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Title: A March on London

Author: G. A. Henty

Release Date: December, 2004 [EBook #7061]
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[This file was first posted on March 4, 2003]

Edition: 10

Language: English

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[Illustration: "EDGAR STRUCK HIM A BUFFET ON THE FACE WHICH SENT HIM
REELING BACKWARDS."]




A MARCH ON LONDON
BEING A STORY OF WAT TYLER'S INSURRECTION

BY
G. A. HENTY




PREFACE


The events that took place during the latter half of the fourteenth
century and the first half of the fifteenth are known to us far better
than those preceding or following them, owing to the fact that three great
chroniclers, Froissart, Monstrelet, and Holinshed, have recounted the
events with a fulness of detail that leaves nothing to be desired. The
uprising of the Commons, as they called themselves--that is to say,
chiefly the folk who were still kept in a state of serfdom in the reign of
Richard II.--was in itself justifiable. Although serfdom in England was
never carried to the extent that prevailed on the Continent, the serfs
suffered from grievous disabilities. A certain portion of their time had
to be devoted to the work of their feudal lord. They themselves were
forbidden to buy or sell at public markets or fairs. They were bound to
the soil, and could not, except under special circumstances, leave it.

Above all, they felt that they were not free men, and were not even deemed
worthy to fight in the wars of their country. Attempts have been made to
represent the rising as the result of Wickliffe's attack upon the Church,
but there seems to be very small foundation for the assertion. Undoubtedly
many of the lower class of clergy, discontented with their position, did
their best to inflame the minds of the peasants, but as the rising
extended over a very large part of England, and the people were far too
ignorant to understand, and far too much irritated by their own grievances
to care for the condition of the Church, it may be taken that they
murdered the Archbishop of Canterbury and many other priests simply
because they regarded them as being wealthy, and so slew them as they slew
other people of substance. Had it been otherwise, the Church would not
have been wholly ignored in the demands that they set before the king, but
some allusion would have been made for the need of reforms in that
direction.

The troubles in Flanders are of interest to Englishmen, since there was
for many years an alliance, more or less close, between our king and some
of the great Flemish cities. Indeed, from the time when the first Von
Artevelde was murdered because he proposed that the Black Prince should be
accepted as ruler of Flanders, to the day upon which Napoleon's power was
broken forever at Waterloo, Flanders has been the theatre of almost
incessant turmoil and strife, in which Germans and Dutchmen, Spaniards,
Englishmen, and Frenchmen have fought out their quarrels.

G. A. HENTY.




CONTENTS


    I. TROUBLED TIMES

   II. A FENCING BOUT

  III. WAT TYLER

   IV. IN LONDON

    V. A RESCUE

   VI. A CITY MERCHANT

  VII. DEATH TO THE FLEMINGS!

 VIII. A COMBAT IN THE TOWER

   IX. DEATH OF THE TYLER

    X. A FIGHT IN THE OPEN

   XI. AN INVITATION

  XII. THE TROUBLES IN FLANDERS

 XIII. A STARVING TOWN

  XIV. CIVIL WAR

   XV. A CRUSHING DEFEAT

  XVI. A WAR OF THE CHURCH

 XVII. PRISONERS

XVIII. A NOBLE GIFT

  XIX. WELL SETTLED




ILLUSTRATIONS


"EDGAR STRUCK HIM A BUFFET ON THE FACE WHICH SENT HIM REELING BACKWARDS."

EDGAR TALKS MATTERS OVER WITH THE PRIOR OF ST. ALWYTH.

"IN A MOMENT EDGAR'S SWORD FELL ON THE RUFFIAN'S WRIST."

THE LORD MAYOR STABS WAT THE TYLER IN PRESENCE OF THE BOY-KING.

EDGAR AND ALBERT ARE KNIGHTED BY KING RICHARD.

THE TWO YOUNG KNIGHTS CHARGE DOWN UPON THE PANIC-STRICKEN CROWD.

SIR EDGAR AT LAST SURRENDERS TO SIR ROBERT DE BEAULIEU.

THE PRISONERS MAKE THEIR ESCAPE OVER THE ROOFS OF YPRES.




A MARCH ON LONDON




CHAPTER I

TROUBLED TIMES


"And what do you think of it all, good Father?"

"'Tis a difficult question, my son, and I am glad that it is one that
wiser heads than mine will have to solve."

"But they don't seem to try to solve it; things get worse and worse. The
king is but a lad, no older than myself, and he is in the hands of others.
It seems to me a sin and a shame that things should go on as they are at
present. My father also thinks so."

The speaker was a boy of some sixteen years old. He was walking with the
prior in the garden of the little convent of St. Alwyth, four miles from
the town of Dartford. Edgar Ormskirk was the son of a scholar. The latter,
a man of independent means, who had always had a preference for study and
investigation rather than for taking part in active pursuits, had, since
the death of his young wife, a year after the birth of his son, retired
altogether from the world and devoted himself to study. He had given up
his comfortable home, standing on the heights of Highgate--that being in
too close proximity to London to enable him to enjoy the seclusion that he
desired--and had retired to a small estate near Dartford.

Educated at Oxford, he had gone to Padua at his father's death, which
happened just as he left the university, and had remained at that seat of
learning for five years. There he had spent the whole of his income in the
purchase of manuscripts. The next two years were passed at Bologna and
Pisa, and he there collected a library such as few gentlemen of his time
possessed. Then Mr. Ormskirk had returned to England and settled at
Highgate, and two years later married the daughter of a neighbouring
gentleman, choosing her rather because he felt that he needed someone to
keep his house in order, than from any of the feeling that usually
accompanies such unions. In time, however, he had come to love her, and
her loss was a very heavy blow to him. It was the void that he felt in his
home as much as his desire for solitude, that induced him to leave
Highgate and settle in the country.

Here, at least, he had no fear of intrusive neighbours, or other
interruptions to his studies. The news from London seldom reached his
ears, and he was enabled to devote himself entirely to his experiments.
Like many other learned men of his age, it was to chemistry that he
chiefly turned his attention. His library comprised the works of almost
every known writer on the subject, and he hoped that he might gain an
immortal reputation by discovering one or both of the great secrets then
sought for--the elixir of life, or the philosopher's stone that would
convert all things into gold. It was not that he himself had any desire
for a long life, still less did he yearn for more wealth than he
possessed, but he fondly believed that these discoveries would ameliorate
the condition of mankind.

He did not see that if gold was as plentiful as the commonest metal it
would cease to be more valuable than others, or that the boon of a long
life would not add to the happiness of mankind. For some years he gave
little thought to his son, who was left to such care as the old
housekeeper and the still older man-servant chose to bestow upon him, and
who, in consequence, was left altogether to follow the dictates of his own
fancy. The child, therefore, lived almost entirely in the open air,
played, tussled, and fought with boys of his own age in the village, and
grew up healthy, sturdy, and active. His father scarcely took any heed of
his existence until the prior of the Convent of St. Alwyth one day called
upon him.

"What are you going to do with your boy, Mr. Ormskirk?" he asked.

"My boy?" the student repeated in tones of surprise. "Oh, yes; Edgar, of
course. What am I going to do with him? Well, I have never thought about
it. Does he want anything? My housekeeper always sees to that. Do you
think that he wants a nurse?"

"A nurse, Mr. Ormskirk!" the Prior said with a smile. "A nurse would have
a hard time with him. Do you know what his age is?"

"Four or five years old, I suppose."

"Nearly double that. He is nine."

"Impossible!" Mr. Ormskirk said. "Why, it is only the other day that he
was a baby."

"It is eight years since that time; he is now a sturdy lad, and if there
is any mischief in the village he is sure to be in it. Why, it was but
three days ago that Friar Anselmo caught him, soon after daybreak, fishing
in the Convent pool with two of the village lads. The friar gave them a
sound trouncing, and would have given one to your son, too, had it not
been for the respect that we all feel for you. It is high time, Mr.
Ormskirk, that he was broken of his wild ways and received an education
suited to his station."

"Quite so, quite so. I own that I have thought but little about him, for
indeed 'tis rarely that I see him, and save that at times his racket in
the house sorely disturbs my studies, I have well-nigh forgotten all about
him. Yes, yes; it is, of course, high time that he began his education, so
that if I should die before I have completed my discoveries he may take up
my work."

The Prior smiled quietly at the thought of the sturdy, dirty-faced boy
working among crucibles and retorts. However, he only said:

"Do you think of undertaking his education yourself?"

"By no means," Mr. Ormskirk said, hastily. "It would be impossible for me
to find time at present, but when he has completed his studies I should
then take him in hand myself, make him my companion and assistant, and
teach him all that is known of science."

"But in the meantime?"

"In the meantime? Yes, I suppose something must be done. I might get him a
tutor, but that would be a great disturbance to me. I might send him up to
the monastery at Westminster, where the sons of many gentlemen are
taught."

"I doubt whether the training, or rather want of training, that he has had
would fit him for Westminster," the Prior said, quietly. "There is another
plan that perhaps might be more suitable for him. One of our brethren is a
scholar, and already three or four of the sons of the gentry in the
neighbourhood come to him for three hours or so a day. Our convent is a
poor one, and the fees he receives are a welcome addition to our means."

"Excellent!" Mr. Ormskirk said, delighted at the difficulty being taken
off his shoulders, "It would be the very thing."

"Then perhaps you will speak to the boy, and lay your orders upon him,"
the Prior said. "He was in the village as I passed by, and I brought him
up here, very much against his will I admit. Then I gave him in charge on
arrival to your servitor, knowing that otherwise the young varlet would
slip off again as soon as my back was turned. Perhaps you will send for
him."

Mr. Ormskirk rang a bell. The housekeeper entered.

"Where is Andrew?" he asked.

"He is looking after Master Edgar, sir. His reverence told him to do so,
and he dare not leave him for a moment or he would be off again."

"Tell Andrew to bring him in here."

A minute later the old servant entered with the boy. Edgar was in a
dishevelled condition, the result of several struggles with Andrew. His
face was begrimed with dirt, his clothes were torn and untidy. His father
looked at him in grave surprise. It was not that he had not seen him
before, for occasionally he had noticed him going across the garden, but
though his eyes had observed him, his mental vision had not in any way
taken him in, his thoughts being intent upon the work that he had
reluctantly left to take a hurried meal.

"Tut, tut, tut!" he murmured to himself, "and this is my son. Well, well,
I suppose he is not to be blamed; it is my own fault for being so heedless
of him. This is bad, Edgar," he said, "and yet it is my own fault rather
than thine, and I am thankful that the good prior has brought your
condition before me before it is too late. There must be no more of this.
Your appearance is disgraceful both to yourself and me--to me because you
are in rags, to yourself because you are dirty. I had never dreamt of
this. Henceforth all must be changed. You must be clothed as befits the
son of a gentleman, you must be taught as it is right for the son of a
scholar to be, and you must bear in mind that some day you will become a
gentleman yourself, and I trust a learned one. I have arranged with the
good prior here that you shall go every day to the monastery to be
instructed for three hours by one of his monks. In future you will take
your meals with me, and I will see that your attire is in order, and that
you go decent as befits your station. What hours is he to attend, Prior?"

"From nine till twelve."

"You hear--from nine to twelve. In the afternoon I will procure a teacher
for you in arms. In these days every gentleman must learn the use of his
weapons. I, myself, although most peacefully inclined, have more than once
been forced, when abroad, to use them. A man who cannot do so becomes the
butt of fools, and loses his self-respect."

"I shall like that, sir," Edgar said, eagerly. "I can play at quarter-
staff now with any boy of my size in the village."

"Well, there must be no more of that," his father said. "Up to the present
you have been but a child, but it is time now that you should cease to
consort with village boys and prepare for another station in life. They
may be good boys--I know naught about them--but they are not fit
associates for you. I am not blaming you," he said more kindly as he saw
the boy's face fall. "It was natural that you, having no associates of
your own rank, should make friends where you could find them. I trust that
it has done you no harm. Well, Prior, this day week the boy shall come to
you. I must get befitting clothes for him, or the other pupils will think
that he is the son of a hedge tinker."

An hour later Andrew was despatched to Dartford in a cart hired in the
village, with orders to bring back with him a tailor, also to inquire as
to who was considered the best teacher of arms in the town, and to engage
him to come up for an hour every afternoon to instruct Edgar.

Seven years had passed since that time, and the rough and unkempt boy had
grown into a tall young fellow, who had done fair credit to his teacher at
the convent, and had profited to the full by the teaching of the old
soldier who had been his instructor in arms. His father had,
unconsciously, been also a good teacher to him. He had, with a great
effort, broken through the habits to which he had been so long wedded. A
young waiting-maid now assisted the housekeeper. The meals were no longer
hastily snatched and often eaten standing, but were decently served in
order, and occupied a considerable time, the greater portion of which was
spent in pleasant chat either upon the scenes which Mr. Ormskirk had
witnessed abroad, or in talk on the subjects the boy was studying;
sometimes also upon Mr. Ormskirk's researches and the hopes he entertained
from them; and as Edgar grew older, upon the ordinary topics of the day,
the grievances caused by the heavy taxation, the troubles of the time and
the course of events that had led to them; for, although very ignorant of
contemporary matters, Mr. Ormskirk was well acquainted with the history of
the country up to the time when he had first gone abroad.

The recluse was surprised at the interest he himself came to feel in these
conversations. While endeavouring to open his son's mind he opened his
own, and although when Edgar was not present he pursued his researches as
assiduously as before, he was no longer lost in fits of abstraction, and
would even occasionally walk down to the village when Edgar went to school
in order to continue the conversation upon which they were engaged. Edgar
on his part soon ceased to regard his father as a stranger, and his
admiration for his store of information and learning served as a stimulant
to his studies, for which his previous life had given him but little
liking.

For the last two years, however, his father had seen with regret that
there was but little hope of making a profound scholar of him, and that
unless he himself could discover the solution of the problems that still
eluded him, there was little chance of it being found by his successor.

Once roused, he had the good sense to see that it was not in such a life
that Edgar was likely to find success, and he wisely abandoned the idea of
pressing a task upon him that he saw was unfitted to the boy's nature. The
energy with which Edgar worked with his instructors in arms--who had been
already twice changed, so as to give him a greater opportunity of
attaining skill with his weapons--and the interest with which the lad
listened to tales of adventure, showed the direction in which his bent
lay. For the last two years his father had frequently read to him the
records of Sir Walter Manny and other chroniclers of war and warlike
adventure, and impressed upon him the virtues necessary to render a man at
once a great soldier and a great man.

"If, my boy," he said, "you should some day go to Court and mingle in
public affairs, above all things keep yourself clear of any party. Those
who cling to a party may rise with its success, but such rises are ever
followed by reverses; then comes great suffering to those upon the fallen
side. The duty of an English gentleman is simple: he must work for his
country, regardless altogether of personal interest. Such a man may never
rise to high rank, but he will be respected. Personal honours are little
to be desired; it is upon those who stand higher than their neighbours
that the blow falls the heaviest; while the rank and file may escape
unscathed, it is the nobles and the leaders whose heads fall upon the
block. I think that there are troubles in store for England. The Duke of
Gloucester overshadows the boy king, but as the latter grows older he will
probably shake off his tutelage, though it may be at the cost of a civil
war.

"Then, too, there are the exactions of the tax-gatherers. Some day the
people will rise against them as they did in France at the time of the
Jacquerie, and as they have done again and again in Flanders. At present
the condition of the common people, who are but villeins and serfs, is
well-nigh unbearable. Altogether the future seems to me to be dark. I
confess that, being a student, the storm when it bursts will affect me but
slightly, but as it is clear to me that this is not the life that you will
choose it may affect you greatly; for, however little you may wish it, if
civil strife comes, you, like everyone else, may be involved in it. In
such an event, Edgar, act as your conscience dictates. There is always
much to be said for both sides of any question, and it cannot but be so in
this. I wish to lay no stress on you in any way. You cannot make a good
monk out of a man who longs to be a man-at-arms, nor a warrior of a
weakling who longs for the shelter of a cloister.

"Let, however, each man strive to do his best in the line he has chosen
for himself. A good monk is as worthy of admiration as a good man-at-arms.
I would fain have seen you a great scholar, but as it is clear that this
is out of the question, seeing that your nature does not incline to study,
I would that you should become a brave knight. It was with that view when
I sent you to be instructed at the convent I also gave you an instructor
in arms, so that, whichever way your inclinations might finally point, you
should be properly fitted for it."

At fifteen all lessons were given up, Edgar having by that time learnt as
much as was considered necessary in those days. He continued his exercises
with his weapons, but without any strong idea that beyond defence against
personal attacks they would be of any use to him. The army was not in
those days a career. When the king had need of a force to fight in France
or to carry fire and sword into Scotland, the levies were called out, the
nobles and barons supplied their contingent, and archers and men-at-arms
were enrolled and paid by the king. The levies, however, were only liable
to service for a restricted time, and beyond their personal retainers the
barons in time followed the royal example of hiring men-at-arms and
archers for the campaign; these being partly paid from the royal treasury,
and partly from their own revenue.

At the end of the campaign, however, the army speedily dispersed, each man
returning to his former avocation; save therefore for the retainers, who
formed the garrisons of the castles of the nobles, there was no military
career such as that which came into existence with the formation of
standing armies. Nevertheless, there was honour and rank to be won in the
foreign wars, and it was to these the young men of gentle blood looked to
make their way. But since the death of the Black Prince matters had been
quiet abroad, and unless for those who were attached to the households of
powerful nobles there was, for the present, no avenue towards distinction.

Edgar had been talking these matters over with the Prior of St. Alwyth,
who had taken a great fancy to him, and with whom he had, since he had
given up his work at the convent, frequently had long conversations. They
were engaged in one of these when this narrative begins:

"I quite agree with your father," the Prior continued. "Were there a just
and strong government, the mass of the people might bear their present
position. It seems to us as natural that the serfs should be transferred
with the land as if they were herds of cattle, for such is the rule
throughout Europe as well as here, and one sees that there are great
difficulties in the way of making any alteration in this state of things.
See you, were men free to wander as they chose over the land instead of
working at their vocations, the country would be full of vagrants who, for
want of other means for a living, would soon become robbers. Then, too,
very many would flock to the towns, and so far from bettering their
condition, would find themselves worse off than before, for there would be
more people than work could be found for.

[Illustration: EDGAR TALKS MATTERS OVER WITH THE PRIOR OF ST. ALWYTH.]

"So long as each was called upon only to pay his fifteenth to the king's
treasury they were contented enough, but now they are called upon for a
tenth as well as a fifteenth, and often this is greatly exceeded by the
rapacity of the tax-collectors. Other burdens are put upon them, and
altogether men are becoming desperate. Then, too, the cessation of the
wars with France has brought back to the country numbers of disbanded
soldiers who, having got out of the way of honest work and lost the habits
of labour, are discontented and restless. All this adds to the danger. We
who live in the country see these things, but the king and nobles either
know nothing of them or treat them with contempt, well knowing that a few
hundred men-at-arms can scatter a multitude of unarmed serfs."

"And would you give freedom to the serfs, good Father?"

"I say not that I would give them absolute freedom, but I would grant them
a charter giving them far greater rights than at present. A fifteenth of
their labour is as much as they should be called upon to pay, and when the
king's necessities render it needful that further money should be raised,
the burden should only be laid upon the backs of those who can afford to
pay it. I hear that there is much wild talk, and that the doctrines of
Wickliffe have done grievous harm. I say not, my son, that there are not
abuses in the Church as well as elsewhere; but these pestilent doctrines
lead men to disregard all authority, and to view their natural masters as
oppressors. I hear that seditious talk is uttered openly in the villages
throughout the country; that there are men who would fain persuade the
ignorant that all above them are drones who live on the proceeds of their
labour--as if indeed every man, however high in rank, had not his share of
labour and care--I fear, then, that if there should be a rising of the
peasantry we may have such scenes as those that took place during the
Jacquerie in France, and that many who would, were things different, be in
favour of giving more extended rights to the people, will be forced to
take a side against them."

"I can hardly think that they would take up arms, Father. They must know
that they could not withstand a charge of armour-clad knights and men-at-
arms."

"Unhappily, my son, the masses do not think. They believe what it pleases
them to believe, and what the men who go about stirring up sedition tell
them. I foresee that in the end they will suffer horribly, but before the
end comes they may commit every sort of outrage. They may sack monasteries
and murder the monks, for we are also looked upon as drones. They may
attack and destroy the houses of the better class, and even the castles of
the smaller nobles. They may even capture London and lay it in ashes, but
the thought that after they had done these things a terrible vengeance
would be taken, and their lot would be harder than before, would never
occur to them. Take your own house for instance--what resistance could it
offer to a fierce mob of peasants?"

"None," Edgar admitted. "But why should they attack it?"

The Prior was silent.

"I know what you mean, good Father," Edgar said, after a pause. "They say
that my father is a magician, because he stirs not abroad, but spends his
time on his researches. I remember when I was a small boy, and the lads of
the village wished to anger me, they would shout out, 'Here is the
magician's son,' and I had many a fight in consequence."

"Just so, Edgar; the ignorant always hate that which they cannot
understand; so Friar Bacon was persecuted, and accused of dabbling in
magic when he was making discoveries useful to mankind. I say not that
they will do any great harm when they first rise, for it cannot be said
that the serfs here are so hardly treated as they were in France, where
their lords had power of life and death over them, and could slay them
like cattle if they chose, none interfering. Hence the hatred was so deep
that in the very first outbreak the peasants fell upon the nobles and
massacred them and their families.

"Here there is no such feeling. It is against the government that taxes
them so heavily that their anger is directed, and I fear that this new
poll-tax that has been ordered will drive them to extremities. I have news
that across the river in Essex the people of some places have not only
refused to pay, but have forcibly driven away the tax-gatherers, and when
these things once begin, there is no saying how they are going to end.
However, if there is trouble, I think not that at first we shall be in any
danger here, but if they have success at first their pretensions will
grow. They will inflame themselves. The love of plunder will take the
place of their reasonable objections to over-taxation, and seeing that
they have but to stretch out their hands to take what they desire, plunder
and rapine will become general."

As Edgar walked back home he felt that there was much truth in the Prior's
remarks. He himself had heard many things said among the villagers which
showed that their patience was well-nigh at an end. Although, since he
began his studies, he had no time to keep up his former close connection
with the village, he had always been on friendly terms with his old
playmates, and they talked far more freely with him than they would do to
anyone else of gentle blood. Once or twice he had, from a spirit of
adventure, gone with them to meetings that were held after dark in a quiet
spot near Dartford, and listened to the talk of strangers from Gravesend
and other places. He knew himself how heavily the taxation pressed upon
the people, and his sympathies were wholly with them. There had been
nothing said even by the most violent of the speakers to offend him. The
protests were against the exactions of the tax-gatherers, the extravagance
of the court, and the hardship that men should be serfs on the land.

Once they had been addressed by a secular priest from the other side of
the river, who had asserted that all men were born equal and had equal
rights. This sentiment had been loudly applauded, but he himself had sense
enough to see that it was contrary to fact, and that men were not born
equal. One was the son of a noble, the other of a serf. One child was a
cripple and a weakling from its birth, another strong and lusty. One was
well-nigh a fool, and another clear-headed. It seemed to him that there
were and must be differences.

Many of the secular clergy were among the foremost in stirring up the
people. They themselves smarted under their disabilities. For the most
part they were what were called hedge priests, men of but little or no
education, looked down upon by the regular clergy, and almost wholly
dependant on the contributions of their hearers. They resented the
difference between themselves and the richly endowed clergy and religious
houses, and denounced the priests and monks as drones who sucked the life-
blood of the country.

This was the last gathering at which Edgar had been present. He had been
both shocked and offended at the preaching. What was the name of the
priest he knew not, nor did the villagers, but he went by the name of Jack
Straw, and was, Edgar thought, a dangerous fellow. The lad had no
objection to his abuse of the tax-gatherers, or to his complaints of the
extravagance of the court, but this man's denunciation of the monks and
clergy at once shocked and angered him. Edgar's intercourse with the
villagers had removed some of the prejudices generally felt by his class,
but in other respects he naturally felt as did others of his station, and
he resolved to go to no more meetings.

After taking his meal with his father, Edgar mounted the horse that the
latter had bought for him, and rode over to the house of one of his
friends.

The number of those who had, like himself, been taught by the monk of St.
Alwyth had increased somewhat, and there were, when he left, six other
lads there. Three of these were intended for the Church. All were sons of
neighbouring landowners, and it was to visit Albert de Courcy, the son of
Sir Ralph de Courcy, that Edgar was now riding. Albert and he had been
special friends. They were about the same age, but of very different
dispositions. The difference between their characters was perhaps the
chief attraction that had drawn them to each other. Albert was gentle in
disposition, his health was not good, and he had been a weakly child. His
father, who was a stout knight, regarded him with slight favour, and had
acceded willingly to his desire to enter the Church, feeling that he would
never make a good fighter.

Edgar, on the contrary, was tall and strongly built, and had never known a
day's illness. He was somewhat grave in manner, for the companionship of
his father and the character of their conversations had made him older and
more thoughtful than most lads of his age. He was eager for adventure, and
burned for an opportunity to distinguish himself, while his enthusiasm for
noble exploits and great commanders interested his quiet friend, who had
the power of admiring things that he could not hope to imitate. In him,
alone of his school-fellows, did Edgar find any sympathy with his own
feelings as to the condition of the people. Henry Nevil laughed to scorn
Edgar's advocacy of their cause. Richard Clairvaux more than once
quarrelled with him seriously, and on one or two occasions they almost
betook themselves to their swords. The other three, who were of less
spirit, took no part in these arguments, saying that these things did not
concern them, being matters for the king and his ministers, and of no
interest whatever to them.

In other respects Edgar was popular with them all. His strength and his
skill in arms gave him an authority that even Richard Clairvaux
acknowledged in his cooler moments. Edgar visited at the houses of all
their fathers, his father encouraging him to do so, as he thought that
association with his equals would be a great advantage to him. As far as
manners were concerned, however, the others, with the exception of Albert
de Courcy, who did not need it, gained more than he did, for Mr. Ormskirk
had, during his long residence at foreign universities and his close
connection with professors, acquired a certain foreign courtliness of
bearing that was in strong contrast to the rough bluffness of speech and
manner that characterized the English of that period, and had some share
in rendering them so unpopular upon the Continent, where, although their
strength and fighting power made them respected, they were regarded as
island bears, and their manners were a standing jest among the frivolous
nobles of the Court of France.

At the house of Sir Ralph de Courcy Edgar was a special favourite. Lady de
Courcy was fond of him because her son was never tired of singing his
praises, and because she saw that his friendship was really a benefit to
the somewhat dreamy boy. Aline, a girl of fourteen, regarded him with
admiration; she was deeply attached to her brother, and believed
implicitly his assertion that Edgar would some day become a valiant
knight; while Sir Ralph himself liked him both for the courtesy of his
bearing and the firmness and steadiness of his character, which had, he
saw, a very beneficial influence over that of Albert. Sir Ralph was now
content that the latter should enter the Church, but he was unwilling that
his son should become what he called a mere shaveling, and desired that he
should attain power and position in his profession.

The lack of ambition and energy in his son were a grievance to him almost
as great as his lack of physical powers, and he saw that although, so far
there was still an absence of ambition, yet the boy had gained firmness
and decision from the influence of his friend, and that he was far more
likely to attain eminence in the Church than he had been before. He was
himself surprised that the son of a man whose pursuits he despised should
have attained such proficiency with his weapons--a matter which he had
learned, when one day he had tried his skill with Edgar in a bout with
swords--and he recognized that with his gifts of manner, strength and
enthusiasm for deeds of arms, he was likely one day to make a name for
himself.

Whenever, therefore, Edgar rode over to Sir Ralph's he was certain of a
hearty welcome from all. As to the lad's opinions as to the condition of
the peasantry--opinions which he would have scouted as monstrous on the
part of a gentleman--Sir Ralph knew nothing, Albert having been wise
enough to remain silent on the subject, the custom of the times being
wholly opposed to anything like a free expression of opinion on any
subject from a lad to his elders.

"It is quite a time since you were here last, Master Ormskirk," Lady De
Courcy said when he entered. "Albert so often goes up for a talk with you
when he has finished his studies at the monastery that you are forgetting
us here."

"I crave your pardon, Mistress De Courcy," Edgar said; "but, indeed, I
have been working hard, for my father has obtained for me a good master
for the sword--a Frenchman skilled in many devices of which my English
teachers were wholly ignorant. He has been teaching some of the young
nobles in London, and my father, hearing of his skill, has had him down
here, at a heavy cost, for the last month, as he was for the moment
without engagements in London. It was but yesterday that he returned.
Naturally, I have desired to make the utmost of the opportunity, and most
of my time has been spent in the fencing-room."

"And have you gained much by his instruction?" Sir Ralph asked.

"I hope so, Sir Ralph. I have tried my best, and he has been good enough
to commend me warmly, and even told my father that I was the aptest pupil
that he had."

"I will try a bout with you presently," the knight said. "It is nigh two
years since we had one together, and my arm is growing stiff for want of
practice, though every day I endeavour to keep myself in order for any
opportunity or chance that may occur, by practising against an imaginary
foe by hammering with a mace at a corn-sack swinging from a beam. Methinks
I hit it as hard as of old, but in truth I know but little of the tricks
of these Frenchmen. They availed nothing at Poictiers against our crushing
downright blows. Still, I would gladly see what their tricks are like."




CHAPTER II

A FENCING BOUT


After he had talked for a short time with Mistress De Courcy, Edgar went
to the fencing-room with Sir Ralph, and they there put on helmets and
quilted leather jerkins, with chains sewn on at the shoulders.

"Now, you are to do your best," Sir Ralph said, as he handed a sword to
Edgar, and took one himself.

So long as they played gently Edgar had all the advantage.

"You have learned your tricks well," Sir Ralph said, good-temperedly,
"and, in truth, your quick returns puzzle me greatly, and I admit that
were we both unprotected I should have no chance with you, but let us see
what you could do were we fighting in earnest," and he took down a couple
of suits of complete body armour from the wall.

Albert, who was looking on, fastened the buckles for both of them.

"Ah, you know how the straps go," Sir Ralph said, in a tone of
satisfaction. "Well, it is something to know that, even if you don't know
what to do with it when you have got it on. Now, Master Edgar, have at
you."

Edgar stood on the defence, but, strong as his arm was from constant
exercise, he had some difficulty to save his head from the sweeping blows
that Sir Ralph rained upon it.

"By my faith, young fellow," Sir Ralph said as, after three or four
minutes, he drew back breathless from his exertions, "your muscles seem to
be made of iron, and you are fit to hold your own in a serious _mêlée_.
You were wrong not to strike, for I know that more than once there was an
opening had you been quick."

Edgar was well aware of the fact, but he had not taken advantage of it,
for he felt that at his age it was best to abstain from trying to gain a
success that could not be pleasant for the good knight.

"Well, well, we will fight no more," the latter said.

When Albert had unbuckled his father's armour and hung it up, Edgar said:
"Now, Albert, let us have a bout."

The lad coloured hotly, and the knight burst into a hearty laugh.

"You might as soon challenge my daughter Aline. Well, put on the jerkin,
Albert; it were well that you should feel what a poor creature a man is
who has never had a sword in his hand."

Albert silently obeyed his father's orders and stood up facing Edgar. They
were about the same height, though Albert looked slim and delicate by the
side of his friend.

"By St. George!" his father exclaimed, "you do not take up a bad posture,
Albert. You have looked at Edgar often enough at his exercises to see how
you ought to place yourself. I have never seen you look so manly since the
day you were born. Now, strike in."

Sir Ralph's surprise at his son's attitude grew to amazement as the swords
clashed together, and he saw that, although Edgar was not putting out his
full strength and skill, his son, instead of being scarce able, as he had
expected, to raise the heavy sword, not only showed considerable skill,
but even managed to parry some of the tricks of the weapon to which he
himself had fallen a victim.

"Stop, stop!" he said, at last. "Am I dreaming, or has someone else taken
the place of my son? Take off your helmet. It is indeed Albert!" he said,
as they uncovered. "What magic is this?"

"It is a little surprise that we have prepared for you, Sir Ralph," Edgar
said, "and I trust that you will not be displeased. Two years ago I
persuaded Albert that there was no reason why even a priest should not
have a firm hand and a steady eye, and that this would help him to
overcome his nervousness, and would make him strong in body as well as in
arm. Since that time he has practised with me almost daily after he had
finished his studies at St. Alwyth, and my masters have done their best
for him. Though, of course, he has not my strength, as he lacks the
practice I have had, he has gained wonderfully of late, and would in a few
years match me in skill, for what he wants in strength he makes up in
activity."

"Master Ormskirk," the knight said, "I am beholden to you more than I can
express. His mother and I have observed during the last two years that he
has gained greatly in health and has widened out in the shoulders. I
understand now how it has come about. We have never questioned him about
it; indeed, I should as soon have thought of asking him whether he had
made up his mind to become king, as whether he had begun to use a sword.
Why, I see that you have taught him already some of the tricks that you
have just learnt."

"I have not had time to instruct him in many of them, Sir Ralph, but I
showed him one or two, and he acquired them so quickly that in another
month I have no doubt he will know them as well as I do."

"By St. George, you have done wonders, Edgar. As for you, Albert, I am as
pleased as if I had heard that the king had made me an earl. Truly,
indeed, did Master Ormskirk tell you that it would do you good to learn to
use a sword. 'Tis not a priest's weapon--although many a priest and bishop
have ridden to battle before now--but it has improved your health and
given you ten years more life than you would be likely to have had without
it. It seemed to me strange that any son of my house should be ignorant as
to how to use a sword, and now I consider that that which seemed to me
almost a disgrace is removed. Knows your mother aught of this?"

"No, sir. When I began I feared that my resolution would soon fade; and
indeed it would have done so had not Edgar constantly encouraged me and
held me to it, though indeed at first it so fatigued me that I could
scarce walk home."

"That I can well understand, my lad. Now you shall come and tell your
mother. I have news for you, dame, that will in no small degree astonish
you," he said, as, followed by the two lads, he returned to the room where
she was sitting. "In the first place, young Master Ormskirk has proved
himself a better man than I with the sword."

"Say not so, I pray you, Sir Ralph," Edgar said. "In skill with the French
tricks I may have had the better of you, but with a mace you would have
dashed my brains out, as I could not have guarded my head against the
blows that you could have struck with it."

"Not just yet, perhaps," the knight said; "but when you get your full
strength you could assuredly do so. He will be a famous knight some day,
dame. But that is not the most surprising piece of news. What would you
say were I to tell you that this weakling of ours, although far from
approaching the skill and strength of his friend, is yet able to wield a
heavy sword manfully and skilfully?"

"I should say that either you were dreaming, or that I was, Sir Ralph."

"Well, I do say so in wide-awake earnest. Master Ormskirk has been his
instructor, and for the last two years the lad has been learning of him
and of his masters. That accounts for the change that we have noticed in
his health and bearing. Faith, he used to go along with stooping neck,
like a girl who has outgrown her strength. Now he carries himself well,
and his health of late has left naught to be desired. It was for that that
his friend invited him to exercise himself with the sword; and indeed his
recipe has done wonders. His voice has gained strength, and though it
still has a girlish ring about it, he speaks more firmly and assuredly
than he used to do."

"That is indeed wonderful news, Sir Ralph, and I rejoice to hear it.
Master Ormskirk, we are indeed beholden to you. For at one time I doubted
whether Albert would ever live to grow into a man; and of late I have been
gladdened at seeing so great a change in him, though I dreamed not of the
cause."

Aline had stood open-mouthed while her father was speaking, and now stole
up to Albert's side.

"I am pleased, brother," she said. "May I tell them now what happened the
other day with the black bull, you charged me to say nothing about?"

"What is this about the black bull, Aline?" her father said, as he caught
the words.

"It was naught, sir," Albert replied, colouring, "save that the black bull
in the lower meadow ran at us, and I frightened him away."

"No, no, father," the girl broke in, "it was not that at all. We were
walking through the meadow together when the black bull ran at us. Albert
said to me, 'Run, run, Aline!' and I did run as hard as I could; but I
looked back for some time as I ran, being greatly terrified as to what
would come to Albert. He stood still. The bull lowered his head and rushed
at him. Then he sprang aside just as I expected to see him tossed into the
air, caught hold of the bull's tail as it went past him and held on till
the bull was close to the fence, and then he let go and scrambled over,
while the bull went bellowing down the field."

"Well done, well done!" Sir Ralph said. "Why, Albert, it seems marvellous
that you should be doing such things; that black bull is a formidable
beast, and the strongest man, if unarmed, might well feel discomposed if
he saw him coming rushing at him. I will wager that if you had not had
that practice with the sword, you would not have had the quickness of
thought that enabled you to get out of the scrape. You might have stood
between the bull and your sister, but if you had done so you would only
have been tossed, and perhaps gored or trampled to death afterwards. I
will have the beast killed, or otherwise he will be doing mischief. There
are not many who pass through the field, still I don't want to have any of
my tenants killed.

"Well, Master Ormskirk, both my wife and I feel grateful to you for what
you have done for Albert. There are the makings of a man in him now, let
him take up what trade he will. I don't say much, boy, it is not my way;
but if you ever want a friend, whether it be at court or camp, you can
rely upon me to do as much for you as I would for one of my own; maybe
more, for I deem that a man cannot well ask for favours for those of his
own blood, but he can speak a good word, and even urge his suit for one
who is no kin to him. So far as I understand, you have not made up your
mind in what path you will embark."

"No, Sir Ralph, for at present, although we can scarce be said to be at
peace with the French, we are not fighting with them. Had it been so I
would willingly have joined the train of some brave knight raising a force
for service there. There is ever fighting in the North, but with the Scots
it is but a war of skirmishes, and not as it was in Edward's reign.
Moreover, by what my father says, there seems no reason for harrying
Scotland far and near, and the fighting at present is scarce of a nature
in which much credit is to be gained."

"You might enter the household of some powerful noble, lad."

"My father spoke to me of that, Sir Ralph, but told me that he would
rather that I were with some simple knight than with a great noble, for
that in the rivalries between these there might be troubles come upon the
land, and maybe even civil strife; that one who might hold his head
highest of all one day might on the morrow have it struck off with the
executioner's axe, and that at any rate it were best at present to live
quietly and see how matters went before taking any step that would bind me
to the fortunes of one man more than another."

"Your father speaks wisely. 'Tis not often that men who live in books, and
spend their time in pouring over mouldy parchments, and in well-nigh
suffocating themselves with stinking fumes have common sense in worldly
matters. But when I have conversed with your father, I have always found
that, although he takes not much interest in public affairs at present, he
is marvellously well versed in our history, and can give illustrations in
support of what he says. Well, whenever the time comes that he thinks it
good for you to leave his fireside and venture out into the world, you
have but to come to me, and I will, so far as is in my power, further your
designs."

"I thank you most heartily, Sir Ralph, and glad am I to have been of
service to Albert, who has been almost as a brother to me since we first
met at St. Alwyth."

"I would go over and see your father, and have a talk with him about you,
but I ride to London to-morrow, and may be forced to tarry there for some
time. When I return I will wait upon him and have a talk as to his plans
for you. Now, I doubt not, you would all rather be wandering about the
garden than sitting here with us, so we will detain you no longer."

"Albert, I am very angry with you and Master Ormskirk that you did not
take me into your counsel and tell me about your learning to use the
sword," Aline said, later on, as they watched Edgar ride away through the
gateway of the castle. "I call it very unkind of you both."

"We had not thought of being unkind, Aline," Albert said, quietly. "When
we began I did not feel sure that either my strength or my resolution
would suffice to carry me through, and indeed it was at first very painful
work for me, having never before taken any strong exercise, and often I
would have given it up from the pain and fatigue that it caused me, had
not Edgar urged me to persevere, saying that in time I should feel neither
pain nor weariness. Therefore, at first I said nothing to you, knowing
that it would disappoint you did I give it up, and then when my arm gained
strength, and Edgar encouraged me by praising my progress, and I began to
hope that I might yet come to be strong and gain skill with the weapon, I
kept it back in order that I might, as I have done to-day, have the
pleasure of surprising you, as well as my father, by showing that I was
not so great a milksop as you had rightly deemed me."

"I never thought that you were a milksop, Albert," his sister said,
indignantly. "I knew that you were not strong, and was sorry for it, but
it was much nicer for me that you should be content to walk and ride with
me, and to take interest in things that I like, instead of being like
Henry Nevil or Richard Clairvaux, who are always talking and thinking of
nothing but how they would go to the wars, and what they would do there."

"There was no need that I should do that, Aline. Edgar is a much better
swordsman than either of them, and knows much more, and is much more
likely to be a famous knight some day than either Nevil or Clairvaux, but
I am certain that you do not hear him talk about it."

"No, Edgar is nice, too," the girl said, frankly, "and very strong. Do you
not remember how he carried me home more than two miles, when a year ago I
fell down when I was out with you, and sprained my ankle. And now, Albert,
perhaps some day you will get so strong that you may not think of going
into the Church and shutting yourself up all your life in a cloister, but
may come to be famous too."

"I have not thought of that, Aline," he said, gravely. "If ever I did
change my mind, it would be that I might always be with Edgar and be great
friends with him, all through our lives, just as we are now."

Sir Ralph and his wife were at the time discussing the same topic. "It may
yet be, Agatha, that, after all, the boy may give up this thought of being
a churchman. I have never said a word against it hitherto, because it
seemed to me that he was fit for nothing else, but now that one sees that
he has spirit, and has, thanks to his friend, acquired a taste for arms,
and has a strength I never dreamt he possessed, the matter is changed. I
say not yet that he is like to become a famous knight, but it needs not
that every one should be able to swing a heavy mace and hold his own in a
_mêlée_. There are many posts at court where one who is discreet and long-
headed may hold his own, and gain honour, so that he be not a mere feeble
weakling who can be roughly pushed to the wall by every blusterer."

"I would ask him no question concerning it, Sir Ralph," his wife said. "It
may be as you say, but methinks that it will be more likely that he will
turn to it if you ask him no questions, but leave him to think it out for
himself. The lad Edgar has great influence over him, and will assuredly
use it for good. As for myself, it would be no such great grief were
Albert to enter the Church as it would be to you, though I, too, would
prefer that he should not be lost to us, and would rather that he went to
Court and played his part there. I believe that he has talent. The prior
of St. Alwyth said that he and young Ormskirk were by far his most
promising pupils; of course, the latter has now ceased to study with him,
having learned as much as is necessary for a gentleman to know if he be
not intended for the Church. Albert is well aware what your wishes are,
and that if you have said naught against his taking up that profession, it
was but because you deemed him fit for no other. Now, you will see that,
having done so much, he may well do more, and it may be that in time he
may himself speak to you and tell you that he has changed his mind on the
matter."

"Perhaps it would be best so, dame, and I have good hope that it will be
as you say. I care not much for the Court, where Lancaster and Gloucester
overshadow the king. Still, a man can play his part there; though I would
not that he should attach himself to Lancaster's faction or to
Gloucester's, for both are ambitious, and it will be a struggle between
them for supremacy. If he goes he shall go as a king's man. Richard, as he
grows up, will resent the tutelage in which he is held, but will not be
able to shake it off, and he will need men he can rely upon--prudent and
good advisers, the nearer to his own age the better, and it may well be
that Albert would be like to gain rank and honour more quickly in this way
than by doughty deeds in the field. It is good that each man should stick
to his last. As for me, I would rather delve as a peasant than mix in the
intrigues of a Court. But there must be courtiers as well as fighters, and
I say not aught against them.

"The boy with his quiet voice, and his habit of going about making little
more noise than a cat, is far better suited for such a life than I with my
rough speech and fiery temper. For his manner he has also much to thank
young Ormskirk. Edgar caught it from his father, who, though a strange man
according to my thinking, is yet a singularly courteous gentleman, and
Albert has taken it from his friend. Well, wife, I shall put this down as
one of my fortunate days, for never have I heard better news than that
which Albert gave me this afternoon."

When Edgar returned home he told his father what had taken place.

"I thought that Sir Ralph would be mightily pleased some day when he heard
that his son had been so zealously working here with you, and I too was
glad to see it. I am altogether without influence to push your fortunes.
Learning I can give you, but I scarce know a man at Court, for while I
lived at Highgate I seldom went abroad, and save for a visit now and then
from some scholar anxious to consult me, scarce a being entered my house.
Therefore, beyond relating to you such matters of history as it were well
for you to know, and by telling you of the deeds of Caesar and other great
commanders, I could do naught for you."

"You have done a great deal for me, father. You have taught me more of
military matters, and of the history of this country, and of France and
Italy, than can be known to most people, and will assuredly be of much
advantage to me in the future."

"That may be so, Edgar, but the great thing is to make the first start,
and here I could in no way aid you. I have often wondered how this matter
could be brought about, and now you have obtained a powerful friend; for
although Sir Ralph De Courcy is but a simple knight, with no great
heritage, his wife is a daughter of Lord Talbot, and he himself is one of
the most valiant of the nobles and knights who fought so stoutly in France
and Spain, and as such is known to, and respected by, all those who bore a
part in those wars. He therefore can do for you the service that of all
others is the most necessary.

"The king himself is well aware that he was one of the knights in whom the
Black Prince, his father, had the fullest confidence, and to whom he owed
his life more than once in the thick of a _mêlée_. Thus, then, when the
time comes, he will be able to secure for you a post in the following of
some brave leader. I would rather that it were so than in the household of
any great noble, who would assuredly take one side or other in the
factions of the Court. You are too young for this as yet, being too old to
be a page, too young for an esquire, and must therefore wait until you are
old enough to enter service either as an esquire or as one of the retinue
of a military leader."

"I would rather be an esquire and ride to battle to win my spurs. I should
not care to become a knight simply because I was the owner of so many
acres of land, but should wish to be knighted for service in the field."

"So would I also, Edgar. My holding here is large enough to entitle me to
the rank of knight did I choose to take it up, but indeed it would be with
me as it is with many others, an empty title. Holding land enough for a
knight's fee, I should of course be bound to send so many men into the
field were I called upon to do so, and should send you as my substitute if
the call should not come until you are two or three years older; but in
this way you would be less likely to gain opportunities for winning honour
than if you formed part of the following of some well-known knight. Were a
call to come you could go with few better than Sir Ralph, who would be
sure to be in the thick of it. But if it comes not ere long, he may think
himself too old to take the field, and his contingent would doubtless be
led by some knight as his substitute."

"I think not, father, that Sir Ralph is likely to regard himself as lying
on the shelf for some time to come; he is still a very strong man, and he
would chafe like a caged eagle were there blows to be struck in France,
and he unable to share in them."

Four days later a man who had been down to the town returned with a budget
of news. Edgar happened to be at the door when he rode past.

"What is the news, Master Clement?" he said, for he saw that the man
looked excited and alarmed.

"There be bad news, young master, mighty bad news. Thou knowest how in
Essex men have refused to pay the poll-tax, but there has been naught of
that on this side of the river as yet, though there is sore grumbling,
seeing that the tax-collectors are not content with drawing the tax from
those of proper age, but often demand payments for boys and girls, who, as
they might see, are still under fourteen. It happened so to-day at
Dartford. One of the tax-collectors went to the house of Wat the Tyler.
His wife had the money for his tax and hers, but the man insolently
demanded tax for the daughter, who is but a girl of twelve; and when her
mother protested that the child was two years short of the age, he offered
so gross an insult to the girl that she and her mother screamed out. A
neighbour ran with the news to Wat, who was at his work on the roof of a
house near, and he, being full of wrath thereat, ran hastily home, and
entering smote the man so heavily on the head with a hammer he carried,
that he killed him on the spot.

"The collectors' knaves would have seized Wat, but the neighbours ran in
and drove them from the town with blows. The whole place is in a ferment.
Many have arms in their hands, and are declaring that they will submit no
more to the exactions, and will fight rather than pay, for that their
lives are of little value to them if they are to be ground to the earth by
these leeches. The Fleming traders in the town have hidden away, for in
their present humour the mob might well fall upon them and kill them."

It was against the Flemings indeed that the feelings of the country people
ran highest. This tax was not, as usual, collected by the royal officers,
but by men hired by the Flemish traders settled in England. The proceeds
of it had been bestowed upon several young nobles, intimates of the king.
These had borrowed money from the Flemings on the security of the tax; the
amount that it was likely to produce had been considerably overrated, and
the result was that the Flemings, finding that they would be heavy losers
by the transaction, ordered their collectors to gather in as much as
possible. These obeyed the instructions, rendering by their conduct the
exaction of the poll-tax even more unpopular than it would have been had
it been collected by the royal officers, who would have been content with
the sum that could be legally demanded.

"This is serious news," Edgar said, gravely, "and I fear that much trouble
may come of it. Doubtless the tax-collector misbehaved himself grossly,
but his employers will take no heed of that, and will lay complaints
before the king of the slaying of one of their servants and of the assault
upon others by a mob of Dartford, so that erelong we shall be having a
troop of men-at-arms sent hither to punish the town."

"Ay, young master, but not being of Dartford I should not care so much for
that; but there are hot spirits elsewhere, and there are many who would be
like to take up arms as well as the men at Dartford, and to resist all
attacks; then the trouble would spread, and there is no saying how far it
may grow."

"True enough, Clement; well, we may hope that when men's minds become
calmer the people of Dartford will think it best to offer to pay a fine in
order to escape bloodshed."

"It may be so," the man said, shaking his head, "though I doubt it. There
has been too much preaching of sedition. I say not that the people have
not many and real grievances, but the way to right them is not by the
taking up of arms, but by petition to the crown and parliament."

He rode on, and Edgar, going in to his father, told him what he had heard
from Clement.

"'Tis what I feared," Mr. Ormskirk said. "The English are a patient race,
and not given, as are those of foreign nations, to sudden bursts of rage.
So long as the taxation was legal they would pay, however hardly it
pressed them, but when it comes to demanding money for children under the
age, and to insulting them, it is pushing matters too far, and I fear with
you, Edgar, that the trouble will spread. I am sorry for these people, for
however loudly they may talk and however valiant they may be, they can
assuredly offer but a weak resistance to a strong body of men-at-arms, and
they will but make their case worse by taking up arms.

"History shows that mobs are seldom able to maintain a struggle against
authority. Just at first success may attend them, but as soon as those who
govern recover from their first surprise they are not long before they put
down the movement. I am sorry, not only for the men themselves, but for
others who, like myself, altogether disapprove of any rising. Just at
first the mob may obey its leaders and act with moderation; but they are
like wild beasts--the sight of blood maddens them--and if this rising
should become a serious one, you will see that there will be burnings and
ravagings. Heads will be smitten off, and after slaying those they
consider the chief culprits, they will turn against all in a better
condition than themselves.

"The last time Sir Ralph De Courcy was over here he told me that the
priest they called Jack Straw and many others were, he heard, not only
preaching sedition against the government, but the seizure of the goods of
the wealthy, the confiscation of the estates of the monasteries, and the
division of the wealth of the rich. A nice programme, and just the one
that would be acceptable to men without a penny in their pockets. Sir
Ralph said that he would give much if he, with half a dozen men-at-arms,
could light upon a meeting of these people, when he would give them a
lesson that would silence their saucy tongues for a long time to come. I
told him I was glad that he had not the opportunity, for that methought it
would do more harm than good. 'You won't think so,' he said, 'when there
is a mob of these rascals thundering at your door, and resolved to make a
bonfire of your precious manuscripts and to throw you into the midst of
it.' 'I have no doubt,' I replied, 'that at such a time I should welcome
the news of the arrival of you and the men-at-arms, but I have no store of
goods that would attract their cupidity.' 'No,' the knight said, 'but you
know that among the common people you are accounted a magician, because
you are wiser than they are.'

