>Shortly after, the existing treaty between England and France was
+terminated, for during the struggle in Brittany a truce was nominally
+in force, the armies of England and France ostentatiously supporting
+the claim of the rival dukes; but on the expiration of the treaty war
+was openly resumed between the two great nations.
+
+<p>The King of England landed at Marbain with 12,000 men, and
+simultaneously laid siege to Vannes, Rennes, and Mantes, but the
+triple task was beyond his power, and under the influence of the
+Pope's legates he agreed to observe a truce for three years.
+
+<p>Immediately following this pacific arrangement King Edward
+re-embarked for his own dominions, and with the army went Raymond and
+Redward, the former despondent at the news of the truce, regarding it
+as being fatal to his cherished hopes of winning the golden spurs of
+knighthood.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter14"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XIV</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">RAYMOND'S ERRAND</h5>
+
+<p>
+NEARLY four years have elapsed since the young squire's mission to
+Hennebon. They have been years of comparatively uneventful waiting.
+To him the dark clouds of unkind fate showed no signs of the silver
+lining of good fortune, for he fully realised that until he had risen
+above the rank of squire he dare not hope for the hand of the fair
+Lady Audrey Scarsdale.
+
+<p>Thus, there was nothing to do but wait patiently, under the orders of
+kindly Sir John Hacket, fervently hoping for the call to arms that
+would give him the opportunities of winning his spurs upon the soil
+of France.
+
+<p>The three years' truce had been ill-kept. Already the Earl of Derby
+had crossed into Guienne, but news, though scanty, was far from
+reassuring, and daily the Constable of Portchester was awaiting the
+summons to assemble his men and march to join the King's forces at
+Southampton.
+
+<p>One afternoon, in the month of May 1346, the watch on the keep of the
+castle perceived a man limping towards the gate. He was tall,
+broad-shouldered, and bronzed-faced, yet bent with physical
+infirmity, being compelled to use a rough crutch to aid his tottering
+footsteps.
+
+<p>"Ho, Watkin!" exclaimed one of the soldiers to a comrade. "Surely
+that looks like Long Edney, of Wickham, yet methinks I am mistaken."
+
+<p>"If't be, then, certes, he hath made a grievous error; for he went to
+Guienne, hoping to return speedily with much booty. This man hath
+pain to carry himself, let alone the plunder he hath not!"
+
+<p>"'Tis Edney, of a surety. See, he waves his hand to us!"
+
+<p>In a few moments the luckless man-at-arms was within the castle,
+surrounded by a crowd of rough sympathisers. Hearing the sound of
+voices, Sir John Hacket appeared, and, recognising the man as one who
+had left his service some time previously to join the forces under
+Lord Norwich, sent Raymond to lead Edney into his presence.
+
+<p>"'Tis a sad home-coming for thee," exclaimed the knight
+sympathetically. "Yet Heaven knows there are many such. The highways
+are thick with broken soldiers."
+
+<p>"Ay, Sir John," returned the man despondently. "A bolt through the
+thigh is a sorry return for my trouble, and not a silver penny's
+worth of spoil to show for it! Nevertheless, the saints helping me, I
+hope to adventure myself again in this matter."
+
+<p>"And with better luck," rejoined the Constable. "And, now tell me,
+how goes the war in Guienne?"
+
+<p>"Faith, it goeth against us in the main. Pembroke and Sir Walter
+Manny are shut up in Aiguillon, and when I left Bordeaux they had
+sent urgent appeals for succour. For my part I know but little of
+Aiguillon, being besieged with Lord Norwich in Angoulême."
+
+<p>"And how fared Norwich?"
+
+<p>"As crafty as ever."
+
+<p>"How so?"
+
+<p>"The Duke of Normandy pressed him sorely, so that the French looked
+likely to take the town by escalade. Thereupon Norwich beat a parley.
+'How, now!' exclaimed the Duke. 'Dost wish to give in?' 'Nay,'
+replied our leader, 'but as to-morrow is the Feast of the Virgin, to
+whom we both bear great devotion, I desire a cessation of strife for
+that day.' 'Right willingly,' replied the Duke, and Norwich, nigh
+bursting with badly-concealed merriment, descended from the walls.
+That night he ordered us to prepare our baggage, and early next
+morning we marched out straight for the enemy's camp. The Frenchmen
+flew to arms, but Norwich, forbidding our men to draw, sent a knight
+to remind the Duke of his promise."
+
+<p>"And what did the Duke?"
+
+<p>"He kept his word. 'I see the sly fox has outwitted us, but let us be
+content with gaining the town,' he exclaimed; and right between the
+lines of astonished Frenchmen we marched, without losing as much as a
+single stick."
+
+<p>"Ho! ho! ho!" laughed Sir John. "A clever trick, but, methinks,
+'twill not pass another time. And Pembroke hath sent an urgent
+message to the King for aid, didst thou say?"
+
+<p>"Ay, directly our ship tied up alongside the quay at Southampton the
+messenger rode off at headlong speed to Windsor, although he could
+scarce keep his seat by reason of sea-sickness."
+
+<p>"Then, Raymond," exclaimed the Constable, turning to his squire, "the
+summons will be here anon. But, mark my word, this will be no
+child's-play, for, methinks, the King will be loth to let Guienne
+slip through his fingers. And now, bring me the tally of the bows,
+arrows, and spears, for no time must be lost."
+
+<p>Joyfully the squire hastened away to get the required information,
+and the castle was soon alive with excitement at the thought of
+active service.
+
+<p>The old knight was not wrong; the call to arms came, and, thanks to
+his sagacity and forethought, the Constable was soon ready to take
+the field. Ere June had arrived Sir John's company had marched into
+Southampton to await the King's good pleasure.
+
+<p>Raymond saw great changes as he gazed around the old familiar place.
+The walls had been raised and strengthened; larger houses had taken
+the place of the charred ruins that the French invaders had left
+behind them, while a fleet of large ships showed that Southampton had
+quickly recovered from the horrors of pillage.
+
+<p>The fleet was typical of the resources of Hampshire, for Southampton
+contributed twenty-one ships manned by 476 mariners, Lymington sent
+nine, Portsmouth five, Leepe, Newtown, and Yarmouth two each, while
+the county of Dorset supplied twenty-five vessels, of which Weymouth
+sent twenty-one and Poole four.
+
+<p>Farther down the Water towards Hythe lay a larger fleet, composed of
+vessels from the Cinque Ports, London, Ipswich, and Great Yarmouth,
+while towards the Netley side were the West Country ships from
+Dartmouth, Sutton, Fowey, and Falmouth.
+
+<p>Altogether there were not far short of eight hundred sail, assembled
+in less than fourteen days, to bear across the Channel the huge army
+destined for the conquest of France.
+
+<p>On Midsummer Day, the Feast of St. John the Baptist, the news came
+that the King had left the Queen in the care of his cousin, the Earl
+of Kent, and was on the road to Southampton.
+
+<p>Instantly the work of embarking the troops, horses, and baggage
+began, and never before did the good townsmen of Southampton behold
+such a fair and martial sight. Throughout the long June day the task
+proceeded, and a seemingly endless procession wended through the West
+Gate, each division having its appointed order.
+
+<p>The Portsmouth ships were to form the rearguard, so that it was the
+duty of the Constable of Portchester to embark last of all. From his
+quarters, close to the West Gate, Sir John watched the embarkation,
+pointing out to his squires the respective devices and banners of the
+various contingents.
+
+<p>From all parts of the kingdom, save the northern counties, whose men
+were required to watch the restive Scots, had this army foregathered,
+the flower of chivalry and the stoutest of the yeomen of England.
+There were the lions rampant of the Percies, Mowbrays, and d'Albini,
+each distinguishable by the "field," the ruddy chevrons of the de
+Claves, the gilded cockle-shell of the de Malets, and the more
+complicated devices of de Montfichet, Quince, Fortibus, de Bohun, de.
+Vere, and Fitz-Walter. Each baron had his following of men-at-arms
+and archers, the former having to lower the points of their long
+slender spears as they passed beneath the vaulted archway. After the
+feudal army, numbering four thousand men-at-arms and ten thousand
+archers, came a horde of fierce-eyed, hairy men of short stature,
+each armed with a long knife and a double-bladed axe.
+
+<p>"Ah," exclaimed Sir John, noting the look of inquiry on Raymond's
+face. "Heaven help the Frenchman who falls wounded in the field, for
+these are the Welsh levies. I have marked their method of fighting
+before to-day, and, certes, I am of no mind to praise them for it."
+
+<p>The Welshmen were succeeded by a straggling body of tall,
+gaunt-looking men, armed with a small shield and short spear. They
+lacked the grim stolidity of the Englishmen, and marched with merry
+laugh and careless jest uttered in a strange tongue.
+
+<p>"The Irish levies from Leinster," remarked the Constable,
+"good-natured in peace, honest fighting-men, yet terrible when
+roused. I can recall a little affair before Cadsand, but 'tis too
+long to relate at the moment. But hark!"
+
+<p>Redoubled cheering echoed down the narrow sloping street, and the
+knight and his squires strained their ears to ascertain the cause.
+The last of the troops had passed, yet still the archers who lined
+the route pushed back the excited townsmen with their six-foot
+staves.
+
+<p>"The King!" exclaimed the Constable.
+
+<p>Attended by a number of lords and barons, Edward rode slowly through
+the crowded street, acknowledging the acclamations by the faintest
+inclination of his head. He was then in his thirty-fourth year, yet
+the cares of his kingdom and the claims of his Lombard and Flemish
+creditors had made him look considerably older. A longish dark beard
+partially concealed a hard, firm mouth, while his dark piercing eyes,
+glittering beneath his broad forehead and bushy eyebrows, betokened a
+war-like temperament. His coat of plate-armour, fashioned in the
+latest style, was covered by a surcoat, upon which were embroidered
+his newly-assumed arms, the fleur-de-lis of France, quartered with
+the silver lions of England, while a velvet cap took the place, for
+the time being, of his plumed bascinet.
+
+<p>At his right hand rode his fifteen-year-old son, Edward, afterwards
+known to fame as The Black Prince; while at his left rode Lord
+Godfrey of Harcourt, the King's much-esteemed councillor.
+
+<p>Burning with ill-concealed impatience Edward, with his suite,
+embarked that very evening, and ere morning dawned the fleet had left
+the shelter of Southampton Water, and was heading westward for the
+English Channel, the Portsmouth ships, with the Constable and his
+company, rolling sluggishly in the rear, about a league astern of the
+main body.
+
+<p>With the favouring north-easterly breeze all went well, and steadily
+the floating army neared the coasts of France; but on the third day
+came a flat calm, so that the ships were compelled to use their
+sweeps to prevent themselves drifting into one another.
+
+<p>The calm was succeeded by a strong south-westerly gale, so that all
+advantage of the previous favourable breeze was totally lost; and,
+unable to make headway, the fleet was driven back towards the English
+coast, taking shelter in the Cornish harbour of Fowey.
+
+<p>For six days the fleet lay weather-bound, till Sir Godfrey of
+Harcourt counselled the King to give up the idea of landing in
+Gascony.
+
+<p>"Sire," he exclaimed, "Normandy is one of the plenteous countries of
+the world. On jeopardy of my head, if thou wouldst land there, there
+is none to resist thee. The people of Normandy are not used to war,
+and all the knights and squires of the country are now at the siege
+before Aiguillon."
+
+<p>The advice, though hardly correct, the King took, and, the wind
+moderating and blowing more in their favour, the fleet again put to
+sea, and reached La Hogue without further incident.
+
+<p>Arrived on the coast of Normandy, the English began to make a
+revengeful attack on the ports of Cherbourg and Barfleur, the ships
+of these ports having harried the coasts of England in times past,
+and with fierce shouts the soldiers pillaged the defenceless towns,
+burning every ship they found in the harbours.
+
+<p>One night, Sir John Hacket, who had been in audience with the King,
+returned to his quarters in high glee.
+
+<p>"Raymond," he exclaimed, "the King hath again done signal honour to
+my Company. News hath reached us that the Count of Tancarville, who
+is the most puissant noble in Normandy, lieth at a hunting lodge near
+the village of Brique, within five leagues of the camp. He hath, we
+are told, no knowledge of our presence. Could we but entrap him and
+bring him a prisoner into the camp, it will clear the way for our
+advance, for, bereft of the counsel of the Count of Tancarville, all
+Normandy would be masterless. Now, consider; I have a free hand in
+this small matter, and can use the whole of my Company to my
+advancement. What think ye? Is it better to take but a few mounted
+men, or adventure with them all?"
+
+<p>"In my humble opinion, Sir John," replied Raymond, "the matter is
+best undertaken by but a few. Too many would give alarm. A few would,
+in the case of our plans miscarrying, be but little missed, and if
+they do succeed, then the greater the honour!"
+
+<p>"Thy words do thee credit, Raymond, and, by St. George, a better
+leader for the enterprise than thou I cannot choose. Take your choice
+of mounted men, and begone. A guide is even now detained in the camp,
+who will lead you to Brique. Now, remember, alive or dead, bring the
+Count into the camp, but alive by choice."
+
+<p>Quickly the young squire went about preparations for his mission.
+Five trusted men-at-arms were chosen, and their arms and horses
+carefully inspected by their young leader, who resolved to leave
+nothing to chance. Then, placing their guide, a heavy-limbed Norman
+peasant, upon a spare horse, and attaching a light chain to his wrist
+(one end being held by a soldier with orders to despatch the man at
+the first sign of treachery), the little party left the camp, passed
+the outlying cordon of sentries, and plunged into the darkness.
+
+<p>By degrees the horsemen became accustomed to the gloom, and, riding
+closely together, with the guide in their midst, they maintained a
+brisk pace towards their goal, and ere long the camp-fires of their
+comrades were lost to sight behind them.
+
+<p>The night was sultry; not a leaf stirred on the branches of the trees
+that lined the road, and a dull oppressive feeling pervaded the
+atmosphere.
+
+<p>Suddenly the faint rumble of distant thunder was borne to their ears,
+and instinctively the horsemen glanced at one another, for a
+thunder-storm was looked upon by the mediaeval soldier as a harbinger
+of evil.
+
+<p>Nearer and nearer came the storm, till the lightning flashed across
+their path, illuminating the horizon with its sulphurous glow, but as
+yet not a drop of rain had fallen.
+
+<p>Meanwhile their guide had kept perfectly silent, answering the
+questions put to him with either a nod or a shake of his head. Though
+Raymond had acquired a smattering of the French language he was
+unable to understand the patois of the peasant, so one of the
+men-at-arms was deputed to put any necessary question to their
+impassive guide.
+
+<p>At length they reached the confines of a dense forest, and hardly had
+they gained the dangerous shelter of the trees than down came the
+rain, accompanied by almost incessant flashes of lightning.
+
+<p>Dazzled by the appalling light, and almost deafened by the sharp
+detonating rattle of the thunder, the little party rode in fear and
+trembling till their guide stopped them with a motion of his hand,
+and indicating an almost invisible avenue that forked from the road
+they were following, exclaimed, "V'là, m'sieurs!"
+
+<p>"Ask him how far it is to the Count's hunting-lodge!" exclaimed
+Raymond.
+
+<p>"He says 'not far.'"
+
+<p>"Certes, I am as wise as before. Ask him again." The man mumbled
+something unintelligible, then held up two fingers.
+
+<p>"A murrain on his thick-headedness; fair Sir, I cannot rightly tell
+what he doth mean."
+
+<p>"Then be cautious. Remember, directly we catch sight of the place,
+one man remains with the guide and the rest follow me!"
+
+<p>The path was too narrow for two to ride abreast, so they proceeded in
+single file, the guide leading, with a soldier, leaning over his
+crupper to give the necessary length of chain, following closely
+behind and through the avenue, so dense that even the lightning
+almost failed to illumine, Raymond's party rode on their desperate
+errand.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter15"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XV</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">TRAPPED!</h5>
+
+<p>
+BEFORE the raiders had proceeded very far a short exclamation from
+one of the men-at-arms caused them to pull up sharply.
+
+<p>"What's amiss?" demanded Raymond in a whisper.
+
+<p>"The peasant's horse hath gone lame," replied one of the soldiers.
+"Can we not despatch the guide, for, certes, he is of no further use,
+and it will save us the trouble of looking after him?"
+
+<p>"Nay!" replied Raymond sturdily. "I am loth to cause a harmless
+peasant to be slain. Make him mount behind thee, Robert, but keep a
+tight hold on his chain."
+
+<p>Once again the advance was resumed, the horses floundering over the
+slippery, leaf-strewn path, their riders being put to great trouble
+by reason of the overhanging branches that often almost swept them
+from their saddles.
+
+<p>Presently they began to descend a steep declivity, the slope
+requiring all the skill of the horsemen to keep their steeds on their
+feet, while the rain, now falling in torrents, had transformed the
+little path into a foaming stream.
+
+<p>Suddenly a vivid flash of lightning rent the darkness of the night,
+and in the dazzling glare Raymond beheld, with a thrill of horror,
+two of the men who were leading disappear into a yawning chasm almost
+at his feet, their cries drowned by the appalling crash of the
+accompanying thunder. By dint of reining in his horse till the animal
+was almost on its haunches, the young squire saved himself from a
+similar fate, and slipping to the ground he awaited, in terrible
+suspense, the next flash that would give some idea of his position.
+The succeeding period of darkness seemed to weigh upon him like a
+suffocating shroud, while the silence was broken only by the frantic
+prancing of the remaining horses, the feeble groans of one of the
+fallen men, and a low gurgling sound a short distance away&mdash;a sound
+that caused indescribable terror in the mind of the young squire.
+
+<p>Then came another crash and a ponderous mass fell across the path he
+had just passed, and another shriek of agony rent the air. To the
+horrified Raymond, whose superstitious feelings were aroused by the
+war of the elements and the tragedy of his surroundings, the place
+savoured of the infernal regions; and gazing with wide-open eyes into
+the inky blackness, he dumbly awaited the next gleam of blinding
+light.
+
+<p>At length, after a seemingly endless suspense, it came&mdash;a double
+flash. Short as was the duration of the glare it served to intensify
+the horror of his position.
+
+<p>At his feet yawned the pit, wherein the feebly-moving limbs of two
+of his men still writhed in the throes of death, while their horses
+were frantically kicking each other in the confined space. Behind him
+lay another man-at-arms, the blood welling from a gaping wound in his
+throat, while a fourth lay crushed&mdash;beyond recognition by a heavy
+tree-trunk that, falling across the path, effectually prevented a
+retreat. There was no sign of their guide, but the fifth soldier was
+leaning against a tree-trunk, his hands pressed tightly over his eyes
+as if trying to shut out the ghastly scene.
+
+<p>The next flash showed that he, too, had vanished, and Raymond was
+alone, though the shouts and cries of the unfortunate man-at-arms
+betokened that he was being haled off through the forest by some
+invisible agency&mdash;whether by men, animals, or spirits the squire
+dared not imagine.
+
+<p>And now the underwood on either side seemed alive with movement, and
+Raymond felt, or fancied he felt, rough hands groping towards him.
+Frenzy took possession of his shaking body, and, lashed into the
+energy of despair, he unsheathed his sword and slashed madly about
+him. The blade came in violent contact with an overhanging bough and
+snapped off close to the hilt; at the same moment the squire felt a
+pair of sinewy arms encircle his feet, and with a lusty heave he was
+upset and thrown with a crash to the ground, the point of a knife
+pressing against his throat warning him of the utter uselessness of
+further resistance.
+
+<p>Bound hand and foot, the unfortunate squire was carried or dragged
+through a thick growth of underwood, till at length his captors
+gained a large clearing. By the aid of a momentary flash he saw the
+outlines of a low building. In response to a violent knocking he
+heard the sound of bolts being withdrawn, and, borne on the shoulders
+of four strong men, he was carried into the house, and dropped
+unceremoniously upon the rush-strewn floor.
+
+<p>Some one took a torch from its socket and bent over the prostrate
+squire. Raymond recognised the features&mdash;it was the traitorous guide!
+But gone was the heavy lustreless expression of his eyes and the
+stolid set of his swarthy jaws; instead a look of malevolent
+intelligence overspread his face, and by the subservience with which
+he was treated by his comrades it was evident that he was a man of
+authority.
+
+<p>"Ah! Dolt, fool, beast of an Englishman! How nicely hast thou borne
+the Count of Tancarville back to the camp of the cursed invader of
+Normandy! Dead or alive, eh? Little didst thou know how near thy
+purpose was fulfilled when thy base <i>routier</i> made to pass a knife
+across my throat. I&mdash;even I&mdash;am the Count of Tancarville!"
+
+<p>He paused to observe the effect of this startling announcement, but
+Raymond preserved a dignified silence.
+
+<p>"And that simpleton the Constable, thy master," he resumed. "To think
+that the Count of Tancarville would be dallying at a hunting lodge
+when base English defile the coasts of Normandy! Ah! That was a near
+one," he added as another blinding flash of lightning lit up the
+room.
+
+<p>"Knowest thou, thou miserable fool," he continued as soon as the
+crash of the thunder permitted, "that did that fiery fork but touch
+this place thou and I would be scattered, so that all the armies of
+Philip and Edward would fail to find a fragment? Eh, I interest thee?
+'Tis well; I'll tell thee more, seeing that the knowledge will profit
+thee but little. Henri! Cut asunder the bonds that bind this
+Englishman's legs, and do thou and Etienne stand close lest he do
+himself an injury!"
+
+<p>Handing the torch to a serving-man, the Count led the way, closely
+followed by Raymond and his two guards. In an adjoining apartment, so
+open to the winds that the torch was almost extinguished, lay seven
+sinister-looking objects, which the squire readily recognised as
+bombards.
+
+<p>These early cannon were composed of straight lengths of flat iron,
+held together by shrunk-on iron hoops, and lashed down to a heavy
+baulk of timber, so that in training these clumsy contrivances,
+carriage and gun were practically one piece.
+
+<p>"These are the beasts I hunt in this forest," quoth the Count. "King
+Philip hath need of them, and, by our Lady of Nîmes, 'twill be a
+sight to see the vaunted English bowmen being bowled over by these
+bombards. And food these beasts must have! Forward, garçons, and show
+this dolt mine animals' food. But, Bertrand, stand aside with that
+torch. I am in no mind to go heavenwards yet awhile."
+
+<p>The next room was little better than a cell, lightened by the feeble
+light of an oil lamp that glimmered through a horn lanthorn. In a far
+corner could be discerned the bent figure of a monk, his cowl thrown
+back on his shoulders and his arms bared to the elbow. Ignoring the
+interruption, he continued his labours, working a pestle with
+untiring energy.
+
+<p>"Behold the worthy successor to Michael Schwartz! My faith! It does
+my heart good to show the accursed English the resources of la belle
+France; yet, 'tis passing strange that the secret of the making of
+the devil's powder should be divulged to a priest of God. Five score
+barrels full of the powder are ready for the use of our forces, and
+I'll warrant&mdash;&mdash; Ah! What wouldst thou? Down with him, mes garçons!"
+
+<p>For Raymond, suddenly fired with a reckless determination, had thrown
+himself upon the torch-bearer, and with a shower of sparks the
+burning brand was dashed upon the floor, missing the bench with its
+dangerous compound by less than a span!
+
+<p>The Count and the monk, both white with fear, stamped upon the
+blazing embers, while the guards with no gentle hand had forced their
+prisoner to the ground.
+
+<p>"A senseless piece of folly," growled the Norman. "And little credit
+to thyself."
+
+<p>"'Twould have rid the King of England of a dangerous foe," replied
+Raymond stoutly, opening his lips for the first time since his
+capture.
+
+<p>"Away with him, till I find a means to make use of him, Etienne!"
+exclaimed the Count, taking no notice of the squire's remark.
+
+<p>"To the oubliette?"
+
+<p>"Nay; two of these accursed Englishmen in one den would plague us far
+more than if kept apart. One never knows what the rogues get up to
+when they plan amongst themselves. Lock him in the old arrow-store."
+
+<p>The old arrow-store was a damp and dismal chamber next to the cell
+where Raymond had seen the monk at his researches. It was on the
+ground floor, and lighted only by one lancet-shaped window, far too
+narrow to admit the passage of a man. The roof was vaulted, the
+arches springing from a central pillar, while the floor was paved
+with heavy slabs set in strong cement.
+
+<p>This much the young squire saw while the men were making a cursory
+examination by the aid of two additional torches; and after removing
+an old chest they quitted the room, bolting and locking the heavy
+iron-plated door behind them.
+
+<p>Left to himself, Raymond fell a prey to the deepest despondency. The
+failure of his ill-starred attempt, the comparative ease of his
+capture, and the mortification which the Constable would feel at his
+non-return, weighed upon the unhappy squire far more than the danger
+of his hopeless position, and, grief-stricken, he lay on a stone
+bench, listlessly marking the sound of the rapidly-retreating storm,
+till a feeble glimmer through the lancet window betokened that the
+day was dawning. He had one consolation, sorry though it was&mdash;there
+remained another Englishman within the stronghold, the solitary
+survivor of five picked men-at-arms.
+
+<p>Presently Raymond stood up and stretched his cramped limbs, then
+standing on the bench he found that he could just reach the window.
+Grasping the stone ledge with his hands, he raised himself
+sufficiently to look out.
+
+<p>It was a cheerless outlook. In front, a bow-shot away, lay the dense
+masses of the forest, still hazy with the morning mist. An open
+space, broken only by a moat full of slimy water, lay between the
+forest and the stronghold, though no drawbridge was visible on that
+side.
+
+<p>And beyond the forest lay, at an unknown distance, the English camp,
+where even now Sir John Hacket was doubtless expecting his return
+with the expected captive. Overcome with the irony of the situation,
+Raymond clambered down from the window and relapsed into his moody
+and despondent attitude.
+
+<p>For several hours he remained thus, till aroused by the drawing back
+of the bolts of his prison door. The door was thrown open, and an
+armed man entered, bearing a pitcher of water and a trencher of black
+bread, while another man stood without, for fear of an outburst of
+the prisoner. Without a word the jailer set down the meal and
+retired.
+
+<p>Twice daily was this done, and thus the days sped, slowly and
+cheerlessly, but no visit from the Count of Tancarville served to
+break the dismal monotony.
+
+<p>On the fifth day Raymond heard the sound of martial preparations, and
+climbing to the window he caught a brief glimpse of a body of armed
+and mounted men riding past his prison; one of whom, he had no doubt,
+was the Count. Then came the rumble of heavily-laden wains, but in
+which direction the party disappeared the squire was unable to see.
+
+<p>Evidently the little garrison of this sylvan fortress was
+considerably depleted, for Raymond noticed that his jailer came into
+his prison alone. He thought, though, that this might have been
+through a sense of familiarity at his prisoner's dejected mien. Yet
+daily, for hours together, the sound of the pestle, dimly heard
+through the thick adjoining wall, showed that the taciturn old monk
+still pursued his dangerous task.
+
+<p>Four more days passed in dreadful solitude, till, maddened by the
+hopelessness of his condition, Raymond resolved on desperate measures
+to attempt his escape. Plan after plan flashed through his brain,
+only to be put aside as impracticable. Feigning death, burrowing
+through the stone walls of his prison, attacking his jailer, all
+seemed hopeless, till at length a scheme, hazardous in the extreme,
+yet capable of meeting with possible success, matured in his mind and
+hourly increased his hopes of ultimate success.
+
+<p>Usually the jailer found him sitting dejectedly upon the stone bench,
+practically invisible in the gloom to any one entering from the
+dazzling sunlight without. But on this particular morning Raymond,
+awaiting the jailer's footsteps, carefully removed his surcoat and
+hid behind the door. Directly the man entered he made, as was his
+wont, direct for the bench, when the squire, springing upon him from
+behind, muffled his head in the surcoat and bore him to the ground.
+The jug and platter fell with a resounding crash, and Raymond,
+seizing the broken pitcher, struck the jailer such a shrewd blow that
+it all but split his skull, leaving him senseless on the floor.
+
+<p>Hastily dragging his body across to the darkest corner, Raymond
+possessed himself of his dagger and escaped from his prison.
+
+<p>Without a moment's hesitation he burst into the adjoining apartment,
+where the old monk, engrossed in his work, did not take the slightest
+notice of his abrupt entry. Raymond had argued with himself that a
+priest engaged in warlike pursuits thereby puts himself without the
+pale of the Church; so, overcoming his scruples, he wrenched the
+pestle from the hand of the astonished monk and stunned him ere he
+could utter a sound.
+
+<p>Then with feverish haste he stripped off and donned the monk's
+capacious gown, pulling the cowl well down over his eyes; then,
+strapping the wooden sandals over his own pointed shoes, he walked
+boldly into the corridor, with bent head and clattering gait.
+
+<p>At the end of the passage was another heavily-barred door, at which a
+spearman stood on guard. Holding his dagger firmly in his right hand
+and concealing it within the folds of his long sleeve, Raymond moved
+straight up to the man. The sentinel opened the door, and with bowed
+head stood aside to let the supposed monk pass. In a well-feigned
+highly-pitched voice the young squire gave the customary blessing;
+then, almost amazed at his good fortune, he gained the free air once
+more.
+
+<p>But his difficulties were not yet over. The road from the stronghold
+ran under the shelter of the low walls for some distance, then turned
+abruptly and crossed the moat by a drawbridge, at the end of which
+was a small postern and barbican.
+
+<p>All went well till Raymond was upon the bridge, and the gate-keeper
+was making ready to throw open the outer gate, when the sham monk
+dropped one sandal upon the bridge, where it lay conspicuously in the
+dazzling sunshine.
+
+<p>For a moment the guard paused, gazing in undisguised astonishment at
+the tell-tale object, then with a crash he closed the gate and raised
+a horn to his lips. But ere he could blow a blast Raymond was upon
+him; a glint of cold steel, and the man uttering a choking cry, threw
+up his arms and fell in a huddled heap.
+
+<p>Disguise was no longer necessary, and the squire, opening the gate
+and casting off his gown as he ran, sped over the open space towards
+the sheltering forest.
+
+<p>He heard some one behind him shouting the alarm, but by the time the
+watchers on the wall could wind their cross-bows Raymond was almost
+out of range, though a dropping bolt, shot at a venture, hummed close
+to his head and buried itself in the springy turf at the foot of the
+nearest tree.
+
+<p>Though skilled in finding a course by observing the position of the
+sun, Raymond was but indifferently versed in woodcraft, and in the
+gloom of the forest all idea of direction was beyond him. Onward he
+plunged, crashing through the bracken and undergrowth, till to his
+great delight he struck a narrow path. This he followed, till at
+length he came upon the scene of his ambuscade. A yawning pit,
+partially concealed by a screen of hurdles and bracken, lay across
+the narrow way, while a score of paces beyond was a tree trunk,
+which, having been skilfully cut through close to its base, needed
+but little effort to fall into its present position, effectually
+barring the road to any but unmounted men.
+
+<p>With a sickening feeling of horror Raymond gazed into the pit, where
+lay the mangled remains of two of his men-at-arms, though it was
+evident that the plunderer had already been there, as the corpses
+were stripped of their arms and accoutrements, while the trappings of
+the horses had vanished.
+
+<p>Under the fallen trunk lay the body of the third soldier, plundered
+also as far as the ponderous timber would allow, while of the fourth
+no trace remained but a dark stain on the clayey soil.
+
+<p>Clambering over the last obstacle, the squire found himself on the
+steep path that had been so dangerous a road but a short fortnight
+before. On and on he hastened, till he emerged on the high road that
+led to the camp, which he estimated to be about four and a half
+leagues distant, provided a general advance had not taken place in
+the meantime.
+
+<p>He was hatless and without his surcoat, having left that garment with
+his late jailer, and there were no distinguishing marks to show that
+he belonged either to the army of the King of England or of Philip of
+France.
+
+<p>Tying his blood-stained scarf over his chin, he strode boldly
+forward, trusting in the rôle of a wounded soldier to avoid being
+questioned. At length he gained the summit of a hill, from which he
+looked down upon a lovely fertile valley, and in the distance the
+blue waters of the English Channel.
+
+<p>A spur of rising ground hid the view on his right, but a few minutes
+sufficed to gain its crest, and on looking down he saw a sight that
+filled him with joy, for below lay a large unwalled town, which he
+rightly guessed to be Caen, while a league off was the English host
+in battle array, and between him and the army was a motley array of
+Frenchmen issuing from the town to join battle with the invaders.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter16"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XVI</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">THE TABLES TURNED</h5>
+
+<p>
+ONLY one thing could Raymond do. He sat down on the grassy hillock
+and watched, knowing well that the fight could but end in one way.
+
+<p>A little group of Norman knights led the van of the French, whose
+forces were composed mostly of towns-men, desperate in their vain
+attempt to save their town from pillage. Eagerly the keen eyes of the
+squire followed their disorderly advance, till they were almost lost
+to view in the distance.
+
+<p>To him it seemed as if the white-coated lines of English archers
+stirred neither hand nor foot, but he knew full well that the blast
+of deadly arrows had sped, for as if by magic the dark masses of the
+Frenchmen broke and fled, without coming to hand-grips. Already the
+English cavalry were in hot pursuit, and the white winding road
+leading to the town was outlined with clouds of dust, which almost
+concealed the disorderly remnants of the defeated fugitives.
+
+<p>Directly the advance guard of the fleeing army began to draw near,
+Raymond rose from the grass and ran swiftly towards the road. The
+Frenchmen, each intent upon his own safety, rushed past him, throwing
+off their armour to aid their flight, the mounted fugitives
+ruthlessly riding down their less fortunate countrymen.
+
+<p>Seated by the roadside was a man-at-arms, who, sorely wounded in the
+shoulder, was endeavouring to divest himself of his hauberk in order
+to ease the pain. Actuated both by his own requirements and a feeling
+of pity, Raymond helped him to unburden himself of the steel-ringed
+coat, and having donned the Frenchman's discarded armour, he bathed
+his wound, a deep lance-thrust, with water obtained from a rivulet
+that ran by the roadside.
+
+<p>After rendering this service he proceeded to complete his own
+equipment. A heavy sword and a light shield were soon found, and it
+did not require much effort on the part of the active squire to seize
+a riderless horse.
+
+<p>With difficulty curbing the restlessness of his newly-acquired steed,
+Raymond urged it into an adjoining field to avoid being swept away by
+the panic-stricken horde of fugitives, and eagerly awaited the
+arrival of the English host.
+
+<p>Soon the tide of fleeing Frenchmen slackened, and the braver spirits,
+maintaining a running fight, alone remained to uphold the honour of
+the ill-assorted army of the citizens of Caen.
+
+<p>Suddenly Raymond's attention was drawn to a knot of mailed figures,
+who, surrounded by a press of Englishmen, fought savagely with the
+courage of despair. One by one the French mounted men-at-arms and
+squires fell, till only two knights remained.
+
+<p>The pair, keeping side by side, held their enemies at bay by a shower
+of blows from sword and mace, till one, his horse slain by a
+Welshman, who paid for his act by having his head cleft by a
+back-handed sweep, was dashed to the ground and made prisoner.
+
+<p>On seeing his comrade's fate, the other knight urged his horse
+through the crowd of assailants and made a dash for the open field,
+where Raymond awaited the chance to join his friends.
+
+<p>Directly the squire caught sight of his emblazoned surcoat and shield
+he recognised the Frenchman&mdash;it was none other than the Count of
+Tancarville!
+
+<p>Shaking off his pursuers, who preferred to return to squabble over
+their rights to the ransom of the captive knight, the Count rode
+straight for the place where Raymond was concealed. When he was
+twenty paces off the squire rode forward and barred his way.
+
+<p>"Yield thyself, Sir Knight!" exclaimed Raymond.
+
+<p>For a moment the Count gazed with undisguised astonishment at the man
+whom he had last seen as a prisoner in his stronghold, then,
+recovering himself, he put spur to his horse and rode furiously at
+the squire.
+
+<p>The combatants were evenly matched, for the advantage of the
+Frenchman's complete coat of mail was balanced by the comparative
+freshness of his opponent and his steed. The knight had lost his
+lance, so that the fight was with swords.
+
+<p>Reining back his horse, Raymond skilfully avoided the first rush, the
+Count's sword-point missing his unguarded face by a hand's breadth,
+while the squire's return blow fell harmlessly on his adversary's
+shield. Instantly Raymond closed in, and before the knight could turn
+his steed to meet the counter-attack, the squire's sword had bit
+deeply into his enemy's thigh. Then their blades met, and amid a
+shower of sparks and the clicking and rasping of steel, Raymond found
+himself at pains to defend his unvisored face, and it was not long
+before the blood was flowing freely from a cut on his cheek. But the
+Count's previous exertions and the loss of blood from several deep
+wounds were beginning to tell. His blows did not fall with the same
+strength that marked his first rush, though the squire could not
+break down his guard.
+
+<p>Long they fought, their horses prancing and curveting as if realising
+that their efforts would materially aid their masters' sword-play,
+till Raymond's untried blade snapped off close to the hilt, and, with
+the exception of a short knife, he was left weaponless.
+
+<p>A quick pull at the reins, and the squire's horse ranged alongside
+that of the Norman. The next instant Raymond had grasped his opponent
+round the body, and with a mighty heave sought to tear him from the
+saddle.
+
+<p>Between the two plunging steeds the combatants fell, locked in a
+close embrace, Raymond uppermost; but before he could make good his
+advantage and demand his enemy's surrender a stunning kick from the
+Count's horse left its master at the Englishman's mercy.
+
+<p>Raymond rose to his feet bruised and breathless, and at that moment a
+band of soldiers came hurrying towards them. The newcomers were the
+wild-looking Welsh mercenaries, intent on plunder; and, unable to
+make them understand who he was, the squire was for a while in danger
+of being set upon by these lawless booty-seeking warriors. Standing
+over the body of the prostrate knight, he beckoned, shouted, and
+threatened, till a highly-pitched voice behind him demanded who and
+what he was.
+
+<p>Raymond turned and saw a gigantic, swarthy, and black-bearded man,
+clad in a bronze-coloured suit of armour, having a green dragon
+emblazoned on his surcoat and shield.
+
+<p>"Squire to Sir John Hacket of Hamptonshire," he replied breathlessly.
+"I pray thee bid these rascals desist."
+
+<p>A word from the stranger in an unknown tongue, and the Welshmen
+retired.
+
+<p>"Rascals, iss what ye call tem?" asked the new arrival, laughing
+boisterously. "I would haf yes know, poy, tat tey are from
+Glamorgan&mdash;from Glamorgan, I tell you! And tey are the best men in
+the Army, I tell ye, poy, for tey are my men, I, David Evans, knight
+off Glamorgan. I pray ye pear tat in mind. I myself tought ye wass a
+Norman, or at pest a Gascon, seeing ye wass to wear a Frenchman's
+hauberk."
+
+<p>The Welsh leader rode off, leaving Raymond to wonder how he could
+escape molestation from his friends and still stand by his captive.
+Most of the pursuers kept to the highway, and only a few came close
+to where he stood. In vain he begged and entreated the passing
+soldiers to give a hand to carry off the unconscious Count. Even the
+promise of a silver penny had no effect, for the English, intent on
+plunder, were already streaming into Caen with the last of their
+foes, and the comparatively bountiful offer of payment was invariably
+rejected with contempt.
+
+<p>At length, despairing of obtaining assistance, Raymond left his
+prisoner and made his way back to the road, hoping to see a familiar
+face amongst the victorious soldiers who were hurrying forward to
+join in the sack of the town, but there were none of the Hampshire
+companies.
+
+<p>Picking up another sword to replace his broken weapon, the squire
+preferred to go back to guard his captive, consoling himself with the
+thought that on the Count's return to consciousness he could lead him
+into the camp; then, suddenly bethinking himself of the rivulet
+higher up the road, he hastened towards it to slake his burning
+thirst.
+
+<p>This he did, and thereupon made his way back by a different route to
+where the Count lay. Barely had he gone half the distance than he
+came to a dry ditch, where, to his surprise, he found two fugitives
+cowering in the long grass that grew in the trench.
+
+<p>"Je me rends!" they both exclaimed, grovelling at his feet in fear of
+instant death, for, being but peasants, they knew that scant mercy
+was shown to those who were unable to offer ransom.
+
+<p>In a moment Raymond saw and seized his chalice. "Vous êtes mes
+prisonniers," he exclaimed, brandishing his weapon. "Venez avec moi."
+
+<p>Driving them before him, the squire soon reached the place where he
+had left the Count of Tancarville, and indicated by signs that they
+should carry him. This they did, panting with their exertions, for
+the knight in his complete armour was a heavy burden. Their progress
+was slow, till on arriving on the highway Raymond made them take two
+broken lances, and forming a rough litter, they were able to make a
+better pace.
+
+<p>At length, they came in sight of the camp, and to his great joy
+Raymond saw the well-known banner of the crescent on the blue field,
+waving close to the pavilion over which floated the royal standard of
+England, for the Constable of Portchester's company was that day
+detailed as guard to the camp.
+
+<p>Great was the delight and astonishment of Sir John Hacket and his men
+on Raymond's reappearance, for he had been given up for lost; and
+greater was the Constable's surprise when his squire, pointing to the
+litter, exclaimed with pardonable pride: "Behold, sir, I bring thee
+the Count of Tancarville according to thy instructions."
+
+<p>Having handed over his three prisoners and given a brief account of
+his adventures, Raymond retired to a tent to enjoy a well-earned meal
+and a rest. From one of the archers he learned that his father,
+maddened by grief and rage at the supposed loss of his son, had
+obtained permission to join for the time being the Sussex company of
+Sir Guy of Bramber, vowing that twenty Norman lives would but
+ill-balance Raymond's death.
+
+<p>The squire's leisure was of short duration, for Sir John Hacket came
+in person to inform him that the King had ordered him to appear
+before him.
+
+<p>Raymond's eyes sparkled with delight, for this was a step at least
+towards his coveted reward, and hastily attiring himself suitably for
+the royal presence, he followed the Constable to the King's pavilion.
+
+<p>It was a large tent, hung with damask, and divided into two parts by
+a heavy curtain. In the ante-room were crowds of knights awaiting an
+audience, their names and titles being carefully set down by a
+herald, while another, stationed at the flap of the partitioning
+curtain, where two knights in full armour stood on guard, announced
+the various personages who had business with their Sovereign.
+
+<p>Each knight who was ushered into the inner apartment had but a short
+stay in the royal presence, and to Raymond, as he waited in
+breathless expectation, it seemed as if there was a continuous
+procession of warriors, some elated with the prospect of praise and
+honour, others nervously ignorant of why they were summoned thither;
+while others, knowing that their master had cause for displeasure,
+were pacing the crowded ante-chamber, biting their lips in their
+anxiety.
+
+<p>All the while a buzz of suppressed voices was heard from the inner
+room, and occasionally Edward's hearty voice could be clearly
+distinguished as he praised or chid according to the merits or
+demerits of the person before him.
+
+<p>Suddenly the sound of a galloping horse was heard, coming rapidly
+nearer, then, amid a hum of ill-concealed excitement, a knight,
+covered in mud from head to foot, and breathless from hard riding,
+burst into the ante-chamber.
+
+<p>"Ah, Sir William!" he exclaimed to the royal herald, "I pray thee
+announce me to the King with all despatch. The matter brooks not
+delay!" And clanking in his heavy armour at the heels of the herald
+he disappeared behind the curtain that concealed the royal presence
+from the crowd of waiting knights.
+
+<p>"'Tis Lord Bassett," whispered Sir John to his squire. "Certes, some
+event of much moment hath occurred to bring him from the field.
+Hearken!"
+
+<p>The newcomer's voice was distinctly audible to those who waited
+without. "The men of Caen are holding out stubbornly, Sire, every
+house being closed to our troops, and our losses from the darts of
+those within are exceeding great. The Welsh levies, aye, and our own
+men as well, are killing without mercy man, woman, and child, yet
+their acts do but increase the fury of the men of Caen. I pray you,
+Sire, that the word goes forth that every soldier shall withdraw from
+the city, for otherwise they threaten to destroy it with fire."
+
+<p>"But wherefore should we hold our hand?" inquired the King. "They of
+Caen set themselves in battle against our hosts, and must of
+necessity abide the consequences."
+
+<p>"But the spoil, Sire, the spoil! 'Tis the richest town in all
+Normandy. If we can but prevail on the citizens to lay down their
+arms, then the sack can be resumed with more profit and less risk."
+
+<p>"There's wisdom in thy words," replied Edward, "but thy advice is
+every whit the same as the Cardinal Legates gave to us but an hour
+agone. These we told that it was our resolve to brook no interference
+of the Holy Father in matters appertaining to war, but, by my
+halidome, the suggestion commends itself to us. Therefore withdraw
+our troops. Beat a parley with the townsmen, and demand their
+surrender with promise of quarter. Stay! I'll to the front myself!
+Herald! Dismiss the knights in waiting, and inform them that we will
+receive them on the morrow."
+
+<p>Thus Raymond's opportunity had passed for the present, for when the
+morrow came, the King in person met the chief magistrate of Caen, and
+in the presence of the Papal Envoys, agreed to accept the
+unconditional surrender of the town, pledging his kingly word,
+however, that the massacre should cease, and before the evening came
+the squire was detailed for another errand.
+
+<p>"Raymond," quoth Sir John Hacket, "I have it in mind that a slight
+advancement and no little honour can be obtained if we can seize the
+stronghold of the Count of Tancarville, and gain possession of the
+store of powder and the bombards of which thou hast spoken. What
+think ye? All the powder was not taken away by the Count?"
+
+<p>"I think not, sir."
+
+<p>"And the bombards?"
+
+<p>"I saw none go; nevertheless they may have sent them away."
+
+<p>"Then I'll go to Chandos and crave permission to lead the company
+against this strange hunting-lodge in the Forest of Brique. Meanwhile
+have thy two prisoners closely questioned, for, methinks, they know
+exactly where this stronghold lieth."
+
+<p>The Constable hastened to the tent of Sir John Chandos to obtain the
+required boon, while Raymond sent for the two Normans whose lives he
+had spared. They were, so the squire ascertained, brothers, and one
+had been in the service of the Count of Eu, and knew the precise
+position of the Count of Tancarville's forest castle.
+
+<p>Soon Sir John returned, having succeeded in his mission. One of the
+prisoners was made to act as guide, and to avoid another blunder he
+was told that should the enterprise fail through his neglect or
+treachery his brother's life would be forfeit. Rations were served
+out to the company, and an hour later Sir John's command, consisting
+of three squires, thirty men-at-arms, and fifty mounted archers,
+moved out of camp amid the encouraging shouts of their comrades, and
+disappeared in the gathering gloom towards the dark masses of the
+Forest of Brique.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter17"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XVII</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">THE FALL OF THE COUNT'S STRONGHOLD</h5>
+
+<p>
+UNDER the guidance of the Norman, the company proceeded by a
+different route to that by which Raymond made his escape; and, as
+night fell, they dismounted and off-saddled in a clearing within half
+a league of the Count's stronghold.
+
+<p>Sentries were posted, and every precaution taken against surprise,
+but nothing untoward occurred to disturb the camp.
+
+<p>Day dawned, but a thick, fleecy mist prevailed, the moisture dripping
+from the steel caps of the soldiers, who, in spite of it being a
+summer's morn in fair Normandy, actually shivered with cold. No fires
+were allowed to be lighted for fear of giving warning of their
+approach, and after a hasty breakfast the company started on the last
+portion of the journey.
+
+<p>The way lay through a narrow avenue, similar to that in which
+Raymond's ill-fated men-at-arms met with disaster, and the Norman
+guide, anxious for his own and his brother's safety, used all his
+skill and cunning as a woodman to ensure a successful surprise.
+
+<p>Presently through the mist two gnarled trunks attracted his
+attention, and, halting, he beckoned to the Constable to dismount. In
+low tones he explained that lie wanted a riderless horse to be driven
+in front of the company, and, the Constable assenting, one of the
+archers dismounted and urged his steed to the head of the column.
+
+<p>To Raymond, who knew the perils of the path, the act occasioned no
+surprise, but most of the soldiers watched the action with
+wonderment.
+
+<p>The horse had proceeded but a short distance when it stumbled over
+some invisible obstacle, and before it could recover itself, a heavy
+beam, furnished with a metal barb, came crashing down from the
+mist&mdash;hidden branches above, pinning the devoted animal to the earth.
+
+<p>A score of willing hands dragged the timber and its victim from the
+path. "I pray you send another horse on ahead," exclaimed the
+Constable calmly, as if unmoved by his narrow escape, for had he been
+in his customary place at the head of the company his fate would have
+been sealed.
+
+<p>Silently, and fully anticipating a fresh trap, the troop advanced,
+the successor to the ill-fated horse walking cautiously as if
+instinctively aware of its perilous mission. A bow-shot farther it
+stopped, and, in spite of the application of the point of a dagger,
+it refused to move another step.
+
+<p>"Prenez garde, messieurs, c'est un piège," whispered the Norman.
+"Mais sans doute c'est le dernier empêchement."
+
+<p>"Step forward, Lavant," exclaimed the Constable in a low tone to one
+of the men-at-arms. "Thrust out thy spear and see what lieth here."
+
+<p>The man did so, and almost without resistance the weapon sank in
+turf. A twist of the spear and a large piece of what looked to be
+green sward gave way, disclosing a yawning cavity, its length being
+too great to permit a horse to leap across, while its depth was
+sufficient to kill or maim any man or beast that had the misfortune
+to fall therein.
+
+<p>At a sign from their leader the soldiers dismounted. One man was told
+off to every four horses, a party set silently to work to cut a way
+through the dense thicket, so as to make a detour round the pitfall,
+and the rest of the soldiers stood where they were, resting on their
+arms till the path was cleared.
+
+<p>This done, the company, now diminished in fighting numbers by
+one-fourth, resumed their march, and, as the guide had foretold, were
+unmolested by any other obstacle till they emerged from the forest at
+the edge of the extensive clearing in which stood the stronghold of
+the Count of Tancarville.
+
+<p>The sun was now above the tree-tops, and slowly the mist was
+dispersing, so that the outlines of the fortress were just visible in
+the clouds of lifting vapour.
+
+<p>Ordering his men to lie down within the shelter of the undergrowth,
+Sir John called his squires, the master bowman who had taken the
+place of the absent Redward, and the oldest man-at-arms, and held a
+hasty consultation upon the plan of attack.
+
+<p>Though Raymond had not seen the castle from without, he found that
+his idea of the place did not differ greatly from the appearance of
+the actual building. It was a long, low structure, but one story in
+height, save at one corner, where a low tower commanded the rest of
+the stronghold. The walls were pierced with narrow loopholes for the
+discharge of arrows, and crowned by a battlemented breastwork. Around
+the walls was, as Raymond already knew, a ditch or moat. The
+drawbridge was raised, and the outer fortalice or barbican was
+furnished with a massive door.
+
+<p>There were no signs of the garrison, which, at the most, numbered
+less than two score men, but the possibility of a surprise was
+guarded against by the fact that the doorway of the barbican was
+closed.
+
+<p>For several hours the little English force lay in front of the
+stronghold, the soldiers prone on the grass, their leaders standing
+behind a dense thicket, so that no assailant was visible to the
+still unsuspecting inmates of the castle.
+
+<p>At length some of the archers who had remained with the horses joined
+the main body, dragging with them two peasants who were captured
+while on their way to the Count's fortress. The two men bore huge
+baskets full of bread on their backs, and the booty was distributed
+and eagerly devoured by the soldiers, while the peasants, securely
+bound, were detained a short distance in the forest under a guard of
+three archers.
+
+<p>Presently one of the men-at-arms approached Raymond. "I beg of thee,
+sir, to ask the Constable that he give me leave to force an entry
+into yonder fortress."
+
+<p>"How so, Peter? Wouldst essay the task alone?"
+
+<p>"Nay, Master Raymond, but with my comrade, Myles of Fareham, 'tis
+easy to attempt."
+
+<p>"And easier to fail? What wouldst thou do?"
+
+<p>"If we don the peasant's clothes and carry their baskets filled with
+stones on our backs, I trow 'twill be an easy business to fool those
+that are within. Once they open the gate two honest Englishmen can
+hold it against a score of Frenchmen till the main body hath time to
+come to our aid."
+
+<p>"By St. George! Thou sayest aright; I'll speak to Sir John at once."
+
+<p>The Constable received the project with delight, and preparations for
+the assault were instantly made. The two men-at-arms drew the
+gabardines of the peasants over their armour, so that they closely
+resembled the thick-set, shambling Normans, and shouldering their
+heavy baskets, they advanced boldly towards the outwork.
+
+<p>Meanwhile their comrades were eager and alert. The bowmen had chosen
+their arrows and strung their bows; the men-at-arms had drawn their
+swords and had discarded their belts and sheaths to enable them to
+run the quicker to the aid of the two devoted men, and with eyes
+intently fixed on the gate of the barbican they awaited the signal to
+rush headlong across the open space that lay between them and the
+fortress.
+
+<p>To the waiting soldiers it seemed hours ere their two comrades drew
+near to the outer work, but when within a few paces of it a sentinel
+stood forth on the wall and challenged them. Then, apparently
+suspicious of their errand, he blew a loud blast on a horn, which was
+immediately answered by the appearance of five or six men from within
+the barbican, while over a score lined the walls of the main
+stronghold, some of whom began to wind their cross-bows.
+
+<p>At the same time the door was thrown open, and a man, apparently a
+captain, stood on the threshold. Up to now these preparations were
+simply a matter of form, no matter who the newcomer might be, and
+fortunately the iron-nerved Englishmen understood this, for,
+staggering under their loads, they still advanced with bent heads to
+avoid recognition.
+
+<p>Suddenly the guardian of the gate realised that it was not a pair of
+ignorant peasants that he had to parley with. But the knowledge came
+too late. Peter of Purbrook had thrown down his load and dashed,
+sword in hand, at the astonished Norman. Before the latter could
+retreat a step he had fallen with his head cleft to the chin. His
+body lay athwart the threshold, and ere the others could rush to
+close the gate the Englishmen had pushed their baskets, filled with
+stones, against the door, and were awaiting the onslaught of their
+foes.
+
+<p>With hoarse shouts of encouragement the English men-at-arms rose from
+their ambush and rushed madly to their comrades' aid, while the
+archers, shooting rapidly and coolly, directed a dropping fire of
+arrows at the defenders on the walls. But they of the outwork had
+gathered to defend the gate, and already a fierce struggle was taking
+place, the two gallant Englishmen being hard pressed by the enraged
+Normans.
+
+<p>With axe, spear, and mace the defenders strove to thrust back the
+daring intruders, while the latter, regardless of their own safety,
+essayed to keep open the gate. Two of the Normans fell, their bodies
+adding to the ghastly pile at the entrance to the barbican, but
+directly afterwards Myles of Fareham was slain by a savage
+spear-thrust.
+
+<p>Undismayed by the fall of his comrade, Peter of Purbrook hurled an
+axe at the helm of the slayer of his friend, then, clearing at a
+bound the heap of corpses, bade fair to drive back the defenders
+single-handed, while his comrades, with Raymond well in the fore,
+were already halfway across the intervening space.
+
+<p>Carried away by the heat of battle, Raymond saw as in a dream the
+figure of the devoted man-at-arms clearing a path for his countrymen;
+the next instant there was a blinding flash, a deafening roar, and a
+thick, choking cloud of sulphurous smoke.
+
+<p>One of the defenders, with the fury of despair, had fired off a
+bombard, the huge stone ball crashing through friend and foe alike,
+and bounding over the springy turf till it came to a stop a few paces
+from the edge of the forest.
+
+<p>Appalled by the sound, the soldiers hesitated, but when the smoke had
+partially cleared away the gateway was deserted.
+
+<p>Then the Constable's voice was heard amid the din, "Onwards, men, the
+place is ours," and regaining their wits, the Englishmen rushed
+forward and reached the deserted barbican.
+
+<p>The discharge from the bombard, by which the remaining Frenchmen,
+save one, and four English men-at-arms, including the ill-fated
+Peter, had been swept away, was attended by one good result. The
+drawbridge had been lowered, and, after applying the linstock, the
+cannonier had darted back across it to take refuge in the fortress,
+while the heavy bombard, wrenching asunder the leather thongs that
+bound it to the carriage, had recoiled till its weight rested on the
+end of the drawbridge, effectually preventing it from being raised by
+the defenders.
+
+<p>In the meanwhile the English archers, while engaged in keeping down
+the fire of the cross-bowmen, had marked the fugitive cannonier as he
+sped back to gain the entrance. Ere he had run but half the distance
+he fell, transfixed by a dozen arrows, while the attacking party
+roared with excitement and jubilation.
+
+<p>Even if the defenders had had another bombard available they would
+have been prevented by the hail of shafts from training it on their
+adversaries; and, led by the Constable and his squires, the
+men-at-arms crossed the drawbridge and thundered at the main gate
+with their axes, while the archers, advancing in close order, kept up
+a hot fire against every point where a Norman dared show the crest of
+his steel cap.
+
+<p>Under the furious blows the door was splintered; then with a united
+effort the shattered woodwork gave way, and the victorious Englishmen
+rushed headlong into the castle, only to find that not a man of the
+garrison was to be seen.
+
+<p>With his own hands the Constable tore down the scarlet wolves' heads
+of the banner of the Count of Tancarville, and the blue guidon with
+the demi-lune floated in its place, amidst a fanfare of trumpets and
+the cheers of the victors.
+
+<p>Then a systematic search of the stronghold was undertaken, but no
+trace of the Normans was found till an archer stumbled over a heavy
+trap-door, which, on being raised, disclosed a flight of dankstone
+steps leading to a subterranean passage. Listening intently, the
+Constable and his squires heard the faint sounds of retreating
+footsteps echoing along the stone walls of the tunnel.
+
+<p>"It matters not," quoth Sir John. "I doubt whether there be any
+person of quality amongst them. Their burrow doubtless leads to some
+spot in the forest, and I can ill-afford to risk more lives in a
+needless undertaking."
+
+<p>To close the entrance, pieces of heavy timber weighted with stone
+were thrown down the yawning pit, and having made all chance of a
+return by this outlet impossible, the soldiers devoted their energies
+to the exploration of the building.
+
+<p>It was more of a fortified arsenal than a castle, the Count's
+principal fortress being ten leagues off, but the spoils of war were
+both numerous and useful.
+
+<p>In all, including the bombard in the barbican, there were eleven
+pieces of ordnance, a score barrels of powder, steel caps, hauberks,
+and weapons of all descriptions. Unwilling to leave the booty where
+it might again fall into the hands of the Normans, the Constable made
+preparations to carry off the whole of the munitions of war.
+
+<p>Dragging long planks across the open ground, a party of archers
+returned to where the horses had been left. By bridging the pitfall,
+the steeds were led safely across the fatal trap, and in less than an
+hour were within the stronghold, where rough carts in abundance were
+ready to be loaded up with the spoil.
+
+<p>Meanwhile Raymond had not forgotten the unfortunate man-at-arms who
+had been captured with him in the first attempt to seize the Count.
+Aided by a couple of archers, he searched vainly for the secret
+oubliette, till at length he bethought him of the two peasants who
+had been taken earlier in the day.
+
+<p>These were brought before him, and without much difficulty were
+compelled to lead the way. In the floor of the lowest apartment the
+peasants pointed out a small door, almost invisible in the deep
+gloom. Procuring a torch, Raymond and the archers shot back the
+bolts, and on lifting the trapdoor, a dark, evil-smelling dungeon was
+disclosed, unlighted and almost unventilated. Mingled with the noise
+of scores of rats a low moaning was heard, and in the fitful glare of
+the torchlight a narrow circular hole could be distinguished in the
+centre of the dungeon, its mouth unprotected by a barrier of any
+kind.
+
+<p>"Art there, Robert?" asked the squire, his voice shaking with pity
+and emotion.
+
+<p>The only reply was another low moan, as of a human being in direst
+distress. Sending one of the archers back for assistance, Raymond
+impatiently waited by the yawning pit. The man soon returned, and
+with him four lusty men-at-arms, one of whom carried a coil of stout
+rope and two more torches.
+
+<p>Directing the men to lower him slowly and carefully, Raymond knotted
+one end of the rope under his arms and boldly descended, holding a
+flaming torch above his head. The light flickered on the slimy walls
+of the pit, which, as he descended, began to increase in size, till
+at length he reached the bottom of a deep, bottle-shaped cavity, the
+only approach to which being the narrow neck through which he had
+been lowered.
+
+<p>The floor was ankle-deep in filth and slime; and, by the aid of the
+torch, the squire saw, crouched in the corner, apparently heedless of
+the presence of his rescuer, the figure of a man.
+
+<p>Bending over him, Raymond failed at first to recognise his ill-fated
+companion-in-arms, for the soldier's face, instead of being the
+deep-bronzed, healthy colour that comes of a life in the open air,
+was of a ghastly greenish hue, and his eyes, dazzled by the glimmer
+of the torch, blinked with a peculiar vacant expression that
+suggested madness.
+
+<p>Finding that the man was too weak to stand the strain of the rope
+round his chest, Raymond, placing the torch on the ground, lifted him
+to his feet, and taking him in his arms, called out to those above to
+haul up. Shielding the soldier as well as he could from the rough
+sides of the shaft, the squire with his pitiful burden came slowly to
+the surface, where rough but kindly hands took charge of the rescued
+prisoner, who was little more than a corpse.
+
+
+
+<p><center><img src="images/pitiful.jpg" alt="pitiful"></center><br>
+<center>[Illustration: A PITIFUL DISCOVERY]</center>
+
+
+
+<p>On rejoining the Constable, Raymond found that a discovery had been
+made of another score of barrels filled with powder, and the question
+of transport was troubling Sir John sorely. For not only was the
+quantity too great for the numbers of men and waggons at their
+disposal, but the difficulty arose how to reach the highway, the path
+by which they had come being quite unsuitable for the carts.
+
+<p>Two scouts were therefore sent out with instructions to follow the
+cart-tracks, and to find out whether any of the late garrison still
+remained in the neighbourhood.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter18"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XVIII</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">REDWARD'S CONFESSION</h5>
+
+<p>
+IT was close on nightfall ere the two scouts sent out by Sir John
+Hacket returned to the captured fortress. They reported that there
+was a fairly wide road which joined the highway to Caen about three
+leagues from that town, and that there were no signs of any hostile
+force in the district they had explored.
+
+<p>So that night the company made merry in the stronghold of the Count
+of Tancarville, wine and food being found in abundance, although Sir
+John did not for one moment relax the vigilance so necessary in a
+strange country.
+
+<p>At daybreak preparations were made for the evacuation of the
+fortress, and, headed by the two scouts, the little force set out on
+its march to the camp.
+
+<p>First came a strong party of men-at-arms, ready for instant action in
+case of attack. Then followed the Constable and his squires,
+accompanied by the two peasants and the Norman guide, and surrounded
+by a body of dismounted archers, who marched with their bows strung
+and their quivers swinging from the hip.
+
+<p>The carts came next, drawn by the horses of the dismounted archers,
+and piled high with the spoils of the fortress, including the
+captured bombards and as much powder as they could possibly hold.
+
+<p>Next came a small troop of men-at-arms, followed by some more carts,
+in which the wounded, including the rescued soldier, lay on heaps of
+hay and straw; while the rear was composed of the rest of the
+men-at-arms and mounted archers.
+
+<p>In this order they issued under the great gateway, passed over the
+drawbridge, and crossed the wide belt of open ground. When the head
+of the column reached the edge of the gloomy forest a tucket sounded
+and the soldiers came to a halt.
+
+<p>Seeing Sir John and his squires gazing intently at the abandoned
+stronghold the men did likewise. They saw the grim and gaunt pile
+standing clearly out against the dark background of the forest, and
+from the black flag-staff fluttered the blue banner of the company,
+with its well-known device of the golden crescent.
