Part 47 (1/2)

Turning to the headsman, who had stood motionless the while, he ran his eyes over the stalwart figure.

”Have you been long at the trade, fellow?” he asked.

”These two and twenty years,” came from behind the mask, though the man moved not at all.

”Then you should have learned to strike straight.”

”Never but once did I miss my aim,” was the grim reply.

”Well, make not, I pray you, a second miss with me.”

Calmly as though preparing for his couch and a night's repose, he unlaced his doublet and took it off; and laying back his placard, nodded to the executioner.

The sombre figure came suddenly to life, and drawing from his girdle a pair of heavy shears he swiftly cropped the Duke's long hair where it hung below the neck--then stepped back and waited.

”Are you ready?” Buckingham asked.

The man nodded and resumed his axe.

With a smile on his lips and with all the proud dignity of his great House, Stafford walked to the block and laid his head upon it.

”Strike!” he said sharply.

The executioner swung the axe aloft and brought it slowly down, staying it just ere the edge touched the flesh. There, for an instant, he held it, measuring his distance, while the sunlight flashed along its polished face. Suddenly it rose again, and sweeping in a wide circle of s.h.i.+mmering steel fell with the speed of a thunder-bolt.

And at that very instant, from the camp beyond the town, came the music of the trumpets sounding the fanfare of the King.

XXII

THE KNIGHT AND THE ABBOT

When the King returned, Sir John Kendale with Sir Aymer de Lacy hastened to place in his hands the letter containing Buckingham's statement, at the same time detailing the circ.u.mstances under which it was made.

Richard read it very carefully, and handed it back to Kendale.

”So!” he said. ”Out of the revolt comes the solution of the mystery, even as I thought. Now, De Lacy, you see it was wise not to arrest Darby at Lincoln.”

”Aye, Sire, you were right--and I fancy it is no wiser to arrest him now.”

”Not unless you would have the Countess hurried to a fresh prison--or perchance put away altogether--ere you could hope to reach her. For be a.s.sured, Darby has provided that instant information be forwarded if he be seized.”

”Then all I ask is permission to return forthwith to Yorks.h.i.+re,” said De Lacy.

”It is granted,” the King replied instantly. ”Take with you a few men-at-arms and Raynor Royk; he knows the country as a priest his prayers. As many more as you may need draw from Pontefract or any of our castles--the Ring will be your warrant. Depart quietly and it can be given out that you are on our special service. Meanwhile Darby shall be as much a prisoner as though he were already in the Tower. We march for Exeter to-morrow; and after things grow quiet thereabouts, and a head or two more has fallen, we shall fare back to London. There I trust you will bring, ere long, the Lady of Clare.”

An hour later Sir Aymer De Lacy and Giles Dauvrey, with Raynor Royk and four st.u.r.dy men-at-arms, rode out of Salisbury and headed Westward.

But after a league or so they turned abruptly to the right and circling around gained the main road to the North at a safe distance from the town and bore away toward Yorks.h.i.+re.