"'I know that,' I replied; 'it is the same in all countries. The credulous
mob think that a scholar, although he may spend his life in trying to make
a discovery that will be of inestimable value to them, is a magician and
in league with the devil. However, although not a fighting man, I may
possess means of defence that are to the full as serviceable as swords and
battle-axes. I have long foreseen that should trouble arise, the villagers
of St. Alwyth would be like enough to raise the cry of magician, and to
take that opportunity of ridding themselves of one they vaguely fear, and
many months ago I made some preparations to meet such a storm and to show
them that a magician is not altogether defenceless, and that the compounds
in his power are well-nigh as dangerous as they believe, only not in the
same way.'

"'Well, I hope that you will find it so if there is any trouble; but I
recommend you, if you hear that there is any talk in the village of making
an assault upon you that you send a messenger to me straightway, and you
may be sure that ere an hour has passed I will be here with half a dozen
stout fellows who will drive this rabble before them like sheep.'

"'I thank you much for the offer, Sir Ralph, and will bear it in mind
should there be an occasion, but I think that I may be able to manage
without need for bloodshed. You are a vastly more formidable enemy than I
am, but I imagine that they have a greater respect for my supposed magical
powers than they have for the weight of your arm, heavy though it be.'

"'Perhaps it is so, my friend,' Sir Ralph said, grimly, 'for they have not
felt its full weight yet, though I own that I myself would rather meet the
bravest knight in battle than raise my hand against a man whom I believed
to be possessed of magical powers.'

"I laughed, and said that so far as I knew no such powers existed. 'Your
magicians are but chemists,' I said. 'Their object of search is the Elixir
of Life or the Philosopher's Stone; they may be powerful for good, but
they are assuredly powerless for evil.'

"'But surely you believe in the power of sorcery?' he said. 'All men know
that there are sorcerers who can command the powers of the air and bring
terrible misfortunes down on those that oppose them.'

"'I do not believe that there are men who possess such powers,' I said.
'There are knaves who may pretend to have such powers, but it is only to
gain money from the credulous. In all my reading I have never come upon a
single instance of any man who has really exercised such powers, nor do I
believe that such powers exist. Men have at all times believed in
portents, and even a Roman army would turn back were it on the march
against an enemy, if a hare ran across the road they were following; I say
not that there may not be something in such portents, though even of this
I have doubts. Still, like dreams, they may be sent to warn us, but
assuredly man has naught to do with their occurrence, and I would, were I
not a peaceful man, draw my sword as readily against the most famous
enchanter as against any other man of the same strength and skill, with
his weapon.'

"I could see that the good knight was shocked at the light way in which I
spoke of magicians; and, indeed, the power of superstition over men,
otherwise sensible, is wonderful. However, he took his leave without
saying more than that he and the men-at-arms would be ready if I sent for
them."




CHAPTER III

WAT TYLER


That evening Mr. Ormskirk continued the subject of his talk of the
afternoon.

"You looked surprised, Edgar, when I said that I told Sir Ralph I had made
some preparations for defence, and that some of the compounds in my
laboratory are as dangerous as the common people regard them, although
that danger has naught to do with any magical property. You must know that
many substances, while wholly innocent in themselves, are capable of
dealing wide destruction when they are mixed together; for example,
saltpetre, charcoal, and sulphur, which, as Friar Bacon discovered, make,
when mixed together, a powder whose explosive power is well-nigh beyond
belief, and which is now coming into use as a destructive agent in war.
Many other compounds can be produced of explosive nature, some indeed of
such powerful and sudden action that we dare not even make experiments
with them.

"Many other strange things have been discovered, some of which may seem
useless at present, but may, upon further experiments on their properties,
turn out of value to man. Such a substance I discovered two years ago. I
was experimenting upon bones, and endeavouring to ascertain whether a
powder might not be procured which, when mixed with other substances,
would produce unexpected results. After calcining the bones, I treated the
white ash with various acids and alkaloids, and with fire and water,
returning again and again to the trials when I had time. While conducting
these experiments, I found that there was certainly some substance present
with whose nature I was altogether unacquainted.

"One evening, going into the laboratory after dark, I observed with
astonishment what looked like a lambent flame upon the table. In my alarm
I ran forward to put it out, but found that there was no heat in it;
lighting my lamp I could no longer see it, but on the table I found a few
grains of the stuff I had been experimenting on. Turning out the lamp the
light was again visible, and after much thought I concluded that it was
similar to the light given by the little creatures called glowworms, and
which in its turn somewhat resembles the light that can be seen at times
in a pile of decaying fish. I tried many experiments, but as nothing came
of them I gave them up, not seeing that any use could come of a fire that
gave out no heat. I produced a powder, however, that when rubbed on any
substance, became luminous in the dark, presenting an appearance strange
and sufficiently alarming to the ignorant.

"Thinking the matter over some time ago, I took a little of this powder
from the phial in which I had stored it away, and, moistening it, rubbed
it on the wall in the form of circles, triangles, and other signs. I did
this just before it became dark. As the moisture dried, these figures
gradually assumed a luminous appearance. I saw the use to which this could
be put in awing a mob, and, setting to work, made a large supply of this
powder."

"How long does it retain its light, father?"

"That is uncertain. For some hours in a darkened room, the light gradually
growing fainter, but if a bright day follows, the figures stand out on the
following night as brightly as before; while if the day is dull they show
up but faintly at night. I see not that any use can come of such a thing,
for the light is at all times too faint to be used for reading unless the
page is held quite close to it. Come downstairs with me and I will show
you the head of one of the old Roman statues that was dug up near
Rochester, and which I bought for a few pence last year."

They went down into the laboratory. The light was burning. "There you see,
Edgar, I have painted this head with the stuff, and now you can see
nothing more unusual than if it had been daubed with whitewash. Now I will
extinguish the lamp."

Prepared as he was, Edgar nevertheless stepped back with an exclamation of
surprise and almost awe. The head stood out in the darkness with startling
distinctness. It had the effect of being bathed in moonlight, although
much more brilliant than even the light of the full moon. It seemed to
him, indeed, almost as if a faint wavering light played around it, giving
the stern face of the old Roman a sardonic and evil expression.

"You can touch it, Edgar, but you will see that there is not the slightest
warmth."

"It is wonderful, father."

"Yes, it is a strange thing; but is, so far as I can see, of no use save
as a wonder, and it is just one of those wonders that to most people would
seem to be magical. I showed it a short time ago to the prior, having
explained to him beforehand how I had discovered it. He is above the
superstitions of folks in general, and knowing that I could have no motive
in deceiving him, was much interested; but he said to me, 'This is one of
the things that were best concealed. I can quite understand that there are
many things in nature of which we are ignorant. I know that what you say
of decayed fish sometimes giving out light like this is perfectly true,
and everyone knows that the glowworms, when the weather is damp, light up
the banks and fields, although no heat can be felt. Doubtless in your
researches on bones you have discovered some substance akin to that which
causes the light in those cases, but you would never persuade the vulgar
of this.

"'Nay, there are even churchmen and prelates who would view it as magic.
Therefore, my friend, seeing that, as you say, the powder is not likely to
be of any use to man, I should say that it were best that you destroy it,
for if whispers of it got abroad you might well be accused of dealing in
magic. All knowledge of things beyond them is magic to the ignorant. Roger
Bacon was treated as a magician, and I doubt not that this will ever be
the case with all those who are more learned than their fellow-men.
Therefore my advice to you is, burn the stuff and say naught about it.'

"I did not take his advice, Edgar, for it seemed to me that it might well
be used to awe any unruly mob that might come hither at night to attack
me. I have made an experiment that, though I believe not in the
supernatural, would have frightened me had I seen it without knowing
anything of its nature. You know that old skull that was dug up out of the
garden last month, I have hung the lower jaw on wires so that it can be
moved, and have to-day painted it, and now I will blow out the light
again, and then take it from the cupboard."

A moment later the room was in darkness, and then an exclamation of
surprise and almost terror rose from Edgar. In front of him there was a
gibbering skull, the lower jaw wagging up and down, as if engaging in
noiseless laughter, It was much more brilliant than the stone head had
been, and a lambent flame played round it.

"What think ye of that, Edgar?"

"It is ghastly, sir, horrible!"

"It is not a pleasant object," his father said, quietly, as he struck the
tinder and again lighted the lamp. "I fancy, Edgar, that if a mob of
people were to break down the door and find themselves confronted by that
object they would fly in terror."

"Assuredly they would, father; they would not stop running this side of
Dartford. Even though I expected it, the sight sent a shiver through me,
and my teeth well-nigh chattered. But this would only avail in case of a
night attack."

"It would avail something even in daylight, Edgar. These downstairs rooms
have but little light, and that little I intend to block up by nailing
boards inside, and by hanging sacks over them outside. Then if I place the
skull in the passage, those who sought me in my laboratory would be
brought to a standstill. But there are other means. I have buried jars
filled with Friar Bacon's powder round the house, with trains by which
they can be fired. At present the common people know little of guns, and
methinks that the explosion of two or three of these jars would send them
about their business, I have other devices which it is not necessary to
enter upon, but which would be effective, therefore you need have little
fear that any mob will gain entrance here, and you may be sure that after
a repulse they would be very loath to touch the place again."

"Yes, father, but they might bring accusation against you of witchcraft."

"I admit that there is that danger, but the prior here has long taken an
interest in my investigations, and can testify for me that these are but
scientific products, and have naught to do with magic. Besides, if there
is a rising of the common people, the king and nobles will be in no mood
to listen to complaints against those who have thwarted the attacks of the
rioters."

"No doubt that would be so, father; still, for myself, I would rather
charge them, sword in hand, with a band of stout fellows behind me."

"But we have not got the stout fellows, Edgar; and for myself, even if we
had them, I would prefer to set these poor knaves running without doing
harm to them rather than to slay and maim, for their attack would be made
in their ignorance, and in their hatred of those above them. They have
been goaded by oppression into taking up arms, and the fault rests upon
others rather than upon the poor people."

The next morning, however, Edgar went round to the tenants, of whom there
were fifteen. They had heard of the affair at Dartford, which was, of
course, in everyone's mouth, and their sympathies were wholly with the
rioters.

"I think as you do," Edgar said to one of them. "The exactions of the tax-
gatherers are indeed beyond all bearing, and if the people do but rise to
demand fair treatment and their just rights as men, I should wish them
success; but I fear that evil counsels will carry them far beyond this,
and that they may attack the houses and castles of the gentry, although
these may be in no way the authors of their troubles. I am sure that my
father has oppressed no one."

"That he has not, Master Edgar. He is as good a lord as one could desire.
He exacts no dues beyond his rights; and indeed if there be trouble or
sickness he presses no one beyond his means. We have not been called upon
for service for many years, and if the Dartford men should come hither to
attack him they will find that they have to reckon with us."

"That is what I have come for," Edgar said. "Should you hear of any
intention to attack the well-to-do, I would have you hold yourselves in
readiness to gather at the house, and to aid in its defence. My father has
means of his own for discomfiting any that may come against him; but as
these may fail, it would be well that there should be a body of men ready
to repel an attack."

"You can rely upon us, master, but I say not that you can do so on our
men. These are serfs, and their sympathies will be all with the rioters. I
do not think they would fight against us, but I fear they would not
venture their lives against those of their own class."

"That is more than could be expected; but if you yourselves come, it will,
I think, be sufficient. I have no fear that these men will in the first
place interfere with the gentry. Their first impulse will be to obtain
redress for their wrongs; but they have bad advisers, and many will join
them for the sake of plunder. When this once begins others will take part
with them in the matter, and there is no saying what may come of it."

"Well, you can depend upon us, at any rate, master. You will have but to
ring the bell and all within hearing will run, arms in hand, to defend the
house, and we shall, I hope, have time enough to gather there before the
mob arrives."

"I doubt not that you will. I shall engage a trusty man to go down to the
town and watch what is going on, and we are sure to have notice of any
such movement. But as I have said, I think not that there is any chance of
their beginning in such a way; it will be only after they have encountered
the troops, and blood has been shed."

Having gone the round of the tenants, Edgar rode down to Dartford. On the
way he passed many men going in the same direction. Almost all of them
were armed with staves, pikes, axes, or bows, and he saw that the country
people had only been waiting for some act that would serve as a signal for
revolt, in order to gather as their fellows in Essex had already begun to
do. He found the streets of the town crowded with people; some were
excited and noisy, but the mass had a serious and determined air that
showed they were resolved upon going through with the work that had been
begun. In many places groups of men were assembled in open spaces,
listening to the talk of others standing on tables or barrels that had
been brought for the purpose.

Their speeches were all to the same point, and Edgar saw that they were
the result of a previous agreement.

"Men of Kent!" one exclaimed, "the day has come when you have to prove
that you are men, and not mere beasts of burden, to be trodden under foot.
You all know how we are oppressed, how illegal exactions are demanded of
us, and how, as soon as one is paid, some fresh tax is heaped on us. What
are we? Men without a voice, men whom the government regard as merely
beings from whom money is to be wrung. Nor is this all. 'Tis not enough
that we must starve in order that our oppressors may roll in wealth, may
scatter it lavishly as they choose, and indulge in every luxury and in
every pleasure. No. The hounds sent among us to wring the last penny from
us now take to insulting our wives and daughters, and at last our patience
is at an end.

"We have news this morning from all the country round that the people are
with us, and before long tens of thousands of the men of Kent will be in
arms. Our course is resolved upon. We and the men of Essex will march on
London, and woe be to those who try to bar our way. All shall be done
orderly and with discretion. We war only against the government, and to
obtain our rights. Already our demands have been drawn up, and unless
these are granted we will not be content. These are what we ask: _first_,
the total abolition of slavery for ourselves and our children for ever;
_second_, the reduction of the rent of good land to 4_d_. the acre;
_third_, the full liberty of buying and selling like other men in fairs
and markets; _fourth_, a general pardon for all past offences."

The recital of these demands was received with a shout of approval.

"This and nothing less will we be content with," he went on. "There are
some of the king's advisers who had best not fall into our hands, for if
they do their lives will pay the penalty for their evil deeds. But upon
one thing we are determined: there shall be no plundering. Our cause is a
just one, and for that we are ready to fight. But should any join us with
the intention of turning this movement to their private advantage, and of
plunder and robbery, we warn them that such will not be permitted, and any
man caught plundering will at once be hung. They may call us rioters; they
may try and persuade the king that we are disloyal subjects, though this
is not the case. One thing they shall not say of us, that we are a band of
robbers and thieves. By to-night we shall be joined by all true men of the
neighbourhood, and will then march to Gravesend, where our fellows have
already risen and are in arms; thence we go to Rochester and deliver those
of our brethren who have been thrown into prison because they could not
pay the unjust taxes. That done, we will go straight to London and demand
from the king himself a charter granting the four points we demand. Wat
the Tyler has been chosen our leader. He has struck the first blow, and as
a man of courage and energy there is no fear of his betraying us, seeing
that he has already put his head into a noose. Now shout for the charter,
for the king, and for the commons of England."

Such was the tenor of all the speeches, and they were everywhere received
with loud cheers. As Edgar rode down the main street on his way home he
heard shouting, and a brawny, powerful man came along, surrounded by a mob
of cheering men. He looked at Edgar steadily, and stepped in front of his
horse.

"You are the son of the man at St. Alwyth," he said. "I have seen you in
the streets before. What think you of what we are doing? I have heard of
you attending meetings there."

"I think that you have been cruelly wronged," Edgar answered, quietly,
"and that the four points that you demand are just and right. I wish you
good fortune in obtaining them, and I trust that it will be done
peacefully and without opposition."

"Whether peacefully or not, we are determined that they shall be obtained.
If it be needful, we will burn down London and kill every man of rank who
falls into our hands, and force our way into the king's presence. We will
have justice!"

"If you do so you will be wrong," Edgar said, calmly; "and moreover,
instead of benefiting your cause you will damage it. Your demands are
just, and it will be to the interest of no man to gainsay them. Even the
nobles must see that the land will gain strength were all men free and
ready to bear arms in its defence; and save for the article about the
price of land, as to which I am in no way a judge, I see not that any man
will be a penny the poorer; but if, on the other hand, such deeds as those
you speak of were committed, you would set the nobles throughout the land
against you, you would defeat your own good objects, and would in the end
bring destruction upon yourselves; so that instead of bettering your
position you would be worse than before."

"And do you doubt," the man exclaimed, with a scowling brow, "that the
commons of England could, if they wished, sweep away these accursed nobles
and their followers?"

"Were the commons of England united, well armed, and disciplined, they
could doubtless do so," Edgar replied, quietly. "I know not whether you
are united, but certainly you are neither armed nor disciplined. We saw
how little an undisciplined mass, even if well armed, can do against
trained troops, when a few thousands of English soldiers defeated nigh
twenty times their number at Poictiers. And I say that against a force of
steel-clad knights and men-at-arms any number of men, however brave, if
armed as these are, could make no stand. It would not be a battle--it
would be a slaughter; therefore, while wishing you well, and admitting the
full justice of your demands, I would say that it were best for your own
sakes, and for the sakes of those who love you, that you should conduct
yourselves peaceably, so as to show all men that no harm can arise from
granting you the charter you ask for, and in giving you all the rights and
privileges of free men."

There was a murmur of approval from many of those standing round. The
Tyler, who had made a step forward, looked back angrily and would have
spoken, but the man next to him whispered something in his ear. Without
saying more he walked on, while Edgar touched his horse with his heel and
proceeded on his way.

Although his father no doubt heard him ride up to the house, he did not
ascend from his laboratory until his usual time, for although, since the
prior had called his attention to his son's condition, he had, when not at
work, done all in his power to make the boy happy, and had even given up
two hours every evening to him, at all other times he was absorbed in his
work to the exclusion of aught else.

"You have been down into the town?" he asked Edgar, as they seated
themselves at the table.

"Yes, father; and whatever may happen afterwards, there is no fear of any
trouble at present. The speeches of almost all the men were quiet and
reasonable. They urged that serfdom should be abolished, free right of
markets given, the price of good land to be not over four pennies an acre,
that all past offences should be pardoned; beyond this they did not go.
Indeed, they declared that everything must be done peacefully and in
order, and that any man caught plundering should be hung forthwith. By the
applause that followed, these are evidently the sentiments of the great
mass of the peasants, but I fear there are some of them--Wat the Tyler at
their head--who will go much farther. At present, however, they will
disguise their real sentiments, but it seems to me the march on London
that they threaten will be far from peaceable. In the first place, they
are going to Gravesend, and, joining those gathered there, will then march
to Rochester, free all those who have been thrown in prison for non-
payment of the tax, and then march on London."

"It must end in disaster, Edgar; for if they obtain what they desire from
the king--which they may do, seeing that his uncles are all away, and it
will be difficult to raise any force of a sudden that would suffice to
defeat them--what will they gain by it? Doubtless, as soon as Gloucester
and Lancaster arrive in London, the charter will be annulled, and possibly
the leaders of the malcontents punished for their share in the matter.
Still, I say not that even so, the movement will not have done good. The
nobles have enough on their hands with their own quarrels and jealousies,
and seeing that the continuance of serfdom is likely to give rise to
troubles that may be more serious than this hasty and ill-considered
movement, they may be content to grant whatever is asked, in order to make
an end to troubles of this kind. The English are not like the peasants of
other countries--so far, at least, as I have seen them. The feeling of
independence is very strong among them, and there is none of the
obsequious deference that the serfs in Italy and France pay to their
masters."

The next morning Albert De Courcy rode into St. Alwyth.

"Why, Albert," Edgar said, as he went out to the door, on seeing him
approach, "have you got a holiday to-day?"

"I have a holiday for some time, Edgar. I have received a message from my
father saying that he deems it well that I should at once escort my mother
and Aline to London, for he has heard of this trouble at Dartford, and as
the king has asked him to remain at Court at present, he would fain have
mother, Aline, and me with him. Old Hubert is to take command of the
castle, and to bid the tenantry be ready to come in for its defence should
trouble threaten. But this is not all; he has spoken to the king of you,
praising both your swordsmanship and the benefit that I have derived from
your teaching, and Richard desired him to send for you and to present you
to him."

"It is kind indeed of Sir Ralph," Edgar exclaimed, warmly, "and I will
assuredly take advantage of his goodness, although undeserved. This is
indeed a splendid opportunity for me. When do you start?"

"We shall leave at ten. I heard as I came along that the peasants marched
at daybreak this morning to Gravesend, therefore there is no fear of our
crossing their path."

"I must run down and speak to my father. It is no small thing that he will
allow to disturb him at his work, but methinks that he will not mind upon
such an occasion."

In five minutes Mr. Ormskirk came up into the hall with Edgar.

"My son has told me, Master De Courcy, of the great kindness that your
father has done to him. I would, indeed, say no word to hinder his going
with you. 'Tis an opportunity the like of which may never occur to him
again. It is only on account of the troubles with the peasants that he
dislikes to go away at this moment, but I deem not that any trouble will
come of it here; and I can myself, as he knows, cope with them should they
attempt aught against this house, therefore I bade him not to let that
matter enter his mind, but to prepare himself at once to ride with you up
to town, so that you can rely upon his being at the castle at the hour
appointed."

"Then, with your permission, I will ride off at once, Mr. Ormskirk, for I
also have preparations to make, having started at once on the arrival of
my father's messenger."

As soon as he had gone, Mr. Ormskirk went up to his chamber and returned
in a minute or two. "Here, Edgar, is a purse with money for your needs.
The first thing you must do when you reach London is to procure suitable
garments for your presentation to the king. Your clothes are well enough
for a country gentleman, but are in no way fit for Court. I need not say
to you, do not choose over-gay colours, for I know that your tastes do not
lie in that direction. I don't wish you to become a courtier, Edgar; for,
though it is an excellent thing to be introduced at Court and to be known
to high personages there, that is an altogether different thing from being
a hanger-on of the Court. Those who do naught but bask in a king's favour
are seldom men of real merit. They have to play their part and curry
favour. They are looked down upon by the really great; while, should they
attain a marked place in the king's favour they are regarded with jealousy
and enmity, and sooner or later are sure to fall.

"You cannot but remember the fate that befell the queen's favourites when
Edward threw off his tutelage and took the reins of power into his own
hands. Such is ever the fate of favourites; neither nobles nor the
commonalty love upstarts, and more than one will, I foresee, erelong draw
upon themselves the enmity of the king's uncles and other nobles for the
influence they have gained over the mind of the young king. I should wish
you, then, to make as many acquaintances as you can, for none can say who
may be of use to you at one time or another; but keep yourself aloof from
all close intimacies. It may be that, in after years, you may find it
well-nigh impossible to keep aloof from all parties in the state, but do
so as long as you are able, until you can discern clearly who are true
patriots and who are actuated only by their own selfish ambition, bearing
in mind always that you are a simple gentleman, desirous when an English
army enters the field against a foreign foe, to play your part manfully
and with honour, and to gain your reputation as a soldier and not as a
frequenter of Courts."

"I will bear your instructions in mind, father, and indeed they accord
with what you before said to me, and which I determined to make a guide to
my conduct."

"Now you had better see to the packing of your valise. It will not be
necessary for you to take many things, as you can equip yourself in
London."

An hour later, Edgar, after bidding farewell to his father, mounted his
horse. "I shall look to see you back again in two or three weeks at the
longest," Mr. Ormskirk said; "it is better to come home, even if you go
again shortly, though it may be that you will have no occasion for another
visit to town for some time to come. If Sir Ralph would keep you longer it
were best to make some excuse to return. I know that there are many at
Court but little older than yourself, for the king, being as yet scarcely
fifteen, naturally likes to surround himself with those who are not
greatly older, and who have the same love for pleasure and gaiety, but
such associates will do you no good, though I say not that a little of it
might not be of advantage, seeing that you are somewhat more grave than is
natural at your age, owing to the life that you have led here with me.
Young De Courcy--although I have greatly encouraged your companionship
with him, for he is a very pleasant and agreeable young gentleman--is too
gentle, and lacking in high spirits, which has increased, rather than
diminished, your tendency to silence, and a little companionship with more
ardour would not be amiss. You must remember that a cheerful spirit that
enables a man to support hardship and fatigue lightly, and to animate his
soldiers by his example, is one of the most important characteristics of a
leader of men."

Edgar arrived at the castle of the De Courcys a few minutes before ten.
Some horses were already standing at the door. He did not go in, deeming
that he might be in the way, but sent in word to Lady De Courcy that he
was there and at her service. In a few minutes she came out, accompanied
by her son and Aline.

"I am glad to have so good an escort, Master Ormskirk," she said, smiling;
"for after what Sir Ralph told me I feel that I can safely entrust myself
to your care."

"I will assuredly do my best, lady," he said, "but I trust that there will
be no occasion to draw a sword. I deem that most of those who make the
roads unsafe will have gone off to join the Tyler and his band, thinking
that opportunities for plunder are sure to present themselves; but, at any
rate, as you take, I see, two men-at-arms with you, it is unlikely that
anyone will venture to molest us."

He assisted Lady De Courcy and her daughter to their saddles, and the
party soon rode off, followed by the two men-at-arms.

"Do you purpose to make the journey in a single day?" Edgar asked.

"Assuredly. Aline and I are both accustomed to ride on horseback, and the
journey is not too far to be done before the evening falls, especially as
it will be for one day's journey only; the roads are good, the day fine,
and there will be no occasion to ride at speed. Why, it is but some
seventeen or eighteen miles, and you must think but poorly of our
horsemanship if you think we cannot traverse such a distance."

So they travelled on, the horses sometimes going at an amble, sometimes
dropping into a walk. As they proceeded they met several little parties of
men hurrying along, armed with pikes, clubs, or farming implements. These
passed without speaking, and seemed to be much more fearful that they
might be interfered with than desirous of interfering with others.

"They are miserable-looking varlets," Dame De Courcy said, disdainfully.
"Our two men-at-arms would be a match for a score of them."

"I doubt not that they would," Albert agreed, "though methinks that a blow
with one of those flails would make a head ring even under a steel
casque."

"I doubt whether they would think of anything but running away, Albert,"
Edgar said. "I am sorry for the poor fellows; they have great grievances,
but I fear they are not setting about the righting of them the best way. I
hope that no great ill may befall them."

"But surely these people have not your sympathy, Master Ormskirk?" Lady De
Courcy said, in some surprise.

"I have seen enough of them to be sorry for them," Edgar said. "Their life
is of the hardest. They live mostly on black bread, and are thankful
enough when they can get enough of it. To heavily tax men such as these is
to drive them to despair, and that without producing the gain expected,
for it is in most cases simply impossible for them to pay the taxes
demanded. It seems to me that a poll-tax is, of all others, the worst,
since it takes into no account the differences of station and wealth--to
the rich the impost is trifling, to the poor it is crushing. It seems to
me too that it is not only wrong, but stupid, to maintain serfdom. The men
and their families must be fed, and a small money payment would not add
greatly to the cost of their services, and indeed would be gained in the
additional value of their labour.

"When men are kept as serfs, they work as serfs--I mean to say they work
unwillingly and slowly, while, had they the sense of being free, and of
having the same rights as others, they would labour more cheerfully.
Moreover, it would double the strength of the force that the king and his
nobles could place in the field. I am not speaking upon my own judgment,
but from what I have learned from my father."

They had no sudden attack to fear from lurking foes, for an act of Edward
the First was still in force, by which every highway leading from one
market-town to another was always to be kept clear, for two hundred feet
on each side, of every ditch, tree, or bush in which a man might lurk to
do harm; while, as any ill that happened to travellers was made payable by
the township in which it occurred, there was a strong personal interest on
the part of the inhabitants to suppress plundering bands in their
neighbourhood. Both Edgar and Albert rode in partial armour, with steel
caps and breast-pieces, it being an ordinance that all of gentle blood
when travelling should do so, and they carried swords by their sides, and
light axes at their saddle-bows.

It was but a little past three o'clock when they crossed London Bridge and
then made for the Tower, near which Sir Ralph was lodged.




CHAPTER IV

IN LONDON


"I am glad indeed to see you, my young swordsman," Sir Ralph, who was
waiting at the door to receive them, said to Edgar after he had greeted
his wife and children. "This affair at Dartford threatens to be more
serious than I expected. I was on the point of starting for home when I
heard of the trouble, and should have done so had not the king asked me to
remain here, seeing that at present his uncles and many other nobles are
absent, and that, as he was pleased to say, my advice and sword might be
useful to him should the trouble grow serious. When, therefore, we
received news that all that part of Kent was in a blaze, I sent out a
messenger to you, dame, to come hither to me. What is the latest news?"

"Master Ormskirk can best tell you, Sir Ralph, seeing that he was himself
yesterday in Dartford and learned something of their intentions."

Edgar then recounted what he had seen and heard in the streets of
Dartford.

"Your account tallies with the news that came here but an hour since,
namely, that a crowd of men were marching towards Rochester; a panic
prevails in that town, and the wise heads have sent off this messenger, as
if, forsooth, an army could be got together and sent down to their aid
before these rioters reach the place."

"I am glad to come up, husband," Lady De Courcy said. "'Tis some time
since I was in town, and I would fain see what people are wearing, for the
fashions change so rapidly that if one is away from town six months one
finds that everyone stares, as if one had come from a barbarous country."

"I was afraid of that when I wrote to you," Sir Ralph laughed, "and felt
that your coming up would cause me to open my purse widely; but, indeed,
in this case you are not far wrong, for there has been a great change in
the fashions both of men and women in the last year. The young king is
fond of brave attire, and loves to see those around him brightly arrayed,
and indeed it seems to me that money is spent over-lavishly, and that it
were cheaper for a man to build him a new castle than to buy him suits of
new raiment for himself and his wife. The men at Court all dress in such
tightly fitting garments, that, for my part, I wonder how they get into
them."

"And the women, husband?"

"Oh, as to that I say nothing; you must use your own eyes in that matter.
However, just at present men's thoughts are too much occupied by these
troubles in Essex and Kent to think much of feasting and entertainments,
and it will be well to wait to see what comes of it before deciding on
making new purchases."

"Is there any chance of trouble in the city, father?" Albert asked.

"I know not, lad. The better class of citizens are assuredly opposed to
those who make these troubles, although they have often shown that they
can make troubles themselves when they think that their privileges are
assailed; still, as they know that their booths are likely to be
ransacked, were bands of rioters to obtain possession of the town, they
will doubtless give us any aid in their power. But the matter does not
depend upon them; there are ever in great towns a majority composed of the
craftsmen, the butchers, and others, together with all the lower rabble,
who are ready to join in tumults and seditions; and like enough, if the
rioters come here, they will take part with them, while the burgesses will
be only too glad to put up their shutters and do or say naught that would
give the mob an excuse for breaking into their magazines.

"Would that Lancaster were here with a thousand or so of men-at-arms," he
went on, gloomily; "there is no one at the Court who can take command. The
king this morning asked me if I would undertake the defence of the palace;
but I said to him: 'I am but a simple knight, your Majesty, and neither
the young lords of the Court nor the citizens would pay any heed to my
orders; moreover, I am not one of those whose head is good to plan
matters. I would die in your Majesty's service, and would warrant that
many of your enemies would go down before I did. I could set a host in
battle array, were there a host here; but as to what course to follow, or
how it were best to behave at such a pinch, are matters beyond me. As to
these, it were best that your Majesty took counsel with those whom the
Duke of Lancaster has appointed, and to whom such business appertains.

"'If you will give me orders I will carry them out, even if I am bade to
defend London Bridge with but half a dozen men-at-arms, and at such work I
might do as well as another; but as to counsel I have none to give, save
that were I in your place I would issue a proclamation to these knaves
saying that you would hold no parley with men having arms in their hands,
but that if they would peacefully disperse you would order that a
commission be appointed to examine into their complaints, and that any
ills that proved to be justified should be righted, but that if forced you
will give nothing, and that if they advance against London their blood
must be on their own heads.

"'Should they still come on I would shut myself up in the Tower, which has
a good garrison, and where you may well hold out against all the rascaldom
of the country until your barons can raise their levies and come to your
assistance. Still, it may well be, your Majesty, that these fellows will
think better of it, and may, after all, disperse again to their homes. I
pray you, take no heed of my words, but refer the matter to those
accustomed to deal with affairs of state. The noble prince, your father,
knew that he could lay his orders on me, and that I would carry them out
to the utmost of my strength. If he said to me, "Lead a party, Sir Ralph,
to attack that bridge," I gave no thought as to whether the defences were
too strong to be carried or not; or if he entrusted the command of a post
to me, and said, "Defend it against all odds until I come to your
assistance," he knew that it would be done, but more than that I never
pretended to; and I deem not that, as I have grown older, I know more of
such matters than I did when I was in the prime of my strength.'"

"And what said his Majesty, Sir Ralph?"

"He laughed and said that I was the first he had known who was not ready
to give him advice, and that he would that all were as chary of so doing
as I was. When I told him this morning that I had sent for you and my son
and daughter, as I misliked leaving you in the centre of these troubles,
he offered apartments in the Tower, but I said that, with his permission,
I would remain lodged here, for that, seeing his lady mother was away, I
thought that you would prefer this lodging, as there is here a fair garden
where you and Aline can walk undisturbed, to the Tower, which is full of
armed men, young gallants, and others."

"It will indeed be more pleasant, Sir Ralph, for in the Tower Aline could
never venture from my side, and there would be neither peace nor
quietness."

The city had already stretched beyond the walls, and on the rising ground
between it and the Tower, and on the rise behind the latter, extending to
some distance east, many houses had been built. Some of these were the
property of nobles and officials of the Court, while others had been built
by citizens who let them to persons of degree, who only came occasionally
to Court on business or pleasure. The house in which Sir Ralph had taken
up his lodging was the property of a trader who, when the house was not
let to one needing it all, resided there himself as a protection to the
property it contained against robbers or ill-doers, often letting one or
more rooms to those who needed not the whole house. Thus Sir Ralph was
enabled to obtain good accommodation for his family.

"The first thing to be done," he went on, "is to take the lads to a
tailor's to obtain clothes more suitable than those they wear."

"I was going to ask you if you would be good enough to do so, Sir Ralph,"
Edgar said. "My father has furnished me with money for the purpose."

"That is well," the knight said, "though indeed it would have mattered not
if he had not done so, for I had intended that you and Albert should have
garments of similar fashion at my cost, seeing how much I owe to you."

"Indeed, Sir Ralph, such obligation as there is, is far more than
discharged by your kindness in speaking of me to the king and offering to
present me to him; indeed, I am ashamed that what was a pleasure to me,
and was done from the love I bear your son, should be regarded as worthy
of thanks, much less as an obligation."

"Cannot we come with you also?" Lady De Courcy said. "From what you say we
must need garments to the full as much as the boys; besides, this is
Aline's first visit to town. We saw but little as we rode through, and we
would fain look at the shops and see the finery before I make my choice."

"So be it, wife; indeed, I had not intended that you should stay behind."

It was but a quarter of a mile's walk to Aldersgate, and as they reached
East Chepe, the young people found infinite amusement in gazing at the
goods in the traders' booths, and in watching the throng in the street. It
was late in the afternoon now, and many of the citizens' wives and
daughters were abroad. These were dressed for the most part in costly
materials of sober hues, and Dame Matilda noted that a great change had
taken place since she had last been in London, not only in the fashion,
but in the costliness of the material; for with the death of the old king
and the accession of a young one fond of gaiety and rich dresses, the
spirit of extravagance had spread rapidly among all classes. With these
were citizens, of whom the elder ones clung to the older fashions, while
even the young men still displayed a sobriety in their costumes that
contrasted strongly with the brilliancy of several groups of young
courtiers. These sauntered along the streets, passing remarks upon all who
passed, and casting looks of admiration at some of the pretty daughters of
the citizens.

Among all these moved craftsmen and apprentices, the former taking to
their employers work they had finished at home, the latter carrying
messages, hurrying nimbly through the crowd, or exchanging saucy remarks
with each other, for which they were sometimes sharply rebuked by their
elders. From East Chepe the party passed on through Chepe to St. Paul's,
and then having chosen the shop at which they could make their purchases
the ladies entered a trader's booth, while Sir Ralph went in with the two
lads to another hard by.

"What can I serve you with, sir knight?"

"I require two suits for my son and this gentleman, his friend," Sir Ralph
said. "I desire clothes befitting a presentation to the king, and wish
them to be of the fashion, but not extravagantly so."

At the trader's orders his apprentices showed numerous samples, most of
them light and bright in colour.

"I want something more sober in hue," the knight said. "These are well
enough for men with long purses, and who can afford ample provision of
garments, but they would show every spot and stain, and would soon be past
wearing; besides, although doubtless such as are mostly used at Court,
they would be useful for that only, for in the country they would be far
too conspicuous for wear."

Other goods were brought down, and Edgar's eye at once fixed upon a rich
maroon. Sir Ralph took longer before he made his choice for Albert, but
finally fixed upon a somewhat light blue, which well suited the lad's fair
complexion and light golden hair. While they were choosing, the mercer had
sent into his neighbour, a tailor, who now measured them. The goods were
of satin, and both suits were to be made in precisely similar fashion,
namely, a close-fitting tunic reaching down only to the hips. They had
loose hanging sleeves, lined with white silk, which was turned over and
scolloped; the hose, which were of the same colour as the doublets, were
tight fitting.

The caps were to match the dresses in colour. They were turned up at the
brim, resembling in shape those still worn in Spain. As the matter was
pressing, the tailor promised that both suits should be ready by the
following evening.

It took the ladies longer to make their purchases, and it was some time
before they issued out from the mantua makers, when the dame informed her
husband that she had chosen white satin for Aline's bodice, which was to
be tight fitting, in the fashion, and trimmed round the bottom and neck
with white fur, while the skirt was of lilac and of the same material. For
herself, she had chosen a purple robe reaching below the knees, with white
skirt, both being of satin. The caps, which were closely fitting to the
head, were of the same material, and of light yellow for herself and lilac
for Aline.

"We shall have to economize, my lady," Sir Ralph laughed. "'Tis well that
I am too old for foppery."

"That is all very well, Sir Ralph, but you must remember that you had a
new suit the last time you were in London, and have not worn it from then
till now, and I will warrant me that it cost well-nigh as much as Aline's
garments or mine."

While waiting for the ladies, two sword-belts had been bought for the
lads, Edgar's being embroidered with gold thread, Albert's with silver.

"Now, boys, I think that you will do," Sir Ralph said. "You may not be
able to compete with some of those young peacocks of the Court, but you
will make a sufficiently brave show, and need not feel envious of the best
of them."

When the shopping was completed they returned to their lodgings. Here they
partook of a meal, after which Sir Ralph went to the Tower, while his wife
and daughter, fatigued by their day's journey, speedily betook themselves
to their beds. The lads sat talking for some time over the events of the
day.

"I fear, Edgar," Albert said, presently, "that from my father choosing for
me so light a coloured suit, instead of a graver hue like that which you
selected, he has hopes that I shall not go into the Church after all."

"Well, why should you, Albert? You are gaining in strength, and I doubt
not that you will yet grow into a strong man. Of course as long as you
were weak and delicate, and, as it seemed, would never be able to bear the
weight of armour, it was but natural that he should regard a life in the
Church as one that was best fitted for you, and that you yourself would be
perfectly willing to follow that profession, but now it is wholly
different; besides, even if at present you may not wish, as I do, to be a
soldier, you may well become a wise councillor, and hold high position at
Court. There are few young nobles, indeed, who have so much education as
you, and surely such a life would be better than burying yourself in a
cloister."

Albert was silent for some time. "Do you really think, Edgar," he said, at
last, "that I shall be ever able to bear arms with credit? To become a
councillor, one must needs be a courtier, and I am sure that a life at
Court would suit me no better than it would suit you, therefore that
thought I must put aside. My tastes are all for a quiet life in the
country, and you know I could be very happy living at home as I have done
from my childhood. But if I am to be in the world I must bear my part, and
if needs be follow the king to battle, and unless I could do my duty
manfully I would rather follow out the life I thought must be mine, and
enter the Church. I should like, most of all, to be able to be always with
you, Edgar, and to fight by your side. We have long been like brothers. I
know that you will win rank and fame, and though I have no ambition for
myself I should glory in your success, and be well content with your
friendship as my share in it."

"That, you may be sure, you will always have, Albert, and as to your plan,
I see not why you should not carry it out. In war time you and I could
ride together, and in peace you could live at the castle, which is so
close to St. Alwyth that we can ride over and visit each other daily when
I am there, which mayhap would not be very often, for when England and
France are at peace, and there is no trouble between us and Scotland, I
may join some noble leader of free-lances in the service of an Italian or
German prince. Such, when there is peace at home, is the best avenue for
fame and distinction."

"I cannot say yet what I may feel as I gain strength and skill in arms,
but it may be that even there I may be your companion should strength and
health permit it."

"That indeed would be good--so good that I can scarce yet believe that it
can be so, although there is no reason to the contrary. It has for years
been a grief to me to know that our paths lay so far apart, and that the
time must soon be coming when we should be separated, and for ever. It was
with some faint hope that exercise might bring more colour to your cheeks,
and that with strength and skill in arms might come thoughts of another
life than that of the cloister, that I first urged you to let me teach you
the use of arms. That hope has grown gradually since I found how much you
benefited by the exercise, and acquired a strength of arm that I had
hardly hoped for.

"Moreover, Albert, you cannot but be proud of the name your father and
those before him have won by their gallant deeds, but if you went into the
Church it would no longer appear in the roll of the knights of England. It
would be ill indeed that a line of knights, who have so well played their
part on every battle-field since your ancestor came over with the
Conqueror, should become extinct."

"I had never thought of that before, Edgar," Albert said, after a long
pause. "You see, for years I have looked forward to entering the Church as
a matter settled for me by nature. I had no enthusiasm for it, but it
seemed there was no other place for me. Of late, since I have gained
health and strength, I have seen that possibly it might be otherwise. At
first I struggled against the idea and deemed it the suggestion of the
Evil One, but it has grown in spite of me, although I never allowed myself
fully to entertain it, until I saw the joy with which my father perceived
that I was not altogether the weakling that he had deemed me.

"Since then I have thought of it incessantly, but until now have been
unable to come to any decision. On the one hand I should please my father,
and at the same time satisfy the desire that has of late sprung up for a
more stirring life than that of the Church, and should be able to remain
your comrade. On the other hand, I have always regarded the Church as my
vocation, and did not like to go back from it, and moreover, although
stronger than of old, I thought that I might never attain such health and
strength as might render me a worthy knight, and feared that when tried I
should be found wanting. Thus I have wavered, and knew not which way my
inclinations drew me most strongly, but I never thought of what you have
just said, that if I were to enter the Church our line would come to an
end. However, there is no occasion definitely to settle for another year
yet, but I will tell my father to-morrow that if at the end of that time
he deems that I have so far continued to gain in strength that he may
consider me not unworthy to represent our name in the field, I shall be
ready to submit myself to his wishes, while, upon the other hand, should
he think me, as before, better fitted for the Church. I will enter it at
once."

"I am glad, indeed, to hear you say so, Albert. I think that there is no
reason to doubt that you will continue to gain strength, and will prove
worthy of your name."

Accordingly, the next morning Albert asked his father to accompany him
into the garden, and there detailed to him the conversation that he had
had with Edgar, and its result.

"Glad indeed am I, Albert, that this should have come about," the knight
said, laying his hand on the lad's shoulder. "What your friend said to you
has often been in my mind. It was a sore thought, my son. There have ever
been De Courcys on the battle-roll of England since our ancestor fought at
Hastings; and I might well feel grieved at the thought that it might
possibly appear there no more, and the pleasure that you have given me is
more than I can express. I will not allow myself to fear that, now you
have made so fair a start, you will fail to gather fresh strength and
vigour, and I will wager that you will bear our banner as forward in the
fight as those who have gone before you.

"I blame myself deeply that I have misjudged you so long. Had I
encouraged, instead of slighting, you, you might long since have begun to
gain strength, and might early have commenced the exercises that are so
essential to form a good knight. In future, I will do all I can to make up
for lost time. As far as swordsmanship goes, you can have no better
instructor than your friend. I myself will train you in knightly exercises
on horseback--to vault into the saddle and to throw yourself off when a
horse is going at full speed, to use your lance and carry off a ring; but
I will take care not to press you beyond your strength, and not to weary
you with over-long work. My effort will be to increase your store of
strength and not to draw unduly upon it; and I will warrant me that if you
improve as rapidly under my tuition as you have under that of Master
Edgar, before a year is up I shall be able to place you in the train of
some noble knight without a fear that you will prove yourself inferior to
others of your own age."

Going into the house again when the morning meal was served, Sir Ralph
said:

"There is bad news as to the rioters in Kent, lads. Last night I heard
that a message had arrived, saying that they had entered Rochester, broken
open the jail, and released not only those held there for non-payment of
taxes, but malefactors; that they had been joined by the rabble of the
town, had slain several notaries and lawyers, and torn up all parchments,
deeds, and registers; had maltreated some of the clergy, broken open
cellars and drunk the wine, and that from thence they intended to march to
Maidstone and then to Canterbury, raising the country as they went."

"This should at least give us time for preparations, Sir Ralph."

"So I pointed out last night," the knight replied; "but who is to make the
preparations? A proclamation was drawn up by the council, warning all to
return to their homes on pain of punishment, and promising an inquiry into
grievances. It is to be scattered broadcast through Kent and Essex, but it
is likely to have no effect. The men know well enough that they have
rendered themselves liable to punishment, and as they were ready to run
that risk when they first took up arms, it is not likely that they will be
frightened at the threat now when they find none to oppose them, and that
their numbers grow from day to day. Seeing that time is likely to do
little for us, I would rather they had marched straight on to London; they
would then have arrived here in more sober mood; but now that they have
begun to slay and to drink, they will get fiercer and more lawless every
day, and as their numbers increase so will their demands."

Day by day more and more serious news came in. Canterbury was occupied by
the rebels, and they declared their intention of slaying the archbishop,
but he had left before they had arrived. There they committed many
excesses, executed three rich citizens, opened the prisons, killed all
lawyers, and burned all deeds and registers as they had done at Rochester,
and kept the whole place in a state of terror while they remained, which
they did while the stores of wine remained unexhausted.

"Why should they be so bitter against lawyers, and why should they destroy
deeds and registers, father?" Albert asked.

"It can be but for one reason, Albert. The great part of them have small
plots of land, an acre or two, or perhaps more, on terms of villeinage,
paying so much in kind or money, and their desire is to destroy all deeds
and documents in order that they may henceforth pay no rent, claiming the
land for themselves, and defying those from whom they hold it to show
their titles as lords of the soil. There must be some shrewd knaves among
them. This Wat the Tyler and the men of the towns can care naught for such
matters; but they suffer those who have an interest in the matter to do as
they choose. They know that their deeds have so far committed them that
they will not dare to draw back, and must follow Wat's leadership
implicitly. You will see erelong that from murdering lawyers they will
take to murdering lords."

"If the council here is taking no steps to summon the knights of the shire
and the feudal lords to hasten hither with their levies and retainers, how
do they think to arrest the course of the ill-doers?" Edgar asked.

"Their opinion is that the king has but to ride out and meet the rebels,
and that they will all, on seeing him, fall on their knees and crave
pardon, whereupon he will promise to redress their grievances, and they
will disperse to their homes. I have no such hope. Is it likely that they
will quietly go home, having once worked themselves up to fight for what
they call their rights, and with the thought of taking vengeance on those
they consider their enemies, and of unlimited drinking and feasting, and,
on the part of some, of rich plunder in London, when they see that there
is no one to prevent their taking this satisfaction? Nothing but force
will avail, and though something might be done that way, it is more
difficult than it looks.

"The knights of the shire could hardly raise their levies, for most of
those who would be called out are already with the mob, and of the others
few would venture to answer to the summons. When they returned they might
find their houses burned and their families slain. You see we know not how
far this fire may spread. We hear that both in Suffolk and Hertfordshire
men are assembling and parties marching away to join those of Essex. In
truth, lads, the thing is far more formidable than I deemed it at first,
for they say that two hundred thousand men will march on London."

"But in the French Jacquerie there were as many as that, Sir Ralph, and
yet they were put down."

"They were so, but only after they had done vast damage. Besides, lad,
your English villein differs from your French serf. An Englishman, of
whatever rank, holds by what he considers his rights, and is ready to
fight for them. Our archers have proved that the commonalty are as brave
as the knights, and though badly armed, this rascaldom may fight sturdily.
The French peasant has no rights, and is a chattel, that his lord may
dispose of as he chooses. As long as they met with no opposition all who
fell into their hands were destroyed, and the castles ravaged and
plundered, the peasants behaving like a pack of mad wolves. Our fellows
are of sterner stuff, and they will have a mind to fight, if it be but to
show that they can fight as well as their betters. Plunder is certainly
not their first object, and it is probable that whatever may be done that
way will be the work of the scum of the towns, who will join them solely
with that object.

"I doubt whether less than five thousand men-at-arms and archers would be
able to show face to such an array as is said to be approaching,
especially as there will be many archers among them who, although not to
compare with those who fought at Poictiers, are yet capable of using their
weapons with effect. I see no prospect of gathering such a force, and the
matter is all the worse, as the rascaldom of London will be with them, and
we shall have these to keep in order, as well as cope with those in the
field. Besides, one must remember that in a matter like this we cannot
fully depend on any force that we may gather. The archers and men-at-arms
would be drawn largely from the same class as the better portion of these
rioters, and would be slack in fighting against them. Certainly, those of
the home counties could not be depended upon, and possibly even in the
garrison of the Tower itself there may be many who cannot be trusted. The
place, if well held, should stand out for months, but I am by no means
sure that it will do so when the time comes. I shall certainly raise my
voice against the king abiding here. He with his friends could ride away
without difficulty, if he leaves before the place is beleaguered."

"I suppose you will take my mother and sister into the Tower, father,
should the mob come hither?"

"That I know not, nor can I say until I see the temper of the garrison
when these rioters approach."

On the day after the new clothes arrived, Sir Ralph took his son and Edgar
to the castle and presented them to the king.

"This is my son, your Majesty, of whom I spoke to you. I am happy to say
that I think he will some day be able to follow you to battle as I
followed the noble prince your father; for he has now resolved, should his
health remain good, to take up the profession of arms."

"I am glad to hear it," the young king said, "for indeed 'tis more suited
to the son of a valiant knight like yourself, Sir Ralph, than that of the
Church, excellent though that may be for those who have inclinations for
it. He seems to me a fair young gentleman, and one whom it would please me
to see often at Court."

"This, your Majesty, is Master Edgar Ormskirk, a young gentleman of good
family, but his father has not, although holding more than a knight's feu,
taken up that rank, his tastes being wholly turned towards learning, he
being a distinguished scholar, having passed through our own university at
Oxford, and those of Padua and Pisa. He is one of my most esteemed
friends. Master Edgar, as I told you, is greatly skilled for his years in
the use of the sword, to which he has long devoted himself with great
ardour. It is to him my son is indebted for having gained health and
strength, together with more skill in the sword than I had ever looked for
from him. I beg to recommend him highly to your Majesty's favour, and can
answer for his worth, as well as for his strength and skill."

"You could have no better recommendation, Master Ormskirk," the young king
said, pleasantly, "and I trust that although your father cares not for
knighthood, you will have an opportunity of gaining that honour for
yourself."

"I should value it, if won fairly, your Majesty, as the greatest honour I
could gain. It is not that my father holds the honour more lightly than I
do, but I know that 'tis his opinion that if given merely for possession
of land 'tis but an accident of birth, but that if the reward of bravery,
'tis an honour that is of the highest, and one that, were it not that his
thoughts are wholly turned towards scholarship and to discovering the
secrets of nature, he himself would gladly have attained."