+
+<p>Even as they watched, the figure of a man made its appearance on the
+battlements; the banner was slowly lowered, and the man disappeared.
+
+<p>A few moments later the same man, mounted on a swift steed, emerged
+from the gateway and thundered across the turf. Reining in his horse
+before Sir John, the rider handed the banner to the guidon-bearer,
+saluted, and fell in with his comrades; but still the Constable kept
+his eyes steadfastly on the fortress.
+
+<p>What could it mean?
+
+<p>Slowly the moments sped. To the perplexity of the soldiers, the
+castle had an irresistible fascination for their leaders, and,
+following their example, they, too, looked in silent wonderment at
+the gaunt masses of masonry.
+
+<p>Suddenly, with a flash, a roar, and a cloud of smoke and dust, the
+castle appeared to split asunder; huge masses of stone flew skyward,
+then with an appalling crash the walls subsided, and in place of the
+massive outlines of the fortress there was nothing to be seen save a
+pile of blackened stones, over which floated a heavy pall of dense
+vapour.
+
+<p>The remainder of the powder had been fired, and the sylvan stronghold
+of the Count of Tancarville was no more!
+
+<p>"'Tis well done," was Sir John's only comment, then, on receiving the
+word of command, the company resumed its march, and plunged into the
+sombre shadows of the forest.
+
+<p>Almost unnoticed, the little force reached the camp, for in the
+excitement of the sack of the rich town of Caen the absence of the
+company on their successful raid was of small moment to the rest of
+the army intent as they were on the gain of booty.
+
+<p>There were two exceptions at least. One was Redward Buckland, who,
+being apprised of his son's safety, had left the Sussex company, only
+to find to his great disappointment that his comrades had departed on
+their raid.
+
+<p>The other was the great Chandos, who, recognising more than most
+Englishmen of his day the possibilities of artillery, showed the
+greatest interest in Sir John Hacket's report of the expedition,
+promising at the first available opportunity to inform the King of
+the great service rendered by the Constable of Portchester and his
+favourite squire.
+
+<p>But other events were taking place that effectually eclipsed for the
+time being the glory of the brilliant raid. Edward, having plundered
+Caen, described by Froissart as "large, strong, full of draperies and
+all sorts of merchandise; rich citizens, noble dames, damsels, and
+fine churches," had reserved for his own share all the plate, jewels,
+and choice cloths. The plunder, together with three hundred of the
+more opulent citizens, was placed on board the English ships and sent
+over the Channel; then, hoping to sack Rouen in a similar manner, the
+King advanced with his army up the fertile valley of the Seine.
+
+<p>Foiled in this attempt, he continued his march towards Paris, only to
+find the bridges broken down, with a strong hostile force on the
+nether bank, and Philip with a large army rapidly approaching from
+Guienne.
+
+<p>A desolate track, dotted with the ashes of countless towns and
+villages, marked the ruthless advance of the English, till at the
+very gates of Paris the flood-tide of invasion became the ebb of
+retreat, and Edward, hard pressed, was in danger of being cut off by
+overwhelming numbers.
+
+<p>One night, when lying near the village of Poissy, the camp was
+aroused, and orders given to prepare to march.
+
+<p>"Whither are we bound?" asked Raymond of his father as they met in
+the semi-darkness.
+
+<p>Redward shook his head. "'Tis not a soldier's part to question
+orders," quoth he. "I did hear that the King would try to reach
+Flanders, but methinks this way leadeth to Paris."
+
+<p>There was no occasion for silence, and, talking freely amongst
+themselves, the soldiers struck their tents, and at daybreak were
+well on the road to Paris, while the light-armed horsemen attached to
+the French army, who hovered around the flanks, wheeled about and
+galloped off to inform the French King of the advance of the
+invaders.
+
+<p>Hardly had the cavalry disappeared than a halt was ordered; then,
+with great celerity, the whole English army turned and retraced its
+footsteps.
+
+<p>The Hampshire companies, which at the outset formed the rearguard,
+now found themselves in the van, and great was their delight when it
+was rumoured that the King had entrusted to them the task of forcing
+the passage of the Seine.
+
+<p>"'Tis Sir John Chandos' own doing," remarked Redward, "and as clever
+a feint as ever I met with. While the French are massing to prevent
+our supposed march on Paris, we are quietly slipping away towards
+Flanders."
+
+<p>As they came in sight of the turbid river a horseman spurred madly
+towards them. "The bridge! The bridge is broken down!" he shouted,
+then without slackening his speed he rode onwards towards the main
+body which the King had under his own command.
+
+<p>"The bridge!" growled Redward, "what of the bridge? 'Tis easily
+repaired, provided the enemy do not line the farther bank."
+
+<p>"Then show all men what we can do," exclaimed the Constable. "Pull
+down that house for me, and I'll warrant there will be a goodly stock
+of timber sufficient to build a bridge, let alone patch one up."
+
+<p>The men worked with a will, and soon the house was a shapeless mass
+of wood and plaster, while the soldiers, selecting the largest and
+strongest beams, dragged them to the spot where the jagged ends of
+the riven bridge gaped a good ten yards apart.
+
+<p>Meanwhile Redward and two score of his comrades had thrown off their
+armour and quilted jackets, and, with ropes fastened to their waists,
+plunged into the swift-flowing river.
+
+<p>To clamber up the woodwork of the broken arch was the work of a few
+minutes; then, hauling at the ropes with a will, they dragged two of
+the largest beams across the chasm, and after this was done the work
+of completing the temporary bridge was a comparatively easy matter.
+
+<p>By this time the whole English army had crowded on its advance guard,
+and many anxious glances were thrown backwards in the direction from
+which the French attack was expected, but to every one's relief no
+enemy appeared till the last waggon of the retreating host had
+rumbled over the swaying structure. Then, as the van of the French
+army came in sight, the temporary span, together with two additional
+arches, crashed into the river, effectually preventing all pursuit
+for a considerable period.
+
+<p>The retreat continued, the King making towards Flanders, yet at the
+same time gradually approaching the shores of the English Channel, so
+as to be able to re-embark should he find himself hemmed in by the
+hordes of infuriated Frenchmen.
+
+<p>As the English came on swiftly and in good order, a considerable
+force, under Godemar de Faye, fell back before them, seeking a
+favourable chance to hinder their advance, while in their rear came
+the hundred thousand armed men of King Philip, who had meantime found
+means of crossing the Seine and were swiftly pursuing.
+
+<p>At length the English reached the valley of the Somme. Here the same
+difficulty awaited them. The bridges were broken down by the
+redoubtable Godemar, after he had crossed and drawn up his troops on
+the right bank to oppose the passage of the retreating army.
+
+<p>Edward was sore puzzled with the problem of how to effect a crossing,
+till a miserable Norman peasant, one Gobin Agace, was brought before
+him. Not by threats, but by promises of rich reward, was this
+unworthy Frenchman induced to betray his country; and, on his
+informing the King of a certain ford, the order for a general advance
+was at once given.
+
+<p>Led by the peasant, the English rushed towards the ford. In front
+flowed the river, lapping over the white stones and shingle as it
+babbled along, an apparently peaceful stream, towards the sea.
+
+<p>On the opposite bank lay the troops of Godemar; but not for one
+moment did the King hesitate. Commanding the archers to pour a heavy
+covering fire into the masses of Frenchmen, he drew his sword, and
+setting himself at the head of his knights and mounted troops, Edward
+dashed across the river. Short and fierce was the conflict, but
+unable to withstand the fierce onslaught, the Frenchmen gave way, and
+were soon in headlong flight.
+
+<p>"Haste, sir," exclaimed Sir John Chandos; "command the main body to
+cross." And even as he spoke the dark outlines of the pursuing army
+appeared on the crest of a distant hill.
+
+<p>Never was a ford crossed with such celerity. The waggons were dragged
+or lifted by the united efforts of crowds of archers, and though
+waist-deep in water, the whole army crossed in safety.
+
+<p>Then the order was given to resume the march, the Hampshire companies
+being given the post of honour&mdash;the task of covering the retreat.
+
+<p>As Raymond stood with his men watching the advancing Frenchmen, their
+innumerable banners waving like a reed-covered pond, the archers had
+slipped into a long, extended line, and quietly, yet resolutely,
+awaited the oncoming enemy.
+
+<p>Suddenly the squire noticed a change in the appearance of the river.
+Instead of a silently-flowing stream that ran towards the sea, a wave
+of foaming water rushed up in the opposite direction, and almost
+instantly the river became a mass of broken water, impassable to man
+or beast. The floodtide had begun, and for six hours at least King
+Philip was doomed to rave in fruitless anger on the wrong side of the
+Somme.
+
+<p>"We are safe enough for the present," remarked Redward to his son,
+"but methinks before daybreak there will be few of us left, for the
+best we can do is to hold them in check for an hour after the tide
+has run out. Many a tight corner have we been in ere now, but,
+certes, this is the worst."
+
+<p>But the master-bowman was wrong, for presently a messenger came to
+Sir John Hacket with an urgent order from the King. With an
+irrepressible shout of delight, the fiery old knight summoned his
+sturdy little band around him.
+
+<p>"It is not fated that our bones bleach on the banks of this river,
+<i>mes enfans</i>," he exclaimed. "News hath arrived that the King intends
+to give battle with the enemy, and hath already ordered his forces in
+a strong position but three leagues hence. Thither we are to repair
+with all haste. Forward, then, and ere night we shall be with the
+main body!"
+
+<p>Eagerly the company fell in, and with hope renewed they set out for
+the camp.
+
+<p>"Mark my word, Raymond," said his father, "'tis but putting off the
+evil day. A great fight is before us, and, by the rood, 'tis hard to
+say how it will end. But I have a small matter on my mind of which I
+would speak anon. As soon, therefore, as we arrive in camp, come
+aside with me for one brief hour."
+
+<p>Raymond assented, and in silence they rode onwards towards their
+destination, a journey which was to many the last they would ever
+make on earth.
+
+<p>The sun was sinking low ere they heard the trumpets of the English
+host. The place Edward had chosen to make a stand was one of great
+natural strength. The army was encamped on the edge of a low plateau,
+the right wing being additionally protected by a narrow stream, while
+in the rear was a small wood. On the summit of the hill a wooden
+windmill stood out clearly against the sky, while but a bowshot away
+was the little village of Crécy, its houses, though ransacked by the
+invaders, still standing&mdash;a contrast to those which had previously
+stood in the path of the ruthless army.
+
+<p>As the Constable's company moved towards the quarters assigned them,
+Raymond noticed that the archers were already hard at work digging
+trenches and cutting stakes for palisades, for the King had given
+orders that everything should be ready ere night, so as to allow his
+troops a well-earned rest.
+
+<p>After a good repast, for provisions were plentiful in that fertile
+valley, Raymond sought his father, and together they walked through
+the camp towards the solitude of the neighbouring wood. On the way
+they passed the royal pavilion, where, with his chief lords, King
+Edward sat at supper, and, judging by the cheerful voices of the
+company, it was evident that few doubts were entertained as to the
+issue of to-morrow's conflict.
+
+<p>But, silent and sad, the master-bowman and his son went on their way,
+for Raymond knew instinctively that there was a great burden on his
+father's mind. At length they reached the dark shadows of the wood,
+and here Redward halted.
+
+<p>"Raymond, my beloved son," he exclaimed in a voice broken with
+emotion, "'tis hard that I should have to tell thee what I am about
+to utter, but, before Heaven, I must do it, both for mine own peace
+of mind and for thine own. Two score and three years ago this very
+day I slew a man. The quarrel was of his own seeking, 'tis true, but,
+nevertheless, the law was set against me, and I was made outlaw!"
+
+<p>The master-bowman paused to note the effect of this announcement,
+but, beyond a tightening of his lips, Redward betrayed no sign of
+dismay at this astounding confession.
+
+<p>"Then I fled from the country, and assumed a name to which I have no
+right," resumed Redward. "In this I did thee a great injustice, for
+the ban falls on the outlaw's children equally with himself; and on
+this account I ought never to have taken a wife or to have had a
+son."
+
+<p>"I care not for myself, father. But what if, even now, thou art
+recognised?"
+
+<p>"It matters not, my son. A secret kept for over two score years may
+well remain a secret; but I have a misgiving that I shall never see
+the sun set to-morrow."
+
+<p>"Father!"
+
+<p>"Nay, Raymond, 'tis but a small matter. I cannot live much longer,
+and to fall in battle is a worthy end. But the worst is to be told.
+Thou wouldst marry the Lady Audrey!"
+
+<p>The young squire shuddered at the altered prospect.
+
+<p>"Alack a day!" he groaned.
+
+<p>"Ay, Raymond. I fear thou wilt curse the day thou camest into the
+world, for to my sorrow I must tell thee&mdash;the brother of that lady's
+father was the man I slew!"
+
+<p>For a moment the squire was incapable of speech, then, recovering
+himself with an effort, he exclaimed, "Nay, father, I blame you not.
+It is rather the fate of circumstances and my own foolish pride that
+made me look so high. I cannot for one moment continue my suit for
+the hand of the Lady Audrey, neither can I ever hope to wear the
+spurs of knighthood; but I am still thy son."
+
+<p>"And wouldst thou know thy true name?"
+
+<p>"Not unless it please thee, father; 'Raymond Buckland' hath served me
+well these four-and-twenty years; but," he added with pardonable
+curiosity, "if I may I would desire to know."
+
+<p>"Dost call to mind Sir Edmund Revyngton?"
+
+<p>"Indifferently so; I wot he is a knight of Devon."
+
+<p>"He is also my brother, and, being without issue, his heir would be,
+but for the bar of outlawry, Redward Revyngton, now known to all men
+as Redward Buckland."
+
+<p>It was a long story, that narrative of life marred by an act
+committed in a moment of anger, but breathlessly Raymond listened
+till the master-bowman had finished.
+
+<p>"And if so be thou comest scatheless from the wars," he added, "the
+abbot of Netley will deliver into thy hands certain documents
+pertaining to thy welfare, and, should Heaven grant that this decree
+of outlawry be rescinded (though I shall never live to see the day),
+I pray that thou wilt ever acquit thyself as an honourable gentleman
+of Devon."
+
+<p>Slowly father and son returned towards the camp, and as they passed
+between the long lines of tents, Redward paused before a lodging in
+front of which was a shield displaying a mailed hand argent on a
+field azure.
+
+<p>Leaving Raymond standing in the gloom, the master-bowman went up and
+spoke to a man-at-arms who stood outside the tent.
+
+<p>"My master cannot hold converse with any one this night, especially
+an archer," exclaimed the man roughly.
+
+<p>"Convey my message to thy master and leave him to decide the point,
+sirrah!" replied Redward in a tone of authority, and, on seeing that
+a squire had joined him, the soldier obeyed.
+
+<p>Soon he reappeared, and holding open the flap of the tent, signed for
+the visitors to enter.
+
+<p>Following his father, Raymond saw a tall, well-built man, who in
+spite of his grey hairs and carefully-trimmed white beard, carried
+his years with ease. He had laid aside his armour, and, judging by
+the still lighted candles in front of a prie-dieu, he had but just
+risen from his orisons.
+
+<p>With a knightly courtesy he waited for the master-bowman to speak,
+thinking that one of his followers had come to ask a boon, when to
+his surprise Redward addressed him by name.
+
+<p>"Sir Maurice," he exclaimed. "Dost thou not know me? I am thy brother
+Redward!"
+
+<p>"Redward? Back from the dead after all these years? Nay, it cannot
+be! But yet&mdash;&mdash;"
+
+<p>Drawing nearer he looked closely into the master-bowman's rugged and
+bronzed face, then, "Thank Heaven! I have found thee!" he exclaimed,
+and Raymond beheld the extraordinary sight of a belted knight and a
+surcoated archer falling on one another's necks in a transport of
+joy.
+
+<p>Then the squire had to be presented to his uncle. "A fine and gallant
+youth, and a credit to the old stock of Revyngtons," declared the
+knight. "But, tell me, Redward, why didst thou not seek me out ere
+now, knowing I was in the camp?"
+
+<p>"But for one thing, Maurice, I had as lief let it be thought that
+Redward Revyngton was no longer in this world. It is Raymond of whom
+I think, for I know that to-morrow's battle will count me amongst the
+slain. How think ye, Maurice? Is there hope that the King will set
+aside the outlawry, and free my son from its curse?"
+
+<p>The knight shook his head sorrowfully. "Sir Reginald Scarsdale is
+ever with the King, and his wrath against his brother's slayer dies
+not."
+
+<p>"And to make matters worse Raymond, ignorant of my past, seeks his
+daughter's hand in marriage."
+
+<p>Sir Maurice smiled grimly.
+
+<p>"I'll do my best, even if it be to beg a favour of Scarsdale himself!
+But sit down, Redward, and let us talk at ease, for the hours of
+darkness fly quickly, and there is much to be said."
+
+<p>It was after midnight before the brothers bade each other farewell,
+and Redward and Raymond returned to their tents.
+
+<p>On gaining the lines of the Hampshire companies, father and son
+parted, the former to compose his mind for his anticipated death, the
+latter to ponder over the astounding revelations he had just heard.
+Sleep was banished from Raymond's eyes, and long he tossed uneasily
+on his hard pallet, till the dawn grew ruddy in the east and the
+trumpets heralded the advent of the eventful day.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter19"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XIX</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">CRÉCY</h5>
+
+<p>
+FOR a short space after the trumpets had sounded all was bustle, men
+running hither and thither, each with a fixed purpose. Directly
+Raymond had donned his armour he emerged from his tent to find all
+the Hampshire companies busily engaged in breaking their fast, as
+were most of the troops, the King having ordered that every man
+should make a hearty meal, so as to be sustained throughout the day.
+
+<p>This over, the men formed into their accustomed ranks, and instantly
+there was a long procession of camp-followers and lackeys leading the
+horses to the enclosure behind the camp, for the order had gone forth
+that all combatants were to fight afoot.
+
+<p>Long was that parade remembered by the young squire. The
+white-surcoated archers, with their well-filled quivers and, in most
+cases, an additional sheaf of arrows in their belts, the
+heavily-armed men-at-arms with rusty headpieces and war-worn
+accoutrements, all standing fast in regular lines, made a picture
+that gladdened the hearts of their leaders as they gazed upon the
+stern, bronzed faces of their men.
+
+<p>Already the more remote columns were deploying, and soon the order
+came for the first division to march to the ground where the King had
+decided to make his stand. The battlefield was well chosen, being on
+the edge of the plateau overlooking the little valley that lay
+between the English and the direction from which the French attack
+was expected.
+
+<p>On arriving at the allotted station, Raymond found that the supreme
+command of his division was entrusted to the Prince of Wales, a mere
+youth of fifteen, who had already shown great promise of a notable
+military career. With him were the Earls of Warwick and Oxford and a
+host of noble lords, the brunt of the fight being expected to fall
+upon this division.
+
+<p>Raymond found that this division was drawn up in two lines, the two
+thousand bowmen being in front and the men-at-arms, numbering eight
+hundred, in the second rank, while right behind were the wild-looking
+Welsh and Irish auxiliaries, each man eagerly whetting his long knife
+for use when the time came for them to be let loose on their
+discomfited foes.
+
+<p>Away on the left was another large division of archers and
+men-at-arms drawn up in similar order, under the command of the Earl
+of Northampton; while, glancing backwards towards the
+windmill-crowned hill, Raymond saw the close ranks of the reserve
+division, composed of seven hundred men-at-arms and two thousand
+archers, under the direct command of the King.
+
+<p>Looking in the direction of Abbeville, Raymond could see no signs of
+the French host, and, after all, he wondered whether the attack would
+be made, seeing the strength of the natural defences occupied by the
+English.
+
+<p>At length a dull hum of excitement ran along the ranks. The voices of
+the company-commanders could be heard ordering their men to stand to
+their arms, and in a few moments, mounted on a white palfrey and
+bearing a white rod in his hand, the King rode slowly along the front
+of those rigid lines of warriors.
+
+<p>At intervals he reined in his steed in order to address the troops,
+bidding them stand stoutly to their arms and take heed to his honour
+in the fight. A roar of cheering greeted the monarch as he left the
+first division to inspect the second, and the men were told to stand
+at ease, and again refresh themselves with food and rest.
+
+<p>Although awaiting an attack is one of the worst ordeals that can be
+undergone, Raymond was amazed at the coolness of the soldiers, as
+with merry laugh and jest they sat or sprawled on the ground. Many
+were busily engaged in fixing new strings to their bows, smoothing
+out the feathers of their arrows, or waxing or greasing the heads of
+their deadly shafts to enable them to pierce an obstacle with greater
+ease, while others crowded round the master-bowmen, asking advice or
+information on the coming struggle.
+
+<p>Redward had shaken off his depression, and greeted his son with a
+cheerfulness that was all the more remarkable by reason of his
+confession on the eve of battle.
+
+<p>"A goodly sight," he exclaimed, "and never can I hope to be in better
+company. Look at the lads! One would think they were about to try
+their turn at the butts."
+
+<p>"And think'st thou that the French will fight?"
+
+<p>"Assuredly; they seek to overwhelm and crush us with the weight of
+numbers. Can the archers but hold the ridge for one hour the day will
+go with us."
+
+<p>"But 'twill be eventide ere the enemy come to blows?"
+
+<p>"Ay; but if mine eyes do not deceive me, there they are, right on the
+skyline."
+
+<p>Raymond looked, and in the distance he saw the cloud of dust that
+invariably envelops an army on the march. Others had detected the
+sight, and there was a general stir amongst the troops. Exclamations
+of satisfaction burst from all lips at the prospect of the approach
+of the French host.
+
+<p>"'Twill be six or seven hours ere they draw nigh," remarked Redward,
+"and footsore and weary will they be after a three leagues' march in
+battle array. But, see, Raymond, there is thine uncle, Sir Maurice
+Revyngton, at the head of the men of Totnes, and, mark you, Sir
+Reginald Scarsdale is in close converse with him. What doth it mean,
+I wonder?"
+
+<p>A little later in the day the sun, which had been shining brightly in
+the eyes of the English host, disappeared behind a thick bank of
+clouds. The air was close and sultry, and at midday the gloom was so
+intense that it seemed as if night was drawing nigh. With raucous
+cries a vast number of crows, ever regarded as birds of ill-omen,
+flew across the front of the army and alighted on the plain beneath;
+then resuming their flight they disappeared in the direction of the
+advancing Frenchmen.
+
+<p>"It will go ill with the King of France," remarked Sir John Hacket to
+his squire. "If he reads the sign aright methinks he will stay his
+hand. But see, a thunder-storm approaches rapidly!"
+
+<p>"Pass the word for the archers to protect their bow-strings,"
+exclaimed the Earl of Warwick to the nearest Constable, and in
+obedience to the order the bowmen either drew waterproof cases over
+their bows or, if unprovided with these, unstrung their weapons and
+placed the cords under their quilted coats.
+
+<p>Hardly were these preparations completed than the rain descended in a
+torrential downpour, blotting out the horizon in a mirky blur, then,
+as suddenly as it came, the cloud passed over on its way towards
+Abbeville, and the sun again shone brilliantly, its warmth soon
+drying the sodden clothing of the soldiers.
+
+<p>Nearer and nearer came the dark masses of Frenchmen, till within a
+league of their enemies they halted. Shortly afterwards a group of
+horsemen could be seen riding towards the English position, and, amid
+breathless excitement, it was observed that four French knights were
+approaching.
+
+<p>Either from absolute contempt for their enemies or relying on the
+chivalrous instincts that frequently show themselves between opposing
+enemies, the Frenchmen rode within a bow-shot of the English lines,
+then, calmly trotting along the whole front of the army, they
+appeared to be making careful observations of the dispositions of
+their foe.
+
+<p>Several knights besought the Prince of Wales to be allowed to have
+their chargers brought them, so that they might earn a slight
+advancement by engaging the intrepid Frenchmen; others requested that
+the archers should shoot them down; but to all entreaties the Prince
+firmly but courteously returned a refusal, and in perfect silence the
+English allowed the French knights to complete their reconnaissance,
+and to retire in safety to their own host.
+
+<p>Slowly the hours passed, and still the French army showed no signs of
+advancing. The sun was now shining well behind the English, and would
+serve to dazzle the eyes of their attackers. Meanwhile the archers
+had planted their pointed stakes, and the men-at-arms in charge of
+the bombards had loaded these cumbersome engines and trained them on
+the plain across which the enemy must advance.
+
+<p>Once again the wearisome monotony was broken by the appearance of a
+man who was observed to make his way steadily and rapidly towards the
+English lines. When within bowshot he waved his arms in token of
+friendship, and four archers were sent out to escort him to the
+Prince. The new-comer was a tall, lightly-built man, with long,
+spider-like legs and arms, and sharp, projecting elbow-joints and
+knees. He was attired in a close-fitting dress of blue cloth that
+served to increase his angularities, and from his belt hung an
+ink-horn counterbalanced by a short knife.
+
+<p>"Mark ye," quoth Sir John Hacket to his squire, "yonder sly fox is on
+no lawful errand, and, certes, 'twill go hard with him if he plays
+the traitor with our Prince. Look at his protruding forehead and his
+shifty, blinking eyes. A creature like that would fawn to one's face
+and plunge a dagger into one's back! Hark to what he has to say."
+
+<p>The man spoke in a deep yet quavering voice, yet so loudly that
+Raymond could hear every word.
+
+<p>"My name, fair sir, is Alexandre Gourdain, and I am clerk in the
+household of King Philip."
+
+<p>"Forbear to trouble me with thy name and calling," replied the Prince
+curtly, "but deliver thy message."
+
+<p>"Message, fair sir? Nay, I bear no message, but have come to tell
+thee that, though counselled to tarry till to-morrow, my master has
+decided to begin the fight&mdash;&mdash;"
+
+<p>"One moment! Thou bring'st this news on thy own behalf?"
+
+<p>"Yea, fair sir."
+
+<p>"And seekest a guerdon?"
+
+<p>"Yea, fair sir; I do but ask&mdash;&mdash;"
+
+<p>"Enough, thou recreant! Think'st thou that I would list to a
+double-faced rogue to learn the movements of a gallant foe? Hence
+with ye! Ho, archers! Strip this coward's coat from off his back, and
+give him a score lusty stripes with your bow-cords. Then turn him
+loose, and if he go not back to his master, feather him with shafts.
+Get thee gone, knave."
+
+<p>"Is it not as I said?" remarked the Constable of Portchester in an
+undertone. "See, the archers take a delight in their task."
+
+<p>The twenty strokes were laid on with all the force of the soldiers'
+sinewy arms, then, threatened by a hundred drawn bows, the miserable
+wretch was pushed out of the lines and sent on his way towards the
+army he had stooped to betray.
+
+<p>Signs of animation were now observed in the dense masses of the
+enemy. The heavily-armed cavalry rode forth in a disorderly mob,
+brandishing their arms and shouting; then, retiring on the main body,
+their places were taken by a body of archers, nearly two thousand
+strong, who slowly advanced towards the foot of the rising ground,
+where the English were posted in firm array.
+
+<p>"'Tis the crossbowmen of Genoa. Steady, my lads; their bolts will be
+singing over our heads anon," shouted Sir John, and at the same
+moment the Prince of Wales gave the signal for the archers to stand
+and make ready.
+
+<p>Silently yet swiftly the white-surcoated lines of bow-men sprang to
+their feet and took up their allotted stations in the formation of a
+harrow. With feet planted firmly, and with arrows notched to their
+six-foot bows, they stood ready for action.
+
+<p>At length the Genoese came within bowshot, the clicking of their
+windlacs as they drew the cords of their crossbows sounding like the
+chirping of myriad crickets. Then with a loud shout they leaped from
+the ground. Another shout, and the leap was repeated.
+
+<p>"Do they take us for a crowd of yokels at a country fair?" asked one
+archer of his fellow. "They prance for all the world like a
+dog-baited bear."
+
+<p>"They'll dance higher ere long, I'll warrant," replied his comrade
+grimly.
+
+<p>Once more the Genoese leapt, then levelling their crossbows, they let
+fly a volley of short bolts.
+
+<p>A shout of derision greeted this discharge, for, without exception,
+the bolts fell far short of the proper distance, sticking in the
+ground at a sharp angle and rendering the advance of the French
+cavalry, when it should take place, full of additional peril.
+
+<p>"That shows what the rain did for the strings of their crossbows,"
+said Sir John Hacket to the Constable of Lewes, who had joined him at
+the beginning of the advance. "Steady, men. At the word, loose wholly
+together."
+
+<p>The long-drawn tension was broken by the voice of the great Lord
+Chandos. "In the name of God and St. George&mdash;shoot!"
+
+<p>The twang of two thousand longbows reverberated along the line. The
+intervening space between the armies was white with a sleet of
+arrows. Looking towards the Genoese, Raymond saw a dense mass of men
+bending over their crossbows and working their windlacs in desperate
+haste to reload their cumbersome weapons. The next moment the Genoese
+were literally swept away. Hardly an arrow failed to find a mark;
+heads, breasts, arms, and legs were transfixed by stinging shafts.
+Dead, wounded, and unscathed were mixed in a writhing, struggling
+mass, and the confusion was increased by the unwounded striving to
+fall back upon the main body of the French host.
+
+<p>All the while the English archers shot straight and true at the
+disorganised Genoese. The squire, though unable to see the faces of
+the bowmen in front of him, was astonished at the quiet, collected
+manner in which they loosed their bows.
+
+<p>Then, as he glanced towards the panic-stricken foemen, the squire
+observed a strong body of French mounted troops charging down, as he
+supposed, to the support of the ill-fated crossbowmen. The ground
+trembled beneath the feet of the cavalry, as with loose rein and
+wildly brandished weapons their riders pressed forward in a headlong
+charge.
+
+<p>But to Raymond's surprise, instead of deploying right and left of the
+fugitives, the Frenchmen cut right through their Genoese mercenaries,
+slashing at the miserable men with sword and axe.
+
+<p>In this tangled web horsemen fell in scores. Genoese and Frenchmen
+fought each other with the madness of fury and self-preservation, and
+all the time the hail of English arrows swept down knight and
+crossbow-man in indiscriminate slaughter.
+
+<p>To add to the confusion, the bombards on the right of the Prince's
+division opened fire, and amid clouds of thick, suffocating smoke the
+heavy stone balls went crashing through the dense masses of the foe,
+and, for the first time in warfare, it was seen that thrice-tempered
+armour was useless before the power of artillery.
+
+<p>Then a trumpet sounded from the English ranks, and the hail of arrows
+ceased as by magic. There was a loud discordant shout, the trampling
+of hundreds of feet, and through the now rapidly clearing smoke
+Raymond saw the Welsh and Irish levies dash out upon the demoralised
+foe. With their long knives they threw themselves on the Frenchmen,
+and, in the heat of the fight, all thought of quarter was ignored,
+and knights, worth a rich ransom, were slaughtered as they lay
+helpless on the ground with as little compunction as if they were
+peasants.
+
+<p>So intently was Raymond engaged in watching the struggle before him
+that for the time being he did not notice what was happening on the
+flanks of the first division, till suddenly the hoarse voice of the
+Earl of Oxford was heard shouting, "Stand to your arms, fair knights
+and squires! The French are upon us!"
+
+<p>For the first time on that memorable day a desperate hand-to-hand
+conflict was about to take place.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter20"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XX</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">HIS LIFE FOR HIS FOE</h5>
+
+<p>
+UNSHEATHING his sword and holding his shield firmly on his left arm,
+the squire followed the example of the knights and men-at-arms, and
+hastened towards the left flank.
+
+<p>Already the French cavalry, led by the Duke of Alençon, had, by sheer
+weight of numbers, forced their way to within striking distance of
+their foes, and the long rows of white-coated archers, who formed the
+first rank of the defence, were swept aside by the rush of the
+mounted French knights, for at close quarters the bowmen were useless
+against the lances, swords, and axes of their mailed antagonists.
+
+<p>Before Raymond and his companions could throw themselves into the
+press, the horsemen had hewn a way right to the foot of the Royal
+Standard, beneath which the Prince of Wales and a chosen body of
+knights fought with magnificent courage.
+
+<p>The French and German knights, intent on securing the Prince, hurled
+themselves in a compact body towards the Standard, and as fast as one
+warrior fell, two more took his place, till it seemed that the
+desperate bravery of the attackers would attain its purpose.
+
+<p>Raymond found himself engaged by a tall, broad-shouldered antagonist,
+who bore on his shield the cognisance of the House of Luxemburg. For
+a space they rained blows at each other, striving by sheer force to
+cut down their respective guards, till, by a sweeping blow, the
+Frenchman shivered the squire's sword, and only by swiftly leaping
+backwards was Raymond able to avoid the deadly stroke: So narrow was
+his escape that the point of the descending blade cut a long, clean
+gash in his surcoat ere it buried itself a foot deep in the carcase
+of a slain charger. Instantly the squire rushed in, struck the
+Luxemburger with the edge of his shield, then, ere the man could
+recover himself, plunged his dagger to the hilt in his brawny throat.
+
+<p>Without pausing to recover his breath, Raymond rushed towards a group
+of French knights who were surrounding a little knot of Englishmen.
+It was the Prince's own bodyguard, who, hard pressed, strove their
+utmost to defend their young master. Sir Reynold Cobham, beaten to
+the ground, lay pinned down by the weight of his armour; the Earl of
+Warwick, wounded in the face by a lance thrust, was fiercely beset by
+two knights of Cologne, while Edward, though unscathed, was the mark
+of nigh a score of determined Frenchmen. Nimbly avoiding one stroke,
+parrying another, and diverting a thrust with his shield, the Prince
+fought like a trained veteran rather than a mere lad of fifteen.
+
+<p>At length a knight, armed with a huge double-handed sword, made a
+swinging cut at the Prince just as the latter had all his attention
+drawn by the fierce onslaught of a mounted knight of Sicily. For the
+moment it seemed as if nothing could save the Prince from instant
+death; but Raymond, regardless of his own safety, sprang forward, and
+with his shield and his own body strove to stay the blow. The
+knight's sword struck the squire's shield just above the upper
+leathern loop that held it to the wearer's arm. The tough metal plate
+was sheared through as if made of paper, and the blade, glancing
+upwards against the squire's bascinet, struck the Prince a harmless
+blow, merely slicing the crest of his helmet.
+
+<p>Raymond fell at the Prince's feet, but the Constable of Portchester,
+seeing his squire stricken to the earth, dashed out the swordsman's
+brains with a crashing blow of his mace. For a short space Raymond
+lay breathless on the ground, then, feeling terribly dazed, he raised
+himself and looked around. To his utmost satisfaction he saw that the
+Prince of Wales was unhurt. Already the danger was past, for the
+Earls of Arundel and Northampton had brought up their division to the
+aid of the sorely pressed Prince, and the attackers, beaten at every
+point, were giving way in headlong flight.
+
+<p>At length the squire staggered to his feet, and, assisted by an
+archer of his company, he slowly and painfully made his way towards
+the camp. Darkness was falling, and the English, having been ordered
+to refrain from hazardous pursuit, stood in their ranks, while a vast
+plain, dotted with thousands of corpses, of which but few wore the
+red cross surcoats, silently testified to the hard-fought fight.
+
+<p>As Raymond passed the ranks of his own company Sir John Hacket came
+forward and grasped him by the hand.
+
+<p>"My brave squire," he exclaimed. "Right nobly hast thou borne thyself
+this day. The Prince hath spoken highly of thy courage and devotion,
+and, without doubt, tidings of thy deeds will come to the cars of the
+King. But, Raymond," he added sadly, "I have ill tidings for thee."
+
+<p>"My father?" gasped the squire, reading the Constable's unspoken
+words.
+
+<p>"Ay, my boy, 'tis thy father. He fell in the thickest of the fight,
+and thou hast lost a noble sire and I a brave soldier. Now, bear up,
+Raymond, and get thee to the camp and attend to thy hurts, for thou
+wilt be required anon."
+
+<p>Wounded in body and mind, the young squire was led to the camp, where
+it was found that the Frenchman's sword had driven the stout steel
+bascinet heavily against his temple, leaving a dark blue bruise to
+show how near he had been to death. Simple remedies were applied,
+and, having divested himself of his armour, Raymond recovered himself
+sufficiently to set out to find the body of his father, bearing a
+torch to aid him in his quest.
+
+<p>He remembered well the place where he had last seen him, close to a
+little stunted thorn that grew on the edge of the slope which the
+Prince's division had held so well.
+
+<p>A veritable mound of bodies showed how firmly the archers had stood,
+and how fierce had been the contest, for in a circle around the tree
+lay a heap of red-crossed surcoats, their wearers lying still in
+death with their faces to the foe, while around lay the bodies of
+their attackers, three deep in places, their rich dress and armour
+proving that the flower of French chivalry was unable to vanquish,
+although it had broken through, that double line of English archers
+and men-at-arms.
+
+<p>The men of the Hampshire companies had suffered more severely than
+any, and Raymond, as he pursued his quest, came across many faces
+which he sadly recognised.
+
+<p>Here and there, dotted over the ghastly field, were feeble glimmers
+of torches showing that others were engaged in the doleful task of
+looking for their fallen comrades, though in some instances ghouls
+were engaged in their dastardly work of robbing the dead.
+
+<p>At length the ruddy glare of the torch threw its beams upon the form
+which Raymond recognised only too well. Stretched on his back, his
+sightless eyes staring up at the starry sky, lay Redward, the outlaw
+and master-bowman, the body bearing the ghastly traces of eight
+separate wounds, all of which were in front, proving that to the last
+he had fought with his face to the foe.
+
+<p>Sorrowfully Raymond gazed upon his slain sire; then, realising that
+the sooner he performed the last rites there would be the less chance
+of the spoiler's fell work, he proceeded to carefully remove the body
+to the shelter of the stunted tree, so that he could return to the
+camp to find, if possible, the priest attached to the company.
+
+<p>As he lifted the heavy corpse he was startled to hear a feeble voice
+exclaim, "Blessings on thy kindness, noble sir; I pray thee assist
+me."
+
+<p>Recovering from his astonishment, the squire discovered, pinned
+beneath his father's body, a wounded knight. Swiftly Raymond bent to
+his aid, and, cutting asunder the laces of his bascinet, he found the
+stranger to be none other than Sir Reginald Scarsdale!
+
+<p>"Faith! I did think this would have been the end of me," quoth the
+knight. "Hast a draught of wine?"
+
+<p>Raymond shook his head. "I am returning to the camp, an' if it please
+thee, I'll help thee back to thy company."
+
+<p>"Do so, squire, for, what with a crack over the head with a
+Frenchman's mace, and the weight of yon bowman atop o' me, I feel too
+weak to stand of mine own will. What dost thou here?"
+
+<p>"Yonder lies my father."
+
+<p>"Thy father? By St. Wilfrid of Ripon, he was a gallant man! Had he
+not stood over me the rascals would have settled my account. I pray
+thee tell me his name?"
+
+<p>For a moment Raymond paused, then, in a sudden outburst of
+confidence, he exclaimed, "Redward Revyngton!"
+
+<p>"What! Redward Revyngton! And to think that the man whom I, with a
+mad desire for vengeance, hounded out of the country should have
+given his life for me! Did he wot whom I was?"
+
+<p>"Ay," said Raymond. "For but a few hours agone he and I saw thee in
+converse with his brother, Sir Maurice."
+
+<p>"Then out on me for my revengeful spirit! When it lay in his power to
+thrust me through the back with a dagger, or even to let me be slain
+by my enemies, what did he do? He saved my life! This indeed is
+rendering good for evil."
+
+<p>"And ye forgive him his trespass?"
+
+<p>"Ay, young squire. Right willingly."
+
+<p>"Then in my sorrow I thank Heaven," replied Raymond, and in silence
+they returned slowly to the camp, Sir Reginald leaning heavily on the
+arm of the outlaw's son.
+
+<p>The moment the wounded knight was given into safe hands Raymond
+hastened to his quarters, where he enlisted the services of the
+priest and four stout archers. The latter took spades and torches
+with them, and the melancholy procession set out for the scene of
+Redward's last stand, Raymond with Sir John Hacket, who wished to pay
+his last respects to his trusted servant, leading the way.
+
+<p>Rapidly the bowmen plied their spades, and soon a deep grave gaped at
+the foot of the solitary thorn. Raymond bent and kissed the cold
+brow, then, amid the solemn voice of the priest reciting the psalm,
+<i>Domine, refugium</i>, the body of the brave old master-bowman was laid
+to rest.
+
+<p>Bare-headed and dry-eyed, Raymond watched the dark earth being
+shovelled down upon the mortal remains of his sire, then, when the
+task was accomplished, he turned and walked slowly back to the camp.
+There, in the retirement of his tent, his pent-up feelings found
+relief, and throwing himself on the ground, he burst into a flood of
+passionate weeping.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter21"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXI</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">THE REJECTED GUERDON</h5>
+
+<p>
+MORNING came, and with it the trumpets again sounded for the troops
+to assemble. Was it that a renewal of the fight was expected? Nay,
+for the French were in headlong flight, their King being already well
+on the way to La Broye. But Edward, sensible of the advantage gained,
+had determined to advance on Calais.
+
+<p>Silently the weary soldiers fell into their ranks. The archers, their
+white surcoats soiled with mud and stained with blood, the
+men-at-arms, with battered armour, and, in many cases,
+roughly-bandaged wounds, stood grimly in their martial array,
+conscious of the many comrades who had stood thus but a day before
+and had gone to their last account.
+
+<p>Suddenly a fanfare of trumpets announced the approach of the King.
+With his eyes shining with pardonable pride, the monarch rode slowly
+down the war-worn lines, stopping at intervals to bestow honours and
+praise as cases of individual merit were pointed out to him. At his
+right hand rode the Prince of Wales, and attending him were Sir John
+Chandos, the Earls of Warwick, Arundel, Oxford, and Southampton.
+
+<p>When in front of the Hampshire companies the King again drew rein,
+and surveyed the stern, determined faces of the men on whom the brunt
+of the attack had fallen. Sir John Hacket, attended by his three
+squires, stood in front of his command, the banners, according to
+custom, being lowered to the ground in the presence of the Sovereign.
+
+<p>"By Our Lady! 'Tis our trusted Constable of Portchester!" exclaimed
+Edward. "And by report thou didst hold thyself right gallantly on
+yesterday's field. Ah, Sir John, we have something in store to make
+amends for our former forgetfulness. Advance thy banner!"
+
+<p>The Constable, taking his banner from the hands of the guidon-bearer,
+stepped forward, and, with bended knee, presented the blue silk
+emblazoned with the golden crescent to the King, who, drawing a
+dagger from his belt, deftly cut off the pointed end of the pennon.
+Handing the severed portion to a knight in attendance, the King
+returned the banner to Sir John.
+
+<p>The action, simple as it seemed, roused the company to the highest
+pitch of enthusiasm, for their adored leader had achieved the great
+distinction of being created a knight-banneret, the greatest honour
+to be paid by the sovereign, only on the field of battle.
+
+<p>Ere the cheering had died away, the Prince of Wales had plucked his
+father's sleeve, and whispered in his ear.
+
+<p>"Of a truth, 'tis the squire who brought the Count of Tancarville to
+our camp! And he is the man that came betwixt thee and thine enemies
+in the thickest of the fray! 'Tis our pleasure to bestow honours
+freely to-day, though, methinks, they be well deserved, and no man
+will chide us for being too freehanded. Thy squire's name, Sir John?"
+
+<p>"He is named Raymond Buckland, sire."
+
+<p>"Come hither, squire," commanded the King, alighting from his palfrey
+and taking a sword from the hand of the Earl of Warwick.
+
+<p>The supreme moment of Raymond's life was at hand, but the squire,
+instead of kneeling to receive the honour of knighthood, advanced a
+few paces and stood irresolutely before his sovereign.
+
+<p>"On thy knees, squire!" commanded Edward.
+
+<p>"Nay, sire, I cannot," replied the unhappy Raymond. Low murmurs of
+astonishment arose from the King's attendants, while Sir John Hacket,
+placing his hand heavily on his squire's shoulder, hissed into his
+ear, "Kneel, thou fool! Art bereft of thy senses?"
+
+<p>A dark cloud gathered on the King's face. Then a thought seemed to
+strike him, and he spoke again.
+
+<p>"Here, sirrah, tell us the reason of this strange refusal. Nay, have
+no fear," he added, in a more kindly tone, observing the squire's
+dejection, "for we perceive there is something amiss that will
+account for thy demeanour."
+
+<p>Encouraged by the King's words, and rendered bold by the desperate
+position in which circumstances had placed him, Raymond replied, in a
+low yet distinct voice, "Sire, I am the son of an outlaw, and
+therefore unworthy of the honour thou would'st bestow."
+
+<p>"Ah!" exclaimed the King. "This requires further consideration. Sir
+John, knowest aught of this?"
+
+<p>"Nay, sire," replied the amazed Constable.
+
+<p>Once again the young Prince of Wales whispered in his father's ear.
+The King nodded in response, and again addressed the squire.
+
+<p>"It is our desire to hear more of this matter. See to it that thou
+comest before us in our pavilion at noon, Sir John. I hold thee
+responsible for thy squire's appearance. And, Sir William," he added,
+turning to his scrivener, "I pray thee see to it that the worthy
+Constable of Portchester and his squire be instantly admitted to our
+presence at that hour."
+
+<p>Remounting his steed, the King, accompanied by his retinue, continued
+his tour of inspection, and, on this being completed, he returned to
+his pavilion. The ranks broke, and the men were told to enjoy a
+well-earned rest ere the march to Calais was begun on the morrow,
+while the camp-followers were put to the melancholy task of burying
+the dead who had fallen in the fight.
+
+<p>On hearing the story from Raymond's own lips, the kind-hearted Sir
+John Hacket's expressions of surprise and pity were unbounded. For
+not for one moment had he suspected that the sturdy master-bowman,
+though an outlaw, was at one time a gentleman of quality.
+
+<p>"Take it not too much to heart, Raymond," he said. "Many a man hath
+been in a worse scrape. I am of a mind to bring Sir Maurice Revyngton
+with us when we repair to the King's presence, and 'twould be well if
+I saw the knight at once."
+
+<p>So saying, the Constable hastened away, leaving his squire still torn
+with conflicting emotions of hope and fear&mdash;hope that his own
+stainless character and deeds of bravery would wipe out the
+undeserved blot that threatened to mar his prospects, and fear that
+the formidable barrier of social custom and royal etiquette would for
+ever debar him from the road to success.
+
+<p>In less than an hour Sir John returned, a broad smile of satisfaction
+overspreading his grim features. "Thy uncle will bear us company, ay,
+and another knight, if I mistake not, will interest himself on thy
+behalf. Now, bear thyself cheerfully, for I perceive that things will
+turn out aright. Waste no more time in gloomy meditations, but make
+thyself fit to appear in the King's presence, for the hour of
+audience is at hand."
+
+<p>"And the style of mine attire?"
+
+<p>"In full harness, Raymond, for the King will doubtless think fit to
+reward thee for bravery on the field, and on that score I have no
+doubt. 'Tis meet that thou shouldst appear in the garb of a soldier
+rather than in the dress of a common suppliant. And, moreover, our
+King delights in the wearing of harness, and looks with favour on
+those who doff their armour but rarely when they come to the wars. So
+again I tell thee, hasten!"
+
+<p>The squire repaired to his own tent and put on his complete suit of
+armour&mdash;the same that his father had given him years ago on the eve
+of the sack of Hamble&mdash;and well the dented and tarnished steel
+befitted his tall and erect figure. Then girding on his scabbard,
+wherein was thrust the remaining part of the broken blade, and
+grasping the fragment of the shield that had diverted the murderous
+sweep of the Frenchman's two-handed sword, Raymond repaired to his
+master's tent.
+
+<p>The Constable surveyed him with appreciation. "Eh, lad, thou dost
+well to bear the silent testimony of thy courage on thine arm. In any
+case but the present, when thy future is at stake, 'twould have been
+a braggart's ruse. But the King doth know full well that thou art no
+boaster, seeing that it was in thy power to accept honour at his
+hands, and thou didst shrink from it. But come, the hour of noon is
+near. Let us make for the royal pavilion."
+
+<p>Between the long lines of tents, where crowds of soldiers gathered,
+in silent wonder, to see the man who had so strangely withstood his
+sovereign, the knight and the squire walked side by side, and with a
+fresh wave of doubt and fear sweeping over him, Raymond found himself
+in the anteroom of the royal tent.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter22"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXII</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">SIR RAYMOND</h5>
+
+<p>
+SIR JOHN HACKET, having formally announced his rank and that of his
+companion, as well as the nature of their business, to the herald,
+removed his velvet cap, though he held his bascinet in his left hand,
+and at the same time removed his right-hand gauntlet. His squire did
+likewise, and, breathing a fervent prayer for courage, he prepared to
+follow his master into the royal presence.
+
+<p>The heavy damask curtains were drawn aside by two knights in waiting,
+and Raymond heard the sonorous voice of the herald repeating the
+title and style of the Constable and his squire. Another moment and
+Raymond stood before, but at a respectful distance from, the royal
+daïs.
+
+<p>King Edward, who still wore the mailed coat in which he rode along
+the ranks earlier in the day, was attended by a number of earls and
+barons, while by his side stood the young Prince of Wales, who
+regarded the squire with an encouraging smile.
+
+<p>At the foot of the daïs, a little distance to the left, stood
+Raymond's uncle, Sir Maurice Revyngton, and his late father's former
+enemy, Sir Reginald Scarsdale, who, though still weak and suffering
+from his wounds, had, at Sir John's desire, appeared on the young
+squire's behalf.
+
+<p>"Ah, squire," quoth the King, fixing his dark, keen eyes upon the
+young man's face, "when we summoned thee to appear before us we
+looked for an explanation from thine own lips. But thou hast been
+forestalled, for these two knights have already told us of thy
+condition. Now, what hast thou to say why thou shouldst not be driven
+from the camp, being the son of an outlaw?"
+
+<p>"Nothing, sire; 'tis but the law."
+
+<p>"Thou couldst not have said much less," remarked the King, with a
+grim laugh. "How sayest thou, Sir Reginald Scarsdale. Hast thou a
+desire to press thy claims?"
+
+<p>"Nay, sire," replied the knight stoutly. "For his father, knowingly
+and willingly, came to my aid in the thickest of the fight, and but
+for his courage I should have been worsted."
+
+<p>"But thine oath of vengeance?"
+
+<p>"Sire, my desire for revenge departed the moment I heard from this
+squire the name of his father, who, in truth, slew my only brother.
+Furthermore, 'tis my intention to repair, as soon as this war is
+over, to the shrine of St. Swithin of Winchester and to seek
+absolution from mine oath."
+
+<p>"And thou hast no wish to harm this squire?"
+
+<p>"None, sire. On the contrary I wish him good&mdash;&mdash;"
+
+<p>"Hold, Sir Knight," interrupted the King sharply. "We asked thee a
+plain question, to be answered by 'Yea' or 'Nay,' not by
+suggestions."
+
+<p>"And thou, Sir John," continued Edward, addressing the Constable.
+"Hast thou aught to add in favour of thy squire, beyond what thou
+didst tell us but a short time back?"
+
+<p>"Nothing more, sire."
+
+<p>"'Tis well. And now, squire, we have carefully considered thy case,
+and we are favourably disposed towards thee." Then, turning to his
+barons, he added, with a sly reference to the growing power of
+Parliament, "We take it, fair lords, that we shall not offend our
+faithful commoners assembled at Westminster by assuming a right to
+revoke a decree of outlawry?"
+
+<p>A low murmur of assent was the reply.
+
+<p>"Then, Raymond Revyngton, we hereby pardon thee for an offence that
+thou hast not committed&mdash;to wit, thou art no longer the son of an
+outlaw. Sir William de Saye, our scrivener, will draw up the deed of
+revocation, and a copy for the Lord Bishop of Winchester. Art
+content?"
+
+<p>"Sire, I thank thee," replied Raymond, bending low before his
+sovereign.
+
+<p>"There is yet another matter. Of thy valour there has been no
+question. We have in mind the affair with the Count of Tancarville,
+and, going farther back, thy journey to Hennebon. But more especially
+thy conduct in yesterday's fight, when our dear son, the Prince of
+Wales, was succoured by thine aid. We have a mind to inspect thy
+cloven shield, which, we do perceive, thou hast brought in case our
+memory were in need of a reminder."
+
+<p>The squire, still kneeling, handed his buckler to an attendant, who
+in turn presented it to the King.
+
+<p>"A lusty stroke," commented Edward, carefully examining the clean cut
+in the metal plate. "Our cousin of France hath men of sinew who in
+open fight would be worthy and gallant opponents. Had their peasants
+been as good bowmen as our gallant archers but few of us would be
+here. Squire," he added, "arise and hand over thy sword."
+
+<p>With martial alertness, Raymond drew the fragment of steel, and a
+look of surprise o'erspread the King's face.
+
+<p>"Thine equipment seems at fault," he remarked, smiling a little
+grimly. "Nay, we know 'twas done in a gallant fight. Advance, squire,
+and kneel before us."
+
+<p>This time Raymond did not refuse, for was he not a man free from the
+fatal taint that had threatened to mar everything in his career? With
+rapid stride and uplifted head he advanced to the steps of the daïs,
+his armour clanking as he moved. Presenting the hilt of his weapon to
+the King, the squire sank on his knees.
+
+<p>As in a dream he felt the flat of the broken blade touch his right
+shoulder, and the King's voice, in bold and decisive tones, saying,
+"Arise, Sir Raymond Revyngton!"
+
+<p>When at length Raymond found himself without the royal pavilion, he
+was overwhelmed by the congratulations of his friends, including Sir
+Reginald Scarsdale.
+
+<p>"'Twould ill become a belted knight if I did not make amends for the
+past," quoth the latter. "And to that end all I can do for thee I'll
+do willingly."
+
+<p>"Then on thy knightly honour I hold thee to thy promise," replied
+Raymond, catching at the opportunity with new-born courage, "for I
+have a matter of much weight of which I would speak."
+
+<p>"Then say on."
+
+<p>Sir John and Sir Maurice, having an inkling of what was coming,
+exchanged a knowing smile, and Raymond continued, though his voice
+faltered a little.
+
+<p>"Sir Reginald, I love thy daughter Audrey, and would ask thy consent
+to win her hand in marriage."
+
+<p>For a while the old knight was too much astonished to reply, then,
+holding out his hand, he replied, "Then thou art the youth who
+rendered her service at that little affair with the French at
+Hampton? Out on me for a thickhead for not linking thee with that
+bold feat before. Certes! I will not be less good than my word. Take
+the maid, if she be willing to wed thee!" Thus it was that the
+newly-made knight found that success begets success, though in his
+heart he had not expected to win Sir Reginald's consent so readily.
+Yet in the midst of his good fortune the one dark shadow was the
+haunting thought of the loss of his father, and he grieved in his
+heart that death had deprived his sire of life just as his son was on
+the threshold of fame and honour.
+
+<p>Slowly the four knights, Sir Reginald being stiff with his hurts,
+proceeded towards the lines of the Hampshire companies, where Sir
+John had invited the others to partake of refreshment. Already the
+news of Raymond's advancement had preceded them, and the soldiers,
+with loud shouts, welcomed the new knight; for the master-bowman's
+son was ever popular in the ranks of the men of Portsmouth and
+Southampton.
+
+<p>"What are thy plans for the future," asked the Constable later in the
+day, "for as heir to Sir Maurice it is fitting that thou shouldst
+join him with the men of Devon."
+
+<p>"Nay, by the rood," answered Raymond warmly. "Thou hast ever been a
+good master to me, Sir John, and with thee I'll abide till the end of
+the war."
+
+<p>"I thank thee for thine appreciation, Raymond, for ever since thou
+wert my squire I have loved thee as a son. But now concerning the
+maid, the Lady Audrey?"
+
+<p>"Until Sir Reginald returns home I will not press my suit, but should
+he do so I hope I may be permitted to withdraw from the camp for a
+few weeks to accompany him. Even then, how can I tell that the Lady
+Audrey will deal favourably with me?"
+
+<p>"I know that she loves thee, Raymond."
+
+<p>"How so, Sir John, seeing that I know not myself?"
+
+<p>"Raymond, I am afraid thou art more forward with the art of war than
+with the affairs of the heart. Would a maid have sent a messenger to
+me every week whilst thou wert in Hennebon to know if there were
+tidings of thee, if she did not love thee?"
+
+<p>"But how knew she that I was in Brittany?" was the amazed question.
+
+<p>"How? Didst thou not give me a letter to send to her?"
+
+<p>"Only in case I did not return."
+
+<p>"Didst thou? Didst thou? Certes now I remember! But now I think on
+the matter, I must have forgotten that, for I did send it," replied
+Sir John, with pardonable deceit and well-feigned dismay. "But mind
+it not, Raymond, 'twas after all for the best, and, mark my words,
+she'll have thee&mdash;sure enough."
+
+<p>On the morrow the march was resumed, the King having decided to lay
+siege to Calais, and slowly the long lines of English troops, every
+man heavily laden with booty, proceeded from the field of Crécy.
+
+<p>Edward had long looked with covetous eyes upon the port of Calais,
+for owing to the death of his Flemish ally, Jacques d'Artevelde, at
+the hands of fellow-countrymen, and the consequent estrangement with
+the Flemings, the King was in need of a continental port for the
+distribution of English wool, and, once Calais were taken, the nest
+of pirates who made their headquarters there, to the great annoyance
+of English ships, would be dispersed. Also an entry for his troops
+would be secured within easy distance from the English coast. So,
+with these strong incentives, Edward hastened to reduce the town.
+
+<p>Within a week of Crécy, the English lay in a triple ring around the
+land side of the town, while a strong fleet cruised constantly
+between Grisnez and Gravelines to prevent any succour being sent by
+sea, and, without attempting to carry the defences by assault, Edward
+relied upon famine to bring about the downfall of Calais.
+
+<p>Throughout the long winter of 1346-47 the blockade was maintained,
+and the works of the besiegers resembled the outer walls of a city
+rather than temporary trenches, so that the English were in a
+position both to keep the citizens of Calais within their walls and
+to repel any attempt on the part of the French to raise the siege.
+
+<p>Early in the spring dysentery broke out in the ranks of the English,
+and amongst those who were attacked was Sir Raymond. In spite of the
+rough yet devoted attention of his men, the skill of the harassed
+physicians, and the solicitude of his friends, the young knight was,
+for a time, in great danger, and even when the crisis was passed his
+progress towards recovery was slow and tedious.
+
+<p>One day as he lay alone in his tent, weak and worn, Raymond heard the
+well-known sound of troops marching hurriedly out of camp, and the
+blare of trumpets denoted that something untoward was afoot.
+
+<p>Feebly he called the names of the men who usually waited on him, but
+in vain; there was no response to his summons, and at length the
+tramp of feet died away, leaving the camp as silent as the grave,
+save for the flapping of the canvas as the keen wind whistled around
+the tents.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter23"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXIII</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">THE ADVENTURE AT THE RUINED MILL</h5>
+
+<p>
+IN his tent, in terrible suspense, the young knight, Raymond
+Revyngton, lay helpless, wondering how went the fight. In due course,
+through the opening of his tent, he saw a stream of wounded men
+returning, singly or in small parties, some with rough bandages round
+their limbs or their heads.
+
+<p>At length came one whom he knew&mdash;an archer of the Portchester
+company.
+
+<p>"Stephen! Stephen!" called Raymond, as loudly as he could.
+
+<p>In obedience to the knight's cry, the man entered the tent, nursing
+the maimed fingers of his right hand with his left, while the blood
+poured freely from the stumps and trickled in a crimson stream down
+his arm, soaking his sleeve.
+
+<p>Deftly and quickly, notwithstanding his weakness, Raymond bound the
+wounded hand, and poured out a cup of wine for the almost fainting
+archer. The draught revived him, and the colour began to steal back
+into his ashy-grey face.
+
+<p>"How goes the battle?" asked Raymond anxiously.
+
+<p>"'Tis not a battle, Sir Raymond, but a slight passage of arms, though
+I perceive that as a bowman my work is done. The French King hath
+tried to relieve the town, but my Lord Chandos and seven thousand of
+our men have withstood him amid the sand-hills and marshes. Save for
+a few hand-to-hand blows, the French never made a stand, and already
+they are in full flight."
+
+<p>"Dost feel well enough to walk?" the young knight asked, after a long
+pause.
+
+<p>"Yea, Sir Raymond."
+
+<p>"Then get thee outside the camp, and bring me fresh tidings."
+
+<p>The man obeyed, but ere long he returned, exclaiming: "'Tis all over.
+The enemy are nowhere in sight and our men are even now returning."
+
+<p>"Then do not tarry longer, but go to thine own tent, for thou needest
+better care for thy hurts than I can give thee. This flask of wine I
+give thee, for, by St. Thomas, thou hast need of it. Nay, do not
+thank me, but away!"
+
+<p>Once more the camp was alive with men, for the threatened attack of
+the huge army that Philip had gathered together for the relief of
+Calais had been ignominiously repelled, and it was known that the
+fate of the town was sealed. Raymond gathered a fairly true account
+of the fight from the conversation and joyous exclamations of the
+elated soldiery, and presently Sir John Hacket, covered with dust and
+showing signs of the conflict, entered the tent.
+
+<p>"Art feeling better, Raymond?"
+
+<p>"Ay, Sir John. But how goes it with us?"
+
+<p>"Passably well but ever I seem to be a messenger of momentous tidings
+to thee, whether of good or evil."
+
+<p>"Then there is something amiss?" questioned the young man eagerly,
+instinctively surmising that the news was unfavourable.
+
+<p>"Yea, Raymond. My speech was ever blunt, and methinks the sooner I
+unburden myself of a message of ill-tidings the easier 'tis for both
+of us. Briefly, Sir Maurice hath fallen like the true and gallant
+knight he was, and thou art the last of the Revyngtons of Churston."
+
+<p>"Alack-a-me that it should be so! For though I knew but little of
+him, I esteemed him a gallant, gentle, and honourable knight even
+before I wot he was my kinsman. And Sir Reginald Scarsdale&mdash;what of
+him?"
+
+<p>"His heart is stronger than his body. In the first impact he was
+swept from his saddle by a mere stripling."
+
+<p>"And he is killed, wounded, or taken?"
+
+<p>"Neither, save that he is shaken by the fall, and the King vows that
+since he cannot hold his own against a youth he will send him home,
+seeing that his fighting days are over."
+
+<p>"And does Sir Reginald know of this?"
+
+<p>"Ay, and if the King will not relent&mdash;and he is hard to turn from his
+purpose&mdash;'twill be the first Scarsdale since the Conquest whose feet
+on his altar-tomb rest not upon a lion."
+
+<p>"Alas! the King's decision will hit him hard! Do you, Sir John,
+convey my expressions of regret to the gentle knight, and say that it
+will give me great pleasure should he deign to visit me."
+
+<p>For several days more Raymond lay weak and ill in his tent, but as
+April drew on and the weather became warmer his strength began slowly
+to return. At length, pale and wan, the young knight was able to walk
+slowly about the camp, supported by two of his archers.
+
+<p>Still the siege continued, a long-drawn, tedious task, with little
+chance of knightly deeds of daring to earn advancement. The
+close-drawn lines of the besiegers still kept tenacious grip upon the
+town, and, though famine and disease wrought havoc amongst its
+gallant defenders, the end seemed as far off as ever.
+
+<p>The return of summer found Sir Raymond Revyngton completely restored
+in health, though still chafing with impatience at the life of
+inactivity, for the younger knights looked with disfavour upon the
+King's methods of conducting the siege, and would rather have had the
+opportunity of leading their men to the assault than sit down before
+the town waiting for famine to do its fell work.
