Part 9 (2/2)

CHAPTER V

GREY d.i.c.k SHOWS HIS ARCHERY

So sorely did the horses need rest, that Hugh and his people could not ride from London till the following morning, and evening was closing in before they found themselves drawing near the gate of Windsor Castle. In the market-place of the little town they pulled rein, while one of them went to search for a good inn at which they might lie, for the place seemed to be very full of people. Suddenly, as they stood there, wondering at the mighty, new-built keep which towered above them, a trumpet was blown and from round a corner appeared a gay procession of n.o.ble-looking men, and with them some ladies, who carried hawk on wrist, all mounted on splendid horses.

Now, the people who had gathered to study the strangers or tout for their custom, took off their bonnets and bent low, saying: ”The King!

The King! G.o.d save him!”

”Which is his Grace?” asked Hugh of one of them, whereon the man pointed to a royal-eyed and bearded knight, still in early middle life, who rode toward him, talking to a gallant youth at his side.

Now a thought came into Hugh's mind that the present time is always the best time to strike. Leaping from his horse, he advanced bowing, and stood in the pathway of the King. Seeing this, two of the fine Court lords spurred their horses and rode straight at him, thinking to drive him back. But he held his ground, for their insolence made him angry, and, catching the bridle of one of the horses, threw it on its haunches so sharply that the knight who rode it rolled from his saddle into the mire, whereupon every one laughed. In a moment he was on his feet again, and shouting:

”Out of the road, jackanapes, dressed in your grandfather's mail, unless you would stop there in the stocks. Do you know whose path you block?”

”That of his Grace,” answered Hugh, ”for whom I have a message that he will be glad to hear, and, popinjay, this for yourself; were it not for his presence it is you who should stop upon the road till you were carried thence.”

Now, noting this disturbance, the King spoke to the youth at his side, who came forward and said, in a pleasant, courteous voice, addressing Hugh:

”Sir, why do you make trouble in these streets, and tumble the good Sir Ambrose Lacey from his horse with such scant ceremony?”

”Sir,” answered Hugh, ”because the good Sir Ambrose tried to ride his horse over me for no offence save that I would deliver a message to his Grace, which he will wish to hear.”

”This is scarcely a time for the giving of messages,” replied the young man, ”but what is your name, and who sends the message? I am the Prince Edward,” he added modestly, ”so you may speak to me without fear.”

”My name is Hugh de Cressi, your Highness, and I am sent by the Reverend Father Sir Andrew Arnold, of Dunwich, and have followed his Grace from Westminster, whither I and my men rode first.”

Now, the Prince went to the King and spoke to him, and, returning presently, said:

”My father says that he knows both the names you give well enough and holds them dear. He bids that you and your people should follow him to the castle, where you will be entertained, with your horses. Sir Ambrose,” he added, ”the King desires that you should forget your choler, since he saw what pa.s.sed, and deems that this young stranger did well to check your horse. Follow on, Hugh de Cressi, the officers will show you where you and your men may lodge.”

So Hugh obeyed, and rode with the rest of the train and his folks through the gates of Windsor Castle. Nor did they do so un.o.bserved, since many of the Court had no love for Sir Ambrose, and were glad to see him tumbled in the mire.

After they had stabled their beasts, as Hugh, followed by Grey d.i.c.k, was advancing toward a hall which he was told that he might enter, an officer came up.

”His Grace desires your presence before you sup,” he said.

Pointing to Grey d.i.c.k, at whom the officer looked doubtfully, Hugh asked that he might accompany him, as he had much to do with the message.

After some argument they were led through various pa.s.sages to a chamber, at the door of which the officer wished to take away d.i.c.k's bow. But he would not give it up.

”The bow and I do not part,” he said, in his croaking voice, ”for we are husband and wife, and live and sleep together as the married should.”

As d.i.c.k spoke the door was opened, and Prince Edward appeared.

”And do you eat together also, good fellow?” he asked, having overheard the talk.

”Ay, sir, we feed full together,” replied d.i.c.k grimly; ”or so thought some on Blythburgh Marsh a few days gone.”

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