"Methinks that he is right," the king said. "In the time when every
landowner held his feu on condition of knightly service rendered whenever
called upon, it was well that he should be called a knight, such being the
term of military command; but now that many are allowed to provide
substitutes, methinks that it is an error to give the title to stay-at-
homes. I shall be glad, young sir, to see you also at Court, though,
methinks," he added, with a smile, "that you have inherited some of your
father's sobriety of nature, and will hold our pleasures at small price."

"I thank your Majesty for your kindness," Edgar said, bowing; "but indeed
I should not presume to judge amusements as frivolous because I myself
might be unused to them; but in truth two years ago I studied at the
convent of St. Alwyth, and my spare time then and most of my time since
has been so occupied by my exercises in arms that I have had but small
opportunity for learning the ways of Courts, but I hope to do so, seeing
that a good knight should bear himself as well at Court as in the field."

"You will have small opportunity now", the king said, rather dolefully.
"Our royal mother is absent, and our talk is all of riots and troubles,
and none seem even to think of pleasure."

After leaving the king Sir Ralph presented his son and Edgar to Sir
Michael de la Pole, who held high office; Robert de Vere, one of the
king's special favourites; and several other young nobles, who all
received them kindly for the sake of Sir Ralph.




CHAPTER V

A RESCUE


"Perhaps, boys, you could hardly have been introduced at Court better than
by myself," the knight said, as they returned to the lodgings. "There are
men much more highly placed, many more influential than I am, but for that
very reason I can be friends with all. The king's mother is always most
courteous to me, because I was the friend of the Black Prince, her
husband; and she has taught her son that, whatever might come, he could
rely upon my fidelity to his person. On the other hand, no one has reason
either to dislike or fear me. I am a simple knight, longing most to be at
home, and at the Court as seldom as may be; besides, I hold myself aloof
from both parties in the state, for you must know that the Court is
composed of two factions.

"The one is that of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, uncle of the king.
He is greatly ambitious; some men even say that he would fain himself be
king, but this I believe not; yet I am sure that he would like to rule in
the name of the king. He has a powerful party, having with him the Duke of
Gloucester, his brother, and other great nobles. On the other hand, he is
ill-liked by the people, and they say at Canterbury the rioters made every
man they met swear to obey the king and commons--by which they meant
themselves--never to accept a king bearing the name of John, and to oppose
Lancaster and Gloucester.

"The king's mother has surrounded him with a number of men who, being for
the most part of obscure birth, have no sympathy with John of Gaunt's
faction, and oppose it in every way.

"Doubtless the majority of these are well fitted for the office that they
hold, but unfortunately there are some amongst them, for the most part
young and with pleasant manners and handsome faces, whom the king makes
his favourites. This again is well-nigh as bad as that John of Gaunt
should have all the power in his own hands, for the people love not king's
favourites, and although the rabble at present talk much of all men being
equal, and rail against the nobles, yet at bottom the English people are
inclined towards those of good birth, and a king's favourite is all the
more detested if he lacks this quality. England, however, would not fare
badly were John of Gaunt its master; he is a great warrior, and well-nigh
equal in bravery to the Black Prince. It is true that he is haughty and
arrogant; but upon the other hand, he is prudent and sagacious, and
although he might rule England harshly, he would rule it wisely.

"However, I hold myself aloof altogether from state matters, and I trust
that you will strive to do so. I would fain see the king take all power
into his own hands as soon as he gets somewhat older; but if he must be
ruled, I would prefer that it was by a great Englishman of royal blood
rather than by favourites, whose only merits are a fair face, a gallant
manner, and a smooth tongue, and who are sure not only to become unpopular
themselves, but to render the king himself unpopular. It is for this
reason that I journey so seldom to London, and desire that you should also
hold yourself aloof from the Court. I could not be here without taking one
side or the other. It cannot be long, however, before the king becomes
impatient of his tutelage by the dukes, and we shall then see how matters
go.

"It will be time enough then for you to frequent the Court, though it were
better even then that you should do as I did, and leave such matters to
those whom it concerns and content yourself with doing service to England
in the field. From my friendship for the Black Prince I, of course, know
John of Gaunt well, and should there be, as seems likely, fierce fighting
in France or in Spain--for, as you know, the duke has a claim to the crown
of Castile--I will cross the water with you and present you to the duke,
and place you in the train of some of his knights, comrades of mine, but
who are still young enough to keep the field, while I shall only take up
arms again in the event of the king leading another great army into
France."

The two friends spent much of their time in wandering about the streets of
London. To them all seemed peaceable and orderly; indeed, they kept in the
main thoroughfares where the better class of citizens were to be seen, and
knew little of those who lived in the lower haunts, issuing out seldom in
the daylight, but making the streets a danger for peaceable folks after
nightfall.

Upon one occasion, however, they took boat at Westminster and were rowed
to Richmond. They had ill-chosen the occasion, knowing nothing of the
hours of the tide, and so returned against it. It was therefore eight
o'clock when they reached the Stairs, and already growing dark. They knew
that orders had been given that the gates were to be closed to all at
eight, lest some of the great bodies of rioters should approach suddenly
and enter the city.

The watermen, wearied by their long row, refused to carry them any
further. There was nothing for it but to walk round the walls and so
return to their lodging. The moon was shining brightly, and it seemed to
them as they started that it would be a pleasant walk. They followed the
Strand, where on the right stood many houses of the nobles, and the great
palace of John of Gaunt at the Savoy, in which, after the battle of
Poictiers, the captive king of France had been lodged.

Turning off to the left some short distance before they reached the city
wall, they held their way round the north side of the city. London had
already overflowed its boundary, and although in some places fields still
stretched up to the foot of the walls, in others, especially where the
roads led from the gates, a large population had established themselves.
These were principally of a poorer class, who not only saved rent from
being outside the boundary of the city, but were free from the somewhat
strict surveillance exercised by its authorities.

They were just crossing the road leading north from Aldersgate when they
heard a scream and a clashing of swords a short distance away.

"Come, Albert, some evil deed is being done!" Edgar exclaimed, and,
drawing his sword, ran at the top of his speed in the direction of the
sound, accompanied by Albert. They soon arrived at the top of a street
leading off the main road. A short distance down it a number of men were
engaged in conflict; two of these, hearing the footsteps, turned round,
and with a savage oath, seeing that the new-comers were but lads, fell
upon them, thinking to cut them down without difficulty. Their over-
confidence proved their ruin. Edgar caught the descending blow on his
sword, close up to the hilt, and as his opponent raised his arm to repeat
the stroke, ran him through the body.

"Do you want help, Albert?" Edgar cried, as the man fell.

"No, I think that I can manage him," Albert said, quietly, and a moment
later slashed his opponent deeply across the cheek. The fellow turned and
took to his heels, roaring lustily. One of the other men, who was stooping
over a prostrate figure, with his dagger raised, paused for a moment to
look round on hearing the howl of his comrade, and as he did so Edgar's
sword fell on his wrist with such force that hand and dagger both fell to
the ground. The remaining ruffian, who was roughly endeavouring to stifle
the shrieks of a young girl, seeing himself alone with two adversaries,
also darted off and plunged into a narrow alley a few yards away.

Edgar paid no more attention to them, but exclaimed to the girl: "Cease
your cries, I pray you, maiden, and help me to see what has happened to
your companion. I trust that he is unharmed, and that we have arrived in
time to prevent those villains from carrying out their intentions." He
stooped over the fallen man. "Are you hurt badly, sir?" he asked. The
answer was an effort on the part of the person he addressed to rise.

"I am hurt, but I think not sorely." He was unable for the moment to rise,
for the man whom Edgar last struck lay across him. Edgar at once hauled
the moaning wretch off him, and held out his hand to the other, who
grasped it with more heartiness than he had expected, and rose without
difficulty to his feet.

"Where is my daughter?" he exclaimed.

[Illustration: "IN A MOMENT EDGAR'S SWORD FELL ON THE RUFFIAN'S WRIST."]

"She is here and unhurt, I trust," Albert replied. "The villain released
her and ran off, and I saw her figure sway, and ran forward just in time
to save her from falling. I think she has but swooned."

"Thanks be to the saints!" the stranger exclaimed. "Gentlemen, I cannot
thank you at present for the service that you have rendered me, but of
that I will speak later. Know you any place where you can take my child?"

"We are strangers, sir; but there should surely be some hostelry near
where travellers could put up outside the walls."

The noise of the combat had aroused some of the neighbours, and on inquiry
Edgar ascertained that there was an inn but a short distance away.

"Let me carry the maid, Albert. Her weight would be naught to me."

Albert gladly relinquished his charge, whose dead weight hanging on his
arms was already trying him. Edgar raised her across his shoulder.

"Albert," he said, "I know you have a piece of thin cord in your pocket. I
pray you twist it round that man's arm as hard as you can pull it, and
fasten it tightly. I have shorn off his hand, and he would very speedily
bleed to death. If you staunch the wound he may last till his comrades
come back, as they doubtless will after we have left; they will carry him
away and maybe save his life. He is a villainous ruffian, no doubt, but
'tis enough for me that I have one death on my hands to-night."

"He is dead already," Albert said, as he leant over the man and placed his
hand on his heart. "He must have been wounded by the traveller before we
came up."

"Well, it cannot be helped," Edgar replied, as he walked on with his
burden.

"Did you see aught, kind sirs," their companion said, "of a servitor with
three horses?"

"Nothing whatever," Albert answered, "though methought I heard horses'
hoofs going down the road as we ran along; but I paid small attention to
them, thinking only of arriving in time to save someone from being
maltreated."

"I believe that he was in league with the robbers," the man said. "But,"
and his voice faltered, "give me your arm, I pray you. My wound is deeper
than I thought, and my head swims."

Albert with difficulty assisted the man to the entrance of the hostelry,
for at each step he leant more heavily upon him. The door was shut, but
the light from the casement showed that those within had not yet retired
to bed. Edgar struck on the door loudly with the handle of his dagger.

"Who is it that knocks?"

"Gentlemen, with a wounded man, who, with his daughter, have been beset by
knaves within a hundred yards of your door."

Some bolts were undrawn after some little delay, and a man appeared,
having a sword in his hand, with two servitors behind him similarly armed.

"We are quiet people, my host," Edgar said. "Stand not on questioning.
Suffice that there is a wounded man who is spent from loss of blood, and a
young maid who has swooned from terror."

There was a tone of command in Edgar's voice, and the host, seeing that he
had to do with persons of quality, murmured excuses on the ground that the
neighbourhood was a rough one.

"You need hardly have told us that," Edgar said. "Our plight speaks for
itself. Call your wife, I pray you, or female servants; they will know
what to do to bring the young maid to herself. But tell her to let the
girl know as soon as she opens her eyes that her father is alive, and is,
I trust, not seriously wounded."

The landlord called, and a buxom woman came out from a room behind. Her
husband hastily told her what was required.

"Carry her in here, sir, I pray you," the woman said. "I will speedily
bring her round."

Edgar followed her into the room that she had left, which was a kitchen,
and laid her down on a settle. Two maids who were standing there uttered
exclamations of surprise and pity as the girl was carried in.

"Hold your tongues, wenches, and do not make a noise! Margaret, fetch me
cold water, and do you, Elizabeth, help me to unlace the young lady's
bodice," for the light in the kitchen enabled her to see at once that the
girl was well dressed.

As soon as Edgar had laid her down, he hurried out of the kitchen, moving
his arm uneasily as he did so, having discovered to his surprise that the
weight of an insensible girl, though but some fourteen years old, was much
more than he had dreamt of. In a parlour in front he found Albert and the
landlord cutting off the doublet of the wounded man, so as to get at his
shoulder, where a great patch of blood showed the location of the wound.
He was some forty years old; his dress was quiet but of good quality, and
Edgar judged him to be a London trader. His face was very white, but he
was perfectly sensible. One of the servitors ran in with a cup of wine.
The wounded man was able to lift it to his lips and to empty it at a
draught.

"That is better!" he murmured, and then he did not speak again until the
landlord, with considerable skill, bandaged up the shoulder.

"You have had a narrow escape," he said. "There is a sword-thrust just
below your collar-bone. An inch or two lower and it would have gone hard
with you; a little more to the left and it would have pierced your
throat."

"It was a dagger wound," the man said. "I was knocked down by a blow from
a sword which fell full on my head, but luckily I had iron hoops in my
cap. One man knelt upon me, and endeavoured to strike me through the
throat. I fought so hard that one of his comrades came to his assistance,
and I thought that the end had come, when he sprung suddenly up. The other
attempted more furiously than before to finish me, but striking almost
blindly he twice missed me altogether, and the third time, by a sudden
twist, I took a blow on my shoulder that would otherwise have pierced my
throat. When he raised his dagger again something flashed. I saw his hand
with the dagger he held in it drop off, and then the man himself fell on
me, and I was like to be stifled with his weight, when my preserver hauled
him off me."

"It were best not to talk further," the landlord said. "I have rooms
fortunately vacant, and it were well that you retired at once."

"I will do that as soon as you have given me something to eat, landlord.
Anything will do, but I am grievously hungry."

"I have a cold capon in the house," the landlord said.

"You will have to cater for three, for doubtless these gentlemen need
supper as much as I do."

"I thank you, sir, but we are very late already, and our friends will have
become alarmed; therefore, with your leave, we will, as soon as we hear
that your daughter has recovered, go on our way."

"That I can tell you at once," the landlady said, entering. "Your daughter
has recovered, sir, and would come to you, but I begged her to wait until
my husband had done dressing your wound."

"Then we will say good-night, sir. We will call to-morrow morning to see
how you are getting on," and without waiting for further words, they at
once went out and continued their way at a brisk pace.

"Let me congratulate you, Albert," Edgar said, warmly. "In good faith no
old soldier could have been cooler than you were. You spoke as quietly as
if it were a lesson that you had to finish before starting for home,
instead of a villainous cut-throat to put an end to. What did you to him?"

"I but laid his cheek open, Edgar, and that at once let out his blood and
his courage, and he ran off bellowing like a bull. He knew naught of
swordsmanship, as I felt directly our blades crossed. I knew that I had
but to guard a sweeping blow or two, and that I should then find an
opening; but you of course did much better, for you killed two of the
villains."

"I did it hastily and with scarce a thought," Edgar said. "My eye caught
the flash of the dagger, and I knew that if the man was to be saved at all
there was not a moment to lose; I therefore parried the first blow he
dealt me, and ran him through with my return. Then I had just time to chop
the other villain's hand off as he was about to repeat his stroke. The
ruffian you wounded caused the other to look round and pause for a moment.
Had it been otherwise the traveller would have been a dead man before I
had time to strike. I wonder who the wounded man is? He looked like a
London trader. I wonder how he got into so sore a plight? But, doubtless,
we shall hear in the morning."

The episode had taken only a few minutes, but it was nigh half-past nine
before they reached home.

"What freak is this?" Sir Ralph said, angrily, when they entered. "Your
mother has been anxious about you for the last two hours, and I myself was
beginning to think that some ill must have befallen you. Why, what has
happened to you, Albert, there is blood on your doublet?"

"'Tis not my own, sir," the lad said, quietly. "I regret that we are so
late, but it was scarcely our fault. You told us that we could take boat
at Westminster and row to Richmond. This we did, but the tide was against
us coming back, and though the men rowed hard, the Abbey bell was striking
eight as we landed at Westminster; therefore, knowing that the city gates
would be shut, we had to make a tour round the walls."

"Then, as you say, Albert, you were not to blame in the matter. But what
about the blood with which, as I see, Edgar is even more deeply stained
than you are? Have you been in a brawl?"

"We have, sir; but here, I am sure, you will not blame us when you know
the circumstances. As we crossed the road running from Aldersgate Street
to the north we heard screams and the clashing of swords; deeming, and as
it turned out rightly, that some traveller like ourselves was being
attacked by cut-throats, we ran on, and presently came up to the spot
where four ruffians were attacking a single man who had with him a young
girl, whose screams had first called our attention, Edgar ran one through
the body, smote off the hand of another who was endeavouring to stab the
fallen traveller, and the other ran away."

"And what was your share of it?" his father asked, sternly.

"His share was an excellent one, Sir Ralph," Edgar said. "Two of the
ruffians ran at us as we came up. One, who attacked me, was but a poor
swordsman, and I ran him through at the first thrust. I then paused a
moment to ask Albert if he required aid, and he answered, as quietly as he
is now speaking, 'No, I think that I can manage him.' I had no time to say
more, for I saw that a moment's delay would endanger the life of the
traveller. Just as I reached him I heard a yell of pain, and knew that
Albert had done his work. That howl saved the traveller's life. The man
who was kneeling on him looked round for a moment before delivering his
blow, which gave me time to smite him across the wrist. The blood you see
was caused by dragging him off the traveller."

"By our lady!" Sir Ralph exclaimed, "but you have begun well, lads. That
you would do so, Edgar, was a matter beyond doubt, but that Albert should
stand up so well and so coolly in his first fight surprises me indeed. I
had no doubt of your courage, lad. 'Tis rare indeed for one of good blood
to lack courage, but had you been nervous and flurried the first time you
were called upon to play the part of a man, it would have seemed to me but
natural; now it gladdens me indeed to know that even in your first essay
you should have thus shown that you possess nerve and coolness as well as
courage. Anyone can rush into a fight and deal blows right and left, but
it is far more rare to find one who, in his very first trial at arms, can
keep his head clear, and be able to reply to a question, as Edgar says you
did, in a calm and even voice. Now, tell me, who was this man to whose aid
you arrived just at the nick of time?"

"He looked like a London trader, father, and was some forty years old; but
it was hard to tell, for by the time we got him to the hostelry he was
well-nigh spent and scarce able to crawl along, even with my help."

"He was wounded, then?"

"Stabbed with a dagger, father, just under the collar-bone. He must have
made a stout resistance, for we heard the clashing of swords for some time
as we ran, and when he was struck down he struggled so hard that in spite
of the efforts of two of his assailants they failed to slay him. As soon
as his wounds were bandaged we left him to the care of the landlord, and
hurried off without thinking to ask his name, or of giving him ours, but
we promised to return to see him to-morrow morning."

"And what became of the daughter?"

"She swooned, sir, when all was over, and Edgar carried her to the
hostelry."

"'Tis good. You have both entered well upon the profession of arms, and
have achieved an adventure worthy of knights. Now to bed. Your mother
retired long ago, but I know that she will not sleep until she has heard
of your safe return and of this adventure that you have gone through."

Highly gratified at the knight's commendation, the lads went up to their
room.

"Putting aside the saving of life," Albert said, "I am right glad that we
have gone through this adventure. 'Tis true that I had decided upon
yielding to my father's wishes and taking up the career of arms, but I had
grievous doubts as to whether I should not shame myself and him in my
first encounter. I thought of that as I ran forward with you, but as soon
as the ruffian advanced against me, I felt with joy that my hand was as
steady as when I stood opposite you. It was a good cause in which I was to
fight, and as soon as our swords crossed I felt how different it was to
standing up against you, and that the ruffian knew little of sword-play.
Twice I saw an opening for a straight thrust, but I had no desire to kill
him, and waited until I could slash him across the face, and it needed but
a few passes before I saw the opportunity."

When Dame Agatha came down in the morning she tenderly kissed Albert.

"My boy," she said, "I never said aught at the time, when it seemed that
you were never like to grow strong enough to lay lance in rest or wield
battle-axe, to show you that I regretted that you were not able to follow
the profession of arms, as those of your race have ever done. I felt that
it was hard enough for you, and therefore tried my best to reconcile you
to the thought of becoming a priest; but now that all that has changed,
and you have shown that you will be a brave and gallant knight, I can tell
you that it gives me as great a joy as it does your father. The Church is
a high and holy profession, but at present, as the preaching of Wickliffe
has made manifest to all--although I do not hold with all he says, and
deem that he carries it too far--I feel that until many of these abuses
are rectified 'tis not a profession that I should, had I the choice, wish
my son to enter. I am glad, Albert, too, that your sword should have been
drawn for the first time on behalf of persons attacked by cut-throats, and
in saving life. God bless you, my boy, and give you strength ever so to
draw it in defence of the oppressed, and for the honour of your country."

Aline was exuberant in her pleasure. She was fondly attached to her
brother, and that he would be lost to her as a priest had been a source of
sorrow ever since she had been old enough to understand that it would be
so.

As soon as the morning meal was over, the two lads started for the scene
of the previous evening's fight. The road from Aldersgate, with cars
rolling in with loads of flour and other provisions, and with many
travellers and foot passengers of all sorts passing along, presented a
very different appearance to that which it had worn on the evening before.
People were going in and out of the hostelries for their morning draught
of ale, and all looked bright and cheerful. The day was fine, and the air
brisk. On entering, the landlord at once came up to them.

"Your friend is in the room where we dressed his wounds, sirs. He is doing
well, and methinks will make a good cure. His daughter is with him. They
have but lately risen, and are breaking their fast. He will be glad to see
you, and was mightily vexed last night that we let you leave without
asking your names."

"He was not in a condition for talking last night, what with the loss of
blood and the smart of his wound and the suddenness of the affray. 'Tis
not strange that he should not have thought of it; and indeed we ourselves
did not ask his name, for we were pressed for time, and had to hurry
away."

It was evident, indeed, as they entered, that things were going well with
the wounded man, who was talking merrily to his daughter.

"Ah, sirs," he said, rising at once to his feet, "glad indeed am I that
you have come, and that I can now thank you for the great service you
rendered last night to myself and my daughter. First let me know to whom I
am indebted for our lives?"

"This gentleman," Edgar said, "is Albert, son of Sir Ralph De Courcy. My
name is Edgar Ormskirk. I pray you, speak not of gratitude. We are glad,
indeed, to have been able to render service to you and to your daughter.
We hope some day to become knights, and it is a real pleasure to us to
have been able to draw a sword in earnest for the first time, in so good a
cause. But, indeed, there is little occasion for glorification, seeing
that the fellows were but rough cut-throats, more accustomed, I fancy, to
the use of the dagger than of the sword."

"Do not belittle the action, Master Ormskirk," the other said,
courteously. "It was a brave deed, for, if I may say so, you are but
little more than boys, to pit yourselves against four rascals of this
kind. There are few in your place would have ventured upon it. The
landlord tells me that two dead bodies were found this morning, and they
are those of well-known cut-throats and law-breakers, who would have long
since been brought to justice, had it not been that there was no means of
proving they were responsible for the many murders that have been
committed during the last few months on peaceful travellers and others. A
search has already been made of their haunts, and as it is found that two
others who generally consorted with them are missing, and as much blood
was found in the hovel they occupied, no doubt one of them was severely
wounded."

"His cheek was laid open by my friend," Edgar said. "He could have slain
him had he so chosen, but being as yet unused to strife and gentler
hearted than I am, he contented himself by slashing his face."

"And did the other two fall to your sword, Mr. Ormskirk?"

"Yes; I saw that you were in sore peril, and so ran one through at the
first thrust; and then seeing that my friend was well able to hold his
own, came on to your aid. Before I reached you, Albert had struck his
blow, and the howl that the villain gave did more towards the saving of
your life than my sword, for your assailant paused in the very act of
striking to see what had befallen his comrade, and therefore gave me time
to deliver a blow on his wrist."

"As yet, gentlemen, you do not know my name. I am Robert Gaiton, and
belong to the Guild of Mercers. I carry on trade with Venice and Genoa in
silk and Eastern goods. This is my daughter Ursula."

The friends bowed, and the girl made a deep reverence. "Ah, sirs," she
said, "I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your succour. When you came
running up it appeared to me that Heaven had sent two angels to help us,
when it seemed that naught could save our lives."

"It was your scream, even more than the clashing of swords, that brought
us to your aid, Madame Ursula."

"Ursula, without the madame," her father said. "She is the daughter of a
plain citizen, and all unused to titles, save from my apprentice boys."

"I cannot think why the ruffian who held her," Edgar said, "did not stop
her screams with a dagger-thrust. He must have been of a much milder sort
than his comrades."

"It may have been that," the trader said, "but it seems to me more likely
that they intended to carry her off and hold her to ransom. I dare say
that you are surprised at my being abroad with my daughter so late, but I
believe now that it was a preconcerted plot. It was but ten days before I
left London, three weeks since, that I hired a new man. He had papers
which showed that he came from Chelmsford, was an honest fellow, and
accustomed to the care of horses. I doubt not his credentials were stolen.
However, I engaged him, seeing that he appeared just the man I wanted. We
journeyed down to Norwich without adventure. There I settled my business
with some traders whom I supply with goods, and then journeyed back,
stopping always at towns and always before nightfall, as I had a
considerable amount of money in my saddle-bags.

"All went well until we started for town yesterday morning. I was detained
somewhat late on business, and then instead of finding the horses ready as
I had ordered, it was nigh half an hour before they were brought round. We
had not ridden very far when my horse fell dead lame, and I had to mount
my servant's horse and let him lead the other, and it took us two hours to
go five miles into St. Albans. As we went, I thought that, putting the
first delay with the horse falling lame, this might be a plot to keep me
from reaching London before the gates were shut, and while the horse's
shoe was being taken off I slipped the bags of gold into my pouch, and
going into the hostelry to get refreshments for Ursula and myself, I
handed them to the host, and begged him to hold them for me until I sent
for them. I further asked him to give me other bags of the same size, for
I doubted not that my servant was in alliance with these thieves. He had
doubtless observed me take the bags out, and I was the more confirmed in
my suspicions as I noticed how he watched me when I mounted again.

"'What ailed the horse?' I asked the farrier.

"'Either the horse has picked up a nail on the road, master, or belike
some knave has driven one in.'

"Then we rode on. I still hoped to pass the gates before they were closed,
but the horse went lamely, and we were three miles away when I heard the
city bells strike the hour. Still I hoped that they might open the gate
for me when I gave my name, which is indifferently well known in the city,
but the men at the gate were ignorant of it, and said that without an
order from the lord mayor or one of the sheriffs they could open the gate
to no man, for that since the country troubles had began, the orders were
most strict. It happened that I had not been out through Aldersgate for
two years past, but I had heard that an hostelry had been built for the
accommodation of travellers who had arrived too late to pass the gates, or
others who preferred to sojourn outside the walls. I knew not its
position, and asking my knave where it was he said that he knew not.

"We then rode back. Presently I saw two men standing at the corner of that
street where we were attacked. I said to them, 'Where is the King's Head
hostelry?' ''Tis but a house or two down here,' one of them said. 'The
stables are a short way along this road. My comrade will show your man the
way.' 'We may as well alight here, Ursula,' I said. It had been a long
ride for her, and she was tired with sitting so long on the pillion behind
me. ''Tis but three houses down; we may as well walk that distance.
Reuben, do you bring round the valises when you have seen the horses
stabled and attended to.' I jumped down and lifted Ursula off the horse,
and went down the street. I had gone but a short distance when I saw that
the locality was scarcely one where a man of sense would build a hostelry.

"'Which is the house?' I asked, sharply. 'The very next door,' the man
said. I had stupidly forgotten the suspicions that had been roused at the
commencement of the day, and I stepped on. 'This is no hostelry,' I said,
when I got to the house. In reply he gave a short whistle, and three
fellows, who had been hiding in the shadow of a doorway opposite, ran out,
sword in hand. Seeing that I had been trapped, I pushed Ursula into the
doorway and stood on my guard. For a short time I kept them at bay, Ursula
screaming wildly the while. Then two of them rushed together at me. One
struck down my guard, and then smote me on the head, and with such force,
that, although the steel lining to my bonnet saved me from being killed,
it brought me to the ground. Then, as I told you, one of the fellows threw
himself upon me and tried to stab me, but, although confused with the
blow, I had still my senses, and struggled with him fiercely, grasping his
wrist.

"Then the second one came to his aid, and with a blow from the pommel of
his sword numbed my hand, and forced me to quit my hold. Then the other
made three stabs at me, a third wounded me slightly, and together they
would have finished me had you not come up. My horses were found on the
road this morning, with the valises cut open. It must have been a rare
disappointment to the rascals, for, save a suit of mine and some garments
of my daughter's, there was naught in them. I should like to have seen the
villain's face when he opened the money bags and found the trick that I
had played him. He had best never show his face in London, for if I catch
him he will dance at the end of a rope. And now, sirs, with your
permission, I will repair to my home, for my wound smarts sorely, and I
must have it dressed by a leech, who will pour in some unguents to allay
the pain. My wife, too, will be growing anxious, for I had written to her
that we should return last night, and it is not often that I do not keep
tryst. I pray you, gentlemen, do me the honour of calling at my house to-
morrow at noon and partaking of a meal with us. I shall, of course, as
soon as the leech gives me permission, wait upon Sir Ralph De Courcy to
thank him for the service you have rendered me. I pray you to give me his
address."

The invitation was cordially accepted, and, having given him directions by
which their lodgings could be found, the two friends took their leave and
returned home.




CHAPTER VI

A CITY MERCHANT


"Assuredly it is well that you should go," Sir Ralph said, when his son had
repeated the conversation they had had with the trader. "I know not the
name, for indeed I know scarce one among the citizens; but if he trades
with Venice and Genoa direct he must be a man of repute and standing. It
is always well to make friends; and some of these city traders could buy
up a score of us poor knights. They are not men who make a display of
wealth, and by their attire you cannot tell one from another, but upon
grand occasions, such as the accession or marriage of a monarch, they can
make a brave show, and can spend sums upon masques and feastings that
would well-nigh pay a king's ransom. After a great victory they will set
the public conduits running with wine, and every varlet in the city can
sit down at banquets prepared for them and eat and drink his fill. It is
useful to have friends among such men. They are as proud in their way as
are the greatest of our nobles, and they have more than once boldly
withstood the will of our kings, and have ever got the best of the
dispute."

"What shall we put on, sir," Albert asked his father the next morning,
"for this visit to Master Gaiton?"

"You had better put on your best suits," the knight said; "it will show
that you have respect for him as a citizen, and indeed the dresses are far
less showy than many of those I see worn by some of the young nobles in
the streets."

"And what is the young lady like?" Aline asked her brother.

"Methinks she is something like you, Aline, and is about the same age and
height; her tresses are somewhat darker than yours; methinks she is
somewhat graver and more staid than you are, as I suppose befits a maiden
of the city."

"I don't think that you could judge much about that, Albert," his mother
said, "seeing that, naturally, the poor girl was grievously shaken by the
events of the evening before, and would, moreover, say but little when her
father was conversing with two strangers. What thought you of her, Edgar?"

"I scarce noticed her, my lady, for I was talking with her father, and so
far as I remember she did not open her lips after being introduced to us.
I did not notice the resemblance to your daughter that Albert speaks of,
but she seemed to me a fair young maid, who looked not, I own, so heavy as
she felt when I carried her."

"That is very uncourteous, Master Edgar," Dame Agatha laughed; "a good
knight should hold the weight of a lady to be as light as that of a down
pillow."

"Then I fear that I shall never be a true knight," Edgar said, with a
smile. "I have heard tales of knights carrying damsels across their
shoulder and outstripping the pursuit of caitiffs, from whom she had
escaped. I indeed had believed them, but assuredly either those tales are
false or I have but a small share of the strength of which I believed
myself to be possessed; for, in truth, my arm and shoulder ached by the
time I reached the hostelry more than it has ever done after an hour's
practice with the mace."

"Well, stand not talking," Sir Ralph said; "it is time for you to change
your suits, for these London citizens are, I have heard, precise as to
their time, and the merchant would deem it a slight did you not arrive a
few minutes before the stroke of the hour."

As soon as they came into Chepe they asked a citizen if he could direct
them to the house of Master Robert Gaiton.

"That can I," he said, "and so methinks could every boy and man in the
city. Turn to the right; his house stands in a courtyard facing the
Guildhall, and is indeed next door to the hall in the left-hand corner."

The house was a large one, each storey, as usual, projecting over the one
below it. Some apprentices were just putting up the shutters to the shop,
for at noon most of the booths were closed, as at that hour there were no
customers, and the assistants and apprentices all took their meal
together. There was a private entrance to the house, and Edgar knocked at
the door with the hilt of his dagger. A minute later a serving-man opened
it.

"Is Master Robert Gaiton within?" Albert asked. "He is, we believe,
expecting us."

"I have his orders to conduct you upstairs, sirs."

The staircase was broad and handsome, and, to the lads' surprise, was
covered with an Eastern carpet. At the top of the stairs the merchant
himself was awaiting them.

"Welcome to my house, gentlemen," he said; "the house that would have been
the abode of mourning and woe to-day, had it not been for your bravery."

The merchant was dressed in very different attire to that in which he had
travelled. He wore a doublet of brown satin, and hose of the same material
and colour; on his shoulders was a robe of Genoa velvet with a collar, and
trimming down the front of brown fur, such as the boys had never before
seen. Over his neck was a heavy gold chain, which they judged to be a sign
of office. The landing was large and square, with richly carved oak
panelling, and, like the stairs, it was carpeted with a thick Eastern rug.
Taking their hands, he led them through an open door into a large
withdrawing-room. Its walls were panelled in a similar manner to those of
the landing, but the carpet was deeper and richer. Several splendid
armoires or cabinets similarly carved stood against the walls, and in
these were gold and silver cups exquisitely chased, salt-cellars, and
other silver ware.

The chairs were all in harmony with the room, the seats being of green
embossed velvet, and curtains of the same material and hue, with an edging
of gold embroidery, hung at the windows. But the lads' eyes could not take
in all these matters at once, being fixed upon the lady who rose from her
chair to meet them. She was some thirty-five years old, and of singular
sweetness of face. There was but little about her of the stiffness that
they had expected to find in the wife of a London citizen. She was dressed
in a loose robe of purple silk, with costly lace at the neck and sleeves.
By her side stood Ursula, who was dressed, as became her age, in lighter
colours, which, in cut and material, resembled those of Aline's new
attire.

"Dear sirs," she said, as her husband presented the visitors to her, "with
what words can I thank you for the service that you have rendered me. But
for you I should have been widowed and childless to-day!"

"It was but a chance, Mistress Gaiton," Edgar said. "We saw a stranger in
danger of his life from cut-throats, and as honest men should do, we went
to his succour. We are glad, indeed, to have been able to render your
husband such service, but it was only such an action as a soldier performs
when he strikes in to rescue a comrade surrounded by the enemy, or carries
off a wounded man who may be altogether a stranger to him."

"That may be true from your point of view," the merchant said, "but just
as the man-at-arms rescued from a circle of foes, or the wounded man
carried off the field would assuredly feel gratitude to him who has saved
him, so do we feel gratitude to you, and naught that you can say will
lessen our feeling towards you both. And now let us to the table."

He opened a door leading into another apartment. Edgar glanced at Albert,
and as he saw the latter was looking at Ursula, he offered his hand to
Dame Gaiton. Albert, with a little start, did the same to the girl. The
merchant held aside the hangings of the door and then followed them into
the room where the table was laid. It was similar to the room they had
left, save that the floor was polished instead of being carpeted. The
table was laid with a damask cloth of snowy whiteness and of a fineness of
quality such as neither of the lads had ever seen before. The napkins were
of similar make. A great silver ornament in the shape of a Venetian galley
stood in the centre of the table, flanked by two vases of the same metal
filled with flowers. The plates were of oriental porcelain, a contrast
indeed to the rough earthenware in general use; the spoons were of gold.

The meats were carved at a side table, and cut into such pieces that there
was little occasion for the use of the dagger-shaped knives placed for the
use of each. Forks were unknown in Europe until nearly three centuries
later, the food being carried to the mouth by the aid of a piece of bread,
just as it is still eaten in the East, the spoon being only used for soups
and sweetmeats. Two servitors, attired in doublets of red and green cloth,
waited. The wine was poured into goblets of Venetian glass; and after
several meats had been served round, the lads were surprised at fresh
plates being handed to them for the sweetmeats. Before these were put upon
the table, a gold bowl with perfumed water was handed round, and all
dipped their fingers in this, wiping them on their napkins.

"Truly, Mistress Gaiton," Albert said, courteously, "it seems to me that
instead of coming to Court we country folk should come to the city to
learn how to live. All this is as strange to me as if I had gone to some
far land, by the side of whose people we were as barbarians."

"My husband has been frequently in Italy," she replied, "and he is much
enamoured of their mode of life, which he says is strangely in advance of
ours. Most of what you see here he has either brought with him thence, or
had it sent over to him, or it has been made here from drawings prepared
for him for the purpose. The carving of the wood-work is a copy of that in
a palace at Genoa; the furniture came by sea from Venice; the gold and
silver work is English, for although my husband says that the Italians are
great masters in such work and in advance of our own, he holds that
English gold and silversmiths can turn out work equal to all but the very
best, and he therefore thinks it but right to give employment to London
craftsmen. The drapery is far in advance of anything that can be made
here; as to the hangings and carpets, although brought from Genoa or
Florence, they are all from Eastern looms."

"'Tis strange," the merchant added, "how far we are in most things behind
the Continent--in all matters save fighting, and, I may say, the condition
of the common people. Look at our garments. Save in the matter of coarse
fabrics, nigh everything comes from abroad. The finest cloths come from
Flanders; the silks, satins, and velvets from Italy. Our gold work is made
from Italian models; our finest arms come from Milan and Spain; our best
brass work from Italy. Maybe some day we shall make all these things for
ourselves. Then, too, our people--not only those of the lowest class--are
more rude and boorish in their manners; they drink more heavily, and eat
more coarsely. An English banquet is plentiful, I own, but it lacks the
elegance and luxury of one abroad, and save in the matter of joints, there
is no comparison between the cooking. Except in the weaving of the
roughest linen, we are incomparably behind Flanders, France, or Italy, and
although I have striven somewhat to bring my surroundings up to the level
of the civilization abroad, the house is but as a hovel compared with the
palaces of the Venetian and Genoese merchants, or the rich traders of
Flanders and Paris."

"Truly, these must be magnificent indeed," Edgar said, "if they so far
surpass yours. I have never even thought of anything so comfortable and
handsome as your rooms. I say naught of those in my father's house, for he
is a scholar, and so that he can work in peace among his books and in his
laboratory he cares naught for aught else; but it is the same in other
houses that I have visited; they seem bare and cheerless by the side of
yours. I have always heard that the houses of the merchants of London were
far more comfortable than the castles of great nobles, but I hardly
conceived how great the difference was."

"They are built for different purposes," the merchant said. "The castles
are designed wholly with an eye to defence. All is of stone, since that
will not burn; the windows are mere slits, designed to shoot from, rather
than to give light. We traders, upon the other hand, have not to spend our
money on bands of armed retainers. We have our city walls, and each man is
a soldier if needs be. Then our intercourse with foreign merchants and our
visits to the Continent show us what others are doing, and how vastly
their houses are ahead of ours in point of luxury and equipment. We have
no show to keep up; and, at any rate, when we go abroad it is neither our
custom nor that of the Flemish merchants to vie with the nobility in
splendour of apparel or the multitude of retainers and followers. Thus,
you see, we can afford to have our homes comfortable."

"May I ask, Master Gaiton, if your robe and chain are badges of office?"
Albert asked.

"Yes; I have the honour of being an alderman."

Albert looked surprised. "I thought, sir, that the aldermen were aged
men."

"Not always," the merchant said, with a smile, "though generally that is
the case. The aldermen are chosen by the votes of the Common Council of
each ward, and that choice generally falls upon one whom they deem will
worthily represent them, or upon one who shows the most devotion to the
interests of the ward and city. My father was a prominent citizen before
me, and I early learned from him to take an interest in the affairs of the
city. It chanced that, when on the accession of the young king the Duke of
Lancaster would have infringed some of our rights and privileges, I was
one of the speakers at a meeting of the citizens, and being younger and
perhaps more outspoken than others, I came to be looked upon as one of the
champions of the city, and thus, without any merit of my own, was elected
to represent my ward when a vacancy occurred shortly afterwards."

"My husband scarce does himself justice, Master De Courcy," the trader's
wife said, "for it was not only because of his championship of the city's
rights, but as one of the richest and most enterprising of our merchants,
and because he spends his wealth worthily, giving large gifts to many
charities, and being always foremost in every work for the benefit of the
citizens. Maybe, too, the fact that he was one of the eight citizens who
jousted at the tournament, given at the king's accession, against the
nobles of the Court, and who overthrew his adversary, had also something
to do with his election."

"Nay, nay, wife! these are private affairs that are of little interest to
our guests, and you speak with partiality."

"At any rate, sir," Edgar said, courteously, "the fact that you so bore
yourself in the tournament suffices to explain how it was that you were
able to keep those cut-throats at bay until just before we arrived at the
spot."

"We are peaceful men in the city," the merchant said, "but we know that if
we are to maintain our rights, and to give such aid as behoves us to our
king in his foreign wars, we need knowledge as much as others how to bear
arms. Every apprentice as well as every free man throughout the city has
to practise at the butts, and to learn to use sword and dagger. I myself
was naturally well instructed; and as my father was wealthy, there were
always two or three good horses in his stables, and I learned to couch a
lance and sit firm in the saddle. As at Hastings and Poictiers, the
contingent of the city has ever been held to bear itself as well as the
best; and although we do not, like most men, always go about the street
with swords in our belts, we can all use them if needs be. Strangely
enough, it is your trading communities that are most given to fighting.
Look at Venice and Genoa, Milan and Pisa, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, and
to go further back, Carthage and Tyre. And even among us, look at the men
of Sandwich and Fowey in Cornwall; they are traders, but still more they
are fighters; they are ever harassing the ships of France, and making
raids on the French coast."

"I see that it is as you say," Edgar said, "though I have never thought of
it before. Somehow one comes to think of the citizens of great towns as
being above all things peaceful."

"The difference between them and your knights is, that the latter are
always ready to fight for honour and glory, and often from the pure love
of fighting. We do not want to fight, but are ready to do so for our
rights and perhaps for our interests, but at bottom I believe that there
is little difference between the classes. Perhaps if we understood each
other better we should join more closely together. We are necessary to
each other; we have the honour of England equally at heart. The knights
and nobles do most of our fighting for us, while we, on our part, import
or produce everything they need beyond the common necessities of life;
both of us are interested in checking the undue exercise of kingly
authority; and if they supply the greater part of the force with which we
carry on the war with France, assuredly it is we who find the greater part
of the money for the expenses, while we get no share of the spoils of
battle."

"Have you any sisters, Master De Courcy?" the merchant's wife asked,
presently.

"I have but one; she is just about the same age as your daughter, and
methinks there is a strong likeness between them. She and my mother are
both here, having been sent for by my father on the news of the troubles
in our neighbourhood."

"In that case, wife," the merchant said, "it were seemly that you and
Ursula accompany me to-morrow when I go to pay my respects to Sir Ralph De
Courcy."

After dinner was over the merchant took his guests into a small room
adjoining that in which they had dined.

"Friends," he said, "we London merchants are accustomed to express our
gratitude not only by words but by deeds. At present, methinks, seeing
that, as you have told me, you have not yet launched out into the world,
there is naught that you need; but this may not be so always, for none can
tell what fortune may befall him. I only say that any service I can
possibly render you at any time, you have but to ask me. I am a rich man,
and, having no son, my daughter is my only heir. Had your estate been
different and your taste turned towards trade, I could have put you in the
way of becoming like myself, foreign merchants; but even in your own
profession of arms I may be of assistance.

"Should you go to the war later on and wish to take a strong following
with you, you have but to come to me and say how much it will cost to arm
and equip them and I will forthwith defray it, and my pleasure in doing so
will be greater than yours in being able to follow the king with a goodly
array of fighting men. One thing, at least, you must permit me to do when
the time comes that you are to make your first essay in arms: it will be
my pleasure and pride to furnish you with horse, arms, and armour. This,
however, is a small matter. What I really wish you to believe is that
under all circumstances--and one cannot say what will happen during the
present troubles--you can rely upon me absolutely."

"We thank you most heartily, sir," Edgar said, "and should the time come
when, as you say, circumstances may occur in which we can take advantage
of your most generous offers, we will do so."

"That is well and loyally said," the merchant replied, "and I shall hold
you to it. You will remember that, by so doing, it will be you who confer
the favour and not I, for my wife and I will always be uneasy in our minds
until we can do something at least towards proving our gratitude for the
service that you have rendered."

A few minutes later, after taking leave of the merchant's wife and
daughter, the two friends left the house.

"Truly we have been royally entertained, Edgar. What luxury and comfort,
and yet everything quiet and in good taste. The apartments of the king
himself are cold and bare in comparison. I felt half inclined to embrace
his offer and to declare that I would fain become a trader like himself."

Edgar laughed, "Who ever heard of such a thing as the son of a valiant
knight going into trade? Why the bare thought of such a thing would make
Sir Ralph's hair stand on end. You would even shock your gentle mother."

"But why should it, Edgar? In Italy the nobles are traders, and no one
thinks it a dishonour. Why should not a peaceful trade be held in as high
esteem as fighting?"

"That I cannot say, Albert," Edgar replied, more seriously; "but whatever
may be the case in Venice, it assuredly is not so here. It may be that
some day when we reach as high a civilization as Genoa and Venice possess,
trade may here be viewed as it is there--as honourable for even those of
the highest birth. Surely commerce requires far more brains and wisdom
than the dealing of blows, and the merchants of Venice can fight as
earnestly as they can trade. Still, no one man can stand against public
opinion, and until trade comes to be generally viewed as being as
honourable a calling as that of war, men of gentle blood will not enter
upon it; and you must remember, Albert, that it is but the exceptions who
can gain such wealth as that of our host to-day, and that had you gone
into the house of one of the many who can only earn a subsistence from it,
you would not have been so entertained. But, of course, you are not
serious, Albert."

"Not serious in thinking of being a trader, Edgar, though methinks the
life would suit me well; but quite serious in not seeing why knights and
nobles should look down upon traders."

"There I quite agree with you; but as my father said to me, 'You must not
think, Edgar, that you can set yourself up and judge others according to
your own ideas.' We were especially speaking then of the freeing of the
serfs and the bettering of their condition. 'These things,' he said, 'will
come assuredly when the general opinion is ripe for them, but those who
first advocate changes are ever looked upon as dreamers, if not as
seditious and dangerous persons, and to force on a thing before the world
is fit for it is to do harm rather than good. Theoretically, there is as
much to be said for the views of the priest Jack Straw and other
agitators, as for those of Wickcliffe; but their opinions will at first
bring persecution and maybe death to those who hold them. These peasants
will rise in arms, and will, when the affair is over--should they escape
with their lives--find their condition even worse than before; while the
followers of Wickcliffe will have the whole power of the Church against
them, and may suffer persecution and even death, besides being often
viewed with grave disfavour even by their families for taking up with
strange doctrines.'"

"No doubt that is so, Edgar, but I wish I lived in days when it were not
deemed necessary that one of gentle blood should be either a fighting man
or a priest."

In the time of Richard II. it was not considered in any way misdemeaning
to receive a present for services rendered--a chain of gold, arms and
armour, and even purses of money were so received with as little
hesitation as were ransoms for prisoners taken in battle. Therefore Sir
Ralph expressed himself as much pleased when he heard of the merchant's
promise to present their military outfit to the two lads, and of his
proffer of other services.

"By St. George," he said, "such good fortune never befell me, although I
have been fighting since my youth. I have, it is true, earned many a heavy
ransom from prisoners taken in battle, but that was a matter of business.
The gold chain I wear was a present from the Black Prince, and I do not
say that I have not received some presents in my time from merchants whose
property I have rescued from marauders, or to whom I have rendered other
service. Still, I know not of any one piece of good fortune that equals
yours, and truly I myself have no small satisfaction in it, for I have
wondered sometimes where the sums would have come from to furnish Albert
with suitable armour and horse, which he must have if he is to ride in the
train of a noble. In truth, I shall be glad to see this merchant of yours,
and maybe his daughter will be a nice companion for Aline, who, not having
her own pursuits here, finds it, methinks, dull. Just at present the Court
has other things to think of besides pleasure."

On the following day the visit was paid, and afforded pleasure to all
parties. The knight was pleased with the manners of the merchant, who,
owing to his visit to Italy, had little of the formal gravity of his
craft, while there was a heartiness and straightforwardness in his speech
that well suited the bluff knight. The ladies were no less pleased with
each other, and Dame Agatha found herself, to her surprise, chatting with
her visitors on terms of equality, and discoursing on dress and fashion,
the doings of the Court and life in the city, as if she had known her for
years. At her mother's suggestion Aline went with Ursula into the garden,
and from time to time their merry laughter could be heard through the open
window.

"I hope that you will allow your daughter to come and see mine sometimes,"
the dame said, as her guest rose to leave. "When at home the girl has her
horse and dogs, her garden, and her household duties to occupy her. Here
she has naught to do save to sit and embroider, and to have a girl friend
would be a great pleasure to her."

"Ursula will be very glad to do so, and I trust that you will allow your
daughter sometimes to come to us. I will always send her back under good
escort."

Every day rendered the political situation more serious. The Kentish
rising daily assumed larger proportions, and was swollen by a great number
of the Essex men, who crossed the river and joined them; and one morning
the news came that a hundred thousand men were gathered on Blackheath, the
Kentish men having been joined not only by those of Essex, but by many
from Sussex, Herts, Cambridge, Suffolk, and Norfolk. These were not under
one chief leader, but the men from each locality had their own captain.
These were Wat the Tyler, William Raw, Jack Sheppard, Tom Milner, and Hob
Carter.

"Things are coming to a pass indeed," Sir Ralph said, angrily, as he
returned from the Tower late one afternoon. "What think you, this rabble
has had the insolence to stop the king's mother, as with her retinue she
was journeying hither. Methought that there was not an Englishman who did
not hold the widow of the Black Prince in honour, and yet the scurvy
knaves stopped her. It is true that they shouted a greeting to her, but
they would not let her pass until she had consented to kiss some of their
unwashed faces. And, in faith, seeing that her life would have been in
danger did she refuse, she was forced to consent to this humiliation.

"By St. George, it makes my blood boil to think of it; and here, while
such things are going on, we are doing naught. Even the city does not call
out its bands, nor is there any preparation made to meet the storm. All
profess to believe that these fellows mean no harm, and will be put off
with a few soft words, forgetful of what happened in France when the
peasants rose, and that these rascals have already put to death some score
of judges, lawyers, and wealthy people. However, when the princess arrived
with the news, even the king's councillors concluded that something must
be clone, and I am to ride, with five other knights, at six to-morrow
morning, to Blackheath, to ask these rascals, in the name of the king,
what it is that they would have, and to promise them that their requests
shall be carefully considered."

At nine the next morning the knight returned.

"What news, Sir Ralph?" Dame Agatha asked, as he entered. "How have you
sped with your mission?"

"In truth, we have not sped at all. The pestilent knaves refused to have
aught to say to us, but bade us return and tell the king that it was with
him that they would have speech, and that it was altogether useless his
sending out others to talk for him; he himself must come. 'Tis past all
bearing. Never did I see such a gathering of ragged rascals; not one of
them, I verily believe, has as much as washed his face since they started
from home. I scarce thought that all England could have turned out such a
gathering. Let me have some bread and wine, and such meat as you have
ready. There is to be a council in half an hour, and I must be there.
There is no saying what advice some of these poor-spirited courtiers may
give."

"What will be your counsel, Sir Ralph?"

"My counsel will be that the king should mount with what knights he may
have, and a couple of score of men-at-arms, and should ride to Oxford,
send out summonses to his nobles to gather there with their vassals, and
then come and talk with these rebels, and in such fashion as they could
best understand. They may have grievances, but this is not the way to urge
them, by gathering in arms, murdering numbers of honourable men, insulting
the king's mother, burning deeds and records, and now demanding that the
king himself should wait on their scurvy majesties. Yet I know that there
will be some of these time-servers round the king who will advise him to
intrust himself to these rascals who have insulted his mother.