+
+<p>Friendly tilting-matches, hawking, and sports of a similar nature
+were indulged in, and Raymond, with an exuberance of energy, took a
+leading part in the pastimes. Many a pleasant afternoon was spent in
+the open country around the English lines, hunting or making sport
+with hounds and falcons, for not an armed Frenchman was to be seen
+within twenty leagues of Calais, save the starving wretches within
+its gates.
+
+<p>One afternoon in July Raymond and a score of young knights rode
+south-eastwards along the sand-dunes, each knight accompanied by a
+mounted serving-man and a number of hounds. The country was not of a
+nature to yield much sport, yet, eager to while away the time, the
+little cavalcade rode carelessly on over the low sandhills.
+
+<p>On their right spread the blue waters of the English Channel, in
+front towered the chalky heights of Gris-nez, while behind lay the
+red-tiled houses and grey walls of Calais, with the semicircle of
+tents that marked the English lines.
+
+<p>At length they reached the summit of a low hill, and here they reined
+in their steeds.
+
+<p>"No sign of a living creature," remarked one of the party, "though
+the land away on our left seemeth well wooded. How call you yonder
+forest, Armand?" he inquired, addressing one of the attendants, a
+Gascon who had spent the greater part of his life in the
+neighbourhood of Calais.
+
+<p>"'Tis the forest of Ambleteuse, sir," replied the man; "there the
+wild boar is to be found."
+
+<p>"Ah There is good sport, fair sirs Let us ride forward."
+
+<p>Half-an-hour's sharp canter brought them to the edge of the wood, and
+in a long, straggling line the gay-hearted Englishmen, with loud
+shouts and many a blast upon their horns, plunged into the gloom of
+the forest glades.
+
+<p>For a while no signs of animal life appeared, then suddenly there
+came from one of the rearmost horsemen shouts of "A boar!"
+
+<p>Instantly the party turned, and crashing through the underwood, made
+towards the sound. Raymond, who had been in the van, now found
+himself in the rear, and, spurring his steed and calling to his
+attendant to follow, he strove to overtake his companions, while the
+loud grunts of the hunted boar could be distinctly heard amid the
+snapping of the brushwood.
+
+<p>At length the glade descended towards a babbling brook, and here the
+press of horsemen became so thick that many were riding hip to hip.
+Suddenly Raymond's horse trod in a rabbit-hole, and before he could
+realise what had happened he found himself hurtling through the air
+and striking the soft earth with a heavy thud. Fortunately, the young
+knight was lightly clad, and fell without injury, but on leaping to
+his feet he saw his body-servant lying, senseless on the ground,
+while the two steeds, entangled in their fall, were madly kicking
+each other with their iron-shod hoofs.
+
+<p>In the excitement of the chase the rest of the cavalcade had rushed
+onwards, heedless of their companions' misfortunes, and the sound of
+feet was already dying away.
+
+<p>With a bound Raymond sprang to the side of his attendant and dragged
+him out of the reach of the perilous hoofs. Then he sought for his
+horn to summon assistance, but the instrument was crushed and
+rendered useless by the fall. Baffled in his purpose, he applied his
+energies to the task of restoring the unconscious man, bathing his
+forehead with water obtained from the brook.
+
+<p>His efforts at length were rewarded, for the servant sat up and gazed
+around in a dazed way.
+
+<p>"Art hurt, Thompson?" asked Raymond anxiously.
+
+<p>"Can scarcely tell, Sir Raymond, save that my head is swimming round
+like a roasting joint, and my shoulder-blades seem growing out of my
+neck."
+
+<p>"'Tis of small moment. But stand up if thou canst." Thompson
+staggered to his feet, and to the knight's satisfaction he found that
+none of the man's limbs were broken.
+
+<p>"'Tis a sorry pass, for we must needs find our way back afoot. Pull
+thyself together, man, for 'tis a goodly step betwixt us and the
+camp."
+
+<p>Drawing his hunting-knife, Raymond put the two struggling
+horses&mdash;each of whom had a leg broken&mdash;out of their misery, then the
+twain set out on their homeward way. By the time they emerged from
+the forest their shadows fell far athwart the path, for the sun was
+sinking in the west; but Thompson was rapidly recovering, and their
+pace was well maintained.
+
+<p>"There is the hill from whence we first saw the wood," remarked the
+knight. "But methinks we can leave that well on our left, for the
+camp lies yonder."
+
+<p>"I deem thee to be right, fair sir. But, mark ye! Look at yonder
+clouds."
+
+<p>Raymond looked in the direction indicated, and saw that a storm was
+rapidly driving towards them.
+
+<p>"Night cometh on apace, and with it a tempest," quoth he. "Hasten, or
+we shall be benighted in this dreary plain."
+
+<p>Hardly had they traversed a distance of three arrow-flights than the
+wind, hitherto a faint westerly breeze, sprang up with terrific
+violence. The sand rose in thick clouds, shutting out everything
+except in their immediate vicinity, and the sun, in a mist of pale
+yellow sky, sank beneath the indigo-coloured clouds.
+
+<p>Onward they steadily plodded through the heavy yielding sand, the
+swiftly-falling darkness bringing with it a heavy storm of rain and
+hail. Wondering whether his comrades were faring as badly, the young
+knight stumbled and plunged resolutely onwards, his serving-man
+following closely at his heels, the whistling of the wind making
+conversation impossible.
+
+<p>For over two hours the twain pursued their uncomfortable walk, till
+at length a dark object blocked their path. It was a ruined windmill.
+Making their way round its massive base, the weary travellers found
+some slight shelter from the force of the wind, and, panting from
+their exertions, they leaned against the stonework to recover their
+breath.
+
+<p>"Dost know where we are?" shouted Raymond, his voice almost inaudible
+in the howling wind.
+
+<p>"No, sir," replied the man.
+
+<p>"But a short distance from where we left the wood, I marked this
+tower on our left, and, certes, we have been walking round and round
+for half the night."
+
+<p>"Then we must needs set out once more?"
+
+<p>"Nay. This will suffice for the present, and here we'll rest till
+daylight comes and the storm spends itself. The door is not barred, I
+hope."
+
+<p>Walking slowly round the mill, the knight felt for the opening, till
+he stumbled over a low stone step. Cautiously ascending, he found at
+the fourth step a flat ledge, protected by a broken rail, and here
+was the door hanging by a solitary rusted hinge.
+
+
+<p><center><img src="images/treachery.jpg" alt="treachery"></center><br>
+<center>[Illustration: TREACHERY AFOOT]</center>
+
+
+<p>Yielding to the pressure of his shoulder, the door flew open, and the
+knight and his companion carefully groped their way in, closing the
+door after them. Here, in absolute blackness, they found shelter, the
+storm howling wildly outside, yet scarcely to be heard within the
+massive stone walls. They had no means of procuring a light, but by
+continuing their investigations they felt a pile of broken hurdles
+and the lower-most rungs of a ladder.
+
+<p>Raymond was about to ascend, when his servant laid a detaining hand
+upon his arm. "Hist!" he exclaimed. "Some one moves in the room
+above."
+
+<p>"Nay, thou dreamest! . . . Ay, thou art right! Hide here, quickly. Art
+armed?"
+
+<p>"Nought but a knife."
+
+<p>"'Twill suffice. Now, hold thyself in readiness, but act not till I
+give the word."
+
+<p>Crouching behind the pile of hurdles, knight and servant waited in
+breathless silence. There was the sound of a heavy trap-door being
+raised, and a voice exclaimed in French: "Is it thou, Jehan?"
+
+<p>Receiving no reply, the questioner slowly descended a few steps of
+the ladder, and drawing a horn lantern from underneath a cloak, swung
+it around him, peering about the room.
+
+<p>Then, perceiving no one, he muttered: "Mon Dieu! It is but fancy, yet
+why doth he tarry?" And again concealing the light, he ascended to
+the upper story and dropped the trap-hatch with a resounding thud.
+
+<p>"There's fell treachery afoot," whispered Raymond. "Dost know who it
+is?"
+
+<p>"'Tis Réné de Caux, of the following of the Captal de Buche, our
+King's trusted favourite. Wait patiently, for ere long no little
+advancement will be gained."
+
+<p>Silently the Englishmen waited, every fiercer blast of the storm
+causing them to imagine that the expected visitor had arrived. At
+last they heard the door pushed open, and a dark form made its way
+into the room with a confidence gained by long practice. A low
+whistle, like the cry of a night-bird, and the trapdoor was again
+removed.
+
+<p>"Ah, Jehan! 'Tis thou at last! Close the door ere I show a light."
+
+<p>"A thousand pests take the weather. This storm hath all but been my
+undoing."
+
+<p>The light of the lantern shone upon the face of the new arrival. He
+was a tall, slender man, with light hair and refined features, and on
+removing his sodden cloak a garment of slashed velvet was revealed,
+betokening that the wearer was a gentleman of quality. Armour he wore
+none, but a light sword hung from his belt, balanced by a large
+leather bag.
+
+<p>"And how fares Sir John de Vienne?"
+
+<p>"Strong in courage when last I saw him."
+
+<p>"And that was&mdash;&mdash;?"
+
+<p>"But yesternight."
+
+<p>"And he agreed to allow you to poison the wells?"
+
+<p>"Nay, by Our Lady, he would not."
+
+<p>"Well spoken, like a brave and gallant knight, for, by St. Denis, the
+plan is not to my liking even though these insolent islanders deserve
+all that is evil. But, see here! This letter must be given to the
+Governor of the town by to-morrow, though, alas! it is cold comfort
+to Sir John. Canst arrange to deliver it?"
+
+<p>"They will admit me by the postern of the Boulogne Gate at midnight.
+'Twill be done."
+
+<p>"Then take thy reward. Hold the light closer while I count, for I
+know a Gascon of old! See to it: all bright crowns, of good weight."
+
+<p>The Frenchman addressed as Jehan handed a sealed document to the
+Gascon, who placed it in his doublet; then, setting the lantern on
+the ground and extending his hand, the latter counted the coins as
+Jehan took them from his wallet.
+
+<p>Loosening his poignard and motioning to Thompson to draw his knife,
+Raymond prepared to spring from his hiding-place.
+
+<p>Ere the two conspirators could recover from their astonishment the
+young knight had leapt upon them, and with one thrust of his weapon
+laid the traitorous Gascon dead at his feet. Instinctively the
+Frenchman sprang backwards and whipped out his sword.
+
+<p>"Yield thee!" thundered Raymond.
+
+<p>"To no man!"
+
+<p>In an instant their blades met, the dull light of the lantern
+flashing on the glittering steel. Though Jehan had the longer weapon,
+he possessed neither the strength nor the skill of his antagonist,
+and in less than half a minute's swordplay the Frenchman's blade
+caught in the notch that the hilt of most poignards possess, and with
+a quick, powerful turn of the wrist Raymond snapped the sword off
+close to the guard.
+
+<p>"Now wilt yield?"
+
+<p>"If thou art a gentleman I will; if not, pass the dagger through me
+rather than let me disgrace myself."
+
+<p>"I am Sir Raymond Revyngton, knight."
+
+<p>"Then, Sir Raymond, I yield myself to thee; though I pray thee,
+certify my master that I fought well ere I yielded."
+
+<p>"And thy name and quality?"
+
+<p>"I am Jehan de Sous-Cahors, seneschal de Vimereux, and of the
+household of King Philip."
+
+<p>"Then I have had great honour in taking thee!" said Raymond with due
+courtesy. "And now have I thy promise that there shall
+be no attempt at escape? Otherwise, though it grieve me to mishandle
+a knight, thou must be brought bound into the camp."
+
+<p>"I swear, by St. Denis."
+
+<p>The grey dawn was beginning to break, and the storm was dying away.
+Raymond looked out of the door, and saw with great satisfaction the
+knight's horse stabled in a small adjoining hut that had been
+invisible on the previous night. There in the distance the smoke of
+the English camp-fires showed distinctly in the now clear air, while
+less than a bowshot from the mill lay the wood that had been the
+cause of their misfortune.
+
+<p>Suddenly the young knight heard the sound of scuffling and Thompson's
+voice shouting "Help, master, help!"
+
+<p>Darting back to the room, he found his servant engaged in a desperate
+struggle with the captive, who was endeavouring to destroy the letter
+he had entrusted to the double-dealing Gascon, a portion of which he
+had attempted to swallow.
+
+<p>With no gentle hand Raymond aided his man to throw the prisoner on
+his back and wrench the missive from him.
+
+<p>"Thy parole, Sir Knight!" he exclaimed.
+
+<p>"&mdash;&mdash;has been kept," gasped the captive, "but I trow thou wilt admit
+that no farther compact was made. I am foiled in this matter, but I
+pray thee, of thy courtesy, give me leave to finish my work and
+destroy this missive."
+
+<p>"That I cannot do. This letter, which I doubt not is of great moment,
+I will take charge of, and hand over to my Lord Chandos. 'Tis now
+daylight, and we must needs return to the camp. I am loth to let thee
+walk, but as there is but one horse between two knights, 'tis better
+that neither ride."
+
+<p>Walking side by side, and followed by Thompson leading the captive's
+horse, Raymond and the French knight arrived at the camp without
+further incident, and, after handing his prisoner over to the
+camp-martial, the young knight repaired with all despatch to find Sir
+John Hacket.
+
+<p>On hearing Raymond's story the Constable accompanied him to the tent
+of Sir John Chandos, whose banner floated close to the royal
+pavilion.
+
+<p>Lord Chandos opened the letter which Raymond had gained possession
+of, and found that its contents were practically undamaged in the
+struggle.
+
+<p>"Canst read?" he asked of the Constable. "For this crabbed fist doth
+sorely try my one eye."
+
+<p>"Nay," replied Sir John Hacket with a grim smile. "Only enough for
+mine own use, for from my seventh year the sword ever proved a more
+pleasing companion than a scrawling, musty parchment."
+
+<p>"And canst thou, Sir Raymond?"
+
+<p>"I will try my best, fair sir."
+
+<p>Raymond took the missive and began to read the superscription,
+written in French: "To the very puissant knight, Sir John de Vienne,
+seneschal of our town of Calais, greeting."
+
+<p>The body of the letter began by thanking the Governor for his brave
+resistance, and expressing hopes of being able to speedily succour
+the besieged. It then confirmed the arrangements, previously made
+through the Gascon traitor, for a sally, in conjunction with an
+attempt on the part of the French forces to break the English lines
+from without. Should the French be unable to carry out their part and
+attack the English camp, three white lights were to be shown from the
+ruins of an old mill near Sangatte, and the besieged would then be at
+liberty to make the best terms they could for the surrender of
+Calais. The epistle was signed by no less a personage than King
+Philip of France.
+
+<p>"By St. George, we have them," exclaimed Chandos, striking his fist
+heavily upon an oaken chest. "Though I would rather that Réné de Caux
+were swinging from a gallows in view of the town than lying dead at
+thy hands in the ruined mill. No matter; this letter must reach the
+Governor of Calais. Five hundred lances and two thousand archers will
+suffice to keep the Frenchmen from advancing upon us; and tomorrow
+night will see three white lights from the old mill at Sangatte."
+
+<p>At nightfall a squire of the Captal de Buche crept cautiously to the
+postern of the Boulogne Gate, and, representing himself as an
+emissary of the false Réné de Caux, handed the fatal letter to the
+Governor, Sir John de Vienne. The presence of a strong force of
+Englishmen beyond the dunes of Sangatte prevented the expected French
+army from occupying the mill and signalling to their friends in the
+beleaguered city, and the following night three white lights flashed
+their message of despair to the hitherto undaunted garrison.
+
+<p>Thus the fall of Calais was hastened, but Raymond saw nothing of the
+final act in the drama, when the heroic Eustace de St. Pierre and his
+five companions were nearly sacrificed to appease the anger of the
+English King (Queen Philippa's intercession alone saved their lives),
+for the young knight was with the five hundred lances that guarded
+the approach from Boulogne; and on the 6th of August, two days after
+Edward had taken possession of the town, the Hampshire companies,
+with whom was Sir Reginald Scarsdale, embarked for the shores of
+England.
+
+<br><br><br>
+<a name="chapter24"></a>
+<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XXIV</h3>
+
+<h5 align="center">THE HOMECOMING</h5>
+
+<p>
+AFTER four days of light but favourable winds the little fleet,
+consisting of seven vessels, that bore the Hampshire men homewards
+arrived off the Isle of Wight. Battle and disease had thinned their
+ranks, but the survivors returned in high spirits, flushed with
+victory and rich with the loads of spoil that lay in the holds.
+
+<p>At Spithead the flotilla separated, Sir John Hacket's two ships
+making for Portsmouth Harbour, three heading for Southampton, and the
+remaining two setting a course down the Solent for Lepe and Lymington
+respectively. Amid a fanfare of trumpets and the farewell shouts of
+the troops to their former companions in arms, the Constable's
+vessels pointed to the north-west in the direction of the even lines
+of Portsdown, under the shadow of which lay the Castle of
+Portchester.
+
+<p>The shields of the three knights were displayed over the side of the
+leading ship, while from her truck floated the blue banner with the
+device of the crescent and star, and on the poop were gathered Sir
+John Hacket, Sir Reginald Scarsdale, and Sir Raymond Revyngton,
+engaged in joyous conversation at the prospect of a speedy landing on
+their native soil.
+
+<p>"And what dost thou purpose to do, Raymond?" inquired the Constable.
+"Surely there is little need to hasten westwards to thy newly-gained
+estates; 'twould be better far to wait the return of the Devonshire
+men. Tarry awhile at Portchester, for methinks there is much to be
+done here before setting out on thy travels. And thou, Sir Reginald?
+Wilt accept such hospitality that my poor castle can offer?"
+
+<p>"I must first seek out my daughter Audrey," quoth Sir Reginald. "And
+I have but little doubt that Raymond will bear me company."
+
+<p>"Doth she know of thy return?"
+
+<p>"Nay, and I'll warrant the maid will be taken aback when we arrive at
+the town of Farnham."
+
+<p>A strange smile flitted over Sir John's face.
+
+<p>"Well, Raymond, what are thy plans?"
+
+<p>"I bear Sir Reginald company; then, having won or lost my suit, I
+will return to the castle, Sir John. For there are several small
+matters I must give attention to at Hamble and at the Abbey of
+Netley, without which I cannot go to Churston."
+
+<p>The vessel was now slipping through the water with a fair wind and
+favouring tide, and already the low-lying island of Portsca lay
+abeam, and the Castle of Portchester was momentarily growing more
+distinct.
+
+<p>"By St. George, they expect us!" exclaimed Raymond excitedly. "See,
+thy banner floats above the keep, and the walls are thick with
+people. And the garlands over the water-gate! Of a surety they were
+not placed there at an hour's notice."
+
+<p>"Now that I bethink me," remarked Sir John drily, "I did send a
+messenger to Winchelsea, so perchance he hath taken a horse and
+ridden hot-foot to Portchester."
+
+<p>For awhile they watched in silence the grey outlines of the castle
+topped with its living fringe. The master-shipman gave an order, and
+the long yard, with its bellying sail, sank from the masthead; and
+the vessel, carried onward by its momentum and the rush of the tide,
+came abreast of the fortress. Another order, and the anchor with its
+hempen cable fell with a sudden plunge into the water; the ship
+snubbed at the tautened rope, swung round and brought up, riding
+easily to wind and tide. The voyage was over.
+
+<p>"See, Raymond," suddenly exclaimed Sir Reginald, "thine eyes are
+younger than mine, yet if I mistake not . . . There, to the right of
+the water-gate!"
+
+<p>"Ay, the saints be praised. 'Tis the Lady Audrey!"
+
+<p>A small boat, manned by men wearing the Constable's livery, was
+quickly alongside, and Sir John and Sir Reginald stepped aboard,
+Raymond following with unknightly haste. Amidst the shouts of the
+excited throng of soldiers and villagers the boat's fore-foot grated
+on the shingle, and the three distinguished warriors again set foot
+on their native land.
+
+<p>"See, Audrey," said her father, after the paternal salute had been
+given and returned, "I bring thee an old acquaintance&mdash;not the
+squire, Raymond Buckland, who saved they life at Southampton, but the
+gallant and worthy knight, Sir Raymond Revyngton."
+
+<p><center>* * * * *</center>
+
+<p>Within a week a wedding was celebrated in the little chapel of St.
+Mary within the castle walls, and Sir Raymond Revyngton and the Lady
+Audrey Scarsdale were made man and wife. After the ceremony the
+kindly Constable congratulated the bride, and it must be confessed
+that the bridegroom's eyes were opened by Lady Audrey Revyngton's
+reply.
+
+<p>"To thee, Sir John, I owe much of my happiness, for Raymond was ever
+a bashful lover. An he were but a simple squire I would have married
+him, but when thou toldest me that he had been made a knight I was
+filled with joy. And for thy kindly thought in sending a special
+messenger to bring me hither to await your arrival I deem myself ever
+indebted to thee!"
+
+<p>"Nay, thank me not, fair lady," replied the gallant old warrior. "Is
+it not the bounden duty of a true knight to help another? For
+Raymond, though ever first in the field of war, hath been a laggard
+in the lists of love. Yet I am but a feeble instrument in this case,
+for against thy charms he would be powerless but in my heart I thank
+God for the part I played in bringing together two noble families
+estranged by a fatal feud."
+
+<p><center>* * * * *</center>
+
+<p>Little remains to be told. Sir Reginald Scarsdale, in spite of his
+old age and infirmities, died as he wished, falling in defence of the
+Border against a band of Scottish raiders, and in a quiet Yorkshire
+church he rests, his altar-tomb showing his effigy with the lions at
+his feet, making a fitting addition to the four crossed-legged images
+of his crusading ancestors.
+
+<p>Sir John Hacket, after seeing further service in France, acquiring
+additional glory and renown at Poictiers, died peacefully at a great
+age within sight of the castle whose Constableship he had held so
+worthily.
+
+<p>And as for Sir Raymond and the fair Lady Audrey, they lived a life of
+unalloyed happiness in their manor of Churston, in the midst of the
+hills of Devon. Yet when the call to arms sounded, the redoubtable
+Sir Raymond did not shrink from its summons, and at Poictiers and at
+the slaughter of Najera in the wilds of Spain he added to his
+laurels. And does not the prowess of the head of the Revyngtons at
+the repulse of the French descent upon Dartmouth in 1377 still linger
+amongst the annals of the sons of Devon?
+
+<p>From the union of the rival Revyngton and Scarsdale families
+descended the successors of a noble heritage&mdash;men courageous and
+generous in war, noble and law-abiding in peace, men whose names have
+helped to make the British Empire what it is to-day, and whose motto
+has been, and let us hope will ever be&mdash;
+
+<p>"Non sibi, sed patriae."
+
+<p>THE END
+
+<p>Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & Co. Edinburgh & London
+<p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Winning of the Golden Spurs, by 
+Percy F. Westerman
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diff --git a/old/36122.txt b/old/36122.txt
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+++ b/old/36122.txt
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+Project Gutenberg's The Winning of the Golden Spurs, by Percy F. Westerman
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Winning of the Golden Spurs
+
+Author: Percy F. Westerman
+
+Release Date: May 16, 2011 [EBook #36122]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WINNING OF THE GOLDEN SPURS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by R.G.P.M. van Giesen
+
+
+
+
+THE WINNING OF THE
+GOLDEN SPURS
+
+[Illustration: RAYMOND SAVES THE BLACK PRINCE]
+
+THE WINNING OF
+THE GOLDEN SPURS
+
+BY
+
+PERCY F. WESTERMAN
+AUTHOR OF "A LAD OF GRIT," "THE SEA MONARCH,"
+"THE TREASURE OF THE SAN PHILIPO," ETC.
+
+
+LONDON
+JAMES NISBET & CO., LIMITED
+22 BERNERS STREET, W.
+1911
+
+
+
+Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO.
+At the Ballantyne Press, Edinburgh
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+CHAP.
+       PROLOGUE
+  I.     THE ARCHER, REDWARD BUCKLAND
+  II.    THE SHADOW OF WAR
+  III.   OF THE MIDNIGHT DESCENT OF THE FRENCH INVADERS
+  IV.    OF THE GALLANT STAND OF THE NINE ARCHERS
+  V.     THE MEN OF HAMPSHIRE AND THE GENOESE GALLEY
+  VI.    AT THE ABBEY
+  VII.   THE SACK OF SOUTHAMPTON
+  VIII.  OF THE ASSAULT ON ST. BARBARA'S TOWER
+  IX.    ON THE HEELS OF THE ENEMY
+  X.     FATHER AND SON SET OUT FOR HENNEBON
+  XI.    THE CHIRURGEON OF LEGUE
+  XII.   THE JOURNEY PERILOUS
+  XIII.  THE RELIEF OF HENNEBON
+  XIV.   RAYMOND'S ERRAND
+  XV.    TRAPPED!
+  XVI.   THE TABLES TURNED
+  XVII.  THE FALL OF THE COUNT'S STRONGHOLD
+  XVIII. REDWARD'S CONFESSION
+  XIX.   CRECY
+  XX.    HIS LIFE FOR HIS FOE
+  XXI.   THE REJECTED GUERDON
+  XXII.  SIR RAYMOND
+  XXIII. THE ADVENTURE AT THE RUINED MILL
+  XXIV.  THE HOMECOMING
+
+
+
+
+THE WINNING OF THE GOLDEN SPURS
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+IT was early morning on the 5th day of August, 1303, the Royal City
+of Winchester. The sun had not yet risen, but a cold grey light
+filtered in through a narrow window and dimly illumined a small,
+scantily-furnished room overlooking the city walls.
+
+Seated on a rough wooden stool, his face buried in his hands, was a
+young fellow of about twenty years of age. His body swayed with
+uncontrollable grief, and, though dry-eyed, deep sobs of mingled
+remorse and despair showed the anguish that rent his body and
+distracted his mind.
+
+In a corner of the room a torch, burnt low in its iron socket, threw
+a yellow light that was fast being overmastered by the growing dawn,
+yet the glimmer was sufficient to play upon the naked blade of a
+sword, the steel of which was discoloured towards its point by a
+dull, rust-coloured stain.
+
+Suddenly the sound of a heavy footstep was heard on the stairs. The
+youth started to his feet and gazed wildly around, as if seeking a
+place of concealment or some means of escape. He was tall, well
+formed, and, in spite of his haggard looks, comely of face, and his
+clothes, though rent and covered with chalk and dust, showed that he
+was of no mean position.
+
+Realising the impossibility of hiding himself, he stood erect and
+alert, awaiting the arrival of what he took to be his fate; but,
+instead of a thundering summons of the officers of the law, there
+came a gentle rap, and the door was slowly pushed ajar.
+
+"Hist! Art there, Master Revyngton? 'Tis I, Nicholas Hobbes!"
+
+"Enter, Nicholas! Certes I thought 'twas the watch."
+
+The new arrival was a man some few years older than the fugitive. He
+was clad in a rough leather suit, frayed at elbows and knees, and to
+which shavings and feathers still clung--a silent witness to his
+trade of fletcher.
+
+"'Tis a sorry pass, Master Revyngton. How came it about?"
+
+"Ay, that I will say right willingly; but first tell me--how knowest
+thou that I am here?"
+
+"Easily said! Dick Ford told me that thou wert a fugitive in his
+house, and asked me to use my scatterbrain wits to find a way to
+smuggle thee out of the city. That being so, 'twere best I saw thee,
+and to that purpose I am here. But, again, how came it to pass?"
+
+"Faith! I can scarce say. 'Twas in the meads, yestereven. Young
+Stephen Scarsdale and Reginald, his brother, were on this side of the
+stream, I on the nether bank, with Wulf, my favourite hound. 'Ho
+there!' cried Stephen. 'What meanst thou by trespassing on the ground
+of my Lord Bishop?' 'I do not trespass,' I replied. 'The Mead hath
+ever been free to the men of this city, and no one hath yet said me
+nay.' 'I'll warrant thou art after my Lord Bishop's trout. By the
+rood, I'll send a bolt through the head of thy lurcher.' 'Thy aim
+must be more sure than when I beat thee at the butts,' I replied,
+little thinking but that he spoke in jest, but in answer he levelled
+his crossbow, and ere I was aware of it poor Wulf was lying
+transfixed on the ground."
+
+"Then I was seized by a thousand devils, and sprang across the narrow
+plank bridge to hurl the slayer of my hound into the river, but
+Stephen, whipping out his blade, bade me do likewise. In less time
+than it takes to tell our swords crossed, though, mark ye, I meant
+not to harm him; yet, like a fool, he ran in upon my blade, and 'twas
+all over in an instant."
+
+"And then?"
+
+"The younger Scarsdale, who is a worthy gentleman compared with his
+witless brother, tried to stop me as I fled. There was no help for
+it, so he, too, went down, though I trow he is not much hurt. Hast
+heard aught of Stephen?"
+
+"Naught save that he is as dead as a door-nail. But, Master
+Revyngton, 'tis, as I said, a sorry pass. What wilt thou do?"
+
+"Do? Give myself into the hands of the law. What else wouldst thou
+have me do?"
+
+"Anything but that. Consider! Thou art young and full of life. Why
+shouldst thou grace a halter if it can be avoided, for, mark well,
+the Scarsdales are a powerful family, and moreover Stephen was of the
+Bishop's household. How thinkst thou to make good thy case before thy
+peers when the weight of title and position is set against thee? Be
+sober, young master, and think on't."
+
+"Ay, 'tis hard to die thus."
+
+"No need to die at all--at any rate, just yet. Flee the country.
+France or the States of the Rhine ever offer an attraction for a
+roving blade, and peradventure in a few years the affair will have
+blown over."
+
+"But how can I escape?"
+
+"There thou hast me. Where is Dick Ford?"
+
+"Gone to gather tidings. He will be here anon."
+
+Both men relapsed into silence, staring moodily at the narrow window,
+through which could be seen the battlements of the city gilded by the
+rising sun, while ever and again came the sweet strains of a lark as
+it soared heavenwards from the dew-sodden meadows without the walls.
+
+Again came the sound of footsteps, and Dick Ford, the bowyer,
+entered. He was a short, red-complexioned man, with a cheerful
+countenance, as if nothing could upset his good nature, though at
+times his looks belied him, and the worthy citizens of Winchester oft
+had cause to remember his tongue when it ran riot. Like the fletcher,
+his appearance betrayed him, for the sharp wittle that hung from his
+girdle, the daubs of beeswax, and the faint reek of varnish marked
+his calling as a maker of the famous English longbows.
+
+"A pretty hornet's nest thou hast raised, Master Revyngton," he
+exclaimed, shaking his head. "Yesternight the city crier called thee
+at the marketcross, and on the Soke Bridge. The Bishop's Court hath
+claimed thee, and in default of thy appearance thou wilt be declared
+outlaw. Furthermore, the gates are doubly guarded, and men are even
+now in ambush on the road to the sanctuary at St. Cross if so be thou
+seekest refuge therein. By the saintly Swithun, I trow thou art the
+most sought-for man in Winton."
+
+"He hath made up his mind, Dick," exclaimed Hobbes. "Better an outlaw
+with a heavy conscience than a corpse with none at all."
+
+"Ay, let me but get once clear of the city and I'll reck not what I
+become."
+
+"Bravely spoken, Master Revyngton! And now, how canst thou make good
+thine escape? Thou canst count on us to a surety, for 'twould ill
+requite thy father's kindness to us in times past if we let thee fall
+into the hands of the Bishop's men. Where is thine arrow-wain, Dick?"
+
+"Below, in the barn."
+
+"And laden?"
+
+"Nay, but it soon could be. Wherefore?"
+
+"Place Master Revyngton in the cart and cover him with arrows. 'Tis
+the day thou journeyest to Bishopstoke and Botley. He would then be
+well on his way to the abbey at Netley."
+
+"Steady, Dick, steady! Should the guard at Kingsgate search the wain
+my neck is as good as if fitted with a halter. Yet I'll take the
+risk; but see to it, young master, if the plan goeth amiss, thou'lt
+bear me witness that I wot not of thy presence?"
+
+"Ay, good Nicholas. But if they question thee and search the cart I
+must make a bid for freedom, so stand in the way, and I'll warrant
+I'll knock thee down just to give colour to the deceit."
+
+"But strike not too hard, Master Revyngton, neither on the face, for
+I am in no mind to go home to my good wife with my nose awry or mine
+eyes closed up. A gentle tap, I pray thee--like this--and I'll
+warrant I'll fall as surely as if I were smitten with the club of the
+Southampton giant Ascupart."
+
+"After all's said and done," remarked the fletcher, "there may be no
+need to smite thee, Nick, for 'tis unlikely that they will search thy
+cart. But the day groweth apace. If it is to be done, the sooner the
+better, say I."
+
+"Then make a good meal, Master Revyngton," said Hobbes, setting a
+loaf of brown bread, some cheese, and a jack of ale, "for if not
+thou'lt feel the want of it ere long. Now set to like a good
+trencherman, though, being but plain men, our fare is likewise plain.
+Thou knowest the road?"
+
+"Passably well, save the latter part."
+
+"Then keep close, but not on it if perchance thou art pursued, for it
+is to Southampton that they'll think thou art bound. Take the by-road
+to Botley, whence the abbey lies but a league or so away."
+
+While the fletcher and the bowyer were giving advice the younger man
+did justice to the food; then, at a sign from Ford, his companion
+stole softly down the rough ladder that did duty as a staircase, and
+peered cautiously up and down the street. Another moment, and the
+three men had darted across the narrow road to a small barn, the
+mutual property of several of the inhabitants of that quarter, and
+shortly afterwards a rough cart, laden with bundles of
+newly-feathered arrows, was jolting over the rough stones towards
+Kingsgate, Nicholas Hobbes leading the sorry nag and whistling a
+lively air as well as the anticipation of being floored would permit.
+
+"Thou art early abroad, Nick," quoth one of the guards, as he made
+ready to throw open the heavy door. "There's naught but arrows in thy
+wain, I take it?"
+
+"What meanest thou?"
+
+"Why, hast heard naught of the slaying of Master Scarsdale, that tall
+youth belonging to the Bishop's household? Surely thou hast him in
+mind?"
+
+"Ay, I knew him; is he dead?"
+
+"Where hath been thine eyes and thine ears since yesternoon?"
+
+"I have but small time for gossip, Tom, above all towards the end of
+the week, when my stock hath to be renewed. But I'll hear the story
+anon, for time is precious."
+
+The heavy gate swung slowly open, the fletcher called to his horse,
+and the cart with its living burden moved towards the open country
+and safety.
+
+"Hold!" cried a hoarse voice. "Tom, thou arrant rascal, wouldst let
+the cart through unsearched What were thine orders from the captain
+of the gate?"
+
+And, to the fletcher's terror, a burly man-at-arms came down a flight
+of steps at the side of the gate, and advanced towards him.
+
+The first soldier sullenly strolled over to the back of the cart,
+but, suddenly recovering himself, Nicholas Hobbes backed his horse,
+causing the man to be pinned between the wheel and the stonework of
+the arch. There was a sudden scattering of the arrows, an indistinct
+mass hurtling through the air, and the fletcher found himself, as he
+had foretold, lying prone in the dust. When he sat up the soldiers
+were calling wildly to the rest of the guard, while a fleeing figure,
+already growing small in the distance, showed that the fugitive
+Revyngton was well on his way to freedom.
+
+With the din of the soldiers' shouts still ringing in his ears,
+Revyngton ran steadily onwards with a long, steady swing, his elbows
+pressed against his sides, and breathing easily, for he was no mean
+runner.
+
+Away in front rose the gaunt outline of St. Catherine's Hill, with
+the square tower of the Hospital of St. Cross, which sanctuary he
+knew was denied him, slightly to the right. Between ran the
+swift-flowing river Itchen, and the fugitive realised that he would
+have to run the gauntlet of the watchers before the sanctuary ere he
+could reach the ford where the river swept the base of the hill. His
+way lay through the meadows where, but a few hours ago, he had
+wandered in blissful, though then unappreciated, freedom, and
+shudderingly, and with averted face, he raced past the scene of the
+fatal encounter. Fortunately his local knowledge prevented him from
+crossing the narrow plank bridge that led solely to a marshy meadow
+enclosed by two arms of the river, so, keeping close to the shadow of
+the pollard willows, he held steadily on his way, the babbling of the
+river as it flowed with sparkling eddies in the bright sunshine
+sounding like soothing music to the hunted man.
+
+Just as he reached the ford his movements were observed by a party of
+the officers of the law who had been keeping a toilsome vigil around
+the outer wall of St. Cross, and a crossbow bolt, shot at a high
+angle, boomed through the air and buried itself less than twenty
+yards from him.
+
+There was a general scene of confusion, some of the men running after
+him afoot, others rushing off to where their horses stood tethered in
+a clump of trees.
+
+It being the hot season, the river was but ankle deep at the ford,
+and, refreshed by the coldness of the water, Revyngton hastened his
+pace up the long, dusty road towards the hamlet of Twyford. As he ran
+he could not resist the inclination to look back, and from the
+elevated position of the highway he could see the whole of the
+distance betwixt him and the cathedral city.
+
+To his satisfaction he saw that he was more than holding his own with
+those who pursued afoot, and even now they were giving up the pursuit
+and the horsemen of the party had not yet started, but away along the
+city road a number of dark, swiftly-moving objects showed that a
+troop of mounted soldiers and retainers of the episcopal authorities
+were rapidly covering the distance between them and their quarry.
+
+The sun, though the morning was yet young, smote down upon him with
+relentless strength, and there was not the faintest zephyr to cool
+his heated frame, yet onwards he sped, though the strain of the
+pursuit was gradually yet surely telling upon him.
+
+Through the almost deserted village of Twyford he ran, one or two of
+the earlier risers looking with open-mouthed astonishment at the
+fugitive, while a little way further a black-robed monk gazed
+amazedly at the approaching man, till, fearing violence, he gathered
+up his ragged gown and fled across a field at the roadside, his
+sandals clattering as he ran.
+
+At length, worn out by his exertions, Revyngton reached a spot where
+a road branched off to his left, while between it and the highway he
+was following lay a large pond, surrounded by trees and fringed with
+clusters of reeds. Here he threw himself down on the spongy turf,
+thrust his head and arms in the limpid water, and lay panting on the
+grass, oblivious of his danger, till the regular thud of horses'
+hoofs roused his jaded energies.
+
+Quickly he looked around, and to his joy he perceived the gnarled
+trunk of a tree that had fallen into a horizontal position over the
+pond, its branches form ing a dark, shady shelter. Silently and
+swiftly as an eel he plunged into the water, and a few powerful
+strokes brought him to the friendly refuge. Secure from observation,
+he drew himself upon a branch and waited the arrival of the horsemen.
+
+In a cloud of dust they appeared--five bronzed men-at-arms, with
+long, straight swords strapped against their thighs; four lay
+servants of the Bishop, with hard-set mouths and scowling faces that
+ill-matched their calling as members of an ecclesiastical house; and
+three of the city watch, more lightly armed than their companions,
+carrying crossbows across their backs. Revyngton realised that scant
+mercy could be expected at their hands.
+
+At a word from their leader the party halted, there was a hurried
+consultation, and two of the men trotted their horses to the edge of
+the pond, while the rest resumed their headlong pursuit.
+
+Then Revyngton felt that he stared death in the face, for less than
+five paces from him were the two soldiers, sitting motionless on
+their steeds and staring fixedly at the spot where he lay concealed,
+their reflections being clearly mirrored in the still water. To the
+fugitive it seemed as if his leafy bower were rent asunder, and that
+he lay exposed to his pursuers in utter helplessness; but at length,
+to his great relief, one of the men spoke.
+
+"Why this fool's errand for the sake of a hot-blooded youth? Faith, I
+am not averse to earning the five marks reward, yet 'tis a useless
+quest. Far rather would I be in a snug inn, for my throat is as dry
+as a friar's sermon."
+
+"There's drink for thee," replied the other, indicating the pond with
+a nod of his steel-capped head.
+
+"Water!" exclaimed the first with an oath; "I like it not, neither
+inside nor out, to be plain-spoken. Art game to return to Twyford,
+where the ale is of the best?"
+
+"Give them time to get out of hearing, thou dolt. Why doth the
+sheriff keep bloodhounds and use them not, eh, Giles?"
+
+"'Twould have been the better way. But now, comrade, let's away!"
+
+Revyngton waited till the sound of their horses' hoofs had died away,
+then, swimming softly back to the bank, he emerged and resumed his
+way.
+
+Now the dangers were doubled, for not only had his pursuers placed
+themselves between him and his refuge, but he knew not but that every
+bush or hedge concealed a foe. Thus he was compelled to forsake the
+high road and follow it at some distance away, keeping as close as
+possible to the shelter of the coppices and dells that formed the
+chief features of the district.
+
+As he neared the village of Fair Oak he struck the highway between
+Bishopstoke and the Bishop's hunting lodge at Waltham, and for a long
+time he lay hidden in the bracken ere the road was free from the
+seemingly endless cavalcade of huntsmen that journeyed towards the
+famous Waltham Chase, while hucksters from Southampton and Romsey,
+intent on doing a good business, were hurrying in the same direction.
+
+At length the opportunity came, and the fugitive darted across the
+road and gained the fields beyond. Here the nature of the country
+changed, the ground offering less shelter, but away to the south rose
+the dark, fir-clad hills that lay close to his goal.
+
+He had now left the Botley road well on his left, and he could
+perceive the haze of smoke that marked the hollow where the village
+lay. His clothes were long dried, and the heat was well-nigh
+unbearable, so, overcoming his fears, he turned aside to a cottage,
+the thatched roof of which rose amid a thicket. Here he found that
+another by-road or lane crossed his path, but there was no sign of
+any one passing; the cottage itself looked deserted.
+
+As the fugitive approached a dog barked, and there was a sound of
+some one moving about in an outhouse, and to the tortured man the
+sight of several pails of milk was irresistible. The yelping of the
+cur brought a woman to the door of the shed, a strong-limbed,
+coarse-featured creature, with a face lined with innumerable wrinkles
+and a back bent with years of toil in the fields.
+
+"What lack ye?" she demanded sourly.
+
+"Am I on the right road for the abbey at Netley?"
+
+"Yea. Turn to thy left hand at the cross roads."
+
+"Also, I prithee, give me a draught of milk."
+
+"Begone, for a worthless clown! Begone, I say, or the dog shall fly
+at thee," she shrieked, wild with fury; but Revyngton heeded her not,
+and seizing a small earthenware pitcher, drained its contents, then
+turning on his heel, he resumed his fearsome journey.
+
+"Haste, Tom, run up to the village and get help!" shouted the woman.
+"'Tis a gadabout churl, or a riever, or worse," and as the fugitive
+ran he heard the farm-servant making off towards Botley, while the
+woman unloosed the dog.
+
+Ere Revyngton had gone a bowshot from the cottage the cur was barking
+and yelping at his heels, showing its teeth, but fearing to close,
+till at length it drew off, leaving the man to wonder at the
+churlishness of the hard-faced woman compared with the reception of
+wayfarers on his father's manor in Devon, where meat and drink were
+ever at the disposal of even the most humble stranger.
+
+At the brow of the hill he saw the tower of the abbey amid the trees
+a mile or more away, with the beautiful expanse of Southampton Water
+as a fitting background to the peaceful scene. Yet the fugitive had
+neither time nor inclination to appreciate the natural surroundings;
+to him the abbey meant rest and safety, and with renewed hope he sped
+towards the monastic buildings.
+
+Weary and footsore he reached the outer door, his senses reeling with
+the effects of his exertions. Seeing his plight the porter gave him
+wine, and sent a lay brother to summon the abbot.
+
+As the venerable head of the establishment appeared, Revyngton raised
+himself with an effort and knelt before him.
+
+"Thy blessing, father."
+
+"_Benedicite_, my son; what wouldst thou?"
+
+"Sanctuary, father."
+
+The abbot shook his head sorrowfully.
+
+"'Tis not permitted, my son; such blessed privileges belong only to
+our parent abbey at Beaulieu and to the Hospital of St. Cross. I
+trow there is no other within the jurisdiction of the Lord Bishop of
+Winchester. What crime bast thou committed?"
+
+"I slew a man in anger, and even now my pursuers are hard at my
+heels."
+
+The abbot turned to a lay brother.
+
+"Tell Brother Balthazar to repair to the tower and to quickly bring
+me word if any soldiers appear." Then to the fugitive he added,
+"Confess thy sin and seek God's pardon; then perchance the means of
+thy earthly salvation may be vouchsafed to thee. Follow me, my son."
+
+To the venerable abbot Revyngton told the whole of the circumstances
+of the case; then, having eased his soul, the abbot took care to
+relieve his body, causing food and drink to be set before him, while
+a brother washed his cut and travel-worn feet.
+
+"Thou must make for the Abbey of the Blessed Mary at Beaulieu, where
+thou shalt find sanctuary. Knowest thou the way?"
+
+"Nay, father," replied the man, sad at heart at the prospect of
+another journey at the peril of his life.
+
+"Then listen, my son. Two of the brethren will take thee across the
+arm of the sea that thou canst see yonder. Thence it is but an hour's
+sharp travel across the heath to the abbey, the path being well worn
+by reason of many of the brethren who travel thereby. There are three
+ways from the spot where thou wilt land the one on the left hand
+goeth towards Fawley and the town of Lepe, the one on the right to
+the village of Hythe, but the way thou must take goeth neither right
+nor left, but leads towards the sun just before the hour of
+vespers----Ah! What is thy message, my son?"
+
+The last question was addressed to a novice, who, panting
+breathlessly, was standing in the doorway with folded arms and bent
+head, awaiting the abbot's pleasure.
+
+"Horsemen, father; a score or more have appeared on the hill and are
+making towards the abbey."
+
+"Then summon Brother Angelique and Brother Petrox. Hasten, for 'tis
+no season for leisure."
+
+Quickly the two brethren--tall, gaunt, yet sinewy men, with faces and
+arms tanned a deep red by reason of their calling as boatmen of the
+abbey--answered the behest, and with the reverence due to their
+superior awaited his commands.
+
+"Take this man across and put him fairly on his way to our parent
+abbey. Tarry not on thy journey, for the matter is urgent."
+
+"Is it thy wish, father, to land him at Ashlett or Cadland?" asked
+one of the monks.
+
+"At Cadland, should the tide prove aright. Now, my son," he added to
+the refugee, "take mine earnest blessing and go, and may the blessed
+Saints Mary and Edward, the patrons of our abbey, be with thee."
+
+There was little time to lose, for already the horsemen were within
+two bow-shots of the abbey, and with a loud clatter of sandals the
+two monks led the way, Revyngton following closely at their heels,
+the brethren of the abbey speeding him on his way with prayers and
+cries of encouragement.
+
+At the end of a little causeway a boat, broadbeamed and lofty of head
+and stem, rode on the little wavelets. With a sign Brother Petrox
+motioned the fugitive to step aboard, then unfastening the rope that
+held the craft to the quay, he followed Brother Angelique and pushed
+off.
+
+Both monks rolled the sleeves of their gowns above their elbows,
+seized the two heavy ash oars, and rowed with a will, Revyngton
+sitting on a rough fishing-tray at the stern of the boat and drinking
+in the cool sea breezes. The rush of events had well-nigh bewildered
+him, and listlessly he watched the rhythmical motion of the sinewy
+arms as the rowers urged the boat towards the opposite shore.
+
+Suddenly his reveries were broken by an exclamation from one of the
+monks. "They follow us; pull thy hardest!"
+
+Revyngton turned and looked astern. From the place they had left but
+a quarter of an hour before half a score of men were dragging a heavy
+boat down the steep beach.
+
+"By the blessed Peter, my holy namesake," groaned one of the monks,
+"I had overlooked that, and the oars are in the boat. See, already
+they have launched it."
+
+"'Tis after all but a crare."
+
+"With a crew of lusty fellows to make amends for its weight. The
+saints forfend them!"
+
+"Let us trust that they cannot handle the sails, for, mark well, the
+wind bloweth fair."
+
+The rowers relapsed into silence, and with long, heavy strokes, that
+seemed far too slow to the hunted fugitive, they resolutely and
+unfalteringly lessened the distance betwixt them and the nether
+shore. The hour of noon had already passed, and the sun's rays
+attained a greater strength than they had previously in the day, yet,
+though streaming with moisture, the monks laboured in their efforts
+to shake off their pursuers.
+
+"We hold our own," muttered one over his shoulder.
+
+"Nay, I doubt it; but we must needs make for Ashlett Creek, for the
+other channel is yet uncovered."
+
+Accordingly the boat's head was turned towards a distant opening in
+the mud-fringed shore, and the pursuing craft followed suit, thereby
+gaining considerably on the fugitive, who could now distinguish the
+dress of the men.
+
+"They overtake us," quoth he, speaking for the first time since the
+abbey gates had closed behind him. "See, a bowman makes ready!"
+
+Gradually the distance between the boats lessened, but the monks'
+craft was now close to the creek, and Revyngton saw in front an
+apparently closed-in basin surrounded by a high bank of slimy mud. A
+few more strokes and the boat was within the creek, which wound its
+sinuous way up to the shore, while the little waves caused by their
+rapid motion through the water lapped the sides of the narrow
+channel.
+
+Just as they were about to round the first bend the bowman let loose,
+and an arrow sung over their heads and struck the mud with a dull
+swish. Revyngton instinctively bent his head, but his companions,
+though men of peace, barely took notice of the deadly shaft.
+
+"Safe for the time," commented Brother Angelique, as the boat shot
+behind a sheltering bank.
+
+"But how about thy safety?" asked the fugitive.
+
+"By St. Edward, 'tis not to be thought of," replied the monk,
+thrusting back his sleeve, which in his exertions had slipped down.
+"They seek not us."
+
+"But thou hast aided a fugitive from justice."
+
+"Nay, that I wot not of. Besides, how am I to know that these men are
+the officers of justice They might well be but water-pikers for aught
+I know....Oh!"
+
+An exclamation of pain interrupted his words, for an arrow, shot
+haphazard from the bend of the creek over the intervening bank, had
+pierced his forearm betwixt elbow and wrist, while another shaft
+trembled with its head buried in the thwart.
+
+"On, Brother Petrox! On! 'Tis but a small matter," he gasped, and as
+the other monk seized his companion's oar, the wounded man, shutting
+his eyes tightly, snapped off the head of the arrow with his free
+hand and drew the broken shaft from the wound.
+
+A gush of blood followed, but the brave monk, gripping the wounded
+member to stop the crimson flow, never ceased to urge the rower to
+greater effort, while ever and again a shaft shot by their still
+invisible pursuers flew perilously close to their heads.
+
+At length the boat grounded on the hard bed of the channel, and
+Brother Petrox called to Revyngton to jump out. Wading through the
+shallow water the two started for the shore, leaving the wounded monk
+calmly seated in the deserted craft.
+
+From the mud hovels of the village of Ashlett wimpled women and
+rough-haired children looked interestedly at the two runners, the
+layman in his travel-stained apparel and the monk in his sombre garb.
+Men there were none, for the hours of toil had called them to the
+fields or out on the waters, where they sought a livelihood by
+fishing; but had there been, the sight of the two speeding along
+would hardly have excited anything but curiosity in the minds of
+these dull-witted sons of the soil.
+
+"I can go with thee no farther," panted the monk, as they reached the
+cross-roads. "Follow yonder path, and God be with thee." And as
+Revyngton sped onwards towards the rolling expanse of purple heather,
+he saw the solitary figure of his benefactor waving encouragingly
+towards the distant and invisible goal.
+
+Settling down to a steady pace, the fugitive kept doggedly on his
+way, his eyes fixed on a distant clump of trees that marked the brow
+of the hill overlooking the valley of the Exe where lay the abbey.
+
+Narrower and narrower became the road, till it deteriorated into a
+mere footpath, the prickly gorse encroaching on either side and
+hurting his feet as he ran. Yet, spurred onward by renewed hope, his
+strength seemed well-nigh inexhaustible.
+
+Suddenly, from behind a low heather-clad hillock at the side of the
+road, four wild-looking men sprang up and barred his progress.
+
+"Hold, stranger!" shouted one, brandishing a club. "Whither goest
+thou? Hast aught in thy scrip that we would relieve thee of, for the
+lighter thou art the easier thou'lt run."
+
+"I have nothing in the world. Let me pass, I pray; 'tis a matter that
+brooks no delay."
+
+"Nay, not so fast, young master. What is thine errand?"
+
+"My errand?" replied Revyngton, with a mirthless laugh. "I seek
+sanctuary."
+
+"Art without the pale of the law?"
+
+"Of that there is little doubt."
+
+"Then throw in thy lot with us. A free life in the forest glades,
+with many a weighty scrip to balance the lightness of our minds, is
+better than being cooped up in yonder monastery."
+
+The fugitive shook his head.
+
+"Nay, 'tis not to my liking."
+
+"Neither is the other, I trow, but look!"
+
+Following the direction of his hand, Revyngton saw coming over the
+brow of a distant hill which he had crossed but a short while ago a
+number of his pursuers. Three had procured horses, while the rest,
+some five in number, ran by their side, holding on to the stirrups to
+aid their speed.
+
+Instantly the robbers vanished into the tangle of bracken, leaving
+the fugitive alone on the narrow path, and once again he broke into a
+headlong pace, his pursuers thundering along but three arrow-flights
+behind him.
+
+Fortunately the unevenness of the path prevented the horsemen from
+riding their hardest, and when at length Revyngton, exhausted and
+faint, reached the brow of the hill, he saw that the situation was
+still in his favour. Blindly plunging onwards, with laboured
+breathing and aching sides, he ran down the hill, at the foot of
+which clustered the extensive buildings of the abbey.
+
+Through a gap in the trees on his left he caught a glimpse of the
+silvery river as it wound in majestic splendour towards the sea, but
+to the hunted man the beauty of the scene was lost; all that
+concerned him was the thought of the possibility of being overtaken
+ere he could cover the last stretch of dusty road.
+
+He was dimly conscious of hearing a crash behind him, and of looking
+round for one brief moment, thereby catching a glimpse of two of the
+horsemen mingled in utter confusion on the rough path. And still the
+sound of the rapidly approaching hoofs of the remaining horse thudded
+in his ears.
+
+Now he had gained the angle of the abbey wall. The gate, with its
+massive iron knocker, was within his grasp. The noise of the
+footfalls of the pursuer's steed ceased; there was a sharp hiss, and
+an arrow pierced the fugitive's leg just above the knee. Then, with a
+final effort, he thundered at the portal, and, as his head swam and
+his limbs gave way under him, he was dimly aware that he was
+surrounded by a group of grey-robed figures. He had found sanctuary.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE ARCHER, REDWARD BUCKLAND
+
+
+IT was early morning in the month of August, 1338, so early that the
+slanting rays of the sun still lit up the north side of the Norman
+church of St. Andrew, and cast a shadow seven times its height across
+the dew-soaked meadows.
+
+Betwixt the high ground where stood the church and the narrow creek,
+known as the Hamble River, clustered the mud-walled and thatched-roof
+houses of the village of Hamble-le-Rice. Away to the north could be
+traced the course of the tree-fringed creek till it lost itself
+behind a range of low hills, while in the other direction lay the
+estuary of the river, where it mingled itself with the salt waves of
+Southampton Water, which, in its turn, was backed by the dark, dense
+masses of trees that formed that tract of country so well known in
+history and romance--the New Forest.
+
+Peaceful, indeed, was the situation of this quiet little Hampshire
+village, and peaceful also was the general existence of its
+inhabitants. Situated on an out-of-the-way angle, far from the old
+Roman highway that led from Clausentum to Portchester, and at that
+period, as now, formed the highway between Southampton and
+Portsmouth, Hamble village was all but cut off from the rest of the
+world. Save for an occasional visit by the grey-robed monks from the
+Priory of St. Mary and St. Edward at Netley, a chance journey of a
+huckster or Chapman from Southampton or Winchester fairs, or the
+unpreventable arrival of some vessel driven by stress of weather to
+shelter in the estuary, strangers in the village were few and far
+between.
+
+Slow in thought, slower in speech, and backward in giving or taking
+offence, yet terrible when roused to anger, the Hamble folk were
+typical examples of the mediaeval English peasant whose descendants
+have made history in all parts of the globe.
+
+For years past the social condition of England had been in a
+deplorable state. The strife between King Edward II. and De Spenser
+on the one hand, and Queen Isabella and Mortimer on the other, had
+encouraged lawlessness in all grades of society. Robbers, thieves,
+murderers, and criminals of all kinds had multiplied to an enormous
+degree, and were openly protected by the great barons, as being
+useful tools in their hands. Guilds, founded for self-protective
+measures, became instruments of oppression, and, generally speaking,
+every man looked solely to his own interest.
+
+But in the village of Hamble there was little to ruffle the even
+tenor of its existence. Little did it matter whether the seamen of
+Southampton had a feud with the men of the Cinque Ports, or whether
+the monks of Beaulieu or Netley had a difference with the Bishop of
+Winchester; but should a strange craft appear in the river, or a band
+of marauders attempt to swoop down from the leafy fastnesses of
+Waltham Chase, 'twas only necessary to ring the great bell of St.
+Andrew's, and instantly the peaceful villagers would be turned into
+an angry array of armed men, ready to sell their lives dearly in
+defence of their hearths and homes.
+
+But the time was at hand when Englishmen would have to sink their
+differences and unite against a common foe. Edward III. had laid
+claim to the throne of France, and, though the stake was a great one,
+the enterprise was popular, inasmuch as the possibilities of
+individual gain in the shape of plunder held out great inducements to
+all classes of these island warriors.
+
+On this particular morning early a man emerged from one of the houses
+on the outskirts of the village, which, by reason of being built of
+stone and being fair-sized, betokened that its owner was a man of
+position--as far as the place was concerned. The house lay some two
+hundred yards away from the rest, occupying the summit of an
+even-crested ridge, and was surrounded by a palisade of stout pointed
+stakes, that afforded complete protection against the attacks of any
+ordinary band of adventurers.
+
+The man was a tall, well-made individual, with a bronzed face
+surmounted by a thick crop of reddish hair, and partially concealed
+by a heavy beard, that grew high upon his cheeks. Bushy eyebrows
+helped to further conceal his face, but any one could see from the
+grey glint of his blue eyes that the profusion of hair covered a
+comely countenance.
+
+A well-worn leather jerkin, that had once been of a vivid red colour,
+but was now nearly black with hard usage, failed to conceal the
+mighty expanse of his chest, while the short sleeves of the garment
+fitted tightly over the gnarled muscles of his arms. His lower limbs
+were also covered by leathern hose, which, by reason of exposure to
+salt water and the rough wear and tear of daily toil, were now
+colourless and frayed till all semblance of dressed leather was
+lacking. His legs, however, though of great size, did not betoken an
+equality with the strength of his arms, and, moreover, he walked with
+a slight limp.
+
+A crimson scarf, bound tightly round his head, did duty for a
+head-dress, while from a narrow black belt hung a short dagger on his
+right side, counterbalanced by a leather purse or pouch on his left.
+
+Over his shoulder he bore a pair of long ash oars, their blades still
+covered with a deposit of dry mud, while in his left hand he carried
+a six-foot yew-bow, which, unstrung, was as straight as a lance.
+
+Redward Buckland, for such was his name, was not a Hamble man in the
+strict sense of the word, yet so good-natured and easy-going was he,
+so upright in his dealings, and withal a man of such great bodily
+strength, that he was a popular member of the little community.
+
+Of his past he said little, and was asked but little. He had been
+master bowman in a company, had served against the Scots at
+Bannockburn, with the Gascons in their feudal bickerings, and there
+was hardly a castle in Normandy, Maine, Touraine, Anjou, Poitou, or
+Limousin that he did not know.
+
+Eleven years prior to the time of this story he suddenly appeared at
+Hamble, bringing with him his son Raymond, then a child five years of
+age. Men often talked of their coming; the bowman, in rusty
+brigandine and dented headpiece, the boy, a lusty, laughing
+youngster, perched on his shoulder, a wain jogging behind with a
+heavy load of rich stuff--booty from many a foreign part--the like of
+which had never before been seen in Hamble.
+
+Thereupon he purchased a farmhouse, and settled down with the
+intention of passing the rest of his days in comfort. Being a highly
+religious man--though, like most of his companions in arms, he could
+swear roundly at times--Redward Buckland acted in accordance with the
+custom of the times. Four marks and a seven-pound candle of pure wax
+he gave to the priory at Netley, and a gold-embroidered cloth to the
+church of St. Andrew at Hamble.
+
+These presents he accounted sufficient atonement and thankoffering
+alike for delinquencies and deliverances from peril during his
+sojourn abroad, and thence-forth he meant to live a quiet,
+well-ordered life, though, unable to resist the call to arms, he had
+served in short campaigns against the Scots, and had but a year
+previously crossed the Channel to take part in the Battle of Cadsand.
+Yet Hamble was his home, and to Hamble he returned as soon as each
+particular expedition had ended.
+
+Raymond Buckland, now a lad of sixteen, had little in common with his
+father as far as appearance went. He was tall, slim, yet well-knit,
+with curly flaxen hair, though the colour had a redeeming tinge of
+reddish-gold that is necessary to impart a warmth to what would
+otherwise be a lustreless head of hair. He moved with a grace and
+ease that contrasted vividly with his father's comparatively awkward
+gait, but his limbs were not wanting in strength.
+
+A vigorous outdoor life had done much to develop his frame. Mentally
+Raymond was well educated, according to the standard of the age,
+having but recently returned from the Cistercian priory at Netley,
+where for the last seven years he had been a novice. His long
+intercourse with a monastic life had somewhat deadened his natural
+inclinations, but since his return to the outside world the active
+delights of youth seemed sweeter still.
+
+"Hasten, Raymond," said his father, pausing to look back towards the
+house, where the youth still lingered. "The young flood hath just
+begun, and tide tarries for no man! And," he added, "fail not to
+bring my quiver with the black-feathered arrows."
+
+"And can I bring my crossbow?" inquired Raymond.
+
+His father gave a gruff yet good-natured assent, and, resuming his
+walk, sauntered gently towards the river.
+
+Before he had passed the church Raymond had overtaken him, carrying
+the quiver in his left hand, while across his back was slung a short
+yet powerful crossbow, his own quiver with its stock of heavy
+quarrels hanging from his belt.
+
+"Ha! That crossbow again!" exclaimed Redward, in good-natured
+contempt. "'Tis strange that an English boy should lean towards a
+windlac-drawn weapon rather than a sturdy yew-bow. An thou wert a
+Provencal or Genoese I could have understood it."
+
+"Why, father?"
+
+"Why, forsooth! Thou wert made a sturdy Englishman, with sinews and
+muscles wherewith to bend an honest longbow--not to have to turn a
+handle, like a butter-making wench, ere the bolt can be shot. And,
+moreover, suppose thou wert matched against an archer; before thy
+weapon were levelled I'll warrant there would be a dozen cloth-yard
+shafts bristling in thine hide--though one would be enough, I trow!"
+
+"But the Genoese?"
+
+"The Genoese, my son, were ever underhanded fighters, preferring to
+cause a gaping wound with a quarrel rather than a wholesome hole with
+an arrow. 'Tis said that on more than one occasion the Pope hath
+forbidden the use of the crossbow, and that the Second Lateran
+Council, a hundred years ago, did likewise."
+
+"How, then, do we find the crossbow still in use?"
+
+"I cannot tell, Raymond, save it be the natural perversity of men.
+But here we are at the shore."
+
+They had passed through the village, between rows of thatched
+cottages. Smoke was already beginning to issue from the hole in the
+roof that did duty for a chimney, showing that the inhabitants were
+early astir. The narrow road plunged sharply down to the mud-fringed
+shores of the river, for the tide was low, and long flats of
+treacherous slime extended almost from bank to bank, save for a
+channel of deep water midway between.
+
+With the air of a man who is thoroughly acquainted with the place,
+Redward Buckland followed an almost invisible path--termed throughout
+uncountable ages a Hard--that led across the mud flats to the edge of
+the water, Raymond treading carefully at his heels. At the end of the
+Hard lay a large, bluff-bowed boat, and, pulling the craft ashore by
+a length of rope, the archer tossed the oars into it and beckoned to
+his son to jump on board.
+
+"Whither are we going, father?" asked Raymond, as his sire pushed
+off, stepped awkwardly into the boat, and began to haul on board the
+heavy stone that served as an anchor.
+
+"Up the river to Botley, my son there to see Master Nicholas Hobbes."
+
+"And who is he?" rejoined Raymond with the inquisitiveness of youth.
+
+"Master Hobbes, of the city of Winton, is a fletcher, and his arrows
+are well known as the very best in the country. Also he brings with
+him a stock of bows made by Master Ford, whose fame as a bowyer
+extends well beyond the borders of Hamptonshire."
+
+"But why buy arrows, father; surely thou canst make thine own?"
+
+"Ah, Raymond! Raymond!" replied his father, shaking his head
+doubtfully, "thou hast yet to learn that though I could fashion mine
+own weapons, yet custom demands that I get them from a member of the
+honourable guild of bowyers and fletchers. Didst ever hear of a
+belted knight welding his own coat of mail?"
+
+The boy, in truth, had yet to learn of the existence of the powerful
+guilds, or combinations of trades, which, founded for the purpose of
+self-protection against the rapacity of the barons and the
+lawlessness of their retainers, became strong enough to be regarded
+with respect by these turbulent personages. As the guilds grew they
+obtained charters from their sovereign, till they reached a state
+that enabled them to deal harshly with those without the pale. Thus,
+for instance, any man following the occupation of a tanner "not being
+free"--_i.e._ made a member of a guild--was amerced, or fined, or
+even subjected to corporal punishment.
+
+Urged by the archer's long, powerful strokes the boat shot up-stream
+with the tide, passing between steeply rising banks, where the
+freshly leafed trees cast dark shadows across the verdant fields.
+Raymond sat on the stern-thwart, looking with silent admiration on
+the scene, for, as far as he could remember, it was his first
+experience of a journey by water.
+
+At length they came to a place where on the western side a smaller
+creek joined the river. Redward rested on his oars and looked towards
+the mud banks, which were even now nearly covered by the rising
+water.
+
+"We have hurried apace," he remarked, "and 'tis even too soon to go
+right up to the town. This is called Badnam Creek, and, by St.
+George, I'll wager we'll find some waterfowl amongst the reeds. Take
+thy crossbow, Raymond, and I'll pit my six-foot bow against it."
+
+Eagerly the boy took his weapon and wound the windlac till the
+highly-drawn string clicked against the catch. Then he fitted a bolt,
+and, having done so, turned to watch his sire's movements. The archer
+had already notched the cord, and the bow, with a couple of arrows,
+lay on the thwart by his side.
+
+"Steady, my son!" exclaimed the archer in alarm. "Be careful where
+thou pointest that hell-designed toy. 'Tis bad enough to have a
+foeman's shaft through one leg without having mine own son's bolt
+through the other. Hold it over the side, I pray thee!"
+
+The boat was run amid a cluster of reeds, and the twain waited
+silently and eagerly for some sign of feathered life. They were not
+kept long in suspense, for from a marsh hard by came two wild geese,
+their necks extended and their wings flapping noisily as they flew.
+
+"Quick, Raymond!" whispered his father, "loose directly they are
+overhead!"
+
+In his excitement the youth sprang to his feet, and poised his
+crossbow.
+
+But alas for his inexperience! Unaccustomed to the swaying of the
+boat he lost his balance and fell backwards across the thwart; his
+crossbow twanged, and with a deep humming sound the quarrel flew
+aimlessly into space.
+
+In a moment Raymond raised himself into a sitting position, only to
+see his father loose his second arrow.
+
+"And thou hast missed also!" he exclaimed in a tone of reproach.
+
+"Peace, lad; wait and see!"
+
+The birds still continued their passage, one gliding with wings
+outstretched, the other still beating the air with redoubled haste;
+then, even as they looked, both birds swayed in their flight, and
+fell into the water within two score paces of each other.
+
+Without further remark Redward pushed the boat clear of the reeds,
+and rowed towards his spoil. One of the geese was still transfixed by
+an arrow, the other's neck had a small wound, showing that the shaft
+had passed completely through it.
+
+"Another groat gone!" exclaimed the archer, ruefully contemplating
+the bird that had failed to stop the arrow. "But that was a grand
+shot of thine, Raymond, I trow," he added in a bantering tone;
+"'twas not learned of the monks of Netley?"
+
+Then, observing a flush of mortification overspread the boy's
+features, he continued, "Never mind, my son, even the best archer in
+the kingdom would be at a loss in a small boat at first."
+
+Presently they rounded an abrupt spur of land on their left, and came
+to a spot where the creek narrowed considerably, being enclosed by
+lofty hills on either side. A broad white road descended these hills
+to the water's edge, where it was broken by the flowing tide. A rough
+wooden hut, with a large open boat close at hand, marked the spot
+where wayfarers were ferried across to the opposite side, where a
+horn, chained to a post, was blown as a signal to attract the
+ferryman.
+
+"This is the road 'twixt Southampton and Portsmouth," said the
+archer, indicating the dusty streak by a nod of his head. "At
+Bursledon, on this side, is the fortalice of the Hewitts, though from
+here 'tis hidden by the trees. On the other side is Swanwick Shore,
+whence come some of the best mariners who man the cogs of
+Southampton. But, mark ye! Here comes a great company of armed men;
+by St. Etienne of Tours, it makes my heart glad to hear the clatter
+of harness once more! I wonder under whose banners they march?"
+
+And resting on his oars, Redward Buckland shaded his eyes from the
+glare of the sun, and peered steadfastly up the hill where the white
+road was now alive with men, a grey cloud of dust hanging over them
+like a marsh mist in autumn, through which the Cross of St. George
+blazoned on the white surcoats of the archers stood out bravely
+against the dark foliage.
+
+When the vanguard reached the foot of the hill, a bowshot from where
+the watchers sat in their little craft, a tucket sounded and the
+company halted.
+
+Then Redward's accustomed eyes lighted upon their banner, which bore
+a golden half-moon on an azure field, and unable to contain himself,
+he stood upright, waving his cap in boisterous delight.
+
+"By Our Lady, 'tis as I thought--the company of the Governor of
+Portchester! Haste we to the shore, Raymond, that I may welcome mine
+old comrades!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE SHADOW OF WAR
+
+
+A FEW strokes and the boat's keel grated on the shingle. Redward
+sprang out, hastily secured the craft, and strode towards the crowd
+of armed men, Raymond following closely at his heels.
+
+Again a tucket sounded, and the ranks broke, most of the archers
+throwing themselves down by the roadside, as if weary of foot; the
+mounted men-at-arms led their horses to the grassy glades of the
+wood, while a couple of squires rode towards the water's edge to
+summon the ferryman.
+
+On reaching the outskirts of the throng the old archer looked around
+to try and recognise some of his former comrades; nor did he look in
+vain.
+
+"Red Buckland, by the Rood!" exclaimed a bronzed and bearded
+man-at-arms, seizing him vigorously by the hand. "Right glad am I to
+see thee again. Ho, Giles, Wat, Dick!" he shouted to some of his
+comrades, "come hither and greet an old friend!"
+
+The pair were instantly surrounded by a mob of archers--burly,
+bearded men, rough in speech and coarse in manner, yet full-hearted,
+honest soldiers, the backbone of the feudalism of mediaeval England.
+
+Raymond stood at the edge of the circle of men, gazing open-mouthed
+at the unusual sight and listening with youthful eagerness, not
+unmixed with feelings of awe, as the archers talked, fighting their
+battles o'er again, or discussed their future movements.
+
+"'Twill be Francewards again ere long," remarked one, a man-at-arms,
+who, having removed his headpiece, disclosed a close crop of hair
+furrowed by a long white mark, the legacy of a Norman's axe. "Word
+came yesternight that we had to repair to Hampton to join the army
+that the King leads across the Channel."
+
+"Would I were with you, comrades," said Redward, wistfully gazing on
+the accoutrements of the troops, the sight of which roused old
+memories of camp and battlefield.
+
+"And wherefore not," replied another. "There's more to be made in a
+week's march in France than ten years' delving in Merry England. Ay,
+and I'll warrant that ere long there'll be nought but old men, women,
+and babes left to guard our hearths."
+
+"Then I must be reckoned amongst the old men," replied Redward, with
+a mirthful laugh. "Though, methinks, at two score and fifteen years,
+I am not yet too aged to strike a shrewd blow or to receive hard
+knocks!"
+
+"Then why tarry?"
+
+"Didst ever have a son, Dickon?"
+
+"Nay," replied the man, shaking his head. "Neither kith nor kin have
+I in this world, save my comrades."
+
+"Then thou knowest not how a man's whole being can be wrapped up in
+his child. I have a son--he stands yonder. How could I leave him--a
+boy of sixteen--to fare for himself while I follow the banners of
+England in foreign parts?"
+
+"But thou hast done so aforetimes?"
+
+"Ay, but then the boy was in safe keeping in the abbey of Netley. Now
+that he is too old, seeing that it is my wish and his desire not to
+remain within the priory walls, I must needs stay with him."
+
+"Red Buckland, thou art becoming chicken-hearted in thine old age.
+The boy--a lusty youth he looks--cannot remain with thee for ever,"
+argued the soldier. "Now, what say you; join our company once again,
+and bring him with thee? Methinks there are many such, nay, even
+younger and of less frame and brawn, who have already set out for the
+wars. Come, now; again I ask thee, wilt join?"
+
+"Dickon, thou dost press me hard so that I can scarce refuse. Yet no
+answer will I give till I have spoken with my boy."
+
+At that moment a trumpet sounded, and the men stood to their arms,
+forming up in two lines on either side of the road. The archers,
+armed with short swords or axes in addition to the deadly longbow,
+faced the men-at-arms, who, protected with breastplate, iron helmet,
+gorget and greaves, grasped their twelve-foot spears, gazing
+steadfastly in front as their leader rode slowly between the lines.
+
+Sir John Hacket, Constable of the King's Castle at Portchester, and
+Governor of the Town of Portsmouth (to give him his official title),
+was then in his fortieth year, yet, from the effects of campaigning
+under exceptional circumstances in all parts of Western Europe, he
+looked considerably older, his hair being a snowy white, contrasting
+vividly with his brick-red complexion.
+
+He was accoutred _cap-a-pie_ in banded mail with aillettes,
+rerebraces, vambraces, and roundels, his richly embroidered surcoat
+being emblazoned with his arms.
+
+By his left side hung a long falchion, while over the right hip was
+the _misericorde_, or dagger, with which a knight demanded his
+dismounted adversary's surrender or else gave him a _coup de grace_.
+
+On his head he wore a flat cap of crimson velvet, his steel bascinet
+being carried by a squire; while a mounted man-at-arms bore his lance.
+
+As he proceeded between the lines of armed men, noting with
+undisguised satisfaction their martial bearing, Sir John's glance
+fell upon Redward and his son as they stood, with a knot of
+spectators from the neighbouring village, a little way behind the
+archers.
+
+"Certes," he cried to one of his attendant squires, "'tis my old
+master-bowman! Bring him hither."
+
+Thus Redward, with doffed cap, found himself once again before his
+beloved chief.
+
+"Ah, Buckland, I see the blood of a good old stock still flows in thy
+veins," he said, after questioning him over various matters
+pertaining to his welfare, "I trust I shall see thee again under my
+banner anon!" And setting spurs to his charger the knight rode to the
+edge of the river, leaving the old archer tormented with thoughts of
+the rival claims of home and camp.
+
+The work of transporting the detachment across the Hamble river
+proceeded apace, the whole of the operations being under the personal
+supervision of the Constable; and, true to the usages of warfare, the
+task was carried out in strictly military fashion.
+
+First a vanguard of archers and men-at-arms was ferried across, the
+party taking up an extended formation on the opposite shore. Then
+came the main body, with the mounted men-at-arms, the horses being
+conveyed across in a large flat-bottomed boat. Leaving only a
+rear-guard, Sir John and his personal attendants then crossed, and
+finally the rear-guard followed, leaving Redward Buckland and his son
+gazing wistfully after them from the other shore.
+
+"Heart alive, Raymond," said his father. "We, too, must be on the
+move, for the tide will not serve much longer." And pushing off, they
+turned the boat's head up-stream and continued their journey.
+
+"Didst hear what the archers said but now?" inquired Redward, resting
+on his oars, and looking doubtfully at his son, as if half afraid
+that the fighting strain would not manifest itself.
+
+"Ay, father!"
+
+"And what thinkest thou?"
+
+"I would go Francewards with thee."
+
+"Heaven be praised, my son! I was afraid that the monks of Netley had
+made thee fitted for nought but a life within a monastery; yet thou
+wouldst do well to ponder over this matter, for a life midst the
+sound of arms is not lightly taken up. Thou hast seen but little of
+the world, and look only on the glowing side of a soldier's life. The
+risks and hardships of forced marches, famine, sickness, ay, and
+possibly defeat, cannot be lightly put aside, though, when once
+passed, one is apt to look back upon them as but trifling
+adventures."
+
+"Nevertheless, I would fain go to France and fight for our King to
+help him in his just enterprise."
+
+Poor Raymond! little did he think that there would be fighting in
+plenty in store for him ere he set foot on French soil!
+
+There were nearly four miles to be covered ere their destination was
+reached, and, though favoured by the tide, the work of pulling a
+heavy boat began to tell even on the hardy frame of the archer, so,
+in reply to Raymond's entreaty to be allowed to take the oars, his
+sire consented and relinquished the heavy sticks.
+
+But his son's attempt at rowing failed to please his exacting father,
+especially when the blades threw up showers of spray under the
+vigorous yet inexperienced efforts of the young man.
+
+"Steady, Raymond! I would fain arrive at Botley with a dry skin, and
+methinks, a little less strength would avail better! Put thy back
+into it, my boy, rather than thine arms--so! I call to mind when I
+rowed down the Scheldt in a pitch-dark night, when the splash of an
+oar or the creaking of a thole would have loosened a hail of arrows
+from five hundred archers on either bank."
+
+"Tell me about it, father?"
+
+"Nay, lad; the story will keep. But look ahead. Dost mark a row of
+black posts standing above the water on yonder side?"
+
+Raymond looked.
+
+"Yes; but what are they?"
+
+"All that is left of what was once a Danish galley, the scourge of
+our shore. There she lies, much the same as when burned by the great
+Alfred, now five hundred years or more ago. May a like fate befall
+every foreign craft that comes to harry our coasts!"
+
+Soon the channel became yet narrower, till the trees on the opposite
+banks met overhead. Redward had resumed the oars, and bend after bend
+of the river soon slipped past.
+
+"There's Botley Mill," said he, pointing to a low building,
+thatched-roofed and enclosed by walls of timber and mud, while above
+the rustle of the trees could be heard the dull roar of the stream as
+it swept under the water-wheel.
+
+At a landing-place close to the road they left the boat and walked up
+a short, steep incline to where the houses of the town encompassed
+the market-place.
+
+"Ah, there is Master Hobbes," said Redward, indicating a short,
+full-bodied man, clad in a suit of green cloth, who, surrounded by a
+crowd of yeomen and villagers, was disposing of his stock of arrows
+to the accompaniment of the latest news of the city of Winchester,
+and the prospects of the war against the French.
+
+"Ho, gossip!" cried the archer. "Hast aught of thy stock left for
+me?"
+
+"Ay, Master Buckland," replied the other, "'twould be an evil day for
+me if I failed to supply the good folk of Hamble with
+arrows--particularly thy noble self," he added with a servile bow.
+
+"Tut! tut!" growled the archer deprecatingly. "A truce to such
+compliments. These the arrows? A goodly bundle! But--stand aside with
+me a moment--how fares it with him?" he added in a mysterious manner.
+
+"As before no better, though perchance a trifle worse!"
+
+"But has he ceased to----"
+
+"Nay, nay! Far from it."
+
+"Ah!" muttered the archer moodily, "'tis as I feared, though not for
+myself. Then, perchance he has had tidings?"
+
+"That I cannot say."
+
+"That being so, Nick, I had best be on the move overseas, under Sir
+John Hacket's banner once again. That I'll do, and take Raymond with
+me! Thanks, good Master Hobbes," he added in a louder tone. "'Tis as
+I said before, a goodly bundle. God speed you!"
+
+And taking the arrows from the fletcher's hand, Redward called to his
+son to follow him and strode rapidly back to the boat.
+
+During the return journey Raymond noticed that something was amiss.
+His sire relapsed into a stony silence, treating any question with an
+unusual disregard that showed that his thoughts were far away. This
+puzzled Raymond, and he strove to find some reason for this
+unlooked-for reticence, the reference to the mysterious "he" which he
+had overheard persistently coming uppermost in his mind. Yet never a
+word on the subject did the boy let fall, and it was in no little
+bewilderment that he followed his father from the Hard back to the
+house on the hill-top.
+
+The interior of Buckland's home was plainly yet well furnished after
+the style of the age. Glass in the windows there was none, oiled
+linen doing duty for that then costly material. The floor of the
+livingroom was strewn with rushes, the walls hung with woven material
+and skins of animals. Portions of armour such as were worn by
+men-at-arms, a few bucklers, and a medley of arms also found places
+on the walls, while in a corner was a bundle of bows and two cases of
+arrows. In the centre was a log fire, the sweet-smelling reek of the
+pine logs finding its way through a hole in the roof. The sleeping
+apartment opened out of this room, the building being but
+one-storeyed.
+
+As darkness set in Redward secured the doors with a massive bar of
+wood, heaped more logs on the fire, and lighted a couple of
+rushlights.
+
+His fit of depression had passed, and he resumed his usual
+cheerfulness of manner. Going into one of the adjoining rooms he
+caught hold of a huge oak chest, which, in spite of his strength,
+took all the power at his command to move. At length the chest was
+dragged across the threshold into the larger room; then, sitting down
+on a settle, the archer breathlessly gazed upon it with evident
+satisfaction.
+
+"Since it is fated that we go to the wars together," said he, "'tis
+fitting that thou shouldst be properly attired and armed. Let us see
+what this chest will provide."
+
+And, unlocking a strange yet strongly made clasp, Redward threw open
+the lid, and for a moment the boy's eyes were dazzled with the
+martial nature of its contents. There was a complete suit of armour,
+similar to that worn by the Constable of Portchester, though lacking
+the rich ornamentations, other portions of armour, and a small store
+of equipments such as were worn by mounted men-at-arms and soldiers
+of superior quality.
+
+Redward noticed the flash of excitement in his son's eyes as they
+lighted upon the suit of armour.
+
+"Nay, my son," said he, "'tis not for thee--at least, not till thou
+hast proved worthy of it. Here is a suitable garb, a quilted and
+padded coat--a trifle large for thee, perhaps, yet 'tis better to err
+on the generous side. This I found at the sack of Tournai, and 'tis
+warranted to turn a swordcut or to stop an arrow at two score paces.
+This breast-plate will also serve--and this steel cap. Now as to thy
+arms Here is a sword, slightly heavy for thee, yet anon thou'lt
+become accustomed to the feel of it, though a bowman stands an ill
+chance should he suffer a troop of lances to come within striking
+distance! Now into yonder corner throw thy crossbow, for, as I have
+shown, 'tis but a clumsy and unwieldy tool for an Englishman. Here is
+a better--a full-sized English longbow; that is the king of weapons!
+To-morrow we'll hie to the butts, and ere a week hath passed a sturdy
+archer thou'lt be or thou art no son of mine!"
+
+Raymond took the proffered articles and, with the pride of youth,
+fitted them on, to the no small satisfaction of his sire. Still
+garbed in his martial attire, he remained for a space listening to
+his father's tales of past campaigns, till at length, worn out with
+excitement, he retired for the night.
+
+When he had gone, Redward pored over the contents of the chest,
+handling each article with an almost reverent care, then replacing
+everything save Raymond's accoutrements, he relocked the heavy box,
+and was soon tossing uneasily on his rough couch.
+
+For over an hour Redward lay awake pondering over the events of the
+day, but just as sleep was about to gain the mastery, a hoarse shout
+fell upon his ear. Another followed, and a veritable babel of shrieks
+betokened that something untoward was happening in the village.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+OF THE MIDNIGHT DESCENT OF THE FRENCH INVADERS
+
+
+THE first shout was enough to rouse the old archer into active
+alertness, for, with his experience of camp life, he was accustomed
+to awaken readily at the least noise. Hastily springing up, he rushed
+to the window, swung aside the wooden flap and the flimsy fabric that
+served to admit the light, and looked out. The darkness was intense,
+save for some small tongues of dark red flame that were beginning to
+shoot up from one of the houses near the waterside, the fire casting
+a dull glare upon the neighbouring buildings and serving but to
+intensify the inky blackness of the night.
+
+"A fire," he said aloud, yet on second thoughts the ever-increasing
+shrieks, groans, shouts, and curses that were borne on the air belied
+his surmise. Moreover, his quick ear detected commands and
+ejaculations in a foreign language--the tongues of Picardy, Normandy,
+and Spain.
+
+His ready brain grasped the situation--it must be a raid by the
+French and Spaniards, who at that time swarmed in the English
+Channel.
+
+These inroads upon our shores by the French during the Hundred Years'
+War are apt to be ignored or lightly passed over by modern
+historians, yet during a time when England was busy pouring the best
+of her blood and treasure into France there was hardly a town on the
+South Coast that escaped the ravages of the French and their allies,
+the Spaniards and Genoese.
+
+"Awake! awake! Raymond!" shouted his father. "The French are upon
+us!"
+
+Raymond sprang up and began to hastily don his clothes, while the
+archer laid hands on every heavy article in the room, barricading the
+door and securing the windows. Then, having made ready his bow, he
+again looked out towards the village.
+
+By this time a series of unequal combats were taking place in the
+narrow streets or within the houses, where the terrified inhabitants
+were being routed out like rabbits. All who came across the path of
+the ruthless invaders were cut down without mercy--men, women, and
+children--while their homes were being plundered and afterwards fired
+by men to whom the sacking of a town was almost a familiar task.
+
+To add to the din the church bell was ringing a violent tocsin, and
+all who were able to escape fled either to the stout Norman tower to
+seek shelter, or else across the open country towards the town of
+Southampton.
+
+Raymond, white-faced with pardonable fear and shaking in every limb,
+now joined his father. Flight for them was now out of the question,
+for already some of the foemen had passed the house, hard in pursuit
+of a party of fugitives, the slowest of whom fell under the weapons
+of the relentless marauders. Like bloodhounds on the trail, this band
+of pursuers passed by the solitary house, ignoring its existence or
+else meaning to plunder it at their leisure after the chase of the
+fugitives was ended.
+
+Suddenly four or five dark figures, silhouetted against the now
+bright glare of the burning village, came running up the hill and
+headed straight for the house.
+
+"Quickly, Raymond, notch a shaft!" hissed the archer, and setting an
+example, he fitted an arrow to his bow and waited, with the weapon
+slightly bent, the opportunity to let fly.
+
+"By St. George, they are our friends!" exclaimed Redward.
+
+"Andrew Walter! Dick!" he shouted. "This way, for your lives, and ye
+are safe!" And throwing his great bulk against the barricade behind
+the door, he moved it sufficiently to enable the door to be opened to
+admit the fugitives.
+
+Then the furniture was replaced against the door, and the men sank
+breathless and panic-stricken on the floor. There were six in all, so
+that the little garrison now amounted to eight men, whereof three had
+had experience in warfare.
+
+"Get ye up!" ordered Redward roughly. "Think ye that I opened my
+doors to allow a set of cowardly curs to lie about my hearth? Up with
+ye!"
+
+Stung by the rebuke, the men armed themselves with bow and sword,
+gripping their weapons with newborn resolve.
+
+"Ah, by Our Lady, 'tis well ye look on the right side o' things. But
+if we are to see the light of another day we must stand firm," said
+the archer grimly. "And," he added, "let no man loose bow till I give
+the word, and may God and St. George look favourably upon us this
+night!"
+
+"Ay, gossip!" replied Walter Bevis, a veteran of Falkirk. "An' if we
+cannot live we can at least die like Englishmen! But, who comes?"
+
+Another dark figure came flying up the hill, hotly pursued by half a
+score of Frenchmen.
+
+"'Tis Will Lightfoot, of Hook!" replied one of the defenders. "Run,
+Will, run!"
+
+"Now loose!" cried Redward, and immediately five arrows flew on their
+deadly errand. It was the first time that Raymond had seen a shaft
+sped in anger, and the sight thrilled him strangely. The pursuers,
+standing out strongly against the glare, made easy marks; four of
+them fell face forwards on the ground, writhing in mortal agony; the
+fifth, struck in the right fore-arm, dropped his sword and yelled
+lustily. The others, amazed at meeting with any attempt at organised
+resistance, turned and fled towards the village, two more falling as
+the result of a second flight of the deadly arrows.
+
+Will Lightfoot, holding a dagger in his left hand and a broken sword
+in his right, came up to the improvised fortress with an easy stride,
+for his name well suited him amid the encouraging shouts of his
+friends.
+
+"Wait while I unbar the door," called Redward to the fugitive, at the
+same time directing the others to assist him in removing the
+barricade.
+
+"Nay, keep the door fast; the villains will be here anon," replied
+Lightfoot. "I'll find a way in."
+
+And suiting the action to the word, he sprang on a low fence, and
+from thence vaulted easily on to the thatched roof. Getting a grip
+with his broken sword and dagger, he ran up the sloping roof of
+thatch like a cat, and dropped through the aperture that did duty for
+a chimney, and alighted in the midst of the smouldering logs on the
+hearth.
+
+"Pardon, friends, for my mode of entry," he exclaimed. "But methinks
+the mischief I have done to thy roof, Master Buckland, will ill
+compare with the damage that our attackers will do ere a few hours
+are spent."
+
+In the lull that followed the besieged took steps to strengthen their
+defences. Redward brought out a large oaken chest filled with arrows,
+whereat his son wondered all the more at the reason for the journey
+to Botley on the previous day. Thick boards were spiked to the
+windows, dividing each opening into two oylets, or slots for
+discharging arrows, while on the side where no windows existed a few
+of the stones were removed so as to form an additional outlook
+commanding the hitherto invisible ground on the north.
+
+Food they had sufficient for three or four days, but water was
+scarce. This necessary they must procure, so once again the door was
+opened, and Raymond crept out stealthily with two leathern jacks to
+procure some of the precious fluid from the well, while the others
+crowded to the loopholes to cover his retreat if molested.
+
+With an indescribable feeling of fear, mingled with the dread of
+being thought a coward by the defenders, Raymond did his work
+silently and quickly. Thrice did he go to the well, till there was
+sufficient water stored in the house to last for a considerable
+time.
+
+All the while the shouts, groans, and cries continued, the crackling
+and roaring of the flames making a fitting accompaniment, and giving
+evidence that resistance was still being kept up in another quarter.
+
+At length the pale dawn began to show a welcome change to the anxious
+men, on whom the weary waiting told far more than the actual
+struggle.
+
+Gradually the daylight increased, and by its aid the besieged were
+able to realise more fully their hazardous position. Nearly every
+house was in flames, some even now reduced to a heap of glowing
+ashes. Here and there the corpse of a Spaniard or a Frenchman showed
+that, in spite of the surprise, the attack had been fiercely opposed.
+Those villagers who had taken refuge in the church tower still
+resisted, though, from the desultory arrows that came from the top of
+the structure, it was evident that their store of missiles was
+well-nigh exhausted.
+
+The invaders, too, were aware of this, for those wearing armour
+advanced also to the base of the tower, avoiding, however, the pieces
+of stone that the desperate men detached from the pinnacles and
+hurled down on their adversaries. Others, keeping further off, shot
+their bolts at the tower, stamping and jumping as if to terrify their
+quarry. Some of the foreign crossbowmen were so close to the house
+that sheltered Buckland's party that they could hear the clicking of
+their moulinets and the deep bass hum of the strings as the quarrels
+sped towards the mark.
+
+Out in mid-stream, their hulls swinging to the tide, lay three long,
+low-lying galleys, and between them and the shore a number of small
+boats were rowing to and fro, those putting off being full of
+plunder; and as fast as each little craft discharged its load into
+the capacious hold of its parent galley it returned to the shore to
+remove some of the huge heap of booty, which was still being
+replenished by parties of foragers.
+
+Loud and long were the maledictions of the men in Redward's house, as
+they saw their homes given to the flames and their kinsfolk and
+friends either cruelly murdered or else houseless fugitives; but soon
+their attention was riveted on the final scene in the resistance of
+those on the church tower.
+
+The crossbowmen redoubled their fire, and, covered by the heavy rain
+of missiles, a party of men-at-arms advanced with their shields held
+over their heads. A shower of blows with their heavy battle-axes soon
+splintered the oaken door, and when at length only a few fragments
+of wood and the bent and battered remains of the massive hinges
+remained, the men retreated in the same order, though two were left
+lying crushed beneath a ponderous piece of coping that the assailed
+had toppled over.
+
+Already the church was sacked. Crucifixes, candlesticks,
+altar-cloths, rich vestments, and tapestries had been ruthlessly
+taken off to the galleys; while the priest, with a score of persons,
+men, women and children, who had vainly sought sanctuary, lay dead
+within the altar rails.
+
+And now a body of lightly-armed men--Spaniards, judging by their
+swarthy complexions--advanced, bearing bundles of straw and faggots,
+almost unmolested, for the arrows of the besieged had long given out,
+and the hail of bolts from the crossbows skimmed across the top of
+the parapet like hail. The men reached the base of the tower, where
+they heaped their burdens within the doorway.
+
+A lighted torch was applied to the fuel, and a tongue of flame,
+darting from amid the thick cloud of suffocating smoke, licked the
+grim stone walls, while the spiral staircase, acting like a lofty
+chimney, fanned the fire till it glowed like a potter's furnace.
+
+A ring of armed men surrounded the tower. The crossbowmen, their work
+done, ceased their firing, discharging only an occasional bolt as the
+tormented wretches on the tower, unable to bear the choking heat,
+showed themselves above the protection of the parapet. Some of the
+defenders, maddened by their agony, threw themselves headlong;
+others, sword in hand, attempted to descend the stairs, and hurl
+themselves upon their enemies, though they perished in the flames
+long before they reached the ground; others, defying and cursing the
+invaders, shook their weapons in impotent rage, till a well-directed
+quarrel or the rapidly-increasing flames claimed the last of the
+gallant band of forgotten heroes.
+
+When resistance in this quarter was at an end, the invaders were free
+to direct their energies against the solitary stone house that had
+already wrought great mischief upon them; and, led by two knights in
+complete armour, the men-at-arms began to fall in in close order at a
+distance of two hundred paces from where Redward Buckland and his
+devoted companions awaited the onslaught.
+
+"With yonder ruin to serve as an example," said the master-bowman,
+pointing to the flaming tower, "we must fight to the death. While
+there is yet time it would be well that each man doth confess his
+sins for the betterment of his soul."
+
+So saying, all the defenders knelt down reverently, though Redward,
+trained soldier that he was, kept an eye on their gathering foes. The
+prayers _in extremis_ were hurriedly said; then, in the absence of a
+friar, they confessed to each other, according to the Roman custom
+when in peril of death. One of the villagers produced a slip of the
+Holy Thorn, brought from the miraculous tree of Glastonbury, and this
+they all kissed devoutly in the hope of obtaining spiritual
+consolation.
+
+This done, they arose from their knees, embraced each other, and
+hurried to their posts.
+
+All preparations for the attack having apparently been completed, the
+leaders advanced to the head of their men and harangued them, though
+the distance was too great for the Englishmen to hear what was said.
+This done, one of the knights closed his visor, and the other tried
+to follow his example, but the calque, dented from the effects of a
+blow, refused to allow the visor to descend. A couple of squires
+sprang forward to aid their lord, and the group, standing well in
+front of the rest, made a tempting mark.
+
+Redward was quick to act.
+
+"Quickly, Dick; nine score paces, and no windage!"
+
+Dick, a lusty yet experienced archer, had already notched his bow and
+fitted an arrow. Leaning slightly forward, and throwing all his
+weight into the act of drawing the six-foot bow, the man loosed the
+shaft. Even as it sped Buckland also let fly, and the defenders
+anxiously awaited the result of their comrades' skill.
+
+The first arrow struck and shivered itself against the uplifted visor
+of the French knight; but Redward's fared better, for, hitting the
+mail-clad figure under the raised arm, it sank deeply into the
+leader's body. Amid a roar of execrations on the invaders' side, and
+a hearty English cheer on the part of the bowmen, the knight
+staggered and fell on his face. The two squires stood their ground
+bravely, and with difficulty raised the ponderous armour-clad body of
+their master and bore it to the rear.
+
+"Here they come!" shouted the master-bowman. "See, they shoot! On
+your faces, men!"
+
+Crouching down behind the friendly shelter of the stone walls, the
+eight defenders awaited the onslaught, Redward alone watching the
+advance through a loophole, his head protected by an iron cap, while
+he held a stout buckler over the aperture as an additional protection
+against the deadly hail of arrows and bolts.
+
+Raymond, crouching close to his father, felt that the bitterness of
+death had passed; his terror had vanished, and he was as ready as the
+rest to strike a blow in self-defence, though against tremendous
+odds. The unfamiliar sound of the arrows striking the woodwork and
+quivering with an indescribable _ping_, or shattering themselves
+against the stonework, the invaders' war cry of "St. Denis," and the
+metallic clanging of the advancing men-at-arms were signs of an
+invisible enemy whom he was on the point of meeting in mortal combat,
+and when, after a seemingly long and weary wait, the hail of arrows
+slackened and he heard his father cry, "To arms!" he actually
+welcomed what might prove to be his death-summons.
+
+At the word of command the defenders sprang to their feet, rushed to
+the loopholes, and fired as fast as they were able into the dense
+masses of the advancing enemy. At that short range neither leathern
+coat nor iron hauberk was proof against the deadly arrows, and man
+after man fell writhing on the ground, their fall serving to dismay
+their comrades and to cheer their antagonists.
+
+Clambering over the low fencing, the men-at-arms still advanced; the
+air was thick with the groans of the wounded and the shouts of "St.
+Denis!" "Tuez les miserables!" "A bas les poltrons!" To which the
+defenders answered not a word, but in grim silence discharged their
+arrows into the disorderly press before them.
+
+By sheer weight of numbers the French men-at-arms gained the front of
+the house, and with reckless bravery attempted to tear away the
+improvised defences. Bows were cast aside, and the defenders, seizing
+swords and spears, made vicious thrusts through the loopholes as the
+shadows of the enemy were thrown across them.
+
+At length the planks across one of the windows gave way, and a crowd
+of mail-clad warriors essayed to clamber through. Thereupon the
+defenders retreated to the opposite wall, and resuming their bows,
+volleyed their deadly shafts against the rash intruders, who,
+overwhelmed by the concentration of arrows in the narrow space, gave
+back in disorder.
+
+Suddenly a figure clad from head to foot in plate armour--a form of
+defensive mail only just coming into use--appeared in the window. In
+vain the arrows rattled on the thrice-welded plate, and for a moment
+it seemed certain that the intaking was accomplished. But Redward,
+dropping his weapon, sprang forward, and before the mail-clad warrior
+could swing his long and heavy sword, the archer had thrown himself
+bodily upon the Frenchman.
+
+Realising the danger, the man tried to return, but Redward, seizing
+him in his powerful grip, strove to drag him into the house. Lying
+across the window ledge, his bulk filling the whole aperture, the
+Frenchman effectually prevented any of his comrades from coming to
+his assistance, his mail-clad legs, kicking and sprawling without,
+keeping his would-be helpers at a discreet distance.
+
+Then came a terrific struggle, Redward heaving and hauling on his
+enemy's bascinet, while the other tried his utmost to shake off the
+relentless grip. Nothing short of the breaking of the laces of the
+Frenchman's calque would release the man, and even then his
+unprotected head would be pierced by a ready arrow.
+
+The knight's resistance grew feebler, till at length a hollow voice
+exclaimed, "Je me rends!"
+
+"No quarter to base ravagers!" was the stern reply, and with a final
+mighty heave Redward dragged the steel-clad warrior through the
+window, and cast him with a sickening clang upon the stone floor.
+Then, drawing the knight's own _misericorde_, he cut the laces of his
+bascinet and plunged the dagger into his Adversary's throat.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+OF THE GALLANT STAND OF THE NINE ARCHERS
+
+
+DISMAYED by the fall of their second leader, the attackers retired
+out of bowshot, leaving the nine defenders weary and spent, yet
+exultant over their success.
+
+Their respite, however, was short, for, joined by another body of men
+from the galleys, the invaders again advanced, this time led by
+another knight, a short, broad-shouldered man, cased, like his
+unfortunate predecessor, in plate armour, over which he wore a yellow
+surcoat charged with the arms of the Spinola family.
+
+"Ah! A rascally Genoese!" exclaimed Redward as he saw the device.
+"Now we must look to ourselves, for these Genoese combine the skill
+of the French and the roguery and treachery of the Spaniards;
+moreover, they have rendered a good account of themselves both by
+land and sea in their wars with the State of Venice."
+
+Halting at a safe distance, the crossbowmen, protected by mantlets,
+faced the side of the house where the last attack had been made; a
+body of men-at-arms deployed and took up a position on each of the
+two adjacent sides; while a strong detachment of routiers, or
+lightly-armed men, worked round to the rear, the house thus being
+entirely surrounded.
+
+Once again the hail of bolts began, and under the cover of this heavy
+discharge the men-at-arms gained the walls without the slaughter that
+marked their previous attempt.
+
+With their axes they commenced a violent onslaught on the door, while
+the defenders were almost without the means of replying, firing only
+through the loopholes whenever a head appeared or a chance missile
+was thrown into the room.
+
+At length, emboldened by the slight resistance, one of the
+men-at-arms was hoisted on the shoulders of two of his comrades,
+whence he climbed upon the roof. Here he began to vigorously attack
+the thatch for the purpose of annoying the besieged and diverting
+their attempts to hold the door.
+
+Alarmed by the noise overhead, Raymond took his despised crossbow,
+and firing haphazard, sent a bolt through the roof. There was a loud
+cry, and with a mass of thatch and broken rafters the body of the
+soldier came crashing down, his chest transfixed by the thick, heavy
+bolt.
+
+Immediately Redward was hoisted up to the gaping hole, and,
+regardless of the danger of being picked off by an arrow, he hurled a
+small sack of quicklime upon the men who were battering at the door.
+
+Blinded by the powerful chemical they gave way, and ran screeching
+with agony, their leader circling round in an aimless manner,
+striving the while to tear off his bascinet and clear his eyes from
+the dust that was slowly and surely depriving him of sight.
+
+Once more the English took heart at the repulse, taunting their
+enemies as they fell back. Again they had a short respite, though the
+inaction told more on their wearied bodies than the excitement of the
+fight.
+
+Raymond felt a warm stream trickle down his arm, and found, to his
+surprise, that he had received a clean cut on his left shoulder. How
+or when it occurred he was unable to understand, for in the heat of
+the struggle he had been blind to his surroundings and the sense of
+pain.
+
+The rest of the garrison all showed signs of the tremendous odds.
+Buckland was gashed across the forehead by an arrow, while his hands
+were bruised and bleeding from the effects of his struggle with the
+knight at the window.
+
+Walter Bevis was sitting in a corner of the room, trying to extricate
+a crossbow shaft that had all but buried itself in the upper part of
+his right leg, and in spite of the excruciating pain was slowly
+drawing out the barbed head, muttering the while prayers to the
+Virgin and his patron saints.
+
+The others, having bound up their slighter injuries, cheered the
+sufferer, and in response to his entreaties, withdrew the bolt. A
+gush of blood followed, and the man, unable to bear the agony,
+fainted. Hastily applying a bandage, with the rude knowledge of
+surgery that they possessed, his comrades left him and returned to
+their posts to await the next assault.
+
+"Certes! They do not mean to let us be," exclaimed Redward; "it
+passeth my understanding why they should waste time and many lives in
+attempting to take our little fortress. Courage, my friends! Another
+repulse and they will leave us in peace."
+
+But, notwithstanding his repeated encouragements, the master-bowman
+looked doubtfully on the new phase of the attack. A party of men were
+bringing a huge mangonel ashore from one of the galleys, and setting
+it in position, prepared to bombard the house with heavy stones, each
+capable of tearing a jagged hole in the stonework. At the same time,
+the French archers advanced on all sides with wisps of burning tow
+affixed to the heads of their arrows.
+
+At a score paces from the house stood a solitary gnarled trunk of a
+dead tree, and towards this the bowman cast a hasty yet anxious
+glance. Then noting with satisfaction that the little wind there was
+blew from that direction, he gave a sigh of relief.
+
+In the meanwhile the men about the mangonel had set the powerful
+spring, and a mass of rock lay poised on the gigantic spoon, awaiting
+only the release of the engine to cast the deadly missile towards the
+doomed house.
+
+In terrible suspense the garrison crouched behind the stoutest part
+of the masonry, expecting each moment to find the huge stone crashing
+over their heads.
+
+The noise of the spring as it was released could be distinctly heard,
+then with a whirlwind of dust the stone struck the ground at a short
+distance from the house and rolled harmlessly against the wall.
+
+The next discharge sent the projectile fairly into the roof, knocking
+away the greater part and half filling the house with fragments of
+rafters, beams, and thatch.
+
+"'Twill be less thatch to burn!" remarked Buckland encouragingly,
+though the moral effect of the mangonel was beginning to tell.
+
+Suddenly there was a crash that shook the building to its
+foundations, and amid a shower of stones and dust a piece of rock
+forced its way into a corner of the building, leaving a gap a bow's
+length in width, through which the daylight streamed in, dazzling the
+defenders with the sudden change from semi-darkness.
+
+At the same time a shower of firebrands descended on the remains of
+the roof, and in a moment the house was enveloped in flames.
+
+"We are lost!" shouted one and another of the little garrison in
+dismay. "Let us sally out and die like men, rather than rats in a
+trap!"
+
+But the master-bowman, cool and collected in the hour of trial, shook
+his head, and, shouting--for the din was deafening--to his comrades
+to bear a hand, he seized an iron bar and attacked a large flag in
+the floor, plying the tool with skill and celerity.
+
+The square stone was dislodged, disclosing a gaping hole in the
+ground, the top of a rough ladder being dimly visible against its
+edge.
+
+"Down with ye!" he shouted, and once more hope sprang up in the
+breast of the despairing men. One by one they vanished into the
+chasm, till only Redward, Dick, and the unconscious Walter Bevis
+remained.
+
+There was not a moment to be lost; the flames were already scorching
+their hair and clothing, while the thick, suffocating fumes caused
+them to gasp and splutter. Raising their wounded comrade, the other
+two men lowered him into the arms of those who had already gained
+safety. Dick then descended, but Redward, after giving a glance at
+the attackers, who still maintained a respectful distance, suddenly
+stooped, dragging the body of the hapless French knight across the
+floor, and dropped it down the hole. Then he swiftly followed,
+pausing for a moment to draw a large, steel-plated shield over the
+aperture, and joined his companions in the security of their
+underground chamber.
+
+For a while they remained motionless, as if unable to realise the
+turn of fortune, and listening to the dull roar of the flames and the
+muffled crash of the falling timbers, while the confined air grew hot
+as the furnace overhead grew fiercer, and the clammy atmosphere of
+the vault began to give off a humid vapour.
+
+"Silence!" said Redward sternly, as some of the men began to talk
+excitedly. "Or, if ye do speak, speak only in whispers; for if the
+rascals discover us they'll smoke us out."
+
+Through a narrow shaft at the far end of the chamber a streak of
+light faintly filtered, and ere long the men's eyes became accustomed
+to the darkness. The underground room was about ten paces by four,
+with a stone-vaulted ceiling. A rough wall of later date cut off one
+end, but it was evident that this apartment was at one time a portion
+of a subterranean tunnel which, it was rumoured, led from the church
+towards the Abbey of Netley, but for some reason was uncompleted.
+
+Again motioning his friends to keep silent, Buckland walked over to
+the shaft, and, ascending by a rough wooden ladder, gained the hollow
+trunk of the decayed tree, where, without being seen, he could
+observe the movements of the invaders.
+
+Four blackened walls and a heap of smoking timbers was all that
+remained of what was but a short time back his home. Satisfied by
+destroying the house and, as they thought, its determined inmates,
+the foe had now retired, and were busy preparing a meal, save a few
+of the common soldiers, who were either despoiling the dead of their
+weapons and armour or carrying the wounded back to the shore to
+embark on board the galleys.
+
+Reassuring himself that their presence was unsuspected, the archer
+returned to his companions and reported the state of affairs.
+
+"By St. George, thou hast done a clever thing," said Dick admiringly.
+"But for thee we would have been roast meat ere now. But why didst
+thou keep us without knowledge of the place so long?"
+
+"To make thee fight the more lustily," replied Redward bluntly.
+"Hadst thou but known that an asylum awaited thee, thou wouldst have
+hurried here like a fox to earth, and the Frenchmen, finding the
+house still standing, would have discovered us and burned us out. Do
+I not speak aright?"
+
+"Ay, Master Redward! And 'twas as well ye did!"
+
+"And having, as ye admit, saved your lives, I demand a promise in
+return. I require ye to swear, on pain of forfeiting your eternal
+salvation, that not a word concerning this place shall pass your lips
+to any other living creature. Moreover, if I fail to come out alive,
+my son, Raymond, shall have undisputed possession of this place and
+its contents, for all I have on this earth is now stored herein."
+
+In solemn silence each man, save the still unconscious Walter, took
+the required oath, kissing the hilt of a sword in confirmation of his
+sacred promise. Then, as if a load were lifted off his mind, Redward
+again ascended the shaft to resume his observations.
+
+Slowly the long day passed. The sun was now overhead, yet the
+invaders remained inactive, neither advancing into the country nor
+returning to their ships. Gradually the fires died out, leaving only
+a number of thin columns of smoke, rising into the still sultry air,
+to mark what had but lately been a prosperous English village.
+
+After a while Redward again descended into the vault, his place being
+taken by Will Lightfoot. The opening in the hollow tree only
+commanded the village and the river, so another hole was laboriously
+cut in the trunk so as to look towards Southampton, whence Redward
+expected a speedy arrival of the companies then encamped outside the
+town.
+
+An hour later there was a stir amongst the foreign soldiers. A
+trumpet sounded, and they stood to arms, forming in a line on the
+brow of the hill where Buckland's house formerly stood.
+
+As there was only room for one person in the treetrunk, Lightfoot had
+to announce the movements to his comrades below, and, to their joy,
+they heard him cry out that a vast host of armed men was advancing.
+
+The invaders were unaware of the presence of a large force in the
+neighbourhood, and, dismayed by the numbers of their attackers, they
+turned and fled in a disorderly mob to their boats. At the same time
+the watcher espied the lofty hulls and bellying sails of five English
+ships standing down Southampton Water with the intention of cutting
+off the three hostile galleys.
+
+Barely had the boats made a second journey to the galleys with their
+load of panic-stricken men than a troop of lances, displaying the
+banners of Lord Willoughby and Sir Charles Bassett, came charging
+across the undulating ground and through the smouldering street of
+the village, sweeping aside all opposition and driving the remnant of
+the Genoese and Spaniards into the river.
+
+It was now high tide, and in the treacherous mud scores of the
+miserable wretches died a horrible death, for quarter was neither
+asked nor given. A few of those unencumbered by armour succeeded in
+swimming off to the galleys, though their companions, with abject
+cowardice, thought only of getting to sea, letting many of the
+fugitives drown alongside their ships without even throwing a rope to
+save them.
+
+Close at the heels of the lances came a body of mounted archers, who,
+on arriving at the shore, dismounted and poured volleys of arrows
+into the galleys. Notwithstanding the hail of darts that wrought
+havoc amongst the slaves who banked the oars, the three vessels
+slipped their cables and stood towards the mouth of the river,
+endeavouring to reach Southampton Water before the advancing English
+ships should bar their passage.
+
+The moment had arrived for Buckland and his companions to leave their
+underground refuge. Tying three spears together to form a stout
+battering ram, they applied one end to the mass of metal and charred
+wood that was once a shield, and which formed the door of their
+prison.
+
+With a mighty thrust the obstruction was removed, and through a
+smouldering pile of charred timbers emerged the eight men, their
+faces disfigured with dried blood and blackened with soot and smoke.
+Bevis they left, till, on Redward's suggestion, two of them returned
+and brought him up, semi-conscious and weak from the effect of his
+wounds.
+
+At that moment the companies of the Constable of Portchester and the
+Constable of Southampton came swinging along, the sun shining on
+their arms and accoutrements, while at their head rode Sir John
+Hacket and Walter de Brakkeleye, one of the Bailiffs of Southampton.
+
+"Certes!" exclaimed Sir John, reining in his horse and gazing
+open-eyed with astonishment at Redward and his band. "What have we
+here?"
+
+"Sir Knight," replied Redward, raising the hilt of his sword to his
+battered headpiece, "here thou dost see all that is left of the six
+score inhabitants of Hamble!" And, overcome by the loss of blood from
+no less than six wounds, he reeled and fell heavily on his face
+before the amazed Constable.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE MEN OF HAMPSHIRE AND THE GENOESE GALLEY
+
+
+HAVING given orders to some of his followers to convey the wounded
+men on litters to the shelter of Netley Abbey, the Constable and his
+troops resumed their march to the shore, to aid their advance-guard
+in the pursuit of the galleys.
+
+The lances and mounted archers had already galloped along the right
+bank of the river towards the Salterns at its mouth; while a body of
+men-at-arms crossed the stream by means of the abandoned boats, and
+followed the galleys on the other shore.
+
+As if by magic, the men-at-arms were joined by vast numbers of
+countrymen from the neighbouring villages of Hook, Swanwick,
+Titchfield, and Stubbington. All of them were tolerably good bowmen,
+and from both sides of the stream a well-directed fire of arrows was
+maintained on the fugitive vessels.
+
+The wind, though favourable to the English ships that were rapidly
+nearing the scene of action, was too much abeam to enable the galleys
+to hoist their sails, and the slaves toiled at the oars to gain the
+open water. Thus sped, and with the favouring tide, the vessels
+slipped rapidly past the shore.
+
+Many an anxious eye was turned towards the advancing English ships,
+and many an opinion was offered upon the foreigners' chances, for
+once they weathered the long mud spit, their sails would be hoisted
+and their superior speed would soon bear them out of sight.
+
+Holding their own, yet scarcely able to reply to the stinging hail of
+arrows, the three galleys bore steadily onwards. The foremost,
+bearing the red cross of Genoa emblazoned upon its lofty stern, led
+the forlorn procession, a Spaniard being second, while in the rear
+floundered a French vessel, one of the famous fleet of Sluys, her
+sides, like those of her consorts, bristling with English arrows.
+
+Soon the leading vessel, ill-judging her distance, turned towards the
+Solent, hoisting her huge sail, on which flamed the arms of Luigi
+Spinola. Shouts of anger and disappointment rose from the English as
+they saw the sail drawing, and the hated Genoese cleaving through the
+water with increased speed. But their cries quickly turned into a
+roar of delight as the galley ran hard and fast upon the treacherous
+and unseen mud-bank, her mast going by the board with a resounding
+crash!
+
+In spite of the frantic efforts of the rowers, the crew were unable
+to back the long, snake-like hull from the deadly embrace of the mud,
+and with the fast falling tide it was evident that the galley was
+doomed to capture.
+
+Taking warning from their consort's misfortune, the other vessels
+gave her a wide berth, and, avoiding the mud spit, turned
+south-eastward. The Spaniard hoisted her sail with all speed, the
+white foam flying from her sharp bows; but the French galley, having
+had her halliards cut through by a chance bolt, was soon overhauled
+by the Southampton ships.
+
+In less than five minutes she was boarded on both quarters and
+carried, the Frenchmen being either slain or driven overboard, and
+the watchers on shore beheld the Cross of St. George hoisted over the
+Fleur-de-Lys. A fanfare of trumpets from the conquering vessels
+announced that the English mariners had again proved themselves
+worthy of their traditions.
+
+The prize and three of the English ships anchored to await a
+favourable tide to bear them back to the town of Southampton, while
+the two remaining vessels stood towards the stranded galley of Genoa.
+The tide had now left her high and dry, with a slight list towards
+the sea, at two hundred paces from the nearest shore. The
+deep-draughted English ships could not approach within that distance,
+so they were compelled to cast anchor within easy bow-shot.
+
+Under the terrible cross-fire the galley remained, her crew seeking
+shelter from the shower of arrows, not daring to show so much as a
+hair above the low bulwarks.
+
+[Illustration: BOARDING THE GENOESE GALLEY]
+
+"By our Lady! The rogues lie close," exclaimed the Constable. "'Tis
+but a waste of good arrows. And yet we must have at them ere long,
+for already the sun is low in the heavens."
+
+"Once darkness falls they will, of a surety, escape, for with the
+next tide they can make across the shallows, where our ships dare not
+follow," replied the Bailiff.
+
+"If I mistake not, they left a mangonel behind them----"
+
+"Ay; but 'twould take a good five hours to bring it hither."
+
+Sir John saw the truth of this statement, and puckered his brows in
+his perplexity.
+
+"Craving thy pardon, sir," said a grizzled man-at-arms, standing
+within earshot of the two officers, "I know how the galley can be
+held till the morrow."
+
+"How so, sirrah?" demanded the Constable.
+
+"For over thirty years I was a marshman of Poole----"
+
+"Forbear to speak of what thou hast been," replied Sir John Hacket
+curtly, "and tell us what thou dolt propose to do."
+
+"As a marshman I know how to walk over this mud. Give me leave, with
+five of my comrades, and I'll warrant that the galley will never
+float again."
+
+"How can the man possibly reach the vessel by walking on the mud?"
+demanded Lord Willoughby, who at that moment had joined the Constable
+in order to confer with him on a plan of action. "Even now two score
+or more of the knaves lie swallowed up by the filthy slime."
+
+"Let him have his way, my Lord," replied the Constable; "and," he
+added, addressing the soldier, "get ye gone, and do your work
+quickly. A rose-noble apiece shall be your reward if ye succeed."
+
+The man-at-arms departed, and, with his chosen comrades, crossed the
+river and followed the bank till they came as close to the galley as
+they could without leaving the firm ground.
+
+Here they divested themselves of their armour, and, clad in their
+leather jerkins, gripping no other weapon but a heavy hammer and a
+short iron spike apiece, they looked more like peaceful village
+smiths than soldiers setting out on a desperate venture.
+
+From the rude huts where the Hamble fishermen kept their stores came
+a man bearing a dozen square boards, each having four small holes
+bored through it with leathern thongs attached. These the
+men-at-arms, with the quickness of frequent use, bound to their feet.
+
+"Are ye ready, comrades?"
+
+A gruff yet determined assent was given, and the men, walking with
+short, ungainly steps, gained the edge of the mud.
+
+"Now, hark ye," exclaimed their leader, turning to the master-bowman
+who commanded the archers, "give the word that the bowmen keep up a
+dropping fire to cover our approach. And I pray thee, let no man
+shoot who cannot be depended upon, for, little as I reck a shaft in
+fair fight, I am not in a mind to be feathered in the back by an
+English arrow!"
+
+The sun was now low down beyond the dark outlines of the New Forest,
+shining straight into the eyes of the archers. Nevertheless, they
+shot rapidly and well, the arrows making graceful curves as they sped
+towards the mark. No sign of life was visible on board the Genoese
+ship, as slowly and steadily the six men-at-arms plodded, with their
+boards squelching in the liquid mud, towards their goal.
+
+As they drew near, the covering volleys ceased; but, suspecting a ruse
+to draw them from shelter, the Genoese refused to show themselves.
+Thus, without opposition, the Englishmen reached the shelter of the
+lofty hull of the stranded galley, so that they were protected by her
+bulging sides from any missile the enemy might launch overboard.
+
+Soon the terrified crew were still more panic-stricken by hearing a
+succession of dull blows against their ship's side. Lustily swinging
+their mauls as well as their precarious foothold would allow, the
+Englishmen drove their iron spikes deep into the seams of the doomed
+vessel. Oaken tree-nails and iron bolts were unable to stand the
+wrench, and in a few moments a gaping hole four ells in length and a
+span in breadth proved that the boast of the man-at-arms that the
+galley would never again float was an accomplished fact.
+
+But now the startled crew were lashed into active resistance. Over
+the side, lowered by stout ropes, came the figure of a man fully clad
+in plate armour--the dreaded Luigi Spinola himself. Though deprived
+of the sight of one eye and nearly blind in the other--thanks to
+Redward Buckland's reception at the attack on his house--the Genoese
+knight could dimly see the forms of his attackers, and that sufficed.
+
+Before the Englishmen could realise their danger the keen blade of
+the Italian had cleft the skull of the nearest. Preventing himself
+from turning like a sack at the end of a rope, Spinola stretched out
+his left hand to steady himself against the side of the vessel, while
+he raised his right arm to repeat the deadly stroke. One of the
+men-at-arms seized his opportunity, and floundering in on the
+knight's blind side, smashed his gauntleted left hand into a
+shapeless mass by a blow from his maul.
+
+With a roar of agony and fury his arm fell helpless against his side,
+his body swung round, and in a moment the heavy hammer again
+descended, this time on the visor of the knight's bascinet. With a
+groan the Genoese died--literally at the rope's end; and, their work
+accomplished, the five Englishmen began their hazardous retreat,
+leaving the body of their hapless companion slowly sinking in the
+pitiless mire.
+
+Again the covering flight of arrows sped towards the galley; but, with
+the courage of despair, some of the Genoese crossbowmen sprang upon
+the towering forecastle and fired at the retreating men-at-arms. One
+of the latter fell with a heavy bolt between his shoulder-blades;
+another had a shaft completely transfixing his arm, while their
+intrepid leader was menaced by two of the best crossbowmen of the
+galley.
+
+By pure chance a stray arrow pierced the brain of one of the Genoese
+just as he was about to pull the trigger. As he fell he struck his
+companion, whose aim was affected by the sudden jolt, and the quarrel
+flew aimlessly over the Englishmen's heads.
+
+Unable to stand against the arrows of the English bowmen, the
+remainder of the Genoese again sought shelter in the waist, and, amid
+the cheers of their comrades, the four men-at-arms regained the
+shore.
+
+All that night the English slept on their arms, sentinels being
+posted to give the alarm should any of the foemen attempt to leave
+their water-logged craft. It was a still, moonless night, and the
+time of spring tides, and as the water ran inch by inch over the
+waist of the doomed galley, the watchers could distinctly hear the
+cries and lamentations, and appeals to the saints, borne on the night
+air from the demoralised Crew, as they clustered in frightened groups
+upon the raised forecastle and poop.
+
+At break of day the Englishmen stood at their arms and gazed seaward.
+There, in the same place, lay the galley, though sunk a little lower
+in the mud, while her sides were covered with seaweed that on the now
+falling tide had been caught by the arrows which bristled in her
+sides.
+
+Plenty of provisions were brought in from the countryside for the
+English forces, and, seated round roaring fires, for the morning air
+was sharp even for the time of year, the archers and men-at-arms ate
+and were merry, while the famished and disheartened Genoese, their
+stores spoiled by the water in the hold, gazed despairingly on their
+implacable enemies.
+
+The Constable of Portchester and the Bailiff of Southampton crossed
+the river about three hours after daybreak, and visited the troops on
+the east side of the stream, their arrival being greeted with
+acclamation.
+
+Calling the remnant of the men-at-arms who had so effectually
+performed their hazardous task, Sir John Hacket thanked them before
+their comrades and bestowed upon them the promised guerdon.
+
+"We have these Genoese rascals safe enough!" exclaimed the Constable.
+"But what do they?"
+
+At that moment there were signs of activity in the galley. Men were
+busily engaged in cutting away the broken mast and its tangled gear
+and cordage, while others were seen to be dividing the great sail
+into long strips.
+
+"They mean to stop the leaks by nailing the flaxen cloth over the
+outside," replied Walter de Brakkeleye. "Then, perchance, they can
+float off on the next tide."
+
+"But to what purpose?" questioned the knight. "With our two ships
+lying in the stream how can they, without mast and sail, hope to
+escape?"
+
+"I know not, Sir Knight, except it be to forestall the end, and they
+would close with us."
+
+"Then, I pray you, make them desist. A score of archers will keep
+them in play; in the meantime send mounted messengers along the banks
+to order every boat in the river to be sent down without delay!"
+
+These orders were promptly carried out, and long before the next high
+water twenty open boats of all sizes were lying off the Hard, while
+the Constable had already summoned the masters of the two Southampton
+ships to confer with them on the plan of attack.
+
+"By St. George!" exclaimed Sir John, "I already see the remnants of
+these foreign scoundrels under lock and key in the King's Castle of
+Portchester!"
+
+"Nay, by the Rood!" replied Walter Brakkeleye; "for I have sworn that,
+ere to-morrow's sun hath set, the rogues will grace a line of gibbets
+outside the Water Gate of Southampton!"
+
+"Ah, an' ye would flout my authority?" demanded the choleric knight.
+"Am I, Constable of Portchester and Governor of the town of
+Portsmouth, to be overridden by a mere Bailiff of Southampton?"
+
+"But the galley now lies in this river, which is within my
+bailiwick," retorted Brakkeleye stoutly. "Nay, she lies on the other
+side of the low water channel, which, you will accept, is within the
+bailiwick of Titchfield. That being so, as Governor I hold authority
+over that half of the river."
+
+The dispute waxed hot, the question of precedence outweighing the
+common cause of destroying a national foe. To what length the
+disputants would have gone it is impossible to say, but the opportune
+arrival of Lord Willoughby and Sir Charles Bassett settled the wordy
+strife.
+
+"'Tis our duty to settle our account with the Genoese," quoth Lord
+Willoughby. "And as ye both claim the river and all it contains,
+methinks your difference is best settled thus--all the prisoners
+taken on this side shall belong to the Bailiff of Southampton; all
+those who are taken on yonder side Sir John can hale to the castle of
+Portchester. Now be content and sink your differences in a common
+cause."
+
+This they agreed to, little knowing that neither authority would in
+the end claim a single Genoese.
+
+Directly the tide served the boats were filled with men-at-arms and
+archers, and a long procession rowed down the stream to carry the
+galley by escalade, a mantlet being raised in each boat to protect
+the men from any arrows or bolts that might assail them.
+
+Already the sea was four feet deep over the mud, and the galley, her
+waist full of water and her bulwarks awash amidships, resembled two
+lofty castles joined by a low wooden wall.
+
+Grim and determined, though faint with hunger and fatigue, the
+Genoese stood to their arms. Knowing that death in some form awaited
+them, they preferred to die in the heat of battle to dangling from a
+gallows. On the aftercastle, or poop, stood Guido and Andrea Spinola,
+brothers of the ill-fated Luigi, with two score men-at-arms and a
+number of lightly-armed slaves, though the latter were not to be
+relied upon. On the forecastle nearly a like number clustered round
+Simon and Chigi Doria, brothers of the famous Rafaele Doria, the
+ruler of the State of Genoa.
+
+On the approach of the English the trumpets blared a note of
+defiance, and the noble leaders, drawing their swords, cast their
+scabbards into the sea as a sign that they scorned to give or accept
+quarter.
+
+The poop, being nearest the deep water, was the first object of
+attack. The English archers fired but one volley, then, casting aside
+their bows, drew sword or grasped their hammers and axes and made
+ready to spring directly the boats ran alongside the galley.