"By my faith, were there but a couple of score of my old companions here,
we would don our armour, mount our warhorses, and ride at them. It may be
that we should be slain, but before that came about we would make such
slaughter of them that they would think twice before they took another
step towards London."

"It was as I expected," the knight said, when he returned from the
council. "The majority were in favour of the king yielding to these knaves
and placing himself in their power, but the archbishop of Canterbury, and
Hales the treasurer, and I, withstood them so hotly that the king yielded
to us, but not until I had charged them with treachery, and with wishing
to imperil the king's life for the safety of their own skins. De Vere and
I might have come to blows had it not been for the king's presence."

"Then what was the final decision of the council, Sir Ralph?" his wife
asked.

"It was a sort of compromise," the knight said. "One which pleased me not,
but which at any rate will save the king from insult. He will send a
messenger to-day to them saying that he will proceed to-morrow in his
barge to Rotherhithe, and will there hold converse with them. He intends
not to disembark, but to parley with them from the boat, and he will, at
least in that way, be safe from assault. I hear that another great body of
the Essex, Herts, Norfolk, and Suffolk rebels have arrived on the bank
opposite Greenwich, and that it is their purpose, while those of
Blackheath enter the city from Southwark, to march straight hitherwards,
so that we shall be altogether encompassed by them."

"But the citizens will surely never let them cross the bridge?"

"I know not," the knight said, gloomily. "The lord mayor had audience with
the king this morning, and confessed to him that, although he and all the
better class of citizens would gladly oppose the rioters to the last, and
suffer none to enter the walls, that great numbers of the lower class were
in favour of these fellows, and that it might be that they would
altogether get the better of them, and make common cause with the rabble.
Many of these people have been out to Blackheath; some have stayed there
with the mob, while others have brought back news of their doings. Among
the rabble on Blackheath are many hedge priests; notably, I hear, one John
Ball, a pestilent knave, who preaches treason to them, and tells them that
as all men are equal, so all the goods of those of the better class should
be divided among those having nothing, a doctrine which pleases the
rascals mightily."

The next day, accordingly, the king went down with some of his councillors
to Rotherhithe. A vast crowd lined both banks of the river, and saluted
him with such yells and shouts, that those with him, fearing the people
might put off in boats and attack him, bade the rowers turn the boat's
head and make up the river again; and, fortunately, the tide being just on
the turn, they were thus able to keep their course in the middle of the
river, and so escape any arrows that might otherwise have been shot at
them.




CHAPTER VII

DEATH TO THE FLEMINGS!


That morning Aline had gone early to the city at the invitation of
Mistress Gaiton to spend the day with Ursula, under the escort of her
brother and Edgar. They were to have fetched her before dusk, but early in
the afternoon Richard Gaiton himself brought her back.

"I am sorry to bring your daughter back so early," he said to Dame Agatha,
"but I had news that after the king turned back this morning, the leaders
of the rebels have been haranguing them, telling them that it was clearly
useless to put any trust in promises, or to hope that redress could be
obtained from the king, who was surrounded by evil councillors, and that,
since they would not allow him to trust himself among the people, the
people must take the matter into their own hands. They had remained quiet
long enough; now was the time that they should show their strength. The
rabble shouted loudly, 'Let us to London! Death to the council! Death to
the rich!' and having gathered under their leaders, they started to march
for Southwark. As there is no saying what may come of the matter,
methought that it were best to bring the young lady back again."

"I thank you," Dame Agatha said; "'tis indeed better that we should be
together. This morning my lord was saying that if these knaves marched
upon London, he had decided that we should move into the Tower."

"It were indeed best, madam. There is no saying what may happen when these
fellows become inflamed with wine and begin to taste the sweets of
plunder. We ourselves feel ashamed that we are not in a position to inarch
out with the city force, and to maintain the law against this rabble; but
it is clear to us that the majority are on the other side. They have taken
into their heads that if these fellows gain rights and privileges for
themselves, the city may also gain fresh rights. Many of the serving-men,
the craftsmen, and even the apprentices have friends and relations among
these people, for most of them belong to the counties round London.

"There are others better placed who not only sympathize, as I myself do,
with the natural desire of the country people to be free from serfdom, but
who favour the cause because they think that were all the people free to
carry arms it would check the power both of the king and nobles. So it
comes that the city is divided in itself; and in this strait, when all
should show a front against rebellion, we are powerless to do aught. Even
among those who talk the loudest against the rabble, there are many, I
fear, who send them secret encouragement, and this not because they care
aught for their grievances, but because the people are set against the
Flemings, who are ill-liked by many of the merchants as being rivals in
trade, and who have in their hands the greater portion of the dealings,
both with Flanders and the Low Country; and indeed, though I see that in
the long run we shall benefit greatly by this foreign trade, I quite
perceive that the privileges that our king has given to the Flemings in
order to win their good-will and assistance against France, do for the
present cause disadvantage and harm to many of the traders of London."

"'Tis a troubled time," Dame Agatha said, "and 'tis hard to see what is
for the best. However, in the Tower assuredly we shall be safe."

"I hope so," the merchant said, gravely.

"Surely you cannot doubt it, Master Gaiton?" Dame Agatha said in surprise.

"I hear that the rabble are openly saying that the men-at-arms and archers
will not act against them. It maybe but empty boasting, but there may be
something in it. The men are almost all enlisted from Kent, Sussex, Essex,
and Hertford, and I have heard report that there is sore discontent among
them because their pay is greatly in arrear, owing to the extravagance of
the Court. It were well, perhaps, that you should mention this to Sir
Ralph, and, above all, I pray you to remember, madam, that so long as my
house stands, so long will it be a refuge to which you and yours may
betake yourselves in case of danger here. I say not that it is safer than
elsewhere, for there is no saying against whom the rage of the rabble may
be directed."

Sir Ralph came home late in the afternoon. He was gloomy and depressed.

"Things are going but badly, wife," he said. "Verily, were it not for the
duty I owe to the king, we would take horse and ride to Kingston, and
there cross the river and journey round so as to avoid these fellows, and
get to our home and wait there and see what comes of this, and should they
attack us, fight to the end. It seems to me that all have lost their
heads--one gives one counsel, and one gives another. Never did I see such
faint hearts. The lord mayor has been with the king. He speaks bravely as
far as he himself and the better class of citizens are concerned, but they
are overborne by the commonalty, who favour the rabble partly because they
hope to gain by the disorder, and partly because the leaders of the rabble
declare that they will slay all the council, and, above all, the Duke of
Lancaster, against whom many in the city, as well as in the country, have
a deep grudge."

"What counsel did you give, husband?"

"I asked the king to give me the command of half the men-at-arms and
archers, and that I would march them through the city across London
Bridge, close the gates there, and defend them alike against the rabble on
the farther side and that of the city until help could be gathered. The
king himself was willing that this should be so, but the council said that
were I to do this, the gatherings from Essex, Hertford, Suffolk, and
Cambridge would march hither and be joined by the rabble of the city, and
so attack the Tower, being all the more furious at what they would deem a
breach of their privileges by my taking possession of the gates; and so
nothing was done. Have you looked out of the windows across the river? If
not, do so."

Lady Agatha crossed the room and gazed out. From several points in
Southwark columns of smoke mingled with flames were ascending.

"What is it, Ralph?"

"It is the rabble, who are plundering Southwark, and, as I hear, have
broke open the prisons of the Marshalsea and King's Bench. The malefactors
there have joined them; and this has been done without a stroke being
smitten in defence. Where are the boys?"

"They went into the city with Aline this morning, and have not returned.
Ah! here they are coming through the gate."

"Well, Albert, what news have you?" Sir Ralph asked his son as they
entered.

"The city is in an uproar, father; most of the shops have closed. There
are gatherings in the streets, and though the lord mayor and Robert Gaiton
and many of the better class have been haranguing them, they refuse to
disperse to their homes. Robert Gaiton took us into the Guildhall, where
many of the most worshipful citizens were assembled, discussing the matter
and what is to be done, but they have no force at their command. The
Flemings are in great fear. Some have betaken themselves to the churches,
where they hope that their lives may be respected, but without, as it
seems to me, any good warrant; for, as the rabble at Canterbury did not
respect even the cathedral, it is not likely that they will hold churches
here as sanctuary. Robert Gaiton advised us that if we entered the city
to-morrow we should not show ourselves in our present apparel, for he says
that if the rabble enter, they may fall foul of any whose dresses would
show them to belong to the Court, and he has given us two sober citizen
suits, in which he said we should be able to move about without fear of
molestation."

"Things have come to a nice pass, indeed," Sir Ralph grumbled, "when the
son of a knight cannot walk with safety in the streets of London. Still,
Gaiton is doubtless right."

"You will not let the boys enter the city surely, Sir Ralph?" Dame Agatha
said, anxiously.

"I do not say so, dame. The lads are going to be soldiers, and it were
well that they became used to scenes of tumult. Moreover, they may bring
us news of what is doing there that may help us. I have obtained the use
of a chamber in the Tower for you and Aline. My place, of course, will be
by the king's side; and maybe the reports that the boys will bring us of
the doings in the city may be useful. Is it your wish, lads, to go into
the city?"

"With your permission, sir, we would gladly do so. There will be much to
see, and, it may be, to learn."

"That is so. Above all, take to heart the lesson that it is dangerous to
grant aught to force; and that if the rabble be suffered to become, even
for an hour, the masters, they will soon become as wild beasts. It was so
in France, and it will be so wherever, by the weakness of the authorities,
the mob is allowed to raise its head and to deem itself master of
everything. All this evil has been brought about by the cowardice of the
garrison of Rochester Castle. Had they done their duty they could have
defended the place for weeks against those knaves, even if not strong
enough to have sallied out and defeated them in the open, but the fellows
seem to have inspired everyone with terror; and in faith, whatever
befalls, it will be mainly the fault of those who should at the first
outbreak have gathered themselves together to make a stand against this
unarmed rabble, for it might at that time have been crushed by a single
charge.

"I take blame to myself now, that instead of summoning you hither, I did
not hasten home as soon as I heard of the doings at Dartford, gather a
score of my neighbours with their retainers, and give battle to the mob.
There were comparatively few at that time, and they had not gained
confidence in themselves. And even if we had deemed them too strong to
attack in the field, we might have thrown ourselves into Rochester and
aided the garrison to hold the castle. I have seen troubles in Flanders,
and have learnt how formidable the mob may become when it has once tasted
blood; and it is well that you should both learn that, even when the
commonalty have just grounds for complaint, they must not be allowed to
threaten the security of the realm by armed rebellion.

"Would that the Black Prince were here instead of the Boy King, we should
then have very different measures taken. Even if the king's mother had
spirit and courage, the counsels of those men who surround the king would
be overborne; but she was so alarmed, as she well might be, at her meeting
with the rabble on Blackheath, that the spirit she once had seems to have
quite departed, and she is all in favour of granting them what they will."

Later on Sir Ralph again went to the Tower and shortly returned. "Put on
your cloaks and hoods at once," he said to his wife. "The Essex and
Hertford men have arrived on the north side of the city and may be here in
the morning, and it will be then too late to retire to the Tower. I will
give you a quarter of an hour to pack up your belongings. The men will
carry them for you. As to you, boys, you can safely remain here until
daybreak, then put on your citizen dresses and make your way quietly into
the city, as soon as the gates are open. Put them over your own clothes. I
charge you to take no part in any street fray; but if the better class of
citizens make a stand, throw off your citizen clothes and join them and
strike for the king and country, for assuredly England would be ruined
were the rabble to have their way."

In a quarter of an hour the ladies were ready; and their Court suits and
those of Albert and Edgar had been packed. The men-at-arms took up the
valises, and, followed by them, Sir Ralph, his wife, and daughter made for
the Tower.

In the morning as soon as they knew that the gates would be open the two
boys attired themselves in the citizen suits, and, buckling on their
swords, left the house. As soon as they entered the city they found that
the streets were already filled with people. It was Corpus Christi, at
that time kept as a general holiday, and, regardless of the troubles, many
were flocking out to enjoy a holiday in the country. The boys had debated
whether they should first go to the merchant's, but they agreed not to do
so, as he would probably be in consultation with the authorities, and
would be fully occupied without having them to attend to.

As they advanced farther it was easy to see that there was another element
besides that of the holiday-makers abroad. Bands of men carrying heavy
staves, and many of them with swords at their belts, were hurrying in the
direction of the bridge, and Edgar and Albert took the same direction. The
bridge itself was crowded, partly with holiday-makers and partly with
armed men, while the windows of the houses were occupied by spectators,
who were looking down with evident apprehension at what was about to take
place. Gradually making their way forward the two friends reached the
other end. Here there was a group of citizens on horseback. Among them was
the lord mayor, William Walworth, and many of the aldermen, Robert Gaiton
among them. The mob were shouting, "Open the gates!" The uproar was great,
but on the mayor holding up his hand there was silence.

"Fellow-citizens," he said, "know ye not what has been done by these men
at Southwark? Not content with plundering and ill-treating the
inhabitants, breaking open the cellars and besotting themselves with
liquor, they have opened the doors of the prisons, and have been joined by
the malefactors held there. Assuredly if they enter the city they will
behave in like manner here; therefore the gates cannot be opened."

A man stepped forward from the mob and replied:

"It has always been the custom for the gates to be opened, and for the
citizens to go out to the fields to enjoy themselves on a holiday, and we
will have it so now whether you like it or not."

Then the uproar was renewed, swords and staves were raised menacingly, and
cries raised of "Death to the lord mayor!" "Death to all who would
interfere with our liberties!" The mayor took counsel with those around
him. It was manifestly impossible that some twenty or thirty men could
successfully oppose an infuriated mob, and it was certain that they would
all lose their lives were they to do so, and that without avail.
Accordingly the mayor again held up his hand for silence, and said:

"We cannot oppose your will, seeing that you are many and that we are few;
therefore, if you wish it, we must open the gates, but many of you will
regret ere many days have passed the part that you have taken in this
matter."

So saying, he and those with him drew aside. With a shout of triumph the
mob rushed to the gates, removed the bars and opened them, and then poured
out, shouting and cheering, into Southwark.

While the dispute had been going on the two friends had quietly made their
way almost to the front line.

"What had we best do, Edgar?"

"We had best keep quiet," the latter said; "this is but a street broil,
against which your father charged us to take no part. It would not be a
fight, but a massacre. Had these gentlemen been in armour, they might have
sold their lives dearly, and perchance have fought their way through, but
seeing that they have but on their civic gowns they can make no effectual
resistance."

As soon as the gates were open they stood back in a doorway until the
first rush of the crowd had ceased; then they followed the horsemen across
the bridge again, and took their stand at the end of Gracechurch Street to
see what would follow. In a short time they saw the holiday-makers come
pouring back over the bridge in evident terror, and close on their heels
were a great mob. At their head, on horseback, rode Wat Tyler and three or
four other leaders. Behind them followed a disorderly crowd, brandishing
their weapons. Many of these were drunk, their clothes being stained
deeply by the wine from the casks they had broached. Among them were many
of the men who had been released from prison.

As they poured over the bridge, some broke off from the column and began
to harangue the citizens, saying that these had as much to complain of as
they had, seeing how they were taxed for the extravagancies of the Court
and the expense of foreign wars, and that now was the time for all honest
men to rise against their oppressors. Many of the lower class joined their
ranks. None ventured to enter into dispute with them. Some of the mob were
dressed in ecclesiastical robes which they had taken from the churches.
These as they went shouted blasphemous parodies on the mass. The leaders
evidently had a fixed purpose in their minds, for upon reaching Cheapside
they turned west.

"It is sad to think that these fellows should disgrace the cause for which
they took up arms," Edgar said to his companion. "They had grounds for
complaint when they first rose. I then felt some sympathy for them, but
now they are intoxicated with their success. Look at Wat the Tyler. I
believed he was an honest workman, and, as all said, a clever one. I do
not blame him that in his wrath he slew the man who had insulted his
daughter; but look at him now--he rides as if he were a king. He is puffed
up with his own importance, and looks round upon the citizens as if he
were their lord and master. He has stolen some armour on his way, and
deems that he cuts a knightly figure. Let us go by the quiet streets and
see what is their object."

The whole of the rioters moved down Cheapside by St. Paul's, and then to
the Temple. So far they offered no wrong to anyone. They sallied out
through the gates and continued on their way until they reached the Savoy,
the splendid palace of the Duke of Lancaster, which was said to be the
fairest and most richly furnished of any in the kingdom. With shouts of
triumph they broke into it and scattered through the rooms, smashing the
furniture and destroying everything they could lay hands upon. Some made
for the cellars, where they speedily intoxicated themselves. Loud shouts
were raised that nothing was to be taken. The silver vessels and jewels
were smashed, and then carried down to the Thames and thrown into it.

In a short time flames burst out in several parts of the palace. One man
was noticed by another as he thrust a silver cup into his dress. He was at
once denounced and seized, and was without further ado hurled into the
flames.

The fire spread rapidly. The crowd surrounded the palace, shouting,
yelling, and dancing in their triumph over the destruction that they had
wrought. Upwards of thirty of the drunkards were unable to escape, and
were imprisoned in the cellars. Their shouts for help were heard for seven
days, but none came to their assistance, for the ruins of the house had
fallen over them, and they all perished. Thence the crowd went to the
Temple, where they burnt all the houses occupied by lawyers, with all
their books and documents, and then proceeded to the house of the Knights
of St. John, a splendid building but lately erected. This also they fired,
and so great was its extent that it burned for seven days.

The next morning twenty thousand of them marched to Highbury, the great
manor-house of which belonged to the Order of St. John, and this and the
buildings around it were all destroyed by fire.

After seeing the destruction of the Temple, Edgar and Albert went back to
Cheapside. The streets were almost deserted. The better class of citizens
had all shut themselves up in their houses and every door was closed. On
knocking at the door of the mercer the two friends were admitted. The
alderman had just returned from a gathering of the city authorities. They
told him what they had witnessed.

"It passes all bounds," he said, "and yet there is naught that we can do
to put a stop to it. For myself I have counselled that proclamation shall
be made that all honest citizens shall gather, with arms in their hands,
at the Guildhall, and that we should beg the king to give us some
assistance in men-at-arms and archers, and that we should then give battle
to the rabble. But I found few of my opinion. All were thinking of the
safety of their families and goods, and said that were we defeated, as we
well might be, seeing how great are their numbers, they would pillage and
slay as they chose. Whereas, if we give them no pretence for molesting us,
it might be that they would do no harm to private persons, but would
content themselves with carrying out their original designs of obtaining a
charter from the king.

"In faith it is cowardly counsel, and yet, as with the forces from the
north and south there must be fully two hundred thousand rebels, I own
that there is some reason in such advice. If the king with his knights and
nobles and his garrison at the Tower would but sally out and set us an
example, be sure that he would be joined by the law-abiding citizens, but
as he doeth naught in this strait, I see not that peaceful citizens are
called upon to take the whole brunt of it upon their own shoulders.
However, I have little hope that the rioters will content themselves with
destroying palaces and attacking lawyers. What you tell me of the
execution of one of their number, who stole a silver cup, shows that the
bulk of them are at present really desirous only of redress of grievances,
but they will soon pass beyond this. The jail-birds will set an example of
plunder and murder, and unless help comes before long, all London will be
sacked. My men and apprentices are already engaged in carrying down to the
cellars all my richest wares. The approach is by a trap-door, with a great
stone over it in the yard, and it will, I hope, escape their search.

"Of one thing you may be sure, that as soon as the king shows himself, and
it is seen that he is in danger, there will be no hanging back, but we
shall join him with what force we can. I think not that he can have aid
from without, for we hear that the country people have everywhere risen,
and that from Winchester in the south, to Scarborough in the north, they
have taken up arms, and that the nobles are everywhere shut up in their
castles, so they, being cut off from each other, are in no position to
gather a force that could bring aid to the king. You can tell your good
father what I say, and that all depends upon the attitude of the king. If
he comes to us with his knights and men we will join him; if he comes not,
and we learn that he is in danger, we will do what we can, but that must
depend much upon how the rebels comport themselves."

The two lads went to the Tower, but the gates were closed and the
drawbridge pulled up, and they therefore returned to their lodging, where
they passed the night. On the following day they returned into the city;
there the rioters had already began their work. Thirty Flemings, who had
taken refuge in the churches, were dragged from the altar and were
beheaded, thirty-two others were seized in the vintry and also slain. Then
parties broke into all the houses where the Flemings lived, and such as
had not fled in disguise were killed, and their houses pillaged. All
through the day the streets were in an uproar. Every man the rebels met
was seized and questioned.

"Who are you for?" Such as answered "The king and commons" were allowed to
go unmolested, others were killed. The two friends had several narrow
escapes. Fortunately Edgar had learned the watchword at Dartford and
readily replied, and they were allowed to pass on. They were traversing
Bread Street when they heard a scream behind them, and a girl came flying
along, pursued by a large number of the rioters, headed by a man in the
dress of a clerk. She reached the door of a handsome house close to them,
but before she could open it the leader of the party ran up and roughly
seized her. Edgar struck him a buffet on the face which sent him reeling
backwards.

With shouts of fury the crowd rushed up just as the door opened. Edgar and
Albert stepped back into the doorway, while the girl ran upstairs.

"How, now, my masters," Edgar said as he drew his sword, "is this the way
to secure your rights and liberties, by attacking women in the streets?
Shame on you! Do you call yourselves Englishmen?"

"They are Flemings!" the man whom Edgar had struck shouted out.

"Well, sir, I should say that you were a Fleming yourself, by your
speech," Edgar said.

"I am but a clerk," the man said. "He who lives here is one of the
Flemings who bought the taxes, and has been grinding down the people, of
whom I am one."

"The people must be badly off, indeed," Edgar said, contemptuously, "if
they need to have such a cur as you on their side."

But his words were drowned by the furious shouts of the crowd, "Death to
the Flemings!" and a rush was made at the door, headed by the clerk, who
struck savagely at Edgar. The latter parried the stroke, and thrust the
man through the throat. With a yell of rage the crowd now strove furiously
to enter, but the position of the two lads standing back a couple of feet
from the entrance rendered it impossible for more than two or three to
attack them at once, and the clubs and rough weapons were no match for the
swords. Nevertheless, although five or six of their opponents fell, the
weight of numbers pressed the friends back to the staircase, where they
again made a stand.

For five minutes the conflict raged. The boys had both received several
blows, for the weight of the heavy weapons sometimes beat down their
guard; but they still fought on, retiring a step or two up the stair when
hardly pressed, and occasionally making dashes down upon their assailants,
slaying the foremost, and hurling the others backwards. Presently the girl
ran down again to them.

"All are in safety," she said. "Run upstairs when you can. Where you see
me standing at a door run in and lock it on the inside."

"One more rush, Albert, and then upstairs."

With a shout Edgar threw himself upon a man who had raised a heavy pole-
axe, and cut the fellow down. Then, as the man fell, Edgar flung himself
on him, and hurled him against those behind, while Albert at the same
moment ran an opponent through the body. Then, turning, they sprang up the
stairs. On the landing above the girl was standing at an open door. They
ran in and closed it, and then piled articles of furniture against it.

"There is no occasion for that," she said; "this way."

The room was heavily panelled, and one of the panels was standing open.
They followed her into this.

"Push it back," she said; "it is too heavy for me." The panel was indeed
of great weight, the wood being backed with brick, the whole ran on
rollers, but Edgar had no difficulty in closing it.

"Thank God, and you, gentlemen, that we are in safety. The keenest eye
could not see that the panel opens, and, being backed with brick, it gives
no hollow sound when struck. They will search in vain for it."

Taking a lamp from the ground, she led the way down a narrow flight of
stairs. By the depth to which they descended Edgar judged when they
reached the bottom that they must be below the level of the cellars. She
opened a door, and entered an apartment some twenty feet square. It was
lighted by four candles standing on a table. In one corner a woman lay on
a pallet; two women servants, sobbing with terror and excitement, stood
beside her, while a tall, elderly man rose to meet them.

"Gentlemen," he said, "I don't know how to thank you. You must think it
cowardly that I did not descend to share your peril; but it was necessary
that I should go to the storey above that you reached to bring down my
wife, who, as you see, is grievously sick. Her two maids were very nearly
distraught with terror, and, if left to themselves, would never have
carried their mistress below. Having had some experience of popular
tumults in Bruges, my native town, I had this hiding-place constructed
when I first came here twenty years ago. Now, to whom am I indebted for
our safety?"

Edgar introduced his companion and himself.

"Then you are not, as would seem by your attire, merchants like myself?"

"No, sir. We but put on this attire over our own in order to be able to
traverse the streets without interruption. May I ask how it is that your
daughter was alone and unattended in the streets?"

"She was not unattended. She had with her my servant, a Flemish lad, who
has but recently come over. He speaks no English, and not knowing the
tongue, could not be sent out alone. My wife was taken worse this morning,
and the leech not having sent the medicine he promised, my daughter,
thinking that there could be no danger to a young girl, went to get it,
and as the servant was dressed in English fashion, and would not be called
upon to speak, I thought that she could pass unnoticed did they fall in
with any party of the rioters."

"So we should have done, father," the girl said, "had we not met a band
headed by Nicholas Bierstadt."

"The villain!" the merchant exclaimed. "So it was he who led the party
here. When these troubles are over I will see that he obtains his
deserts."

"He has obtained them already, sir," Edgar said, "for I slew the knave at
the first thrust."

"He was my clerk, the son of a man of some influence at Bruges. He was
well recommended to me, and came over here to learn the business and the
language, with the intention of going into trade for himself. It was not
long before I came to dislike his ways, and when, a fortnight since, he
asked me for the hand of my daughter, I repulsed him, telling him that in
the first place, she was too young to think of marriage, and that, in the
second, I liked him not, and would never give my consent to her having
him, and lastly, that she liked him as little as I did. He answered
insolently, and I then expelled him from the house, when he threatened me
that I should erelong regret my conduct. I gave the fellow no further
thought, and did not know where he bestowed himself. Doubtless he was
waiting to see whether this rabble would reach London and what would come
of it, and when they entered doubtless he endeavoured to gratify his
hatred by leading some of them hither. And now, Joanna, tell me what
befell you."

"We went safely to the leech's, father, and I got the medicine from him.
He made many apologies, but said that he had heard so much of the doings
of the rioters that he thought it best to stay indoors, and of course he
had not heard that mother was taken worse. We had come half-way back when
we fell in with a party of the rioters. Methinks they would have said
naught, but Bierstadt, whom I had not noticed, suddenly grasped me by the
arm, saying, 'This is the daughter of the Fleming to whose house I am
taking you, one of the chief oppressors of the poor.' Johann struck him in
the face, and as he loosened his hold of me I darted away. Looking back, I
saw Johann on the ground, and the mob round him were hacking at him with
their weapons. This gave me a start, and I ran, but just as I reached the
door Bierstadt overtook and seized me; then this gentleman, who was
passing, struck him a stout buffet in the face, and without waiting to see
more I hastened to give you the alarm."

"Providence surely sent you to the spot, gentlemen," the Fleming said;
"here we are absolutely safe. During the last two days I have brought down
a provision of food, wine, and water sufficient to last us for a month,
and long before that methinks this rascaldom will have been suppressed."

"There is no doubt of that, sir; my only fear is that when they cannot
discover where you are concealed, they will fire the house."

"Against that I have provided," the Fleming said. He opened the door. "See
you that stone slab, above a foot in thickness; it looks solid, but it is
not. It is worked by a counterpoise, and when it is lowered," and touching
a spring, it began to descend, thus closing the stairway, "not only would
it baffle them did they find the entrance above, but it would prevent any
fire reaching here. The staircase is of stone, and above us is a strongly
arched cellar, which would resist were the whole house to fall upon it."




CHAPTER VIII

A COMBAT IN THE TOWER


"I see that you are safe against fire, sir," Edgar said, when the stone
slab had descended and they had closed the door behind it; "but were the
walls of the house to fall in you might be buried here, as I hear many
drunken wretches were yesterday in the cellars of the Savoy."

"I have means of escape," the merchant said, going to the other side of
the apartment, where there was a massive iron door, which they had not
before noticed. "Here," he said, "is a passage leading under the street;
at the end it ascends, and is closed at the top by a massive panel in the
hall of the house opposite. When I took this house a compatriot lived
there, and it was with his consent that I made the passage, which might be
useful in case of need, to him as well as to me. He returned to Flanders
three years since, and the house has been occupied by an English trader,
who knows naught of the passage, so that, at will, I can sally out by that
way."

"And how is your dame, sir?" Albert asked. "I trust that she is none the
worse for her transport here."

"I trust not, young sir; she swooned as I brought her down, but I at once
poured some cordial between her lips, and when she opened her eyes, just
before you came down, I assured her that we were all safe, and that there
was no cause for the least fear; thereupon she closed her eyes again, and
is, methinks, asleep. When she wakes I shall give her the medicine that my
daughter brought. I trust that she will erelong recover. Her attack was
doubtless brought on by the news that we received yesterday of the murder
of so many of our countrymen. We had already talked of taking refuge here,
but deemed not that there was any pressing need of haste, for the front
door is a very strong one, and could have resisted any attacks long enough
to give us ample time to retire here."

"How do you manage to breathe here, sir, now that the stone slab is down
and the door closed? I see not how you obtain air."

"For that I made provision at the time it was built. Here are two shafts,
six inches square; this one runs up into the chimney of the kitchen and
draws up the air from here; the other goes up to a grating in the outer
wall of the house in the yard behind. It looks as if made for giving
ventilation under the floors or to the cellar, and through this the air
comes down to take the place of that drawn upwards by the heat of the
chimney."

"And now, Mynheer Van Voorden," for such they had learned was the
Fleming's name, "as there is a way of escape, we shall be glad to use it."

"I pray you do not think of doing so at present," the Fleming said. "We
know not yet whether the evil-doers have cleared off, and methinks it is
not likely that they will have gone yet. First they will search high and
low for us, then they will demolish the furniture, and take all they deem
worth carrying; then, doubtless, they will quench their thirst in the
cellar above, and lastly they will fire the house, thinking that although
they cannot find us, they will burn us with it. They will wait some time
outside to see if we appear at one of the windows, and not until the roof
has fallen in will they be sure that we have perished. Moreover, you
cannot well appear in the streets for the present in that attire, for you
might well be recognized and denounced. First of all, let me persuade you
to take such poor refreshments as I can offer you."

"Thanks, sir; of that we shall be glad, for 'tis now past noon, and we
have had but a loaf we bought at a baker's as we entered the city."

The Fleming gave orders to the servant, and they speedily had a snow-white
cloth of the finest damask on the table, and placed on it a service of
silver dishes.

"'Tis well that I had my plate brought down here yesterday," the merchant
said, smiling, "though it hardly consorts well with the fare that I have
to offer you. To-morrow, should you pay us a visit, you will find us
better prepared, for, as you see, we have a fireplace at the bottom of the
flue opening into the kitchen chimney. This was done, not only that we
might have warmth, and be able, if need be, to cook here, but to increase
the draught upwards, and so bring down more air from the other flue."

The lads, however, found that there was no need for apology, for there
were upon the dishes two chickens, a raised pasty large enough for a dozen
people, and a variety of sweets and conserves. The wine, too, was superb.
They made a hearty meal. When they had finished, the Fleming said: "Now we
will go upstairs; there is a peephole in the carving of the panel, and we
can see how matters stand."

Opening the door, they pushed up the massive stone. As they ascended the
stairs they smelt smoke, which grew thicker at each step.

"We need go no further, sirs; the house is clearly on fire, and smoke has
made its way through the peephole that I spoke of."

They waited for another half hour, and then they heard a heavy crash on
the other side of the stone barrier.

"The roof has doubtless fallen in or one of the walls," Van Voorden said.
"There is, be sure, a mob gathered to watch the flames, but in another
half hour it will have gone elsewhere; still, I should advise you to wait
until nightfall."

They saw that this would be prudent, for their attire would certainly
render them obnoxious to the rioters. They were, however, impatient to be
off and see what was being done. The Fleming's wife was still sleeping
soundly, and her husband said that he was convinced that the crisis was
passed, and that she would now recover. The Fleming asked them many
questions about themselves, and where they could be found. They told them
where they were at present lodging, but said they thought that as soon as
the present troubles were over they should return to their home in the
country.

"I myself shall be returning to Flanders, sirs. I have talked of it many
times these last five years, and after this outburst it will be long
before any of my people will be able to feel that they are safe in London.
Had it not been that the populace are as much masters in Bruges as they
are here, I should have gone long ago.

"There is, indeed, no change for the better there, but I shall settle in
Brussels or Louvain, where I can live in peace and quiet."

At the end of half an hour Edgar said: "I think that they must have
cleared off by this time. When we sally out, do you, Albert, go one way,
and I will go another. There is naught in our dress to distinguish us from
other citizens, and methinks that most of those who would have known us
again are lying under the ruins above."

They had, on first arriving below, washed the blood from their faces, and
bathed their wounds, which were by no means of a serious character. The
Fleming agreed with them that, if they separated, there would be no great
danger of their being recognized. After taking farewell of the girl, who
had all this time been sitting silently by her mother's bedside, they
passed through the iron door, preceded by the Fleming carrying a lamp.
After passing through the passage they went up a long flight of narrow
steps until their course was arrested by a wooden panel. The Fleming
applied first his eye and then his ear to a tiny peephole.

"Everything is quiet," he said; then touched a spring, pushed the panel
open a short distance, and looked out.

"All is clear; you have but to open the door and go out."

He pushed the panel farther back, pressed the lads' hands as they went
out, and then closed the entrance behind them. There was but a single bolt
to undraw; then they opened the door and stepped into the street, Edgar
waiting for half a minute to let Albert get well away before he went out.

The front wall of the opposite house, having fallen inward, quickly
smothered the fire, and although a light smoke, mingled with tongues of
flame, rose from the ruin, the place had ceased to have any attraction for
the mob, who had wandered away to look for more exciting amusement
elsewhere.

Scenes of this kind were being enacted throughout the city. Already the
restriction against plundering was disregarded, and although the men from
the counties still abstained from robbery, the released prisoners from the
jail and the denizens of the slums of the city had no such scruples, and
the houses of the Flemings were everywhere sacked and plundered. The two
friends met again at Aldgate. When they reached Tower Hill, it was, they
found, occupied by a dense throng of people, who beleaguered the Tower and
refused to allow any provisions to be taken in, or any person to issue
out.

"What had best be done, Edgar? So menacing is the appearance of the rabble
that methinks this attire would be as much out of place among them as
would our own."

"I agree with you there, Albert, and yet I know not what we are to do.
What we need is either a craftsman's dress or that of a countryman, but I
see not how the one or the other is to be obtained. Assuredly nothing is
to be bought, save perhaps bread, for the rioters have ordered that all
bakers' shops are to stand open."

He stood for a minute thinking. "I tell you what we might do," he went on.
"Let us go back into Aldgate, and then down on to the wharf. There are
many country boats there, and we might buy what we need from the sailors."

"That is a good idea indeed, Edgar."

In a quarter of an hour they were on the wharf. Many of the craft there
had no one on board, the men having gone either to join the rioters or to
look on at what had been done. The skipper of a large fishing-boat was
sitting on the wharf looking moodily down into his vessel.

"Are you the captain of that craft?" Edgar asked him.

"I used to think so," he said; "but just at present no one obeys orders,
as every Jack thinks that he is as good as his master. I ought to have
gone out with the morning's tide, but my men would not have it so, and
just at present they are the masters, not I. A murrain on such doings, say
I. I was with them when it was but a talk of rights and privileges, but
when it comes to burning houses and slaying peaceable men, I, for one,
will have naught to do with it."

"Captain," Edgar said, "I see that you are an honest man, and maybe you
will aid us. We find that there is peril in going about attired as we are,
for we aided a short time since in saving a Flemish family from massacre
by these fellows, and we need disguises. We want two countrymen's suits--
it matters not whether they be new or old. We are ready to pay for them,
but every shop is closed, and we have come down to the wharves to find
someone who will sell."

"There is no difficulty about that," the skipper said, rising from his
seat. "My own clothes would scarce fit you, but two of my crew are
somewhat of your size. Step on board, and I will overhaul their lockers,
and doubt not that I shall find something to serve your purpose. They will
not mind if they find that there is money sufficient to buy them new ones.
Indeed, there is no need for that, for if you leave behind you the clothes
you wear they will sell at Colchester for enough to buy them two or three
suits such as those you take."

There was in those days no distinctive dress worn by sailors. The captain
went down into the little cabin forward and opened two lockers.

"There," he said, "suit yourselves out of these. They are their best, for
they thought that aught would do for mixing up with the mob in the city."

So saying he went on deck again. The citizen's clothes were soon stripped
off, and the lads dressed in those they took from the lockers, and in a
few minutes they rejoined the skipper, looking like two young countrymen.

"That will do well," he said, with a laugh. "Hob and Bill would scarce
know their clothes again if they saw them on you. No, no," he added, as
Albert put his hand into his pouch, "there is no need for money, lads;
they will be mightily content with the clothes you have left. Well, yes; I
don't care if I do take a stoup of liquor. There is a tavern over there
where they keep as good ale as you can find anywhere about here."

After drinking a pint of beer with the honest skipper, they again went off
to the Tower, and mingled in the crowd. It was easy to see that it was
composed of two different sections--the one quiet and orderly, the men
looking grave and somewhat anxious, as if feeling that it was a perilous
enterprise upon which they were embarked, although still bent upon
carrying it out; the other noisy and savage--the men from the jails, the
scum of Canterbury and Rochester, and the mob of the city. Between these
classes there was no sympathy, the one was bent only upon achieving their
deliverance from serfdom, the other was solely influenced by a desire for
plunder, and a thirst for the blood of those obnoxious to them. Presently
there was a loud shout from the crowd as the drawbridge was lowered.

"Perhaps they are going to make a sally, Albert. If so, we had best make
off to our lodgings, throw off these garments, and appear in our own."

"'Tis the king!" Albert exclaimed; "and see, there is De Vere, the Earl of
Kent, and other nobles riding behind him."

"Yes; and there is your father. The king and those with him are without
armour or arms; if they had seen as much as we have seen the last two
days, they would scarce trust themselves in such a garb."

A great shout arose as the boy king rode across the drawbridge. The lads
noticed that the shout proceeded from the men who had hitherto been
silent, and that the noisy portion of the crowd now held their peace. The
king held up his hand for silence.

"My friends," he said, in a loud, clear voice, "there is no room here for
conference. Follow me to Mile End Fields, and I will then hear what you
wish to say to me, and will do what I can to give you satisfaction."

A great shout arose, and as the king rode off, most of the country people
followed him. A great mob, however, still remained. These consisted
principally of Wat the Tyler's following, who had ever been in the front
in the doings that had taken place, together with the released malefactors
and the town rabble. A few minutes after the king and his followers had
left, there was a movement forward, and a moment later, with loud shouts,
they began to pour across the drawbridge.

"What madness is this?" Edgar exclaimed. "There are twelve hundred men
there, and yet no bow is bent. It must be treachery!"

"It may be that, Edgar; but more like, orders have been issued that none
should shoot at the rioters or do them any harm, for were there any killed
here it might cost the king his life."

"That may be it," Edgar muttered; "but come on, there is no saying what
may happen."

They were now near the drawbridge, for when a part of the gathering had
left to follow the king, they had taken advantage of it to press forward
towards the gates, and in a few minutes were inside the Tower. All was in
confusion. The men-at-arms and archers remained immovable on the walls,
while a crowd of well-nigh twenty thousand men poured into the Tower with
shouts of "Death to the archbishop! Death to the treasurer!" Knowing their
way better than others, Edgar and Albert ran at full speed towards the
royal apartments. Finding themselves in a deserted passage they threw off
their upper garments.

"Throw them in here," Edgar said, opening a door; "they may be useful to
us yet."

Finding the king's chamber empty, they ran into the princess's apartment.
The princess was sitting pale and trembling, surrounded by a group of
ladies, among whom was Dame Agatha. A few gentlemen were gathered round.
Just as the lads entered, Sir Robert Hales, the treasurer, ran in.

"Madam," he said, "I beseech you order these gentlemen to sheathe their
swords. Resistance is impossible. There are thousands upon thousands of
these knaves, and were a sword drawn it would cost your life and that of
all within the Tower. They have no ill-will against you, as they showed
when you passed through them at Blackheath. I implore you, order all to
remain quiet whatever happens, and it were best that all save your
personal attendants dispersed to their apartments. Even the semblance of
resistance might excite these people to madness, and serve as an excuse
for the most atrocious deeds."

"Disperse, I pray you, knights and ladies," the princess said. "I order--
nay, I implore you, lose not a moment."

"Come," Dame Agatha said, firmly, taking hold of Aline's hand; "and do you
follow, my son, with Edgar."

They hurried along the passages, one of which was that by which the lads
had entered.

"Go on with them," Edgar said to his friend; "I will follow in a moment.
This is the room where we left our disguises."

Running in he gathered the clothes, made them into a rough bundle, and
then followed. He overtook his friends as they were mounting a staircase
which led to a room in one of the turrets. As they reached the chamber,
and the door closed behind them, Dame Agatha burst into tears.

"I have been in such anxiety about you both!" she exclaimed.

"We have fared well, mother," Albert said; "but do you lose no moment of
time. We have disguises here. I pray you put on the commonest garment that
you have, you and Aline. If you can pass as servants of the palace, we can
conduct you safely out of the crowd."

Edgar ran up a narrow flight of stone stairs, at the top of which was a
trap-door. He forced back the bolts and lifted it.

"Bring up the clothes, Albert," he called down. "We will put them on while
the ladies are changing, and we can watch from this platform what is doing
without."

They soon slipped on the countrymen's clothes over their own, and then
looked out at the scene below. Every space between the buildings was
crowded by the mob shouting and yelling. The garrison still stood
immovable on the outer walls.

"You must be right, Albert. Even if there be some traitors among them
there must also be some true men, and never would they stand thus
impassive had not the strictest orders been laid upon them before the
king's departure."

In a minute or two they saw a number of men pour out, hauling along the
Archbishop of Canterbury, Sir Robert Hales, the king's confessor, and four
other gentlemen. Then with exulting shouts they dragged their prisoners to
Tower Hill, and then forced them to kneel.

"They cannot be going to murder them!" Albert exclaimed with horror.

"That is surely their intent," Edgar said, sternly. "Would that we were
there with but a hundred men-at-arms. Assuredly there would be a stout
fight before they had their way."

"I cannot look on!" Albert exclaimed, hurrying to the other side of the
platform as a man armed with a heavy sword faced the prisoners.

Edgar did not move, but stood gazing with scowling brow and clenched hand.
Presently he turned.

"There is naught more to see, Albert. All are murdered! God assoil their
souls."

At this moment Dame Agatha called out from below that they were ready, and
they ran down at once into the chamber. Dame Agatha and her daughter were
both dressed in rough garments with hoods pulled over their faces, and
might well have passed unnoticed as being the wife and daughter of some
small trader, or superior domestics of the palace. Just as they were about
to start they heard an uproar on the stairs below. The door had been
already fastened.

"Best to open it," Edgar said; "they would but break it in."

Seven rough fellows, whose flushed faces showed that they had already been
drinking, rushed into the room.

"Who have we here?" one shouted roughly. "Two wenches and two country
lads. But what are all these fine clothes lying about; they must be nobles
in disguise. We must take them down to Tyler and hear what he has to say
to them. But, first of all, let us have a kiss or two. I will begin with
this young woman," and he rudely caught hold of Aline.

Edgar's sword flashed out, and with the hilt he struck the ruffian so
terrible a blow on the top of his head that he fell dead. An instant later
he ran another through the body, shouting to the ladies: "Quick! to the
platform above! Albert, guard the stairs after they pass. I will hold this
door. None of these fellows must go out alive."

Taken by surprise for a moment, the men made a rush at him. The nearest
was cut down with a sweeping blow that caught him on the neck, and almost
severed the head from his body. Albert had drawn his sword as soon as he
saw Edgar strike the first blow, and ran one of the men through the body,
then engaged another, who made at him fiercely, while Dame Agatha and
Aline sped up the steps. There were now but three foes left. While one
engaged with Albert and pressed him hotly, the other two attacked Edgar,
who was standing with his back to the door; but they were no match for the
young swordsman, who parried their blows without difficulty, and brought
them one after the other to the ground just as Albert rid himself of his
opponent.

"Bring the ladies down, Albert, quickly. We must be out of this before
anyone else comes."

Albert ran up. The two ladies were on their knees. "Quick, mother! There
is not a moment to be lost. It is all over, and you have to go down as
speedily as possible."

Dame Agatha passed through the scene of carnage without a shudder, for she
had more than once accompanied Sir Ralph abroad, and had witnessed several
battles and sieges, but Aline clung to Albert's arm, shuddering and
sobbing. Edgar stood at the door until they had passed out. He closed it
behind him, locked it on the outside, and threw the key through a loophole
on the stair. They met with no one until they reached the lower part of
the Tower, which the rioters were now leaving, satisfied with the
vengeance that they had taken upon the archbishop and treasurer, whom they
regarded as the authors of the obnoxious poll-tax. The party were
unquestioned as they issued out into the yard and mingled with the mob.
Here they gathered that the princess, having been roughly kissed by some
of those who first entered her apartment, had swooned with terror, and
that her attendants had been permitted to carry her down and place her in
a boat, and that she had been taken across the river.

The rioters poured out across the drawbridge with almost as much haste as
they had pressed over to enter the Tower, anxious to be away before the
king's return, when he might turn against them the whole of the garrison.
Many had intoxicated themselves by the wine in the royal cellars, and
beyond a few rough jests nothing was said to the ladies, who were supposed
to be some of the royal servants now being escorted to their country homes
by their friends. As soon as possible Edgar and Albert edged their way out
of the crowd and soon reached the door of their lodging. As soon as the
garden gate closed behind them Aline fainted. Edgar, who was walking
beside her, caught her as she fell, and carried her into the house, where
he left her for a while in the care of her mother.

The latter said before she closed the door: "Edgar, I charge you to go
back to the Tower and speak to my lord as he enters with the king. He will
be well-nigh distraught should he find that we are missing, and go up to
our chamber to look for us. Albert, do you remain here with us."

A quarter of an hour later she came down to her son.

"Aline has recovered her senses," she said, "but will have to lie quiet
for a time. Now tell me what has happened. Have any of the Court been
killed?"

Albert told her of the murder of the archbishop, the treasurer, and their
five companions.

"'Tis terrible!" she said, "and I can well understand that Edgar was so
maddened at the sight that when one of those half-drunken wretches
insulted Aline he could contain himself no longer. But it was a rash act
thus to engage seven men."

"Well, mother, if he had not smitten that man down I should have run him
through. My sword was half out when he did so. You would not have had me
stand by quietly and see you and Aline insulted by those wretches. But,
indeed, the odds were not so great, seeing that they were but rabble of
the town, and already half-drunk. Besides the man that he smote down,
Edgar killed four of them, while I had but two to encounter, which was a
fair division considering his strength and skill compared with mine. No
half measures would have been of any use after that first blow was struck.
It is certain that we should all have been killed had one of them escaped
to give the alarm."

"I am far from blaming you, Albert. My own blood boiled at the indignity,
and had I carried a dagger I believe that I should have stabbed that
fellow myself, though I had been slain a moment afterwards."

Looking out from the gate Edgar saw that the mob had now melted away.
Throwing off his disguise, he proceeded to the Tower. Half an hour later
the king rode up at a furious pace, followed by all who had ridden out
with him save the king's half-brothers, the Earl of Kent and Sir John
Holland, who, knowing their own unpopularity, and alarmed for their
safety, put spurs to their horses and rode away. The king threw himself
from his horse at the entrance, at which Edgar was standing.

"Is the news that has reached me true," he asked him, "that the princess,
my mother, has been grossly insulted by this foul rabble, and that the
archbishop, treasurer, and others have been murdered?"

"It is quite true, your Majesty; the princess has been carried across the
river in a swoon; the bodies of the gentlemen murdered still lie on the
hill."

With an exclamation of grief and indignation the king ascended the steps.

"What of my dame and daughter, Edgar?" the knight asked, as the king
turned away.

"They are both safe, and at their former lodging, Sir Ralph. Dame Agatha
sent me here to acquaint you where they were to be found; she knew that
you would be very anxious as to their safety."

"I thank her for the thought," the knight said, turning his horse's head
to go there. "Where have you and Albert been for the last two days?"

"We have slept at the lodgings, Sir Ralph, and during the day have
traversed the city in sober clothes watching what has been done."

"Then you have seen scenes which must have made you almost ashamed of
being an Englishman," Sir Ralph said, angrily. "This has been a
disgraceful business. It was bad enough to destroy John of Gaunt's palace;
for, although I love not Lancaster greatly, it was an ornament to London
and full of costly treasures. For this, however, there was some sort of
excuse, but not so for the burning of the Temple, still less for the
destruction of the great house of the Knights of St. John, and also the
manor-house of the prior of the order. I hear to-day that great numbers of
Flemings have been slain, their houses pillaged, and in some cases burnt.
Now comes the crowning disgrace. That the Tower of London, garrisoned by
1,200 men, and which ought to have defied for weeks the whole rabbledom of
England, should have opened its gates without a blow being struck, and the
garrison remained inert on the walls while the king's mother was being
grossly insulted, and the two highest dignitaries of the state with others
massacred is enough, by my faith, to make one forswear arms, put on a
hermit's dress and take to the woods. Here we are!"

The knight's two retainers ran up to take his horse as he entered the
gateway; and, vaulting off, he hurried into the house.

"Why, Agatha, you are strangely pale! What has happened? I have not had
time yet to question Edgar, and, indeed, have been talking so fast myself
that he has had no chance of explaining how you and Aline managed to get
here. You came by water, I suppose, and so escaped that crowd of knaves
round the Tower?"

"No, Sir Ralph, we escaped under the protection of your son and this brave
youth. Had it not been for them we should surely have suffered indignity
and perhaps death."

"What! were they in the Tower? How got they there, wife?"

"I have had no time to ask questions yet, husband, having been attending
Aline, who fainted after bearing up bravely until we got here. She has but
a few minutes since come out of her swoon, and I have stayed with her."

"Tell me what has happened, Albert," the knight said.

"We slept here last night, sir; and upon sallying out found the rioters
assembled round the Tower. We were clad in traders' dresses Master Gaiton
had given us; and seeing that there was no chance of entering the Tower,
while it would not have been safe to have mingled with the mob in such an
attire, we knew not what to do until Edgar suggested that we might, if we
went down to the wharf, obtain disguises from one of the vessels lying
there. We were fortunate, and exchanged our citizen clothes for those of
two sailor-men. Then we came back and mingled in the crowd. We saw the
drawbridge lowered, and the king ride off with his company, followed by
the more orderly portion of the rioters. In a few minutes, headed by Wat
the Tyler, those who remained poured across the drawbridge and were
masters of the place, not a blow being struck in its defence.

"We made our way, by back passages known to us, to the princess's
apartments, where she, with several knights and ladies, among them my
mother and sister, were waiting to see what might come. Sir Robert Hales
rushed in and prayed that no resistance be offered, as this would inflame
the passions of the mob, and cost the lives of all within the Tower. So
the princess gave orders for all to leave her save her maids, and to
scatter to their own apartments, and remain quiet there. As soon as we
reached my mother's room we besought her to put on that sombre dress, and
prayed her similarly to attire Aline, so that they might pass with us
unnoticed through the crowd. While they were doing this we went up to the
platform above, and there witnessed the murder of the archbishop,
treasurer, and priest--at least, Edgar did so, for I could not bring
myself to witness so horrible a sight.

"In a short time my mother called that she and Aline were ready. We were
about to leave the room and hurry away, when suddenly seven rough knaves,
inflamed by wine, rushed in. The leader of them said that they saw we were
people of quality, and that he would take us down before Wat the Tyler,
who would know how to deal with us; but before doing so he and his crew
would give the ladies some kisses, and thereupon he seized Aline roughly.
I was in the act of drawing my sword, when Edgar dealt him so terrible a
blow with the hilt of his that the man fell dead. Then there was a general
fight. Edgar shouted to my mother and Aline to run up the steps to the
platform above, and to me to hold the stairs, while he placed his back to
the door.

"The combat lasted but a short time, for the fellows possessed no kind of
skill. In addition to the man that Edgar had first killed he slew four
others, while I killed the other two. Then mother and Aline came down from
the platform, descended the stairs, and mingled with the mob; they were
pouring out exulting in the mischief they had done, but plainly anxious as
to the consequences to themselves. We had no difficulty in coming hither.
By the remarks we heard, it is clear that they took the ladies for two of
the princess's tirewomen, and we their friends who were going to escort
them to their homes."

"Of a truth 'tis a brave tale, Albert!" the knight exclaimed, bringing his
hand down on the lad's shoulder with hearty approbation. "By my faith, no
knights in the realm could have managed the matter more shrewdly and
bravely. Well done, Albert; I am indeed proud of my son. As for you,
Edgar, you have added a fresh obligation to those I already owe you. 'Tis
a feat, indeed, for one of your age to slay five men single-handed, even
though they were inflamed by liquor. Now, wife, what about Aline?"

"She is here to answer for herself," the girl said, as she entered the
room. "I am better, but still feel strangely weak. I could not lie still
when I knew that you were in the house. I take great shame to myself,
father. I thought I could be brave, in case of peril, as your daughter
should be, but instead of that I swooned like a village maiden."

"You are not to be blamed. So long as there was danger you kept up, and,
in truth, it was danger that might well drive the blood from the face of
the bravest woman; for the sight of that chamber, after the fight was
over, must, in itself, have filled a maid of your age with horror. Why,
the princess herself swooned on vastly less occasion. No, no, girl, I am
well pleased with you; as for your mother, she had seen such sights
before, but it was a rough beginning for you, and I think that you acted
bravely and well."




CHAPTER IX

DEATH OF THE TYLER


"What befell the king, my lord?" said Edgar.

"As far as he was concerned all went well. A multitude accompanied him to
Mile End Fields, and then, on his demanding that they should frankly tell
him what were their grievances, they handed to him a parchment containing
the four points that have from the first been asked for, and all of which
are reasonable enough. The king, after reading them, told them in a loud
voice that he was willing to grant their desires, and would forthwith
issue a charter bestowing these four points on the people. The rebels set
up a great shout, and forthwith marched away in their companies, the men
of Herts, Cambridge, and Suffolk, and all those of Essex who were there.
Nothing could have been better. We knew not that the Kentish men and some
of the Essex bands, together with the rabble of the city, had remained at
the Tower, and it was only as we rode back, believing that the trouble was
all over, that we heard what had happened."

"Will the king still grant the charter, father?" Albert asked.

"I know not. Everything has been changed by the conduct of these fellows,
and the murder of the archbishop, the lord treasurer, and others, to say
nothing of the insults to the king's mother, and the insolence of the mob
in making themselves masters of the Tower. But, indeed, the king could not
himself grant such a charter. It is a matter that must be done both by
king and parliament, and when the knights of the shires and the
representatives of the great towns meet, they will be equally indisposed
to grant concessions to men who have burned palaces, destroyed all deeds
and titles wheresoever they could find them, killed every man of law on
whom they could lay hands, and throughout all England have risen against
the lords of the soil.

"If the rabble could, whenever they had the fancy, rise in arms and
enforce any claim that they chose to propose, they would soon be masters
of all. It may be that erelong serfdom will cease, and I see not why all
men should not have the right of buying and selling in open market. As to
fixing the price of land, I think not that that can be done, seeing that
some land is vastly more fertile than others, and that the land towns is
of much greater value than elsewhere. But even in my time there have been
great changes, and the condition of the serfs is very greatly improved,
while the hardships they complain of, and the heavy taxation, are not felt
by serfs only, but are common to all.

"However, although for a time I believe that these unlawful and riotous
doings will do harm rather than good, and assuredly all those who have
taken a leading part in them will be punished, yet in the end it will be
seen that it were best that these things that they now ask for should be
granted, and that England should be content, and all classes stand
together. Undoubtedly these fellows have shown that they can bite as well
as growl, and though they would always be put down in the end, it might be
only after great effort and much heavy fighting, and after terrible
misfortunes befalling, not only towns, but all throughout the country who
dwell in houses incapable of making a long defence.

"At present we may be sure that whatever the king may promise these
varlets, parliament will grant no such charter. I myself would not that
they should do so. It would be fatal to the peace of the land for the
commons, as they call themselves, to think that they have but to rise in
arms to frighten the king and government into granting whatsoever they may
demand. And now let us eat and drink, for indeed I am both hungry and
thirsty, and I doubt not that 'tis the same with you. I told Jenkin, as I
came in, to give us something to eat, it mattered not what, so that it
were done speedily. 'Tis well that I left the two men here, otherwise we
should have found an empty larder."

"That might well have been, father," Albert said, "for our hostess and her
servants all went away yesterday, thinking that it would be safer in the
city than here, but we told Hob and Jenkin always to keep a store of food,
since there was no saying when you would all return, and that, at any
rate, even were we out all day, Edgar and I might want supper on our
return, and a good meal before leaving in the morning."

"What have you both been doing since I saw you last?" the knight asked,
when the meal was finished.

Albert told how they had seen the mayor constrained to open the bridge
gates; how the Duke of Lancaster's palace at the Savoy had been burned,
and the houses in the Temple pillaged and fired; and how the Flemings had
been murdered in great numbers, and their houses sacked and in some cases
burned.

"In faith, I am glad I was not there," Sir Ralph said, "for I think not
that I could have kept my sword in its sheath, even though it had cost me
my life."

"You charged us to take no part in broils, father," Albert said, with a
smile, "and we felt, therefore, constrained to do nothing save on one
occasion."

"Ah! ah!" the knight exclaimed in evident satisfaction, "then you did do
something. I hope that you gave a lesson to one or more of these villains.
Now that I look at you closely, it seems to me that you use your left arm
but stiffly, Albert; and you have your hair cut away in one place, Edgar,
and a strip of plaster on it. I thought it was the result of the fray in
the Tower."

"No, sir, it was in the other matter. We each got some blows--some of them
pretty hard ones--but they were of no great consequence."

"How did it come about, Albert?"

Albert gave a full account of the fray, from the time they came to the
assistance of the Flemish girl until they escaped by the secret passage.

"By St. George, wife!" the knight said, "but these young esquires shame us
altogether. While the king's knights and courtiers, his garrison of the
Tower, and the worshipful citizens of London have not among them struck
one blow at this rabbledom, they must have disposed of fully a score
between them--seven, you say, in the Tower, and, I doubt not, a good
thirteen at the door and on the stair of this Fleming's house--and to
think that we considered this boy of ours fit for nothing else than to
become a priest. This is the second time since we came up here, a
fortnight since, that they have rescued a fair lady, to say nothing of
their fathers, and without counting the saving of yourself and Aline; the
sooner they are shipped off to France the better, or they will be causing
a dearth of his Majesty's subjects. I am proud of you, lads. Who is this
Fleming? Did you learn his name?"

"Yes, sir; it was Van Voorden."

"Say you so. It seems to me that you make choice of useful men upon whom
to bestow benefits. Master Robert Gaiton is, as I learn, one of the
leading citizens of London, a wealthy man, and one who in a few years is
like to be mayor; and now you have befriended Van Voorden, who is the
richest and most influential of the Flemish merchants in London. It is to
him that the chancellor goes when he desires to raise a loan among the
Flemings, and he always manages it without difficulty, he himself, as they
say, contributing no small share of it. He is one who may be a good friend
to you indeed, and who, should fortune take you to the Low Country, could
recommend you to the greatest merchants there."

"He will be out there himself, father. He told us that he had for some
little time been thinking of returning to Flanders, and that now he should
do so at once. How was it, father, that the men-at-arms did not defend the
Tower?"

"It was not altogether their fault. When it was determined that the king
should ride out and meet the mob, the most stringent orders were given
that on no account should the archers draw a bow upon the rabble. It is
true that there were doubts whether many of them were not at heart with
the people, which was not altogether unnatural, seeing that they were
drawn from the same class and from the same counties. Still, doubtless,
most of them would have proved true, and so long as they did their duty
the others could hardly have held back; but, in truth, this had naught to
do with the order, which was simply given to prevent a broil between the
garrison and the mob, for had some of the latter been killed, it might
have cost the king his life and the lives of all with him.

"No one, however, thought for a moment that the rabble would have attacked
the Tower. We supposed, of course, that the drawbridge would be raised as
soon as we had passed over it, but whether the order was not given for it
or whether it was misunderstood I know not, but the blunder has cost the
lives of the archbishop, the lord treasurer, and others, the insult to the
princess, and the disgrace of the Tower having been in the hands of this
rascaldom. Well, I must be off there and see what is going to be done."

The knight found that the king had already gone to visit his mother, who
had, after landing, been conveyed to a house called the Royal Wardrobe, in
Bayard's Castle Ward by the Thames, where he remained until the next
morning. While there he learned that Wat the Tyler and a portion of the
Kentish men had rejected contemptuously the charter with which the men
from the counties north of the Thames had been perfectly satisfied, and
which was all that they themselves had at first demanded. Another was
drawn up craving further concessions. This was also rejected, as was a
third.

"The king is going to mass at Westminster," the knight said, "and after
that he will ride round the city. I shall go myself to Westminster with
him, and you can both ride with me, for it may be that the king on his way
may be met by the rabble, which is composed of the worst and most
dangerous of all who have been out, for in addition to Tyler's own
following, there will be the prisoners released from all of the jails and
the scum of the city. We will ride in our armour. They say there are still
20,000 of them, but even if the worst happens we may be able to carry the
king safely through them."

In the morning they took horse. The knight was in full armour; Edgar and
Albert were in body armour with steel caps. He skirted the walls of the
city and rode to Westminster. At the Abbey they found the lord mayor and
many of the leading citizens also in armour, they having come to form an
escort for the king. Richard arrived by water with several knights and
gentlemen who had accompanied him on his visit to his mother. Mass was
celebrated, and the king then paid his devotions before a statue of the
Virgin, which had the reputation of performing many miracles, particularly
in favour of English kings. After this he mounted his horse and rode off
with the barons, knights, and citizens--in all some sixty persons.

"There they are," Sir Ralph said, as a great crowd were seen gathered in
West Smithfield. "I have some curiosity to see this knave Tyler. I hear
from one of the knights with the king that he had the insolence to demand,
in addition to all the concessions offered, that all forest laws should be
abolished, and that all warrens, waters, parks, and woods should be made
common land, so that all might fish in all waters, hunt the deer in
forests and parks, and the hare wherever they chose."

When they approached the rioters, the king checked his horse, and made a
sign that he would speak with them. Wat the Tyler at once rode forward,
telling his followers to stand fast until he gave the signal.

"The insolent varlet!" Sir Ralph muttered, grasping the hilt of his sword;
"see, he lifts not his cap to the king, but rides up as if he were his
equal!"

The Tyler, indeed, rode up until his horse's head touched the flank of the
king's horse, and he and Richard were knee to knee. Nothing could exceed
the insolence of his demeanour.

"King," he said, "do you see all these men here?"

"I see them," Richard replied. "Why dost thou ask?"

"Because," the Tyler said, "they are all at my will, sworn to do
whatsoever I shall bid them."

So threatening and insolent was his manner as he spoke, keeping his hand
on his sword, that the lord mayor, who was riding next to the king,
believed that he intended to do Richard harm, and drawing a short sword,
stabbed him in the throat. Wat the Tyler reeled on his horse, and Ralph
Standish, one of the king's esquires, thrust him through the body, and he
fell dead. A great shout arose from his followers, and fitting their
arrows to the strings of their bows they ran forward with cries of
vengeance. The knights and gentlemen drew their swords, but Richard,
signing to them not to advance, rode forward.

"What are you doing, my lieges?" he cried. "Wat the Tyler was a traitor. I
am your king, and I will be your captain and guide."

The mob stood irresolute. Although they had declared war against his
councillors, they had always professed loyalty to the boy king himself.
The king then rode back to his party.

"What had we best do now?" he asked the lord mayor.

"We had best make for the fields, sire," the latter said; "if they see us
attempt to retreat they will gain heart and courage and will rush upon us,
while if we advance we may gain a little time. Sir Robert Knowles is
gathering a force in the city, and I have issued an order for all loyal
citizens to join him; they will soon be with us, then we shall put an end
to the matter."

[Illustration: THE LORD MAYOR STABS WAT THE TYLER, IN PRESENCE OF THE BOY-
KING.]

Slowly the party proceeded onwards; the mob, silent and sullen, opened a
way for them to pass, and then followed close behind them. Deprived of
their leader they knew not what to do; and as no one else came forward to
take the command, they did nothing until the king reached the open fields
by Islington. As he did so, Sir Robert Knowles, with a following of
upwards of a thousand men, rode up from the city and joined him. The mob
at once took to flight, some running through the corn-fields, while others
threw away their bows and other weapons, dropping upon their knees and
crying for mercy.

"Shall I charge them, your Majesty? We will speedily make an end of the
affair altogether."

"No," Richard replied; "many of them are but poor varlets who have been
led astray. They are no longer dangerous, and we shall have time to deal
with their leaders later on."

It was with the greatest difficulty that Sir Robert and the citizens, who
were burning with a desire to avenge the dishonour thrown upon the city by
the doings of the rioters, were restrained from taking their revenge upon
them.

"Nay, nay, gentlemen," the king said, "they are unarmed and defenceless,
and it would be an ill deed to slay them unresistingly. Rest content, I
will see that due punishment is dealt out."

"The king is right," Sir Ralph said, as he sheathed his sword. "As long as
they stood in arms I would gladly have gone at them, but to cut them down
without resistance is a deed for which I have no stomach. It was a
courageous action of the young king, lads, thus to ride alone to that
angry crowd armed with bills and bows. Had one of them loosed an arrow at
him all would have shot, and naught could have saved his life, while we
ourselves would all have been in a perilous position. Well, there is an
end of the matter. The knaves will scarce cease running until they reach
their homes."

In the meantime the insurgents throughout the country had done but little.
The nobles shut themselves up in their castles, but the young Bishop of
Norwich armed his retainers, collected his friends, and marched against
the insurgents in Norfolk, Cambridge, and Huntingdon. He surprised several
bodies of peasants and utterly defeated them. The prisoners taken were
brought before him, and putting off the complete armour which he wore, he
heard the confession of his captives, gave them absolution, and then sent
them straight to the gibbet. With the return of the peasants to their
homes the gentlemen from the country were able to come with their
retainers to town, and Richard found himself at the head of forty thousand
men.

He at once annulled the charters that had been wrung from him, while
commissioners were sent throughout the country to arrest and try the
leaders of the insurrection, and some fifteen hundred men, including all
the leaders, were executed. The men of Essex alone took up arms again, but
were defeated with great loss, as was to be expected. When parliament met
they not only approved the annulment of the charters, but declared that
such charters were invalid without their consent, and passed several
stringent laws to deter the people from venturing upon any repetition of
the late acts. Later on, the commons presented petitions calling for the
redress of abuses in administration, attributing this insurrection to the
extortions of the tax-collectors, and the venality and rapacity of judges
and officers of the courts of law.

On the day following the death of Wat the Tyler Sir Ralph told the lads
that the king desired to see them.

"He was good enough to ask me this morning how you had fared, and I told
him how you had rescued my dame and daughter, and also how you had
befriended Mynheer Van Voorden, and he at once asked me to bring you again
to him."

The king received them in private. "By St. George, gentlemen," he said,
"had all my knights and followers proved themselves as valiant as you, we
should have had no difficulty in dealing with these knaves. It seems to me
strange, indeed, that, while you are but a year older than myself, you
should have fought so valiantly, and killed so many of these rioters."

"Your Majesty should hardly think that strange," Edgar said, courteously,
"seeing how you yourself performed a far more valiant action, by riding up
to twenty thousand angry men with bows drawn and pikes pointed. I
trembled, and felt well-nigh sick when I saw you thus expose yourself to
what seemed certain death. In our case the risk was but small, for in the
fray here we had to deal with men flushed with wine, and knowing naught of
the use of their weapons, and it was the same thing in the house of the
Fleming, where, moreover, we had the advantage of ground."

The young king was evidently pleased at the compliment. "It seemed to me
that it was the only thing to do," he said, "and I had no time to think of
the danger. I have told Sir Ralph De Courcy that I would gladly knight you
both, in proof of my admiration for your courage; but he has pointed out
to me that you are as yet young, and that he would prefer--and believed
that you also would do so--to wait until you had an opportunity of winning
your spurs in combat with a foreign foe. However, it is but deferred, and
I promise you that as soon as you are two years older, I will bestow
knighthood upon you. I myself would willingly," he added, with a smile,
"have laid Van Voorden under an obligation. He is a very Croesus, and I
regard him as my banker, for he is ever ready to open his money-bags, and
to make me advances upon any tax that may have been ordered. Have you seen
him since the fray?"

"No, sire, we are going to him when we leave you, to tell him that order
is restored, and that he may now without danger leave his hiding-place."

"Van Voorden is not the only merchant in London that my son and Master
Ormskirk have had the good fortune to aid since their arrival here, your
Majesty, for they rescued from an attack by robbers outside Aldersgate
Master Robert Gaiton, who is an alderman and a foreign merchant. He had
his daughter with him, and had the lads arrived a minute later, the two
would have been killed."

"I know him," the king said; "he was one of those who rode with the lord
mayor from Westminster with me. Please tell me all about it. I love to
hear of brave deeds."

Albert told the story of the rescue.

"It was well done indeed," the king said. "I would that I could ramble
about and act the knight-errant as you do. 'Tis tiresome to be in the
hands of councillors, who are ever impressing upon me that I must not do
this or that, as if I were a child. I would gladly have you here about my
person, but, as Sir Ralph has told me, you would fain, at any rate for the
present, devote yourselves to arms, I did not press the matter, but be
assured that at any time you will find in me a friend. You have but to ask
a boon, and whatsoever it is, if it be in my power, I will grant it, and I
hope that some day I shall find you settled at Court, where," and he
laughed, "it seems to me, that honours, if not honour, are much more
easily gained than in the battle-field."

Leaving the king's presence, the lads went into the city. Van Voorden had
showed them how the sliding panel might be opened from the outside.
Already the city had resumed its usual appearance, and the people were
going about their business. They therefore found the door of the house
opposite Van Voorden's standing open. Waiting until they saw that no one
was near, they entered, opened the sliding panel, and, closing it
carefully behind them, descended the stairs. On reaching the iron door
Edgar gave three knocks, the signal that they had arranged with the
Fleming. It was opened at once.

"Welcome, my friends," Van Voorden said, as they entered. "I have not
ventured out, thinking that it would be better to remain quiet for at
least a week, rather than run any risk. What news do you bring me?"

"Good news, sir," Edgar replied; "the insurrection is at an end, the men
of the northern counties have marched away, the Tyler has been killed and
his followers have fled, loyal gentlemen with their retainers are coming
in fast, all is quiet here, the shops are open, and save for the ruins of
burnt houses there are no signs of the evil days that we have passed
through."

"That is good news, indeed. My dame is better, but I shall be glad to get
her out into the light and air. I will sally out with you at once and look
for a lodging, where we may bestow ourselves until I have wound up my
affairs and am ready to start for Flanders."

This business was soon settled. The Fleming found a compatriot whose house
had escaped sack, but who had been so alarmed that he intended to return
home at once, until order was completely restored throughout the country,
and he decided to let his house as it stood to Van Voorden. As a vessel
was sailing that evening, he arranged to give up possession at once.

"I will, with your permission," said Van Voorden, "fetch my wife and
daughter here forthwith. The former has so far recovered from her malady
that she will not need to be carried hither, but I want to get her out
from the hiding-place where she now is, for, in truth, in spite of the
precautions that were taken when it was built, the air is close and
heavy."

"By all means do so at once," the Fleming said. "There is plenty of room
in the house, for I embarked my wife and family ten days since, and there
is no one but myself and the servants here."

On the way Van Voorden had been warmly greeted by many acquaintances, all
of whom had believed him to have been killed by the rioters before they
fired his house, and on issuing out now he met Robert Gaiton.

"I am glad, indeed, to see you, Mynheer," the latter said. "I feared that
yon and yours had all perished."

"That we did not do so was owing to the valour of these gentlemen, Master
Robert; let me introduce them to you."

"I need no introduction," the merchant said, smiling, "for it is to their
valour also that I owe it that you see me here alive. If yon can spare
time to come and take your meal with me, which should be ready by this
time, I will tell you about it, and will hear from you also, how they have
done you a like service."

"I will do so gladly," Van Voorden said, "for they will not be expecting
me back for some time, as they would not deem that I could so soon find a
house for them to go to."

"Of course you will come too?" said Gaiton.

"With your permission we will decline your offer," Albert said. "My father
is detained at the Tower, and my mother and sister are alone, and will be
expecting us."

"Well, I will not press you. I do not suppose that you care about having
your good actions talked about."

"Truly, Master Robert, these young gentlemen have rendered us both rare
service," Van Voorden said, after he and Gaiton had both told their
stories. "I see not how I am to discharge any of my obligations to them.
If they had taken us both captives in war they would have put us to ransom
and we could have paid whatever was demanded, but in this case we do not
stand so."

"I feel that myself, Mynheer. A knight considers himself in no ways
lowered by taking ransom from a captive, or by receiving a purse of gold
from his sovereign. But his notions of honour will scarce admit of his
taking money for a service rendered. I have promised to fit them out with
arms, armour, and a war-horse when they go on service; but beyond that,
which is after all but a trifle to me, I see not what to do."

"I am sorry that you have forestalled me," Van Voorden said, "for I had
thought of doing that myself. I may do them a service if they should
chance at any time to go to Flanders; but beyond that I see not that I can
do aught at present. Later on, when they become knights, and take wives
for themselves, I shall step in and buy estates for them to support their
rank, and methinks that they will not refuse the gift."

"I shall claim to take part with you in that matter," Robert Gaiton said.
"I cannot count guineas with you, but I am a flourishing man, and as I
have but one daughter to marry, I have no need for my money beyond what is
engaged in trade."

"Well, we won't quarrel over that," the Fleming replied. "However, for the
present it were best to say naught of our intentions. They are noble lads.
Edgar is the leading spirit, and, indeed, the other told me, when they
were waiting till it was safe for them to leave the hiding-place, that he
had been a very weakly lad, and had been intended for the Church, but that
Edgar had been a great friend of his, had urged him to practise in arms,
which so increased his strength that he was, to his father's delight, able
to abandon the idea. He said that all he knew of arms he had acquired from
Edgar, and that, while he was still but an indifferent swordsman, his
friend was wonderfully skilled with his weapon, and fully a match for most
men."

"That he has proved for both of our benefits," Robert Gaiton said. "In
truth, they are in all ways worthy youths. I have seen much of them during
the last few days, and like them greatly, irrespective of my gratitude for
what they did for me."

On the following day the king knighted the lord mayor, William Walworth,
Robert Gaiton, and five other aldermen who had ridden with him, and
granted an augmentation to the arms of the city, introducing a short sword
or dagger in the right quarter of the shield, in remembrance of the deed
by which the lord mayor had freed him from the leader of the rioters.

Van Voorden called with Robert Gaiton upon Sir Ralph to thank him for the
services his son and Edgar had rendered him, and heard for the first time
how they had saved Dame Agatha and Aline from insult, and had slain the
seven rioters, of whom five had fallen to Edgar's sword.

"Truly a brave deed, and a prudent one," Sir Robert Gaiton said. "Once
begun, it was a matter of life and death that the business should be
carried out to the end."

"His Majesty has highly commended them," Sir Ralph said, "and would fain
have knighted them had they been a year or two older."

"I see not that age should have stood in the way," Van Voorden broke in.
"Of a surety no men could have done better, and as they have behaved as
true knights in all respects, methinks they deserve the rank."

"I cannot say you nay there, though I am the father of one of them;
nevertheless, they can well wait for a couple of years. They have not yet
learned that the first duty of a knight is to obey, and it were well they
served under some brave captain, and learned how to receive as well as
give orders. To-morrow, gentlemen, I ride to St. Alwyth, for news has come
in that the Kentish rebels, as well as those of Essex, are burning and
slaying on their way to their homes, and I must go and see to the safety
of my castle. A force will march to-morrow morning to deal with the Essex
men."

"Then, Sir Ralph, I will ride with you," Sir Robert said. "I have raised a
troop of fifty men from my ward to join those the city is gathering for
the king's aid. They are stout fellows, and will, I warrant, fight well;
and they will do as good service for the king in Kent as they would do in
Essex."

"Nay; while thanking you for your offer, I cannot so trouble you, Sir
Robert."

"'Tis no trouble. On the contrary, after what your son did for me, it will
be a pleasure to lift some small share of the burden of obligation from my
shoulders, and if you will not let me ride with you, I shall go down on my
own account."

"I thank you heartily, Sir Robert, and assuredly will not refuse so good
an offer, for my men in the castle are scarce numerous enough to make
defence against a strong attack. I doubt not that all the serfs on the
estate have been in the Tyler's following, and my vassals would scarce be
enough, even if I could gather them, to make head against a crowd."

"When do you start, Sir Ralph?"

"As soon as the gate at Aldgate is open I shall ride through it."

"Then I will be at the head of the bridge, awaiting you with my men."

"I am afraid that I cannot send a contingent, sir knight," Van Voorden
said, "for so many of my countrymen have been slaughtered that we could
scarce gather a company."

"Nay; I shall have enough with those our good friend will bring me. With
him by my side, and my son, and that stout swordsman, young Edgar, and
with fifty sturdy Londoners, who have always in their wars proved
themselves to be as good fighters as any in our armies, I would ride
through a host of the rabble."

"Will you be returning, Sir Ralph?"

"Yes; I leave my wife and daughter here, and as soon as matters are
settled, come back to fetch them."

"Then may I beg you to leave them with me?" the Fleming said, earnestly.
"They will hardly wish to go back to the Tower at present, after their
late experience of it. My wife and daughter will do their best to make
them comfortable."

"I accept your invitation for them thankfully," the knight replied. "The
Tower is already crowded, so many ladies and gentlemen have come in during
the last few days; nor do I like to leave them here without protection."

"I thank you most heartily, sir knight. It will be a pleasure, indeed, to
my wife and daughter to have ladies with them, for indeed both are
somewhat shaken from what they have gone through. I will, if it pleases
you, be at the gate to-morrow if they will accompany you so far, and will
escort them to my house; or, should you prefer it, my wife will come
thither with me to take them back after they have had their morning meal."

"Thanks, sir; but I will escort them myself and hand them over to you.
Will you kindly bring a servant with you to carry their valises, for I had
yesterday all their things removed from that room in the Tower, and at the
same time had the dead bodies of the rioters carried down and thrown into
the Thames."

"I wish that there was more that I could do," Van Voorden said to Sir
Robert Gaiton as they walked back to the city.

"I will tell you what you can do, Master Van Voorden. I had the intention
of doing it myself; but if you wish it I will relinquish it to you. I
marked as we rode two days since to Smithfield that our friend's son and
Master Edgar Ormskirk had but body armour and wore steel caps, and I
intended to buy this afternoon two complete suits for them."

"I thank you greatly for your offer; it would be a relief to me to do
something for them. Know you about their size?"

"To within an inch, for I fitted them on two citizen suits. If you like I
will go with you to Master Armstrong's. He is accounted the best armourer
in the county, and provides no small share of the armour for our knights
and nobles."

"I know his name well," the Fleming said. "I shall be glad if you will
accompany me to choose them, for indeed I am but a poor judge of such
matters."

"I would fain have two suits of the best armour in your store, Master
Armstrong," Van Voorden said, as he entered the armourer's shop. "The cost
is a matter of no account, but I want the best, and I know that no one can
supply better than yourself. My friend, Sir Robert Gaiton, will do the
choosing for me."

The armourer bowed to the wealthy Fleming, who was well known to everyone
in the city.

"'Tis but a matter of size that I have to decide upon," the alderman said,
"See and get the suits somewhat large, for the gentlemen for whom Mynheer
Van Voorden intends them have not yet come to their full stature."

The armourer led them to an inner room. "These are my best suits," he
said, pointing to a score of lay figures in armour ranged along the wall.
"They would soon get tarnished were they exposed to the fogs of London.
They are all of foreign make save these two, which, as you see, are less
ornamented than the rest. The others are all of Spanish or Milanese
workmanship. These two suits are my own make. Our craftsmen are not so
skilled in inlaying or ornamenting as the foreigners, but I will guarantee
the temper of the steel and its strength to keep out a lance thrust, a
cross-bow bolt, or a cloth-yard arrow against the best of them."

"Methinks, Mynheer," the alderman said, "that if these suits are of the
right size they were better than the Italian or Spanish suits. In the
first place, these others would scarce be in keeping with two young men
who are not yet knights, seeing that they are such as would be worn by
wealthy nobles; in the next place, there is no saying how much the lads
may grow; and lastly, I have myself promised their father to present them
with a suit of armour when they obtain the rank of knighthood."

"So be it, then," the Fleming said. "If Master Armstrong guarantees the
suits equal in strength to the others I care not, and indeed there is
reason in what you say as to their fitness for the youths."

"Will you run a yard measure round the shoulders?" Sir Robert said. One
was forty inches, the other thirty-six.

"That will do well; one is bigger than the other, and the measurement will
give them an inch or two to spare. And now as to heights. The one is five
feet ten, the other an inch less; but this matters little, seeing that
another strip of steel can be added or one taken away from the leg pieces
without difficulty. I think that they will do excellently well. And now,
what is the price?"

It was a heavy one, for the armour was of exceptional make and strength by
reason of its temper, but was still light, the excellence of the steel
rendering it unnecessary to get anything like the weight of ordinary
armour.

Van Voorden made no attempt to bargain, but merely said, "Please send them
round at once to the Golden Fleece, in the Poultry, which was till
yesterday the abode of Master Nicholas Leyd, and also furnish me with the
bill by your messenger."

"My son will come," said the armourer, "with two men to carry the armour,
and in a quarter of an hour the suits shall be at your door."

"Send also, I pray you, swords and daggers of the finest temper with each
suit, and add the charge to the account."




CHAPTER X

A FIGHT IN THE OPEN


It was seven in the evening, and Sir Ralph and his family had just
finished their evening meal, when one of the retainers announced that two
porters had brought a letter and some goods from Mynheer Van Voorden.

"Let them bring the goods in here," Sir Ralph said, "and then take them
into the kitchen and give them a tankard of ale and refreshment, and keep
them there till we have a letter ready for their master."

The party were surprised to see the bulky parcels brought in. One of the
men handed a letter addressed to Sir Ralph. "Go with my retainers, my good
fellows," the latter said, "and remain until I see what your master says.
Here, Albert, my scholarship is rusty; read what the Fleming says; it may
tell us what are in those crates."

"They are not for you, father," Aline, who had run across to look at them,
said; "one is for Albert and the other for Edgar."

The letter was as follows:--

"_To the good knight, Sir Ralph De Courcy, greeting--It seems to me that,
prone as your son and Master Edgar Ormskirk are to rush into danger in
order to aid and succour those in peril, it were but right that they
should be clad in armour suitable for such adventures, and meet that such
armour should be provided for them by one of those who has benefited by
their valour, whose life and that of his wife and daughter have been
preserved by them. Therefore I send them two suits as the only token I can
at present give them of my thankfulness and gratitude. It is feeble
testimony indeed, but none the less sincere. I know well that the armour
made by Master Armstrong could be borne by none worthier, and trust that
the swords will ever be used in the cause of right and in the protection
of the oppressed and the unfortunate._"

Aline clapped her hands joyfully as Albert finished reading the letter.

"A timely gift indeed," the knight said; "and one that does honour both to
the giver and those who receive it. Open the crates, lads, and let us see
what the worthy Fleming has sent us."

The casques were the first pieces that came to view. Albert carried his to
his father, while Aline placed Edgar's on the table in front of Dame
Agatha. The knight examined it carefully.

"I know the suit," he said, "for I was in the armourer's shop a week
before these troubles began, with the Earl of Suffolk, who had asked me to
go with him to choose a suit. This, and another like it, stood in one
corner, and mightily took my fancy, though others were there from the
master armourers of Milan and Toledo. These two suits were, however, he
thought, not as fine and ornamental as he should like; indeed, they were
scarce large enough for him, for he is well-nigh as big as I am myself,
and he chose a Milan suit, but Master Armstrong said to me, 'I see you
know a good piece of steel, sir knight, for methinks those two suits are
the best that I have ever forged, and I would not part with them for less
than the price of the very finest of those inlaid ones. I have tried their
strength in every way and am proud of them, but it may be that I shall
keep them here for some time before I sell them. The foreign arms are now
all the fashion, and those who can afford the best would take the more
showy of the foreign suits, but I would not bate a penny in their price
were these two suits to stand in my shop as long as I live. Do you see
that tiny mark?--you need to look closely at it to make it out. That was
made by a cloth-yard arrow shot by an archer, who is reputed the strongest
in the city, and who carries a bow that few others can bend to its full;
he shot at a distance of five yards, and I doubt if among all those suits
you would find one that would have stood such a test without a deep dint.'
'Tis a noble gift, lads, and the Fleming, whom I should hardly take to be
a judge of armour, must either have had a good adviser with him, or he
must have trusted himself wholly to Master Armstrong's advice."

"'Tis like enough, father, that Sir Robert Gaiton may have gone with him
to choose them when they left us yesterday. I have heard him say that
though 'tis in the stuffs of Italy and the East that he chiefly deals,
that his agents abroad sometimes send him suits of the finest Milan
armour, swords of Damascus, and other such things, for which he can always
find purchasers among the nobles who deal with him. He therefore would
probably be a good judge."

By this time the crates were completely unpacked, and the armour, with the
swords and daggers, laid upon the table, where the two lads surveyed them
in silent admiration.

"Put them on," Sir Ralph said. "I know that you are longing to do so, and
it would be strange were you not. Do you buckle them on the lads, dame.
You have done me the service many a time, and it is right that you should
be the first to do it for Albert. Aline, do you wait upon Edgar. As you
are new to such work, your mother will show you how to do it, but seeing
that he has struck five mortal blows in your defence, it is right that you
should do him this service."

Aline coloured with pleasure. Her mother first instructed her how to arm
Edgar, and then herself buckled on Albert's harness. Their swords were
girt on, and the casques added last of all.

"They look two proper esquires, wife," the knight said; "and as we ride
to-morrow I shall make but a sorry show beside them."

"Ah, father," said Albert, "but your armour has many an honourable mark,
and it can be seen that, if it is not as bright as ours, 'tis in battle
that its lustre has been lost, while all can see that, bright as our
armour may be, it has not had the christening of battle."

"Well put!" his mother said, softly. "There was no more noble figure than
your father when I first buckled his armour on for him. It was a new suit
he had taken from a great French lord he had overthrown in battle, and I
was as proud of him as I now feel of you, for you have shown yourself
worthy of him, and though your arms are unmarked, 'tis but because your
battles were fought before you had them."

"We had hardly ventured to hope for this, dame," Sir Ralph said, with a
strange huskiness in his throat. "No knight could have begun a career more
creditably or more honourably. Three times has he fought--once on behalf
of you and Aline, twice for men and women in danger. In what better causes
could he have first fleshed his sword? Now, unbuckle him at once, dame,
that he may write in my name a letter of thanks to this noble Fleming. I
have not written a letter for years, and our friend would scarce be able
to decipher it were I to try." Then he went on, as she removed Albert's
casque: "There was good taste as well as judgment in the purchase of those
arms, Agatha. To me who knows what arms are, they are superb, but to the
ordinary eye they would seem no better than those generally worn by
knights or by esquires of good family; whereas, had he bought one of these
damascened suits it would at once have attracted attention, and the lads
would have been taken for great nobles. I doubt not that guided the stout
alderman in his choice. He is a man of strong sense and sober taste, and
had he not been born a merchant he would have made a rare good fighter."

As soon as Albert's harness was taken off he sat down and wrote, in his
fair clerkly hand, a letter of the warmest thanks on the part of Sir
Ralph, Edgar, and himself to Van Voorden. After this had been sent off,
the swords and daggers were examined and admired, Sir Ralph declaring the
former to be of the finest Toledo steel and the latter to come from
Damascus. Edgar had said little, but he was even more delighted with his
new acquisition than Albert. To have a good suit of armour had been his
greatest ambition, but his father was by no means wealthy, and he had
thought that his only chance of obtaining such a suit would be to
overthrow some French noble in battle.

The next morning they were up betimes, and mounted a few minutes before
the hour at which the city gates would be opened. Sir Ralph and his dame
rode first, Aline took her place between her brother and Edgar, the latter
keeping a watchful eye over her horse, which was fresh after six or seven
days' idleness. The two retainers rode behind, having the ladies' valises
strapped behind them. The city churches rang out the hour when they were
within a hundred yards of the gate, and as this opened, Van Voorden, with
his daughter behind him on a pillion, rode out to meet them, followed by
two mounted men.

"That is thoughtful and courteous of him, dame," the knight said. "He
might well have come alone; but it is kindly of him as well as courteous
to bring his daughter."

As the party met, the Fleming bowed deeply to Lady Agatha.

"I have brought my daughter with me," he said, "in that I might introduce
her to you, and that she might assure you, in her mother's name, of the
pleasure your visit will give her."

"'Tis kind and courteous of you, Mynheer Van Voorden," Dame Agatha said,
as, leaning over, she shook his daughter's hand.

"My mother bade me say that she is impatiently waiting your coming, and
that your visit will give her the greatest pleasure--and yours also,
Mistress Aline," she added, as the girl rode up, "and I am sure that it
will give me great pleasure too."

Joanna Van Voorden was some two years older than Aline. Both were fair,
but of a different type, for while Aline's hair was golden, the Joanna's
was of a tawny red. Even making allowance for the difference in age, she
was of a heavier build than the English girl, and gave signs of growing up
into a stately woman.

"And now, Master Van Voorden," the knight said, as the latter turned his
horse, and they proceeded on their way, "I must repeat in person what I
said in my letter, how deeply obliged we are to you for the superb suits
of armour you sent last night to my son and his friend."

"Speak not of it again, I pray you," the merchant said. "I owe them a debt
of gratitude that I never can hope to repay, and the harness was indeed
but a slight token of it. I can only hope that some day I may have an
opportunity of more worthily testifying my gratitude. We shall scarcely be
able to lodge you, lady," he went on, turning to Dame Agatha, "as I could
have done in my house at Bread Street, for the one I have hired, although
comfortable enough, is much less commodious; still, I doubt not that you
will find your rooms more comfortable than those you occupied in the
Tower, for indeed, as yet, even English palaces, stately though they be,
have not the comforts that we Flemings have come to regard as
necessaries."

"So I have understood, sir, but I think that some of our city merchants
cannot be far behind you, judging from what my daughter has told me of the
abode of Sir Robert Gaiton."

"No; many of the London traders are in this respect far better housed than
any of the nobles with whose castles I am acquainted, and Sir Robert has,
in Italy and elsewhere, had opportunities of seeing how the merchant
princes there live. I have known him for some years. He is one of the
foremost men in the city; he has broad and liberal ideas, and none of the
jealousy of us Flemings that is so common among the citizens, although my
countrymen more directly rival him in his trade than they do many others
who grumble at us, though they are in no way injured by our trading."

So they chatted until they reached the spot where the knight required to
turn off towards the bridge. There was a moment's pause, the valises were
transferred to the saddles of the Van Voorden's followers, while adieux
were exchanged. Then the Fleming's party turned to the right, while the
knight, Edgar, Albert, and the two retainers trotted down at a smart pace
to the bridge. Here Sir Robert Gaiton, in full armour, with fifty stout
men-at-arms, were awaiting them.

"Good morrow, Sir Ralph, and you, young sirs," Sir Robert said, as they
rode up. "Let me congratulate you on your armour, which becomes you
mightily."

"And for which," Sir Ralph put in, "I think we have somewhat to thank you
for choosing."

"Yes; I went with Van Voorden to Master Armstrong's, not so much to choose
the harness as to give my opinion as to the size required, and these suits
greatly took my fancy. The armourer guaranteed their temper, and they
were, as it seemed to me, about the right size; for although just at first
they may be somewhat roomy, 'tis a matter that a few months will mend.

"Are they comfortable, Edgar?" he added.

"I suppose as much so as any armour can be, Sir Robert; but 'tis the first
time I have worn such things, and they seem to me marvellously to confine
me, and with the vizor down I should feel well-nigh stifled in my casque,
and as if fighting in the dark."

"You will get accustomed to it in a short time. I know that when I began
to be known in the city, and found that I must, like others of the better
class of citizens, ride in full armour when occasion offered, I felt just
as you do. Perhaps more so, for I was some seven or eight years older, and
less accustomed to changes, but even now I would far rather fight with my
vizor up, save that one must have its protection when arrows or cross-bow
bolts are flying; but as against other knights I would always keep it up;
the helm itself and the cheek-pieces cover no small part of the face, and
naught but a straight thrust could harm one, and I think I could trust my
sword to ward that off. However, I have never yet had occasion to try. I
have had more than one encounter with Eastern and African pirates during
my voyages, but I have never taken my helmet with me on such journeys, and
have not suffered by its loss."

By this time they were across the bridge, and, proceeding at a sharp trot,
until beyond the boundaries of Southwark, they broke into a gallop. When,
after going at this pace for three or four miles, they reined their horses
into a walk, Sir Ralph said, "Albert, if it likes you, you can remove your
helmet and carry it on your saddle-bow."

"Thanks, father; indeed I was well-nigh reeling in my saddle with heat.
Edgar, will you take yours off?"

"No, thank you, I have got to get accustomed to it, and may as well do so
now as at any other time." Under their helmet both wore a small velvet
cap. "You are looking quite pale, Albert," Edgar went on, as his friend
unhelmed.

"It is not everyone who is made of iron, as you are," Albert laughed. "You
must make allowances for me. In another year or two I hope that I too
shall be able to bear the weight of all these things without feeling them;
but you must remember that it is not two years since I began hard
exercise, while you have been at it since your childhood."

"I don't forget it, Albert, and I wonder at you daily."

At Greenwich they heard many tales as to the damage committed by the
peasants on their homeward way. Houses had been sacked and burnt, and many
persons of substance killed.

"The king ought to have let us charge the fellows," Sir Ralph said, as
they went forward again. "When men find that they get off without
punishment for misdeeds, they will recommence them as soon as the danger
is past. One lesson would have made itself felt over the whole land. I
heard last night that there was news that many manors and the houses of
men of law have been destroyed in Essex, and that the rioters have
beheaded the Lord Chief-Justice of England, Sir John of Cambridge, and the
Prior of St. Edmondsbury, and set tip their heads on poles in the market-
place of Bury, and have destroyed all the charters and documents of the
town. We shall have great trouble before order is restored, whereas had we
charged the rioters of Kent, who are the worst of all, the others would
have been cowed when they heard of the slaughter. By our lady, we will
give these fellows a rough lesson if we find them besieging our castle."

"Is it a strong place, Sir Ralph?"

"No. With a fair garrison it could easily repel any assault by such
fellows as these, but it could not stand for a day against an attack by a
strong body of men-at-arms, even if they were unprovided with machines."

When within five miles of the castle they obtained sure news that it was
attacked by some two thousand of the rioters, but that so far as was known
it was still holding out.

"Shall we gallop on, Sir Ralph?" the alderman asked.

"Nay, we will rather go more slowly than before, so that our horses may be
in good wind when they arrive. We shall need all their strength, for we
may have to charge through them two or three times before they break and
run, and then we will pursue and cut them up as long as the horses have
breath. These fellows must have a lesson, or we shall never be able to
dwell in peace and quiet."

When within half a mile of the castle they saw that the flag was still
flying above it, and knew that they had arrived in time. Then Albert put
on his helmet again, and the two lads followed the example of Sir Ralph
and the alderman, and lowered their vizors, for, as the knight said,
"Though some of the knaves threw away their bows at Smithfield, many of
the others took them away." On reaching a field near the castle, they
could see that a fierce fight was going on. The rioters had procured
ladders, and were striving to climb the walls, while a small party of
armed men were defending the battlement.

"By St. Mary, we are but just in time!" the knight said. "We four will
ride in front. Sir Robert, will you bid your men form in two lines and
follow us, one line twenty yards behind the other. Bid them all keep
together in their rank, the second line closing up with the first if the
fellows make a stout resistance, but above all things they must keep in
their order, and follow close behind us."

The alderman raised his voice, and repeated the orders to the men.

"The reports as to the rascals' numbers were about right," Sir Ralph said.
"Now, boys, do you keep between us, and leave a space of some three yards
between each horse, so as to give each man room to swing his sword. Now,
Sir Robert, let us have at them."

Going slowly at first, they increased their speed to a fierce gallop as
they neared the mass of rioters. They had been noticed now. The men on the
ladders hastily climbed down again; confused orders were heard, and many
were seen separating themselves from the main body and flying. The mass of
the rioters, however, held their ground, seeing how small was the number
of their opponents. A flight of arrows was shot when they were some sixty
yards distant, but as all were bending forward in their saddles, and the
arrows were shot in haste, most of them fell harmless; three or four of
the horses were struck, and plunged violently from the pain, but still
kept on with the others. With a shout the party fell upon the rioters, the
weight of the riders and horses throwing great numbers to the ground,
while the knights and their followers hewed right and left with their
swords.

The bravest spirits had thrown themselves in front, and once the troops
had cut their way through these, but little resistance was met with
beyond, the peasants seeking only to get out of their way. As soon as they
were through the crowd they turned again, and in the same order as before,
charged the mob, with the same success. As they drew up and again turned,
Sir Ralph ordered them to charge this time in single line.

"They are becoming utterly disheartened now," he said, "and we shall sweep
a wider path."

This time when they drew up they saw that the crowd had broken up, and the
rioters were flying filled with dismay through the fields.

"Chase and slay!" Sir Ralph shouted, raising his vizor that his voice
might reach all; "give no quarter; the business must be ended once and for
all."

Edgar and Albert both threw up their vizors--there was no fear of arrows
now, and both felt half stifled. There was no longer any order kept, and
the horsemen followed the fugitives in all directions. The two lads kept
together so as to be able to give each other assistance should any stand
be made. None, however, was attempted; the greater portion of the rioters
had thrown away their arms, and when overtaken they raised cries, for
mercy.

"You gave none to the Flemings," the lads shouted in return, infuriated by
the scenes that they had witnessed in London; and for an hour they
followed the fugitives, sparing none who came within reach of their
swords.

"We have done enough now," Albert exclaimed at last; "I am fairly spent,
and can scarce lift my sword."

"My horse is spent, but not my strength," Edgar said, as he reined up.
"Well, we have avenged the Flemings, and have done something towards
paying these fellows for their insults to the princess. Now let us wend
our way back; I must say good-bye to Sir Ralph and the sturdy alderman,
and will then ride home and see how my father has fared. I have little
fear that any harm has befallen him, for his magic would frighten the
rioters even more than our swords. Well, our armour has stood us in good
stead, Albert. When we charged the first time I was several times struck
with bill-hook and pike, and more than one arrow shivered on my breast-
piece, but I found that the blows all fell harmless, and after that I
wasted no pains in defending myself, but simply struck straightforward
blows at my opponents."

"I found the same, Edgar; the weapons glanced off the armour as a stone
would fly from a sheet of strong ice."

For a while they rode slowly to give their horses time to recover wind.
When they had done so, they rode more rapidly, and, keeping a straight
line--they had before ridden a devious course in pursuit--they arrived in
an hour at the castle. Here they found that most of the horsemen had
already returned. Two hundred bodies lay dead on the ground over which
they had charged so often; and when notes were compared they calculated
that no less than five hundred of the rioters had been slain.

"I think we shall hear no more of rioting in this neighbourhood," Sir
Ralph said, grimly. "If the king had but taken my advice and ridden out to
Blackheath with his knights and half the garrison of the Tower, and with
such aid as the loyal citizens would have furnished him, he and the city
would have been spared the humiliation that they have suffered. One blow
struck in time will save the need of twenty struck afterwards. Had we but
killed a thousand on Blackheath it would have spared us the trouble of
slaying perhaps ten times that number now; would have saved the lives of
many honourable gentlemen throughout the country, to say nothing of the
damage that has been wrought in London. So you are riding home, Edgar? You
are right, lad; I trust you will find all quiet there."

"Would you like twenty of my men to ride with you?" the alderman asked.

"No, thank you, Sir Robert; my father, who, as I told you, is a man of
science, has prepared sundry devices, any one of which would terrify these
peasants out of their wits; and if they have troubled him, which is like
enough, I will warrant that he has given them as great a scare as we have
given these fellows to-day."

"At any rate, Edgar, you had best take a fresh horse. Yours has done a
good day's work, indeed; and it is just as well that you should bestride
an animal that can carry you off gaily should you fall in with another
party. There are half a dozen in the stalls. I don't suppose they have
been out since we have been away; besides, methinks that after such hot
work as we have been doing a cup of wine will do us all good."

Edgar, therefore, rode into the castle, and while he was taking a cup of
wine and a hasty meal in the hall, Sir Ralph's servitors changed his
saddle to a fresh horse, and the lad then started for home. Confident as
he felt, it was still a great satisfaction to him to see that no signs of
violence were visible as he approached the house. The door in the gate was
indeed closed, contrary to usual custom.

Dismounting, he rung the bell. A small grille in the door opened, then the
servitor's head appeared.

"Now then, Andrew, what are you staring at? Why don't you open the gate?"

"I was not sure that it was yourself, Master Edgar. In that grand helmet I
did not at first make you out. Well, I am glad that you have come back
safely, young master, for we heard of parlous doings in London."

"Yes, I have come back all right. I hope that everything has gone on well
here."

"Ay, ay, sir; we had a bit of trouble, but, bless you, the master sent
them running, most scared out of their senses." And the man burst into a
fit of laughter.

"Here, take the horse, Andrew; I must go in to see him."

"Hulloa! hulloa!" Mr. Ormskirk exclaimed; "is this really my son?"

"It is, father; and right glad am I to see you safe and well. I told Sir
Ralph that I felt sure you would be able to hold your own here; still, I
was very pleased when I saw that the gate stood uninjured, and that there
were no signs of attack."

"Has Sir Ralph come back?" Mr. Ormskirk asked; "and knows he that the
rabble are besieging his castle?"

"Were besieging, father; for with us came a worthy city knight with a
troop of fifty stout men; and we have given the rioters such a lesson that
methinks there will be no more rioting in this part of Kent, for from four
to five hundred of them have been slain, and I believe all the rest are
still running!"

"It was a lesson much needed, Edgar, for after their doings in London
these fellows would never have been quiet, had they not been roughly
taught that they are but like a flock of sheep before the charge of men-
at-arms.

"But whence this armour, my son? Truly it is a goodly suit. My coffer is
so low that I know not how I shall make shift to pay for it."

"It is a gift, father, and Albert has one like it. 'Tis of the finest
steel, and is, as you see, all undinted, though it has had many a shrewd
blow from arrow, bill-hook, and pike in to-day's fight. But the story is a
long one to tell, and I pray you, before I begin it, to let me know how
matters have fared here, for I hear from Andrew that you have not been
left entirely alone."