+
+A huge stone, thrown from the highest part of the after-castle, came
+crashing through the bottom of the first boat, which instantly sank.
+Those of her crew who were unable to maintain their foothold on the
+submerged boat perished miserably in the mud and water, for those in
+the other boats, filled with the mad desire of fight, paid slight
+heed to their misfortunes, being only intent on gaining a foothold on
+their enemy's decks.
+
+In a short space the after-part of the galley was surrounded by nine
+large boats, while the remaining ten headed for the forecastle, and
+with shouts of fury the English strove to effect an entrance.
+
+The lofty sides and stern rendered their task very difficult and
+hazardous, the Genoese striking lustily with sword, axe, and mace
+whenever a foeman's head appeared, and it was not until, by Sir John
+Hacket's order, a portion of the amidship bulwarks were cut through
+and some of the boats floated over the submerged waist, that a living
+Englishman stood on the decks of the Genoese.
+
+Headed by the Constable, a party of men-at-arms carried the poop
+ladder by a determined rush and gained the poop. Here they were met
+by Guido and Andrea Spinola and some of the best swordsmen amongst
+the Genoese, and for a while a fierce struggle ensued, though,
+profiting by the diversion, another party of Englishmen secured a
+foothold on the stern of the galley.
+
+Unable to withstand the sweeping blows of the Constable's sword, the
+Genoese gave back, two of their number going down with their
+headpieces shattered and their skulls cleft to the chin, and Guido
+and Andrea alone remained in the van to bar the Englishman's passage.
+
+With lightning rapidity their blades met, Sir John warding off the
+double attack with marvellous skill. Suddenly the elder brother,
+putting all his strength into the blow, delivered a mighty stroke
+with his heavy sword at the Constable's head.
+
+Stepping nimbly aside, the knight avoided the deadly sweep of the
+weapon, and ere the Italian could recover himself Sir John cut him
+through the gorget till the blade met the top of his enemy's
+breastplate.
+
+Guido fell forward, and the Constable, unable to withdraw his weapon
+from the corpse, was obliged to relinquish his sword and take to his
+mace. With this ponderous instrument of offence Sir John pressed his
+antagonist so strongly that the latter could but attempt to guard
+himself. At last, with a crashing blow, the Englishman beat down the
+defence of the Genoese, shattering his sword and crushing his helmet
+like an egg-shell.
+
+Disheartened by the fall of both their leaders, and pressed before
+and behind by increasing numbers, the Genoese retreated till they
+gathered in a small ring of steel, surrounded by their incensed
+attackers. Fighting to the last, they fell, till none but those
+wearing the surcoat of St. George stood upon the after-castle, and
+close on five score bodies littered the narrow blood-stained poop.
+
+By the Constable's order one of his squires displayed his banner, and
+this was the signal for a hearty cheer from the crews of the two
+Southampton ships and the crowd of armed men on shore.
+
+But the combat was not yet over. Those of the forecastle still
+stoutly resisted, and as yet none of the Southampton men, headed by
+the brave and impetuous Walter de Brakkeleye, had gained any
+advantage, though, by the Bailiff's order, some of the archers had
+rowed a short distance off, firing anew on the Genoese whenever they
+attempted to show themselves above the side.
+
+With the fall of the after-castle, the Genoese were additionally
+assailed by the English bowmen, who now held the captured part of the
+galley; and, on the arrival of a fresh supply of arrows, the deadly
+hail smote the scanty remnant, who strove in vain to seek shelter.
+
+At length, when no one was left standing upon the forecastle, the
+English men-at-arms rushed the hardwon stronghold, mercilessly
+killing those who yet remained alive, and casting their bodies
+overboard, and the shattered galley was given to the flames.
+
+Then, with shouts and rejoicings, the soldiers returned to the shore.
+The countrymen dispersed to their homes, the two English ships
+hoisted sail and made for Southampton, whither Lord Willoughby's
+lances had already gone. The Constable of Portchester and the Bailiff
+of Southampton marshalled their followers, and marched through the
+devastated village towards their camp at Woolston.
+
+All that was left to mark the raid were the charred remains of what
+had been a prosperous hamlet and the blazing timbers of the
+once-dreaded galley of Luigi Spinola.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+AT THE ABBEY
+
+
+CALM and peaceful appeared the grey Abbey to the war-worn defenders,
+as, carried in litters or supported by the men of the Constable of
+Portchester's company, the nine archers passed through the great
+gateway.
+
+The vesper bell had just ceased its tuneful tolling, and in its place
+rose the deep, lusty voices of the monks, who, having completed yet
+another day of hard manual labour, were uniting once more in prayer
+and thanksgiving.
+
+For awhile, save for the porter, a lay brother of gigantic size and
+jovial mien, the secular portions of the Abbey were deserted, but the
+arrival of this host of rough soldiers and their wounded charges
+contrasted ill with the pious solitude of the place.
+
+The Cistercian Abbey, founded as the Priory of Saints Mary and Edward
+in 1237, was at that time in the zenith of its prosperity. Favoured
+by royal charters, the natural zeal of the monks exerted itself to
+such an extent that within a few years of its birth the Abbey bade
+fair to outshine its parent foundation at Beaulieu, and a large
+triple-aisled church, a sumptuous Abbot's house, lofty dormitories,
+architecturally perfect cloisters, a number of extensive
+outbuildings, and two artificial fish-ponds testified to the work of
+these pioneers of civilisation.
+
+Awed by the solemnity of their surroundings, the soldiers clustered
+in small, silent knots, looking around with open-mouthed astonishment
+at the unaccustomed beauty of the delicate architecture and listening
+to the distant chanting of the monks.
+
+If an archer dared even to whisper his comrades silenced him by a
+look, while, when a man-at-arms dropped his short spear on the tiled
+floor, the culprit stooped, picked up the weapon guiltily, and
+crossed himself for very shame.
+
+At length the singing ceased, the doors of the church were thrown
+wide open, and out came a long line of grey-gowned monks, walking two
+and two with bent heads and downcast eyes, while at the rear of the
+procession came the Sub-Prior and the Abbot. The former was a
+comfortable-looking, well-fed personage, with a benign countenance
+that neither fast nor penance could subdue, while the Abbot, a tall,
+gaunt man with wan features, redeemed by a pair of glittering eyes,
+looked a man whose natural sternness was increased by the strict
+rigidity of a celibate.
+
+Immediately the soldiers drew themselves up into two lines, looking
+straight in front in military style, though as the Abbot passed they
+bent their heads to receive his benison, even the wounded, save
+Walter Bevis, standing unaided to share in the blessing.
+
+It was a stirring and picturesque sight. The grey stones of the
+arched cloisters, the green patch of grass in the cloister court, and
+the still evening quiet were fitting surroundings for a procession of
+monks as their sandals clattered on the tiled floor; but the white
+surcoats bearing the red cross, the armour and weapons of the
+soldiers, and the pallid features of the wounded bespeaking strife
+and suffering, presented a strange contrast to the peacefulness of
+the Abbey.
+
+Attended by two novices, the Abbot presently returned, and, learning
+the cause of the unusual visit, gave orders for the wounded men to be
+taken care of in the Abbey infirmary. He had already learned of the
+sack and burning of Hamble, but the deed of Redward Buckland and his
+comrades moved him greatly, and he desired to speak with the
+master-bowman.
+
+Redward, his head still bound with a blood-stained bandage, was led
+before the Abbot. He had removed his steel cap, and the dying
+sunlight played on his thickly-cropped head and heightened the
+reddish hue of his beard. The Abbot gave an involuntary start of
+recognition, but, composing himself, he asked:
+
+"How art thou, my son? I see thou art sore hurt."
+
+"Nay, Father, it is but a scratch."
+
+"A brave man to speak so lightly of so great a matter. And thou didst
+keep the press of enemies back till help arrived?"
+
+"'Twas also a little matter, seeing we were behind stout walls."
+
+"And yet, by God's grace, thy valour saved us."
+
+"Saved you, Father?"
+
+"Yea, my son. Saved the priory of the blessed Saints Mary and Edward;
+for, had ye not been there to bar the way, the Frenchmen would of a
+certainty have ravaged our holy retreat."
+
+"This knowledge is beyond my understanding, yet, the saints be
+praised, I was but an instrument to that end."
+
+"The gratitude of us all is due to you, my son, and if in any way we
+can render thee a service, do but ask it. Thou'rt weary; return to thy
+friends and rest well."
+
+The master-bowman bent his head for the Abbot's blessing, then he
+turned and hobbled slowly back to join his comrades.
+
+Great was the astonishment and delight of the monks, on washing the
+thick cake of dried blood, slime, and soot from the face of their
+youngest patient, to find that it was none other than their late
+novice, Raymond, whose wound--a deep cut in his left shoulder--had
+been skilfully dressed by the monks, to whom surgery was a special
+feature of their work. He was now sleeping peacefully, a draught of
+cooling medicine having completely taken away all symptoms of fever.
+
+Walter Bevis, his leg swathed in bandages, was lying on a pallet, his
+eyes rolling and his hands tightly clenched as he strove to suppress
+a groan. Already he was in a state of semi-delirium, and in spite of
+the constant attention of two of the monks, he strove at intervals to
+rise from his couch and fly at some imaginary foe.
+
+As for the rest, with the exception of Will Lightfoot, who was busily
+devouring a platter of soup, they all were sleeping off the effects
+of a terrible mental strain. Submitting himself to the hands of two
+of the brethren, Redward had his injuries dressed, and was cleansed
+from the effects of the fire and battle; then, staggering to a couch,
+he lay down and was soon lost in dreamless sleep.
+
+The sun was high in the heavens ere Buckland awoke, feeling vastly
+refreshed and filled with renewed energy. His first inquiry was for
+his son and his comrades, then for the latest tidings of the raiders.
+
+On this latter point he could not be enlightened, save that a mounted
+messenger had passed the Abbey that morning without drawing rein.
+Though giving no news by word of mouth, the man had shown by a
+gesture that the English had been successful, though at that time the
+fate of the Genoese galley had not yet been decided.
+
+One by one the wounded archers began to awaken, till all, save
+Raymond and Bevis, were up and about. For some time Redward sat by
+his son's bedside, looking anxiously at his pale and pain-racked
+features.
+
+The master-bowman was torn by conflicting emotions. On the one hand
+he wanted to be again on the scene of action to revenge himself on
+his enemies--for the destruction of his home, and also to take steps
+to safeguard his chattels that lay in the underground chamber. On the
+other hand, he felt it impossible to tear himself away from his son,
+in whose welfare he was so much absorbed, till he was satisfied that
+there was no cause for anxiety on his account.
+
+While deep in this mental debate Redward was summoned by a novice to
+proceed to the private apartment of the Abbot.
+
+Following closely at the heels of his guide, Buckland was ushered
+into a room which, in the frigid plainness of its appearance,
+differed little from the cells of the ordinary brethren, only it was
+larger.
+
+The stone floor was strewn with rushes, and the walls were bare and
+unbroken, save for two narrow lancet windows and the low,
+Gothic-arched door by which the archer entered. In the centre of the
+room stood a plain oaken table, on which was a small ivory crucifix,
+which, together with a number of richly-bound books of illuminated
+vellum--the most highly-prized objects within the monastery
+walls--gave a fitting setting to the gaunt figure of the stern yet
+revered Abbot. Two heavy wooden stools completed the furniture of the
+apartment, one of which was for the head of the Abbey himself, the
+other for the use of any visitor of equal or higher rank; otherwise,
+all who were called into the presence of the Abbot were obliged to
+stand, with bent head, patiently waiting to be addressed, and not
+daring to speak save when spoken to.
+
+"Well, my son," quoth the Abbot, after the customary benediction had
+been given. "I have a small matter of which I would speak. Raymond,
+thy son, was until recently with us as a novice."
+
+"Yes, Father."
+
+"But thou didst send for him?"
+
+"I could not do without him."
+
+"Yet he was ill spared by us a youth of much promise. Did he not ask
+to be allowed to take the vows of chastity and obedience?"
+
+"Nay, Father."
+
+"What, then, is in thy mind with regard to his up-bringing?"
+
+"But two days agone he did ask to go with me to the wars."
+
+"Alas! Alack!" groaned the Abbot, speaking half to his visitor, half
+to himself. "To think that one brought up in the sanctity of this
+place should have a mind for the horror of war! It but shows that
+men's minds are by nature inclined to strife, and that we must ever
+be subduing the desires of malice and hatred, which, though dormant
+for years, are too often ready to burst forth with renewed strength.
+Ah me! And I did think Raymond was a brand plucked from the burning.
+Thinkst thou that 'tis not too late to turn him from his purpose and
+bring him into the brotherhood?"
+
+"Father," replied the master-bowman earnestly, "many a time have I
+pondered the matter over in my heart, for he is very dear to me. In
+my wanderings I knew him to be in safe keeping in this peaceful
+place, yet I look to my son as a tried companion of my old age, for I
+have no other kith or kin in the world. To the wars he would go, yet
+Heaven forfend that ill should happen to him."
+
+"But if he wish to stay?"
+
+"Then he may do so, though as a monk he will be as far from me as
+ever."
+
+"Then he shall be asked, my son. Should he remain with us the Order
+profiteth; should he go Franceward, then the saints be with him and
+bring him safely home again. But, I ask," he added, fixing his dark
+eyes intently on the archer, "when Raymond left us didst thou fetch
+him away?"
+
+"Nay, Father, I----"
+
+"Then where have I met thee before?"
+
+For a moment a pallor, quickly succeeded by a deep flush, overspread
+the tanned features of the master-bowman, and his mind travelled back
+for nigh two score years. Then in quick, short sentences he replied,
+telling the story of the tragedy which had darkened his life.
+
+"Ah! I thought my memory played me not false," returned the Abbot.
+"But of that enough! I knew it! And, for an archer, thou art
+certainly apt in speech. Canst read?"
+
+"Yea, Father."
+
+"And write?"
+
+"Yea, Father. Many a time have I acted as scrivener to Sir John
+Hacket, the Constable of the Castle of Portchester."
+
+"'Tis well; and rest assured, my son, that, by my holy calling, no
+word of thy past shall fall from my lips."
+
+"And there is another small matter of which I would speak," said
+Redward.
+
+The Abbot frowned, for the archer had taken the initiative, but,
+nevertheless, he signed for Redward to continue.
+
+"When we are gone to the wars," quoth the archer, "'twill be
+necessary for me to leave my small belongings in safe keeping, and no
+better place can I think of than this Abbey."
+
+"Think not to turn this holy place into a house of merchandise, my
+son!"
+
+"Nay, Father, not merchandise, but treasure."
+
+"Treasure?" interrupted the Abbot, his interest kindling. "How say
+you?"
+
+"Ay, a trifle saved from the wreck of my past, together with a little
+I have amassed during some twenty years of wandering. Of a surety I
+would offer the Abbey a good percentum for the care thereof, together
+with the right to retain all profits from its use."
+
+"My son, thou art generous to Holy Mother Church."
+
+"Nay, but I go farther. Should aught amiss happen to Raymond or me,
+the whole of my worldly goods I leave to the Abbey, without
+condition."
+
+"Then, my son, I accept, in the name of the Order, the charge
+confided to us. I will see to it this instant that Brother Aloysius,
+our scribe, will draft the agreement thereunto." And going to the
+door, the Abbot, his eyes shining at the thought of adding to the
+treasury, rang a bell that brought one of the lay servitors hastening
+to his presence.
+
+"Bring Brother Aloysius hither."
+
+With little loss of time the scrivener arrived, and the agreement was
+drawn up and signed. This done, the Abbot dismissed Redward, and,
+once more alone, leaned back in his chair with intense satisfaction.
+
+Keep Raymond within the Abbey, let him take the oaths of the Order,
+and all would be well. The Abbey would benefit considerably, for,
+once a monk, Raymond would be heirless. On the other hand, should
+father and son go to the wars--well, there were chances that they
+might not return, and then----. The Abbot sighed, for, in spite of
+his pious greed, he chid himself for his momentary satisfaction at
+the thought of harm happening to the young man, of whose presence as
+a novice he had many pleasing recollections.
+
+On Redward's return to his son's bedside he found, to his great
+delight, that Raymond was awake.
+
+"How fares it with thee, Raymond?" he asked, taking the lad's limp
+hand in his great palm and gently patting it.
+
+"I feel much better, father, and hope soon to be abroad again."
+
+"I trust so; but I have something to tell thee. Even now the Abbot has
+asked me to let thee stay with him. He himself will ask thee anon."
+
+"But I do not wish to, father. My one desire is to follow the banner
+of the Constable."
+
+"I like thy pluck, Raymond, seeing what thou hast been through. 'Twas
+an ill start for a soldier's life."
+
+"Yet we came out with honour," replied the boy, his eyes glistening
+at the thought of the unequal encounter. "When thinkest thou that we
+shall be able to leave this place?"
+
+"A matter of a few days. For my part, I must hasten back to Hamble to
+gather together the remains of my goods and chattels, and also to
+ease the dead Frenchman of his harness, for 'tis, a goodly suit of
+armour. Also, there is a fair portion of plate and money which I am
+leaving in the care of the Abbot. Some day 'twill be thine, Raymond,
+but of that matter I'll speak more anon."
+
+Towards eventide the peacefulness of the Abbey was disturbed by the
+tramp of armed men--the victorious troops returning to their camp at
+Southampton; and by the Abbot's leave most of the wounded men, with
+their escort of archers, passed out of the gate and lined the dusty
+road to welcome their rescuers and comrades. Even the monks, carried
+away by their feelings, crowded round the gateway to catch a glimpse
+of the gallant companies. News of the capture of one galley and the
+destruction of the other had already reached them, and enthusiasm ran
+high as the bronzed and dust-covered soldiers tramped homewards.
+
+Redward Buckland knew most of the banners of the various companies,
+and imparted his knowledge to his companions, while the archers who
+formed their escort cheered lustily as their fellow-soldiers turned
+to throw out words of pleasant banter.
+
+At length the master-bowman gave a loud shout. "Look, comrades, the
+company of the Constable of Portchester! See the crescent _or_ on a
+field _azure!_"
+
+Marching four abreast, their white surcoats soiled with mud, water,
+and dust, came the Portchester garrison. For, save a few who remained
+to hold the castle and the adjacent town of Portsmouth, the whole of
+Sir John Hacket's men were with the army now encamped at Woolston, on
+the outskirts of Southampton.
+
+At their head rode the fiery knight, attended by his squires, while
+at his bridle-arm, mounted on a white jennet, was Walter de
+Brakkeleye, the Bailiff of Southampton, whose men had already passed
+by. The two leaders were engaged in animated conversation, all traces
+of their bickering on the question of precedence having completely
+vanished.
+
+Suddenly the knight caught sight of the little knot of men outside
+the Abbey gate.
+
+"By the Rood, 'tis my old master-bowman and his party of villagers
+who held the Frenchmen at bay!" he exclaimed. "When I sent them to
+the Abbey I little thought to see any of them out and about so soon."
+
+In obedience to an order, the company halted and faced about. Sir
+John rode up to the little band, who respectfully saluted him,
+following Redward's example in military etiquette.
+
+"By St. George," said the knight, "'tis hard to do justice to your
+bravery; for I have only now had time to ponder over your deeds. But
+this I know--had ye not held the rascals in check the countryside
+would have been laid bare far more than it is."
+
+"But," he went on reflectively, "ye are, for the most part, homeless
+men; why not serve under my banner? Francewards riches and honour
+await you. I'll warrant ye will gain more in one campaign than in a
+lifetime in England. Buckland, I have heard, will rejoin my company.
+He will be, as before, one of my sub-officers, and if ye come with
+him, in his division ye'll be placed. I am loth to lose any of you.
+So who's for an archer's life?"
+
+With one accord Redward's companions signified their eagerness to
+follow the yellow crescent, and Sir John's face beamed with delight
+at their decision. "Then get ye back to the Abbey till ye be
+thoroughly healed of your wounds," he said, "and join the camp as
+soon as possible. I thought aright that the taste of fighting would
+but whet your appetites."
+
+"And you, Hubert," he added, addressing one of his squires, "take
+this purse and present to the Abbot as a token of my esteem for the
+kindly treatment of these men. Also make excuses for me, as the night
+draws on apace."
+
+Then, commanding the archers who had conveyed Redward's party to the
+Abbey to fall in with the rest of his company, Sir John gave the
+order to march. The column moved onwards, leaving behind it the new
+recruits to the banner of the Constable of the King's Castle of
+Portchester.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE SACK OF SOUTHAMPTON
+
+
+Two months have elapsed since Redward Buckland and his companions
+made their gallant stand against the foreign raiders; Raymond had
+developed into a full-fledged archer. Making a rapid recovery from
+his wound, the lad, with his seven companions, joined the Constable's
+banner at Southampton, whither Redward, having settled his affairs,
+had preceded them.
+
+The badly-wounded Bevis made but slow progress; fighting, he
+vehemently declared, was not in his line, so one morning he limped
+slowly through the Abbey gateway to make his way back to Hamble,
+there to rebuild his cottage and again to ply his calling as a
+fisherman.
+
+Lack of money compelled King Edward III. to remain inactive. A tax on
+wool was levied and grudgingly paid, for his subjects, finding that
+no great deed of arms was likely to ensue, lacked the enthusiasm that
+the glorious victories of later years were bound to create. Thus the
+greater part of the huge host was dispersed; many of the troops were
+moved to Rye and Winchelsea, others sent back to their own homes,
+and, save for a few soldiers, the town of Southampton resumed its
+normal appearance.
+
+By the King's special command, however, a portion of Sir John
+Hacket's company was retained at Southampton to man some of the ships
+that were to be fitted out against the rovers who still lingered in
+the Channel, and thus Raymond found himself quartered in Saint
+Barbara's Tower, a small defensive work on the south walls.
+
+Before dealing with the stirring events that happened in this ancient
+and distinguished town, it would be well to briefly describe the
+Southampton of the fourteenth century.
+
+Roughly, the town formed an irregular rectangle, with the
+south-western corner rounded off. On the north side the walls were
+pierced by the Bargate, and protected by several small towers, with a
+larger erection, termed the Polymond Tower, at the northeastern
+angle. The eastern side was defended by a wall nearly 800 yards in
+length, further protected by twenty-seven half-round towers, and
+pierced by the East Gate and two posterns.
+
+On the south the walls were in a somewhat ruinous condition, though
+it ought to have been clear that these were more open to attack. Here
+were two entrances--the God's House Tower gate at the southeastern
+angle and the Water Gate. Several towers added to the defensive works
+at this point, the chief being the God's House Tower, the Watch
+Tower, the Square Tower, St. Barbara's Tower, and the Bugle Tower.
+
+The western face was by far the best protected, the arcaded walls
+being of great height, terminating at Catchcold Tower near the
+north-western angle. Two large gates--West Gate and Biddlesgate--gave
+access to the water-front on the western shore, and in addition were
+several posterns, one of which, the Water Gate, led to the courtyard
+of the Castle, whose keep, a large circular Norman tower standing on
+an artificial mound, dominated the whole town.
+
+Sunday, the 14th of October, 1338, was a black day in the annals of
+Southampton.
+
+A few days previously more of the troops had been withdrawn, thus
+leaving practically only the men of Southampton to guard the town.
+Rumours of a large hostile fleet within the sheltered waters of the
+Solent caused bodies of men to be hastily dispatched to Lepe,
+Lymington, and other neighbouring sea-coast towns, while Sir John
+Hacket, hurriedly summoned to Portsmouth on an urgent matter of
+defence, had taken the greater part of his company with him.
+
+Redward's sub-division was amongst those left at Southampton, but he
+himself had crossed to Hythe, where he hired a horse and rode to the
+town of Lepe to gather tidings of the foemen. Thus there remained of
+his party some two score archers and men-at-arms, under the command
+of Richard Wyatt, the grizzled old warrior who had recognised his old
+comrade Redward at the passage of the Hamble River.
+
+On this particular Sunday a white mist overspread Southampton. So
+dense was the fog that even the oldest inhabitants could not recall
+the like. Raymond and his comrades were busily engaged in overhauling
+their bows and shafts, for on that afternoon a shooting match had
+been arranged between ten men of the Constable's company and ten of
+the town guard of Southampton, for displays of archery were then
+usual at the close of church service.
+
+"A pest take the fog!" grumbled the old man-at-arms. "If it does not
+lift 'twill be too thick to hold the contest."
+
+"Even this room is full of it," cried an archer, twanging his
+bow-string with his thumb. "Look, this cord is as dead as the giant
+Ascupart, whom these Southampton folk brag so much about!"
+
+"At all events, both parties fare alike. If we but win a groat apiece
+the weather can bide--that is, so long as we can see the butts!"
+
+Just then the bells of St. Michael's and the Maison Dieu struck out
+to summon the townspeople to Mass, and soon the streets were teeming
+with gaily dressed folk, all hastening to their respective churches,
+though to the men in the tower they appeared but ghostly shapes
+gliding in the misty air.
+
+"Who will come with me on to the top of the tower?" asked one of the
+archers. "I'd as lief get wet through in the open as perish with cold
+in this fog-laden room."
+
+"I am with thee," replied Raymond.
+
+"And I--and I," said several voices.
+
+Ascending a narrow spiral flight of stone steps, the comrades gained
+the summit of St. Barbara's Tower. Rearing itself sixty feet above
+the ground and thirty feet above the line of battlemented walls, this
+building was crowned by a low breastwork, and roofed with large slabs
+of stone sufficiently sloping to carry off the rainwater, but at the
+same time capable of being walked upon without difficulty.
+
+"Ha! The mist rises a little!" exclaimed one. "Though 'twill be only
+for a time."
+
+"I can perceive the watch-fire," remarked another, indicating the
+dull glow of the burning wood in an open brazier that at night or in
+thick weather was always fired on the summit of the Water Gate.
+
+"Ho! Peterkin--Simon!" shouted a hoarse voice immediately below them.
+"Out on ye for scurvy knaves! Hasten and bring oars, or I'll lay my
+staff athwart your backs!"
+
+"'Tis old John Draper, the water-bailiff," remarked one of the
+archers. "Some vessel hath found her way up the Water, and he's going
+to board her."
+
+They heard the oars tossed into the boat, and the rasping voice of
+the water-bailiff as he descended the stone steps of the quay and
+stepped into the boat. Then the sound of oars straining against the
+tholepins grew fainter and fainter, till the little craft was lost to
+sight and sound in the dense fog.
+
+Suddenly a piercing shriek, followed by the dull noise of a heavy
+splash, fell upon the ears of the archers in the tower.
+
+"What's that?" inquired one, his indifference changed into alert
+activity.
+
+"Nothing, thick head--except, perhaps, that old Draper hath missed
+his foothold and received a ducking!"
+
+"I like it not," replied the first archer. "There's black devilment
+afoot."
+
+"Thou art ever looking for trouble, Hal. Didst ever----"
+
+"Nay, methinks he's right," interrupted Will Lightfoot. "Hearken!"
+
+Leaning over the edge of the parapet the archers strove to ascertain
+the meaning of a subdued splashing that every moment grew louder.
+
+"Oars, comrades, oars! And not a score not two score, either. The
+water's _alive_ with them!"
+
+And now through the mist loomed scores of great indistinct shapes
+that only too soon resolved themselves into the outlines of long
+galleys, their size magnified by the thick veil of vapour. Before the
+astonished archers could realise their danger the huge craft ran
+alongside the quay or beached themselves with a grinding crunch on
+the gravel of the foreshore abreast the Water Gate, and from them
+leaped hordes of armed men, shouting and giving orders in half the
+tongues of Southern Europe.
+
+The surprise was complete. The Water Gate was rushed ere the massive
+gates could be closed, and the foe, with the quickness of martial
+experience, wedged the grooves of the double portcullis to prevent
+the lowering of the heavy iron slides. Into the town they poured,
+slaying all who crossed their path, and before the startled
+inhabitants, most of whom were still at Mass, could grasp the
+situation, close upon five thousand French and Genoese soldiers had
+gained possession of the greater part of the town.
+
+To add to the tumult, the bell over the watchtower began a dismal
+tocsin, and continued till a party of soldiers, climbing to the
+summit, hurled the devoted bellman crashing down upon the stones
+beneath. But other bells took up the warning note, till the Bar Gate,
+at the northern end of Southampton, gave a more timely alarm to the
+dwellers about the upper part of the town.
+
+In the meantime the archers of St. Barbara's Tower, lashed into
+activity by the orders and example of Dick Wyatt, had closed, barred,
+and bolted the great oaken door, and hastily arming themselves,
+ascended the tower, where they crouched, arrow on string, behind the
+low, battlemented parapet.
+
+"Methinks 'tis all up with Southampton," exclaimed the grizzled
+warrior. "But lie close, and do not loose string till they find us
+out."
+
+"But what can we do?"
+
+"Very little till the fog lifts. Then it will be seen, which of the
+towers still hold out."
+
+"Have they carried the Castle, think you?"
+
+"Not if the garrison have had the least warning, and, thank Heaven,
+there's enough noise to waken the Seven Sleepers. Hearken!"
+
+Above the noise of the still disembarking foreign soldiery could be
+heard pitiful screams and cries for mercy, as men, women, and
+children were cut down indiscriminately by the ruthless foe, while a
+distant clash of arms showed that in some quarters of the town the
+invaders were meeting with some amount of resistance.
+
+As if by magic, the mist suddenly rolled away, and the pale October
+sun streamed down upon a sight that was but too common in those days.
+Two score and ten galleys lay along the sea-front, their prows
+touching the shore just as the first high water was beginning to ebb,
+while in mid-stream fifty-five heavier vessels rode at anchor. From
+this powerful fleet close on twelve thousand Normans, Picards,
+Genoese, and Spaniards had landed.
+
+Already the southern portion of the town, with the exception of St.
+Barbara's and God's House Towers, was in their hands. Robert de la
+Barre, one of the bailiffs, held the Castle and the West Gate; Walter
+de Brakkeleye, the other, lay within Catchcold Tower; while through
+the Bar Gate poured a mob of terrified citizens, some of whom fled
+hot-foot even as far as Winchester.
+
+Having made sure of the lower part of the town, the invaders began
+their accustomed excesses, plundering and burning in all directions.
+
+A strong body of Genoese could be seen coming down the road that
+followed the inner side of the South Wall.
+
+"Stand fast, if ye would see to-morrow's sun!" cried the old
+man-at-arms warningly. "And do not give any sign till they discover
+us: then an arrow for each black heart!"
+
+On the opposite side of the street, which, for military reasons, was
+wider than those away from the walls, was a house of superior quality
+to its neighbours. It was a two-storeyed, half-timbered building,
+standing in a large extent of ground. Attracted by its more imposing
+appearance, three of the marauders stopped and began to batter on the
+outer gate with their short, heavy axes.
+
+"'Tis the house of Sir Reginald Scarsdale," quoth one of the archers,
+a Southampton man. "'Tis out of the frying-pan into the fire, I trow,
+with him."
+
+"What dost thou mean?" asked Raymond.
+
+"Why, this: twice his castle in the county of Yorks hath been burned
+by the Scots; so, to keep his womenfolk out of harm's way, he sends
+them down here, while he keeps watch and ward at Berwick."
+
+"His womenfolk?"
+
+"Ay! His wife, the Lady Hilda, and his daughter, the Lady Audrey.
+Pray Heaven they be not in the house!"
+
+"But they are!" exclaimed another. "I heard from one of their
+servants but a few hours back that the old lady was seized with an
+ague. And the younger, a sweet little lass, left to the mercies of
+those wretches! Alas! And we can do nothing!"
+
+Raymond's only reply was to compress his lips tightly and clutch the
+hilt of his short sword. Carefully he peered over the edge of the
+parapet, and looked down on the scene below.
+
+Already the gate was giving way before the lusty blows of the axes.
+Then, throwing his ponderous body against the shattered woodwork, a
+burly Genoese burst the remaining fragments with a resounding crash,
+and, with wild shouts of triumph, the three plunderers rushed across
+the grounds and attacked the door of the house, while the screams of
+terrified women rent the air.
+
+Without a moment's hesitation Raymond seized a coil of rope which was
+used for hauling up materials to the top of the tower, and hastily
+knotted one end round his body. He looked down. The street was now
+clear of any wandering soldiers. Taking his bow and quiver, as well
+as his sword, the youth persuaded his comrades to lower him with all
+despatch.
+
+Round and round he spun in his hazardous descent, till, with bleeding
+hands and a swimming sensation in his head, Raymond found himself on
+the ground. Instantly he unloosed the rope, darted quickly across the
+road and gained the outer gateway.
+
+By this time the inner door had been wrenched open, and the three
+Genoese were holding a debate amongst themselves, gesticulating and
+talking volubly till it seemed as if a quarrel was likely to ensue.
+Finally two entered the house, the third keeping guard outside,
+possibly to prevent any fugitive from leaving, or to keep others of
+their comrades from sharing in what promised to be a rich haul.
+
+Raymond saw and seized his chance. The man's back was turned towards
+him, yet--the raiders being mere pirates and deserving of no
+mercy--without hesitation, the youth drew string, and the next
+instant the soldier was lying on his face, his back pierced by an
+arrow.
+
+Guided by the redoubled sound of shrieks, the lad sped across the
+ground, grasping his drawn sword in his hand, and ascended the stairs
+with quick yet noiseless footsteps.
+
+At the head of the stairs lay the corpse of an old man, evidently a
+servitor, the blood welling in a crimson flood from a gaping wound in
+his throat. Without stopping, Raymond sprang over the body and burst
+into a room whence the shrieks came with terrifying shrillness.
+
+There a sight met his gaze that transformed him into a terrible
+avenging spirit rather than a human being. On the floor lay an
+elderly lady, her eyes rolling in semi-stupor, while the two ruffians
+were maltreating a young and beautiful girl, whose age could not have
+been more than sixteen. In spite of her furious struggles and
+piercing cries the two Genoese were dragging her out of the room, and
+her strength was well-nigh exhausted.
+
+With a loud shout of anger Raymond rushed upon the two men, who were
+totally unprepared for any onslaught while engaged in their work of
+cruelty and rapine. A strong sweeping blow with his sword and one of
+the villains fell lifeless to the ground, but, before the young
+archer could strike again, the second turned upon him, and in a
+moment both were struggling on the floor in a deadly embrace, the
+Genoese, a great lusty fellow, being uppermost. Raymond still
+retained his sword, though unable to shorten it, while his enemy
+strove to draw a dagger that he wore at his belt. Seeing this the lad
+dropped his sword and grasped the other's wrist, while, in turn,
+Raymond's arm was gripped to prevent him from drawing his own knife.
+
+At length the weight of his foeman's body began to tell, and slowly
+the breath was forced out of the lad's lungs by the relentless
+pressure. Raymond thought that the end was near, his face was turning
+black, red lights flashed across his eyes, and, as in a dream, he saw
+the Genoese wrench his hand free from the retaining grasp and seize
+the hilt of his dagger.
+
+"Flee!" gasped Raymond, glancing towards the maiden, and he had
+steeled himself to receive the expected _coup de grace_, suddenly he
+felt his enemy's body grow limp and a flood of hot blood rained upon
+his face.
+
+Struggling to his feet, faint, dazed, and unable for the moment to
+realise that it was not his own life's blood, Raymond gazed vacantly
+upon the body of his foeman. Then, as his scattered senses began to
+return, the youth realised that his miraculous deliverance was due to
+the prompt action of the girl to whose aid he had flown; for seeing
+how matters were turning, and desperate for her own and her rescuer's
+safety, she had possessed herself of the dagger of the slain ruffian
+and had plunged it up to the hilt in the neck of the other.
+
+For the first time Raymond could take notice of the girl. Looking at
+her white face, he could see that she was a maiden of quality and
+unquestionable beauty. As she stood there, with flashing eyes and the
+reeking dagger in her hand, she seemed in the eyes of the young
+archer like one of the mythological heroines of whom he had read in
+the library of the Abbey. But with the sense of safety came the
+inevitable reaction. She dropped the knife, and, falling beside her
+mother, burst into tears.
+
+Raymond, in spite of his inexperience, saw only too clearly that the
+elder lady was beyond pain and suffering.
+
+"Come," he said gently. "We must needs go quickly. Thy mother is--"
+He was unable to finish the sentence, but the girl understood.
+
+"I am ready," she said, in a far-away voice, "but whither shall we
+go?"
+
+Pausing to throw a coverlet over the still form of the lady, Raymond
+gave a final glance at the bodies of his late adversaries; then,
+taking the girl by the hand, he drew her gently from the room.
+
+The cool, fresh air revived his scattered wits considerably, so that
+he was able to take the necessary precautions to regain St. Barbara's
+Tower. Bidding the girl wait behind a thick shrubbery, Raymond looked
+cautiously out of the gate. The street seemed to be clear, while his
+comrades were alert and waiting his return.
+
+Calling the girl, he led her quickly across the street; the end of a
+rope was thrown down, and hastily the lad looped it round her supple
+form. Then at a signal the little garrison pulled up the rope, and
+its precious burden was safe within the shelter of St. Barbara's
+Tower!
+
+"Haste thee, boy!" shouted old Dicky Wyatt, the grizzled man-at-arms.
+"The French be upon thee!"
+
+There was not a moment to be lost. The lad seized the end of the rope
+as it descended, and hanging on like a jackanapes, was soon dangling
+in the air. A party of the enemy were running down the street, and
+already a few quarrels and arrows were whistling past his ears or
+splintering themselves against the stonework of the tower. Then a
+well-directed flight of cloth-yard shafts held the enemy in check,
+and aided by willing hands, Raymond was helped over the parapet.
+
+"A plucky deed," growled Wyatt, "but thou hast sold us, my lad. See,
+they have gone to bring re-inforcements to carry the tower by
+escalade!"
+
+"Certes, Raymond," exclaimed an archer, "thou dost look like a
+butcher What hast thou been about?"
+
+"Never mind that: the tale will keep," interrupted the man-at-arms.
+"I'll warrant we'll all look worse than that ere long! Here,
+Lightfoot! Away with Ye to the kitchen, and see that plenty of water
+is put to boil. And you, Ned, fetch an axe and hew off some of this
+lead and melt it. Methinks the townsmen of Southampton will not
+amerce us with the damage, whether we hold the tower or not!"
+
+While the preparations for defence were in progress a loud shout from
+one of the archers gave warning that the enemy were returning to the
+attack, and the two score Englishmen from the height of the tower
+looked down upon ten times their number of Picards, Normans, and
+Spaniards, to whom the assault on a fortress or the sack of a
+defenceless town were looked upon as ordinary occurrences.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+OF THE ASSAULT ON ST. BARBARA'S TOWER
+
+
+WITH fierce cries and menacing gestures the foreigners rushed down
+the street, many of them carrying axes and torches, while others bore
+a stout beam for the purpose of battering down the door of the tower.
+Their archers and crossbowmen, eager to join in the fray, had slung
+their bows, and with knives, swords, or short spears in their hands,
+surged along in a confused mass with the men-at-arms.
+
+"Now! Altogether! Loose, my lads!" shouted old Richard, and with the
+well-known twang nearly a score of bows sent their missiles crashing
+into the armed mob below.
+
+Many of the advancing foemen fell, transfixed by the deadly shafts,
+while those in the rear, pressing blindly forward, stumbled over
+those who lay writhing on the ground. When, at length, the foremost
+had reached the base of the tower, where they were safe from the
+stinging shower, they were met with a stream of molten lead, which,
+burning through hauberk and leathern jerkin with equal ease, sent the
+assailants reeling back with screams of agony.
+
+The men bearing the beam were all shot down, and the main body
+retiring hastily, in a few moments the street was deserted but for a
+number of corpses, and the solitary standing figure of a man in full
+armour. Disdaining to turn his back upon the foe, the knight walked
+slowly backwards, shaking his ponderous mace in speechless anger,
+while the arrows rattled harmlessly off his proof-plate mail.
+
+"Save your arrows, comrades, and give him a heavy stone or a dose of
+hot lead should he approach," said old Wyatt. "Methinks I've seen his
+device before. 'Tis Enrico, son of the King of Sicily."
+
+Just then the prince, his spurred heels tripping on the body of a
+man-at-arms, fell prostrate on his back, amid a roar of laughter from
+the Englishmen.
+
+"Now stand by," exclaimed one of the archers, "and directly he moves
+a limb, let fly at his armpits or behind his knees!"
+
+But the Italian was not lacking in cunning, for knowing that the
+weight of his armour would effectually prevent his rising, he lay
+perfectly quiet, his arms pressed closely to his side, till some
+varlets, bearing a heavy mantlet before them, came running up and
+lifted their master on his feet. Then, with measured step, the prince
+retired out of sight.
+
+"Ah! As I thought, the rascals have learned a trick or two!" growled
+Wyatt, pointing to the Woolhouse Tower, a structure of greater height
+than St. Barbara's Tower, and standing less than three hundred paces
+distant.
+
+Abandoned by its garrison at the first alarm, the Woolhouse Tower was
+occupied by a strong body of French archers, while an equally
+formidable band of crossbowmen took possession of the lofty Woolhouse
+hard by, so that a flight of missiles was poured upon the Englishmen
+from two different points.
+
+"Lie down, men; 'tis useless to return their fire!" commanded the
+man-at-arms. But before his advice could be acted upon five archers
+and two soldiers were hit, one of the latter, his brain pierced by a
+bolt, toppling forwards over the parapet, and falling with a
+sickening thud upon the wall below.
+
+"Would it not be well to abandon the roof and seek shelter below?"
+inquired one.
+
+"And give the rascals an easy chance to carry the tower," rejoined
+old Wyatt derisively. "Nay, we must hold the flats at all cost.
+Quickly, my lads! Bring up everything ye can find that will do to
+raise a mantlet! There are plenty of hides in the store, and planks
+and poles as well."
+
+Swiftly the archers fell to work, and in a very short space they had
+stretched some stout ox-hides on poles and had raised them above the
+parapet. Strengthening their hasty barricade with several heavy
+planks, they were soon in comparative security; while through the
+narrow space betwixt the top of the battlement and the lower edge of
+the hides they could keep up a brisk discharge of arrows upon their
+assailants, while the muffled thud of shafts and quarrels striking
+upon the loosely hung hides showed both the vehemence of the attack
+and the efficacy of the defence.
+
+The defenders had now time to survey their surroundings; and, to
+every one's surprise, the Lady Audrey, calm and self-possessed, was
+busily engaged in making bandages for the wounded men.
+
+"My faith!" exclaimed Dick Wyatt, roughly yet kindly. "'Tis no place
+for thee, girl! Away with thee to the room below, and, if nursing be
+thy desire, I'll warrant there'll be enough work for thee ere long!"
+
+Reluctantly, the maiden obeyed; and the wounded archers were taken
+below so that their hurts could receive attention, while the
+survivors would be less encumbered on the narrow extent of the roof.
+
+"Stand to it once more!" shouted their leader. "They come again! Now,
+Will, be ready with the molten lead and the boiling water!"
+
+Assailed on three sides at once, the defenders were hard put to it to
+keep the attackers in check. In addition to the showers of arrows and
+stones, the enemy had gained a lodgment on the town wall, and two
+long ladders were placed against the tower, their ends resting or
+projecting above the battlements. Up swarmed a number of
+heavily-armed men, till the ladders creaked and groaned under their
+weight. Harassed by the hail of missiles, and impeded by the curtains
+of bulls' hides, the defenders could not repel the assault, and, to
+their consternation, the leaders of the attack appeared above the
+battlements.
+
+Once the mailed warriors gained the roof, all would be lost! But at
+the critical moment Richard Wyatt, seizing a massive crowbar,
+loosened a heavy coping-stone. Then, calling a couple of strong
+archers to his aid, the ponderous stone was deftly toppled over the
+battlements. Missing the first man, the stone hurled the next two
+from their swaying foothold, then, crashing through the woodwork of
+the ladder, it fell upon the heads of the men who were supporting
+those who had already ascended.
+
+The ladder cracked and broke, bringing down the other ladder in its
+fall, the fragments descending in opposite directions athwart the
+wall, where a ghastly litter of woodwork and mangled corpses marked
+the failure of the enterprise.
+
+The man who had first gained the edge of the parapet, feeling the
+ladder give beneath him, sprang for the roof; but, encumbered by his
+heavy armour, he slipped, and, clinging only by his mailed gauntlets,
+he hung dangling over the abyss.
+
+Through the bars of his visor the defenders could see his eyes
+starting from his head in his terror. But it was no time for pity.
+With gibes and fierce jests the Englishmen watched his desperate
+struggles, till, his fingers growing numb with the strain, he relaxed
+his hold and fell, with a hoarse cry, to join the crushed and mangled
+bodies of his comrades.
+
+Carried away by his enthusiasm, old Richard tore aside side the
+curtain of hides, and stood upon the parapet to view the scene of his
+triumph; but his imprudence cost him dear, fora crossbow bolt struck
+him in the side, and he fell backwards into the arms of two of the
+archers.
+
+"Lay me down," he cried feebly. "I am done for at last!" Presently he
+added, "Send Raymond to me."
+
+Quickly the young archer came and knelt beside the dying soldier,
+across whose eyes a misty film was already beginning to gather.
+
+"Raymond," he gasped, "thou'rt but a lad, but thou hast a cool head.
+Take charge of the Tower, and yield to no man. If the saints bring ye
+out scatheless, tell my master, Sir John, that I did my duty. . . .
+And now, Pearce," he added, addressing another of the archers who
+crowded around, "thou hast a strong steady hand. Grasp the bolt, I
+pray thee, and pluck it out. It would ease and hasten my passing."
+
+But the archer could not bring himself to hasten the end, in spite of
+the faint entreaties of the dying man. Then, by a supreme effort,
+Dick Wyatt struggled to his feet and tore out the deadly shaft. A
+rush of dark blood followed, and, with a loud cry of "St. George for
+England!" the old man-at-arms fell dead.
+
+The little garrison was now in sore straits. Of the original two
+score men nine were killed and twelve grievously wounded, and of the
+survivors only eleven were left to guard the roof of the Tower and
+eight to man the oylets and windows of the lower storeys.
+
+At Raymond's suggestion the steel caps of the killed and wounded were
+shown above the walls to deceive the enemy as to the strength of the
+garrison. Then, leaving two men to keep a sharp look-out, the
+remainder of the worn and famished warriors descended into a lower
+room to partake of a hasty yet plentiful meal.
+
+"I would we had a sack or two of quicklime," remarked Raymond to Will
+Lightfoot, who had charge of the defence of the lowermost storey. "We
+would then give them a warm welcome such as my father did at Hamble."
+
+Will was evidently thinking.
+
+"There is very little that will burn," he said at last reflectively.
+"They threw in some flaming wood, but, methinks, they had a good
+exchange--molten lead is not much to the taste of these rogues!"
+
+"True, the Tower cannot be fired, but why didst thou mention it?"
+
+"Because in the cellar are several bundles of straw and hay. I would
+counsel that we set them alight and hurl them on the scaling
+ladders!"
+
+"By St. George! A good device!"
+
+Once more the invaders renewed the assault, and this time ladders
+were brought against two opposite sides of the building. But, thanks
+to the trusses of flaming straw and hay, the attackers could not
+bring themselves to face the hazardous ascent.
+
+Neither did the attack upon the door at the base of the Tower meet
+with better success, for the arrows of the besieged kept the
+battering-ram inactive, while those bolder than their fellows who
+attacked the door with axes found that, however accustomed they were
+to give or receive hard knocks, molten lead and boiling water were
+more than they could stand.
+
+At length night drew on, and, save for an occasional arrow, the
+garrison were unmolested. Many of the French and Genoese, having had
+their fill of plunder, were busy removing their booty to the galleys.
+Others, mad with drink, paraded the streets uttering wild oaths and
+strange cries.
+
+Those houses that had been plundered were set on fire, and, as
+darkness fell over the ill-fated town, the glare of fifty burning
+buildings illuminated the country for miles around, and served to
+lash the surviving inhabitants into a host of desperate and
+revengeful defenders of their country's shores.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+ON THE HEELS OF THE ENEMY
+
+
+ALTHOUGH the two bailiffs, Walter de Brakkeleye and Robert de la
+Barre, had remained disgracefully inactive within their defences, the
+men of Winchester, Romsey, and other neighbouring towns and villages
+were massing to aid the men of Southampton, and a large and
+well-appointed army had gathered at ready to wrest the pillaged town
+from the Bassett, ready to wrest the pillaged town from the invaders
+and drive them back to their ships.
+
+Throughout the night the defenders of St. Barbara's Tower kept
+anxious vigil. Of the preparations for their relief they knew
+nothing. But hardly had the pale dawn begun to gather in the east
+than the foreigners were astir, taking steps to keep the galleys
+afloat on the now falling tide, as if they purposed embarking once
+more.
+
+Then, with a crash and a roar, the sound of fighting was heard
+towards the centre of the town, and from their elevated position the
+sorry remnant of the defenders saw the lances of the English charge
+down the High Street, bearing all before them. In other quarters the
+invaders, entangled in the narrow streets, were cut off by swarms of
+the infuriated inhabitants, who, knowing the peculiarities of their
+town, moved with consummate ease, hurling down stones and shooting
+arrows from the houses upon their entrapped enemy.
+
+And now, from the Castle and the West Gate and Catchcold Towers
+poured the liberated garrison, eager to avenge their disgrace. Many
+were the encounters between the Southampton men and their foes in
+this quarter of the town, till, driven back by weight of numbers, the
+enemy, who were mostly Genoese, returned slowly past St. Barbara's
+Tower, contesting every inch of ground.
+
+The little band of defenders now occupied themselves by annoying the
+retreating Italians with well-directed arrows, while, all danger of
+an assault being at an end, the barricades behind the door were
+removed so that the garrison could sally out and join their friends.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the sound of conflict, till Raymond and his
+comrades perceived the red-crossed surcoats of the Englishmen
+pressing back the discomfited Genoese. At length, unable to withstand
+the flanking fire of arrows, the enemy fled past out of bowshot of
+the Tower--all save one, whom Raymond recognised as the son of the
+King of Sicily. Burning to achieve a further deed of honour, Raymond
+threw open the door and rushed out to intercept the mailclad knight,
+who, with sweeping strokes of his sword, kept the men-at-arms at a
+respectful distance. But the lad was forestalled. A huge countryman,
+who had lost his all in the sack of the town, had crept behind the
+Prince, and, with a swinging blow of a massive club, smote the
+Italian behind the knees.
+
+With a snarl of rage and pain the Prince fell to the ground, and,
+with a shout of triumph, his assailant stood over him with his club
+upraised to give the fatal blow. Finding further resistance
+impossible, the knight dropped his sword.
+
+"_Je me rends!_" he exclaimed. "_Je vous donnerai rancon!_"
+
+"Yea, I know thou art a Francon," thundered the Englishman,
+misunderstanding the Prince's appeal for mercy, "and therefore thou
+shalt die!" And, notwithstanding a warning shout from Raymond and
+several of the Englishmen, the club descended with tremendous force,
+and the Italian lay dead upon the ground.
+
+"I'll trouble thee to mind thy own business, my master!" hissed the
+countryman, turning fiercely on Raymond.
+
+"But he was a gentleman of quality. He surrendered to thee, and he
+was worth a heavy ransom!"
+
+"Ransom, forsooth!" rejoined the man, in a frenzy. "What ransom can
+atone for a wife and five children slain? Speak not to me of ransom!"
+And, shouldering his club, the man rushed off in pursuit of the
+fugitives as they hastened towards the Water Gate.
+
+Beaten back at every point, the invaders crowded on board their
+galleys, and during the embarkation the slaughter was greater; for,
+from the walls, as well as from the shore, a heavy fire of arrows was
+hailed upon them by the infuriated townsmen.
+
+At length, with the exception of a few galleys that, caught by the
+falling tide, were burned and their crews slaughtered, the hostile
+ships withdrew, and, with a steady north-west breeze, bore away down
+Southampton Water, leaving behind them a half-burned and pillaged
+town--the terrible penalty of unpreparedness!
+
+After the _melee_ Raymond returned with the remnant of the
+Constable's detachment to the Tower they had held so well, and, to
+his surprise and delight, found his father awaiting him, though
+Redward hardly recognised his son. Stained with his own blood and the
+blood of the Genoese, covered with dust and grime from head to foot,
+Raymond looked a very different person from the gentle youth of three
+months back.
+
+"By St. Edward of Netley!" exclaimed Redward, "wherever I go, whether
+Francewards or otherwise, thou shalt go too; for methinks there is as
+much danger in Merrie England as in the land of the Fleur-de-Lys!"
+
+"But how camest thou here, father?" asked Raymond. "I thought thou
+wert at Lepe."
+
+"Ah, lad! it was there I saw the foemen sail towards Southampton; so I
+rode hot-foot to Hythe.[1] There I took a boat--stole it, I fear--and
+tried to cross; but in the fog I nearly ran into the thick of the
+galleys. Then I knew I was too late; so back to the shore I rowed,
+and came round the head of the Water by land. 'Twas a long journey by
+Totton, and by the time I reached Millbrook it was daylight, and the
+men of Romsey were marching in upon the town."
+
+By this time Raymond had washed his face and hands, and had brushed
+most of the grime from his clothes, having removed his white surcoat
+and breastplate.
+
+"We have had a hot time, father. They pressed us hard. Fourteen men
+lie stretched upon the straw, and nine are dead. Poor old Dick Wyatt
+is no more."
+
+"Heaven rest his soul!" exclaimed Redward, piously crossing himself.
+"He was a good and true comrade to me through thick and thin, and I
+trow 'tis hard to be stricken down almost within sight of home."
+
+Together father and son ascended the winding stair that led to the
+upper rooms. There lay the wounded defenders, carefully tended by the
+Lady Audrey. As Raymond entered the room, she looked at him in a
+puzzled manner. Then, holding out her hand, she exclaimed:
+
+"Why, 'tis my gallant preserver! And what a difference a clean face
+doth make ye are but a boy, and a handsome one at that!"
+
+A deep flush overspread the youth's face. Redward, knowing nothing of
+the circumstances of her rescue, could but express his astonishment,
+and, leaving the pair engaged in eager talk, he ascended to the roof,
+where lay the bodies of Richard Wyatt and the other soldiers, each
+grim and stern in death.
+
+From Will Lightfoot he learned most of the particulars of the
+defence, including his son's intrepid act of rescue.
+
+"Ay! Buckland," said Will, "'tis not every archer who hath the good
+fortune to rescue a noble lady such as the Lady Audrey Scarsdale!"
+
+"Scarsdale?" repeated Redward.
+
+"Ay Scarsdale--daughter of Sir Reginald Scarsdale."
+
+The master-bowman staggered as if struck by an invisible blow; then,
+recovering himself by an effort, asked Lightfoot if there were any
+tidings of Sir John Hacket.
+
+Even Will Lightfoot could not fail to notice the change in Redward's
+appearance; but, putting it down to the fearful strain of the fight,
+suggested adjourning to partake of refreshment.
+
+The task of laying to rest the bodies of their comrades was next
+proceeded with. Then Raymond, with two of his fellow-archers, entered
+the ill-fated house of the Lady Scarsdale, and removed the bodies of
+the three Genoese.
+
+Placing the corpse of the Lady Hilda reverently on a bed, they locked
+up the house and gave the keys into the custody of the Sheriff, who,
+knowing the Scarsdale family, took the necessary steps to ensure a
+fitting burial of the knight's wife, while Lady Audrey was taken care
+of by some relatives who resided in another part of Hampshire.
+
+Early the following morning Sir John Hacket, having assured himself
+that the enemy had made for the Channel and were not likely to return
+to raid some other coast town, rode into Southampton from Portsmouth,
+attended by his squires and a troop of lances and mounted archers.
+
+Proudly, yet sadly, the stern old knight gazed upon the sorry remnant
+of the detachment he had left at Southampton but a week before.
+
+"By St. George!" he exclaimed, "ye are a credit to me, and the one
+bright jewel in the sable field of incompetence and neglect! The King
+shall hear of your deeds! Ye see," he added aside to his squires,
+"what that ranter, Walter de Brakkeleye, and his co-bailiff, de la
+Barre, have done. Had they given more thought to the safe keeping of
+the town, instead of bickering, as Brakkeleye did with me respecting
+the jurisdiction of his bailiwick, not a house in Southampton would
+have been touched by foreign foemen, not one of the townsfolk harmed.
+Should the King think fit to hang them on the battlements 'twould be
+but their deserts!"
+
+"And now," he continued, addressing the archers, "I will take care
+that bravery hath its reward. Another penny a day shall be added to
+your pay, and, as for Raymond Buckland, who, I am told, undertook the
+defence after my trusted Wyatt's death, from this time forth he shall
+be one of my squires! Let him but acquit himself as he hath done
+since he hath been in my company, and he will be on the road to win a
+pair of gilded spurs!"
+
+
+[1] Not, of course, the well-known coast town in Kent, but the
+ancient villae of that name on the New Forest side of Southampton
+Water.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+FATHER AND SON SET OUT FOR HENNEBON
+
+
+NEARLY four years have elapsed since the events recorded in the last
+chapter--years full of national interest. The naval battle of Sluy's
+had been fought and won, and for the time the English fleet ruled the
+Channel, so that scarce a French or Spanish vessel dared to show
+itself betwixt Ushant and Cape Grisnez.
+
+After the siege of Tournay, a treaty had been concluded between King
+Edward III. and Philip of France, but the former was ever on the
+alert to seize a favourable opportunity of renewing hostilities, and
+late in 1341 an incident occurred that gave the King the excuse to
+prosecute the war once more--a step that led to the glorious victory
+at Crecy and the overrunning of nearly the whole of France by the
+victorious arms of England.
+
+The Duchy of Brittany was disputed between John of Montfort and
+Charles of Blois, and, while the latter was pressing his claims at
+the French Court, Montfort, by force or intrigue, had acquired the
+fortresses of Rennes, Nantes, Brest, and Hennebon; and in order to
+obtain a powerful supporter he had journeyed to England and concluded
+an offensive and defensive alliance with King Edward, at the same
+time offering to do him homage for the Duchy of Brittany.
+
+Keeping this treaty a deep secret, Montfort did not hesitate to
+return to Paris to defend his case, but realising that the French
+King did not favour him, and fearing violence at his hands, the Earl
+retired to Brittany and declared war against the Count of Blois.
+
+Philip sent his son, the Duke of Normandy, with a powerful force to
+aid Charles of Blois, and Montfort, after sending urgent requests for
+assistance to the King of England, shut himself up in Nantes, which
+was immediately besieged by the French.
+
+By the treachery of the inhabitants Nantes fell, and Montfort, taken
+prisoner, was hurried to Paris, where he was loaded with chains and
+thrown into a loathsome dungeon in the Louvre.
+
+But, though low, the fortunes of the Montforts were destined to
+recover. The cause was taken up by the Countess Joan of Montfort, the
+heroic wife of the imprisoned Earl, and being loyally supported by
+the Bretons, she withdrew her forces to the town of Hennebon, where
+she awaited the onslaught of the French, trusting in the expected aid
+from England.
+
+* * * * *
+
+But to return to Raymond Buckland and his adventures. As squire to
+Sir John Hacket, the Constable of the King's Castle of Portchester,
+he was now a member of the knight's household, spending the greater
+part of his time within the grey walls of the fortress.
+
+Four years had made a great change in Raymond's appearance. He was
+now a youth of twenty, tall and well built. Thanks to his
+surroundings, he was skilled in the arts of warfare, and few could
+withstand him at the jousts and spear-runnings that were frequently
+held in the extensive grass-grown square that formed the outer bailey
+of the castle. Moreover, his monkish training admirably fitted him
+for the more clerkly duties that fell to him, and by his diligence,
+intelligence, and courage he was held in high esteem by the fiery old
+knight.
+
+Redward, too, for his tried devotion and experience was made head
+master-bowman of the Constable's company, and, when occasion served,
+Sir John was not above asking his advice in the ordering of the
+castle and its defences.
+
+But over Raymond hung a dark cloud of perplexity. The image of the
+fair Lady Audrey was ever present in his mind, and, encouraged by the
+Constable's prediction that in due course he might be entitled to
+wear the gilded spurs of knighthood, his hopes ran high of one day
+being in a position to win the maiden's heart and hand. But to his
+unbounded surprise, Raymond found that his father was tacitly opposed
+to this, his dearest wish. With difficulty Redward had been persuaded
+to allow the young squire to wait upon Sir Reginald Scarsdale, when
+that knight wished to thank him for his services. Any mention of the
+name of Scarsdale served to plunge the master-bow-man into moodiness
+and silence, and any question that the lad put to his sire on the
+subject was turned in a way that puzzled Raymond in no small degree.
+
+One day an event happened that was to transfer the lad from the
+pleasant life of ease at the castle to a far more active and
+dangerous sphere.
+
+How well Raymond remembered it in after years. That morning he and
+another squire had mounted the four-storeyed Norman keep, and from
+the battlements looked down upon the scene below. It was a striking
+picture; the keep stood at the north-west-angle of the huge fortified
+enclosure. Immediately beneath the east and south faces of the donjon
+lay the inner bailey. In the far corner of the outer bailey stood the
+church, and close by was the water-gate, at which lay the Constable's
+state barge. Away to the south stretched the wide expanse of
+Portsmouth Harbour, its waters dotted with the sails of highsided
+cogs and other merchant vessels, as they threaded their way up the
+sinuous deep-water channels that led to the castle.
+
+Immediately opposite the water-gate was the landport, or gateway
+giving access to the castle from the land. The lads could follow the
+line of the dusty road as it passed through the little village, swept
+round the head of the harbour, and eventually was lost in the
+distance as it ran towards the City of London.
+
+"Look, Raymond," exclaimed his companion, a Hampshire lad named
+Oswald Mant. "A horseman approaches, and, my faith, he does not spare
+his steed!"
+
+"'Tis not one of the company?"
+
+"Nay, look at the livery--murrey slashed with green--he is of the
+household of Sir John Chandos."
+
+"Then something of importance hath taken place. I would 'twere good
+tidings from France!"
+
+Leaving a dense white cloud of chalky dust behind him, the messenger
+clattered down the road, pulled up for a moment at the outer gateway
+to reply to the challenge of the guard, then spurred madly across the
+courtyard to the foot of the steps leading to the keep. Here a page
+ran forward to hold his horse, and, throwing himself wearily from the
+saddle, the rider staggered up the steps and disappeared under a low
+archway that gave access to the Constable's quarters.
+
+An hour passed ere the messenger reappeared, and, after draining a
+cup of wine, he remounted and spurred his horse on his homeward
+journey.
+
+While the two squires were debating over the matter, a page sought
+them, summoning Raymond to instantly repair to Sir John's apartment.
+
+With beating heart, as if anticipating some good fortune, Raymond
+followed the page, and was ushered into the Constable's presence,
+where he found that Redward was already before him. It was a long,
+narrow room, lighted with lancet windows and hung with rich arras. At
+one end was a heavy table littered with papers and plans, and, for
+the nonce, unmindful of the dignity of his position, Sir John was
+sitting on its edge, swinging one leg, with the air of a man who is
+occupied by a perplexing problem.
+
+Directly the page had retired, the Constable signed to Redward to
+draw a thick hanging over the door.
+
+"Raymond," quoth he, "the King hath done us a signal honour. A
+messenger hath arrived with orders for me to send a trusty squire to
+the Countess of Montfort, who, as ye know, is beleaguere in Hennebon.
+'Twill be a grave and hazardous task, yet withal one of great honour.
+To my mind, I cannot name a more promising messenger than thee. Art
+willing to take the risk?"
+
+"To have a chance to distinguish myself in the King's service is my
+ardent desire, sir!"
+
+"'Tis well. Now listen. Hennebon is on the sea coast of Brittany,
+betwixt the great River Loire and the town of Brest. As the foemen
+lie thick around it, and have also, I doubt not, a strong
+water-guard, 'tis a matter of stratagem rather than open work. But,
+in any case, this packet must be delivered into the hands of the
+Countess at all costs--at all costs, I repeat. I give thee a free
+hand in the matter. Take what men thou dost deem fit--though,
+methinks, the smaller the party the more chance of success."
+
+"Methinks my father will be sufficient company for me, sir."
+
+"Ah! as I thought. Thou hast chosen wisely. Now take this map and
+mark it well--'tis by the hand of the King's own guide--and get you
+gone to prepare for thy journey, for to-morrow morn a stout little
+craft will lie off the water-gate ready to bear thee over the sea."
+
+Overjoyed at the prospects of such an adventure Raymond withdrew, and
+consulted with his father on the best means of getting through the
+cordon that was drawn round the beleaguered town.
+
+As night drew on, father and son repaired to the little church within
+the walls, and for seven long hours kept an earnest vigil before the
+altar, praying fervently for the success of their enterprise, and
+invoking the protection of their patron saints against the perils of
+land and sea. Then, as daylight dawned, they arose, weary and stiff,
+to partake of food and drink ere embarking.
+
+Tidings of their mission had already spread throughout the garrison
+of the castle, and when, accompanied by the Constable himself, the
+two travellers made their way to the water-gate, a large concourse of
+soldiers and members of the household flocked behind them to cheer
+them on their way and to wish them God-speed.
+
+Riding easily at her hempen cable, on the first of the ebb tide, lay
+the staunch vessel that was to carry them across the Channel. On her
+stern were engraved the words _Les Trois Freres de Guernesey_,
+showing her to be one of the Channel Islands boats, whose crew, brave
+and hardy fishermen, were the best pilots obtainable.
+
+They were, in fact, the only vessels that in those days were capable
+of making any pretence of sailing into the wind, and even then only,
+in nautical language, "full and bye." The usual type of ships, with
+their huge square sail, could only run before the breeze.
+
+The skiff of _Les Trois Freres_ was waiting at the little Hard, and
+the farewells were quickly said. The precious despatch was sewn in
+the hem of Raymond's jerkin, and once again the stern old knight
+impressed upon his squire the necessity of the utmost caution. Then
+he extended his hand to the lad.
+
+"God be with thee, and bring thee safely home again. I would be loth
+to lose so promising a lad!" exclaimed Sir John.
+
+"Thanks for thy good wishes, fair sir," replied Raymond. "And should
+I not return," he added, with a faint catch in his voice which, in
+spite of his stout heart, he was unable to conceal, "I pray you send
+this packet to the lady whose superscription appears hereon." And,
+thrusting into the knight's hand a bulky missive, Raymond turned
+quickly on his heel, to hide his rising colour, and stepped into the
+skiff.
+
+The Constable watched the Guernsey bark hoist her sails, and waited
+till she was well on her way down towards the harbour's mouth; then
+he returned slowly towards his quarters.
+
+Glancing at the packet, he deciphered with difficulty the
+superscription, written in a scrawling hand: "To ye richt
+worshippefulle Ladye Audrey Scarsdale."
+
+"Heaven bless the lad," he mused. "Certes I am of a mind to forward
+this missive whether he returns or not!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE CHIRURGEON OF LEGUE
+
+
+WITH a powerful following wind, _Les Trois Freres_ made a rapid
+passage down the harbour, and, before Raymond fully realised the
+fact, the little vessel was lifting to the gentle heave of the
+Channel.
+
+By midday the chalk cliffs of the Isle of Wight were all that was
+visible of the shores of England, and, though a careful watch was
+kept for hostile ships, not a sail was to be seen on the wide expanse
+of water.
+
+The master, Pierre de la Corbiere, was a huge-limbed, swarthy
+Guernseyman, who spoke in a guttural patois that was almost
+unintelligible to the young squire, though Redward, to whom most of
+the dialects of France were familiar, could make himself understood
+with comparative ease.
+
+Nine men and a boy composed the crew, a large one for so small a
+craft; but the perils of war, added to the dangers of the sea, were a
+sufficient excuse for their numbers. Each man, picturesquely clothed
+and wearing silver earrings, was a trained pilot, and most of them
+had served in that capacity on board the ships that had on past
+occasions taken the King and his troops to France and Flanders. All
+of them carried short daggers or knives in their belts, while a large
+chest, lashed to ringbolts in the deck, contained a good supply of
+swords and axes.
+
+"If this wind lasts," remarked the master, "we shall sight Cap de la
+Hogue within a couple of hours. Whither would ye land, good sir?"
+
+"Nay, I know not," replied Redward. "And, moreover, I care not, so
+long as it be not too close to the town."
+
+"There are the ports of Quimper, Doualan, Auray, and Morbihan," said
+Pierre, counting them on his fingers. "All of easy distance from
+Hennebon--though, perchance, we may receive a rough handling when we
+arrive. Ma foi! And the passage of the Chenal du Four 'Twould be
+quicker and safer to run into St. Brieuc."
+
+"St. Brieuc!" exclaimed Redward, referring to a very rough plan.
+"Why, 'tis at least twenty leagues from the town to which we
+journey."
+
+"Twenty leagues by land, as ye say," replied the Guernseyman
+doggedly. "But if 'tis a question of time, commend me to St. Brieuc,
+for if we lose the wind or have a contrary wind off Ushant, it may
+mean a week's buffeting in the Chenal du Four, with a score of reefs
+and unseen rocks on each side of us."
+
+"As ye will, then," assented Redward; and he moved away to tell
+Raymond of the alteration of their plans.
+
+But the young squire was in no fit mood to be informed. The long,
+swinging motion and the heat of the sun had done their work, and he
+lay prone on the deck in the miseries of sea-sickness. Knowing that
+any attempt at consolation would only aggravate the malady, the
+master-bowman turned away, and, leaning against the low bulwarks,
+gazed intently towards the still invisible French coast.
+
+Late in the afternoon the grey cliffs of La Hogue and the dark
+outline of the Isle of Aurigny were sighted; but just before sundown
+the wind died utterly away, leaving the little craft wallowing
+heavily in the long swell, her sail flapping idly against the mast.
+
+The sky, hitherto clear and cloudless, was now overcast, and away
+towards the southward a succession of flashes of lightning betokened
+an approaching storm.
+
+Even Pierre de la Corbiere, bold fisherman as he was, looked anxious,
+for the vessel was now beginning to feel the influence of the
+dreadful Race of Alderney, and, with a lack of wind and a dark night
+to boot, the terrors of the Race were considerably magnified.
+
+About midnight they were in the thick of it. A slight breeze had
+sprung up, but barely sufficient to give the boat steerage-way. All
+around were tremendous broken waves, and, although Pierre stood
+gripping the tiller in an endeavour to avoid the heaviest breakers,
+the boat was urged onwards through the Race at the rate that a horse
+would trot, her mast threatening to snap under the irregular action
+of the vicious cross seas.
+
+Throughout the tumult Raymond lay like a log, utterly unmindful of
+the danger, his illness having completely overcome him. His father
+took the precaution to lash him to the mast, and throughout that
+fearful night Redward remained by his side, making endless vows to
+the saints, which he heartily meant to fulfil should they ever again
+reach dry land.
+
+Fortunately the threatened storm passed away, and as daylight broke
+_Les Trois Freres_ was beyond the influence of the Race, Guernsey and
+its attendant islands, Sark and Herm, being plainly visible.
+
+With a skill acquired by long years of experience, the Guernseyman
+steered his craft between the islands, taking advantage of every
+current that would help to bear them south, and, before the sun was
+high, the Island of Jersey was abeam. The waters, too, were dotted
+with the sails of fishing boats, forming a pleasing contrast to the
+dreary waste of water they had traversed on the previous day.
+
+Worn out and faint from the effect of his long fast, Raymond sat up
+and looked around, as if unable to bring himself to recall his
+surroundings; but after a scanty meal of dry bread and water, he felt
+the giddiness leave him, and with an effort he stood on his feet,
+gripping his father tightly for fear of falling.
+
+"Where are we?" he asked dejectedly.
+
+"Nearly there," replied Redward. "A sailorman thou'lt be some day,
+but beshrew me if thou lookest like one now! An hour ashore will make
+all the difference; but rest awhile, my son, for there's work enow
+ere long for both of us."
+
+Late in the afternoon _Les Trois Freres_ entered St. Brieuc Bay, the
+high ground showing up distinctly, while far away they could discern
+the lofty Bretagne hills, that lay between them and their
+destination; and, just as the sun was sinking low behind the Brittany
+coast, the little craft brought up under the shadow of the gloomy
+castle of Cesson.
+
+Redward and the master conferred long and anxiously on the subject of
+how to gain the shore without observation, but at length a light
+dawned upon the dull mind of the Guernseyman.
+
+"Thou hast said well," he remarked. "Of a truth we cannot make sure
+whether they of St. Brieuc are for the Countess of Montfort or
+against her. And none of us wishes to put his head into the wolf's
+mouth. But I know of a man--a foster-brother of mine--at whose house
+ye could stay until the way is clear for ye to journey across
+country. He dwells at Legue, but a mile from St. Brieuc, and I will
+go ashore and converse with him."
+
+Silently and in the now black night the little skiff was lowered, and
+Pierre de la Corbiere was rowed ashore by two of his men.
+
+For nearly two hours Redward and the young squire remained on board,
+anxiously listening for the sound of oars, till at length the little
+boat shot noiselessly alongside, and the master sprang upon the deck.
+
+"'Tis easily done, though they of Blois hold the town," he exclaimed
+breathlessly. "Raoul de Rohein, of whom I spoke, is willing to
+receive you, for which service he demands five sols. He is a barber
+and chirurgeon, and lives in the Rue Mortbec. Hasten, ere it be
+light, for we must leave on top o' the tide."
+
+Once more the skiff, deeply laden, started for the shore. Raymond, in
+his light armour, had discarded his surcoat with the conspicuous
+cross of St. George, Redward in his harness could hardly be
+distinguished from a Breton, and could rely upon his knowledge of the
+French tongue to pass for a Gascon, or a Burgundian, as occasion
+served. With them went Pierre de la Corbiere and a sailor, both of
+whom rowed while the squire and his father sat in the stern-sheets.
+
+Half-an-hour's steady pulling and the skiff grounded on the sandy
+shore. Silently the three disembarked, leaving the seaman to look
+after the boat, and quickly they made their way towards the house of
+refuge.
+
+Suddenly the master stopped. "_Mon Dieu_," he exclaimed, "_c'est les
+gardes!_"
+
+Coming straight towards them was a body of halberdiers, accompanied
+by an officer. Retreat, without arousing suspicion, was impossible;
+but in a few words the ever-resourceful Redward had devised a plan.
+Raymond lay down in the road, his father lifted him by the shoulders
+while Pierre took him by the feet, and, staggering under their heavy
+burden, they advanced to meet the watch.
+
+"_Halte! Qui v'la?_" demanded the officer, flashing a lantern upon
+the trio.
+
+"'Tis le Sieur d'Erqui, Monsieur," replied the Guernseyman, speaking
+in a patois which is common between the Bretons and the Channel
+Islanders. "He has been roystering and brawling, and has been sore
+hurt."
+
+"One cannot put old heads on young shoulders," remarked the officer,
+with a deprecating shrug. "What folly hash he been at?"
+
+"I cannot say, monsieur."
+
+"Eh, bien! All the wine-shops will have the tale to-morrow! _En
+avant, mes enfants!_" he added to his men, and to the great relief of
+Raymond and his companions the watch shouldered their halberts and
+moved on towards St. Brieuc.
+
+"A narrow escape," exclaimed Pierre, crossing himself. "If we were
+discovered, three against seven would be long odds."
+
+"I've been in a worse fix before to-day," replied Redward sturdily.
+"And we could have taken them by surprise."
+
+"Nevertheless, fighting is not in my line--on land, at least--and I
+am thankful it did not come to blows."
+
+At length they arrived at a narrow street, where storeys of the
+houses projected beyond those below, till the uppermost ones appeared
+almost to meet, shutting out even the dim gloom of the now
+starlit-sky.
+
+With the air of a man who feels certain of his ground Pierre strode
+rapidly ahead, the others following closely at his heels. Presently
+he stopped outside a house, and drawing his dagger, struck lightly
+upon the door with the hilt. After a few seconds' delay they heard
+the sound of some one moving within, and the door was carefully
+unbarred and thrown open.
+
+Pierre whispered a few words to the occupant, then, bidding his
+former passengers farewell, he turned on his heel and walked swiftly
+and silently towards the shore.
+
+The Englishmen followed their host into a low, ill-lighted room, and
+for the first time they were able to see what manner of man he was.
+
+A misshapen, undersized body, surmounted by a lean, yellow-skinned
+face, and furnished with a pair of long arms, the hands of which,
+shaking as if with ague, resembled the claws of a bird, formed the
+outward appearance of the barber and chirurgeon of Legue; and Raymond
+could not repress a shudder as he gazed upon this caricature of a
+human being.
+
+"Ye are for Hennebon?" he asked in a quavering tone, rolling his
+lustreless eyes from one to the other.
+
+"Ay," replied Redward, "but how, by Saint Gregoire of Brittany, didst
+thou know?"
+
+"The shipman, my foster-brother, hath told me. But the money, the
+money?" he added, opening his withered hand.
+
+"A curse on the shipman," growled Redward to himself, "his tongue
+will be our undoing. Here, take this," he added, counting out a sum
+of money equivalent to the five sols demanded. "Canst furnish us with
+a horse apiece?"
+
+Ignoring the question, the barber counted the pieces, putting each
+coin between his toothless gums, as if doubtful of their quality.
+
+"Didst hear me--respecting the use of two horses?" demanded Redward
+sternly.
+
+"Yea, noble master," replied the barber. "But there are none to be
+had."
+
+"None?"
+
+"None! They have all been seized by those of Blois till the affair is
+over. Therefore, by necessity, ye must go afoot--and the roads are
+very unsafe for travellers at present, especially Englishmen bound
+for Hennebon!"
+
+"A pest on your words! What would ye have us do?"
+
+The old man advanced a step, peering with his bleared eyes into the
+face of the master-bowman.
+
+"For money there is much to be had!" he croaked, a sardonic smile
+overspreading his withered face, while his long fingers clawed
+invisible heaps of gold.
+
+"Out on thee for an arrant cheat! Give thy plan and name the price."
+
+Slowly and deliberately, his voice hardly above a whisper, the Breton
+replied: "Did it ever occur to thy noble self that the dress of a
+leper would make the best protection?"
+
+Redward recoiled, in spite of his hardened nerves, for sufferers from
+that loathsome and incurable disease were far from rare in Western
+Europe in those days. In France they were compelled by law to wear
+long grey gowns and hoods, and to carry a "barillet," or rattle, to
+give due warning of their approach. Under severe penalties they were
+forbidden to remain in the larger cities and towns, or to beg or use
+their rattle for the purpose of exciting pity. Thus it was common to
+see them wandering over the countryside in pairs, their approach
+being the signal for other wayfarers to pass them at a safe
+distance.[1]
+
+"But the dress?" asked Redward.
+
+"That is easily to be had. I have a stock of them in this house. And
+the price----"
+
+"They have not been used?" interrupted the master-bowman anxiously.
+
+"Certainly not, monsieur," replied the barber, with a hideous leer.
+"'Twould be impossible. But the price I ask--and they be of good
+quality--is but one livre, five sols--quite a small sum for a wealthy
+gentleman like monsieur!"
+
+At that moment a loud rapping was heard. The squire and his father
+sprang up, and, suspecting danger, their hands flew to their
+sword-hilts.
+
+With a motion of his hand, their host indicated that they should hide
+behind a heavy curtain; then, taking a torch from its socket, he made
+towards the door.
+
+After considerable parleying the nocturnal visitor was admitted, and,
+through a small hole in the mouldy curtain, Redward could see him
+without risk. That he was a man of quality was apparent by the long
+furred gown he wore; and further, by the length of the garment and
+its rich violet colour, and the mortier or silk cap, ornamented with
+Valenciennes lace, worn instead of the hat affected by the bourgeois,
+his rank was of importance.
+
+"Art thou Raoul de Rohein, the chirurgeon?" he asked, in a lisping
+voice, flourishing a musk-perfumed handkerchief as if to ward off the
+hideous shape before him.
+
+"At thy service, my lord--barber, chirurgeon, apothecary, having been
+duly examined and licensed by the great John Pitart, surgeon of the
+Chatelet of Paris."
+
+"'Tis well! I am the Sieur d'Erqui, and I am bound for the army of
+Charles of Blois, that lieth before Hennebon. In camps one has always
+the fear of plague. Therefore, believing that forewarned is
+forearmed, I come to thee for a remedy or, rather, a
+preventative--'gainst the fell disorder."
+
+"I have the very thing, monsieur! But five sols nine deniers the
+box--the nine deniers being devoted to the funds of the hospital of
+St. Brieuc, _bien entendu!_ By the holy St. Mark, the very thing! A
+mixture of sulphur, viper's cake, powder of pearls, confection of
+hyacinth, and an extract of the juice of _scorsonera_, all prepared
+according to the recipe of the learned John Pitart, and made into
+tablets covered with gold foil. One drachm three times a week, in the
+morning, is the dose, monsieur, and if exposed to the infection two
+drachms before going to bed!"
+
+"And is that all?" inquired the Sieur anxiously, as if the presence
+of the barber was a presage of the plague.
+
+"Nay, of thine own ordering there is much to be done. I perceive that
+monsieur carries the perfume of musk about with him. That is wrong.
+Instead, let him take a citron pricked with cloves. Never walk out
+fasting, neither drink wine immoderately; and, in the case of
+immediate danger, take a little theriaque; and I'll warrant Erqui
+will welcome its Sieur home in due course. And the fee, monsieur, is,
+as I said, seven sols nine deniers."
+
+"But now thou didst ask five sols and nine deniers!"
+
+"Two sols in addition for the advice--excellent advice, monsieur.
+_Merci, monsieur, et bon voyage!_"
+
+The Sieur had gone, and Raymond and his father came from their
+hiding-place. Redward explained to his son, in a few words, the
+nature of their disguise. Once again the talon-like hand of the
+miserly Raoul closed over the money, and away he went to look for the
+required garments.
+
+In a few moments he returned. The Englishmen donned the repulsive
+insignia of the leper, and took the barillets in their hands. The
+barber again unfastened the door and listened intently for any sound.
+There was none.
+
+"Take the road through the village; it leads to Pontivy. There,
+perchance, ye may find horses. Fare ye well!"
+
+And, passing out into the darkness of the night, the Englishmen began
+their long journey afoot, stealing silently through the almost
+deserted streets towards the frowning hills of Brittany.
+
+
+[1] It was not until thirty years later that the hospitals of St.
+Lazare and St. Germain were founded in Paris for the relief of these
+unfortunate sufferers. On systematic steps being taken to deal with
+the malady, the number of its victims quickly diminished; till the
+scourge was practically wiped out.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE JOURNEY PERILOUS
+
+
+LONG before the grey morn began to dawn Redward and his son had
+covered a couple of leagues, and were at the foot of a long range of
+hills. Slowly they began the ascent, and, ere the summit was reached,
+the light was sufficient for them to see their grotesque and horrible
+garb.
+
+"A safe disguise," exclaimed Raymond, "yet right glad will I be when
+we can doff these garments."
+
+"A safe disguise enough, should the barber not play us false,"
+replied his father. "I liked not his looks, though I trow he is in
+no ways to blame for the cut of his face."
+
+"But dost think that he will play us false?"
+
+"'Tis not unlikely; so the more leagues we place between us and St.
+Brieuc the better. Canst get at thy sword-hilt?"
+
+"Not easily. Wherefore dost thou ask?"
+
+"Danger might come apace and at any time. See, I have cut a slit in
+my gown so that I can grasp my sword without delay. I pray thee do
+likewise."
+
+On the brow of the first hill was a long farmstead, sheltered more or
+less by a clump of stunted pinetrees. Behind the house was an
+orchard, its branches laden with fruit, while amongst the trees were
+several cows, their heads tethered to their forefeet, after the
+manner of those parts, so that the animals could not tear down the
+branches of the fruit-trees.
+
+"A sight to gladden the eyes of an old campaigner!" exclaimed the
+master-bowman, and, taking his steel cap from beneath his cowl, he
+stole cautiously towards the cattle, Raymond waiting behind a
+sheltering tree.
+
+With the deftness born of old experience Redward did his work, and
+soon returned with his casque filled to the brim with warm milk.
+Having drunk their fill, the travellers helped themselves to a
+bounteous supply of fruit, and proceeded on their way, the fruit,
+together with some dry bread they had brought with them, making a
+passable breakfast.
+
+At the bottom of the hill they entered a small village. Although
+still early, most of the inhabitants were astir, and the Englishmen
+had their first experience of the efficacy of their disguise. For
+directly they rattled their barillets the villagers ran hither and
+thither to avoid the supposed sufferers, save a horseman and an old
+woman. The former passed them at a distance of a few paces, throwing
+them a couple of deniers. With his usual presence of mind Redward
+stooped, picked up the coins, and louted to the donor. The woman
+threw them a rusk loaf, and this was caught and quickly concealed
+beneath the sheltering cloaks.
+
+Once clear of the village they mended their pace, and, with the
+exception of a pair of shepherds, and a peasant clattering along in
+his heavy sabots, not a soul did they meet till close on midday, when
+the travellers arrived at a cross-road, where the monotony of the
+outlook was broken by four avenues of trees.
+
+"I would fain have rested here awhile," exclaimed Redward. "But with
+that for company methinks we shall do better if we get about a
+bow-shot further on!"
+
+"A corpse?"
+
+"Ay, lad; a malefactor hanged close to the scene of his crime. See,
+already the crows have begun their work."
+
+With averted heads the twain passed the gallows; but on giving a
+glance down the cross-road they saw a sight that filled them with
+misgiving, for plodding wearily along were two figures dressed like
+themselves!
+
+"Lepers, indeed!" exclaimed Redward. "My faith, they would bear us
+company."
+
+Waving their arms to attract and arrest their supposed
+fellow-sufferers, the two grey-robed men quickened their pace, but,
+directly the Englishmen had gained the cover of the tree-lined road,
+they, too, hastened to avoid being overtaken, so that by the time the
+lepers had turned the corner, Raymond and his father were some
+distance ahead.
+
+"We more than hold our own," quoth Redward, glancing over his
+shoulder. "Directly we shake them off we'll have a well-earned rest."
+
+It was as he said. The well-knit frames of the Englishmen were vastly
+superior to the diseased bodies of the lepers, and long before the
+bottom of the hill was reached their two pursuers were but dimly
+visible on the dusty road.
+
+Once again the road led upwards. Not a village was to be seen, only a
+vast undulating plain, unbroken except for an occasional clump of
+trees, while in the distance the blue outlines of a lofty range of
+hills showed that some stiff climbing would be necessary ere Hennebon
+was in sight.
+
+An hour later and they had all but gained the ridge of the next hill.
+By the roadside was a heather-covered bank, while between a mass of
+rocks a spring gushed forth, the water making a pleasant sound in the
+ears of the weary travellers.
+
+Father and son drank at the spring, then clambering over the bank,
+lay down on the springy heather, where, without being seen, they
+could command the road for nearly a league.
+
+"'Tis quite evident that we can outpace those poor wretches," said
+Raymond, stretching out his limbs to their fullest extent in
+appreciation of his natural bed. "Here we can rest in comfort till
+they draw nigh; then, refreshed, we can hasten onwards once more."
+
+For nearly an hour they remained, sleep all but claiming them. Not a
+word was spoken, though Redward gave an occasional grunt as he raised
+himself on his elbow at intervals to watch the advancing lepers.
+
+The heat, too, was terrific, the sun beating down with fierce
+violence on their unprotected resting-place.
+
+Suddenly Raymond raised himself and looked along the road they had
+just traversed. There were the two grey-robed figures moving slowly
+up the hill, but away in the distance the sun glittered upon a
+swiftly-moving mass of steel, followed by a thick cloud of dust.
+
+"Soldiers!" he exclaimed.
+
+Redward raised himself. "I like it not," he exclaimed. "They are
+following us. That rogue of a barber hath betrayed us. Lie low,
+Raymond, and let them pass; I perceive 'twill mean a journey by night
+for us."
+
+Stretching side by side, and concealing their hoods with sprays of
+heather, father and son waited and watched. The two lepers were
+within two hundred paces ere they heard the thunder of the horses'
+hoofs behind them. With a cry of terror one of the twain turned and
+fled; the other, ignorant of the intentions of the pursuing horsemen,
+held his ground, flourishing his rattle with the vigour that danger
+bestowed upon him.
+
+Like a flash the foremost soldier was upon him; a back-handed sweeping
+cut with his sword and the grey-robed figure was dashed to the earth,
+and ere his companion had come level with the spot where the
+Englishmen were concealed, he was transfixed by a lance-thrust and
+was trampled beneath the horses' hoofs.
+
+With wild cries of exultation the troop of horsemen reined in their
+steeds and surveyed the result of their fell work.
+
+"Quickly, Geoffroi! Strip those cloaks from the bodies of these
+accursed English and search them for concealed papers," ordered their
+leader. "By St. Denis, 'tis a smart piece of work, though I little
+thought the rogues would have died so tamely!"
+
+The soldier addressed dismounted, handed his still reeking lance to a
+comrade, and bent over the corpse of the man he had slain. With a
+quick motion he tore aside the robe. But the next instant, uttering a
+shriek of terror, he jumped backwards, covering his eyes with his
+hands as if to ward off a blow.
+
+"_Mon Dieu!_" exclaimed the captain, craning over the neck of his
+charger. "What have we done? They are in truth real lepers! Dolt of a
+barber! A curse upon Raoul de Rohein! He hath deceived us! Is it the
+same with the other?"
+
+The first victim had fallen on his back, and his hood, stained with
+his blood, had slipped from off his head, disclosing the repulsive
+disease-eaten features of a man whose malady was far advanced.
+
+"Stand back, all of you!" shouted the captain, beside himself with
+rage and mortification. "Stand back! Do thou, Jehan, cast thy sword
+and its sheath from thee lest thou die! And do thou, Geoffroi, ride
+fifty paces behind us, and hold communication with no man till the
+law respecting contagion is complied with. Now back to the town with
+all speed, _mes enfants_, for I have an account to settle with Maitre
+Raoul! What will they say of us when they hear we have vanquished
+nought but a pair of lepers?"
+
+The troop galloped away down the dusty road towards St. Brieuc, the
+unfortunate soldier following in the rear, his face ashen with terror
+at the thought of the loathsome death he had courted, while two
+mottled grey corpses, a discarded sword, and the imprints of the
+hoofs of the cavalry alone remained to mark the scene of so swift and
+terrible a tragedy.
+
+Shuddering at the thought of their narrow escape, Raymond and his
+father rose, and with averted faces, left behind them the bodies of
+the ill-fated men, and pursued their journey. Not till they were two
+leagues from the spot did they halt; then, selecting a secluded
+coppice, they threw themselves on the ground and were soon deep in
+dreamless slumber.
+
+The sun had set and the stars were beginning to twinkle in the
+darkening sky ere the travellers awoke stiff and cramped with lying
+on the bare earth; but stern duty urged them onwards, and with
+swinging stride they resumed their way.
+
+Along the deserted highway, past the slumbering village of Ploeue
+they jogged, too discomforted and weary even to engage in
+conversation.
+
+About two hours after midnight they were startled by hearing the
+sound of horsemen behind them. Without hesitation Redward sprang to
+the side of the road, dragging the squire with him; then kneeling
+down and placing his ear to the ground he listened intently.
+
+"'Tis but a pair of horsemen," he whispered. "See to thy sword, for
+there will be work afoot for us!"
+
+The riders had now slackened down to a slow trot, and by their
+conversation the Englishmen recognised that one of them was an old
+acquaintance--none other than the Sieur d'Erqui.
+
+"Once have we met him, and once at least hath he done us a service,"
+muttered the bowman in a low tone. "Methinks yet another service will
+he render us. Now, follow me!"
+
+Giving a tremendous salute with his rattle, Redward, with Raymond
+close at his heels, sprang into the road and barred the Sieur's way.
+Taken aback, his face livid with superstitious fear, d'Erqui reined
+in his steed, while his companion, evidently a retainer, did
+likewise.
+
+"Dismount, monsieur, lest I lay hands on thee and thou diest a
+horrible death," exclaimed Redward in a sepulchral voice, relying on
+the cowardice of the foppish Frenchman to gain his end.
+
+Without a word the Sieur leapt, or, rather, rolled, from the saddle
+and cowered down in the darkness by the roadside. Seizing the horse's
+bridle by the left hand, the soldier advanced towards the other
+horseman.
+
+Made of sterner stuff, the latter had recovered from the first
+surprise, and, perceiving that he had no supernatural foes to deal
+with, he drew his sword and rode towards his challenger. Avoiding
+with ease a terrific sweep of the heavy weapon, Redward returned the
+blow without effect, but, ere the man could shorten his sword, the
+young squire rushed in, seized him round the waist and hurled him
+from the saddle to the ground, where he had enough reason to remain
+quiet.
+
+It was the work of a moment for the Englishmen to mount the captured
+steeds, then, giving a parting salute to the discomforted Sieur, they
+pricked the horses with the points of their weapons, and urged them
+into a brisk canter.
+
+"Bravely done, Raymond," exclaimed his father. "It will fare ill with
+us now if Hennebon sees us not by to-morrow's dawn!"
+
+"But how can we ride in this disguise?" asked Raymond. "It is not the
+custom for lepers to go about on horseback."
+
+"There is a good two hours ere daybreak, and by that time, I trow, we
+shall be at least five leagues from here. Then, I hope, the saints
+being with us, that thou wilt be the Sieur d'Erqui, and I his man!"
+
+"The Sieur d'Erqui?"
+
+"Yea, and why not? Thou hast played the part of the Sieur before to
+good purpose, and why not now? But, oh for a plentiful repast! Dry
+bread and apples are but a sorry meal when one is used to English
+beef!"
+
+Maintaining a hot pace the travellers rode through the night; then
+just as day was breaking they halted, watered their horses, and,
+after hobbling them, turned them out to graze. They then divested
+themselves of their hideous cloaks and hoods, rolled the garments
+into a small compass, and resumed the role of soldiers.
+
+About eight o'clock they arrived at the village of Pontivy, and
+reining-in at the inn, Redward dismounted and strode up to mine host,
+who saw in every armed man a spoiler, whether he were for Montfort or
+for Blois.
+
+"Hark ye, garcon!" exclaimed the master-bowman, "thy best food and
+wine in plenty, and provender for our horses! And, as thou valuest
+thy hide, say not one word to my master, the worthy Sieur d'Erqui,
+for he is in a bad mood, and woe betide the man who addresses him!"
+
+Their steeds were led away, and Raymond and his father were shown
+into the largest room of the inn, while the waiting-maids, urged by
+the host, bustled about preparing the meal.
+
+Raymond did not belie the character his father had given him as the
+Sieur, but his reticence was due to bodily fatigue. For, while
+awaiting the meal, fitful sleep claimed him, but it was only to
+awaken with a start as his head fell forward on his chest.
+
+Never was a repast better enjoyed, and never was the desire to sleep
+so irresistible, but Redward, though weary himself, was inexorable.
+
+"Maybe swift pursuit is already at our heels," said he. "So onward we
+must go. Hola!" he shouted, hammering on the trestled board with his
+sword-hilt.
+
+In answer to the summons the host appeared, trembling in his shoes.
+
+"How is the army ordered before Hennebon And where shall my master
+find the banners of the Duke Charles?"
+
+"Sir, report hath it that the force of Blois lieth thickest about
+where this road approaches the town, so, without doubt, the banners
+of the Duke are there."
+
+Throwing down a coin to pay for their repast (whereat the host
+marvelled greatly, seeing it was not the custom of the times),
+Redward followed the supposed Sieur from the inn; their horses were
+brought round, and soon they were clattering over the pave of the
+village towards the open country.
+
+Redward glanced backwards several times to see if there were any
+signs of pursuit, but to his great satisfaction none could be
+detected.
+
+"Thou hast heard what the rogue said the foe lie thickest along this
+road? Should any follow us we have laid a false scent, for I do not
+wish to ride straight into the camp of Blois. To that end let us turn
+off along the road to Aurai, and thence follow the coast to the walls
+of Hennebon."
+
+Accordingly they turned aside at a cross-road, having learned from a
+peasant that it led to the town of Aurai. A league or so farther on
+they again left the road and rested in a wood, sleeping without
+molestation till late in the afternoon.
+
+Darkness was drawing on as they struck the road between Hennebon and
+Aurai, about a bow-shot from the latter place. Avoiding the town the
+travellers turned towards their goal, now but a short four leagues
+distance.
+
+"We must be doubly cautious, Raymond," said his father, "for methinks
+another troop of horsemen is approaching."
+
+Once again they withdrew from the road, and, hiding beneath the
+shadow of some tall trees, they waited. Nearer and nearer came the
+sound, till, like a whirlwind, a large body of knights and mounted
+men-at-arms dashed by in the darkness, and, with a thunder of hoofs
+and a cloud of dust that rose slowly in the still night air, they
+vanished into the gloom.
+
+"By St. George! What doth it mean?" exclaimed Raymond.
+
+"Nay, I cannot say, save it be they of Blois fleeing from those of
+Montfort; every man was riding for dear life, and, mark you, with
+loose rein and hot spur!"
+
+"Then onwards, father! An hour will decide whether we reach Hennebon
+unscathed, or have to fight our way in."
+
+Almost before they were aware of the fact they rode right into the
+camp of the besiegers, but, instead of being instantly challenged and
+taken prisoners, it was like a progress through a city of the dead.
+Most of the tents were cut down, several of the temporary wooden huts
+still smouldered, while here and there their horses had to step aside
+to avoid treading on the corpse of an unarmoured man.
+
+Still wondering at this unlooked-for sight, the Englishmen spurred on
+till they drew rein outside the twin towers that guarded the gate of
+Hennebon. A hoarse voice challenged them, and torches flickered on
+the battlements as the garrison stood to their arms.
+
+"Open! We would see the Countess!" roared Redward, standing in his
+stirrups.
+
+"Who are ye, and whence come ye?" was the reply.
+
+"Messengers from the King of England."
+
+Cries of delight greeted this announcement, the drawbridge fell with
+a ponderous clang, the great gates were thrown wide open, and,
+conscious that a great duty had been well carried out, Raymond,
+followed by his father, entered the town of Hennebon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE RELIEF OF HENNEBON
+
+
+"THY name and style, fair sir?"
+
+"My name is Raymond Buckland, squire to Sir John Hacket, Constable of
+the King's Castle of Portchester and Governor of the town of
+Portsmouth. Lead me, I pray, to her grace the Countess of Montfort,
+for I have a letter which I have to give her by my own hand."
+
+"Nay," was the reply, "that cannot be--at least not at this moment.
+The Countess led a sortie yesterday at noon, and, alas, hath not yet
+returned. I, Henri Barbenoire, seigneur of the castle of Ploeac and
+Seneschal, in the absence of the Countess of this town will receive
+thy message."
+
+"That cannot be," replied Raymond courteously, "for to the Countess
+alone must I hand this letter."
+
+Barbenoire, a Breton whole-heartedly devoted to his mistress, did not
+press the point, but ordering a hasty meal to be prepared, remained
+with the young squire. It was but a sorry repast, for already the
+supplies were low, nevertheless Raymond did justice to the simple
+fare, listening awhile to the narrative of the events of the siege.
+
+Cheered by the touching confidence that the heroic Countess had given
+to the townsmen of Hennebon, the garrison had fought bravely and
+well. The Countess herself wore armour, and rode on a huge warhorse
+through the narrow streets, encouraging her people to make good
+defence, reminding them of the help she hoped would be forthcoming
+from the King of England. Nor did she spare the womenfolk, for she
+caused them to discard their long trains and heavy skirts and to don
+short kirtles so that they could move with freedom. This done, they
+were employed in carrying stones and arrows to the walls to replenish
+the missiles of the defenders, and so emboldened were they by the
+example of their mistress that the women did not hesitate to hurl the
+stones down upon the invaders.
+
+At length one day the Frenchmen massed outside the northern wall for
+a grand assault, and, ascending a lofty tower, the Countess perceived
+that their camp was empty. Instantly calling together a body of
+knights and mounted men-at-arms the lady mounted her steed and,
+placing herself at their head, rode straight for the French camp,
+cutting down tents and setting fire to everything that would readily
+burn.
+
+The watchers on the walls saw the French host desist from the assault
+and retire to intercept the Countess. Finding herself cut off from
+the town, she called in her followers, and rode furiously away to
+Aural, hotly pursued by Sir Louis d'Espagne, the second in command of
+Charles of Blois.
+
+Thus it was that Raymond had seen the Countess and her troops pass by
+him without knowledge of their identity; and now the garrison was
+ignorant of the fate of their beloved leader, none knowing whether
+she had been killed or taken, or whether she had baffled pursuit.
+
+On the morning following the arrival of Raymond and his father, the
+host of Blois still encompassed the town, yet no attempt was made to
+renew the assault.
+
+The two Englishmen were enrolled as members of the garrison, and as
+the days went past they with their foreign comrades gazed eagerly
+from the battlements in the hope of seeing the banners of the
+returning Countess.
+
+On the fifth day, Barbenoire had ascended the lofty east tower.
+Despair for his mistress had filled his soul, yet, inspiring the
+townsfolk by word and deed, he gave no sign of misgiving, being
+resolved to hold Hennebon as long as a single fighting-man was left.
+
+The rising sun dazzled his vision, but a movement on the skyline
+riveted his attention. Calling one of his captains, he pointed out
+the spot, and both agreed that it was a body of troops approaching.
+
+A very short time sufficed to spread the news, though Barbenoire
+commanded that no demonstration should be made lest it should attract
+the notice of the besiegers.
+
+Soon it was beyond doubt that the Countess was returning. Collecting
+a body of one hundred archers and spearmen, the Seneschal ordered
+them to make a feint sortie from the western side while the gateway
+on the opposite side was thrown open to receive the Countess. Then,
+when safely within the walls with all her company and an additional
+force of five hundred spears, the redoubtable Chatelaine was greeted
+with a great noise of trumpets to the cheers of the delighted
+townsfolk.
+
+The besiegers, finding themselves tricked, could not refrain from
+praising the boldness and skill of the Countess of Montfort.
+Nevertheless, they advanced to the assault, and the struggle waxed
+fierce until noon, when, unable to gain a lodgment, the partisans of
+Blois sullenly retreated to their camp.
+
+Directly the attack was repulsed, Raymond hastened to the presence of
+the Countess. She had now divested herself of her bascinet and steel
+jupon, and the young squire saw before him a tall, stately lady of
+about thirty years of age. Her finely chiselled face was crowned by a
+wealth of auburn hair, which, ruffled by the removal of her
+headpiece, served to hide the somewhat lofty brow.
+
+Raymond could but marvel that such a truly feminine form possessed
+the courage and endurance of a man, and his astonishment was
+increased when she addressed him in low, sweet tones, for he had
+heard of the Countess's soul-stirring speech, when, holding her
+little son by the hand, she had so successfully appealed to the
+chivalrous instincts of her knights and to the loyalty of the
+townsfolk.
+
+Concealing her agitation at the arrival of such important news from
+England, the Countess broke the seals and opened the letter. Her face
+flushed with pleasure as she read its contents.
+
+"Hearken, my fair lords, to the message of our noble overlord the
+King of England," she cried, turning to those who were with her.
+"Four score ships by now are on their way to aid us, and ere long
+three thousand men, under Sir Robert of Artois and Sir Walter Manny,
+will be on the heels of our enemies."
+
+Shouts of exultation greeted this announcement, and, the news quickly
+spreading, the whole town was given over to rejoicing.
+
+But meanwhile active preparations were being made by Charles of Blois
+to make another general assault, and the arrival of some formidable
+siege-engines enabled him to breach the walls in several places;
+while the garrison, kept in a state of constant alarm, were worn with
+toil and endless vigil.
+
+Every morning at sunrise, for nearly two months, the Countess would
+ascend the loftiest tower in Hennebon and gaze towards the distant
+Cape of Ushant in the hope of catching sight of the sails of the
+English fleet. But her expectations remained unrealised, for seaward
+the horizon was unbroken, while around the town lay the close lines
+of her relentless foes.
+
+At length one of her partisans, the Bishop of Leon, informed her that
+his nephew, Henri de Rohan, who was in the camp of Blois, desired to
+hold converse with her; and, being granted safe conduct, the knight
+entered the town for the purpose of inducing the besieged to
+surrender, promising an honourable capitulation, with permission for
+the garrison to withdraw.
+
+For a while it seemed as if De Rohan's words would gain the day, till
+the Countess, supported by Barbenoire, again harangued her knights,
+and the ecclesiastic withdrew discomfited.
+
+Thereupon the French advanced to the grand assault, while the
+besieged caught up their arms and silently yet resolutely awaited
+their approach.
+
+But ere the archers could begin their hail of arrows which was to
+open the attack, the ringing voice of the Countess was heard from the
+summit of the tower:--
+
+"Voila, le secours! Viola le secours anglais! Courage, enfans; nous
+sommes sauves!"
+
+"Will they be in time?" asked Raymond anxiously, as he stood by his
+father on the shattered wall.
+
+"If we can but make good the battlements for one hour all will be
+well. Canst see aught of the ships?"
+
+"Not as yet."
+
+"Then heaven forfend the Countess be not mistaken. Stand to it,
+Raymond, for here they come!"
+
+All conversation was stopped by the on-coming foemen. The squire
+closed his visor, and crouching behind his shield, awaited the
+attack. Under cover of the archers the men-at-arms advanced. Though
+some fell before the darts of the besieged, the main body pressed
+steadily onward, till they reached the breach in the shattered
+masonry.
+
+The impact of the two forces was terrific; men went down on both
+sides, and, as sword and lance were shattered, axes, mauls, and maces
+continued the deadly work. The air was rent with the clash of arms,
+the shouts of the combatants, and the groans of the dying; but the
+townsfolk held their own, and after an hour's desperate struggle the
+attacking party retired.
+
+"'Tis hot work!" exclaimed Redward breathlessly, throwing down a
+heavy axe and removing his steel cap to cool his heated head. "Run
+and see if our comrades are yet in sight."
+
+To gain the summit of the tower was the work of a moment, and to the
+squire's great delight he saw the English ships already within easy
+distance of the harbour, their sails bellying out before the
+favouring breeze, and the water churned by the lash of the oars.
+
+"They come! They come!" he shouted joyously.
+
+"And so doth the foe," replied Redward grimly. "Haste back to the
+breach, for, by St. George, 'tis touch-and-go with Hennebon!"
+
+Again the attackers advanced, one knight, utterly regardless of his
+life, urging his horse towards the gap in the wall. Crouching, with
+lance in rest, the Frenchman spurred over the shattered stones,
+received yet recked not a hail of arrows, and rode furiously towards
+Raymond, who, sword in hand, awaited his approach.
+
+It would have gone hardly with the young squire had it not been for
+the unevenness of the ground, for the horse stumbled over a loose
+stone, throwing its rider heavily on the ground.
+
+In spite of the weight of his armour and the shock of his fall, the
+knight, a man of gigantic strength, rose to his feet, dropping his
+lance and wrenching his mace from the saddle-bow. As he did so
+Raymond struck him a heavy blow with his weapon, but the steel turned
+against the crest of his casque and was shattered close to the hilt.
+In a moment the mace beat down the squire's shield and descended upon
+his head, and without a cry the squire dropped senseless to the
+ground.
+
+But his fall was speedily avenged. Wielding his heavy axe, Redward
+sprang forward and smote at the Frenchman's helm. Realising his
+danger, the knight sprang aside; but, though avoiding a fatal blow,
+he did not escape, for the axe, glancing off the crest, caught the
+projecting visor. Unable to stand the strain, the leathern laces of
+his helmet burst, and the bascinet, though prevented by the camail
+from falling off, was turned back to front, so that the unfortunate
+wearer was unable to see through the openings of the visor.
+
+Dazed by the blow and in total darkness, the Frenchman staggered
+blindly about, still striking feeble and aimless blows, till the
+defenders, with taunts and execrations, beat him to the ground and
+despatched him with their axes.
+
+Meanwhile Redward bent over the prostrate form of his son, but ere he
+could ascertain whether the blow had been fatal the main attack had
+commenced. Gallantly the besieged met the shock; many fell on both
+sides, and for the space of a quarter of an hour the issue hung in
+the balance.
+
+At length, reinforced by a band of knights under Louis d'Espagne, the
+assailants bore back all before them. Barbenoire, fighting gallantly
+to the last, fell covered with wounds. Redward, standing over his
+son's body, kept back the press for a time, till, borne down by the
+weight of numbers, he was struck to the earth, but ere he lost
+consciousness he was dimly aware of the sound of English voices and
+the renewed clash of arms.
+
+At the critical moment the long-expected aid had arrived!
+
+Once more the tide of battle turned, and the followers of the House
+of Blois, unable to withstand the fierce onslaught of the English,
+fled panic-stricken before the reinforcements, the knights and
+mounted men-at-arms of Sir Walter Manny riding down all who came in
+their way.
+
+When at length the victorious Manny returned from the pursuit, the
+Countess of Montfort came forth and warmly greeted him.
+
+"Of a truth, fair sir," she exclaimed, as the warrior knelt and
+kissed her hand, "I cannot but liken you to the Archangel Michael
+sent from heaven in answer to our prayers!"
+
+Meanwhile the inhabitants of the town were busy pillaging the camp of
+their enemies, bringing in additional food supplies and tending their
+own wounded--for those of their assailants who were left in their
+hands were mercilessly despatched, save where their rank made them
+likely subjects for ransom.
+
+Redward and his son were found surrounded by the bodies of friend and
+foe, senseless but still breathing. The Countess had been apprised of
+the fall of her gallant messenger, and had ordered the young squire
+and his father to be carried into her own house within the castle.
+Sir Walter Manny himself also came frequently to see how fared the
+forerunner of his arrival, and brought with him his own chirurgeon to
+attend the two.
+
+For four days Raymond lay unconscious, till one morning his scattered
+senses returned, and he opened his eyes to find himself in a roomy
+apartment overlooking the town walls. Instead of the clash of arms
+the sun was shining brightly and the birds were singing. Beside him
+were the Countess and a group of Englishmen of quality; a little
+distance off lay Redward on a soft couch, his gaze fixed intently
+upon his son.
+
+Then the young squire realised that Hennebon was saved, and that his
+father was still with him; and with a sigh of contentment he fell
+into a deep and natural slumber.
+
+The wounds of both Raymond and his father were severe, and a
+considerable time elapsed ere they were capable of moving about,
+while their complete recovery, in spite of the kindly climate of fair
+Brittany, was a tedious business. Thus they missed the remaining
+portion of the Brittany campaign, in which Robert of Artois captured
+Vannes, and was soon afterwards driven from that town by a surprise
+attack on the part of some Breton adherents of Charles of Blois.
+
+Shortly after, the existing treaty between England and France was
+terminated, for during the struggle in Brittany a truce was nominally
+in force, the armies of England and France ostentatiously supporting
+the claim of the rival dukes; but on the expiration of the treaty war
+was openly resumed between the two great nations.
+
+The King of England landed at Marbain with 12,000 men, and
+simultaneously laid siege to Vannes, Rennes, and Mantes, but the
+triple task was beyond his power, and under the influence of the
+Pope's legates he agreed to observe a truce for three years.
+
+Immediately following this pacific arrangement King Edward
+re-embarked for his own dominions, and with the army went Raymond and
+Redward, the former despondent at the news of the truce, regarding it
+as being fatal to his cherished hopes of winning the golden spurs of
+knighthood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+RAYMOND'S ERRAND
+
+
+NEARLY four years have elapsed since the young squire's mission to
+Hennebon. They have been years of comparatively uneventful waiting.
+To him the dark clouds of unkind fate showed no signs of the silver
+lining of good fortune, for he fully realised that until he had risen
+above the rank of squire he dare not hope for the hand of the fair
+Lady Audrey Scarsdale.
+
+Thus, there was nothing to do but wait patiently, under the orders of
+kindly Sir John Hacket, fervently hoping for the call to arms that
+would give him the opportunities of winning his spurs upon the soil
+of France.
+
+The three years' truce had been ill-kept. Already the Earl of Derby
+had crossed into Guienne, but news, though scanty, was far from
+reassuring, and daily the Constable of Portchester was awaiting the
+summons to assemble his men and march to join the King's forces at
+Southampton.
+
+One afternoon, in the month of May 1346, the watch on the keep of the
+castle perceived a man limping towards the gate. He was tall,
+broad-shouldered, and bronzed-faced, yet bent with physical
+infirmity, being compelled to use a rough crutch to aid his tottering
+footsteps.
+
+"Ho, Watkin!" exclaimed one of the soldiers to a comrade. "Surely
+that looks like Long Edney, of Wickham, yet methinks I am mistaken."
+
+"If't be, then, certes, he hath made a grievous error; for he went to
+Guienne, hoping to return speedily with much booty. This man hath
+pain to carry himself, let alone the plunder he hath not!"
+
+"'Tis Edney, of a surety. See, he waves his hand to us!"
+
+In a few moments the luckless man-at-arms was within the castle,
+surrounded by a crowd of rough sympathisers. Hearing the sound of
+voices, Sir John Hacket appeared, and, recognising the man as one who
+had left his service some time previously to join the forces under
+Lord Norwich, sent Raymond to lead Edney into his presence.
+
+"'Tis a sad home-coming for thee," exclaimed the knight
+sympathetically. "Yet Heaven knows there are many such. The highways
+are thick with broken soldiers."
+
+"Ay, Sir John," returned the man despondently. "A bolt through the
+thigh is a sorry return for my trouble, and not a silver penny's
+worth of spoil to show for it! Nevertheless, the saints helping me, I
+hope to adventure myself again in this matter."
+
+"And with better luck," rejoined the Constable. "And, now tell me,
+how goes the war in Guienne?"
+
+"Faith, it goeth against us in the main. Pembroke and Sir Walter
+Manny are shut up in Aiguillon, and when I left Bordeaux they had
+sent urgent appeals for succour. For my part I know but little of
+Aiguillon, being besieged with Lord Norwich in Angouleme."
+
+"And how fared Norwich?"
+
+"As crafty as ever."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"The Duke of Normandy pressed him sorely, so that the French looked
+likely to take the town by escalade. Thereupon Norwich beat a parley.
+'How, now!' exclaimed the Duke. 'Dost wish to give in?' 'Nay,'
+replied our leader, 'but as to-morrow is the Feast of the Virgin, to
+whom we both bear great devotion, I desire a cessation of strife for
+that day.' 'Right willingly,' replied the Duke, and Norwich, nigh
+bursting with badly-concealed merriment, descended from the walls.
+That night he ordered us to prepare our baggage, and early next
+morning we marched out straight for the enemy's camp. The Frenchmen
+flew to arms, but Norwich, forbidding our men to draw, sent a knight
+to remind the Duke of his promise."
+
+"And what did the Duke?"
+
+"He kept his word. 'I see the sly fox has outwitted us, but let us be
+content with gaining the town,' he exclaimed; and right between the
+lines of astonished Frenchmen we marched, without losing as much as a
+single stick."
+
+"Ho! ho! ho!" laughed Sir John. "A clever trick, but, methinks,
+'twill not pass another time. And Pembroke hath sent an urgent
+message to the King for aid, didst thou say?"
+
+"Ay, directly our ship tied up alongside the quay at Southampton the
+messenger rode off at headlong speed to Windsor, although he could
+scarce keep his seat by reason of sea-sickness."
+
+"Then, Raymond," exclaimed the Constable, turning to his squire, "the
+summons will be here anon. But, mark my word, this will be no
+child's-play, for, methinks, the King will be loth to let Guienne
+slip through his fingers. And now, bring me the tally of the bows,
+arrows, and spears, for no time must be lost."
+
+Joyfully the squire hastened away to get the required information,
+and the castle was soon alive with excitement at the thought of
+active service.
+
+The old knight was not wrong; the call to arms came, and, thanks to
+his sagacity and forethought, the Constable was soon ready to take
+the field. Ere June had arrived Sir John's company had marched into
+Southampton to await the King's good pleasure.
+
+Raymond saw great changes as he gazed around the old familiar place.
+The walls had been raised and strengthened; larger houses had taken
+the place of the charred ruins that the French invaders had left
+behind them, while a fleet of large ships showed that Southampton had
+quickly recovered from the horrors of pillage.
+
+The fleet was typical of the resources of Hampshire, for Southampton
+contributed twenty-one ships manned by 476 mariners, Lymington sent
+nine, Portsmouth five, Leepe, Newtown, and Yarmouth two each, while
+the county of Dorset supplied twenty-five vessels, of which Weymouth
+sent twenty-one and Poole four.
+
+Farther down the Water towards Hythe lay a larger fleet, composed of
+vessels from the Cinque Ports, London, Ipswich, and Great Yarmouth,
+while towards the Netley side were the West Country ships from
+Dartmouth, Sutton, Fowey, and Falmouth.
+
+Altogether there were not far short of eight hundred sail, assembled
+in less than fourteen days, to bear across the Channel the huge army
+destined for the conquest of France.
+
+On Midsummer Day, the Feast of St. John the Baptist, the news came
+that the King had left the Queen in the care of his cousin, the Earl
+of Kent, and was on the road to Southampton.
+
+Instantly the work of embarking the troops, horses, and baggage
+began, and never before did the good townsmen of Southampton behold
+such a fair and martial sight. Throughout the long June day the task
+proceeded, and a seemingly endless procession wended through the West
+Gate, each division having its appointed order.
+
+The Portsmouth ships were to form the rearguard, so that it was the
+duty of the Constable of Portchester to embark last of all. From his
+quarters, close to the West Gate, Sir John watched the embarkation,
+pointing out to his squires the respective devices and banners of the
+various contingents.
+
+From all parts of the kingdom, save the northern counties, whose men
+were required to watch the restive Scots, had this army foregathered,
+the flower of chivalry and the stoutest of the yeomen of England.
+There were the lions rampant of the Percies, Mowbrays, and d'Albini,
+each distinguishable by the "field," the ruddy chevrons of the de
+Claves, the gilded cockle-shell of the de Malets, and the more
+complicated devices of de Montfichet, Quince, Fortibus, de Bohun, de.
+Vere, and Fitz-Walter. Each baron had his following of men-at-arms
+and archers, the former having to lower the points of their long
+slender spears as they passed beneath the vaulted archway. After the
+feudal army, numbering four thousand men-at-arms and ten thousand
+archers, came a horde of fierce-eyed, hairy men of short stature,
+each armed with a long knife and a double-bladed axe.
+
+"Ah," exclaimed Sir John, noting the look of inquiry on Raymond's
+face. "Heaven help the Frenchman who falls wounded in the field, for
+these are the Welsh levies. I have marked their method of fighting
+before to-day, and, certes, I am of no mind to praise them for it."
+
+The Welshmen were succeeded by a straggling body of tall,
+gaunt-looking men, armed with a small shield and short spear. They
+lacked the grim stolidity of the Englishmen, and marched with merry
+laugh and careless jest uttered in a strange tongue.
+
+"The Irish levies from Leinster," remarked the Constable,
+"good-natured in peace, honest fighting-men, yet terrible when
+roused. I can recall a little affair before Cadsand, but 'tis too
+long to relate at the moment. But hark!"
+
+Redoubled cheering echoed down the narrow sloping street, and the
+knight and his squires strained their ears to ascertain the cause.
+The last of the troops had passed, yet still the archers who lined
+the route pushed back the excited townsmen with their six-foot
+staves.
+
+"The King!" exclaimed the Constable.
+
+Attended by a number of lords and barons, Edward rode slowly through
+the crowded street, acknowledging the acclamations by the faintest
+inclination of his head. He was then in his thirty-fourth year, yet
+the cares of his kingdom and the claims of his Lombard and Flemish
+creditors had made him look considerably older. A longish dark beard
+partially concealed a hard, firm mouth, while his dark piercing eyes,
+glittering beneath his broad forehead and bushy eyebrows, betokened a
+war-like temperament. His coat of plate-armour, fashioned in the
+latest style, was covered by a surcoat, upon which were embroidered
+his newly-assumed arms, the fleur-de-lis of France, quartered with
+the silver lions of England, while a velvet cap took the place, for
+the time being, of his plumed bascinet.
+
+At his right hand rode his fifteen-year-old son, Edward, afterwards
+known to fame as The Black Prince; while at his left rode Lord
+Godfrey of Harcourt, the King's much-esteemed councillor.
+
+Burning with ill-concealed impatience Edward, with his suite,
+embarked that very evening, and ere morning dawned the fleet had left
+the shelter of Southampton Water, and was heading westward for the
+English Channel, the Portsmouth ships, with the Constable and his
+company, rolling sluggishly in the rear, about a league astern of the
+main body.
+
+With the favouring north-easterly breeze all went well, and steadily
+the floating army neared the coasts of France; but on the third day
+came a flat calm, so that the ships were compelled to use their
+sweeps to prevent themselves drifting into one another.
+
+The calm was succeeded by a strong south-westerly gale, so that all
+advantage of the previous favourable breeze was totally lost; and,
+unable to make headway, the fleet was driven back towards the English
+coast, taking shelter in the Cornish harbour of Fowey.
+
+For six days the fleet lay weather-bound, till Sir Godfrey of
+Harcourt counselled the King to give up the idea of landing in
+Gascony.
+
+"Sire," he exclaimed, "Normandy is one of the plenteous countries of
+the world. On jeopardy of my head, if thou wouldst land there, there
+is none to resist thee. The people of Normandy are not used to war,
+and all the knights and squires of the country are now at the siege
+before Aiguillon."
+
+The advice, though hardly correct, the King took, and, the wind
+moderating and blowing more in their favour, the fleet again put to
+sea, and reached La Hogue without further incident.
+
+Arrived on the coast of Normandy, the English began to make a
+revengeful attack on the ports of Cherbourg and Barfleur, the ships
+of these ports having harried the coasts of England in times past,
+and with fierce shouts the soldiers pillaged the defenceless towns,
+burning every ship they found in the harbours.
+
+One night, Sir John Hacket, who had been in audience with the King,
+returned to his quarters in high glee.
+
+"Raymond," he exclaimed, "the King hath again done signal honour to
+my Company. News hath reached us that the Count of Tancarville, who
+is the most puissant noble in Normandy, lieth at a hunting lodge near
+the village of Brique, within five leagues of the camp. He hath, we
+are told, no knowledge of our presence. Could we but entrap him and
+bring him a prisoner into the camp, it will clear the way for our
+advance, for, bereft of the counsel of the Count of Tancarville, all
+Normandy would be masterless. Now, consider; I have a free hand in
+this small matter, and can use the whole of my Company to my
+advancement. What think ye? Is it better to take but a few mounted
+men, or adventure with them all?"
+
+"In my humble opinion, Sir John," replied Raymond, "the matter is
+best undertaken by but a few. Too many would give alarm. A few would,
+in the case of our plans miscarrying, be but little missed, and if
+they do succeed, then the greater the honour!"
+
+"Thy words do thee credit, Raymond, and, by St. George, a better
+leader for the enterprise than thou I cannot choose. Take your choice
+of mounted men, and begone. A guide is even now detained in the camp,
+who will lead you to Brique. Now, remember, alive or dead, bring the
+Count into the camp, but alive by choice."
+
+Quickly the young squire went about preparations for his mission.
+Five trusted men-at-arms were chosen, and their arms and horses
+carefully inspected by their young leader, who resolved to leave
+nothing to chance. Then, placing their guide, a heavy-limbed Norman
+peasant, upon a spare horse, and attaching a light chain to his wrist
+(one end being held by a soldier with orders to despatch the man at
+the first sign of treachery), the little party left the camp, passed
+the outlying cordon of sentries, and plunged into the darkness.
+
+By degrees the horsemen became accustomed to the gloom, and, riding
+closely together, with the guide in their midst, they maintained a
+brisk pace towards their goal, and ere long the camp-fires of their
+comrades were lost to sight behind them.
+
+The night was sultry; not a leaf stirred on the branches of the trees
+that lined the road, and a dull oppressive feeling pervaded the
+atmosphere.
+
+Suddenly the faint rumble of distant thunder was borne to their ears,
+and instinctively the horsemen glanced at one another, for a
+thunder-storm was looked upon by the mediaeval soldier as a harbinger
+of evil.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the storm, till the lightning flashed across
+their path, illuminating the horizon with its sulphurous glow, but as
+yet not a drop of rain had fallen.
+
+Meanwhile their guide had kept perfectly silent, answering the
+questions put to him with either a nod or a shake of his head. Though
+Raymond had acquired a smattering of the French language he was
+unable to understand the patois of the peasant, so one of the
+men-at-arms was deputed to put any necessary question to their
+impassive guide.
+
+At length they reached the confines of a dense forest, and hardly had
+they gained the dangerous shelter of the trees than down came the
+rain, accompanied by almost incessant flashes of lightning.
+
+Dazzled by the appalling light, and almost deafened by the sharp
+detonating rattle of the thunder, the little party rode in fear and
+trembling till their guide stopped them with a motion of his hand,
+and indicating an almost invisible avenue that forked from the road
+they were following, exclaimed, "V'la, m'sieurs!"
+
+"Ask him how far it is to the Count's hunting-lodge!" exclaimed
+Raymond.
+
+"He says 'not far.'"
+
+"Certes, I am as wise as before. Ask him again." The man mumbled
+something unintelligible, then held up two fingers.
+
+"A murrain on his thick-headedness; fair Sir, I cannot rightly tell
+what he doth mean."
+
+"Then be cautious. Remember, directly we catch sight of the place,
+one man remains with the guide and the rest follow me!"
+
+The path was too narrow for two to ride abreast, so they proceeded in
+single file, the guide leading, with a soldier, leaning over his
+crupper to give the necessary length of chain, following closely
+behind and through the avenue, so dense that even the lightning
+almost failed to illumine, Raymond's party rode on their desperate
+errand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+TRAPPED!
+
+
+BEFORE the raiders had proceeded very far a short exclamation from
+one of the men-at-arms caused them to pull up sharply.
+
+"What's amiss?" demanded Raymond in a whisper.
+
+"The peasant's horse hath gone lame," replied one of the soldiers.
+"Can we not despatch the guide, for, certes, he is of no further use,
+and it will save us the trouble of looking after him?"
+
+"Nay!" replied Raymond sturdily. "I am loth to cause a harmless
+peasant to be slain. Make him mount behind thee, Robert, but keep a
+tight hold on his chain."
+
+Once again the advance was resumed, the horses floundering over the
+slippery, leaf-strewn path, their riders being put to great trouble
+by reason of the overhanging branches that often almost swept them
+from their saddles.
+
+Presently they began to descend a steep declivity, the slope
+requiring all the skill of the horsemen to keep their steeds on their
+feet, while the rain, now falling in torrents, had transformed the
+little path into a foaming stream.
+
+Suddenly a vivid flash of lightning rent the darkness of the night,
+and in the dazzling glare Raymond beheld, with a thrill of horror,
+two of the men who were leading disappear into a yawning chasm almost
+at his feet, their cries drowned by the appalling crash of the
+accompanying thunder. By dint of reining in his horse till the animal
+was almost on its haunches, the young squire saved himself from a
+similar fate, and slipping to the ground he awaited, in terrible
+suspense, the next flash that would give some idea of his position.
+The succeeding period of darkness seemed to weigh upon him like a
+suffocating shroud, while the silence was broken only by the frantic
+prancing of the remaining horses, the feeble groans of one of the
+fallen men, and a low gurgling sound a short distance away--a sound
+that caused indescribable terror in the mind of the young squire.