Mr. Ormskirk smiled. "No, I had a goodly company three days ago. Some
hundred of men from Dartford joined, I am sorry to say, by a good share of
those at the village, came round here in the evening with the intent, as
they were good enough to say, of roasting the witchman in his bed. Andrew
had brought me news of their intentions, so I was ready for them. I had
gone out and had painted on the door, with that stuff I told you of, the
rough figure of a skeleton holding a dart in his hand. It was of the same
colour as the door, so that it did not show in the daylight. Then I fixed
along on the top of the wall a number of coloured lights that I had seen
in use in Italy on fête days, and of which I learned the composition. I
had, as I told you before, placed cases of Friar Bacon's powder round the
house, and had laid trains to them by which they could be fired from
within the wall.

"Had it been dark when they came the skeleton and that skull would have
sufficed; but it wanted still an hour before these devices would be of
use. I made them out in the distance, and thought that something else
would be needed. Therefore I got that Eastern gong that I purchased as a
curiosity at Genoa, and lighted a fire in the courtyard. As soon as they
approached I threw pitch into the fire, making thereby a great column of
smoke, and set Andrew to beat the gong furiously, telling him to shout and
yell as he pleased. Then I went to an upper window to observe the effect.
The crowd had halted some fifty yards away and stood open-mouthed gazing
at the place, and indeed it was no wonder that such ignorant men were
scared, for truly the yelling of Andrew and the noise of the gong were
enough to frighten anyone who knew not what it meant.

"For some time it seemed to me that they would depart without venturing
farther, but some of the bolder spirits plucked up courage and went about
among the others shouting that no true Kentish man would be frightened by
a noise that meant nothing, they had but to break down the door and they
would soon put an end to it. However, the night began to fall before they
got fairly in motion, and I went down and prepared to fire the powder
should it be needful, and besides I hoisted the skull above the parapet
over the gate. Thinking that the light of the phosphorus might not show up
well a short distance away, I placed in addition some red fire in the
skull. I then got on the wall, and sat down where I could peep out without
being seen. Shouting a great deal to encourage each other, they came on
until within a few paces of the gate. Then I heard a sudden cry, and those
in front pushed back and stood staring at the door as if bewitched; then
all ran away some distance. After much talk they came forward again,
timidly pointing to the figure as they advanced.

"This was now, doubtless, plain enough to be well made out fifty yards
away. There they came to a halt again. Then I called out to Andrew to
light the fire in the skull, and set the jaw wagging, having so balanced
it, that having been once set going it would wag for two or three minutes
before it stopped. Then he ran one way with a brand from the fire, and I
the other, and twelve green fires burst out. There was a yell of horror
when the skull was made out The alarm was doubtless heightened by the
green fire, they having never seen such a thing before, and they started
to run wildly off. To hasten their flight I ran down and fired four of the
powder cases, which exploded with a noise that might have been heard at
Dartford.

"After that Andrew and I went quietly to bed, sure that not another soul
would venture to attack the house. Andrew went into the village in the
morning. He found that some of the men had been well-nigh killed by
fright. All sorts of tales were told of great blazing skeletons that
dashed out from the gate with dart in hand, and of a skull that breathed
out red fire from a blazing mouth, and grinned and gibbered at them. As to
the noises and the ghastly green fire, none could account for them, and I
do believe that there is not a villager who would approach within a
quarter of a mile of the house after dark, on any condition."




CHAPTER XI

AN INVITATION


Edgar laughed heartily at his father's account of the success of his
defence of the house. Then he said: "I hope, father, that distorted
accounts of the affair may not get you into trouble with the Church."

"I have no fear of that, Edgar. I had shown the prior my preparations, and
he approved of them heartily, being a man of much broader intelligence
than is common. Indeed, he begged of me a pot of my shining paste, and
with it painted the stone crucifix over the abbey gateway. And it was well
that he did so, for last night some men came out from Dartford with intent
to plunder the priory of its deeds and muniments, but on seeing the
glowing crucifix, they went off in fear and trembling, and the villagers
were saying this morning that the priory had been protected by a miracle,
while you see in my case they attribute it to the work of the devil. And
now, Edgar, tell me all that has befallen you since you went away."

Edgar related the various adventures that had happened.

When he had concluded, his father said: "Truly, Edgar, you have been
fortunate indeed, which is another way of saying that you have skilfully
grasped the opportunities that presented themselves. The man who bemoans
ill-fortune is the man too apathetic, too unready, or too cowardly to
grasp opportunity. The man who is called fortunate is, on the other hand,
he who never lets a chance slip by, who is cool, resolute, and determined.
During the time that you have been away you have made friends of two
wealthy merchants, and have rendered them both high services; you have
also as greatly benefited our neighbour, Sir Ralph De Courcy, and have
placed your foot so firmly on the ladder, that 'tis your own fault if you
do not rise high. And now, what think you of doing?"

"I have the intention of staying at home for a while, father. There will
be troubles for a time, but I care not to take part in the hunting down of
these poor peasants north of the river, who, unlike these fellows, were
well content when the king offered them the charter granting their
demands, and retired peacefully to their homes. So I would rather remain
here quietly until I have a chance of drawing sword in a foreign war,
either against the French or the Scots."

"I think that you are right; and, moreover, although you have proved your
manhood against men, you can hardly, when with an army, be regarded as
more than a young esquire till another year or two have gone over your
head."

Two days later, finding that all was now perfectly quiet, and that there
was no probability whatever of a renewal of the troubles, Sir Ralph went
up to London with the city knight and his company. They had ridden over on
the previous day to call upon Mr. Ormskirk to thank him for the services
that Edgar had rendered them, and upon which they entered in much fuller
detail than Edgar had allowed himself. In return he gave them a
description of the defence of his house, in which Sir Robert was greatly
interested, going down into the laboratory and examining the luminous
paint and its effect upon the skull.

"It is a goodly device," he said, "and though I myself have, during my
visit to Italy, come to believe but little in the superstitions that are
held by the mass of the people, I own that my courage would have been
grievously shaken if I had encountered suddenly that gibbering head. How
long does the effect last?"

"Three or four days. I believe that it is a sort of slow combustion which,
although it has no sensible heat, gradually consumes the particles that
give rise to it. It may be that further researches will lead to a
discovery by which the light might be made permanent, and in that case the
invention would be a useful one. I have, however, no time to follow it up,
being engaged in more serious matters, and regard this as a mere
relaxation from more important work."

"And yet, methinks," the merchant said, "that were men of science, like
yourself, to devote themselves to such discoveries, instead of searching
for the secrets that always evade them, they might do good service to
mankind. Look at this discovery of Friar Bacon's. So far, I grant that it
has led to nothing, but I can see that in the future the explosive power
of this powder will be turned to diverse uses besides those of machines
for battering down walls. Were this light of yours made permanent it would
do away with the necessity for burning lamps indoors. What could be more
beautiful than a hall with its ceilings, rafters, walls, and pillars all
glowing as if in the moonlight? For methinks the light resembles that of
the moon rather than any other."

"Were I a young man I would take up such matters, Sir Robert, for I
believe with you that the time might be more usefully spent; but 'tis too
late now. 'Tis not when one's prime is past that men can embark in a fresh
course or lay aside the work for which they have laboured for so many
years."

"And which, even if made, might bring more woe than good upon the world,"
Sir Robert said. "Where would be the value of gold if other metals could
at will be transformed into it? When first produced, it might enable
monarchs to raise huge armies to wage war against their neighbours; but,
after a time, its use would become common. Gold would lose its value, and
men would come to think less of it than of iron, for it is not so strong
nor so fitted for weapons or for tools; and then some other and rarer
metal would take its place, and alchemists would begin their work again in
discovering another philosopher's stone that would transmute other metals
into the more valuable one."

Mr. Ormskirk was silent. "I think, Sir Robert," he said, at last, "that we
alchemists do not work solely for the good of mankind, nor give a thought
to the consequences that might follow the finding of the philosopher's
stone. We dream of immortality, that our name shall pass down through all
ages as that of the man who first conquered the secret of nature and made
the great discovery that so many thousands of others have sought for in
vain."

"It is assuredly an ambition as worthy as many others," Sir Robert said,
thoughtfully. "A knight would be ready to risk his life a thousand times
in order to gain the reputation of being one of the foremost knights of
Europe. A king would wring the last penny from his subjects for a rich
monument that will, he thinks, carry down his name to all time; and
doubtless the discovery of a secret that has baffled research for hundreds
of years, is at least as worthy an ambition as these--far more laudable,
indeed, since it can be carried out without inflicting woes upon others.
And now farewell, Mr. Ormskirk. I trust that your son will always remember
that in me he has a friend ready to do aught in his power for him. I am
but a simple citizen of London, but I have correspondents in well-nigh
every city in Europe, and can give him introductions that may be valuable
wheresoever he goes, and I shall be grieved indeed if he does not avail
himself of my good-will and gratitude."

Three days later Sir Ralph returned to St. Alwyth from London with his
dame and Aline. For some weeks time passed quietly and pleasantly to
Edgar. The intimacy between the two houses became even closer than before,
and Sir Ralph's report of Edgar's doings in London caused him to be
frequently invited to the houses of all the well-to-do people in the
neighbourhood. In the meantime the insurrection had been finally crushed.
The commissioners in various parts of the country were trying and
executing all who had taken any lead in the movement, and until a general
amnesty was passed, two months later, every peasant lived in hourly dread
of his life. They had gained nothing by the movement from which they had
hoped so much, and for a while, indeed, their position was worse than it
had ever been before.

In time, however, as the remembrance of the insurrection died out, it bore
its fruits, and although there was no specific law passed abolishing
serfdom, the result was arrived at insensibly. Privileges were granted,
and these privileges became customs with all the effect of the law, and
almost without their knowing it, the people became possessed of the rights
for which their fathers had in vain taken up arms. Three weeks after
Edgar's return from London a royal commission came down to Dartford, and
the authorities of the town and others were called upon to name the
leaders of the insurgents.

Sir Ralph, who was one of those summoned, said that he was altogether
unable to give any information. He had been away when the first outbreak
took place. On his return he found his castle besieged, but having with
him fifty stout men-at-arms, he attacked and pursued the insurgents, and
nearly five hundred of them were slain. But fighting, as he did, with his
vizor down, and having, for a time, as much as he could do to defend
himself, he had recognized no one, and indeed, so far as he knew, he did
not see one among the rioters with whose face he was acquainted.

Two days later, as Edgar was riding back from Sir Ralph's castle, he came
suddenly upon a man at a cross-road. He was one of the villagers.

"Well, Master Ormskirk," he said, folding his arms, "you can kill me if
you will, and it will be best so, for if you do not I shall live but the
life of a hunted dog, and sooner or later fall into their hands."

"Why should I kill you, Carter? I have naught against you."

"Then it was not you who denounced me as one of those who fought against
you at De Courcy's castle?"

"Not I, assuredly. I have had no communication whatever with the
commissioners, nor did I know that you were one of those we encountered
there."

"Someone has given my name," the man said, moodily. "I suppose it was some
of those at Dartford, for it is true enough that I joined the Tyler the
day he slew the collector. I thought that he had done rightfully, and it
may be that, like a fool, I have exhorted others to join him to win our
charter of rights, I thought it was to be got honestly, that no harm was
to be done to any man; but when we got to London, and I saw that the Tyler
and others intended to slay many persons of high rank and to burn and
destroy, I was seized with horror, and made my way back. When the others
returned I was fool enough to let myself be persuaded to join in the
attack on Sir Ralph's castle; and for that and the speeches, it seems that
I am to be tried and hung. You had best run me through, Master Ormskirk,
and have done with it; I would rather that than be hung like a dog."

"I shall do nothing of the kind, Carter. I have known you for years as an
honest, and a hard-working fellow. Here are a couple of crowns with which
you can make your way to London."

"'Tis no good, sir. I hear that there are parties of men on every road,
and that orders have been given in every township to arrest all passers-
by, and to detain them if they have not proper papers with them. Well, I
can die better than some, for I lost my wife last Christmas, and have no
children; so if you won't do my business for me I will go straight back to
Dartford and give myself up."

"No, no, Carter. Do you go into that wood, and remain there till
nightfall; then come to our house and knock at the gate, and you can
shelter there as long as you like. As you know, there are few indeed who
come there, and if I get you a servitor's suit, assuredly none of our
visitors would recognize you, and as for the village folk, you have but to
keep out of their way when they come with wood, meat, and other matters.
It may not be for long, for 'tis like that I shall be going to the wars
soon, and when I do so I will take you with me as my man-at-arms.
Moreover, it is probable that when the commissioners have sat for a time,
and executed all the prominent leaders of this rioting, there will be an
amnesty passed. What do you say to that?"

"I say, God bless you, sir! I know well enough that I deserve everything
that has befallen me, for of a surety the murders that were done in London
have so disgraced our cause that no one has a right to look for mercy.
However, sir, if you are willing to give me such shelter as you say, I
will serve you well and faithfully, and will right willingly imperil the
last drop of my blood in your service."

"Then it is agreed, Carter. Come soon after nightfall. I am sure that my
father will approve of what I am doing, and should the worst come to the
worst, and you be discovered, he would be able to say truly that he knew
not that you were wanted for your share in the matter, for, indeed, he
takes but small notice of what is passing without. Now you had better be
off at once to hiding before anyone else comes along."

"Father," Edgar said, when he returned, "I have taken on an additional
servitor in the house. He will cost you naught but his food while he is
here, and he will ride with me as my man-at-arms if I go abroad. He is a
stout fellow, and I beg that you will ask me no questions concerning him,
and will take him simply on my recommendation. He will not stir out of the
house at present, but you may make him of use in your laboratory if you
can."

"I think that I understand, Edgar. After a business like that which is
just over, vengeance often strikes blindly, and 'tis enough for me that
you declare him to be honest, and that you have known him for some time."

"Andrew," Edgar said to the old servitor after he had left his father, "I
know that you are no gossip, and that in the matter of which I am going to
speak to you I can rely upon your discretion. I have taken on a stout
fellow, who will follow me to the wars as a man-at-arms. It may be that
you will know him when you see him; indeed, I doubt not that you will do
so. It is good for him at present that he should not stir beyond the
walls, and he will, indeed, remain indoors all day. There are a good many
others like him, who just at present will be keeping quiet, and you may be
sure that I should not befriend the man were it not that I feel certain he
has had no hand in the evil deeds performed by others."

"I understand, young master, and you may trust me to keep my lips sealed.
I hear that a score have been hung during the last three days, and though
I am no upholder of rioters, methinks that now they have had a bitter
lesson. The courts might have been content with punishing only those who
took a part in the murders and burnings in London. The rest were but poor
foolish knaves, who knew no better, and who were led astray by the
preachings of some of these Jack Priests and other troublers of the
peace."

"Think you that it would be best to speak to old Anna?"

"Not a bit, Master Ormskirk. Save to go to mass, she never stirs beyond
the house, and she is so deaf that you have to shout into her ear to make
her hear the smallest thing. I will simply say to her that you have got a
man-at-arms to go with you to the wars, and that until you leave he is to
remain here in the house. You did not tell me whether I was to take your
horse round to the stable."

"No; I am going to ride into Dartford now, to get the man some apparel
suited to his station here."

Edgar returned in an hour, bringing with him a servitor's suit. As soon as
Hal Carter arrived, Edgar himself opened the gate to him.

"Strip off those clothes, and put on this suit; it were best that you be
not seen in your ordinary attire. However, you can trust old Andrew, and
as to Anna, there is little chance of her recognizing you, and I don't
suppose she as much as knows that there has been trouble in the land."

A month later a mounted messenger brought Edgar a letter--it was the first
that he had ever received. Telling the man to alight, and calling Carter
to take his horse, he led the man into the kitchen and told Anna to give
him some food. He then opened the letter. It ran as follows:

_To Master Edgar Ormskirk, with hearty greeting,_

_Be it known to you, good friend, that having wound up my business
affairs, I am about to start for Flanders, and shall, in the first place,
go to Ghent, having a mission from those in authority at Court here to
carry out in that city. It would greatly please me if you would accompany
me. The times are troubled in Flanders, as you doubtless know, and you
would see much to interest you; and, moreover, as at present there is
naught doing in England, save the trying and executing of malefactors, you
could spend your time better in seeing somewhat of a foreign country than
in resting quietly at St. Alwyth. I need not say that the trip will put
you to no cost, and that by accepting, you will give pleasure to my wife
and daughter, as well as to myself._

_Yours in friendship,_

_NICHOLAS VAN VOORDEN._

_P.S.--I am writing at the same time to Master De Courcy, who, I hope,
will also accompany me._

Edgar went down at once to his father's laboratory and handed him the
letter. Mr. Ormskirk read it.

"It is a hearty invitation, Edgar," he said, "and after the kindness of
the Fleming in presenting you with that splendid suit of armour, you can
scarce refuse it; but, indeed, in any case, I should be glad for you to
accompany him to Flanders. The Flemings are mostly our allies against
France, and it would be well for you to pass some time among them, to
learn as much as you can of their language, and to acquaint yourself with
their customs. Their towns are virtually independent republics, like those
of Athens, Sparta, and Thebes. The power lies wholly in the hands of the
democracy, and rough fellows are they. The nobles have little or no
influence, save in the country districts. The Flemings are at present on
ill terms with France, seeing that they, like us, support Pope Urban,
while the French, Spaniards, and others hold to Pope Clement.

"Possibly neither may care very much which pope gets the mastery, but it
makes a convenient bone of contention, and so is useful to neighbours on
bad terms with each other. Go, by all means. You had best write a reply at
once, and hand it to the messenger. Have you heard yet whether he has been
to the De Courcy's castle?"

"I did not ask him, father, for I did not read the letter until I had
handed him over to Anna to get some food in the kitchen. I will go and ask
him now, and if he has not yet gone there I will ride with him. 'Tis a
cross-road, and he might have difficulty in finding it; besides, perhaps
if I tell Sir Ralph that I am going, it may influence him to let Albert go
also."

He went down to the kitchen and found that the messenger had not yet been
to the castle. Telling him that he would go with him and act as his guide,
and would be ready to start in a quarter of an hour, Edgar sat down to
write to the Fleming. It was the first time that he had ever indited a
letter, and it took him longer than he expected. When he went down, the
messenger was already standing by his horse, while Carter was walking
Edgar's up and down.

Albert and Aline were at the castle gate as they rode up.

"We were in the pleasaunce when we saw you coming, Edgar. We did not
expect you until to-morrow."

"I have come over with a messenger, who is the bearer of a letter to you."

"You mean to my father, I suppose?"

"No, indeed; it is for yourself, and I have had a similar one. I have
written an answer, and I hope you will write one in the same strain."

"Who can it be from?" Aline said, as Albert took out his dagger and cut
the silk that held the roll.

"It is from our good friend, Mynheer Van Voorden," Edgar said. "He is just
leaving for Flanders, and has written to ask Albert and myself to
accompany him thither."

"And I suppose that you have accepted," Aline said, pettishly.

"Yes, indeed; my father thinks that it will be very good for me to see
something of foreign countries, and especially Flanders. As there is
nothing doing here now, I am wasting my time, and doubtless in the great
Flemish cities I shall be able to find masters who can teach me many
things with the sword."

"And how are we going to get on without you, I should like to know?" she
asked, indignantly, "especially if you are going to take Albert away too."

"Albert will decide for himself--at least Sir Ralph will decide for him,
Mistress Aline."

"It is all very well to say that, but you know perfectly well that Albert
will be wanting to go if you are going, and that Sir Ralph will not say
no, if you and he both want it."

"Well, you would wish us to become accomplished knights some day, and
assuredly, as all say, that is a thing better learned abroad than in
England."

"I am quite satisfied with you as you are," she replied, "and I call it a
downright shame. I thought, anyhow, I was going to have you both here
until some great war broke out, and here you are running away for your
amusement. It is all very well for you to contend that you think it may do
you good, but it is just for change and excitement that you want to go."

By this time Albert had finished reading the letter.

"That will be splendid," he said. "I have always thought that I should
like to see the great Flemish cities. Why, what is the matter, Aline?" he
broke off, seeing tears in his sister's eyes.

"Is it not natural that I should feel sorry at the thought of your going
away? We have to stay all our lives at home, while you wander about,
either fighting or looking for danger wherever it pleases you."

"I don't think that it is quite fair myself, Aline, but I did not have
anything to do with regulating our manners and customs; besides, it is not
certain yet that my father will let me go."

They had by this time reached the spot where Sir Ralph was watching a
party of masons engaged in heightening the parapet of the wall, as the
experience of the last fight showed that it did not afford sufficient
protection to its defenders.

"Well, Albert, what is your news?" he said, as he saw by their faces that
something unusual had happened.

"A letter from Mynheer Van Voorden to ask me to accompany him to Flanders,
whither he is about to sail. He has asked Edgar too, and his father has
consented."

"Read me the letter, Albert. 'Tis a fair offer," he said, when Albert came
to the end, "and pleases me much. I had spoken but yesterday with your
mother, saying that it was high time you were out in the world, the only
difficulty being with whom to place you. There are many knights of my
acquaintance who would gladly enough take you as esquire, but it is so
difficult to choose. It might be that, from some cause or other, your lord
might not go to the wars; unless, of course, it were a levy of all the
royal forces, and then it would be both grief to you and me that I had not
put you with another lord under whom you might have had a better
opportunity.

"But this settles the difficulty. By the time you come back there may be
some chance of your seeing service under our own flag. Lancaster has just
made a three years' truce with the Scots, and it may be that he will now
make preparations in earnest to sail with an array to conquer his kingdom
in Spain. That would be an enterprise in which an aspirant for knighthood
might well desire to take part. The Spaniards are courtly knights and
brave fellows, and there is like to be hard fighting. This invitation is a
timely one. Foreign travel is a part of the education of a knight, and in
Flanders there are always factions, intrigues, and troubles. Then there is
a French side and an English side, and the French side is further split up
by the Flemings inclining rather to Burgundy than to the Valois. Why, this
is better than that gift of armour, and it was a lucky day indeed for you
when you went to his daughter's aid. Faith, such a piece of luck never
fell in my way."

"Shall I go and write the letter at once, father?"

"There is no hurry, Albert. The messenger must have ridden from town to-
day, and as he went first to Master Ormskirk's, that would lengthen his
journey by three or four miles, therefore man and horse need rest, and it
were best, I should think, that he sleep here to-night, and be off betimes
in the morning. It would be dark before he reached the city, and the roads
are not safe riding after nightfall; besides, it can make no difference to
Van Voorden whether he gets the answer to-night or by ten o'clock to-
morrow morning."

Dame Agatha did not, as Aline had somewhat hoped, say a word to persuade
Sir Ralph to keep Albert longer at home. She looked wistfully at the lad
as the knight told her of the invitation that had come, and at his hearty
pleasure thereat, but she only said: "I am sorely unwilling to part with
you, Albert, but I know that it is best for you to be entering the world,
and that I could not expect to have you many months longer. Your father
and I were agreeing on that yesterday. A knight cannot remain by a
fireside, and it is a comfort to me that this first absence of yours
should be with the good Flemish merchant, and I like much also his wife
and daughter, who were most kind to us when we tarried with them in London
when your father was away. I would far rather you were with him, than in
the train of some lord, bound for the wars. I am glad, too, that your good
friend Edgar is going with you. Altogether, it is better than anything I
had thought of, and though I cannot part with you without a sigh, I can
feel that the parting might well have been much more painful. What say
you, Aline?"

"I knew, as you say, mother, that it was certain that Albert would have to
leave us, but I did not think that it would be so soon. It is very
hateful, and I shall miss him dreadfully."

"Yes, my dear, but you must remember it was so I felt the many times that
your father went to the war. It is so with the wife of every knight and
noble in the land. And not only these, but also the wives of the men-at-
arms and archers, and it will be yours when you too have a lord. Men risk
their lives in battle; women stay at home and mind their castles. We each
have our tasks. You know the lines that the priest John Ball used, they
say, as a text for his harangues to the crowds, _When Adam delved and Eve
span_. You see, one did the rough part of the toil, the other sat at home
and did what was needful there, and so it has been ever since. You know
how you shared our feelings of delight that your brother had grown
stronger, and would be able to take his own part, as his fathers had done
before him, to become a brave and valiant knight, and assuredly it is not
for you to repine now that a fair opportunity offers for him to prepare
for his career."

"I was wrong, mother," Aline said, penitently. "I was very cross and ill-
behaved, but it came suddenly upon me, and it seemed to me hard that
Albert and Edgar should both seem delighted at what pained me so much.
Forgive me, Albert."

"There is nothing to forgive, dear. Of course I understand your feeling
that it will be hard for us to part, when we have been so much together. I
shall be very sorry to leave you, but I am sure you will agree with me
that it is less hard to do so now than it would have been if I had been
going to be shut up in a convent to prepare for entering the Church, as we
once thought would be the case."

"I should think so," the girl said. "This will be nothing to it. Then you
would have been going out of our lives; now we shall have an interest in
all you do, and you will often be coming back to us; there will be that to
look forward to. Well, you won't hear me say another word of grumbling
until you have gone. And when are you to go?"

"To-morrow or next day," her father said. "Mynheer Van Voorden says, 'I am
about to start,' which may mean three days or six. It will need a whole
day for your mother and the maids to see to Albert's clothes, and that all
is decent and in order. To-day is Monday, and I think that if we say that
Albert will arrive there on Thursday by noon it will do very well. Will
you be ready by that time, Edgar?"

"Easily enough, Sir Ralph; for, indeed, as we have no maid, my clothes
need but little preparation. I wear them until they are worn out, and then
get new ones; and I doubt not that I shall be able to replenish my
wardrobe to-morrow at Dartford."

Well pleased to find that Albert was to accompany him, Edgar rode home. As
he passed in at the gates, Hal Carter ran up to him. "Master tells me that
you are going away, Master Edgar. Are you going to take me with you?"

"Not this time, Hal. I am going to Flanders as a guest of a Flemish
gentleman, and I could not therefore take a man-at-arms with me; besides,
as you know naught of the language, you would be altogether useless there.
But do not think that I shall not fulfil my promise. This is but a short
absence, and when I return I shall enter the train of some warlike knight
or other, and then you shall go with me, never fear."

"Thank you, sir. 'Tis strange to me to be pent up here; not that I have
aught in the world to complain of; your father is most kind to me, and I
do hope that I am of some use to him."

"Yes, my father has told me several times how useful you were to him in
washing out his apparatus and cleaning his crucibles and getting his fires
going in readiness. He wonders now how he got on so long without a helper,
and will be sorry when the time comes for you to go with me. Indeed he
said, but two days ago, that when you went he should certainly look for
someone to fill your place."

"So long as he feels that, Master Edgar, I shall be willing enough to
stay, but it seemed to me that I was doing but small service in return for
meat and drink and shelter. I should feel that I was getting fat and lazy,
were it not that I swing a battle-axe every day for an hour, as you bade
me."

"Look through your apparel, Edgar," his father said that evening, "and see
what you lack. To-morrow morning I will give you moneys wherewith you can
repair deficiencies. The suits you got in London will suffice you for the
present, but as winter approaches you must get yourself cloth garments,
and these can be purchased more cheaply in Flanders than here. Of course,
I know not how long your stay there may be; that must depend upon your
host. It would be well if, at the end of a month, you should speak about
returning, then you will see by his manner whether he really wishes you to
make a longer stay or not. Methinks, however, that it is likely he will
like you to stay with him until the spring if there is no matter of
importance for which you would wish to return. I am sure that he feels
very earnestly how much he owes to you, and is desirous of doing you real
service; and to my thinking he can do it in no better manner than by
giving you six months in Flanders."

Accordingly, three days later, the two friends again rode to London. Each
was followed by a man on horseback leading a sumpter-horse carrying the
baggage; and Hal Carter was much pleased when he was told that he was to
perform this service. Both, for the convenience of carriage, wore their
body-armour and arm-pieces, the helmets and greaves being carried with
their baggage. On their arrival they were most cordially received by Van
Voorden and his family, and found that they were to start on Saturday. On
the following morning the lads went to the Tower to pay their respects to
the king.

"Be sure you do not neglect that," Sir Ralph had said; "the king is
mightily well disposed to you, as I told you. I had related to him in full
the affairs in which you took part in London, and on my return after the
fight here, I, of course, told him the incidents of the battle, and he
said, 'If all my knights had borne themselves as well as your son and his
friend, I should not have been in so sore a strait. I should be glad to
have them about my person now; but I can well understand that you wish
your son to make a name for himself as a valiant knight, and that for a
time I must curb my desire.'"

The king received them very graciously. "Sir Ralph and you did good work
in dispersing that Kentish rabble, and doing with one blow what it has
taken six weeks to accomplish in Essex and Hertford. So you are going to
Flanders? You will see there what has come of allowing the rabble to get
the mastery. But of a truth the knaves of Ghent and Bruges are of very
different mettle to those here, and fight as stoutly as many men-at-arms."

"'Tis true, your Majesty," Edgar said, "but not because they are stouter
men, for those we defeated so easily down in Kent are of the same mettle
as our archers and men-at-arms who fought so stoutly at Cressy and
Poictiers, but they have no leading and no discipline. They know, too,
that against mail-clad men they are powerless; but if they were freemen,
and called out on your Majesty's service, they would fight as well as did
their forefathers."

"You are in favour, then, of granting them freedom?"

"It seems to me that it would strengthen your Majesty's power, and would
add considerably to the force that you could put in the field, and would
make the people happier and more contented. Living down among them as we
do, one cannot but see that 'tis hard on men that they may not go to open
market, but must work for such wages as their lords may choose to give
them, and be viewed as men of no account, whereas they are as strong and
able to work as others."

"You may be right," the young king said, "but you see, my councillors
think otherwise, and I am not yet rightly my own master. In one matter,
however, I can have my way, and that is in dispensing honours. You know
what I said to you before you went hence, that, young as you were, I would
fain knight you for the valiant work that you had done. Since then you
have done me good service, as well as the realm, by having, with Sir Ralph
De Courcy and Sir Robert Gaiton, defeated a great body of the Kentish
rebels, who were the worst and most violent of all, though there were with
you but fifty men-at-arms. This is truly knightly service, and their
defeat drove all rioters in that part to their homes, whereas, had they
not been so beaten, there might have been much more trouble, and many
worthy men might have been slain by them.

[Illustration: EDGAR AND ALBERT ARE KNIGHTED BY KING RICHARD.]

"Moreover, as you are going to Flanders with our good friend Mynheer Van
Voorden, who is in a way charged with a mission from us, it is well that
you should travel as knights. It will give you more influence, and may aid
him to further my object. Therefore, I am sure, that all here who know how
stoutly you have wielded your swords, and how you gave aid and rescue to
the worshipful Mynheer Van Voorden and his family, to stout Sir Robert
Gaiton, Dame De Courcy and her daughter, and how you bore yourselves in
the fight down in Kent, will agree with me that you have right well won
the honour."

Then, drawing his sword, he touched each slightly on the shoulder:

"Rise, Sir Albert De Courcy, and Sir Edgar Ormskirk."

As the lads rose they were warmly congratulated by several of the nobles
and knights standing round.

"I will not detain you," the king said, a short time later. "Doubtless you
have many preparations to make for your voyage. I hope that things will
fare well with you in Flanders. Bear in mind that if you draw sword for
Mynheer Van Voorden you are doing it for England."




CHAPTER XII

THE TROUBLES IN FLANDERS


On re-entering the city gates they first went to an armourer's, where they
purchased and buckled on some gilded spurs.

"Truly, Albert, I can scarce believe our good fortune," Edgar said, as
they left the shop. "It seems marvellous that though we have not served as
esquires, we should yet at seventeen be dubbed knights by the king."

"You have well deserved it, Edgar; as for me, I have but done my best to
second you."

"And a very good best it was, Albert," Edgar laughed. "'Tis true that in
the skirmish outside Aldersgate I might have managed by myself, but in the
Fleming's affair and in the Tower I should have fared hardly indeed had it
not been for your help. I fancy that we have the Fleming to thank for this
good fortune. You see he had already told the king that we were to
accompany him, and perhaps he may have pointed out to him that it might be
to the advantage of his mission that we should be made knights. He has
great influence with the Court, seeing that he has frequently supplied the
royal needs with money. First let us visit our good friend Sir Robert
Gaiton."

The knight received them most warmly. "I heard from Van Voorden that you
were going to Flanders with him. You are like to see stirring events, for
Ghent has long been in insurrection against the Count of Flanders, and
things are likely to come to a head erelong. Ah, and what do I see--gold
spurs! Then the king has knighted you. That is well, indeed, and I
congratulate you most heartily. I tell you that I felt some shame that I,
who had not even drawn a sword, should have been knighted, while you two,
who had fought like paladins, had not yet your spurs, and I was glad that
I had an opportunity, down in Kent, of showing that I was not a mere
carpet knight."

"'Tis for that affair that the king said he knighted us, Sir Robert,"
Edgar said. "The other matters were private ventures, though against the
king's enemies; but that was a battle in the field, and the success put an
end to rioting down there."

"I shall not forget my promise about the knightly armour," the merchant
said, "but methinks that it were best to wait for a while. The armour the
Fleming bought you is as good as could be made, but doubtless you will
outgrow it, so it would be best for me to delay for two or three years. It
is not likely that you will have much to do with courtly ceremonies before
then, and when you get to twenty, by which time you will have your full
height, if not your full width, I will furnish you with suits with which
you could ride with Richard when surrounded by his proudest nobles and
best knights."

"We thank you, indeed, Sir Robert, and it would be much better so. The
first shine is not off our armour at present, and it would be cumbrous to
carry a second suit with us, therefore we would much rather that you
postponed your gift."

He now went with them into the ladies' room. "Dame and daughter," he said,
"I have to present to you Sir Edgar Ormskirk and Sir Albert De Courcy,
whom his Majesty has been pleased this morning to raise to the honour of
knighthood, which has been well won by their own merits and bravery."

The dame gave an exclamation of pleasure and her daughter clapped her
hands.

"'Tis well deserved, indeed," the former exclaimed, "and I wish them all
good fortune with their new dignity. How much we owe them, Robert."

"That do we," the merchant said, heartily.

"I am pleased," the girl said, coming forward and frankly shaking hands
with both.

"I can scarce credit our good fortune, Mistress Ursula," Albert said.
"'Tis but a few months since I deemed that I was unfit for martial
exercise, and that there was naught for me but to enter the Church, and
now, thanks entirely to Edgar and to good luck, I am already a knight;
'tis well-nigh past belief. That meeting with you and your father was the
beginning of our great fortune."

"That was a terrible night," the girl said, with a little shudder at the
recollection. "Heaven surely sent you to our aid."

While they were talking, Sir Robert said a word apart to his wife, and
left the room. He presently returned with a small coffer, which he handed
to her.

"It seems to me, young knights," she said, "that your equipment is
incomplete without a knightly chain. My husband, I know, is going to give
you armour for war; it is for us to give you an ornament for Court. These
are the work of Genoese goldsmiths, and I now, in the name of my daughter
and myself, and as a small token of the gratitude that we owe you, bestow
these upon you."

So saying she placed round their necks two heavy gold chains of the finest
workmanship. Both expressed their thanks in suitable terms.

"When do you sail?" the merchant asked Edgar.

"To-morrow morning," he replied, "and the ship will unmoor at noon. We
will come to say farewell to you in the morning."

Mynheer Van Voorden and his family were no less delighted than Sir Robert
Gaiton at the honour that had befallen them.

"Methinks, Mynheer," Edgar said, "that 'tis to you that we in part owe the
honour the king has bestowed on us, for he said that as you had a mission
from him it would be well that we should have the rank of knighthood."

"I may have said as much to the king," Van Voorden admitted, "but it was
not until Richard had himself said that he intended at the first
opportunity to knight you both. On that I spoke, and pointed out that the
presence of two English knights with me would add weight to my words. On
which he gladly assented, saying that it had before been his intention to
do so ere you left London, had not Sir Ralph said it would be better for
you to earn it in the field; but as, since that time, you had fought in a
stiff battle, and done good service to the realm by putting down the
insurgents in Kent, who had been the foremost in the troubles here, he
would do so at once.

"I think now that it were well you should each take a man-at-arms with
you--a knight should not ride unattended. When we get across there I will
hire two Flemings, who speak English, to ride with your men. You will need
them to interpret for you, and they can aid your men to look after your
horses and armour. If the two fellows here start at once for your homes,
the others can be back in the morning."

"One of them is the man I should take with me," Edgar said. "I promised
him that he should ride behind me as soon as occasion offered. He has no
horse, but I doubt not that I shall be able to purchase one out there."

"I will see to that," Van Voorden said, "and to his armour. Do not trouble
yourself about it in any way. And now about your man, Sir Albert?"

"I will ask my father to choose a good fellow for me, and one who has
armour and a horse."

"Then it were best to lose no time. There is pen and parchment on that
table. Doubtless you will both wish to write to tell your fathers of the
honour that the king has bestowed upon you."

Both at once sat down and wrote a short letter. Edgar, after telling his
father that he had been knighted, said:

"_Mynheer Van Voorden says it will be as well if we each take a man-at-
arms with us, so I shall, with your permission, take Hal Carter, as I had
arranged with you to do so when I went to the wars. He is a stout fellow,
and will, I am sure, be a faithful one. I hope that you will find no
difficulty in replacing him._"

Sir Ralph himself arrived at the house the next morning. "I could not let
you go without coming to congratulate you both on the honour that has
befallen you. It might have been well that it should have come a little
later, but doubtless it will be of advantage to you in Flanders, and
should there be fighting between Ghent and the earl you will be more free
to choose your own place in battle, and to perform such journeys and
adventures as may seem good to you as knights, than you would be as
private gentlemen, or esquires, following no leader, and having no rank or
standing save that of gentlemen who have come over as friends of Mynheer
Van Voorden.

"Your mother is greatly pleased, and as for Aline, she would fain have
ridden hither with me, but as I intend to return this afternoon, and as
she saw you both but two days since, I thought it best that she should
stay at home. I have brought up with me John Lance. I thought that he was
the one who would suit you best. In some respects the other is the more
experienced and might be of more value were you going on a campaign, but
he is somewhat given to the ale-jug, so I thought it best to bring Lance,
who is a stout fellow, and can wield his sword well. He is civil and well-
spoken, and as I have told him he is to obey your orders just the same as
if they were mine, I believe that you will have little trouble with him.
His arms and armour are in good condition, and he has been furnished with
a fresh suit out of the chest.

"I saw your father, Edgar, late yesterday evening. I myself took over your
letter to him. He said that whatever a man's calling may be, it is well
that he should go into it with all his heart, and that since you have
taken to arms, it is well indeed that you should so soon have
distinguished yourself as to be deemed worthy of knighthood. He said that
he would get another to take the place of the man you keep with you, and
he wishes you God-speed in Flanders."

At eleven o'clock, Van Voorden, his wife and daughter, mounted, together
with Edgar, Albert, and their two men-at-arms; both the latter were in
body armour, with steel caps; the Fleming had secured a strong and
serviceable horse for Hal. His own servants had gone on an hour before
with three carts carrying the baggage; Sir Ralph accompanied them across
London Bridge to Rotherhithe, where the barque was lying alongside a
wharf. The horses were first taken on board, and placed in stalls on deck.
These Van Voorden had had erected so that the horses should suffer no
injury in case they encountered rough weather. As soon as the animals were
secured in their places, Sir Ralph said good-bye to them all, the hawsers
were thrown off, and the vessel dropped out into the tide, the baggage
having been lowered into the hold before they came down.

There were no other passengers, the Fleming having secured all the
accommodation for his party. There were two small cabins in the stern, one
of which was set apart for the merchant's wife and daughter, the other for
their two maids. The cabin where they sat and took their meals was used by
the merchant and the two young knights as a sleeping-place. The Fleming's
four men-servants and the two men-at-arms slept in a portion of the hold
under the stern cabins. The wind was favourable, and although speed was
not the strong point of the ship, she made a quick passage, and forty-
eight hours after starting they entered the port of Sluys.

"Will you tell us, Mynheer," Edgar said, as they sailed quietly down the
Thames, "how it comes about that Ghent is at war with the Earl of
Flanders, for it is well that we should have some knowledge of the matter
before we get into the midst of it."

"'Tis well, indeed, that it should be so, Edgar. The matter began in a
quarrel between two men, John Lyon and Gilbert Mahew. Lyon was a crafty
and politic man, and was held in great favour by the earl. There was a
citizen who had seriously displeased Louis, and at his request John Lyon
made a quarrel with him and killed him. The matter caused great anger
among the burgesses, and Lyon had to leave the city, and went and dwelt at
Douay, living in great state there for three years, at the earl's expense.
At the end of that time the earl used all the influence he possessed at
Ghent, and obtained a pardon for Lyon, and the restoration of his
property, that had been forfeited for his crime, and, moreover, made him
chief ruler of all the ships and mariners.

"This caused great displeasure to many, not only in Ghent but in all
Flanders. Mahew, who, with his seven brothers, was the leading man among
the mariners, and between whose family and that of Lyon there was a long-
standing feud, went presently to the earl and told him that if things were
properly managed and certain taxes put on the shipping, the earl would
derive a large annual sum from it, and the earl directed Lyon to carry
this out. But owing to the general opposition among the mariners, which
was craftily managed by Mahew's brothers, Lyon was unable to carry the
earl's orders into effect. Gilbert Mahew then went to the earl and said
that if he were appointed in Lyon's place he would carry the thing out.
This was done, and Mahew. from his influence with the mariners, and by
giving many presents to persons at the earl's Court, gained high favour,
and used his power to injure Lyon.

"The latter, however, kept quiet, and bided his time. This came when the
people of Bruges, who had long desired to make a canal--which would take
away most of the water of the river Lys for their benefit--but who had
never been able to do so, owing to the opposition offered by Ghent, now
set a great number of men upon this work. This caused a great agitation in
Ghent, especially among mariners, who feared that if the river Lys were
lowered their shipping trade would be much injured. Then people began to
say that if Lyon had remained their governor in Ghent the people of Bruges
would never have ventured on such action. Many of them went secretly to
Lyon to sound him on the matter. He advised them that they had best revive
the old custom of wearing white hoods, and that they should then choose a
governor whom they would obey.

"In a few days a great number of white hoods appeared in the streets, and
a popular meeting was held. John Lyon was elected leader, and with two
hundred companies marched from Ghent to attack the pioneers digging the
channel. These, on hearing that a great force from Ghent was marching
against them, hastily retired. John Lyon and his force returned home, and
the former again resumed his position as a quiet trader. The White Hoods,
however, dominated the town. In a short time some of them demanded that a
mariner, who was a burgess of Ghent, and who was confined in the earl's
prison at Eccloo, should be liberated, as, according to the franchise of
the city, no burgess could be tried save by its Courts.

"This trouble Lyon carefully fostered, and as the new and heavy dues
injured the trade of Ghent, his party increased rapidly. In public,
however, he always spoke moderately, remaining quietly in his house, and
never going out except with an escort of two or three hundred of the White
Hoods. An embassy was sent to the earl to ask that the rights of the city
should be respected. The earl answered them mildly, ordered the prisoner
to be given up to them, and promised to respect the franchise of the city,
but at the same time asked that the wearing of white hoods should be
discontinued. Lyon, however, persuaded the White Hoods not to accede to
this request, saying that it was the White Hoods that had wrung those
concessions from the earl, and that if they disappeared from the streets,
the franchise would be speedily abolished.

"In this Lyon was right, and he at once set to work to organize the White
Hoods, dividing them into companies, and appointing a captain to each
hundred men; a lieutenant to fifty; and a sub-officer to ten. In a short
time the Bailie of Ghent, with two hundred horse, rode into the city, the
earl having agreed with Gilbert Mahew that John Lyon and several other
leaders should be carried off and beheaded. As soon as the bailie arrived
at the market-place he was joined by the Mahews and their adherents. The
White Hoods at once gathered at John Lyon's house, and he set out for the
market-house with four hundred men. These were joined by many others as
they went. As soon as they appeared, the Mahews, with their party, fled.
Then the White Hoods rushed upon the bailie, unhorsed and slew him, and
tore the earl's banner to pieces. His men-at-arms, seeing how strong and
furious were the townsmen, at once turned their horses and rode away.

"A search was then made for the Mahews, but they had fled from the town
and ridden away to join the earl. Their houses were all sacked and
destroyed. The White Hoods were now undisturbed masters of the place; most
of the rich burgesses, however, were much grieved at what had taken place.
A great council was held, and twelve of their number went to the earl to
beg for pardon for the town. The earl received them sternly, but at their
humble prayer promised to spare the city and to punish only the chief
offenders. While they were away, however, Lyon called an assembly of the
citizens in a field outside the town. Ten thousand armed men gathered
there, and they at once sacked and burnt the palace of Andrehon, which was
the earl's favourite residence, and a very stately pile.

"The earl, on hearing the news, called the burgesses, who were still with
him, and sent them back to Ghent with a message to the town that they
should have neither peace nor treaty until he had struck off the heads of
all those whom he chose. John Lyon began the war by marching to Bruges,
which, being wholly unprepared, was forced to admit him and his men, and
to agree to an alliance with Ghent. He then marched to Damme, where he was
taken ill, and died, not without strong suspicion of having been poisoned.
The people of Ghent sent a strong force to Ypres. The knights and men-at-
arms of the garrison refused to admit them, but the craftsmen of the town
rose in favour of Ghent, slew five of the knights, and opened the gates.
The men of the allied cities then tried to attack Tormonde, where the earl
was, but were unable to take it; they afterwards besieged Oudenarde. The
Duke of Burgundy, however, interposed, and peace was agreed upon, on
condition that the earl should pardon all and come to live in Ghent. The
earl kept his promise so far as to go there, but he only stayed four days
and then left the town.

"The peace was of very short continuance, for some relations of the bailie
and some other knights took forty ships on the river, put out the eyes of
the sailors, and sent them into Ghent, in return for which a strong body
marched out from Ghent, surprised Oudenarde, and stayed there a month,
during which time they hewed down the gates and made a breach in the walls
by destroying two towers. After the men of Ghent had left Oudenarde the
earl went there and repaired the damage they had done, and then marched to
Ypres and beheaded many of those who had risen against him, and had slain
his knights. In the meantime Ghent prepared for the war by sacking and
destroying all the houses of the gentry in the country round the city.

"Several battles were fought, and in these the White Hoods had the worst
of it, for although they fought stoutly they were greatly outnumbered.
Bruges and Damme opened their gates to the earl, and Ghent was left
without an ally. Then Peter De Bois, who was now the chief of the White
Hoods, seeing that many of the townsmen were sorely discouraged by their
want of success, went to Philip Van Artevelde (the son of Jacob Van
Artevelde, who was murdered by the townsfolk for making an alliance with
England) and persuaded him to come forward as the leader of the people. On
his doing so Philip was at once accepted by the White Hoods. Two of the
leaders of the party of peace were at once murdered. As his father had
been a great man and an excellent ruler, Philip was joyfully accepted by
the whole population, and was given almost arbitrary power.

"Since that time," went on Van Voorden, "Ghent has been straitly besieged,
and had it not been that they sent out a strong force, who bought large
supplies at Brussels and at Liege, and managed to convey them back to the
city, most of the inhabitants would have died from hunger.

"So matters stand at present. The mission with which I am charged at
present is to see Van Artevelde, and to find out whether he, like his
father Jacob, is well disposed towards the English, and if so, to promise
that some aid shall be sent to him."

"And what are your own thoughts on the matter, Mynheer?"

"As to Ghent, I say nothing," the merchant replied. "The population have
ever been rough and turbulent, swayed by agitators, and tyrannized over by
the craftsmen; but I can well see that it is for the interest of England
that Ghent should be upheld, for these troubles in Flanders greatly
disturb both the Duke of Burgundy and the King of France, whose interests
never run together. Again, I see that the independence of Ghent, Bruges,
and other large towns is for the good of Flanders, since were it not for
that, the country would be but an appanage of Burgundy or France. Heavy
imposts would be laid upon the people, their franchises abolished, and the
trade greatly injured; and it would therefore be a sore misfortune for the
country were the Earl of Flanders to crush Ghent, for did he do so he
could work his will in all the other towns.

"These, you see, are something like your city of London; they exist and
flourish owing to the rights they have gained. They curbed the power of
the nobles, and have built up great wealth and power for themselves. Their
merchants have the revenues of princes, and carry on a great trade with
all countries. You see how readily the earl fell in with Mahew's
suggestion, and laid heavy taxes on the shipping of Ghent. In the same
way, were he supreme master, he and his lords could similarly tax the
trade of other towns of Flanders, to the great benefit of the merchants of
foreign countries. Thus, you see, as a Fleming I should wish to see Ghent
--although I love not the turbulent town--preserved from the destruction
that would surely fall upon it were the earl to capture it. Why, at Ypres,
not only did he kill many thousands of the citizens in an ambush, but when
he entered the town, he beheaded well-nigh six hundred of the citizens. If
he did that at Ypres, which had offended comparatively little, what would
he do to Ghent, which has killed his bailie, sacked and burned his palace,
defied his authority, and holds out against all his force?"

"Thank you very much, Mynheer; I knew but little of the matter before, and
I am glad to be so thoroughly informed in it. I see it is the same there
as it was in London when the rioters came thither; the better class were
overborne by the baser. Had it not been for the death of Wat the Tyler,
and the dispersal of his rabble, it is likely that every trader's house in
London would have been pillaged and all the better class murdered, as were
the Flemings."

As soon as the vessel drew alongside the wharf at Sluys, a Flemish trader
came on board. He was a correspondent of Van Voorden's, and to him the
merchant had written, asking him to secure lodgings for him and his party
for a day or two. Van Voorden was well known to him, for the merchant had
occasion to cross to Flanders three or four times every year, and his
correspondent often came over to London. After greeting the merchant, his
wife and daughter, he said:

"I was in much fear for you, Van Voorden, when I heard the reports of the
wild doings of the rabble in London, and how they specially directed their
fury against our people, and killed very many worthy merchants. You have
said in your letters to me that you had been in some danger, but that, as
you would see me shortly, you would not write at length."

"I will tell you of it anon, Rochter. First, how about the lodging?"

"As to that, there is no difficulty. It would be strange indeed were you
to go elsewhere than to my house, which you have always used hitherto when
you passed through."

"Yes: when I was alone. Now I have my wife and daughter, and these two
young English knights, to say nothing of the maids and the men-at-arms."

"We can take them all without difficulty. As you know, the house is a
large one, and there are but my wife and myself and my daughter Marie.
There is the room you always occupy for yourself and madame, a bed has
been put up in Marie's room for your daughter, the large room over it will
be allotted to these gentlemen, your maids can sleep with ours, and there
is a large room in the attic for your servants and the knights' men."

"So be it," Van Voorden said, "and it will be far more pleasant to be with
you and your good wife than in a strange place. How about the horses, of
which we have six?"

"The accommodation I have for them is small, but I have arranged with a
friend for the disposal of the horses in his stables, which are
commodious, and of which he makes but little use."

The house of Mynheer Rochter surprised the young knights by its size. It
was massively and strongly built, and apparently there was no pressure for
room, as was the case in the busy streets of London. The hall was of great
size, panelled with a dark wood, and with a flooring so smooth and
polished that both knights narrowly escaped falling, on stepping on it for
the first time. A great staircase led to the family apartments upstairs.
The main room would have held four of either those of Van Voorden or Sir
Robert Gaiton in London, and the rest of the house was on the same scale.
All was dark, massive, and rich, with an air of great comfort. The
furniture and floors were polished until they reflected the light from the
casements, and heavy rugs and carpets were stretched in front of the fire-
places and windows, and at other points where the family were accustomed
to sit.

There were heavy curtains to the windows, and others before the doors, so
that all draught should be cut off. Although not so handsome as the rooms
of the two merchants in London, everything was so substantial, well kept,
and comfortable, that the two friends were greatly struck by it. It was
now October, and great wood fires blazed in the hall below and in all the
upstairs rooms, and these quite dispelled any air of gloom that might
otherwise have been caused by the darkness of the furniture.

"Truly, Edgar," Albert said, in a low tone, while the ladies were talking
together, "I think that I shall change my vocation once again, abandon the
cutting of throats, and establish myself as a Flemish merchant."

"It would be years before you could acquire the necessary knowledge,"
Edgar laughed, "to say nothing of the capital required for the business;
but truly the comfort of this house is wonderful, and it is clear to me
that, although we Englishmen have learned to fight, we are mightily behind
others in the art of making our lives comfortable."

Before the meal was served the friends went upstairs to their room, took
off the rough clothes in which they had travelled, and apparelled
themselves in the plainest of their two suits. When dinner was announced
they went into a room leading from that in which they had before been. As
the numbers were equal, the four gentlemen each offered his hand to a
lady, and led her to the table. It was almost dark now, and the room was
lighted with many wax candles, which were novelties to the young knights.
Tallow candles had indeed come into partial use at the beginning of the
century, but they had never seen wax used, save on occasions of great
ceremony in the churches. It was now for the first time that Frau Rochter
obtained a fair view of the faces of her guests.

"You are young indeed, gentlemen, are you not, to have attained the rank
of knighthood?" she said; "but I believe that in England 'tis a title that
goes with the land."

"It is so," Van Voorden said, before either of the young knights could
reply; "but in this case it has been won by distinguished bravery, for
which King Richard himself bestowed knighthood upon them. No one can
testify to their bravery more strongly than ourselves, for it was thanks
alone to them that my life certainly, and probably those of my wife and
daughter, were preserved on that evil day in London," and as the meal
proceeded he gave a full narrative of the manner in which they had
defended his house while his wife was removed from her sick-bed and
carried down to the hiding-place below. "It was not only for this single
act of bravery that they received knighthood. Young though they are, they
saved the life of a worshipful London citizen--who has since himself
become a knight--when he had fallen into the hands of a party of robbers.
When the Tower was in the hands of the rioters, they, without assistance,
killed seven men who had entered the ladies' chamber; and, lastly, they
rode, with two knights and fifty men-at-arms, at a mob consisting of some
two thousand of the worst of the rebels, and entirely defeated them with
the loss of five hundred, and it was for this last act that they were
knighted."

"Mynheer Van Voorden omits to say," Edgar added, "that it was largely to
his own good offices that we owe the honour."

"I said nothing to the king but what was true and just," the merchant
replied; "and he told me that he had already determined to promote you on
the first opportunity; indeed, even had I not spoken I believe that he
would have done so before we left London."

"I am sure that they deserved it if it had only been for what they did for
us," his daughter said, warmly. "Several times, while you were getting
mother down the stairs, I ran out to the landing and looked down at the
fight. It was terrible to see all the fierce faces, and the blows that
were struck with pole-axe and halbert, and a marvel that two young men
should so firmly hold their ground against such odds."

"We all owe them our lives assuredly," Madame Van Voorden said. "Had it
not been for them, undoubtedly I should have died that day. I was very
near to death as it was, and had I seen my husband slaughtered before my
eyes, it would have needed no blow of knife to have finished me."




CHAPTER XIII

A STARVING TOWN


Many of the leading citizens, hearing of Van Voorden's arrival, called in
the course of the evening. The conversation, of course, turned upon the
state of public affairs in Flanders; and Van Voorden inquired particularly
as to the feeling in Bruges, and the sides taken by leading citizens
there.

"That is difficult to say," one of the merchants replied. "Bruges has
always been a rival to Ghent, and there has been little good-will between
the cities. The lower class are undoubtedly in favour of Ghent; but among
the traders and principal families the feeling is the other way. Were
Ghent in a position to head a national movement with a fair chance of
success, no doubt Bruges would go with her, for she would fear that,
should it be successful, she would suffer from the domination of Ghent. At
present, however, the latter is in a strait, the rivers are blockaded by
the earl's ships, and the town is sorely pressed by famine. After the
vengeance taken by the earl on the places that, at the commencement of the
trouble, threw in their lot with Ghent, she can expect no aid until she
shows herself capable of again defeating the prince's army."

"Of course, at present I know but little how matters stand," Van Voorden
said. "I have been so long settled in England that I have hardly kept
myself informed of affairs here. I am thinking now of making Flanders my
home again, but I would not do so if the land is like to be torn by civil
war; I shall, therefore, make it my business to sojourn for a time in many
of the large towns, and so to learn the general feeling throughout the
country towards the earl, and to find out what prospect there is of the
present trouble coming to a speedy end. France, Burgundy, or even England
may interfere in the matter if they see a prospect of gain by it, and in
that case the fighting might become general."

"Is the feeling of England in favour of Ghent?" one of the burghers asked,
anxiously.

"So far I have heard but little on the matter. The English have had
troubles of their own, and have had but little time to cast their eyes
abroad. Nevertheless, if the struggle continues, they may remember that a
Van Artevelde was their stout ally, and that Ghent, after his murder,
again submitted itself to them. There is, too, the bond of sympathy that
Flanders accepts the same pope as England, and that in aiding her they aid
the pope's cause, and strike a blow at France, with whom they are always
at daggers drawn. Therefore, methinks more unlikely things have happened
than that; if France gives aid to the earl, the English may strike in for
Ghent."

"I trust not," one of the burghers said, earnestly, "for Sluys might well
be the landing point for an English expedition, and then the first brunt
of the war would fall upon us."

"I say not that there is much chance of such a thing," Van Voorden said;
"I was but mentioning the complication that might arise if Ghent is able
to prolong the struggle."

On the following morning the party started from Sluys. They made a good
show, for Van Voorden had the evening before engaged two mounted men,
well-armed, to ride with the young knights as men-at-arms. Behind the
merchant and his party came the two maids and the four retainers who had
accompanied them from England. These carried swords and daggers, but no
defensive armour. Behind were the two English men-at-arms and the two
freshly taken on, all wearing breast-and back-pieces and steel caps. They
tarried but a day or two at Bruges, Van Voorden finding that among the
burgesses the trade animosity against Ghent overpowered any feeling of
patriotism, and moreover it was felt that the success of that town would
give such encouragement to the democracy elsewhere that every city would
become the scene of riot and civil strife.

They learnt that, unless they fell in with one of the parties that was
stationed to prevent strong forces of foragers issuing from Ghent to drive
in cattle, they would find no difficulty in entering the town, for the
citizens had shown themselves such stout fighters, that the earl,
believing that the city must fall by famine, had drawn off the greater
portion of his army. Travelling by easy stages, the party approached the
town on the second evening. Soon after they started that morning they came
upon a body of the troops of the Earl of Flanders. The officer in command
rode up to the merchant and asked him for his name and his object in going
to Ghent, and also who were the two knights with him. As soon as Van
Voorden mentioned his name, and said that he had for many years been
established in London, the officer at once recognized it.

"I am well acquainted with your name as one of the foremost among our
countrymen at King Richard's Court, and that you have several times acted
as our representative when complaints have been made of injury to Flemish
traders by English adventurers, but I must still ask, what do you propose
doing at Ghent?"

"I am over here for a time with my wife and daughter, and am paying visits
to friends and business correspondents in the various towns, and it may be
that if these troubles come to an end I may retire from business
altogether and settle down here. These knights have done me a signal
service, having saved the lives of myself and daughter during the riots in
London; therefore I have asked of them the courtesy to ride with me
through Flanders. Having a desire to visit foreign countries, they
accepted my invitation."

"Adieu, then, Master Van Voorden. I know that you are a man of influence
among the merchants, and trust that you will do your best to persuade the
stiff-necked burghers of Ghent to submit themselves to their lord."

"Methinks, from what I hear," the merchant replied, "that if it depended
upon the burgesses and traders there would be a speedy end to these
troubles, but they are overborne by the demagogues of the craftsmen."

"That is true enough," the officer replied. "Numbers of the richer
burgesses have long since left Ghent, and many have established themselves
in trade in other cities where there was better chance of doing their
business in peace and quiet."

The party now rode on, and without further interruption arrived at Ghent.
They put up for the night at a hostelry, but in the morning the merchant
had no difficulty in hiring the use of a house for a month, for many of
the better class houses were standing empty. Then he called on several of
the leading burgesses, some of whom were known to him personally, and had
long and earnest talk with them upon the situation.

Late in the afternoon he sent a letter to Philip Van Artevelde, saying
that he had just arrived from England, and would be glad to have a private
parley with him. An answer was received from Van Artevelde saying that he
would call that evening upon him, as it would be more easy to have quiet
speech together there than if he visited him at his official residence. At
eight o'clock Van Artevelde arrived. He was wrapped in a cloak, and gave
no name, simply saying to the retainer who opened the door that he was
there by appointment with his master. Van Voorden received him alone. They
had met on two or three occasions previously, and saluted each other
cordially.

"I think it best that we should meet quietly," the merchant said, as they
shook hands. "I know the Ghentois, how greedily they swallow every rumour,
how they magnify the smallest things, and how they rage if their desires
are not gratified, and give themselves wholly up to the demagogues. 'Tis
for that reason that I think it well that you have come to see me
privately.

"I have no official mission to you, but I am charged by King Richard, or
rather by his council--when they heard that I was coming over here on my
private affairs--to find out in the first place how things really stand
here; and secondly, to learn your own opinion and thoughts on the matters
in hand."

By this time they had seated themselves by the fire.

"The position is grievous enough in that we are straitened for food," was
the reply; "indeed, although we have of late been fortunate in obtaining
supplies, the pressure cannot be borne. Of one thing you may be sure,
Ghent will not tamely be starved out. If we cannot obtain fair terms,
every man will arm himself and sally out, and, it need be, we will sweep
the whole country clear of its flocks and herds, and bring in such stores
as we want from all quarters, carrying our arms to the gates of Brussels
and Malines in one direction, to Lisle in another, and to Ypres and
Dixmuide south of the Lys. Earl though he be, Louis cannot bar every road
to us, nor forever keep up a force sufficient to withstand us. Already the
feudal lords have kept their levies under arms far beyond the time they
have a right to require them, but this cannot go on. War costs us no more
than peace, and whenever we will we can march with 20,000 men in any
direction that may please us. As to defending ourselves against assault, I
have no fear whatever. Thus, then, so long as Ghent chooses she can
maintain the war." He put an emphasis on the last words.

"That means, I take it," the merchant said, "as long as the people are
willing to go on fasting."

"That is so. There is a sore pinch; food is distributed gratuitously; for,
as all trade is stopped, there is little work to be had. So long as they
could live in idleness, obtain enough food, and a small sum paid daily,
there were no signs of discontent; and there is still plenty of money in
the coffers, for the goods and estates of many who have fled, and who are
known to be favourable to the earl, have been confiscated, but money
cannot provide food. Thus, it seems to me that, save for the lack of food,
matters could go on as at present. But if fair terms cannot be obtained,
the people will demand to be led against their enemy. We shall lead them,
but what will come after that I cannot say.

"As you doubtless know, I am here by no choice of my own. I had naught to
do with the rising of Ghent, or what has been done hitherto, but when Lyon
died and the leaders who succeeded him were killed, they sent to me to be
their governor. For a time I refused, but I was overborne. I was living
quietly and peaceably on my estates, with no love for strife; but it was
pointed out that I alone could unite the factions, that many of the better
classes of citizens, who held aloof from the demagogues of the streets,
would feel confidence in me, that my name would carry weight, and that
other cities might make alliance with me when they would have naught to
say to butchers and skinners and such like, and that possibly the earl
would be more likely to grant terms to me than to those whom he considers
as the rabble. I took up the position reluctantly, but, having taken it
up, I shall not lay it down. Like enough it will cost me my life, as it
cost the life of Jacob Van Artevelde before me, but it may be that aid
will come from some unexpected quarter."

"That is the next point. Do you look for aid from France?"

"France is never to be relied upon," Artevelde replied, gloomily. "The
Valois has, of course, made us vague promises, but all he cares for is
that the war should go on, so that, if he and Burgundy come to blows,
Flanders can give no aid to the duke. I have no hope in that quarter. Of
late, however, Burgundy and Berry have prevailed in his councils, and we
hear that he has decided to join the duke against us. We have sent, as
doubtless you know, to the King of England, to ask him to ally himself
with us."

"'Tis concerning that matter he has charged me. It was known when I left
England that Burgundy had promised his aid to the earl, but naught was
known of France joining in. The king is well disposed towards you, but his
council hold that, so long as Ghent stands alone, England can make no
alliance with her, for she would have to fight, not only Burgundy and
France, but the rest of Flanders. But if Ghent makes herself master of
Flanders, England will gladly ally herself with you, and will send troops
and money."

"'Tis reasonable," Artevelde said, "and we will bestir ourselves. I myself
have done all that is possible to obtain peace, and in three days I am
going, with twelve of the principal citizens, to Bruges, where the earl
arrived yesterday. We shall offer to submit ourselves to his mercy if he
will have pity on the city. If he demands the entire mastership we shall
fight in earnest. If he will content himself with taking our lives, we are
ready to give them for the sake of the city. We know that we have a strong
body of friends in every town, and should it come to blows, methinks it is
not improbable that all Flanders will join, and if we are supported by
England, we may well hope to withstand both France and Burgundy."

"I have two young English knights with me, Van Artevelde; they are young,
but have already shown themselves capable of deeds of the greatest
bravery. During the late riots in London they defended my house against a
mob many hundreds strong, and so gave time for myself, my wife, and
daughter to gain a place of hiding; they did many other brave feats, and
so distinguished themselves that, though very young, the king has knighted
them. I invited them to accompany me hither, in order that they might see
service, and I would fain commend them greatly to you. The fact that they
are English knights would be of advantage to you, seeing that it will, in
the eyes of the people, be taken as a proof that the sympathy of England
is with us, and should there be fighting, or any occasion for the use of
brave men, you can rely upon them to do their utmost."

"I will gladly accept their services, Van Voorden, and, as you say, the
people will certainly draw a good augury from their presence."

The merchant left the room, and returned in a minute with the two young
knights.

"These are the gentlemen of whom I have spoken to you, Van Artevelde," he
said, "Sir Edgar Ormskirk and Sir Albert De Courcy, both very valiant
gentlemen, and high in the esteem of King Richard."

"I greet you gladly, sir knights," Van Artevelde said, "both for your own
sakes and for that of Mynheer Van Voorden, my worthy friend, who has
presented you, and right glad shall I be if you will aid us in this sore
strait into which we have fallen."

"I fear that our aid will not be of much avail to you, sir," Edgar said,
"but such service as we can render we will right willingly give. I shall
be glad to see service for the first time under one bearing the name of
the great man who lost his life because he was so firm an ally of
England."

"At present, gentlemen, things have not come to a crisis here, and for a
few days I must ask your patience; by that time we shall know how matters
are to go. If it be war, gladly, indeed, will I have you ride with me in
the field."

Two days later Philip Van Artevelde rode away with the twelve citizens,
who, like himself, went to offer their lives for the sake of the city. The
scene was an affecting one, and crowds of haggard men and half-starved
women filled the streets. Most of them were in tears, and all prayed aloud
that Heaven would soften the earl's heart and suffer them to come back
unharmed to the city. Three days later they returned. As they rode through
the streets all could see that their news was bad, and that they had
returned because the earl had refused to accept them as sacrifices for the
rest. An enormous crowd gathered in front of the town-hall, and in a few
minutes Van Artevelde and his companions appeared on the balcony.

There was a dead hush among the multitude. They felt that life or death
hung on his words. He told them that the count had refused altogether to
accept twelve lives as ransom for the city, and that he would give no
terms save that he would become its master and would execute all such as
were found to have taken part in the rebellion against him.

A despairing moan rose from the square below.

"Fellow citizens," Van Artevelde went on, "there is now but one of two
things for us to do. The one is to shut our gates, retire to our houses,
and there die either by famine or by such other means as each may choose.
The other way is, that every man capable of bearing arms shall muster,
that we shall march to Bruges, and there either perish under the lances of
his knights, or conquer and drive him headlong from the land. Which choose
ye, my friends?"

A mighty shout arose: "We will fight!"

"You have chosen well," Van Artevelde said. "Have we not before now
defeated forces of men-at-arms superior in numbers to ourselves? Are we
less brave than our fathers? Shall we not fight as stoutly when we know
that we leave famishing wives and children behind who look to us to bring
them back food? Return to your homes! A double ration of bread shall be
served out from the magazines to all. Two hours before daybreak we will
muster in our companies, and an hour later start for Bruges."

Among those who shouted loudest, "We will fight!" were the two young
knights. They had, as soon as it was known that Van Artevelde and his
party had entered the town, gone with Van Voorden to the house of a friend
of his in the great square. They heard with indignation the refusal of the
Earl of Flanders to accept the noble sacrifice offered by the twelve
burgesses, who had followed the example of the Governor of Calais and its
leading citizens in offering their lives as a sacrifice for the rest. They
had met, however, with a less generous foe, whose terms would, if
accepted, have placed the life and property of every citizen of Ghent at
his mercy. What that was likely to be had been shown at Ypres. Now the
young knights felt indeed that the cause was a righteous one, and that
they could draw their swords for Ghent with the conviction that by so
doing they were fighting to save its people from massacre.

"By heavens!" Van Voorden exclaimed, "were I but younger I too would go
out with the Ghentois to battle. I care but little myself as to the rights
of the quarrel, though methinks that Ghent is right in resisting the
oppressive taxes which, contrary to their franchise, the earl has laid on
the city. But that is nothing. One has but to look upon the faces of the
crowd to feel one's blood boil at the strait to which their lord, instead
of fighting them boldly, has, like a coward, reduced them by famine. But
now when I hear that he has refused the prayer for mercy, refused to stay
his vengeance, or to content himself with the heads of the noblest of the
citizens offered to him, but instead would deluge the streets with blood,
I would march with them as to a crusade. I will presently see Van
Artevelde if but for a moment, tell him that you will ride with him, and
ask where you shall take your station."

Late that evening Van Voorden returned. "I have been present at the
council," he said. "The gates will not be open to-morrow, but on Thursday
five thousand men will set out early."

"But five thousand is a small number," Edgar said, "to march against
Bruges, a city as large as this, and having there the earl, and no doubt a
strong body of his own troops."

"That is true; but most of the men are so weakened that it is thought that
it will be best to take but a small number of the strongest and most
capable. They will carry with them the three hundred hand guns. What
little provision there is must be divided; half will go with those who
march, the other half will be kept for those here to sustain life until
news comes how matters have fared in the field."

"But with only five thousand men, without machines for the siege, they can
never hope to storm the walls of Bruges. It would be a feat that as many
veteran soldiers might well hesitate to undertake."

"They have no thought of doing so. It has been agreed that this would be
impossible, but the force will camp near the city, and seeing the
smallness of their number, the people of Bruges will surely sally out and
attack them. Then they will do their best for victory, and if they beat
the enemy our men will follow on their rear hotly and enter the city."

"'Tis a bold plan," Edgar said; "but at least there seems some hope of
success, which no other plan, methinks, could give. At any rate we two
will do our best, and being well fed and well armed may hope to be able to
cut our way out of the _mêlée_ if all should be lost. We fight for honour
and from good-will. But this is not a case in which we would die rather
than turn bridle, as it would be were we fighting under the banner of
England and the command of the king."

"Quite so, Edgar; I agree with you entirely," the merchant said. "You have
not come to this country to die in the defence of Ghent. You came hither
to do, if occasion offers, some knightly deeds, and feeling pity for the
starving people here you offer them knightly aid, and will fight for them
as long as there is a chance that fighting may avail them, but beyond that
it would be folly indeed to go; and when you see the day hopelessly lost,
you and your men-at-arms may well try to make your way out of the crowd of
combatants, and to ride whither you will. I say not to return here, for
that would indeed be an act of folly, since Ghent will have to surrender
at once, and without conditions, as soon as the news comes that the battle
is lost. Therefore your best plan would be to ride for Sluys, and there
take ship again. As for me, I shall wait until news comes and then ride
for Liege, and remain there with friends quietly until we see what the
upshot of the affair is likely to be."

During the day preparations were made for the expedition. Five thousand of
those best able to carry arms were chosen, but the store of provisions was
so small that there were but five cartloads of biscuit and two tuns of
wine for those who went, and a like quantity for the sustenance of those
who stayed. The young knights were to ride in the train of Van Artevelde
himself. In the morning the merchant had asked them what colours they
would wear, for, so far, they had not provided themselves with scarves.

"You should have scarves, and knightly plumes also," he said, "and, if you
carry lances, pennons; but as you say that you shall fight with sword,
that matter can stand over. Tell me what colours you choose, and I will
see that you have them."

Albert answered that he should carry his father's colours, namely, a red
sash, and red and blue plumes. Edgar replied that he had never thought
about it, but that he would choose white and red plumes, and a scarf of
the same colour. These the merchant purchased in the afternoon, and his
wife and daughter fastened the plumes in their helmets. At the appointed
hour in the morning they clad themselves in full armour, and when they
went down they found the merchant's wife and daughter were already afoot,
and these fastened the scarves over their shoulders. On going down to the
courtyard they found, to their surprise, that their two horses both
carried armour on the chest, body, and head.

"It is right that you should go to battle in knightly fashion," the
merchant said, "and I have provided you with what is necessary. Indeed,
that is no more than is due. I brought you out here, and involved you in
this business, and 'tis but right that I should see that you are protected
as far as may be from harm."

The reins were supplemented by steel chains, so that the riders should not
be left powerless were the leather cut by a sweeping blow. When they
mounted, the merchant himself went with them to the spot where Van
Artevelde's following were to assemble. The two men-at-arms, in high
spirits at the thought of a fight, rode behind them, together with the two
Van Voorden had engaged at Sluys, both of whom were able to speak a
certain amount of English.

"If you are unhorsed, comrade," one of them said to Hal Carter, "and in an
extremity, remember that the cry for mercy is '_Misericorde_.'"

"By my faith," Hal replied, "'tis little likely that they will get that
cry from me; as long as I can fight I will fight, when I can fight no
longer they can slay me. Still, it is as well that I should know the word,
as I should not like to kill any poor wretch who asks for quarter."

They found Van Artevelde already at the place of assembly. He greeted the
young knights most cordially.

"Your presence here," he said, "will be invaluable to me. The word will
soon go round to our host that you are English knights, and it will be
held as a token that England is with us."

They waited half an hour, and then Van Voorden bade them adieu, as the
cavalcade moved forward. Already the greater part of the armed men had
moved out from the city, each band having assembled in its own quarter,
and moved through the gates as soon as its number was complete. The
instructions had been that each company, as it issued from the gates, was
to follow the road to Bruges, and as soon as the sun rose it was to halt,
when they were all to form up and move in order. Van Artevelde introduced
the young knights to many of those who rode with him, as having lately
arrived from England, and as being willing to take part in a battle for so
good a cause.

The road was broad and wide, but the cavalcade rode in single file, so as
to pass without difficulty the masses of marching men. Just as the sun
rose they reached the head of the column. A halt was called; the country
was flat, and the companies were now formed on a front half a mile wide,
so that they could march at once faster and in an orderly body, as it was
possible that some spy might have sent the news of their coming to Bruges,
and they might be attacked on their way. There were no horses, save those
of Van Artevelde and his immediate followers, the seven carts being
dragged by men. As the march proceeded, Edgar and Albert requested Van
Artevelde to give them leave to ride with their four men across the
country, and to take with them a score of the most active foot-men.

"It will be hard," they said, "if we cannot come across a few cattle,
sheep, or horses, or some sacks of flour, which would mightily help us. If
we keep ahead of the main body we may, too, come by surprise on some of
the farm-houses, and shall be able to send back news to you should there
be any armed force approaching."

"By all means do so, and thanks for the offer."

Artevelde gave orders at once that twenty men of the company next to him
should proceed as rapidly as they could ahead with the English knights,
and should hold themselves under their command.

"We will go on, good fellows," Edgar said to them; "if we meet with a
force too strong for us we shall ride back, but if we can capture aught in
the way of food we will wait until you come up and leave it in your charge
to hold until the others arrive."

Riding on fast the friends were soon two miles ahead of the main body. The
villages on the road were found to be completely deserted, the people
having removed weeks before; for lying, as they did, between the rival
cities, they were likely to suffer at the hands of both. The party soon
turned off and made across the country. Here and there a few animals could
be seen over the flat expanse. Presently they came upon a mill; the water
of the canal that turned its wheel was running to waste, and the place was
evidently deserted.

"Hew down the door, Hal," Edgar said to his follower.

"That will I right willingly, my lord, for, in truth, I begin to feel
well-nigh as hungry as those of Ghent. We have had good lodgings, and the
beasts have fared well on hay, but had it not been for the food we brought
from the last halting-place, verily I believe that we should not have had
a bite from the time we entered the place five days ago to now."

"We have been in almost as bad a plight, Hal. It was well indeed that we
filled up our panniers, in the knowledge that there was little to be
obtained in Ghent; though in truth we knew not that the pressure of want
was so great."

A few strokes with the heavy axe Hal carried at his saddlebow stove in the
door, and they entered.

The interior of the mill was in great confusion, and by the manner in
which things were thrown about, it was evident that it had been deserted
in great haste, and probably some months before, when the fighting was
going on hotly. "Look round, lads!" Edgar exclaimed. "They may well have
left something behind when they fled so suddenly."

A shout was raised when the men-at-arms entered the next chamber. In one
corner stood ten sacks of flour, and the bin, into which the flour ran
from the stones, was half full, and contained enough to fill five or six
others. One of the Flemish men-at-arms was at once ordered to ride back at
full speed to the road to intercept the twenty foot-men. These were to be
directed to come at once to take charge of the mill, and the messenger was
then to ride on till he met Van Artevelde, and to beg him to send forward
as many bakers as there might be among his following, and to inform him
that there was flour enough to furnish a loaf for every man in the force.
As soon as the foot-men arrived, Edgar and Albert set them to work. The
three men had already collected a quantity of wood and lighted the fire in
a great oven that they had found, and from which it was evident that the
miller was also a baker, and supplied the villagers round them. The two
knights, with their followers, again started on horseback, and after four
hours' riding, returned with twelve cattle, four horses, and a score of
sheep they had found grazing masterless over the country. By this time
fifty bakers were at work, and five hundred men were sitting down round
the mill waiting to carry the loaves, when baked, to the army. The animals
were given over to the charge of ten of these men, who were ordered to
drive them after the army until this halted. The young knights and their
men-at-arms then rode away.




CHAPTER XIV

CIVIL WAR


Edgar and Albert came up with the force after an hour-and-a-half's riding,
and found it halted some four miles from Bruges. The news that the English
knights had discovered a store of flour had passed quickly through the
ranks, and they were loudly cheered as they rode in.

"Truly you have rendered us a vast service," Van Artevelde said, as they
joined him, "for it will not be needful to break in this evening upon our
scanty store, and this is of vital importance, since we must perforce wait
until the earl and the men of Bruges come out to attack us. Your men said
that it was some fifteen sacks of flour that you had found?"

"About that, sir. There were ten full, and under the millstones was a
great bin holding, I should say, half as much more. Moreover, we have
ridden far over the country, and have gathered up twelve head of cattle,
four horses, and a score of sheep. These are following us, and will give
meat enough for a good meal to-day all round, and maybe something to
spare, and to-morrow I trust that we may bring in some more."

A murmur of satisfaction broke from the four or five burghers with Van
Artevelde.

"This is a good beginning, indeed, of our adventure," the latter said,
"and greatly are we beholden to these knights. They have dispelled the
apprehension I had that if the people of Bruges deferred their attack for
a couple of days they might find us so weakened with hunger as to be
unable to show any front against them."

Two hours later the animals arrived, and were handed over to the company
of the butchers' guild, who proceeded at once to cut them up. They were
then distributed among the various companies, with orders that but half
was to be eaten that night and the rest kept for the morrow. In the
meantime men had been sent on to some of the deserted villages, and had
returned with doors, shutters, broken furniture, and beams, and fires were
speedily lighted. Before the meat was ready half of those who had remained
at the mill arrived laden with bread, and said that the rest would be up
in two hours. For the first time for weeks the Ghentois enjoyed a hearty
meal, and as Van Artevelde, with the young knights and burghers with him,
went round on foot among the men, they were greeted with loud cheers and
shouts of satisfaction.

The next day the force remained where it had halted. The two knights and
the men-at-arms scoured the country again for some miles round, and drove
in before them twenty-two head of cattle, and these sufficed, with what
had remained over, to furnish food for the day and to leave enough for the
troops to break their fast in the morning.

So deserted was the country that it was not until the next morning early
that the news reached the earl that the men of Ghent had come out against
him. Rejoicing that they should thus have placed themselves in his power,
he sent out three knights to reconnoitre their position and bring an
account of their numbers. After breakfast Philip Van Artevelde had moved
his followers a short distance away from their halting-ground and taken up
a position near to a small hill, where he addressed them.

Some friars and clergy who were with the force celebrated mass at various
points, and then confessed the troops and exhorted them to keep up their
courage, telling them that small forces had, with the help of God,
frequently defeated large ones, and as all had been done that was possible
to obtain peace but without avail, He would surely help them against these
enemies who sought to destroy them utterly. Then they prepared for battle.
Each man carried with him a long and sharp stake, as was their custom, in
the same fashion as did the English archers, and they gathered in a square
and set a hedge of these stakes round them. The enemy's knights had ridden
near them without being interfered with, for the Ghentois wished nothing
better than that the smallness of their numbers should be clearly seen.

After they had ridden off, Van Artevelde, confident that their report
would suffice to bring out the earl with his people, now ordered that the
wine and bread brought out with them, which had hitherto been untouched,
should be served out. The men then sat down and quietly awaited the
attack. As Van Artevelde had hoped, the message taken back by the knights
as to his strength and position was sufficient to induce the earl to give
battle at once, as he feared that they might change their mind and
retreat. The alarm-bells called all the citizens to arms. They fell in
with their companies, and marched out forty thousand strong, including the
knights and men-at-arms of the earl. The citizens of Bruges, delighted at
the thought that the opportunity for levelling their haughty rival to the
dust had now arrived, marched on, until they reached the edge of a pond in
front of the position of the Ghentois.

Van Artevelde had placed the whole of the men with guns in the front rank,
with the strictest orders that no shot was to be fired until the order was
given. Waiting until the enemy had gathered in great masses, Van Artevelde
gave the word, and the three hundred guns, many of these being wall-
pieces, were fired at once, doing great destruction. The sun was behind
the Ghentois, and its direct rays, and those reflected from the pond,
rendered it difficult for the men of Bruges to see what their foes were
doing, and observing the great confusion from the effect of the volley,
the men of Ghent, with a mighty cheer, pulled up their stakes, and rushing
round the ends of the pond, fell upon their enemies with fury.

The men of Bruges, who had anticipated no resistance, and had marched out
in the full belief that the Ghentois would lay down their arms and crave
for mercy as soon as they appeared, were seized with a panic. The two
young knights, with their four men-at-arms, had placed themselves at the
head of the foot-men, and, dashing among the citizens, hewed their way
through them, followed closely by the shouting Ghentois. Numbers of the
men of Bruges were slain with sword, axe, and pike. The others threw away
their arms and fled, hotly pursued by their foes. Louis of Flanders, who,
by a charge with his knights and men-at-arms, might well have remedied the
matter, now showed that he was as cowardly as he was cruel, drew off with
them, and, without striking a single blow, he himself and some forty men
galloped to Bruges. The rest of his knights and followers scattered in all
directions.

Great numbers of the flying citizens were killed in the pursuit. It was
now dark; the earl on arriving had ordered the gate by which he entered to
be closed, and had set twenty men there. Thus the retreat of the citizens
into the town was prevented, and many were slaughtered. In consequence,
the rest fled to other gates, where they were admitted, but with them
rushed in their pursuers. Philip Van Artevelde begged the two English
knights to each take a strong party, and to proceed round the walls in
different directions, seizing all the gates, and setting a strong guard on
them, that none should enter or leave; and then, with the main body of his
following, he marched without opposition to the market-place.

The earl, when he found that the town was lost and the gates closed,
disguised himself, and found shelter for the night in a loft in the house
of a poor woman. Van Artevelde had issued the strictest orders that he was
on no account to be injured, but was, when found, to be brought at once to
him, so that he might be taken to Ghent, and there obliged to make a peace
that would assure to the city all its privileges, and give rest and
tranquillity to the country. In spite, however, of the most rigid search,
the earl was not found; but the forty knights and men-at-arms who had
entered with him were all captured and killed. No harm whatever was done
to any of the inhabitants of Bruges, or to any foreign merchants or others
residing there.

[Illustration: THE TWO YOUNG KNIGHTS CHARGE DOWN UPON THE PANIC-STRICKEN
CROWD.]

On the following night the Earl of Flanders managed to effect his escape
in disguise. That day being Sunday the men of Ghent repaired to the
cathedral, where they had solemn mass celebrated, and a thanksgiving for
their victory and for their relief from their sore strait. The young
knights were not present, for as soon as the city was captured, Van
Artevelde said to them:

"Brave knights, to you it is chiefly due that we are masters here to-day,
instead of being men exhausted, without hope, and at the mercy of our
enemies. It was you who found and brought us food, and so enabled us to
hold out for two days, and to meet the enemy strong and in good heart.
Then, too, I marked how you clove a way for our men to follow you through
the ranks of the foe, spreading death and dismay among them. Sirs, to you,
then, I give the honour of bearing the news to Ghent. I have ordered that
fresh horses shall be brought you from the prince's stable. Councillor
Moens will ride with you to act as spokesman; but before starting, take, I
pray you, a goblet of wine and some bread. It were well that you took your
men-at-arms with you, for you might be beset on the road by some of the
people who did not succeed in entering the gates, or by some of the
cowardly knights who stood by and saw the citizens being defeated without
laying lance in rest to aid them. Fresh horses shall be prepared for your
men also, and they shall sup before they start. There is no lack of food
here."

Much gratified at the mission intrusted to them, the young knights at once
ordered their men-at-arms to prepare for the ride.

"When you have supped," Albert said, "see that you stuff your saddle-bags
and ours with food for Van Voorden's household first, and then for those
who most need it."

The meals were soon eaten. As they were about to mount Van Artevelde said
to them:

"There will be no lack of provisions to-morrow, for in two hours a great
train of waggons, loaded with provisions, will start under a strong guard,
and to-morrow at daybreak herds of cattle will be brought in and driven
there; you may be sure also that the rivers will be open as soon as the
news is known, for none will now venture to interfere with those bringing
food into Ghent."

The councillor was ready, and in a few minutes they had passed out of the
city, and were galloping along the road to Ghent, just as the bell of the
cathedral tolled the hour often. Two hours later, without having once
checked the speed of their horses, they heard the bells ringing midnight
in Ghent. In ten minutes they approached the gate, and were challenged
from the walls.

"I am the Councillor Moens," the knights' companion shouted. "I come from
Philip Van Artevelde with good news. We have defeated the enemy and
captured Bruges."

There was a shout of delight from the walls, and in a minute the
drawbridge was lowered and the great gate opened. The councillor rode
straight to the town-hall. The doors were open, and numbers of the
citizens were still gathered there. Moens did not wait to speak to them,
but, running into the belfry, ordered the men there to ring their most
joyous peal. The poor fellows had been lying about, trying to deaden their
hunger by sleep, but at the order they leapt to their feet, seized the
ropes, and Ghent was electrified by hearing the triumphal peal bursting
out in the stillness of the night.

In the meantime those in the hall had crowded round the young knights and
their followers, but these, beyond saying that the news was good, waited
until Moens' return. It was but a minute, and he at once shouted:

"The enemy have been beaten! We have taken Bruges! By the morning food
will be here!"

Now from every belfry in the city the notes from the town-hall had been
taken up, the clanging of the bells roused every sleeper, and the whole
town poured into the street shouting wildly, for though they knew not yet
what had happened, it was clear that some great news had arrived. All the
councillors and the principal citizens had made for the town-hall, which
was speedily thronged. Moens took his place with the two young knights
upon the raised platform at the end, and lifted his hand for silence. The
excited multitude were instantly still, and those near the doors closed
them, to keep out the sound of the bells. Then Moens, speaking at the top
of his voice that all might hear him, said: "I am now but the mouthpiece
of these English knights, to whom Van Artevelde has given the honour of
bearing the news to you, but since they are ignorant of our language I
have come with them as interpreter. First, then, we have met the army of
Bruges and the earl, forty thousand strong; we have defeated them with
great slaughter, and with but small loss to ourselves."

A mighty shout rose from the crowd, and it was some minutes before the
speaker could continue.

"Following on the heels of our flying foes, we entered the city, and
Bruges is ours."

Another shout, as enthusiastic as the first, again interrupted him.

"A great train of waggons filled with wine and provisions was to start at
midnight, and will be here to-morrow morning at daybreak. Herds will be
driven in, and dispatched at once. By to-morrow night, therefore, the
famine will be at an end, and every man, woman, and child in Ghent will be
able to eat their fill."

Those at the door shouted the glad news to the multitude in the square,
and a roar like that of the sea answered, and echoed the shouts in the
hall.

"Tell us more, tell us more!" the men cried, when the uproar ceased. "We
have seven or eight hours to wait for food; tell us all about it."

"I will tell you first, citizens, why I am speaking to you in the name of
these English knights, and why they have been chosen to have the honour of
bringing these good tidings hither."

He then told them how, the force being without horsemen, and bound to keep
straight along by the road, the two knights had volunteered to ride out to
see if any hostile force was approaching, and also to endeavour to find
provisions.

"The latter seemed hopeless," the councillor went on. "Every village had
long since been deserted, and no living soul met the eye on the plain.
They had been gone but three hours when one of their men-at-arms rode in,
asking that all the bakers should be sent forward at once, for that, in a
mill less than two miles from the road, they had discovered fifteen sacks
of flour left behind. The bakers started at once with five hundred men to
bring on the bread as fast as it was baked to the spot where we were to
halt.

"This was not all, for, later on, the knights with some of the men joined
us at the camp with sufficient cattle, sheep, and horses, that the knights
had found straying, to give every man a meal that night, and one the
following morning. The next day they drove in a few more, and so it was
not until to-day that we touched the store we took with us. It was the
food that saved us. Had we been forced to eat our scanty supply that first
night, we should have been fasting for well-nigh forty-eight hours, and
when the earl, with his knights and men-at-arms and the townsmen of
Bruges, in all forty thousand men, marched out to meet us, what chance
would five thousand famished men have had against them? As it was, the
food we got did wonders for us; and every man seemed to have regained his
full strength and courage. When they came nigh to us we poured in one
volley with all our guns, which put them into confusion. The sun was in
their eyes, and almost before they knew that we had moved, we were upon
them.

"These two knights and their four men-at-arms flung themselves into the
crowd and opened the way for our footmen, and in five minutes the fight
was over. It may be that many of the craftsmen of Bruges were there
unwillingly, and that these were among the first to throw down their arms
and fly. However it was, in five minutes the whole force was in full
flight. The earl's knights and their men-at-arms struck not a single blow,
but seeming panic-struck, scattered and fled in all directions, the earl
and forty men alone gaining Bruges. There they closed the gate against the
fugitives, but these fled to other gates, and so hotly did we pursue them
that we entered mixed up with them.

"Van Artevelde committed to the two English knights the task of seizing
all the gates, and of setting a guard to prevent any man from leaving,
while the rest of us under him pushed forward to the market-place. There
was no resistance. Thousands of the men had fallen in the battle and
flight. Thousands had failed to enter the gates. All who did so were
utterly panic-stricken and terrified. Thus the five thousand men you sent
out have defeated forty thousand, and have captured Bruges, and I verily
believe that not more than a score have fallen. Methinks, my friends, you
will all agree with me that your governor has done well to give these
knights the honour of carrying the good news to Ghent."

A mighty shout answered the question. The crowd rushed upon the two young
knights, each anxious to speak to them, and praise them. With difficulty
the councillor, aided by some of his colleagues, surrounded them, and made
a way to a small door at the end of the platform. Once beyond the
building, they hurried along by-streets to Van Voorden's house, to where,
on entering the hall, they had charged the men-at-arms at once to take the
horses, to hand over as much of the provisions as were needed for the
immediate wants of the household, and then to carry the rest to the nuns
of a convent hard by--for these were, they knew, reduced to the direst
straits before the expedition started.

"Welcome back, welcome back!" the Fleming exclaimed, as they entered, and
the words were repeated by wife and daughter. "Your men-at-arms told my
wife what had happened, and I myself heard it from the lower end of the
town-hall, where I arrived just as Moens began to speak. I saw you escape
from the platform, and hurried off, but have only this instant arrived.
The crush was so great in the square that it was difficult to make my way
through it, but forgive us if we say nothing further until we have eaten
that food upon the table, for indeed we have had but one regular meal
since you left the town. Tell me first, though, for all were too excited
to ask Moens the question--has the earl been captured?"

"He had not, up to the moment when we left. The strictest search is being
made for him. It is known that he must be somewhere in the town, for he
and a party, not knowing that Van Artevelde was in the market-place, well-
nigh fell into his hands, and he certainly could not have got through any
of the gates before we had closed them and had placed a strong guard over
them. Van Artevelde has given strict orders that he is to be taken
uninjured, and he purposes to bring him here, and to make him sign a peace
with us."

"I trust that he will be caught," Van Voorden said; "but as for the peace,
I should have no faith in it, for be sure that as soon as he is once free
again he would repudiate it, and would at once set to work to gather, with
the aid of Burgundy, a force with which he could renew the war, wipe out
the disgrace that has befallen him, and take revenge upon the city that
inflicted it. Now, let us to supper."

"We will but look on," Albert said, with a smile. "We supped at Bruges at
half-past nine, but it will be a pleasure indeed to see you eat it."

"We must not eat much," the merchant said to his wife and daughter. "Let
us take a little now, and to-morrow we can do better. It might injure us
to give rein to our appetite after well-nigh starving for the last two
days."

As soon as the meal was eaten all sallied out into the streets, the young
knights first laying aside their armour, as they did not wish to attract
attention. The bells were still ringing out with joyous clamour; at every
house flags, carpets, and curtains had been hung out; torches were fixed
to every balcony, and great bonfires had been lighted in the middle of the
streets, and in the open spaces and markets. The people were well-nigh
delirious with joy; strangers shook hands and embraced in the streets; men
and women forgot their weakness and hunger, though many were so feeble but
an hour before that they could scarcely drag themselves along. The
cathedral and churches were all lighted up and crowded with worshippers,
thanking God for having preserved them in their hour of greatest need.

"Then, in truth, Sir Edgar," the Fleming said, as they went along, "the
people of Bruges showed themselves to be but a cowardly rabble, and the
fighting was poor indeed."

"It could scarce be called fighting at all," Edgar said. "A few blows from
halbert and bill, and a few thrusts of the pike struck my armour as I
charged among them, but after that, it was but a matter of cutting down
fugitives. The rabble down in Kent fought with far greater courage, for we
had to charge through and through them several times before they broke. I
doubt not that very many were outside Bruges against their wills; they had
not dared disobey the summons to arms. It was a panic, and a strange one.
They had doubtless made up their minds that when we saw their multitude,
we should surrender without a blow being struck. The sudden discharge of
the guns shook them, and at our first charge they bolted away panic-
struck. The strangest part of the affair was that the earl, who had a
strong following of knights and men-at-arms, made no effort to retrieve
the battle. Had they but charged down upon our flank when we had become
disordered in the pursuit, they could have overthrown us without
difficulty.

"How it came about that they did not do so is more than I can say. It is
clear that the earl showed himself to be a great coward, and his disgrace
this day is far greater than that of the burghers of Bruges, since he and
his party fled without the loss of a single drop of blood, while thousands
of the citizens have lost their lives."

"'Tis good that he so behaved," Van Voorden said. "The story that he so
deserted the men of Bruges, who went to fight in his quarrel, will
speedily be known throughout Flanders, and that, with the news of our
great victory, will bring many cities to our side. I trust that Van
Artevelde will treat Bruges with leniency."

"He has already issued a proclamation that none of the small craftsmen of
Bruges shall be injured, but exception is made in the case of the four
guilds that have always been foremost against Ghent; members of which are
to be killed when found."

"'Tis a pity, but one can scarce blame him. And now, my friends, that we
have seen Ghent on this wonderful night, it will be well that we get home
to bed. My wife and daughter are still weak from fasting, and I myself
feel the strain. As to you, you have done a heavy day's work indeed,
especially having to carry the weight of your armour."

The young knights were indeed glad to throw themselves upon their pallets.
They slept soundly until awakened by a fresh outburst of the bells. They
sat up; daylight was beginning to break.

"'Tis the train of provisions," Edgar said. "We may as well go out and see
the sight, and give such aid as we can to the council, for the famishing
people may well be too eager to await the proper division of the food."

In a few days there was an abundance of everything in Ghent, for Damme and
Sluys opened their gates at once. In the former there were vast cellars of
wine, of which 6,000 tuns were sent by ships and carts to Ghent, while at
Sluys there was a vast quantity of corn and meal in the ships and
storehouses of foreign merchants. All this was bought and paid for at fair
prices and sent to the city. Besides food and wine, Ghent received much
valuable spoil. All the gold and silver vessels of the earl were captured
at Bruges, with much treasure, and a great store of gold and jewels was
taken at his palace at Male, near Bruges.

Philip Van Artevelde at once sent messages to all the towns of Flanders
summoning them to send the keys of their gates to Ghent, and to
acknowledge her supremacy. The news of the victory had caused great
exultation in most of these cities, and with the exception of Oudenarde,
all sent deputations at once to Ghent to congratulate her, and to promise
to support her in all things. In the meantime the gates and a portion of
the wall of Bruges had been beaten down, and five hundred of the burgesses
were taken to Ghent as hostages. The young knights remained quietly there
until Philip Van Artevelde returned. He was received with frantic
enthusiasm. He had assumed the title of Regent of Flanders, and now
assumed a state and pomp far greater than that which the earl himself had
held. He had an immense income, for not only were his private estates
large, but a sort of tribute was paid by all the towns of Flanders, and
Ghent for a time presented a scene of gaiety and splendour equal to that
of any capital in Europe.

Siege was presently laid to Oudenarde, where the garrison had been
strongly reinforced by a large party of men-at-arms and cross-bowmen, sent
by the earl. Every city in Flanders sent a contingent of fighting men to
join those of Ghent, and no less than a hundred thousand men were
assembled outside Oudenarde. Thither went the two young friends as soon as
the siege began. They had come out to see fighting and not feasting, and
they had lost the society of Van Voorden, he having been requested by Van
Artevelde to return to England, to conclude a treaty between her and
Ghent. Flanders was indeed master of itself, for the earl was a fugitive
at the Court of his son-in-law, the Duke of Burgundy, who was endeavouring
to induce France to join him against Flanders.

For a time he failed, for the king was much better disposed to the
Flemings than he was to the earl, but when, some time later, Charles died,
and Burgundy became all-powerful with the young king, his successor,
France also prepared to take the field against Flanders. Thus a close
alliance between the latter and England became of great importance to
both, and had it not been for the extreme unpopularity of the Duke of
Lancaster and his brother Gloucester, the course of events might have been
changed. For war with France was always popular in England, and the
necessary supplies would at once have been voted by parliament had it not
been thought that when an army was raised Lancaster would, instead of
warring with France, use it for furthering his own claims in Spain. Many
English knights, however, came over on their own account to aid the
Flemings, and no less than two hundred archers at Calais quietly left the
town, with the acquiescence, if not with the encouragement, of the
authorities, to take service with Van Artevelde.

One day, the two friends returned to camp after being away for some time
watching what was going on. On entering their tent, Albert, who was the
first to enter, gave a shout of surprise and pleasure. Edgar pushed in to
see what could have thus excited his friend, and so moved him from his
usual quiet manner. He, too, was equally surprised, and almost equally
pleased, when he saw Albert standing with his hand clasped in that of his
father.

"I thought that I should surprise you," Sir Ralph said, "by coming over
both to see this great gathering, and also to have a look at you. We heard
of your doings from Van Voorden. He was good enough, after his first
interview with the king and council, to ride down to tell us how it fared
with you, and it gave us no small pleasure, as you may well suppose, to
hear that you had already gained so much credit, and that you both were
well in health, I went back to town with him, and stayed three weeks
there. There was much talk in the council. All were well content that
there should be an alliance with the Flemings, but it seems to me there is
not much chance of an English army taking the field to help them at
present.

"The king is altogether taken up with his marriage, and is thinking much
more of fêtes and pageants than of war. Then 'tis doubtful whether the
commons would grant the large sum required. The present is a bad time; the
rebellion has cost much money, and what with the destruction of property,
with the fields standing untilled, and the expenses of the Court, which
are very heavy, in truth the people have reasonable cause for grumbling
thereat. Then, again, if an army were sent to Flanders, Lancaster would
most surely have the command, and you know how much he is hated, and, I
may say, feared. Naught will persuade men that he has not designs upon the
crown. For this I can see no warrant, but assuredly he loves power, and he
and Gloucester overshadow the king.

"Then, again, his wishes are, certainly, to lead a great army into Spain,
and he would oppose money being spent on operations in Flanders. Thus, I
fear, our alliance is like to be but of little use to Ghent or Flanders.
Were but the Black Prince or his father upon the throne things would be
different indeed, and we should have a stout army here before many weeks
are over. We of the old time feel it hard indeed to see England playing so
poor a part. There is another reason, moreover, why our barons do not
press matters on. In the first place, they are jealous of the influence
that the king's favourites have with him, and that those who, by rank and
age, should be his councillors meet with but a poor reception when they
come to Court.

"But methinks that even these things hinder much less than the conduct of
the people of Ghent. Since Bruges was captured there have been, as you
know, parties going through the land as far as the frontiers of France,
plundering and destroying all the houses and castles of the knights and
nobles, under the complaint that they were favourable to the earl, but in
truth chiefly because these knaves hate those of gentle blood and are
greedy of plunder. Our nobles deem it--and methinks that they have some
reason for doing so--to be a business something like that which we have
had in England, save that with us it was the country people, while here it
is those of the towns who would fain pull down and destroy all those above
them in station. Certainly, their acts are not like to win the friendship
and assistance of our English nobles and knights."

"Indeed, I see that, Sir Ralph," Edgar said. "At first we were greatly in
favour of Ghent, seeing that they were in a desperate strait and that all
reasonable terms were refused them, but of late we have not been so warm
in their cause. Van Artevelde himself is assuredly honest and desirous of
doing what is right, but methinks he does wrong in keeping up the state of
a king and bearing himself towards all those of the other cities of
Flanders as if Ghent were their conqueror, and laying heavy taxes upon
them, while he himself is swayed by the councils of the most violent of
the demagogues of Ghent."

"But now tell me--how goes on the siege?"

"It goes not on at all. Oudenarde is a strong place; it is defended by
many broad ditches, and has a garrison of knights and men-at-arms of the
earl, who, as we know, take upon themselves all the defence, knowing that
there are men in the town who would fain surrender, and fearing that these
would throw open the gates to us, or give us such aid as they could, were
there a chance. Still more, the siege goes on but slowly, or rather we may
say goes on not at all, for want of a leader. Van Artevelde himself knows
nothing whatever of the business of war, nor do any of those about him.