+
+Then came another crash and a ponderous mass fell across the path he
+had just passed, and another shriek of agony rent the air. To the
+horrified Raymond, whose superstitious feelings were aroused by the
+war of the elements and the tragedy of his surroundings, the place
+savoured of the infernal regions; and gazing with wide-open eyes into
+the inky blackness, he dumbly awaited the next gleam of blinding
+light.
+
+At length, after a seemingly endless suspense, it came--a double
+flash. Short as was the duration of the glare it served to intensify
+the horror of his position.
+
+At his feet yawned the pit, wherein the feebly-moving limbs of two
+of his men still writhed in the throes of death, while their horses
+were frantically kicking each other in the confined space. Behind him
+lay another man-at-arms, the blood welling from a gaping wound in his
+throat, while a fourth lay crushed--beyond recognition by a heavy
+tree-trunk that, falling across the path, effectually prevented a
+retreat. There was no sign of their guide, but the fifth soldier was
+leaning against a tree-trunk, his hands pressed tightly over his eyes
+as if trying to shut out the ghastly scene.
+
+The next flash showed that he, too, had vanished, and Raymond was
+alone, though the shouts and cries of the unfortunate man-at-arms
+betokened that he was being haled off through the forest by some
+invisible agency--whether by men, animals, or spirits the squire
+dared not imagine.
+
+And now the underwood on either side seemed alive with movement, and
+Raymond felt, or fancied he felt, rough hands groping towards him.
+Frenzy took possession of his shaking body, and, lashed into the
+energy of despair, he unsheathed his sword and slashed madly about
+him. The blade came in violent contact with an overhanging bough and
+snapped off close to the hilt; at the same moment the squire felt a
+pair of sinewy arms encircle his feet, and with a lusty heave he was
+upset and thrown with a crash to the ground, the point of a knife
+pressing against his throat warning him of the utter uselessness of
+further resistance.
+
+Bound hand and foot, the unfortunate squire was carried or dragged
+through a thick growth of underwood, till at length his captors
+gained a large clearing. By the aid of a momentary flash he saw the
+outlines of a low building. In response to a violent knocking he
+heard the sound of bolts being withdrawn, and, borne on the shoulders
+of four strong men, he was carried into the house, and dropped
+unceremoniously upon the rush-strewn floor.
+
+Some one took a torch from its socket and bent over the prostrate
+squire. Raymond recognised the features--it was the traitorous guide!
+But gone was the heavy lustreless expression of his eyes and the
+stolid set of his swarthy jaws; instead a look of malevolent
+intelligence overspread his face, and by the subservience with which
+he was treated by his comrades it was evident that he was a man of
+authority.
+
+"Ah! Dolt, fool, beast of an Englishman! How nicely hast thou borne
+the Count of Tancarville back to the camp of the cursed invader of
+Normandy! Dead or alive, eh? Little didst thou know how near thy
+purpose was fulfilled when thy base _routier_ made to pass a knife
+across my throat. I--even I--am the Count of Tancarville!"
+
+He paused to observe the effect of this startling announcement, but
+Raymond preserved a dignified silence.
+
+"And that simpleton the Constable, thy master," he resumed. "To think
+that the Count of Tancarville would be dallying at a hunting lodge
+when base English defile the coasts of Normandy! Ah! That was a near
+one," he added as another blinding flash of lightning lit up the
+room.
+
+"Knowest thou, thou miserable fool," he continued as soon as the
+crash of the thunder permitted, "that did that fiery fork but touch
+this place thou and I would be scattered, so that all the armies of
+Philip and Edward would fail to find a fragment? Eh, I interest thee?
+'Tis well; I'll tell thee more, seeing that the knowledge will profit
+thee but little. Henri! Cut asunder the bonds that bind this
+Englishman's legs, and do thou and Etienne stand close lest he do
+himself an injury!"
+
+Handing the torch to a serving-man, the Count led the way, closely
+followed by Raymond and his two guards. In an adjoining apartment, so
+open to the winds that the torch was almost extinguished, lay seven
+sinister-looking objects, which the squire readily recognised as
+bombards.
+
+These early cannon were composed of straight lengths of flat iron,
+held together by shrunk-on iron hoops, and lashed down to a heavy
+baulk of timber, so that in training these clumsy contrivances,
+carriage and gun were practically one piece.
+
+"These are the beasts I hunt in this forest," quoth the Count. "King
+Philip hath need of them, and, by our Lady of Nimes, 'twill be a
+sight to see the vaunted English bowmen being bowled over by these
+bombards. And food these beasts must have! Forward, garcons, and show
+this dolt mine animals' food. But, Bertrand, stand aside with that
+torch. I am in no mind to go heavenwards yet awhile."
+
+The next room was little better than a cell, lightened by the feeble
+light of an oil lamp that glimmered through a horn lanthorn. In a far
+corner could be discerned the bent figure of a monk, his cowl thrown
+back on his shoulders and his arms bared to the elbow. Ignoring the
+interruption, he continued his labours, working a pestle with
+untiring energy.
+
+"Behold the worthy successor to Michael Schwartz! My faith! It does
+my heart good to show the accursed English the resources of la belle
+France; yet, 'tis passing strange that the secret of the making of
+the devil's powder should be divulged to a priest of God. Five score
+barrels full of the powder are ready for the use of our forces, and
+I'll warrant---- Ah! What wouldst thou? Down with him, mes garcons!"
+
+For Raymond, suddenly fired with a reckless determination, had thrown
+himself upon the torch-bearer, and with a shower of sparks the
+burning brand was dashed upon the floor, missing the bench with its
+dangerous compound by less than a span!
+
+The Count and the monk, both white with fear, stamped upon the
+blazing embers, while the guards with no gentle hand had forced their
+prisoner to the ground.
+
+"A senseless piece of folly," growled the Norman. "And little credit
+to thyself."
+
+"'Twould have rid the King of England of a dangerous foe," replied
+Raymond stoutly, opening his lips for the first time since his
+capture.
+
+"Away with him, till I find a means to make use of him, Etienne!"
+exclaimed the Count, taking no notice of the squire's remark.
+
+"To the oubliette?"
+
+"Nay; two of these accursed Englishmen in one den would plague us far
+more than if kept apart. One never knows what the rogues get up to
+when they plan amongst themselves. Lock him in the old arrow-store."
+
+The old arrow-store was a damp and dismal chamber next to the cell
+where Raymond had seen the monk at his researches. It was on the
+ground floor, and lighted only by one lancet-shaped window, far too
+narrow to admit the passage of a man. The roof was vaulted, the
+arches springing from a central pillar, while the floor was paved
+with heavy slabs set in strong cement.
+
+This much the young squire saw while the men were making a cursory
+examination by the aid of two additional torches; and after removing
+an old chest they quitted the room, bolting and locking the heavy
+iron-plated door behind them.
+
+Left to himself, Raymond fell a prey to the deepest despondency. The
+failure of his ill-starred attempt, the comparative ease of his
+capture, and the mortification which the Constable would feel at his
+non-return, weighed upon the unhappy squire far more than the danger
+of his hopeless position, and, grief-stricken, he lay on a stone
+bench, listlessly marking the sound of the rapidly-retreating storm,
+till a feeble glimmer through the lancet window betokened that the
+day was dawning. He had one consolation, sorry though it was--there
+remained another Englishman within the stronghold, the solitary
+survivor of five picked men-at-arms.
+
+Presently Raymond stood up and stretched his cramped limbs, then
+standing on the bench he found that he could just reach the window.
+Grasping the stone ledge with his hands, he raised himself
+sufficiently to look out.
+
+It was a cheerless outlook. In front, a bow-shot away, lay the dense
+masses of the forest, still hazy with the morning mist. An open
+space, broken only by a moat full of slimy water, lay between the
+forest and the stronghold, though no drawbridge was visible on that
+side.
+
+And beyond the forest lay, at an unknown distance, the English camp,
+where even now Sir John Hacket was doubtless expecting his return
+with the expected captive. Overcome with the irony of the situation,
+Raymond clambered down from the window and relapsed into his moody
+and despondent attitude.
+
+For several hours he remained thus, till aroused by the drawing back
+of the bolts of his prison door. The door was thrown open, and an
+armed man entered, bearing a pitcher of water and a trencher of black
+bread, while another man stood without, for fear of an outburst of
+the prisoner. Without a word the jailer set down the meal and
+retired.
+
+Twice daily was this done, and thus the days sped, slowly and
+cheerlessly, but no visit from the Count of Tancarville served to
+break the dismal monotony.
+
+On the fifth day Raymond heard the sound of martial preparations, and
+climbing to the window he caught a brief glimpse of a body of armed
+and mounted men riding past his prison; one of whom, he had no doubt,
+was the Count. Then came the rumble of heavily-laden wains, but in
+which direction the party disappeared the squire was unable to see.
+
+Evidently the little garrison of this sylvan fortress was
+considerably depleted, for Raymond noticed that his jailer came into
+his prison alone. He thought, though, that this might have been
+through a sense of familiarity at his prisoner's dejected mien. Yet
+daily, for hours together, the sound of the pestle, dimly heard
+through the thick adjoining wall, showed that the taciturn old monk
+still pursued his dangerous task.
+
+Four more days passed in dreadful solitude, till, maddened by the
+hopelessness of his condition, Raymond resolved on desperate measures
+to attempt his escape. Plan after plan flashed through his brain,
+only to be put aside as impracticable. Feigning death, burrowing
+through the stone walls of his prison, attacking his jailer, all
+seemed hopeless, till at length a scheme, hazardous in the extreme,
+yet capable of meeting with possible success, matured in his mind and
+hourly increased his hopes of ultimate success.
+
+Usually the jailer found him sitting dejectedly upon the stone bench,
+practically invisible in the gloom to any one entering from the
+dazzling sunlight without. But on this particular morning Raymond,
+awaiting the jailer's footsteps, carefully removed his surcoat and
+hid behind the door. Directly the man entered he made, as was his
+wont, direct for the bench, when the squire, springing upon him from
+behind, muffled his head in the surcoat and bore him to the ground.
+The jug and platter fell with a resounding crash, and Raymond,
+seizing the broken pitcher, struck the jailer such a shrewd blow that
+it all but split his skull, leaving him senseless on the floor.
+
+Hastily dragging his body across to the darkest corner, Raymond
+possessed himself of his dagger and escaped from his prison.
+
+Without a moment's hesitation he burst into the adjoining apartment,
+where the old monk, engrossed in his work, did not take the slightest
+notice of his abrupt entry. Raymond had argued with himself that a
+priest engaged in warlike pursuits thereby puts himself without the
+pale of the Church; so, overcoming his scruples, he wrenched the
+pestle from the hand of the astonished monk and stunned him ere he
+could utter a sound.
+
+Then with feverish haste he stripped off and donned the monk's
+capacious gown, pulling the cowl well down over his eyes; then,
+strapping the wooden sandals over his own pointed shoes, he walked
+boldly into the corridor, with bent head and clattering gait.
+
+At the end of the passage was another heavily-barred door, at which a
+spearman stood on guard. Holding his dagger firmly in his right hand
+and concealing it within the folds of his long sleeve, Raymond moved
+straight up to the man. The sentinel opened the door, and with bowed
+head stood aside to let the supposed monk pass. In a well-feigned
+highly-pitched voice the young squire gave the customary blessing;
+then, almost amazed at his good fortune, he gained the free air once
+more.
+
+But his difficulties were not yet over. The road from the stronghold
+ran under the shelter of the low walls for some distance, then turned
+abruptly and crossed the moat by a drawbridge, at the end of which
+was a small postern and barbican.
+
+All went well till Raymond was upon the bridge, and the gate-keeper
+was making ready to throw open the outer gate, when the sham monk
+dropped one sandal upon the bridge, where it lay conspicuously in the
+dazzling sunshine.
+
+For a moment the guard paused, gazing in undisguised astonishment at
+the tell-tale object, then with a crash he closed the gate and raised
+a horn to his lips. But ere he could blow a blast Raymond was upon
+him; a glint of cold steel, and the man uttering a choking cry, threw
+up his arms and fell in a huddled heap.
+
+Disguise was no longer necessary, and the squire, opening the gate
+and casting off his gown as he ran, sped over the open space towards
+the sheltering forest.
+
+He heard some one behind him shouting the alarm, but by the time the
+watchers on the wall could wind their cross-bows Raymond was almost
+out of range, though a dropping bolt, shot at a venture, hummed close
+to his head and buried itself in the springy turf at the foot of the
+nearest tree.
+
+Though skilled in finding a course by observing the position of the
+sun, Raymond was but indifferently versed in woodcraft, and in the
+gloom of the forest all idea of direction was beyond him. Onward he
+plunged, crashing through the bracken and undergrowth, till to his
+great delight he struck a narrow path. This he followed, till at
+length he came upon the scene of his ambuscade. A yawning pit,
+partially concealed by a screen of hurdles and bracken, lay across
+the narrow way, while a score of paces beyond was a tree trunk,
+which, having been skilfully cut through close to its base, needed
+but little effort to fall into its present position, effectually
+barring the road to any but unmounted men.
+
+With a sickening feeling of horror Raymond gazed into the pit, where
+lay the mangled remains of two of his men-at-arms, though it was
+evident that the plunderer had already been there, as the corpses
+were stripped of their arms and accoutrements, while the trappings of
+the horses had vanished.
+
+Under the fallen trunk lay the body of the third soldier, plundered
+also as far as the ponderous timber would allow, while of the fourth
+no trace remained but a dark stain on the clayey soil.
+
+Clambering over the last obstacle, the squire found himself on the
+steep path that had been so dangerous a road but a short fortnight
+before. On and on he hastened, till he emerged on the high road that
+led to the camp, which he estimated to be about four and a half
+leagues distant, provided a general advance had not taken place in
+the meantime.
+
+He was hatless and without his surcoat, having left that garment with
+his late jailer, and there were no distinguishing marks to show that
+he belonged either to the army of the King of England or of Philip of
+France.
+
+Tying his blood-stained scarf over his chin, he strode boldly
+forward, trusting in the role of a wounded soldier to avoid being
+questioned. At length he gained the summit of a hill, from which he
+looked down upon a lovely fertile valley, and in the distance the
+blue waters of the English Channel.
+
+A spur of rising ground hid the view on his right, but a few minutes
+sufficed to gain its crest, and on looking down he saw a sight that
+filled him with joy, for below lay a large unwalled town, which he
+rightly guessed to be Caen, while a league off was the English host
+in battle array, and between him and the army was a motley array of
+Frenchmen issuing from the town to join battle with the invaders.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE TABLES TURNED
+
+
+ONLY one thing could Raymond do. He sat down on the grassy hillock
+and watched, knowing well that the fight could but end in one way.
+
+A little group of Norman knights led the van of the French, whose
+forces were composed mostly of towns-men, desperate in their vain
+attempt to save their town from pillage. Eagerly the keen eyes of the
+squire followed their disorderly advance, till they were almost lost
+to view in the distance.
+
+To him it seemed as if the white-coated lines of English archers
+stirred neither hand nor foot, but he knew full well that the blast
+of deadly arrows had sped, for as if by magic the dark masses of the
+Frenchmen broke and fled, without coming to hand-grips. Already the
+English cavalry were in hot pursuit, and the white winding road
+leading to the town was outlined with clouds of dust, which almost
+concealed the disorderly remnants of the defeated fugitives.
+
+Directly the advance guard of the fleeing army began to draw near,
+Raymond rose from the grass and ran swiftly towards the road. The
+Frenchmen, each intent upon his own safety, rushed past him, throwing
+off their armour to aid their flight, the mounted fugitives
+ruthlessly riding down their less fortunate countrymen.
+
+Seated by the roadside was a man-at-arms, who, sorely wounded in the
+shoulder, was endeavouring to divest himself of his hauberk in order
+to ease the pain. Actuated both by his own requirements and a feeling
+of pity, Raymond helped him to unburden himself of the steel-ringed
+coat, and having donned the Frenchman's discarded armour, he bathed
+his wound, a deep lance-thrust, with water obtained from a rivulet
+that ran by the roadside.
+
+After rendering this service he proceeded to complete his own
+equipment. A heavy sword and a light shield were soon found, and it
+did not require much effort on the part of the active squire to seize
+a riderless horse.
+
+With difficulty curbing the restlessness of his newly-acquired steed,
+Raymond urged it into an adjoining field to avoid being swept away by
+the panic-stricken horde of fugitives, and eagerly awaited the
+arrival of the English host.
+
+Soon the tide of fleeing Frenchmen slackened, and the braver spirits,
+maintaining a running fight, alone remained to uphold the honour of
+the ill-assorted army of the citizens of Caen.
+
+Suddenly Raymond's attention was drawn to a knot of mailed figures,
+who, surrounded by a press of Englishmen, fought savagely with the
+courage of despair. One by one the French mounted men-at-arms and
+squires fell, till only two knights remained.
+
+The pair, keeping side by side, held their enemies at bay by a shower
+of blows from sword and mace, till one, his horse slain by a
+Welshman, who paid for his act by having his head cleft by a
+back-handed sweep, was dashed to the ground and made prisoner.
+
+On seeing his comrade's fate, the other knight urged his horse
+through the crowd of assailants and made a dash for the open field,
+where Raymond awaited the chance to join his friends.
+
+Directly the squire caught sight of his emblazoned surcoat and shield
+he recognised the Frenchman--it was none other than the Count of
+Tancarville!
+
+Shaking off his pursuers, who preferred to return to squabble over
+their rights to the ransom of the captive knight, the Count rode
+straight for the place where Raymond was concealed. When he was
+twenty paces off the squire rode forward and barred his way.
+
+"Yield thyself, Sir Knight!" exclaimed Raymond.
+
+For a moment the Count gazed with undisguised astonishment at the man
+whom he had last seen as a prisoner in his stronghold, then,
+recovering himself, he put spur to his horse and rode furiously at
+the squire.
+
+The combatants were evenly matched, for the advantage of the
+Frenchman's complete coat of mail was balanced by the comparative
+freshness of his opponent and his steed. The knight had lost his
+lance, so that the fight was with swords.
+
+Reining back his horse, Raymond skilfully avoided the first rush, the
+Count's sword-point missing his unguarded face by a hand's breadth,
+while the squire's return blow fell harmlessly on his adversary's
+shield. Instantly Raymond closed in, and before the knight could turn
+his steed to meet the counter-attack, the squire's sword had bit
+deeply into his enemy's thigh. Then their blades met, and amid a
+shower of sparks and the clicking and rasping of steel, Raymond found
+himself at pains to defend his unvisored face, and it was not long
+before the blood was flowing freely from a cut on his cheek. But the
+Count's previous exertions and the loss of blood from several deep
+wounds were beginning to tell. His blows did not fall with the same
+strength that marked his first rush, though the squire could not
+break down his guard.
+
+Long they fought, their horses prancing and curveting as if realising
+that their efforts would materially aid their masters' sword-play,
+till Raymond's untried blade snapped off close to the hilt, and, with
+the exception of a short knife, he was left weaponless.
+
+A quick pull at the reins, and the squire's horse ranged alongside
+that of the Norman. The next instant Raymond had grasped his opponent
+round the body, and with a mighty heave sought to tear him from the
+saddle.
+
+Between the two plunging steeds the combatants fell, locked in a
+close embrace, Raymond uppermost; but before he could make good his
+advantage and demand his enemy's surrender a stunning kick from the
+Count's horse left its master at the Englishman's mercy.
+
+Raymond rose to his feet bruised and breathless, and at that moment a
+band of soldiers came hurrying towards them. The newcomers were the
+wild-looking Welsh mercenaries, intent on plunder; and, unable to
+make them understand who he was, the squire was for a while in danger
+of being set upon by these lawless booty-seeking warriors. Standing
+over the body of the prostrate knight, he beckoned, shouted, and
+threatened, till a highly-pitched voice behind him demanded who and
+what he was.
+
+Raymond turned and saw a gigantic, swarthy, and black-bearded man,
+clad in a bronze-coloured suit of armour, having a green dragon
+emblazoned on his surcoat and shield.
+
+"Squire to Sir John Hacket of Hamptonshire," he replied breathlessly.
+"I pray thee bid these rascals desist."
+
+A word from the stranger in an unknown tongue, and the Welshmen
+retired.
+
+"Rascals, iss what ye call tem?" asked the new arrival, laughing
+boisterously. "I would haf yes know, poy, tat tey are from
+Glamorgan--from Glamorgan, I tell you! And tey are the best men in
+the Army, I tell ye, poy, for tey are my men, I, David Evans, knight
+off Glamorgan. I pray ye pear tat in mind. I myself tought ye wass a
+Norman, or at pest a Gascon, seeing ye wass to wear a Frenchman's
+hauberk."
+
+The Welsh leader rode off, leaving Raymond to wonder how he could
+escape molestation from his friends and still stand by his captive.
+Most of the pursuers kept to the highway, and only a few came close
+to where he stood. In vain he begged and entreated the passing
+soldiers to give a hand to carry off the unconscious Count. Even the
+promise of a silver penny had no effect, for the English, intent on
+plunder, were already streaming into Caen with the last of their
+foes, and the comparatively bountiful offer of payment was invariably
+rejected with contempt.
+
+At length, despairing of obtaining assistance, Raymond left his
+prisoner and made his way back to the road, hoping to see a familiar
+face amongst the victorious soldiers who were hurrying forward to
+join in the sack of the town, but there were none of the Hampshire
+companies.
+
+Picking up another sword to replace his broken weapon, the squire
+preferred to go back to guard his captive, consoling himself with the
+thought that on the Count's return to consciousness he could lead him
+into the camp; then, suddenly bethinking himself of the rivulet
+higher up the road, he hastened towards it to slake his burning
+thirst.
+
+This he did, and thereupon made his way back by a different route to
+where the Count lay. Barely had he gone half the distance than he
+came to a dry ditch, where, to his surprise, he found two fugitives
+cowering in the long grass that grew in the trench.
+
+"Je me rends!" they both exclaimed, grovelling at his feet in fear of
+instant death, for, being but peasants, they knew that scant mercy
+was shown to those who were unable to offer ransom.
+
+In a moment Raymond saw and seized his chalice. "Vous etes mes
+prisonniers," he exclaimed, brandishing his weapon. "Venez avec moi."
+
+Driving them before him, the squire soon reached the place where he
+had left the Count of Tancarville, and indicated by signs that they
+should carry him. This they did, panting with their exertions, for
+the knight in his complete armour was a heavy burden. Their progress
+was slow, till on arriving on the highway Raymond made them take two
+broken lances, and forming a rough litter, they were able to make a
+better pace.
+
+At length, they came in sight of the camp, and to his great joy
+Raymond saw the well-known banner of the crescent on the blue field,
+waving close to the pavilion over which floated the royal standard of
+England, for the Constable of Portchester's company was that day
+detailed as guard to the camp.
+
+Great was the delight and astonishment of Sir John Hacket and his men
+on Raymond's reappearance, for he had been given up for lost; and
+greater was the Constable's surprise when his squire, pointing to the
+litter, exclaimed with pardonable pride: "Behold, sir, I bring thee
+the Count of Tancarville according to thy instructions."
+
+Having handed over his three prisoners and given a brief account of
+his adventures, Raymond retired to a tent to enjoy a well-earned meal
+and a rest. From one of the archers he learned that his father,
+maddened by grief and rage at the supposed loss of his son, had
+obtained permission to join for the time being the Sussex company of
+Sir Guy of Bramber, vowing that twenty Norman lives would but
+ill-balance Raymond's death.
+
+The squire's leisure was of short duration, for Sir John Hacket came
+in person to inform him that the King had ordered him to appear
+before him.
+
+Raymond's eyes sparkled with delight, for this was a step at least
+towards his coveted reward, and hastily attiring himself suitably for
+the royal presence, he followed the Constable to the King's pavilion.
+
+It was a large tent, hung with damask, and divided into two parts by
+a heavy curtain. In the ante-room were crowds of knights awaiting an
+audience, their names and titles being carefully set down by a
+herald, while another, stationed at the flap of the partitioning
+curtain, where two knights in full armour stood on guard, announced
+the various personages who had business with their Sovereign.
+
+Each knight who was ushered into the inner apartment had but a short
+stay in the royal presence, and to Raymond, as he waited in
+breathless expectation, it seemed as if there was a continuous
+procession of warriors, some elated with the prospect of praise and
+honour, others nervously ignorant of why they were summoned thither;
+while others, knowing that their master had cause for displeasure,
+were pacing the crowded ante-chamber, biting their lips in their
+anxiety.
+
+All the while a buzz of suppressed voices was heard from the inner
+room, and occasionally Edward's hearty voice could be clearly
+distinguished as he praised or chid according to the merits or
+demerits of the person before him.
+
+Suddenly the sound of a galloping horse was heard, coming rapidly
+nearer, then, amid a hum of ill-concealed excitement, a knight,
+covered in mud from head to foot, and breathless from hard riding,
+burst into the ante-chamber.
+
+"Ah, Sir William!" he exclaimed to the royal herald, "I pray thee
+announce me to the King with all despatch. The matter brooks not
+delay!" And clanking in his heavy armour at the heels of the herald
+he disappeared behind the curtain that concealed the royal presence
+from the crowd of waiting knights.
+
+"'Tis Lord Bassett," whispered Sir John to his squire. "Certes, some
+event of much moment hath occurred to bring him from the field.
+Hearken!"
+
+The newcomer's voice was distinctly audible to those who waited
+without. "The men of Caen are holding out stubbornly, Sire, every
+house being closed to our troops, and our losses from the darts of
+those within are exceeding great. The Welsh levies, aye, and our own
+men as well, are killing without mercy man, woman, and child, yet
+their acts do but increase the fury of the men of Caen. I pray you,
+Sire, that the word goes forth that every soldier shall withdraw from
+the city, for otherwise they threaten to destroy it with fire."
+
+"But wherefore should we hold our hand?" inquired the King. "They of
+Caen set themselves in battle against our hosts, and must of
+necessity abide the consequences."
+
+"But the spoil, Sire, the spoil! 'Tis the richest town in all
+Normandy. If we can but prevail on the citizens to lay down their
+arms, then the sack can be resumed with more profit and less risk."
+
+"There's wisdom in thy words," replied Edward, "but thy advice is
+every whit the same as the Cardinal Legates gave to us but an hour
+agone. These we told that it was our resolve to brook no interference
+of the Holy Father in matters appertaining to war, but, by my
+halidome, the suggestion commends itself to us. Therefore withdraw
+our troops. Beat a parley with the townsmen, and demand their
+surrender with promise of quarter. Stay! I'll to the front myself!
+Herald! Dismiss the knights in waiting, and inform them that we will
+receive them on the morrow."
+
+Thus Raymond's opportunity had passed for the present, for when the
+morrow came, the King in person met the chief magistrate of Caen, and
+in the presence of the Papal Envoys, agreed to accept the
+unconditional surrender of the town, pledging his kingly word,
+however, that the massacre should cease, and before the evening came
+the squire was detailed for another errand.
+
+"Raymond," quoth Sir John Hacket, "I have it in mind that a slight
+advancement and no little honour can be obtained if we can seize the
+stronghold of the Count of Tancarville, and gain possession of the
+store of powder and the bombards of which thou hast spoken. What
+think ye? All the powder was not taken away by the Count?"
+
+"I think not, sir."
+
+"And the bombards?"
+
+"I saw none go; nevertheless they may have sent them away."
+
+"Then I'll go to Chandos and crave permission to lead the company
+against this strange hunting-lodge in the Forest of Brique. Meanwhile
+have thy two prisoners closely questioned, for, methinks, they know
+exactly where this stronghold lieth."
+
+The Constable hastened to the tent of Sir John Chandos to obtain the
+required boon, while Raymond sent for the two Normans whose lives he
+had spared. They were, so the squire ascertained, brothers, and one
+had been in the service of the Count of Eu, and knew the precise
+position of the Count of Tancarville's forest castle.
+
+Soon Sir John returned, having succeeded in his mission. One of the
+prisoners was made to act as guide, and to avoid another blunder he
+was told that should the enterprise fail through his neglect or
+treachery his brother's life would be forfeit. Rations were served
+out to the company, and an hour later Sir John's command, consisting
+of three squires, thirty men-at-arms, and fifty mounted archers,
+moved out of camp amid the encouraging shouts of their comrades, and
+disappeared in the gathering gloom towards the dark masses of the
+Forest of Brique.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE FALL OF THE COUNT'S STRONGHOLD
+
+
+UNDER the guidance of the Norman, the company proceeded by a
+different route to that by which Raymond made his escape; and, as
+night fell, they dismounted and off-saddled in a clearing within half
+a league of the Count's stronghold.
+
+Sentries were posted, and every precaution taken against surprise,
+but nothing untoward occurred to disturb the camp.
+
+Day dawned, but a thick, fleecy mist prevailed, the moisture dripping
+from the steel caps of the soldiers, who, in spite of it being a
+summer's morn in fair Normandy, actually shivered with cold. No fires
+were allowed to be lighted for fear of giving warning of their
+approach, and after a hasty breakfast the company started on the last
+portion of the journey.
+
+The way lay through a narrow avenue, similar to that in which
+Raymond's ill-fated men-at-arms met with disaster, and the Norman
+guide, anxious for his own and his brother's safety, used all his
+skill and cunning as a woodman to ensure a successful surprise.
+
+Presently through the mist two gnarled trunks attracted his
+attention, and, halting, he beckoned to the Constable to dismount. In
+low tones he explained that lie wanted a riderless horse to be driven
+in front of the company, and, the Constable assenting, one of the
+archers dismounted and urged his steed to the head of the column.
+
+To Raymond, who knew the perils of the path, the act occasioned no
+surprise, but most of the soldiers watched the action with
+wonderment.
+
+The horse had proceeded but a short distance when it stumbled over
+some invisible obstacle, and before it could recover itself, a heavy
+beam, furnished with a metal barb, came crashing down from the
+mist--hidden branches above, pinning the devoted animal to the earth.
+
+A score of willing hands dragged the timber and its victim from the
+path. "I pray you send another horse on ahead," exclaimed the
+Constable calmly, as if unmoved by his narrow escape, for had he been
+in his customary place at the head of the company his fate would have
+been sealed.
+
+Silently, and fully anticipating a fresh trap, the troop advanced,
+the successor to the ill-fated horse walking cautiously as if
+instinctively aware of its perilous mission. A bow-shot farther it
+stopped, and, in spite of the application of the point of a dagger,
+it refused to move another step.
+
+"Prenez garde, messieurs, c'est un piege," whispered the Norman.
+"Mais sans doute c'est le dernier empechement."
+
+"Step forward, Lavant," exclaimed the Constable in a low tone to one
+of the men-at-arms. "Thrust out thy spear and see what lieth here."
+
+The man did so, and almost without resistance the weapon sank in
+turf. A twist of the spear and a large piece of what looked to be
+green sward gave way, disclosing a yawning cavity, its length being
+too great to permit a horse to leap across, while its depth was
+sufficient to kill or maim any man or beast that had the misfortune
+to fall therein.
+
+At a sign from their leader the soldiers dismounted. One man was told
+off to every four horses, a party set silently to work to cut a way
+through the dense thicket, so as to make a detour round the pitfall,
+and the rest of the soldiers stood where they were, resting on their
+arms till the path was cleared.
+
+This done, the company, now diminished in fighting numbers by
+one-fourth, resumed their march, and, as the guide had foretold, were
+unmolested by any other obstacle till they emerged from the forest at
+the edge of the extensive clearing in which stood the stronghold of
+the Count of Tancarville.
+
+The sun was now above the tree-tops, and slowly the mist was
+dispersing, so that the outlines of the fortress were just visible in
+the clouds of lifting vapour.
+
+Ordering his men to lie down within the shelter of the undergrowth,
+Sir John called his squires, the master bowman who had taken the
+place of the absent Redward, and the oldest man-at-arms, and held a
+hasty consultation upon the plan of attack.
+
+Though Raymond had not seen the castle from without, he found that
+his idea of the place did not differ greatly from the appearance of
+the actual building. It was a long, low structure, but one story in
+height, save at one corner, where a low tower commanded the rest of
+the stronghold. The walls were pierced with narrow loopholes for the
+discharge of arrows, and crowned by a battlemented breastwork. Around
+the walls was, as Raymond already knew, a ditch or moat. The
+drawbridge was raised, and the outer fortalice or barbican was
+furnished with a massive door.
+
+There were no signs of the garrison, which, at the most, numbered
+less than two score men, but the possibility of a surprise was
+guarded against by the fact that the doorway of the barbican was
+closed.
+
+For several hours the little English force lay in front of the
+stronghold, the soldiers prone on the grass, their leaders standing
+behind a dense thicket, so that no assailant was visible to the
+still unsuspecting inmates of the castle.
+
+At length some of the archers who had remained with the horses joined
+the main body, dragging with them two peasants who were captured
+while on their way to the Count's fortress. The two men bore huge
+baskets full of bread on their backs, and the booty was distributed
+and eagerly devoured by the soldiers, while the peasants, securely
+bound, were detained a short distance in the forest under a guard of
+three archers.
+
+Presently one of the men-at-arms approached Raymond. "I beg of thee,
+sir, to ask the Constable that he give me leave to force an entry
+into yonder fortress."
+
+"How so, Peter? Wouldst essay the task alone?"
+
+"Nay, Master Raymond, but with my comrade, Myles of Fareham, 'tis
+easy to attempt."
+
+"And easier to fail? What wouldst thou do?"
+
+"If we don the peasant's clothes and carry their baskets filled with
+stones on our backs, I trow 'twill be an easy business to fool those
+that are within. Once they open the gate two honest Englishmen can
+hold it against a score of Frenchmen till the main body hath time to
+come to our aid."
+
+"By St. George! Thou sayest aright; I'll speak to Sir John at once."
+
+The Constable received the project with delight, and preparations for
+the assault were instantly made. The two men-at-arms drew the
+gabardines of the peasants over their armour, so that they closely
+resembled the thick-set, shambling Normans, and shouldering their
+heavy baskets, they advanced boldly towards the outwork.
+
+Meanwhile their comrades were eager and alert. The bowmen had chosen
+their arrows and strung their bows; the men-at-arms had drawn their
+swords and had discarded their belts and sheaths to enable them to
+run the quicker to the aid of the two devoted men, and with eyes
+intently fixed on the gate of the barbican they awaited the signal to
+rush headlong across the open space that lay between them and the
+fortress.
+
+To the waiting soldiers it seemed hours ere their two comrades drew
+near to the outer work, but when within a few paces of it a sentinel
+stood forth on the wall and challenged them. Then, apparently
+suspicious of their errand, he blew a loud blast on a horn, which was
+immediately answered by the appearance of five or six men from within
+the barbican, while over a score lined the walls of the main
+stronghold, some of whom began to wind their cross-bows.
+
+At the same time the door was thrown open, and a man, apparently a
+captain, stood on the threshold. Up to now these preparations were
+simply a matter of form, no matter who the newcomer might be, and
+fortunately the iron-nerved Englishmen understood this, for,
+staggering under their loads, they still advanced with bent heads to
+avoid recognition.
+
+Suddenly the guardian of the gate realised that it was not a pair of
+ignorant peasants that he had to parley with. But the knowledge came
+too late. Peter of Purbrook had thrown down his load and dashed,
+sword in hand, at the astonished Norman. Before the latter could
+retreat a step he had fallen with his head cleft to the chin. His
+body lay athwart the threshold, and ere the others could rush to
+close the gate the Englishmen had pushed their baskets, filled with
+stones, against the door, and were awaiting the onslaught of their
+foes.
+
+With hoarse shouts of encouragement the English men-at-arms rose from
+their ambush and rushed madly to their comrades' aid, while the
+archers, shooting rapidly and coolly, directed a dropping fire of
+arrows at the defenders on the walls. But they of the outwork had
+gathered to defend the gate, and already a fierce struggle was taking
+place, the two gallant Englishmen being hard pressed by the enraged
+Normans.
+
+With axe, spear, and mace the defenders strove to thrust back the
+daring intruders, while the latter, regardless of their own safety,
+essayed to keep open the gate. Two of the Normans fell, their bodies
+adding to the ghastly pile at the entrance to the barbican, but
+directly afterwards Myles of Fareham was slain by a savage
+spear-thrust.
+
+Undismayed by the fall of his comrade, Peter of Purbrook hurled an
+axe at the helm of the slayer of his friend, then, clearing at a
+bound the heap of corpses, bade fair to drive back the defenders
+single-handed, while his comrades, with Raymond well in the fore,
+were already halfway across the intervening space.
+
+Carried away by the heat of battle, Raymond saw as in a dream the
+figure of the devoted man-at-arms clearing a path for his countrymen;
+the next instant there was a blinding flash, a deafening roar, and a
+thick, choking cloud of sulphurous smoke.
+
+One of the defenders, with the fury of despair, had fired off a
+bombard, the huge stone ball crashing through friend and foe alike,
+and bounding over the springy turf till it came to a stop a few paces
+from the edge of the forest.
+
+Appalled by the sound, the soldiers hesitated, but when the smoke had
+partially cleared away the gateway was deserted.
+
+Then the Constable's voice was heard amid the din, "Onwards, men, the
+place is ours," and regaining their wits, the Englishmen rushed
+forward and reached the deserted barbican.
+
+The discharge from the bombard, by which the remaining Frenchmen,
+save one, and four English men-at-arms, including the ill-fated
+Peter, had been swept away, was attended by one good result. The
+drawbridge had been lowered, and, after applying the linstock, the
+cannonier had darted back across it to take refuge in the fortress,
+while the heavy bombard, wrenching asunder the leather thongs that
+bound it to the carriage, had recoiled till its weight rested on the
+end of the drawbridge, effectually preventing it from being raised by
+the defenders.
+
+In the meanwhile the English archers, while engaged in keeping down
+the fire of the cross-bowmen, had marked the fugitive cannonier as he
+sped back to gain the entrance. Ere he had run but half the distance
+he fell, transfixed by a dozen arrows, while the attacking party
+roared with excitement and jubilation.
+
+Even if the defenders had had another bombard available they would
+have been prevented by the hail of shafts from training it on their
+adversaries; and, led by the Constable and his squires, the
+men-at-arms crossed the drawbridge and thundered at the main gate
+with their axes, while the archers, advancing in close order, kept up
+a hot fire against every point where a Norman dared show the crest of
+his steel cap.
+
+Under the furious blows the door was splintered; then with a united
+effort the shattered woodwork gave way, and the victorious Englishmen
+rushed headlong into the castle, only to find that not a man of the
+garrison was to be seen.
+
+With his own hands the Constable tore down the scarlet wolves' heads
+of the banner of the Count of Tancarville, and the blue guidon with
+the demi-lune floated in its place, amidst a fanfare of trumpets and
+the cheers of the victors.
+
+Then a systematic search of the stronghold was undertaken, but no
+trace of the Normans was found till an archer stumbled over a heavy
+trap-door, which, on being raised, disclosed a flight of dankstone
+steps leading to a subterranean passage. Listening intently, the
+Constable and his squires heard the faint sounds of retreating
+footsteps echoing along the stone walls of the tunnel.
+
+"It matters not," quoth Sir John. "I doubt whether there be any
+person of quality amongst them. Their burrow doubtless leads to some
+spot in the forest, and I can ill-afford to risk more lives in a
+needless undertaking."
+
+To close the entrance, pieces of heavy timber weighted with stone
+were thrown down the yawning pit, and having made all chance of a
+return by this outlet impossible, the soldiers devoted their energies
+to the exploration of the building.
+
+It was more of a fortified arsenal than a castle, the Count's
+principal fortress being ten leagues off, but the spoils of war were
+both numerous and useful.
+
+In all, including the bombard in the barbican, there were eleven
+pieces of ordnance, a score barrels of powder, steel caps, hauberks,
+and weapons of all descriptions. Unwilling to leave the booty where
+it might again fall into the hands of the Normans, the Constable made
+preparations to carry off the whole of the munitions of war.
+
+Dragging long planks across the open ground, a party of archers
+returned to where the horses had been left. By bridging the pitfall,
+the steeds were led safely across the fatal trap, and in less than an
+hour were within the stronghold, where rough carts in abundance were
+ready to be loaded up with the spoil.
+
+Meanwhile Raymond had not forgotten the unfortunate man-at-arms who
+had been captured with him in the first attempt to seize the Count.
+Aided by a couple of archers, he searched vainly for the secret
+oubliette, till at length he bethought him of the two peasants who
+had been taken earlier in the day.
+
+These were brought before him, and without much difficulty were
+compelled to lead the way. In the floor of the lowest apartment the
+peasants pointed out a small door, almost invisible in the deep
+gloom. Procuring a torch, Raymond and the archers shot back the
+bolts, and on lifting the trapdoor, a dark, evil-smelling dungeon was
+disclosed, unlighted and almost unventilated. Mingled with the noise
+of scores of rats a low moaning was heard, and in the fitful glare of
+the torchlight a narrow circular hole could be distinguished in the
+centre of the dungeon, its mouth unprotected by a barrier of any
+kind.
+
+"Art there, Robert?" asked the squire, his voice shaking with pity
+and emotion.
+
+The only reply was another low moan, as of a human being in direst
+distress. Sending one of the archers back for assistance, Raymond
+impatiently waited by the yawning pit. The man soon returned, and
+with him four lusty men-at-arms, one of whom carried a coil of stout
+rope and two more torches.
+
+Directing the men to lower him slowly and carefully, Raymond knotted
+one end of the rope under his arms and boldly descended, holding a
+flaming torch above his head. The light flickered on the slimy walls
+of the pit, which, as he descended, began to increase in size, till
+at length he reached the bottom of a deep, bottle-shaped cavity, the
+only approach to which being the narrow neck through which he had
+been lowered.
+
+The floor was ankle-deep in filth and slime; and, by the aid of the
+torch, the squire saw, crouched in the corner, apparently heedless of
+the presence of his rescuer, the figure of a man.
+
+Bending over him, Raymond failed at first to recognise his ill-fated
+companion-in-arms, for the soldier's face, instead of being the
+deep-bronzed, healthy colour that comes of a life in the open air,
+was of a ghastly greenish hue, and his eyes, dazzled by the glimmer
+of the torch, blinked with a peculiar vacant expression that
+suggested madness.
+
+Finding that the man was too weak to stand the strain of the rope
+round his chest, Raymond, placing the torch on the ground, lifted him
+to his feet, and taking him in his arms, called out to those above to
+haul up. Shielding the soldier as well as he could from the rough
+sides of the shaft, the squire with his pitiful burden came slowly to
+the surface, where rough but kindly hands took charge of the rescued
+prisoner, who was little more than a corpse.
+
+[Illustration: A PITIFUL DISCOVERY]
+
+On rejoining the Constable, Raymond found that a discovery had been
+made of another score of barrels filled with powder, and the question
+of transport was troubling Sir John sorely. For not only was the
+quantity too great for the numbers of men and waggons at their
+disposal, but the difficulty arose how to reach the highway, the path
+by which they had come being quite unsuitable for the carts.
+
+Two scouts were therefore sent out with instructions to follow the
+cart-tracks, and to find out whether any of the late garrison still
+remained in the neighbourhood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+REDWARD'S CONFESSION
+
+
+IT was close on nightfall ere the two scouts sent out by Sir John
+Hacket returned to the captured fortress. They reported that there
+was a fairly wide road which joined the highway to Caen about three
+leagues from that town, and that there were no signs of any hostile
+force in the district they had explored.
+
+So that night the company made merry in the stronghold of the Count
+of Tancarville, wine and food being found in abundance, although Sir
+John did not for one moment relax the vigilance so necessary in a
+strange country.
+
+At daybreak preparations were made for the evacuation of the
+fortress, and, headed by the two scouts, the little force set out on
+its march to the camp.
+
+First came a strong party of men-at-arms, ready for instant action in
+case of attack. Then followed the Constable and his squires,
+accompanied by the two peasants and the Norman guide, and surrounded
+by a body of dismounted archers, who marched with their bows strung
+and their quivers swinging from the hip.
+
+The carts came next, drawn by the horses of the dismounted archers,
+and piled high with the spoils of the fortress, including the
+captured bombards and as much powder as they could possibly hold.
+
+Next came a small troop of men-at-arms, followed by some more carts,
+in which the wounded, including the rescued soldier, lay on heaps of
+hay and straw; while the rear was composed of the rest of the
+men-at-arms and mounted archers.
+
+In this order they issued under the great gateway, passed over the
+drawbridge, and crossed the wide belt of open ground. When the head
+of the column reached the edge of the gloomy forest a tucket sounded
+and the soldiers came to a halt.
+
+Seeing Sir John and his squires gazing intently at the abandoned
+stronghold the men did likewise. They saw the grim and gaunt pile
+standing clearly out against the dark background of the forest, and
+from the black flag-staff fluttered the blue banner of the company,
+with its well-known device of the golden crescent.
+
+Even as they watched, the figure of a man made its appearance on the
+battlements; the banner was slowly lowered, and the man disappeared.
+
+A few moments later the same man, mounted on a swift steed, emerged
+from the gateway and thundered across the turf. Reining in his horse
+before Sir John, the rider handed the banner to the guidon-bearer,
+saluted, and fell in with his comrades; but still the Constable kept
+his eyes steadfastly on the fortress.
+
+What could it mean?
+
+Slowly the moments sped. To the perplexity of the soldiers, the
+castle had an irresistible fascination for their leaders, and,
+following their example, they, too, looked in silent wonderment at
+the gaunt masses of masonry.
+
+Suddenly, with a flash, a roar, and a cloud of smoke and dust, the
+castle appeared to split asunder; huge masses of stone flew skyward,
+then with an appalling crash the walls subsided, and in place of the
+massive outlines of the fortress there was nothing to be seen save a
+pile of blackened stones, over which floated a heavy pall of dense
+vapour.
+
+The remainder of the powder had been fired, and the sylvan stronghold
+of the Count of Tancarville was no more!
+
+"'Tis well done," was Sir John's only comment, then, on receiving the
+word of command, the company resumed its march, and plunged into the
+sombre shadows of the forest.
+
+Almost unnoticed, the little force reached the camp, for in the
+excitement of the sack of the rich town of Caen the absence of the
+company on their successful raid was of small moment to the rest of
+the army intent as they were on the gain of booty.
+
+There were two exceptions at least. One was Redward Buckland, who,
+being apprised of his son's safety, had left the Sussex company, only
+to find to his great disappointment that his comrades had departed on
+their raid.
+
+The other was the great Chandos, who, recognising more than most
+Englishmen of his day the possibilities of artillery, showed the
+greatest interest in Sir John Hacket's report of the expedition,
+promising at the first available opportunity to inform the King of
+the great service rendered by the Constable of Portchester and his
+favourite squire.
+
+But other events were taking place that effectually eclipsed for the
+time being the glory of the brilliant raid. Edward, having plundered
+Caen, described by Froissart as "large, strong, full of draperies and
+all sorts of merchandise; rich citizens, noble dames, damsels, and
+fine churches," had reserved for his own share all the plate, jewels,
+and choice cloths. The plunder, together with three hundred of the
+more opulent citizens, was placed on board the English ships and sent
+over the Channel; then, hoping to sack Rouen in a similar manner, the
+King advanced with his army up the fertile valley of the Seine.
+
+Foiled in this attempt, he continued his march towards Paris, only to
+find the bridges broken down, with a strong hostile force on the
+nether bank, and Philip with a large army rapidly approaching from
+Guienne.
+
+A desolate track, dotted with the ashes of countless towns and
+villages, marked the ruthless advance of the English, till at the
+very gates of Paris the flood-tide of invasion became the ebb of
+retreat, and Edward, hard pressed, was in danger of being cut off by
+overwhelming numbers.
+
+One night, when lying near the village of Poissy, the camp was
+aroused, and orders given to prepare to march.
+
+"Whither are we bound?" asked Raymond of his father as they met in
+the semi-darkness.
+
+Redward shook his head. "'Tis not a soldier's part to question
+orders," quoth he. "I did hear that the King would try to reach
+Flanders, but methinks this way leadeth to Paris."
+
+There was no occasion for silence, and, talking freely amongst
+themselves, the soldiers struck their tents, and at daybreak were
+well on the road to Paris, while the light-armed horsemen attached to
+the French army, who hovered around the flanks, wheeled about and
+galloped off to inform the French King of the advance of the
+invaders.
+
+Hardly had the cavalry disappeared than a halt was ordered; then,
+with great celerity, the whole English army turned and retraced its
+footsteps.
+
+The Hampshire companies, which at the outset formed the rearguard,
+now found themselves in the van, and great was their delight when it
+was rumoured that the King had entrusted to them the task of forcing
+the passage of the Seine.
+
+"'Tis Sir John Chandos' own doing," remarked Redward, "and as clever
+a feint as ever I met with. While the French are massing to prevent
+our supposed march on Paris, we are quietly slipping away towards
+Flanders."
+
+As they came in sight of the turbid river a horseman spurred madly
+towards them. "The bridge! The bridge is broken down!" he shouted,
+then without slackening his speed he rode onwards towards the main
+body which the King had under his own command.
+
+"The bridge!" growled Redward, "what of the bridge? 'Tis easily
+repaired, provided the enemy do not line the farther bank."
+
+"Then show all men what we can do," exclaimed the Constable. "Pull
+down that house for me, and I'll warrant there will be a goodly stock
+of timber sufficient to build a bridge, let alone patch one up."
+
+The men worked with a will, and soon the house was a shapeless mass
+of wood and plaster, while the soldiers, selecting the largest and
+strongest beams, dragged them to the spot where the jagged ends of
+the riven bridge gaped a good ten yards apart.
+
+Meanwhile Redward and two score of his comrades had thrown off their
+armour and quilted jackets, and, with ropes fastened to their waists,
+plunged into the swift-flowing river.
+
+To clamber up the woodwork of the broken arch was the work of a few
+minutes; then, hauling at the ropes with a will, they dragged two of
+the largest beams across the chasm, and after this was done the work
+of completing the temporary bridge was a comparatively easy matter.
+
+By this time the whole English army had crowded on its advance guard,
+and many anxious glances were thrown backwards in the direction from
+which the French attack was expected, but to every one's relief no
+enemy appeared till the last waggon of the retreating host had
+rumbled over the swaying structure. Then, as the van of the French
+army came in sight, the temporary span, together with two additional
+arches, crashed into the river, effectually preventing all pursuit
+for a considerable period.
+
+The retreat continued, the King making towards Flanders, yet at the
+same time gradually approaching the shores of the English Channel, so
+as to be able to re-embark should he find himself hemmed in by the
+hordes of infuriated Frenchmen.
+
+As the English came on swiftly and in good order, a considerable
+force, under Godemar de Faye, fell back before them, seeking a
+favourable chance to hinder their advance, while in their rear came
+the hundred thousand armed men of King Philip, who had meantime found
+means of crossing the Seine and were swiftly pursuing.
+
+At length the English reached the valley of the Somme. Here the same
+difficulty awaited them. The bridges were broken down by the
+redoubtable Godemar, after he had crossed and drawn up his troops on
+the right bank to oppose the passage of the retreating army.
+
+Edward was sore puzzled with the problem of how to effect a crossing,
+till a miserable Norman peasant, one Gobin Agace, was brought before
+him. Not by threats, but by promises of rich reward, was this
+unworthy Frenchman induced to betray his country; and, on his
+informing the King of a certain ford, the order for a general advance
+was at once given.
+
+Led by the peasant, the English rushed towards the ford. In front
+flowed the river, lapping over the white stones and shingle as it
+babbled along, an apparently peaceful stream, towards the sea.
+
+On the opposite bank lay the troops of Godemar; but not for one
+moment did the King hesitate. Commanding the archers to pour a heavy
+covering fire into the masses of Frenchmen, he drew his sword, and
+setting himself at the head of his knights and mounted troops, Edward
+dashed across the river. Short and fierce was the conflict, but
+unable to withstand the fierce onslaught, the Frenchmen gave way, and
+were soon in headlong flight.
+
+"Haste, sir," exclaimed Sir John Chandos; "command the main body to
+cross." And even as he spoke the dark outlines of the pursuing army
+appeared on the crest of a distant hill.
+
+Never was a ford crossed with such celerity. The waggons were dragged
+or lifted by the united efforts of crowds of archers, and though
+waist-deep in water, the whole army crossed in safety.
+
+Then the order was given to resume the march, the Hampshire companies
+being given the post of honour--the task of covering the retreat.
+
+As Raymond stood with his men watching the advancing Frenchmen, their
+innumerable banners waving like a reed-covered pond, the archers had
+slipped into a long, extended line, and quietly, yet resolutely,
+awaited the oncoming enemy.
+
+Suddenly the squire noticed a change in the appearance of the river.
+Instead of a silently-flowing stream that ran towards the sea, a wave
+of foaming water rushed up in the opposite direction, and almost
+instantly the river became a mass of broken water, impassable to man
+or beast. The floodtide had begun, and for six hours at least King
+Philip was doomed to rave in fruitless anger on the wrong side of the
+Somme.
+
+"We are safe enough for the present," remarked Redward to his son,
+"but methinks before daybreak there will be few of us left, for the
+best we can do is to hold them in check for an hour after the tide
+has run out. Many a tight corner have we been in ere now, but,
+certes, this is the worst."
+
+But the master-bowman was wrong, for presently a messenger came to
+Sir John Hacket with an urgent order from the King. With an
+irrepressible shout of delight, the fiery old knight summoned his
+sturdy little band around him.
+
+"It is not fated that our bones bleach on the banks of this river,
+_mes enfans_," he exclaimed. "News hath arrived that the King intends
+to give battle with the enemy, and hath already ordered his forces in
+a strong position but three leagues hence. Thither we are to repair
+with all haste. Forward, then, and ere night we shall be with the
+main body!"
+
+Eagerly the company fell in, and with hope renewed they set out for
+the camp.
+
+"Mark my word, Raymond," said his father, "'tis but putting off the
+evil day. A great fight is before us, and, by the rood, 'tis hard to
+say how it will end. But I have a small matter on my mind of which I
+would speak anon. As soon, therefore, as we arrive in camp, come
+aside with me for one brief hour."
+
+Raymond assented, and in silence they rode onwards towards their
+destination, a journey which was to many the last they would ever
+make on earth.
+
+The sun was sinking low ere they heard the trumpets of the English
+host. The place Edward had chosen to make a stand was one of great
+natural strength. The army was encamped on the edge of a low plateau,
+the right wing being additionally protected by a narrow stream, while
+in the rear was a small wood. On the summit of the hill a wooden
+windmill stood out clearly against the sky, while but a bowshot away
+was the little village of Crecy, its houses, though ransacked by the
+invaders, still standing--a contrast to those which had previously
+stood in the path of the ruthless army.
+
+As the Constable's company moved towards the quarters assigned them,
+Raymond noticed that the archers were already hard at work digging
+trenches and cutting stakes for palisades, for the King had given
+orders that everything should be ready ere night, so as to allow his
+troops a well-earned rest.
+
+After a good repast, for provisions were plentiful in that fertile
+valley, Raymond sought his father, and together they walked through
+the camp towards the solitude of the neighbouring wood. On the way
+they passed the royal pavilion, where, with his chief lords, King
+Edward sat at supper, and, judging by the cheerful voices of the
+company, it was evident that few doubts were entertained as to the
+issue of to-morrow's conflict.
+
+But, silent and sad, the master-bowman and his son went on their way,
+for Raymond knew instinctively that there was a great burden on his
+father's mind. At length they reached the dark shadows of the wood,
+and here Redward halted.
+
+"Raymond, my beloved son," he exclaimed in a voice broken with
+emotion, "'tis hard that I should have to tell thee what I am about
+to utter, but, before Heaven, I must do it, both for mine own peace
+of mind and for thine own. Two score and three years ago this very
+day I slew a man. The quarrel was of his own seeking, 'tis true, but,
+nevertheless, the law was set against me, and I was made outlaw!"
+
+The master-bowman paused to note the effect of this announcement,
+but, beyond a tightening of his lips, Redward betrayed no sign of
+dismay at this astounding confession.
+
+"Then I fled from the country, and assumed a name to which I have no
+right," resumed Redward. "In this I did thee a great injustice, for
+the ban falls on the outlaw's children equally with himself; and on
+this account I ought never to have taken a wife or to have had a
+son."
+
+"I care not for myself, father. But what if, even now, thou art
+recognised?"
+
+"It matters not, my son. A secret kept for over two score years may
+well remain a secret; but I have a misgiving that I shall never see
+the sun set to-morrow."
+
+"Father!"
+
+"Nay, Raymond, 'tis but a small matter. I cannot live much longer,
+and to fall in battle is a worthy end. But the worst is to be told.
+Thou wouldst marry the Lady Audrey!"
+
+The young squire shuddered at the altered prospect.
+
+"Alack a day!" he groaned.
+
+"Ay, Raymond. I fear thou wilt curse the day thou camest into the
+world, for to my sorrow I must tell thee--the brother of that lady's
+father was the man I slew!"
+
+For a moment the squire was incapable of speech, then, recovering
+himself with an effort, he exclaimed, "Nay, father, I blame you not.
+It is rather the fate of circumstances and my own foolish pride that
+made me look so high. I cannot for one moment continue my suit for
+the hand of the Lady Audrey, neither can I ever hope to wear the
+spurs of knighthood; but I am still thy son."
+
+"And wouldst thou know thy true name?"
+
+"Not unless it please thee, father; 'Raymond Buckland' hath served me
+well these four-and-twenty years; but," he added with pardonable
+curiosity, "if I may I would desire to know."
+
+"Dost call to mind Sir Edmund Revyngton?"
+
+"Indifferently so; I wot he is a knight of Devon."
+
+"He is also my brother, and, being without issue, his heir would be,
+but for the bar of outlawry, Redward Revyngton, now known to all men
+as Redward Buckland."
+
+It was a long story, that narrative of life marred by an act
+committed in a moment of anger, but breathlessly Raymond listened
+till the master-bowman had finished.
+
+"And if so be thou comest scatheless from the wars," he added, "the
+abbot of Netley will deliver into thy hands certain documents
+pertaining to thy welfare, and, should Heaven grant that this decree
+of outlawry be rescinded (though I shall never live to see the day),
+I pray that thou wilt ever acquit thyself as an honourable gentleman
+of Devon."
+
+Slowly father and son returned towards the camp, and as they passed
+between the long lines of tents, Redward paused before a lodging in
+front of which was a shield displaying a mailed hand argent on a
+field azure.
+
+Leaving Raymond standing in the gloom, the master-bowman went up and
+spoke to a man-at-arms who stood outside the tent.
+
+"My master cannot hold converse with any one this night, especially
+an archer," exclaimed the man roughly.
+
+"Convey my message to thy master and leave him to decide the point,
+sirrah!" replied Redward in a tone of authority, and, on seeing that
+a squire had joined him, the soldier obeyed.
+
+Soon he reappeared, and holding open the flap of the tent, signed for
+the visitors to enter.
+
+Following his father, Raymond saw a tall, well-built man, who in
+spite of his grey hairs and carefully-trimmed white beard, carried
+his years with ease. He had laid aside his armour, and, judging by
+the still lighted candles in front of a prie-dieu, he had but just
+risen from his orisons.
+
+With a knightly courtesy he waited for the master-bowman to speak,
+thinking that one of his followers had come to ask a boon, when to
+his surprise Redward addressed him by name.
+
+"Sir Maurice," he exclaimed. "Dost thou not know me? I am thy brother
+Redward!"
+
+"Redward? Back from the dead after all these years? Nay, it cannot
+be! But yet----"
+
+Drawing nearer he looked closely into the master-bowman's rugged and
+bronzed face, then, "Thank Heaven! I have found thee!" he exclaimed,
+and Raymond beheld the extraordinary sight of a belted knight and a
+surcoated archer falling on one another's necks in a transport of
+joy.
+
+Then the squire had to be presented to his uncle. "A fine and gallant
+youth, and a credit to the old stock of Revyngtons," declared the
+knight. "But, tell me, Redward, why didst thou not seek me out ere
+now, knowing I was in the camp?"
+
+"But for one thing, Maurice, I had as lief let it be thought that
+Redward Revyngton was no longer in this world. It is Raymond of whom
+I think, for I know that to-morrow's battle will count me amongst the
+slain. How think ye, Maurice? Is there hope that the King will set
+aside the outlawry, and free my son from its curse?"
+
+The knight shook his head sorrowfully. "Sir Reginald Scarsdale is
+ever with the King, and his wrath against his brother's slayer dies
+not."
+
+"And to make matters worse Raymond, ignorant of my past, seeks his
+daughter's hand in marriage."
+
+Sir Maurice smiled grimly.
+
+"I'll do my best, even if it be to beg a favour of Scarsdale himself!
+But sit down, Redward, and let us talk at ease, for the hours of
+darkness fly quickly, and there is much to be said."
+
+It was after midnight before the brothers bade each other farewell,
+and Redward and Raymond returned to their tents.
+
+On gaining the lines of the Hampshire companies, father and son
+parted, the former to compose his mind for his anticipated death, the
+latter to ponder over the astounding revelations he had just heard.
+Sleep was banished from Raymond's eyes, and long he tossed uneasily
+on his hard pallet, till the dawn grew ruddy in the east and the
+trumpets heralded the advent of the eventful day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+CRECY
+
+
+FOR a short space after the trumpets had sounded all was bustle, men
+running hither and thither, each with a fixed purpose. Directly
+Raymond had donned his armour he emerged from his tent to find all
+the Hampshire companies busily engaged in breaking their fast, as
+were most of the troops, the King having ordered that every man
+should make a hearty meal, so as to be sustained throughout the day.
+
+This over, the men formed into their accustomed ranks, and instantly
+there was a long procession of camp-followers and lackeys leading the
+horses to the enclosure behind the camp, for the order had gone forth
+that all combatants were to fight afoot.
+
+Long was that parade remembered by the young squire. The
+white-surcoated archers, with their well-filled quivers and, in most
+cases, an additional sheaf of arrows in their belts, the
+heavily-armed men-at-arms with rusty headpieces and war-worn
+accoutrements, all standing fast in regular lines, made a picture
+that gladdened the hearts of their leaders as they gazed upon the
+stern, bronzed faces of their men.
+
+Already the more remote columns were deploying, and soon the order
+came for the first division to march to the ground where the King had
+decided to make his stand. The battlefield was well chosen, being on
+the edge of the plateau overlooking the little valley that lay
+between the English and the direction from which the French attack
+was expected.
+
+On arriving at the allotted station, Raymond found that the supreme
+command of his division was entrusted to the Prince of Wales, a mere
+youth of fifteen, who had already shown great promise of a notable
+military career. With him were the Earls of Warwick and Oxford and a
+host of noble lords, the brunt of the fight being expected to fall
+upon this division.
+
+Raymond found that this division was drawn up in two lines, the two
+thousand bowmen being in front and the men-at-arms, numbering eight
+hundred, in the second rank, while right behind were the wild-looking
+Welsh and Irish auxiliaries, each man eagerly whetting his long knife
+for use when the time came for them to be let loose on their
+discomfited foes.
+
+Away on the left was another large division of archers and
+men-at-arms drawn up in similar order, under the command of the Earl
+of Northampton; while, glancing backwards towards the
+windmill-crowned hill, Raymond saw the close ranks of the reserve
+division, composed of seven hundred men-at-arms and two thousand
+archers, under the direct command of the King.
+
+Looking in the direction of Abbeville, Raymond could see no signs of
+the French host, and, after all, he wondered whether the attack would
+be made, seeing the strength of the natural defences occupied by the
+English.
+
+At length a dull hum of excitement ran along the ranks. The voices of
+the company-commanders could be heard ordering their men to stand to
+their arms, and in a few moments, mounted on a white palfrey and
+bearing a white rod in his hand, the King rode slowly along the front
+of those rigid lines of warriors.
+
+At intervals he reined in his steed in order to address the troops,
+bidding them stand stoutly to their arms and take heed to his honour
+in the fight. A roar of cheering greeted the monarch as he left the
+first division to inspect the second, and the men were told to stand
+at ease, and again refresh themselves with food and rest.
+
+Although awaiting an attack is one of the worst ordeals that can be
+undergone, Raymond was amazed at the coolness of the soldiers, as
+with merry laugh and jest they sat or sprawled on the ground. Many
+were busily engaged in fixing new strings to their bows, smoothing
+out the feathers of their arrows, or waxing or greasing the heads of
+their deadly shafts to enable them to pierce an obstacle with greater
+ease, while others crowded round the master-bowmen, asking advice or
+information on the coming struggle.
+
+Redward had shaken off his depression, and greeted his son with a
+cheerfulness that was all the more remarkable by reason of his
+confession on the eve of battle.
+
+"A goodly sight," he exclaimed, "and never can I hope to be in better
+company. Look at the lads! One would think they were about to try
+their turn at the butts."
+
+"And think'st thou that the French will fight?"
+
+"Assuredly; they seek to overwhelm and crush us with the weight of
+numbers. Can the archers but hold the ridge for one hour the day will
+go with us."
+
+"But 'twill be eventide ere the enemy come to blows?"
+
+"Ay; but if mine eyes do not deceive me, there they are, right on the
+skyline."
+
+Raymond looked, and in the distance he saw the cloud of dust that
+invariably envelops an army on the march. Others had detected the
+sight, and there was a general stir amongst the troops. Exclamations
+of satisfaction burst from all lips at the prospect of the approach
+of the French host.
+
+"'Twill be six or seven hours ere they draw nigh," remarked Redward,
+"and footsore and weary will they be after a three leagues' march in
+battle array. But, see, Raymond, there is thine uncle, Sir Maurice
+Revyngton, at the head of the men of Totnes, and, mark you, Sir
+Reginald Scarsdale is in close converse with him. What doth it mean,
+I wonder?"
+
+A little later in the day the sun, which had been shining brightly in
+the eyes of the English host, disappeared behind a thick bank of
+clouds. The air was close and sultry, and at midday the gloom was so
+intense that it seemed as if night was drawing nigh. With raucous
+cries a vast number of crows, ever regarded as birds of ill-omen,
+flew across the front of the army and alighted on the plain beneath;
+then resuming their flight they disappeared in the direction of the
+advancing Frenchmen.
+
+"It will go ill with the King of France," remarked Sir John Hacket to
+his squire. "If he reads the sign aright methinks he will stay his
+hand. But see, a thunder-storm approaches rapidly!"
+
+"Pass the word for the archers to protect their bow-strings,"
+exclaimed the Earl of Warwick to the nearest Constable, and in
+obedience to the order the bowmen either drew waterproof cases over
+their bows or, if unprovided with these, unstrung their weapons and
+placed the cords under their quilted coats.
+
+Hardly were these preparations completed than the rain descended in a
+torrential downpour, blotting out the horizon in a mirky blur, then,
+as suddenly as it came, the cloud passed over on its way towards
+Abbeville, and the sun again shone brilliantly, its warmth soon
+drying the sodden clothing of the soldiers.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the dark masses of Frenchmen, till within a
+league of their enemies they halted. Shortly afterwards a group of
+horsemen could be seen riding towards the English position, and, amid
+breathless excitement, it was observed that four French knights were
+approaching.
+
+Either from absolute contempt for their enemies or relying on the
+chivalrous instincts that frequently show themselves between opposing
+enemies, the Frenchmen rode within a bow-shot of the English lines,
+then, calmly trotting along the whole front of the army, they
+appeared to be making careful observations of the dispositions of
+their foe.
+
+Several knights besought the Prince of Wales to be allowed to have
+their chargers brought them, so that they might earn a slight
+advancement by engaging the intrepid Frenchmen; others requested that
+the archers should shoot them down; but to all entreaties the Prince
+firmly but courteously returned a refusal, and in perfect silence the
+English allowed the French knights to complete their reconnaissance,
+and to retire in safety to their own host.
+
+Slowly the hours passed, and still the French army showed no signs of
+advancing. The sun was now shining well behind the English, and would
+serve to dazzle the eyes of their attackers. Meanwhile the archers
+had planted their pointed stakes, and the men-at-arms in charge of
+the bombards had loaded these cumbersome engines and trained them on
+the plain across which the enemy must advance.
+
+Once again the wearisome monotony was broken by the appearance of a
+man who was observed to make his way steadily and rapidly towards the
+English lines. When within bowshot he waved his arms in token of
+friendship, and four archers were sent out to escort him to the
+Prince. The new-comer was a tall, lightly-built man, with long,
+spider-like legs and arms, and sharp, projecting elbow-joints and
+knees. He was attired in a close-fitting dress of blue cloth that
+served to increase his angularities, and from his belt hung an
+ink-horn counterbalanced by a short knife.
+
+"Mark ye," quoth Sir John Hacket to his squire, "yonder sly fox is on
+no lawful errand, and, certes, 'twill go hard with him if he plays
+the traitor with our Prince. Look at his protruding forehead and his
+shifty, blinking eyes. A creature like that would fawn to one's face
+and plunge a dagger into one's back! Hark to what he has to say."
+
+The man spoke in a deep yet quavering voice, yet so loudly that
+Raymond could hear every word.
+
+"My name, fair sir, is Alexandre Gourdain, and I am clerk in the
+household of King Philip."
+
+"Forbear to trouble me with thy name and calling," replied the Prince
+curtly, "but deliver thy message."
+
+"Message, fair sir? Nay, I bear no message, but have come to tell
+thee that, though counselled to tarry till to-morrow, my master has
+decided to begin the fight----"
+
+"One moment! Thou bring'st this news on thy own behalf?"
+
+"Yea, fair sir."
+
+"And seekest a guerdon?"
+
+"Yea, fair sir; I do but ask----"
+
+"Enough, thou recreant! Think'st thou that I would list to a
+double-faced rogue to learn the movements of a gallant foe? Hence
+with ye! Ho, archers! Strip this coward's coat from off his back, and
+give him a score lusty stripes with your bow-cords. Then turn him
+loose, and if he go not back to his master, feather him with shafts.
+Get thee gone, knave."
+
+"Is it not as I said?" remarked the Constable of Portchester in an
+undertone. "See, the archers take a delight in their task."
+
+The twenty strokes were laid on with all the force of the soldiers'
+sinewy arms, then, threatened by a hundred drawn bows, the miserable
+wretch was pushed out of the lines and sent on his way towards the
+army he had stooped to betray.
+
+Signs of animation were now observed in the dense masses of the
+enemy. The heavily-armed cavalry rode forth in a disorderly mob,
+brandishing their arms and shouting; then, retiring on the main body,
+their places were taken by a body of archers, nearly two thousand
+strong, who slowly advanced towards the foot of the rising ground,
+where the English were posted in firm array.
+
+"'Tis the crossbowmen of Genoa. Steady, my lads; their bolts will be
+singing over our heads anon," shouted Sir John, and at the same
+moment the Prince of Wales gave the signal for the archers to stand
+and make ready.
+
+Silently yet swiftly the white-surcoated lines of bow-men sprang to
+their feet and took up their allotted stations in the formation of a
+harrow. With feet planted firmly, and with arrows notched to their
+six-foot bows, they stood ready for action.
+
+At length the Genoese came within bowshot, the clicking of their
+windlacs as they drew the cords of their crossbows sounding like the
+chirping of myriad crickets. Then with a loud shout they leaped from
+the ground. Another shout, and the leap was repeated.
+
+"Do they take us for a crowd of yokels at a country fair?" asked one
+archer of his fellow. "They prance for all the world like a
+dog-baited bear."
+
+"They'll dance higher ere long, I'll warrant," replied his comrade
+grimly.
+
+Once more the Genoese leapt, then levelling their crossbows, they let
+fly a volley of short bolts.
+
+A shout of derision greeted this discharge, for, without exception,
+the bolts fell far short of the proper distance, sticking in the
+ground at a sharp angle and rendering the advance of the French
+cavalry, when it should take place, full of additional peril.
+
+"That shows what the rain did for the strings of their crossbows,"
+said Sir John Hacket to the Constable of Lewes, who had joined him at
+the beginning of the advance. "Steady, men. At the word, loose wholly
+together."
+
+The long-drawn tension was broken by the voice of the great Lord
+Chandos. "In the name of God and St. George--shoot!"
+
+The twang of two thousand longbows reverberated along the line. The
+intervening space between the armies was white with a sleet of
+arrows. Looking towards the Genoese, Raymond saw a dense mass of men
+bending over their crossbows and working their windlacs in desperate
+haste to reload their cumbersome weapons. The next moment the Genoese
+were literally swept away. Hardly an arrow failed to find a mark;
+heads, breasts, arms, and legs were transfixed by stinging shafts.
+Dead, wounded, and unscathed were mixed in a writhing, struggling
+mass, and the confusion was increased by the unwounded striving to
+fall back upon the main body of the French host.
+
+All the while the English archers shot straight and true at the
+disorganised Genoese. The squire, though unable to see the faces of
+the bowmen in front of him, was astonished at the quiet, collected
+manner in which they loosed their bows.
+
+Then, as he glanced towards the panic-stricken foemen, the squire
+observed a strong body of French mounted troops charging down, as he
+supposed, to the support of the ill-fated crossbowmen. The ground
+trembled beneath the feet of the cavalry, as with loose rein and
+wildly brandished weapons their riders pressed forward in a headlong
+charge.
+
+But to Raymond's surprise, instead of deploying right and left of the
+fugitives, the Frenchmen cut right through their Genoese mercenaries,
+slashing at the miserable men with sword and axe.
+
+In this tangled web horsemen fell in scores. Genoese and Frenchmen
+fought each other with the madness of fury and self-preservation, and
+all the time the hail of English arrows swept down knight and
+crossbow-man in indiscriminate slaughter.
+
+To add to the confusion, the bombards on the right of the Prince's
+division opened fire, and amid clouds of thick, suffocating smoke the
+heavy stone balls went crashing through the dense masses of the foe,
+and, for the first time in warfare, it was seen that thrice-tempered
+armour was useless before the power of artillery.
+
+Then a trumpet sounded from the English ranks, and the hail of arrows
+ceased as by magic. There was a loud discordant shout, the trampling
+of hundreds of feet, and through the now rapidly clearing smoke
+Raymond saw the Welsh and Irish levies dash out upon the demoralised
+foe. With their long knives they threw themselves on the Frenchmen,
+and, in the heat of the fight, all thought of quarter was ignored,
+and knights, worth a rich ransom, were slaughtered as they lay
+helpless on the ground with as little compunction as if they were
+peasants.
+
+So intently was Raymond engaged in watching the struggle before him
+that for the time being he did not notice what was happening on the
+flanks of the first division, till suddenly the hoarse voice of the
+Earl of Oxford was heard shouting, "Stand to your arms, fair knights
+and squires! The French are upon us!"
+
+For the first time on that memorable day a desperate hand-to-hand
+conflict was about to take place.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+HIS LIFE FOR HIS FOE
+
+
+UNSHEATHING his sword and holding his shield firmly on his left arm,
+the squire followed the example of the knights and men-at-arms, and
+hastened towards the left flank.
+
+Already the French cavalry, led by the Duke of Alencon, had, by sheer
+weight of numbers, forced their way to within striking distance of
+their foes, and the long rows of white-coated archers, who formed the
+first rank of the defence, were swept aside by the rush of the
+mounted French knights, for at close quarters the bowmen were useless
+against the lances, swords, and axes of their mailed antagonists.
+
+Before Raymond and his companions could throw themselves into the
+press, the horsemen had hewn a way right to the foot of the Royal
+Standard, beneath which the Prince of Wales and a chosen body of
+knights fought with magnificent courage.
+
+The French and German knights, intent on securing the Prince, hurled
+themselves in a compact body towards the Standard, and as fast as one
+warrior fell, two more took his place, till it seemed that the
+desperate bravery of the attackers would attain its purpose.
+
+Raymond found himself engaged by a tall, broad-shouldered antagonist,
+who bore on his shield the cognisance of the House of Luxemburg. For
+a space they rained blows at each other, striving by sheer force to
+cut down their respective guards, till, by a sweeping blow, the
+Frenchman shivered the squire's sword, and only by swiftly leaping
+backwards was Raymond able to avoid the deadly stroke: So narrow was
+his escape that the point of the descending blade cut a long, clean
+gash in his surcoat ere it buried itself a foot deep in the carcase
+of a slain charger. Instantly the squire rushed in, struck the
+Luxemburger with the edge of his shield, then, ere the man could
+recover himself, plunged his dagger to the hilt in his brawny throat.
+
+Without pausing to recover his breath, Raymond rushed towards a group
+of French knights who were surrounding a little knot of Englishmen.
+It was the Prince's own bodyguard, who, hard pressed, strove their
+utmost to defend their young master. Sir Reynold Cobham, beaten to
+the ground, lay pinned down by the weight of his armour; the Earl of
+Warwick, wounded in the face by a lance thrust, was fiercely beset by
+two knights of Cologne, while Edward, though unscathed, was the mark
+of nigh a score of determined Frenchmen. Nimbly avoiding one stroke,
+parrying another, and diverting a thrust with his shield, the Prince
+fought like a trained veteran rather than a mere lad of fifteen.
+
+At length a knight, armed with a huge double-handed sword, made a
+swinging cut at the Prince just as the latter had all his attention
+drawn by the fierce onslaught of a mounted knight of Sicily. For the
+moment it seemed as if nothing could save the Prince from instant
+death; but Raymond, regardless of his own safety, sprang forward, and
+with his shield and his own body strove to stay the blow. The
+knight's sword struck the squire's shield just above the upper
+leathern loop that held it to the wearer's arm. The tough metal plate
+was sheared through as if made of paper, and the blade, glancing
+upwards against the squire's bascinet, struck the Prince a harmless
+blow, merely slicing the crest of his helmet.
+
+Raymond fell at the Prince's feet, but the Constable of Portchester,
+seeing his squire stricken to the earth, dashed out the swordsman's
+brains with a crashing blow of his mace. For a short space Raymond
+lay breathless on the ground, then, feeling terribly dazed, he raised
+himself and looked around. To his utmost satisfaction he saw that the
+Prince of Wales was unhurt. Already the danger was past, for the
+Earls of Arundel and Northampton had brought up their division to the
+aid of the sorely pressed Prince, and the attackers, beaten at every
+point, were giving way in headlong flight.
+
+At length the squire staggered to his feet, and, assisted by an
+archer of his company, he slowly and painfully made his way towards
+the camp. Darkness was falling, and the English, having been ordered
+to refrain from hazardous pursuit, stood in their ranks, while a vast
+plain, dotted with thousands of corpses, of which but few wore the
+red cross surcoats, silently testified to the hard-fought fight.
+
+As Raymond passed the ranks of his own company Sir John Hacket came
+forward and grasped him by the hand.
+
+"My brave squire," he exclaimed. "Right nobly hast thou borne thyself
+this day. The Prince hath spoken highly of thy courage and devotion,
+and, without doubt, tidings of thy deeds will come to the cars of the
+King. But, Raymond," he added sadly, "I have ill tidings for thee."
+
+"My father?" gasped the squire, reading the Constable's unspoken
+words.
+
+"Ay, my boy, 'tis thy father. He fell in the thickest of the fight,
+and thou hast lost a noble sire and I a brave soldier. Now, bear up,
+Raymond, and get thee to the camp and attend to thy hurts, for thou
+wilt be required anon."
+
+Wounded in body and mind, the young squire was led to the camp, where
+it was found that the Frenchman's sword had driven the stout steel
+bascinet heavily against his temple, leaving a dark blue bruise to
+show how near he had been to death. Simple remedies were applied,
+and, having divested himself of his armour, Raymond recovered himself
+sufficiently to set out to find the body of his father, bearing a
+torch to aid him in his quest.
+
+He remembered well the place where he had last seen him, close to a
+little stunted thorn that grew on the edge of the slope which the
+Prince's division had held so well.
+
+A veritable mound of bodies showed how firmly the archers had stood,
+and how fierce had been the contest, for in a circle around the tree
+lay a heap of red-crossed surcoats, their wearers lying still in
+death with their faces to the foe, while around lay the bodies of
+their attackers, three deep in places, their rich dress and armour
+proving that the flower of French chivalry was unable to vanquish,
+although it had broken through, that double line of English archers
+and men-at-arms.
+
+The men of the Hampshire companies had suffered more severely than
+any, and Raymond, as he pursued his quest, came across many faces
+which he sadly recognised.
+
+Here and there, dotted over the ghastly field, were feeble glimmers
+of torches showing that others were engaged in the doleful task of
+looking for their fallen comrades, though in some instances ghouls
+were engaged in their dastardly work of robbing the dead.
+
+At length the ruddy glare of the torch threw its beams upon the form
+which Raymond recognised only too well. Stretched on his back, his
+sightless eyes staring up at the starry sky, lay Redward, the outlaw
+and master-bowman, the body bearing the ghastly traces of eight
+separate wounds, all of which were in front, proving that to the last
+he had fought with his face to the foe.
+
+Sorrowfully Raymond gazed upon his slain sire; then, realising that
+the sooner he performed the last rites there would be the less chance
+of the spoiler's fell work, he proceeded to carefully remove the body
+to the shelter of the stunted tree, so that he could return to the
+camp to find, if possible, the priest attached to the company.
+
+As he lifted the heavy corpse he was startled to hear a feeble voice
+exclaim, "Blessings on thy kindness, noble sir; I pray thee assist
+me."
+
+Recovering from his astonishment, the squire discovered, pinned
+beneath his father's body, a wounded knight. Swiftly Raymond bent to
+his aid, and, cutting asunder the laces of his bascinet, he found the
+stranger to be none other than Sir Reginald Scarsdale!
+
+"Faith! I did think this would have been the end of me," quoth the
+knight. "Hast a draught of wine?"
+
+Raymond shook his head. "I am returning to the camp, an' if it please
+thee, I'll help thee back to thy company."
+
+"Do so, squire, for, what with a crack over the head with a
+Frenchman's mace, and the weight of yon bowman atop o' me, I feel too
+weak to stand of mine own will. What dost thou here?"
+
+"Yonder lies my father."
+
+"Thy father? By St. Wilfrid of Ripon, he was a gallant man! Had he
+not stood over me the rascals would have settled my account. I pray
+thee tell me his name?"
+
+For a moment Raymond paused, then, in a sudden outburst of
+confidence, he exclaimed, "Redward Revyngton!"
+
+"What! Redward Revyngton! And to think that the man whom I, with a
+mad desire for vengeance, hounded out of the country should have
+given his life for me! Did he wot whom I was?"
+
+"Ay," said Raymond. "For but a few hours agone he and I saw thee in
+converse with his brother, Sir Maurice."
+
+"Then out on me for my revengeful spirit! When it lay in his power to
+thrust me through the back with a dagger, or even to let me be slain
+by my enemies, what did he do? He saved my life! This indeed is
+rendering good for evil."
+
+"And ye forgive him his trespass?"
+
+"Ay, young squire. Right willingly."
+
+"Then in my sorrow I thank Heaven," replied Raymond, and in silence
+they returned slowly to the camp, Sir Reginald leaning heavily on the
+arm of the outlaw's son.
+
+The moment the wounded knight was given into safe hands Raymond
+hastened to his quarters, where he enlisted the services of the
+priest and four stout archers. The latter took spades and torches
+with them, and the melancholy procession set out for the scene of
+Redward's last stand, Raymond with Sir John Hacket, who wished to pay
+his last respects to his trusted servant, leading the way.
+
+Rapidly the bowmen plied their spades, and soon a deep grave gaped at
+the foot of the solitary thorn. Raymond bent and kissed the cold
+brow, then, amid the solemn voice of the priest reciting the psalm,
+_Domine, refugium_, the body of the brave old master-bowman was laid
+to rest.
+
+Bare-headed and dry-eyed, Raymond watched the dark earth being
+shovelled down upon the mortal remains of his sire, then, when the
+task was accomplished, he turned and walked slowly back to the camp.
+There, in the retirement of his tent, his pent-up feelings found
+relief, and throwing himself on the ground, he burst into a flood of
+passionate weeping.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+THE REJECTED GUERDON
+
+
+MORNING came, and with it the trumpets again sounded for the troops
+to assemble. Was it that a renewal of the fight was expected? Nay,
+for the French were in headlong flight, their King being already well
+on the way to La Broye. But Edward, sensible of the advantage gained,
+had determined to advance on Calais.
+
+Silently the weary soldiers fell into their ranks. The archers, their
+white surcoats soiled with mud and stained with blood, the
+men-at-arms, with battered armour, and, in many cases,
+roughly-bandaged wounds, stood grimly in their martial array,
+conscious of the many comrades who had stood thus but a day before
+and had gone to their last account.
+
+Suddenly a fanfare of trumpets announced the approach of the King.
+With his eyes shining with pardonable pride, the monarch rode slowly
+down the war-worn lines, stopping at intervals to bestow honours and
+praise as cases of individual merit were pointed out to him. At his
+right hand rode the Prince of Wales, and attending him were Sir John
+Chandos, the Earls of Warwick, Arundel, Oxford, and Southampton.
+
+When in front of the Hampshire companies the King again drew rein,
+and surveyed the stern, determined faces of the men on whom the brunt
+of the attack had fallen. Sir John Hacket, attended by his three
+squires, stood in front of his command, the banners, according to
+custom, being lowered to the ground in the presence of the Sovereign.
+
+"By Our Lady! 'Tis our trusted Constable of Portchester!" exclaimed
+Edward. "And by report thou didst hold thyself right gallantly on
+yesterday's field. Ah, Sir John, we have something in store to make
+amends for our former forgetfulness. Advance thy banner!"
+
+The Constable, taking his banner from the hands of the guidon-bearer,
+stepped forward, and, with bended knee, presented the blue silk
+emblazoned with the golden crescent to the King, who, drawing a
+dagger from his belt, deftly cut off the pointed end of the pennon.
+Handing the severed portion to a knight in attendance, the King
+returned the banner to Sir John.
+
+The action, simple as it seemed, roused the company to the highest
+pitch of enthusiasm, for their adored leader had achieved the great
+distinction of being created a knight-banneret, the greatest honour
+to be paid by the sovereign, only on the field of battle.
+
+Ere the cheering had died away, the Prince of Wales had plucked his
+father's sleeve, and whispered in his ear.
+
+"Of a truth, 'tis the squire who brought the Count of Tancarville to
+our camp! And he is the man that came betwixt thee and thine enemies
+in the thickest of the fray! 'Tis our pleasure to bestow honours
+freely to-day, though, methinks, they be well deserved, and no man
+will chide us for being too freehanded. Thy squire's name, Sir John?"
+
+"He is named Raymond Buckland, sire."
+
+"Come hither, squire," commanded the King, alighting from his palfrey
+and taking a sword from the hand of the Earl of Warwick.
+
+The supreme moment of Raymond's life was at hand, but the squire,
+instead of kneeling to receive the honour of knighthood, advanced a
+few paces and stood irresolutely before his sovereign.
+
+"On thy knees, squire!" commanded Edward.
+
+"Nay, sire, I cannot," replied the unhappy Raymond. Low murmurs of
+astonishment arose from the King's attendants, while Sir John Hacket,
+placing his hand heavily on his squire's shoulder, hissed into his
+ear, "Kneel, thou fool! Art bereft of thy senses?"
+
+A dark cloud gathered on the King's face. Then a thought seemed to
+strike him, and he spoke again.
+
+"Here, sirrah, tell us the reason of this strange refusal. Nay, have
+no fear," he added, in a more kindly tone, observing the squire's
+dejection, "for we perceive there is something amiss that will
+account for thy demeanour."
+
+Encouraged by the King's words, and rendered bold by the desperate
+position in which circumstances had placed him, Raymond replied, in a
+low yet distinct voice, "Sire, I am the son of an outlaw, and
+therefore unworthy of the honour thou would'st bestow."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed the King. "This requires further consideration. Sir
+John, knowest aught of this?"
+
+"Nay, sire," replied the amazed Constable.
+
+Once again the young Prince of Wales whispered in his father's ear.
+The King nodded in response, and again addressed the squire.
+
+"It is our desire to hear more of this matter. See to it that thou
+comest before us in our pavilion at noon, Sir John. I hold thee
+responsible for thy squire's appearance. And, Sir William," he added,
+turning to his scrivener, "I pray thee see to it that the worthy
+Constable of Portchester and his squire be instantly admitted to our
+presence at that hour."
+
+Remounting his steed, the King, accompanied by his retinue, continued
+his tour of inspection, and, on this being completed, he returned to
+his pavilion. The ranks broke, and the men were told to enjoy a
+well-earned rest ere the march to Calais was begun on the morrow,
+while the camp-followers were put to the melancholy task of burying
+the dead who had fallen in the fight.
+
+On hearing the story from Raymond's own lips, the kind-hearted Sir
+John Hacket's expressions of surprise and pity were unbounded. For
+not for one moment had he suspected that the sturdy master-bowman,
+though an outlaw, was at one time a gentleman of quality.
+
+"Take it not too much to heart, Raymond," he said. "Many a man hath
+been in a worse scrape. I am of a mind to bring Sir Maurice Revyngton
+with us when we repair to the King's presence, and 'twould be well if
+I saw the knight at once."
+
+So saying, the Constable hastened away, leaving his squire still torn
+with conflicting emotions of hope and fear--hope that his own
+stainless character and deeds of bravery would wipe out the
+undeserved blot that threatened to mar his prospects, and fear that
+the formidable barrier of social custom and royal etiquette would for
+ever debar him from the road to success.
+
+In less than an hour Sir John returned, a broad smile of satisfaction
+overspreading his grim features. "Thy uncle will bear us company, ay,
+and another knight, if I mistake not, will interest himself on thy
+behalf. Now, bear thyself cheerfully, for I perceive that things will
+turn out aright. Waste no more time in gloomy meditations, but make
+thyself fit to appear in the King's presence, for the hour of
+audience is at hand."
+
+"And the style of mine attire?"
+
+"In full harness, Raymond, for the King will doubtless think fit to
+reward thee for bravery on the field, and on that score I have no
+doubt. 'Tis meet that thou shouldst appear in the garb of a soldier
+rather than in the dress of a common suppliant. And, moreover, our
+King delights in the wearing of harness, and looks with favour on
+those who doff their armour but rarely when they come to the wars. So
+again I tell thee, hasten!"
+
+The squire repaired to his own tent and put on his complete suit of
+armour--the same that his father had given him years ago on the eve
+of the sack of Hamble--and well the dented and tarnished steel
+befitted his tall and erect figure. Then girding on his scabbard,
+wherein was thrust the remaining part of the broken blade, and
+grasping the fragment of the shield that had diverted the murderous
+sweep of the Frenchman's two-handed sword, Raymond repaired to his
+master's tent.
+
+The Constable surveyed him with appreciation. "Eh, lad, thou dost
+well to bear the silent testimony of thy courage on thine arm. In any
+case but the present, when thy future is at stake, 'twould have been
+a braggart's ruse. But the King doth know full well that thou art no
+boaster, seeing that it was in thy power to accept honour at his
+hands, and thou didst shrink from it. But come, the hour of noon is
+near. Let us make for the royal pavilion."
+
+Between the long lines of tents, where crowds of soldiers gathered,
+in silent wonder, to see the man who had so strangely withstood his
+sovereign, the knight and the squire walked side by side, and with a
+fresh wave of doubt and fear sweeping over him, Raymond found himself
+in the anteroom of the royal tent.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+SIR RAYMOND
+
+
+SIR JOHN HACKET, having formally announced his rank and that of his
+companion, as well as the nature of their business, to the herald,
+removed his velvet cap, though he held his bascinet in his left hand,
+and at the same time removed his right-hand gauntlet. His squire did
+likewise, and, breathing a fervent prayer for courage, he prepared to
+follow his master into the royal presence.
+
+The heavy damask curtains were drawn aside by two knights in waiting,
+and Raymond heard the sonorous voice of the herald repeating the
+title and style of the Constable and his squire. Another moment and
+Raymond stood before, but at a respectful distance from, the royal
+dais.
+
+King Edward, who still wore the mailed coat in which he rode along
+the ranks earlier in the day, was attended by a number of earls and
+barons, while by his side stood the young Prince of Wales, who
+regarded the squire with an encouraging smile.
+
+At the foot of the dais, a little distance to the left, stood
+Raymond's uncle, Sir Maurice Revyngton, and his late father's former
+enemy, Sir Reginald Scarsdale, who, though still weak and suffering
+from his wounds, had, at Sir John's desire, appeared on the young
+squire's behalf.
+
+"Ah, squire," quoth the King, fixing his dark, keen eyes upon the
+young man's face, "when we summoned thee to appear before us we
+looked for an explanation from thine own lips. But thou hast been
+forestalled, for these two knights have already told us of thy
+condition. Now, what hast thou to say why thou shouldst not be driven
+from the camp, being the son of an outlaw?"
+
+"Nothing, sire; 'tis but the law."
+
+"Thou couldst not have said much less," remarked the King, with a
+grim laugh. "How sayest thou, Sir Reginald Scarsdale. Hast thou a
+desire to press thy claims?"
+
+"Nay, sire," replied the knight stoutly. "For his father, knowingly
+and willingly, came to my aid in the thickest of the fight, and but
+for his courage I should have been worsted."
+
+"But thine oath of vengeance?"
+
+"Sire, my desire for revenge departed the moment I heard from this
+squire the name of his father, who, in truth, slew my only brother.
+Furthermore, 'tis my intention to repair, as soon as this war is
+over, to the shrine of St. Swithin of Winchester and to seek
+absolution from mine oath."
+
+"And thou hast no wish to harm this squire?"
+
+"None, sire. On the contrary I wish him good----"
+
+"Hold, Sir Knight," interrupted the King sharply. "We asked thee a
+plain question, to be answered by 'Yea' or 'Nay,' not by
+suggestions."
+
+"And thou, Sir John," continued Edward, addressing the Constable.
+"Hast thou aught to add in favour of thy squire, beyond what thou
+didst tell us but a short time back?"
+
+"Nothing more, sire."
+
+"'Tis well. And now, squire, we have carefully considered thy case,
+and we are favourably disposed towards thee." Then, turning to his
+barons, he added, with a sly reference to the growing power of
+Parliament, "We take it, fair lords, that we shall not offend our
+faithful commoners assembled at Westminster by assuming a right to
+revoke a decree of outlawry?"
+
+A low murmur of assent was the reply.
+
+"Then, Raymond Revyngton, we hereby pardon thee for an offence that
+thou hast not committed--to wit, thou art no longer the son of an
+outlaw. Sir William de Saye, our scrivener, will draw up the deed of
+revocation, and a copy for the Lord Bishop of Winchester. Art
+content?"
+
+"Sire, I thank thee," replied Raymond, bending low before his
+sovereign.
+
+"There is yet another matter. Of thy valour there has been no
+question. We have in mind the affair with the Count of Tancarville,
+and, going farther back, thy journey to Hennebon. But more especially
+thy conduct in yesterday's fight, when our dear son, the Prince of
+Wales, was succoured by thine aid. We have a mind to inspect thy
+cloven shield, which, we do perceive, thou hast brought in case our
+memory were in need of a reminder."
+
+The squire, still kneeling, handed his buckler to an attendant, who
+in turn presented it to the King.
+
+"A lusty stroke," commented Edward, carefully examining the clean cut
+in the metal plate. "Our cousin of France hath men of sinew who in
+open fight would be worthy and gallant opponents. Had their peasants
+been as good bowmen as our gallant archers but few of us would be
+here. Squire," he added, "arise and hand over thy sword."
+
+With martial alertness, Raymond drew the fragment of steel, and a
+look of surprise o'erspread the King's face.
+
+"Thine equipment seems at fault," he remarked, smiling a little
+grimly. "Nay, we know 'twas done in a gallant fight. Advance, squire,
+and kneel before us."
+
+This time Raymond did not refuse, for was he not a man free from the
+fatal taint that had threatened to mar everything in his career? With
+rapid stride and uplifted head he advanced to the steps of the dais,
+his armour clanking as he moved. Presenting the hilt of his weapon to
+the King, the squire sank on his knees.
+
+As in a dream he felt the flat of the broken blade touch his right
+shoulder, and the King's voice, in bold and decisive tones, saying,
+"Arise, Sir Raymond Revyngton!"
+
+When at length Raymond found himself without the royal pavilion, he
+was overwhelmed by the congratulations of his friends, including Sir
+Reginald Scarsdale.
+
+"'Twould ill become a belted knight if I did not make amends for the
+past," quoth the latter. "And to that end all I can do for thee I'll
+do willingly."
+
+"Then on thy knightly honour I hold thee to thy promise," replied
+Raymond, catching at the opportunity with new-born courage, "for I
+have a matter of much weight of which I would speak."
+
+"Then say on."
+
+Sir John and Sir Maurice, having an inkling of what was coming,
+exchanged a knowing smile, and Raymond continued, though his voice
+faltered a little.
+
+"Sir Reginald, I love thy daughter Audrey, and would ask thy consent
+to win her hand in marriage."
+
+For a while the old knight was too much astonished to reply, then,
+holding out his hand, he replied, "Then thou art the youth who
+rendered her service at that little affair with the French at
+Hampton? Out on me for a thickhead for not linking thee with that
+bold feat before. Certes! I will not be less good than my word. Take
+the maid, if she be willing to wed thee!" Thus it was that the
+newly-made knight found that success begets success, though in his
+heart he had not expected to win Sir Reginald's consent so readily.
+Yet in the midst of his good fortune the one dark shadow was the
+haunting thought of the loss of his father, and he grieved in his
+heart that death had deprived his sire of life just as his son was on
+the threshold of fame and honour.
+
+Slowly the four knights, Sir Reginald being stiff with his hurts,
+proceeded towards the lines of the Hampshire companies, where Sir
+John had invited the others to partake of refreshment. Already the
+news of Raymond's advancement had preceded them, and the soldiers,
+with loud shouts, welcomed the new knight; for the master-bowman's
+son was ever popular in the ranks of the men of Portsmouth and
+Southampton.
+
+"What are thy plans for the future," asked the Constable later in the
+day, "for as heir to Sir Maurice it is fitting that thou shouldst
+join him with the men of Devon."
+
+"Nay, by the rood," answered Raymond warmly. "Thou hast ever been a
+good master to me, Sir John, and with thee I'll abide till the end of
+the war."
+
+"I thank thee for thine appreciation, Raymond, for ever since thou
+wert my squire I have loved thee as a son. But now concerning the
+maid, the Lady Audrey?"
+
+"Until Sir Reginald returns home I will not press my suit, but should
+he do so I hope I may be permitted to withdraw from the camp for a
+few weeks to accompany him. Even then, how can I tell that the Lady
+Audrey will deal favourably with me?"
+
+"I know that she loves thee, Raymond."
+
+"How so, Sir John, seeing that I know not myself?"
+
+"Raymond, I am afraid thou art more forward with the art of war than
+with the affairs of the heart. Would a maid have sent a messenger to
+me every week whilst thou wert in Hennebon to know if there were
+tidings of thee, if she did not love thee?"
+
+"But how knew she that I was in Brittany?" was the amazed question.
+
+"How? Didst thou not give me a letter to send to her?"
+
+"Only in case I did not return."
+
+"Didst thou? Didst thou? Certes now I remember! But now I think on
+the matter, I must have forgotten that, for I did send it," replied
+Sir John, with pardonable deceit and well-feigned dismay. "But mind
+it not, Raymond, 'twas after all for the best, and, mark my words,
+she'll have thee--sure enough."
+
+On the morrow the march was resumed, the King having decided to lay
+siege to Calais, and slowly the long lines of English troops, every
+man heavily laden with booty, proceeded from the field of Crecy.
+
+Edward had long looked with covetous eyes upon the port of Calais,
+for owing to the death of his Flemish ally, Jacques d'Artevelde, at
+the hands of fellow-countrymen, and the consequent estrangement with
+the Flemings, the King was in need of a continental port for the
+distribution of English wool, and, once Calais were taken, the nest
+of pirates who made their headquarters there, to the great annoyance
+of English ships, would be dispersed. Also an entry for his troops
+would be secured within easy distance from the English coast. So,
+with these strong incentives, Edward hastened to reduce the town.
+
+Within a week of Crecy, the English lay in a triple ring around the
+land side of the town, while a strong fleet cruised constantly
+between Grisnez and Gravelines to prevent any succour being sent by
+sea, and, without attempting to carry the defences by assault, Edward
+relied upon famine to bring about the downfall of Calais.
+
+Throughout the long winter of 1346-47 the blockade was maintained,
+and the works of the besiegers resembled the outer walls of a city
+rather than temporary trenches, so that the English were in a
+position both to keep the citizens of Calais within their walls and
+to repel any attempt on the part of the French to raise the siege.
+
+Early in the spring dysentery broke out in the ranks of the English,
+and amongst those who were attacked was Sir Raymond. In spite of the
+rough yet devoted attention of his men, the skill of the harassed
+physicians, and the solicitude of his friends, the young knight was,
+for a time, in great danger, and even when the crisis was passed his
+progress towards recovery was slow and tedious.
+
+One day as he lay alone in his tent, weak and worn, Raymond heard the
+well-known sound of troops marching hurriedly out of camp, and the
+blare of trumpets denoted that something untoward was afoot.
+
+Feebly he called the names of the men who usually waited on him, but
+in vain; there was no response to his summons, and at length the
+tramp of feet died away, leaving the camp as silent as the grave,
+save for the flapping of the canvas as the keen wind whistled around
+the tents.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+THE ADVENTURE AT THE RUINED MILL
+
+
+IN his tent, in terrible suspense, the young knight, Raymond
+Revyngton, lay helpless, wondering how went the fight. In due course,
+through the opening of his tent, he saw a stream of wounded men
+returning, singly or in small parties, some with rough bandages round
+their limbs or their heads.
+
+At length came one whom he knew--an archer of the Portchester
+company.
+
+"Stephen! Stephen!" called Raymond, as loudly as he could.
+
+In obedience to the knight's cry, the man entered the tent, nursing
+the maimed fingers of his right hand with his left, while the blood
+poured freely from the stumps and trickled in a crimson stream down
+his arm, soaking his sleeve.
+
+Deftly and quickly, notwithstanding his weakness, Raymond bound the
+wounded hand, and poured out a cup of wine for the almost fainting
+archer. The draught revived him, and the colour began to steal back
+into his ashy-grey face.
+
+"How goes the battle?" asked Raymond anxiously.
+
+"'Tis not a battle, Sir Raymond, but a slight passage of arms, though
+I perceive that as a bowman my work is done. The French King hath
+tried to relieve the town, but my Lord Chandos and seven thousand of
+our men have withstood him amid the sand-hills and marshes. Save for
+a few hand-to-hand blows, the French never made a stand, and already
+they are in full flight."
+
+"Dost feel well enough to walk?" the young knight asked, after a long
+pause.
+
+"Yea, Sir Raymond."
+
+"Then get thee outside the camp, and bring me fresh tidings."
+
+The man obeyed, but ere long he returned, exclaiming: "'Tis all over.
+The enemy are nowhere in sight and our men are even now returning."
+
+"Then do not tarry longer, but go to thine own tent, for thou needest
+better care for thy hurts than I can give thee. This flask of wine I
+give thee, for, by St. Thomas, thou hast need of it. Nay, do not
+thank me, but away!"
+
+Once more the camp was alive with men, for the threatened attack of
+the huge army that Philip had gathered together for the relief of
+Calais had been ignominiously repelled, and it was known that the
+fate of the town was sealed. Raymond gathered a fairly true account
+of the fight from the conversation and joyous exclamations of the
+elated soldiery, and presently Sir John Hacket, covered with dust and
+showing signs of the conflict, entered the tent.
+
+"Art feeling better, Raymond?"
+
+"Ay, Sir John. But how goes it with us?"
+
+"Passably well but ever I seem to be a messenger of momentous tidings
+to thee, whether of good or evil."
+
+"Then there is something amiss?" questioned the young man eagerly,
+instinctively surmising that the news was unfavourable.
+
+"Yea, Raymond. My speech was ever blunt, and methinks the sooner I
+unburden myself of a message of ill-tidings the easier 'tis for both
+of us. Briefly, Sir Maurice hath fallen like the true and gallant
+knight he was, and thou art the last of the Revyngtons of Churston."
+
+"Alack-a-me that it should be so! For though I knew but little of
+him, I esteemed him a gallant, gentle, and honourable knight even
+before I wot he was my kinsman. And Sir Reginald Scarsdale--what of
+him?"
+
+"His heart is stronger than his body. In the first impact he was
+swept from his saddle by a mere stripling."
+
+"And he is killed, wounded, or taken?"
+
+"Neither, save that he is shaken by the fall, and the King vows that
+since he cannot hold his own against a youth he will send him home,
+seeing that his fighting days are over."
+
+"And does Sir Reginald know of this?"
+
+"Ay, and if the King will not relent--and he is hard to turn from his
+purpose--'twill be the first Scarsdale since the Conquest whose feet
+on his altar-tomb rest not upon a lion."
+
+"Alas! the King's decision will hit him hard! Do you, Sir John,
+convey my expressions of regret to the gentle knight, and say that it
+will give me great pleasure should he deign to visit me."
+
+For several days more Raymond lay weak and ill in his tent, but as
+April drew on and the weather became warmer his strength began slowly
+to return. At length, pale and wan, the young knight was able to walk
+slowly about the camp, supported by two of his archers.
+
+Still the siege continued, a long-drawn, tedious task, with little
+chance of knightly deeds of daring to earn advancement. The
+close-drawn lines of the besiegers still kept tenacious grip upon the
+town, and, though famine and disease wrought havoc amongst its
+gallant defenders, the end seemed as far off as ever.
+
+The return of summer found Sir Raymond Revyngton completely restored
+in health, though still chafing with impatience at the life of
+inactivity, for the younger knights looked with disfavour upon the
+King's methods of conducting the siege, and would rather have had the
+opportunity of leading their men to the assault than sit down before
+the town waiting for famine to do its fell work.
+
+Friendly tilting-matches, hawking, and sports of a similar nature
+were indulged in, and Raymond, with an exuberance of energy, took a
+leading part in the pastimes. Many a pleasant afternoon was spent in
+the open country around the English lines, hunting or making sport
+with hounds and falcons, for not an armed Frenchman was to be seen
+within twenty leagues of Calais, save the starving wretches within
+its gates.
+
+One afternoon in July Raymond and a score of young knights rode
+south-eastwards along the sand-dunes, each knight accompanied by a
+mounted serving-man and a number of hounds. The country was not of a
+nature to yield much sport, yet, eager to while away the time, the
+little cavalcade rode carelessly on over the low sandhills.
+
+On their right spread the blue waters of the English Channel, in
+front towered the chalky heights of Gris-nez, while behind lay the
+red-tiled houses and grey walls of Calais, with the semicircle of
+tents that marked the English lines.
+
+At length they reached the summit of a low hill, and here they reined
+in their steeds.
+
+"No sign of a living creature," remarked one of the party, "though
+the land away on our left seemeth well wooded. How call you yonder
+forest, Armand?" he inquired, addressing one of the attendants, a
+Gascon who had spent the greater part of his life in the
+neighbourhood of Calais.
+
+"'Tis the forest of Ambleteuse, sir," replied the man; "there the
+wild boar is to be found."
+
+"Ah There is good sport, fair sirs Let us ride forward."
+
+Half-an-hour's sharp canter brought them to the edge of the wood, and
+in a long, straggling line the gay-hearted Englishmen, with loud
+shouts and many a blast upon their horns, plunged into the gloom of
+the forest glades.
+
+For a while no signs of animal life appeared, then suddenly there
+came from one of the rearmost horsemen shouts of "A boar!"
+
+Instantly the party turned, and crashing through the underwood, made
+towards the sound. Raymond, who had been in the van, now found
+himself in the rear, and, spurring his steed and calling to his
+attendant to follow, he strove to overtake his companions, while the
+loud grunts of the hunted boar could be distinctly heard amid the
+snapping of the brushwood.
+
+At length the glade descended towards a babbling brook, and here the
+press of horsemen became so thick that many were riding hip to hip.
+Suddenly Raymond's horse trod in a rabbit-hole, and before he could
+realise what had happened he found himself hurtling through the air
+and striking the soft earth with a heavy thud. Fortunately, the young
+knight was lightly clad, and fell without injury, but on leaping to
+his feet he saw his body-servant lying, senseless on the ground,
+while the two steeds, entangled in their fall, were madly kicking
+each other with their iron-shod hoofs.
+
+In the excitement of the chase the rest of the cavalcade had rushed
+onwards, heedless of their companions' misfortunes, and the sound of
+feet was already dying away.
+
+With a bound Raymond sprang to the side of his attendant and dragged
+him out of the reach of the perilous hoofs. Then he sought for his
+horn to summon assistance, but the instrument was crushed and
+rendered useless by the fall. Baffled in his purpose, he applied his
+energies to the task of restoring the unconscious man, bathing his
+forehead with water obtained from the brook.
+
+His efforts at length were rewarded, for the servant sat up and gazed
+around in a dazed way.
+
+"Art hurt, Thompson?" asked Raymond anxiously.
+
+"Can scarcely tell, Sir Raymond, save that my head is swimming round
+like a roasting joint, and my shoulder-blades seem growing out of my
+neck."
+
+"'Tis of small moment. But stand up if thou canst." Thompson
+staggered to his feet, and to the knight's satisfaction he found that
+none of the man's limbs were broken.
+
+"'Tis a sorry pass, for we must needs find our way back afoot. Pull
+thyself together, man, for 'tis a goodly step betwixt us and the
+camp."
+
+Drawing his hunting-knife, Raymond put the two struggling
+horses--each of whom had a leg broken--out of their misery, then the
+twain set out on their homeward way. By the time they emerged from
+the forest their shadows fell far athwart the path, for the sun was
+sinking in the west; but Thompson was rapidly recovering, and their
+pace was well maintained.
+
+"There is the hill from whence we first saw the wood," remarked the
+knight. "But methinks we can leave that well on our left, for the
+camp lies yonder."
+
+"I deem thee to be right, fair sir. But, mark ye! Look at yonder
+clouds."
+
+Raymond looked in the direction indicated, and saw that a storm was
+rapidly driving towards them.
+
+"Night cometh on apace, and with it a tempest," quoth he. "Hasten, or
+we shall be benighted in this dreary plain."
+
+Hardly had they traversed a distance of three arrow-flights than the
+wind, hitherto a faint westerly breeze, sprang up with terrific
+violence. The sand rose in thick clouds, shutting out everything
+except in their immediate vicinity, and the sun, in a mist of pale
+yellow sky, sank beneath the indigo-coloured clouds.
+
+Onward they steadily plodded through the heavy yielding sand, the
+swiftly-falling darkness bringing with it a heavy storm of rain and
+hail. Wondering whether his comrades were faring as badly, the young
+knight stumbled and plunged resolutely onwards, his serving-man
+following closely at his heels, the whistling of the wind making
+conversation impossible.
+
+For over two hours the twain pursued their uncomfortable walk, till
+at length a dark object blocked their path. It was a ruined windmill.
+Making their way round its massive base, the weary travellers found
+some slight shelter from the force of the wind, and, panting from
+their exertions, they leaned against the stonework to recover their
+breath.
+
+"Dost know where we are?" shouted Raymond, his voice almost inaudible
+in the howling wind.
+
+"No, sir," replied the man.
+
+"But a short distance from where we left the wood, I marked this
+tower on our left, and, certes, we have been walking round and round
+for half the night."
+
+"Then we must needs set out once more?"
+
+"Nay. This will suffice for the present, and here we'll rest till
+daylight comes and the storm spends itself. The door is not barred, I
+hope."
+
+Walking slowly round the mill, the knight felt for the opening, till
+he stumbled over a low stone step. Cautiously ascending, he found at
+the fourth step a flat ledge, protected by a broken rail, and here
+was the door hanging by a solitary rusted hinge.
+
+[Illustration: TREACHERY AFOOT]
+
+Yielding to the pressure of his shoulder, the door flew open, and the
+knight and his companion carefully groped their way in, closing the
+door after them. Here, in absolute blackness, they found shelter, the
+storm howling wildly outside, yet scarcely to be heard within the
+massive stone walls. They had no means of procuring a light, but by
+continuing their investigations they felt a pile of broken hurdles
+and the lower-most rungs of a ladder.
+
+Raymond was about to ascend, when his servant laid a detaining hand
+upon his arm. "Hist!" he exclaimed. "Some one moves in the room
+above."
+
+"Nay, thou dreamest! . . . Ay, thou art right! Hide here, quickly. Art
+armed?"
+
+"Nought but a knife."
+
+"'Twill suffice. Now, hold thyself in readiness, but act not till I
+give the word."
+
+Crouching behind the pile of hurdles, knight and servant waited in
+breathless silence. There was the sound of a heavy trap-door being
+raised, and a voice exclaimed in French: "Is it thou, Jehan?"
+
+Receiving no reply, the questioner slowly descended a few steps of
+the ladder, and drawing a horn lantern from underneath a cloak, swung
+it around him, peering about the room.
+
+Then, perceiving no one, he muttered: "Mon Dieu! It is but fancy, yet
+why doth he tarry?" And again concealing the light, he ascended to
+the upper story and dropped the trap-hatch with a resounding thud.
+
+"There's fell treachery afoot," whispered Raymond. "Dost know who it
+is?"
+
+"'Tis Rene de Caux, of the following of the Captal de Buche, our
+King's trusted favourite. Wait patiently, for ere long no little
+advancement will be gained."
+
+Silently the Englishmen waited, every fiercer blast of the storm
+causing them to imagine that the expected visitor had arrived. At
+last they heard the door pushed open, and a dark form made its way
+into the room with a confidence gained by long practice. A low
+whistle, like the cry of a night-bird, and the trapdoor was again
+removed.
+
+"Ah, Jehan! 'Tis thou at last! Close the door ere I show a light."
+
+"A thousand pests take the weather. This storm hath all but been my
+undoing."
+
+The light of the lantern shone upon the face of the new arrival. He
+was a tall, slender man, with light hair and refined features, and on
+removing his sodden cloak a garment of slashed velvet was revealed,
+betokening that the wearer was a gentleman of quality. Armour he wore
+none, but a light sword hung from his belt, balanced by a large
+leather bag.
+
+"And how fares Sir John de Vienne?"
+
+"Strong in courage when last I saw him."
+
+"And that was----?"
+
+"But yesternight."
+
+"And he agreed to allow you to poison the wells?"
+
+"Nay, by Our Lady, he would not."
+
+"Well spoken, like a brave and gallant knight, for, by St. Denis, the
+plan is not to my liking even though these insolent islanders deserve
+all that is evil. But, see here! This letter must be given to the
+Governor of the town by to-morrow, though, alas! it is cold comfort
+to Sir John. Canst arrange to deliver it?"
+
+"They will admit me by the postern of the Boulogne Gate at midnight.
+'Twill be done."
+
+"Then take thy reward. Hold the light closer while I count, for I
+know a Gascon of old! See to it: all bright crowns, of good weight."
+
+The Frenchman addressed as Jehan handed a sealed document to the
+Gascon, who placed it in his doublet; then, setting the lantern on
+the ground and extending his hand, the latter counted the coins as
+Jehan took them from his wallet.
+
+Loosening his poignard and motioning to Thompson to draw his knife,
+Raymond prepared to spring from his hiding-place.
+
+Ere the two conspirators could recover from their astonishment the
+young knight had leapt upon them, and with one thrust of his weapon
+laid the traitorous Gascon dead at his feet. Instinctively the
+Frenchman sprang backwards and whipped out his sword.
+
+"Yield thee!" thundered Raymond.
+
+"To no man!"
+
+In an instant their blades met, the dull light of the lantern
+flashing on the glittering steel. Though Jehan had the longer weapon,
+he possessed neither the strength nor the skill of his antagonist,
+and in less than half a minute's swordplay the Frenchman's blade
+caught in the notch that the hilt of most poignards possess, and with
+a quick, powerful turn of the wrist Raymond snapped the sword off
+close to the guard.
+
+"Now wilt yield?"
+
+"If thou art a gentleman I will; if not, pass the dagger through me
+rather than let me disgrace myself."
+
+"I am Sir Raymond Revyngton, knight."
+
+"Then, Sir Raymond, I yield myself to thee; though I pray thee,
+certify my master that I fought well ere I yielded."
+
+"And thy name and quality?"
+
+"I am Jehan de Sous-Cahors, seneschal de Vimereux, and of the
+household of King Philip."
+
+"Then I have had great honour in taking thee!" said Raymond with due
+courtesy. "And now have I thy promise that there shall
+be no attempt at escape? Otherwise, though it grieve me to mishandle
+a knight, thou must be brought bound into the camp."
+
+"I swear, by St. Denis."
+
+The grey dawn was beginning to break, and the storm was dying away.
+Raymond looked out of the door, and saw with great satisfaction the
+knight's horse stabled in a small adjoining hut that had been
+invisible on the previous night. There in the distance the smoke of
+the English camp-fires showed distinctly in the now clear air, while
+less than a bowshot from the mill lay the wood that had been the
+cause of their misfortune.
+
+Suddenly the young knight heard the sound of scuffling and Thompson's
+voice shouting "Help, master, help!"
+
+Darting back to the room, he found his servant engaged in a desperate
+struggle with the captive, who was endeavouring to destroy the letter
+he had entrusted to the double-dealing Gascon, a portion of which he
+had attempted to swallow.
+
+With no gentle hand Raymond aided his man to throw the prisoner on
+his back and wrench the missive from him.
+
+"Thy parole, Sir Knight!" he exclaimed.
+
+"----has been kept," gasped the captive, "but I trow thou wilt admit
+that no farther compact was made. I am foiled in this matter, but I
+pray thee, of thy courtesy, give me leave to finish my work and
+destroy this missive."
+
+"That I cannot do. This letter, which I doubt not is of great moment,
+I will take charge of, and hand over to my Lord Chandos. 'Tis now
+daylight, and we must needs return to the camp. I am loth to let thee
+walk, but as there is but one horse between two knights, 'tis better
+that neither ride."
+
+Walking side by side, and followed by Thompson leading the captive's
+horse, Raymond and the French knight arrived at the camp without
+further incident, and, after handing his prisoner over to the
+camp-martial, the young knight repaired with all despatch to find Sir
+John Hacket.
+
+On hearing Raymond's story the Constable accompanied him to the tent
+of Sir John Chandos, whose banner floated close to the royal
+pavilion.
+
+Lord Chandos opened the letter which Raymond had gained possession
+of, and found that its contents were practically undamaged in the
+struggle.
+
+"Canst read?" he asked of the Constable. "For this crabbed fist doth
+sorely try my one eye."
+
+"Nay," replied Sir John Hacket with a grim smile. "Only enough for
+mine own use, for from my seventh year the sword ever proved a more
+pleasing companion than a scrawling, musty parchment."
+
+"And canst thou, Sir Raymond?"
+
+"I will try my best, fair sir."
+
+Raymond took the missive and began to read the superscription,
+written in French: "To the very puissant knight, Sir John de Vienne,
+seneschal of our town of Calais, greeting."
+
+The body of the letter began by thanking the Governor for his brave
+resistance, and expressing hopes of being able to speedily succour
+the besieged. It then confirmed the arrangements, previously made
+through the Gascon traitor, for a sally, in conjunction with an
+attempt on the part of the French forces to break the English lines
+from without. Should the French be unable to carry out their part and
+attack the English camp, three white lights were to be shown from the
+ruins of an old mill near Sangatte, and the besieged would then be at
+liberty to make the best terms they could for the surrender of
+Calais. The epistle was signed by no less a personage than King
+Philip of France.
+
+"By St. George, we have them," exclaimed Chandos, striking his fist
+heavily upon an oaken chest. "Though I would rather that Rene de Caux
+were swinging from a gallows in view of the town than lying dead at
+thy hands in the ruined mill. No matter; this letter must reach the
+Governor of Calais. Five hundred lances and two thousand archers will
+suffice to keep the Frenchmen from advancing upon us; and tomorrow
+night will see three white lights from the old mill at Sangatte."
+
+At nightfall a squire of the Captal de Buche crept cautiously to the
+postern of the Boulogne Gate, and, representing himself as an
+emissary of the false Rene de Caux, handed the fatal letter to the
+Governor, Sir John de Vienne. The presence of a strong force of
+Englishmen beyond the dunes of Sangatte prevented the expected French
+army from occupying the mill and signalling to their friends in the
+beleaguered city, and the following night three white lights flashed
+their message of despair to the hitherto undaunted garrison.
+
+Thus the fall of Calais was hastened, but Raymond saw nothing of the
+final act in the drama, when the heroic Eustace de St. Pierre and his
+five companions were nearly sacrificed to appease the anger of the
+English King (Queen Philippa's intercession alone saved their lives),
+for the young knight was with the five hundred lances that guarded
+the approach from Boulogne; and on the 6th of August, two days after
+Edward had taken possession of the town, the Hampshire companies,
+with whom was Sir Reginald Scarsdale, embarked for the shores of
+England.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+THE HOMECOMING
+
+
+AFTER four days of light but favourable winds the little fleet,
+consisting of seven vessels, that bore the Hampshire men homewards
+arrived off the Isle of Wight. Battle and disease had thinned their
+ranks, but the survivors returned in high spirits, flushed with
+victory and rich with the loads of spoil that lay in the holds.
+
+At Spithead the flotilla separated, Sir John Hacket's two ships
+making for Portsmouth Harbour, three heading for Southampton, and the
+remaining two setting a course down the Solent for Lepe and Lymington
+respectively. Amid a fanfare of trumpets and the farewell shouts of
+the troops to their former companions in arms, the Constable's
+vessels pointed to the north-west in the direction of the even lines
+of Portsdown, under the shadow of which lay the Castle of
+Portchester.
+
+The shields of the three knights were displayed over the side of the
+leading ship, while from her truck floated the blue banner with the
+device of the crescent and star, and on the poop were gathered Sir
+John Hacket, Sir Reginald Scarsdale, and Sir Raymond Revyngton,
+engaged in joyous conversation at the prospect of a speedy landing on
+their native soil.
+
+"And what dost thou purpose to do, Raymond?" inquired the Constable.
+"Surely there is little need to hasten westwards to thy newly-gained
+estates; 'twould be better far to wait the return of the Devonshire
+men. Tarry awhile at Portchester, for methinks there is much to be
+done here before setting out on thy travels. And thou, Sir Reginald?
+Wilt accept such hospitality that my poor castle can offer?"
+
+"I must first seek out my daughter Audrey," quoth Sir Reginald. "And
+I have but little doubt that Raymond will bear me company."
+
+"Doth she know of thy return?"
+
+"Nay, and I'll warrant the maid will be taken aback when we arrive at
+the town of Farnham."
+
+A strange smile flitted over Sir John's face.
+
+"Well, Raymond, what are thy plans?"
+
+"I bear Sir Reginald company; then, having won or lost my suit, I
+will return to the castle, Sir John. For there are several small
+matters I must give attention to at Hamble and at the Abbey of
+Netley, without which I cannot go to Churston."
+
+The vessel was now slipping through the water with a fair wind and
+favouring tide, and already the low-lying island of Portsca lay
+abeam, and the Castle of Portchester was momentarily growing more
+distinct.
+
+"By St. George, they expect us!" exclaimed Raymond excitedly. "See,
+thy banner floats above the keep, and the walls are thick with
+people. And the garlands over the water-gate! Of a surety they were
+not placed there at an hour's notice."
+
+"Now that I bethink me," remarked Sir John drily, "I did send a
+messenger to Winchelsea, so perchance he hath taken a horse and
+ridden hot-foot to Portchester."
+
+For awhile they watched in silence the grey outlines of the castle
+topped with its living fringe. The master-shipman gave an order, and
+the long yard, with its bellying sail, sank from the masthead; and
+the vessel, carried onward by its momentum and the rush of the tide,
+came abreast of the fortress. Another order, and the anchor with its
+hempen cable fell with a sudden plunge into the water; the ship
+snubbed at the tautened rope, swung round and brought up, riding
+easily to wind and tide. The voyage was over.
+
+"See, Raymond," suddenly exclaimed Sir Reginald, "thine eyes are
+younger than mine, yet if I mistake not . . . There, to the right of
+the water-gate!"
+
+"Ay, the saints be praised. 'Tis the Lady Audrey!"
+
+A small boat, manned by men wearing the Constable's livery, was
+quickly alongside, and Sir John and Sir Reginald stepped aboard,
+Raymond following with unknightly haste. Amidst the shouts of the
+excited throng of soldiers and villagers the boat's fore-foot grated
+on the shingle, and the three distinguished warriors again set foot
+on their native land.
+
+"See, Audrey," said her father, after the paternal salute had been
+given and returned, "I bring thee an old acquaintance--not the
+squire, Raymond Buckland, who saved they life at Southampton, but the
+gallant and worthy knight, Sir Raymond Revyngton."
+
+* * * * *
+
+Within a week a wedding was celebrated in the little chapel of St.
+Mary within the castle walls, and Sir Raymond Revyngton and the Lady
+Audrey Scarsdale were made man and wife. After the ceremony the
+kindly Constable congratulated the bride, and it must be confessed
+that the bridegroom's eyes were opened by Lady Audrey Revyngton's
+reply.
+
+"To thee, Sir John, I owe much of my happiness, for Raymond was ever
+a bashful lover. An he were but a simple squire I would have married
+him, but when thou toldest me that he had been made a knight I was
+filled with joy. And for thy kindly thought in sending a special
+messenger to bring me hither to await your arrival I deem myself ever
+indebted to thee!"
+
+"Nay, thank me not, fair lady," replied the gallant old warrior. "Is
+it not the bounden duty of a true knight to help another? For
+Raymond, though ever first in the field of war, hath been a laggard
+in the lists of love. Yet I am but a feeble instrument in this case,
+for against thy charms he would be powerless but in my heart I thank
+God for the part I played in bringing together two noble families
+estranged by a fatal feud."
+
+* * * * *
+
+Little remains to be told. Sir Reginald Scarsdale, in spite of his
+old age and infirmities, died as he wished, falling in defence of the
+Border against a band of Scottish raiders, and in a quiet Yorkshire
+church he rests, his altar-tomb showing his effigy with the lions at
+his feet, making a fitting addition to the four crossed-legged images
+of his crusading ancestors.
+
+Sir John Hacket, after seeing further service in France, acquiring
+additional glory and renown at Poictiers, died peacefully at a great
+age within sight of the castle whose Constableship he had held so
+worthily.
+
+And as for Sir Raymond and the fair Lady Audrey, they lived a life of
+unalloyed happiness in their manor of Churston, in the midst of the
+hills of Devon. Yet when the call to arms sounded, the redoubtable
+Sir Raymond did not shrink from its summons, and at Poictiers and at
+the slaughter of Najera in the wilds of Spain he added to his
+laurels. And does not the prowess of the head of the Revyngtons at
+the repulse of the French descent upon Dartmouth in 1377 still linger
+amongst the annals of the sons of Devon?
+
+From the union of the rival Revyngton and Scarsdale families
+descended the successors of a noble heritage--men courageous and
+generous in war, noble and law-abiding in peace, men whose names have
+helped to make the British Empire what it is to-day, and whose motto
+has been, and let us hope will ever be--
+
+"Non sibi, sed patriae."
+
+THE END
+
+Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & Co. Edinburgh & London
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Winning of the Golden Spurs, by
+Percy F. Westerman
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