"The men of the towns will all fight bravely in a pitched field, as they
have often shown, but as to laying a siege, they know naught of it, and it
seems to us that the matter might go on for a year and yet be no nearer
its end. They are far more occupied in making ordinances and collecting
contributions, and in doing all they can for the honour and glory of
Ghent, than in thinking of taking Oudenarde, which, indeed, when captured,
would be of no great consequence to them."

Sir Ralph nodded. "Methinks you are right, Edgar. I arrived here just as
you went out this morning, and hearing from your men that you were not
like to return till midday, I have ridden round to see what was being
done, and to my surprise saw that, in the three months since this great
host sat down before Oudenarde, naught of any use whatever has been
accomplished. With such an army, if Flanders wishes to maintain her
freedom, she should have summoned Burgundy to abstain from giving aid to
the earl, and on his refusal should have marched with her whole force
against him, captured some of his great towns, and met his host in a fair
field. Methinks you two are doing no good to yourselves here, and that it
will be just as well for you both to go back to England for a time, until
you see how matters shape themselves."




CHAPTER XV

A CRUSHING DEFEAT


The two young knights were both pleased to hear Sir Ralph's counsel, for
they themselves had several times talked the matter over together, and
agreed that there was little prospect of aught being done for many months.
They felt that they were but wasting their time remaining before
Oudenarde, where they were frequently offended by the overbearing manner
of the Ghentois, who, on the strength of their defeat of the people of
Bruges, considered themselves to be invincible. They had, during the four
months that they had been in Flanders, learned enough of the language to
make themselves easily understood. They had paid visits to Brussels and
other places of importance, and were likely to learn nothing from the
events of the siege, which, they could already see, was not going to be
attended with success.

It was their first absence from home, and in the lack of all adventure and
excitement, they would be glad to be back again. Therefore, after
remaining three days, which only confirmed Sir Ralph in his view, they
took leave of Van Artevelde, saying that they hoped to rejoin him as soon
as there was any prospect of active service, and, riding to Sluys, took
ship with their followers. At Sir Ralph's suggestion they retained in
their train the two Flemings, whom they had found stout and useful
fellows.

"Are you glad to go home again, Hal?" Sir Edgar said.

"Well, master, I should not be glad were there aught doing here, though
now that they have granted a pardon to all concerned in Wat the Tyler's
business, I can show my face without fear. But it has been a dull time.
Except just for a score of blows in that business with the Bruges people
there has been naught to do since we came over, except to groom the horses
and polish the armour. One might as well have been driving a cart at St.
Alwyth as moping about this camp."

"Perhaps there will be more stirring times when we come back again, Hal.
Burgundy is arming, and it is like enough that France may join him, and in
that case there will be fighting enough even to satisfy you; but we may
have a few months at home before that is likely to take place."

The knights were landed at Gravesend, and their road lay together as far
as St. Alwyth. It was late in the afternoon, and Sir Ralph and Albert rode
straight home, telling Edgar that they should expect to see him in the
morning. Edgar found his father going on just as usual. He received his
son with pleasure, but without surprise, as Sir Ralph had called before he
left, and had said that if he found that naught was doing at Oudenarde, he
would recommend his own son and Edgar to return home for a while.

"Well, sir knight," Mr. Ormskirk said, smiling, "I have not yet
congratulated you on your honour, but, believe me, I was right glad when I
heard the news. You have had but little fighting, I hear."

"None at all, father, for the affair near Bruges could scarcely be called
fighting. It was as naught to the fight we had down here before we went
away; save for that, I have not drawn sword. I have returned home somewhat
richer, for Van Artevelde gave Albert and myself rich presents as our
share of the spoil taken there."

"You have grown nigh two inches," Mr. Ormskirk said, as Edgar laid aside
his armour.

"I have done little else but eat and sleep, ride for an hour or two every
day, and practise arms other two hours with Albert, for indeed there were
few among the Flemings who knew aught of the matter save to strike a
downright blow. They are sturdy fellows and strong, and can doubtless
fight well side by side in a pitched battle, but they can scarce be called
men-at-arms, seeing that they but takedown their weapons when these are
required, and hang them up again until there is fresh occasion for their
use. So that I have doubtless grown a bit, having nothing else to do."

"And for how long are you home, Edgar?"

"That I know not, father. Sir Ralph will go up with us to London next
week. He says that it will be well we should present ourselves at Court,
but after that we shall do nothing until affairs change in Flanders, or
till a force goes from here to their aid."

Edgar rode over to the De Courcys' place the next morning, and received a
warm welcome.

Four days later they rode to town with Sir Ralph. The king received them
with much favour.

"Philip Van Artevelde sent me by Master Van Voorden a most favourable
report of you," he said, "and told me that he was mightily beholden to you
for his victory over the men of Bruges, for that had it not been for your
collecting supplies for his men, they would have been too famished to have
given battle, and that you led the charge into the midst of their ranks. I
was pleased to find that my knights had borne themselves so well. And how
goes on the siege of Oudenarde?"

"It can scarcely be called a siege, your Majesty," Edgar said; "there are
a few skirmishes, but beyond that naught is done. If your Majesty would
but send them out a good knight with skill in such matters they might take
Oudenarde in ten days. As it is, 'tis like to extend to the length of the
siege of Troy, unless the Burgundians come to its relief."

"I could send them a good knight, for I have plenty of them, but would
they obey him?"

"Methinks not, sire," Edgar replied, frankly. "Just at present they are so
content with themselves that they would assuredly accept no foreign
leader, and have indeed but small respect for their own."

The king laughed. "What thought you of them, Sir Ralph?"

"'Tis what might be looked for, your Majesty. It is an army of bourgeois
and craftsmen, stout fellows who could doubtless defend their walls
against an attack, or might fight stoutly shoulder to shoulder, but they
have an over-weening conceit in themselves, and deem that all that is
necessary in war is to carry a pike or a pole-axe and use it stoutly. A
party of children would do as well, or better, were they set to besiege a
town. Leadership there is none. Parties go out to skirmish with the
garrison; a few lives are lost, and then they return, well content with
themselves. 'Tis a mockery of war!"

The king asked them many questions about the state of things in Flanders,
to which they replied frankly that Flanders was united at present, and
that they thought that--with five thousand English archers and as many
men-at-arms under a commander of such station as would give him authority
not only over his own troops but over the Flemings--they might be able to
resist the attacks of Burgundy, or even of Burgundy allied with France;
but that by themselves, without military leaders, they feared that matters
would go ill with the Flemings.

The king bade the two friends come to the Court that evening; and when
they did so he presented them to the young queen, speaking of them in very
high terms.

"They were," he said, "the only men who did their duty on that day when
the rioters invaded the Tower during our absence, killing with their own
hands seven men who invaded the apartment of Lady De Courcy, and carrying
her and her daughter safely through the crowd. Had all done their duty but
a tenth part as well, the disgrace this rabble brought upon us would never
have occurred, and the lives of my trusty councillors would have been
saved."

"The king has already told me of your exploit here, and of other deeds as
notable done by you; and Mynheer Van Voorden also spoke to me of the
service you rendered him," the queen said, graciously, "but I had scarcely
looked to see the heroes of these stories such young knights."

She spoke to them for some time, while the king's favourites looked on,
somewhat ill-pleased at such graciousness being shown to the new-comers.
The haughty De Vere, who had just been created Duke of Dublin, and who was
about to start to undertake the governorship of Ireland, spoke in a
sneering tone to a young noble standing next to him. Sir Ralph happened to
overhear him, and touched him on the shoulder.

"My lord duke," he said, "methinks you need not grudge the honour that has
fallen to those two young knights; you yourself have achieved far greater
honour, and that without, so far as I know, ever having drawn your sword.
But it were best that, if you have aught to say against them, you should
say it in their hearing, when, I warrant me, either of them would gladly
give you an opportunity of proving your valour. Your skill, indeed, would
be needed, since I would wager either of them to spit you like a fly
within five minutes; or should you consider them too young for so great a
noble to cross swords with, I myself would gladly take up their quarrel."

The favourite flushed hotly, and for a moment hesitated. "I have no
quarrel with them, Sir Ralph De Courcy," he said, after a short
hesitation. "My words were addressed to a friend here."

"You spoke loud enough for me to hear, my lord duke, and should know that
such words so spoken are an insult."

"They were not meant as such, Sir Ralph."

"Then, sir, I will give you my advice to hold your tongue more under
government. Those young knights have earned royal favour not by soft words
or mincing ways, but by their swords; and it were best in future that any
remarks you may wish to make concerning them, should be either in strict
privacy or openly and in their hearing."

So saying, he turned his back on the disconcerted young courtier, who
shortly afterwards left the royal presence overcome by chagrin and
confusion, for the knight's words had been heard by several standing
round, and more than one malicious smile had been exchanged among his
rivals for Court favour.

De Vere had a fair share of bravery, but the reports of the singular feats
of swordsmanship by the young knights convinced him that he would have but
small chance with either of them in a duel. Even if he came well out of it
there would be but small credit indeed to him in overcoming a young knight
who had not yet reached manhood, while, if worsted, it would be a fatal
blow to his reputation. That evening he had a private interview with the
king, and requested leave to start the next day to take up his new
governorship. Sir Ralph related the incident to the lads as they returned
to the hostelry where they had taken up their lodging.

"It was a heavy blow for his pride," he said. "I think not that he is a
coward. The De Veres come of a good stock, but he saw that such a duel
would do him great harm. The king himself, if he learned its cause, as he
must have done, would have been greatly displeased, and the queen equally
so, and there would have been no credit to him had he wounded you; while
if he had been wounded, it would have been deemed a disgrace that he, the
Duke of Dublin and Governor of Ireland, should have been worsted by so
young a knight; therefore, I blame him not for refusing to accept the
challenge I offered him, and it will make him soberer and more careful of
his speech in future. It was a lesson he needly greatly, for I have often
heard him among his companions using insolent remarks concerning men who
were in every respect his superiors, save that they stood not so high in
the favour of the king."

They remained a week in London, attending the Court regularly and
improving their acquaintance with many whom they had met there in the
troubled times. There was scarce a day that they did not spend some time
at the house of Sir Robert Gaiton, Albert especially being always ready
with some pretext for a visit there. Van Voorden had left London, sailing
thence on the very day before they had arrived at Gravesend.

The summer passed quietly. Oudenarde still held out, and indeed no serious
attack had been made upon it. Van Artevelde had sent a messenger to the
King of France, begging him to mediate between the Flemings and the Duke
of Burgundy, but the king had thrown the messenger into prison without
returning answer, and in the autumn had summoned his levies to aid the
duke in the invasion of Flanders. Seeing that fighting in earnest was
likely to commence shortly, the knights took ship with their followers
early in October, and after a fair voyage landed at Sluys and rode to
Oudenarde. A formal alliance had by this time been made between the two
countries, but no steps had been taken towards gathering an army in
England. The two knights were, however, very cordially received by Van
Artevelde.

"You have arrived just in time to ride with me to-morrow," he said. "I am
going to see that all has been done to prevent the French from crossing
the river. All the bridges have been broken save those at Comines and
Warneton, and Peter De Bois is appointed to hold the one, and Peter De
Winter the other."

The following morning some twenty horsemen started with Van Artevelde and
rode to Ghent, and thence followed the bank of the Lys. Most of the
bridges had been completely destroyed, and those at Comines and Warneton
had both been so broken up that a handful of men at either could keep it
against an army.

"We may feel safe, I think, sir knights," Van Artevelde said to his
friends when they brought their tour of inspection to an end on the second
day after starting.

"Assuredly we are safe against the French crossing by the bridges," Edgar
said, "but should they find boats they may cross where they please."

"I have ordered every boat to be brought over to this side of the river,
Sir Edgar, and a number of men have, by my orders, been engaged in doing
so."

"Doubtless, sir. I have kept a look-out the whole distance and have not
seen one boat on the other side of the stream; but there are numerous
channels and canals by which the country folk bring down their produce;
and however sharp the search may be, some boats may have escaped notice.
Even a sunken one, that might seem wholly useless, could be raised and
roughly repaired, and in a few trips could bring a number of men across
under shadow of night. So far as I have read, it is rarely that an army
has failed to find means of some kind for crossing a river."

But Philip Van Artevelde was not now, as he had been a year before, ready
to take hints from others, and he simply replied, carelessly, "I have no
doubt that my orders have been strictly carried out, sir knight," and rode
forward again.

"I don't think things will go well with us, Albert," Edgar said. "With a
general who knows nothing whatever of warfare, an army without officers,
and tradesmen against men-at-arms, the look-out is not good. Van Artevelde
ought to have had horsemen scattered over on the other side of the river,
who would have brought us exact news as to the point against which the
main body of the French is marching. They ought to have a man posted every
two hundred yards along the river bank for fifteen miles above and below
that point, then I should have four bodies of five thousand men each
posted at equal distances three miles behind the river, so that one of
these could march with all haste to the spot where they learned that the
French were attempting to cross, and could arrive there long before enough
of the enemy had made a passage, to withstand their onslaught.

"I will wager that the Lys will not arrest the passage of the French for
twenty-four hours. Were Peter De Bois a reasonable man, I would ask leave
of Van Artevelde to ride and take up our post with him, but he is an
arrogant and ignorant fellow with whom I should quarrel before I had been
in his camp an hour."

Two days passed quietly at Oudenarde, then the news came that the enemy
had passed the Lys at Comines. Seeing that the bridge could not be
crossed, the French army had halted. Some of the knights went down to the
river, and after a search discovered some boats, in which they passed over
with four hundred men-at-arms before nightfall, unperceived by the
Flemings. They then marched towards Comines, hoping that the Flemings
would leave their strong position near the head of the bridge to give
battle, in which case they doubted not that the constable would find means
so far to repair the bridge that the passage could begin.

Peter De Bois, however, was not to be tempted to leave his position, and
the French had to remain all night on the marshy ground without food for
themselves or their horses. In the morning, however, the Fleming, fearing
that others might cross and reinforce the party, marched out against them.
The knights and men-at-arms met them so stoutly that in a very short time
the Flemings took to flight. The French at once set to work to repair the
bridge, and by nightfall a great portion of the army had crossed. The
weather was very wet and stormy, and the French army had suffered much.

There were besides Edgar and Albert some other English knights in the
camp, and these gathered together as soon as the news came, and talked
over what in their opinion had best be done.

"I think," said Sir James Pinder, a knight who had seen much service on
many stricken fields, "it would be best to remain where we are, and to
throw up fortifications behind which we can fight to better advantage,
while the French cavalry would be able to do but little against us. The
French troops must be worn out with marching, and with the terrible
weather; they will find it difficult to procure food, and might even
abstain altogether from coming against us, while, from what I see of this
rabble, they may fight bravely, but they will never be able to withstand
the shock of the French knights and men-at-arms. 'Tis like the French will
be three or four days before they come hither, and by that time, with
fifty thousand men to work at them, we should have works so strong and
high that we could fearlessly meet them. Moreover, the threescore English
archers who still remain would be able to gall them as they pressed
forward, whereas in a pitched battle they would not be numerous enough to
avail anything."

The other six knights all agreed with Sir James, who then said, "I hear
that Van Artevelde has summoned his leaders to consult them as to the best
course. I will go across and tell them what in our opinion had better be
done."

He returned in half an hour. "'Tis hopeless," he said, shrugging his
shoulders. "These Flemings are as obstinate as they are ignorant; not one
of those present agreed with my proposal. Many, indeed, broke into rude
laughter, and so I left them."

After crossing the Lys the French came to Ypres, and on the same day the
Flemings broke up their camp before Oudenarde and marched, fifty thousand
strong, to Courtray. On the following day they moved forward to ground
which Van Artevelde and his counsellors deemed good for fighting. Behind
them was a hill, a dyke was on one wing, and a grove of wood was on the
other. The French were camped at Rosbecque, some four miles away. That
evening Van Artevelde invited all the principal men and officers to sup
with him, and gave them instructions for the morrow. He said that he was
not sorry that no large force of Englishmen had come to their aid, for had
they done so they would assuredly have had the credit of the victory. He
also gave orders that no prisoners should be taken save the king himself,
whom they would bring to Ghent and instruct in the Flemish language.

A false alarm roused the camp at midnight, and although it proved to be
ill-founded, the Flemings were so uneasy at the thought that they might be
attacked unawares, that great fires were lighted and meat cooked and wine
drunk until an hour before daylight, when they arranged themselves in
order of battle and also occupied a heath beyond the wood. A large dyke
ran across in front of them, and behind them the ground was covered by
small bushes. Philip Van Artevelde was in the centre with 9,000 picked men
of Ghent, whom he always kept near his person, as he had but little faith
in the goodwill of those from other towns.

Beyond these were the contingents of Alost and Grammont, of Courtray and
Bruges, Damme and Sluys. All were armed with maces, steel caps, breast-
pieces, and gauntlets of steel. Each carried a staff tipped with iron;
each company and craft had its own livery, and colours and standards with
the arms of their town. The morning was misty, and no sign could be seen
of the French. After a time the Flemings became impatient, and determined
to sally out to meet the enemy.

"It is just madness," Sir James said to the English knights, who, with
their followers, had gathered round him. "I had great hopes that, with the
dyke in their front to check the onrush of the French, they might
withstand all attacks and come out victors; now they are throwing away
their advantage, and going like sheep to the shearers. By my faith,
friends, 'tis well that our horses have rested of late, for we shall need
all their speed if we are to make our escape from this business."

As they moved forward in the mist they caught sight of some French
knights, who moved backwards and forwards along their front and then rode
away, doubtless to inform their countrymen that the Flemings were
advancing against them. In the French army were all the best knights and
leaders of France, and as soon as they heard that the Flemings were
advancing they divided into three bodies, the one carrying the royal
banner, which was to attack the Flemings in front; the two others were to
move on either side and fall upon their flanks. This arranged, they moved
forward with full confidence of victory.

The central division fell first upon the Flemings, but it was received so
roughly that it recoiled a little, and several good knights fell. In a few
minutes, however, the other two divisions attacked the Flemings' flanks.
The English knights, who were stationed on the right, seeing what was
coming, had in vain tried to get the companies on this side to face round
so as to oppose a front to the attack. The consequence was that the weight
of the attack fell entirely upon the extreme end of the line, doubling it
up and driving it in upon the centre, while the same took place on the
right. Thus in a very few minutes the Flemings were driven into a helpless
mass, inclosed on three sides, and so pressed in, that those in front
could scarce use their arms, many falling stifled without having struck a
blow.

The centre fought well, but their rough armour could not resist the better
tempered swords of the French knights, which cleft through the iron caps
as if they had been but leather, while the steel points of the lances
pierced breast-and back-piece. But chiefly the knights fought with axes
and heavy maces, beating the Flemings to the ground, while their own
armour protected them effectually from any blows in return. The noise was
tremendous. The shouts of the leaders were unheard in the din of the blows
of sword and mace on helm and steel cap. Specially fierce was the French
assault against the point where Van Artevelde's banner flew. He himself
had dismounted, and was fighting in the front rank, and in the terrible
_mêlée_ was, erelong, struck down and trampled to death; and indeed to
every man that fell by the French weapons many were suffocated by the
press, and on the French side many valiant knights, after fighting their
way into the thick of the battle, met with a similar fate.

When the French division bore down on the right flank the seven English
knights with their men-at-arms had fallen back. Single-handed it would
have been madness had they attempted to charge against the solid line of
the French.

"Keep well back!" Sir James Pinder cried, "If we get mixed up with the
foot-men we shall be powerless. Let us bide our time, and deliver a stroke
where we see an opportunity."

They continued, therefore, to rein back, as the Flemings were doubled up,
powerless to give any aid, or to press forward towards the front line.

"Didst ever see so fearful a sight?" Sir James said. "Sure never before
was so dense a mass. 'Tis like a sea raging round the edge of a black
rock, and eating it away piecemeal. Were there but five thousand Flemings,
they might do better; for now their very numbers prevent them from using
their arms. Ah, here is a party with whom we may deal," and he pointed to
a small body of French knights who were about to fall on the rear of the
Flemings. "Now, gentlemen, _St. George, St. George!_"

Putting spurs to their horses, the seven knights and their followers
dashed at the French. The latter were also mounted, unlike the majority of
their companions, who before attacking had dismounted, and handed their
horses to their pages. The party were fully double the strength of the
English, but the impetus of the charge broke their line, and in a moment a
fierce _mêlée_ began. Edgar and Albert fought side by side. The former, as
no missiles were flying, had thrown up his vizor, the better to be able to
see what was passing round him. He was fighting with a battle-axe, for a
sword was a comparatively poor weapon against knightly armour. His three
first opponents fell headlong, their helmets crushed in under the
tremendous blows he dealt them. Then warding off a blow dealt at him, he
turned swiftly and drove his horse at a French knight who was on the point
of striking at Albert with a mace while the latter was engaged with
another opponent.

The sudden shock rolled rider and horse over. He heard Hal Carter shout,
"Look out, Sir Edgar!" and forcing his horse to leap aside, he struck off
the head of a lance that would have caught him in the gorget, and an
instant later swept a French knight from his saddle. He looked round.
Three of his companions were already down, and although many more of the
French had fallen, the position was well-nigh desperate.

"We must cut our way through," he shouted, "or we shall be lost. Let all
keep close together--forward!" and he and Albert, spurring their horses,
fell furiously upon the French opposed to them.

Their splendid armour now proved invaluable; sword blows fell harmless on
it, and lances glanced from its polished face. As he put spurs to his
horse Edgar had dropped his vizor down again, for he wanted to strike now,
and not to have to defend himself. With crushing blows he hewed his way
through his opponents. The other two English knights kept close, and the
men-at-arms fought as stoutly as their masters, until the party emerged
from among their assailants. As they did so the knight next to Edgar
reeled in his saddle. Edgar threw his arm round him, and supported him
until they had ridden a short distance. Then, as they halted, he sprung
from his horse and lowered him to the ground.

"Thanks," the knight murmured, as he opened his vizor. "But I am hurt to
death. Leave me here to die quietly, and look to yourselves. All is lost."

Edgar saw that indeed his case was hopeless. A lance had pierced his body,
and had broken short off; a minute later he had breathed his last. Edgar
sprung upon his horse again, and looked round. Of the whole of their
retainers but four remained, and all of these were wounded.

"Art hurt, Albert?" he asked.

"Naught to speak of, but I am sorely bruised, and my head rings with the
blows I have had on my helmet."

"And you, Sir Eustace? I fear that you have fared less well."

"Wounded sorely," the English knight said. "But I can sit my horse, and
methinks that it were best to ride off at once, seeing the Flemings are
flying. We can assuredly do no good by remaining."

Edgar agreed. "Methinks that we had best ride for Sluys, and get there
before the news of the defeat."

As they rode off they looked back. Behind them were a host of flying men,
and many of them were throwing away their steel caps and armour to run the
more quickly. The battle had lasted only half an hour, but by that time
nine thousand Flemings had fallen, of whom more than half had been
suffocated by the press. The flight, however, was far more fatal than the
battle, for the French, as soon as the fight was won, mounted their
horses, and chased the Flemings so hotly that twenty-five thousand were
killed. The body of Van Artevelde was found after the battle. It was
without a wound, but was so trampled on as to be almost unrecognizable.
His body was taken and hung on a tree.

As they galloped off Edgar reined back to Hal Carter, who was one of the
survivors.

"I see that you are badly hurt, Hal. As soon as we get fairly away we will
halt, and I will bandage your wounds."

"They are of no great account, Sir Edgar. It was worth coming over from
England to take part in such a fray; the worst part of it was that it did
not last long enough."

"It lasted too long for many of us, Hal. You saved my life by that warning
shout you gave, for, most assuredly, I must have been borne from my saddle
had the blow struck me, unawares."

"It was a cowardly trick to charge a man when he was otherwise engaged,"
Hal said. "But you paid him well for it, master; you fairly crushed his
helmet in."

Three miles on they halted in a wood to give the horses breathing time,
when those unhurt bandaged the wounds of the others. It was found that Sir
Eustace was so severely wounded that he could not go much farther, and
that two of the men-at-arms were in as bad a case; the third was a
Fleming.

"It were best to leave us here," Sir Eustace said. "We cannot ride much
farther."

"That we will not do," Edgar said. "Torhut is but four miles away. We can
ride at an easy pace, for the Flemings will make for Courtray and Ghent,
and the French will pursue in that direction. 'Tis not likely that any
will ride so far south as this."

"I have friends in Torhut," the Fleming said. "I come from that
neighbourhood, and I can bestow Sir Eustace, my master, in a place of
safety, and will look after him and these two who can go no farther."

"That will be well, indeed. Is it in the town itself?" Edgar asked.

"I have friends there, but an uncle of mine resides in a farm-house three
quarters of a mile from the town. We can get help and shelter there."

"That would be safer, good fellow," Sir Eustace said. "I should not care
to enter a town now, for some who saw us come in might be willing to gain
favour with the French by saying where we were hidden. Moreover, we should
be detained and questioned as to the battle. I have money wherewith to pay
your uncle well for the pains to which he will be put. Well, let us
forward; the sooner we are in shelter the better."

They rode slowly now until they saw the steeple of Torhut, and then turned
off the road, and in half an hour came to a farm-house. The Fleming had
ridden on a short distance ahead.

"My uncle will take them in," he said. "He has a loft in the top of his
house, and can bestow them there safely, for none would be likely to
suspect its existence, even if they searched the house. My uncle is a true
Fleming, and would have taken them in without payment, but I say not that
he will refuse what my master may be willing to pay."

Ten minutes later, Edgar and Albert continued their way, followed now by
Hal Carter alone. The latter had washed the blood from his face and
armour, and had thrown a short cloak over his shoulders, so that they
could pass without its being suspected that they had taken part in a
desperate fray. After riding for some hours they stopped at a wayside inn,
and, avoiding Bruges, rode the next day into Sluys, where they found a
vessel sailing that evening for England. No rumour of the disastrous
battle of Rosebeque had, as yet, reached Sluys; but the two young knights,
calling upon the merchant who had entertained them at their first landing,
informed him of what had happened.

"'Tis well that it is so," he said, "for, in truth, the domination of the
craftsmen of Ghent and the other great cities would have been far harder
to bear than that of the earl, or of France, or of Burgundy. Already the
taxes and imposts are four times as heavy as those laid upon us by the
earl, and had they gained a victory these people would soon have come to
exercise a tyranny altogether beyond bearing. 'Tis ever thus when the
lower class gain dominion over the upper."




CHAPTER XVI

A WAR OF THE CHURCH


"You have been but a short time absent this voyage," Sir Ralph said as his
son and Edgar rode up to the castle.

"Truly we have been but a short time, father," Albert said, "but we have
seen much. Of course the news has not yet reached you, but the army of
Flanders has been utterly broken by the French. Whether Van Artevelde was
killed we know not, but of the fifty thousand men who marched to battle,
we doubt whether half ever returned to their homes."

"That was indeed a terrible defeat. And how bore you yourselves in the
battle?"

"It was rough work, though short, father. Five other English knights were
with us; four of these were killed, and one we left behind at a farm,
grievously wounded. Each of us had two men-at-arms, and of the fourteen
two were left behind wounded sorely, one remained in charge of his master
and them, and Edgar's man here is the only one who rode to Sluys with us;
the rest are dead. So, too, might we have been but for the strength and
temper of our armour."

"Did not the Flemings fight sturdily, then?"

"They fought sturdily for a time, but altogether without leader or order.
They took up a strong position, but impatient of an hour's delay, marched
from it to give battle, and being attacked on both flanks, as well as in
front, were driven into a close mass, so that few could use their arms,
and, were it only to find breathing space, they had to fly."

"'Tis bad news, indeed. Had they prevailed, their alliance with us would
have brought about great things, for Artevelde would have put Flanders
under English protection, and between us we could have withstood all the
attacks of France and Burgundy."

"Think yon that Ghent will be taken, Edgar?"

"That I cannot say, Sir Ralph. However great their loss may be, the
Ghentois are like to make an obstinate defence, judging from the way in
which they withstood their earl with all Flanders at his back. They will
know that they have no mercy to expect if they yield, and I believe that
so long as there is a man left to wield arms the city will hold out. As to
the other towns of Flanders, they are as fickle as the wind, and will all
open their gates to the King of France, who, seeing that it is by his
power alone that Flanders has been taken, will assuredly hold it as his
own in the future."

"Now that you have returned, it would be well, Edgar, that you and my son
should practise with the lance. 'Tis a knightly weapon, and a knight
should at least know how to use it well. There is a piece of ground but a
quarter of a mile away that I have been looking at, and find that it will
make a good tilting-ground, and I will teach you all that I know in the
matter."

Edgar thankfully embraced the offer and, after going into the castle to
pay his respects to the dame and her daughter, went home with Hal Carter,
whose wounds were still sore.

The news that came from Flanders to England from time to time was bad. It
was first heard how terrible had been the slaughter of the Flemings after
the victory, and that in all thirty-four thousand had been killed. Then
the news came that Courtray, although it opened its gates without
resistance, had been first pillaged and then burnt, and that Bruges had
surrendered, but had been only spared from pillage by the payment of a
great sum of money. None of the other towns had offered any resistance,
but Ghent had shut her gates, and the French, deeming that the operations
of the siege would be too severe to be undertaken in winter, had marched
away, their return being hastened by the news of an insurrection in
France.

The king, however, had declared Flanders to be a portion of France, and
the Earl of Flanders had done homage to him as his liege lord. The news of
the merciless slaughter of the Flemings, and of the cruel treatment of
Courtray, aroused great indignation in England, which was increased when
it was heard that all the rich English merchants in Bruges had been
obliged to fly for their lives, and that all other Englishmen found in the
towns had been seized by the Earl of Flanders, and thrown into prison, and
their goods confiscated.

The young knights practised at tilting daily under the eye of Sir Ralph,
and at the end of three months could carry off rings skilfully, and could
couch their lances truly, whether at breast-piece or helm. It was nigh two
years since they had first ridden to London, and both had grown tall and
greatly widened. Edgar was still by far the taller and stronger, and was
now an exceptionally powerful young man. Albert was of a fair strength and
stature, and from his constant practice with Edgar, had attained almost as
great a skill with his weapons. When they jousted they always used lighter
spears than when they practised at the ring, for in a charge, Edgar's
weight and strength would have carried Albert out of his saddle, and that
with such force as might have caused him serious injury; the lances
therefore were made so slight as to shiver at the shock.

"You are like to be employing your weapons to better advantage soon," Sir
Ralph said one day on his return from London. "You know of the rivalry
between the two popes, and that we hold for Urban while France champions
Clement."

"Yes, sir," Edgar said; "but how is that likely to give occasion for us to
betake ourselves to arms again?"

"Urban is going to use us as his instrument against France and Spain. A
bull was received yesterday, of which copies have also been sent to all
the bishops, calling upon Richard to engage in a sort of Holy War to this
end. He has ordered that all church property throughout England shall be
taxed, and that the bishops shall exhort all persons to give as much as
they can afford for the same purpose. To all those who take part in the
war he gives absolution from all sins, and the same to those who, staying
at home, contribute to the Church's need.

"The sum of money thus raised, which, I doubt not, will be great, is to be
devoted partly to an expedition against France, and partly to one under
Lancaster against Spain. As it is a church war, the expedition to France
is to be led by a churchman, and Urban has chosen Sir Henry Spencer,
Bishop of Norwich, who, if you will remember, bore himself so stoutly
against the insurgents in his diocese, as the nominal leader. The king has
taken the matter up heartily, and many of the knights whom I met at Court
are also well content, seeing that the war is to be conducted at the
expense of the Church and not of themselves; and I doubt not that a large
number of knights and gentlemen will take part in the expedition, which is
of the nature of a crusade.

"More than that, I met an old friend, Sir Hugh Calverley, with whom I have
fought side by side a score of times, and whose name is, of course, well
known to you. He is minded also to go, partly because he hates the French,
and partly because of the pope's blessing and absolution. Seeing that, I
said to him, 'As you are going, Sir Hugh, I pray you to do me a favour.'

"'There is no one I would more willingly oblige, old friend,' he said.

"'My son,' I went on, 'and a friend of his whom I regard almost as a son,
were knighted more than a year since, as you may have heard, for their
valiant conduct in the time of the troubles here.'

"'I have heard the story,' he said. 'It is well known to all at Court.'

"'Since then, Sir Hugh, they have been over in Flanders, where they gained
the approbation of Van Artevelde by their conduct, and fought stoutly at
the grievous battle of Rosbecque. But hitherto they have had no knightly
leader. They have gained such experience as they could by themselves, but
I would that they should campaign in the train of a valiant and well-known
knight like yourself, under whose eyes they could gain distinction as well
as a knowledge of military affairs.'

"'I will take them with me gladly,' he said. 'They must be young knights
of rare mettle, and even apart from my regard for you I should be right
glad to have them ride with me.'"

Both the young knights gave exclamations of pleasure. It was hard for a
knight unattached to the train of some well-known leader to rise to
distinction, and there was no English knight living who bore a higher
reputation than Sir Hugh Calverley, so that to ride under him would be an
honour indeed. But some months passed before the preparations were
complete. Throughout England the bishops and priests preached and incited
the people to what they considered a Holy War. The promises of absolution
of past and future sins were in proportion to the money given. In the
diocese of London alone, a tun full of gold and silver was gathered, and
by Lent the total amounted to what at that time was the fabulous sum of
2,500,000 francs. Thomas, Bishop of London, and brother to the Earl of
Devonshire, was appointed by Urban to go with the Duke of Lancaster to
Spain, as chief captain, with two thousand spears and four thousand
archers, and half the money gathered was to be spent on this expedition,
and the other half on that of the Bishop of Norwich.

The expeditions were to set out together, but one progressed far more
rapidly than the other. The Bishop of Norwich was very popular. He was of
ancient lineage, had personally shown great bravery, and was highly
esteemed. Upon the other hand, the Duke of Lancaster was hated. Thus great
numbers of knights and others enlisted eagerly under the bishop, while
very few were willing to take service under the duke. Five hundred
spearmen, and fifteen hundred men-at-arms and archers were soon enrolled
under the bishop's banner. A great number of priests, too, followed the
example of the bishop, threw aside the cassock and clad themselves in
armour to go to the war in the spirit of crusaders.

Great numbers passed over from Dover and Sandwich in parties to wait at
Calais for the arrival of their leaders. At Easter, the bishop, Sir Hugh
Calverley, and two of the principal knights attended the king and his
council, and swore to do their best to bring to an end the matter on which
they were engaged, and to war only against the supporters of Clement. The
king begged them to wait for a month at Calais, promising that he would
send them over many men-at-arms and archers, and Sir William Beauchamp as
marshal to the army. The bishop promised the king to do this, and he and
his party sailed from Dover and arrived at Calais on April 23, 1383.

The young knights had gone up to town a month before by invitation of Sir
Robert Gaiton, and had stayed with him for a week. At the end of that time
he presented each of them with a superb suit of Milan steel, richly inlaid
with gold, and two fine war-horses.

"It is a gift that I have long promised you," he said. "I gave orders to
my agents in Italy a year since to spare neither time nor trouble to
obtain the best that the armourers of Milan could turn out. The horses are
of Yorkshire breed, and are warranted sound at every point."

"It is a princely present, Sir Robert," Edgar said, "and, indeed, a most
timely one, for truly we have well-nigh grown out of the other suits,
although when we got them it seemed to us that we should never be able to
fill them properly; but of late we have been forced to ease the straps,
and to leave spaces between the pieces, by which lance or arrow might well
find entrance."

Sir Ralph had gone up with them and introduced them to Sir Hugh, who
promised to give them two days' warning when they were to join him at
Sandwich or Dover. During this week Edgar for the most part went about
alone, Albert, at first to his surprise, and then to his amusement, always
making some pretext or other for not accompanying him, but passing, as he
found on his return, the greater portion of the time in the house, in
discourse, as he said, with Dame Gaiton, but as Edgar shrewdly guessed,
chiefly with Ursula, who, he found, obligingly kept his friend company
while the dame was engaged in her household duties. It seemed to him, too,
that on the ride back to St. Alwyth Albert was unusually silent and
depressed in spirits.

Edgar himself, however, experienced something of the same feeling when he
took his last farewell from the De Courcys before starting for Dover. On
this occasion each took with him four men-at-arms, stout fellows, Albert's
being picked men from among the De Courcy retainers, while Hal Carter had
selected his three mates from among the villagers, and had, during the
last three months, trained them assiduously in the use of their arms.

"How long do you think that you are likely to be away, Edgar?" his father
asked, the evening before the party started.

"I cannot tell you, father, but I do not think that it will be long. If
the expedition had started six months ago, it would have arrived in
Flanders in time to have helped the Flemings, and with their aid the
French might have been driven flying over the frontier; but I cannot see
what two or three thousand men can do. We cannot fight the whole strength
of France by ourselves."

"It seems to me a hare-brained affair altogether," Mr. Ormskirk said;
"almost as mad, only in a different way, as the crusade of Peter the
Hermit. The Church has surely trouble enough in these days, what with men
like Wickliffe, who denounce her errors, and point out how far she has
fallen back from the simple ways of old times, what with the impatience or
indifference of no small part of the people, the pomp and wasteful
confusion of the prelates, and the laziness of the monks--she has plenty
of matters to look after without meddling in military affairs.

"What would she say if a score of nobles were to take upon themselves to
tell her to set her house in order, to adopt reforms, and to throw aside
sloth and luxury; and yet the Church is stirring up a war, and raising and
paying an army of fighting men--and for what? To settle which of two men
shall be pope. The simple thing would be to hold a high tournament, and to
let Urban and Clement don armour and decide between themselves, in fair
fight, who should be pope. They might as well do that as set other men to
fight for them. I see not what good can come of it, Edgar."

"Albert and myself are of the same opinion, father. Certainly with two or
three thousand men we can hardly expect to march to Paris and force the
King of France to declare for our pope. Still, we shall march in good
company, and shall both be proud to do so under the banner of so
distinguished a knight as Sir Hugh Calverley."

"I say naught against that, Edgar; but I would rather see you start with
him as knights-errant, willing at all times to couch a lance for damsels
in distress. The day has passed for crusades. Surely we have had
experience enough to see that solid advantages are not to be won by
religious enthusiasm. Men may be so inspired to deeds of wondrous valour,
but there is no instance of permanent good arising out of such
expeditions. As for this in which you are going to embark, it seems to me
to be the height of folly."

The next day the two young knights rode to Canterbury, and thence to
Dover. The following evening the Bishop of Norwich, with his train, Sir
Hugh Calverley, and other knights, arrived, and the next morning embarked
with their following and horses on board three ships, and sailed to
Calais. Those who had preceded them were already impatient to take the
field. The news that there was to be a further delay of a month until Sir
William Beauchamp with reinforcements should arrive, caused much
disappointment and vexation.

"'Tis unfortunate," Sir Hugh said, one evening a few days later to the
knights of his party, "that there are not more men here accustomed to war,
and who have learned that patience and obedience are as needful as strong
arms, if a campaign is to be carried out successfully. The Bishop of
Norwich is young and fiery, and he hath many like himself round him, so
that he frets openly at this delay. Moreover, Sir Thomas Trivet and Sir
William Helmon are too full of ardour to act with discretion, and are
ready enough to back up the bishop in his hot desire to be doing
something. I regret that this army is not, like the army which fought at
Crécy and Poictiers, composed of men well inured to war, with a great
number of good archers and led by experienced warriors, instead of a hasty
gathering of men, who have been fired by the exhortations of the priests
and the promises of the pope.

"We are but a small gathering. We may take some castles, and defeat the
forces that the nobles here gather against us, but more than that we
cannot do unless England arms in earnest. I foresaw this, and spoke to the
council when they prayed me to go with the bishop; but when they pointed
out that what I said made it all the more needful that one of grave
experience and years should go with him, and prayed me to accept the
office, I consented."

On the 4th of May the Bishop of Norwich took advantage of Sir Hugh's
absence--he having gone for two days to see a cousin who was commander of
Guines--to call the other leaders together, and said that it was time they
did some deed of arms, and rightly employed the money with which the
Church had furnished them. All agreed with him, and the bishop then
proposed that instead of entering France they should march to Flanders,
which was now a portion of France. To this Sir Thomas Trivet and Sir
William Helmon cordially agreed.

When Sir Hugh returned another council was called, and the matter was laid
before him. Sir Hugh opposed it altogether. In the first place, they had
given their word to the king to wait for a month for the promised
reinforcements; in the second place, they had not come over as Englishmen
to fight the French, but as followers of Pope Urban to fight those of
Clement, and the men of Flanders were, like themselves, followers of
Urban. The bishop answered him very hotly, and as the other knights and
all present agreed with the bishop, Sir Hugh reluctantly gave way, and
said that if they were determined upon going to Flanders he would ride
with them. Accordingly notice was given through the town that the force
would march the next morning. All assembled at the order to the number of
three thousand, and marched from Calais to Gravelines.

No preparations for defence had been made there, for there was no war
between England and Flanders. However, the burghers defended the place for
a short time, and then withdrew, with their wives and families, to the
cathedral, which was a place of strength. Here they defended themselves
for two days. The church was then stormed, and all its defenders put to
the sword. The news excited the greatest surprise and indignation in
Flanders, and the earl at once sent two English knights who were with him
to Gravelines to protest, and with orders to obtain from the bishop a
safe-conduct to go to England to lay the matter before the English king
and his council.

When they arrived at Gravelines the bishop refused their request for a
safe-conduct, but told them to tell the earl that he was not warring
against Flanders, nor was his army an army of England, but of Pope Urban,
and that, although the greater portion of Flanders was Urbanist, the Lord
of Bar--in whose dominion Gravelines stood--was for Clement, and so were
his people. If he and they would acknowledge Pope Urban, he would march
away without doing damage and paying for all he took, but unless they did
so he would force them to submit. The people of Artois, however, who were
French rather than Flemings, took the matter in their own hands, and
twelve thousand men, under some knights from Nieuport and other towns,
marched to Dunkirk and then to Mardyck, a large village not far from
Gravelines.

Edgar and Albert had taken no part in the attack upon the cathedral, but
remained with Sir Hugh Calverley in the house that he occupied as soon as
resistance of the entry to the town had ended.

"On the field I will fight with the rest," he said, "but I will have no
hand in this matter. There has been no defiance sent to the Earl of
Flanders nor received from him, and 'tis not my habit to fight burghers
against whom we have no complaint, and who are but defending their homes
against us."

The two young knights were well pleased with this decision. It was an age
when quarter was but seldom given, and wholesale slaughters followed
battles, so that they had, naturally, the ideas common to the time. Still,
they both felt that this attack was wholly unprovoked and altogether
beyond the scope of the expedition, and were well pleased that their
leader would have naught to do with it. It was, however, a different
matter when they heard that an army twelve thousand strong was coming out
against them, and they were quite ready to take their share in the fight.

While waiting at Gravelines several other knights had joined the army,
among them Sir Nicholas Clifton and Sir Hugh's cousin, the commander of
Guines, Sir Hugh Spencer, nephew of the bishop, and others.

The force consisted of six hundred mounted men, sixteen hundred archers,
and the rest foot-men. They found that the Flemings had fallen back to
Dunkirk, and had taken up a position in front of that town. The bishop, on
approaching them, sent forward a herald, to ask them whether they were for
Pope Urban or Clement, and that if they were for Urban he had no quarrel
with them. As soon, however, as the herald approached, the Flemings fell
upon him and killed him. This excited the most lively indignation among
the English, for among all civilized people the person of a herald was
held to be sacred.

The bishop and knights at once drew up the force in order of battle. The
men on foot were formed into a wedge. The archers were placed on the two
flanks of the unmounted men-at-arms, while the cavalry prepared to charge
as soon as opportunity offered. The army was preceded by the standard of
the Church. The trumpets on both sides sounded, and as they came within
range the English archers poured flights of arrows among the Flemings.
These advanced boldly to the attack of the foot-men. Again and again the
horsemen charged down upon them, but were unable to break their solid
lines, and for a time the battle was doubtful, but the English archers
decided the fate of the day. The Flemings, although they resisted firmly
the charge of the men-at-arms, were unable to sustain the terrible and
continuous rain of arrows, and their front line fell back.

As soon as they did so the second line wavered and broke. Then the bishop
with his knights and men-at-arms charged furiously down upon them, and the
battle was over. The Flemings broke and fled in wild disorder, but the
English pursued them so hotly that they entered Dunkirk with them. Here
again and again they attempted to make a stand, but speedily gave way
before the onslaught of the English. No one distinguished themselves in
the battle more than did the priests and monks who were fighting on the
side of the bishop, and it was said among the others that these must have
mistaken their vocation, and that had they entered the army instead of the
Church they would have made right valiant knights.

The English loss was four hundred, that of the Flemings was very much
heavier. There died, however, among them no knights or persons of quality,
for the rising was one of the people themselves, and as yet the Earl of
Flanders was waiting for the King of England's reply to the message he had
sent by the two knights from Sluys. The English, however, considered that
the absence of any horsemen or knights was due to the fact that these
remembered what terrible havoc had been made among the chivalry of France
at Crécy and Poictiers, and cared not to expose themselves to that risk.




CHAPTER XVII

PRISONERS


After the capture of Dunkirk all the seaports as far as Sluys were taken
by the English, who then marched to Ypres, to which town they at once laid
siege, and were joined by twenty thousand men from Ghent. Their own number
had swollen considerably by the arrival from England of many knights and
men-at-arms, besides numbers of foot-men, attracted as much by the news of
the great spoil that had been captured in the Flemish towns as by the
exhortations and promises of the clergy.

Ypres had a numerous garrison, commanded by several knights of experience.
The works were very strong, and every assault was repulsed with heavy
loss. One of these was led by Sir Hugh Calverley. The force crossed the
ditches by throwing in great bundles of wood with which each of the foot-
men had been provided, and having reached the wall, in spite of a hail of
cross-bow bolts and arrows, ladders were planted, and the leaders
endeavoured to gain the ramparts. Sir Hugh Calverley succeeded in
obtaining a footing, but for a time he stood almost alone. Two or three
other knights, however, sprang up. Just as they did so one of the ladders
broke with the weight upon it, throwing all heavily to the ground.

Edgar and Albert were with a party of archers who were keeping up a rain
of arrows. Seeing that the situation was bad they now ran forward,
followed by four of their men-at-arms, the others having charge of the
horses in the camp. A few more men-at-arms had gained the ramparts by the
time they arrived at the foot of the ladders, where numbers waited to take
their turns to ascend.

"There is not much broken off this one, Sir Edgar," Hal Carter said; "not
above three feet, I should say. We might make a shift to get up with
that."

"Pick it up, Hal, and bring it along a short distance. Possibly we may be
able to mount unobserved, for the fight is hot above, and the attention of
the enemy will be fixed there."

Followed by their own men-at-arms, and by a few others who saw what their
intentions were, they kept along at the foot of the wall until they
reached an angle some thirty yards away. Searching about they found
several stones that had been dislodged from the battlements during the
siege. With these they built up a platform, and raising the ladder on
this, they found that it reached to within a foot of the top.

"Now," Edgar said, "follow us as quickly as you can, but do not try the
ladder too heavily; it has broken once, so the wood cannot be over-
strong."

Then, followed closely by Albert and the men-at-arms, he ascended the
walls. So intent were the defenders upon the strife going on round Sir
Hugh Calverley that Edgar was not noticed until, putting his hands upon
the wall, he vaulted over it. He held his sword between his teeth, and
betaking himself to this fell so fiercely and suddenly upon the enemy,
that several were cut down and the rest recoiled so far that Albert and
the four men-at-arms were able to join him before the enemy rallied. Every
moment added to the strength of the party, and as soon as some twenty had
gathered behind him, Edgar flung himself upon the enemy with a shout of
"_St. George! St. George!_" and, in spite of the opposition of the
defenders, fought his way along the wall until he joined Sir Hugh and the
little group who were defending themselves against tremendous odds.

Sir Hugh himself was seriously wounded. Two or three of his knights lay
dead beside him, and had it not been for the arrival of the reinforcement
the fight would speedily have terminated, for the English were so penned
up against the wall that there was no footing for more to join them. The
suddenness of the attack drove the enemy back some little distance, and
this enabled a score of those upon the ladders to make their way onto the
rampart.

"Bravely done!" Sir Hugh Calverley said, as he leant against the wall,
utterly exhausted by his efforts and loss of blood. A moment later he
would have fallen had not Albert sprung to his side.

"We must save Sir Hugh at all risks," he said to two of the knight's
companions, who were also wounded. "Will you, sir knights, aid in lowering
him down the ladder, and see that he is carried off? You have done your
share. It is our turn now, and we can at least hold the rampart until he
is in safety."

Leaning over, he shouted to the men on one of the ladders to descend and
leave the ladder clear, as Sir Hugh was to be lowered down.

"Methinks I can carry him, Sir Albert," Hal Carter said. "I have carried
two sacks of wheat on my shoulder before now, and methinks that I can
carry one knight and his armour."

He took his place on the ladder, and Sir Hugh was lowered to him, and
laying him on his shoulder Hal carried him safely down. The two wounded
knights followed, and then Hal sprang up the ladder again. While this was
being done Edgar and his party had been holding the enemy at bay. Hal was
followed by some of the men-at-arms, and others poured up by the other
ladders. Edgar saw that they were now strong enough to take the offensive,
and as the English numbered nearly a hundred, he fell upon the enemy to
the right, while Albert led another party to the left.

For some time the fury with which the English fought drove the enemy
before them on either hand. Every moment they were joined by fresh men,
who were now able to pour in a steady stream up the ladders. The enemy,
too, were harassed by the English archers, who, advancing to the edge of
the ditch, sent their shafts thick and fast among them. The town bells
were clanging fiercely, drums beating, and horns sounding as the alarm
spread that the besiegers had gained a footing on the walls, and great
numbers of the garrison could be seen pouring along the streets leading to
the threatened point.

Had there been more ladders, so that reinforcements could have arrived
more rapidly, the place might have been won. As it was, it was evident
that success was impossible. Edgar's party still gained ground slowly, but
he saw that Albert was being pressed backwards.

"Fall back, men!" he shouted, "slowly, and keeping your face to the enemy.
The odds are too heavy for us."

Foot by foot, fighting silently and obstinately, the English fell back
until their party joined that of Albert, at the spot where the wall had
been won. Their exulting foes pressed hotly upon them, but Edgar's sword
and the heavy long-handled mace wielded by Hal Carter did such terrible
execution that the rest were able to retreat in good order.

"Jump down, my men!" Edgar shouted. "You will break the ladders if you try
to go by them. The ground is but soft, and the wall of no great height. Do
not hurry. We will cover you and then follow."

Gradually the number of the party on the walls was lessened, as by threes
and fours they leapt down; while many, getting onto the ladders, slipped
rapidly to the ground. When there were but half a dozen left, Hal suddenly
exclaimed: "Sir Albert has fallen--wounded!"

Edgar freed himself from his opponent of the moment by a sweeping blow,
and then with a spring placed himself astride of his friend. Hal Carter
joined him. The rest of their followers remaining on the wall either
jumped over or were cut down. Fortunately Albert had fallen close to the
parapet, and his two defenders could not be attacked from behind. For some
minutes the fight continued, and then for a moment the enemy drew back
astonished at the manner in which two men kept them at bay; then one of
the assailants lowered his sword.

"Sir knight," he said, "you have done enough for honour. Never have I seen
a stouter fighter. I pray you, then, to surrender, on promise of good
treatment and fair terms of ransom to you, to the knight at your feet, and
to this stout man-at-arms. I am Sir Robert De Beaulieu."

"Then I yield to you," Edgar said. "I am Sir Edgar Ormskirk, and this
knight is my brother-in-arms, Sir Albert De Courcy. I yield in his name
and my own, and am glad that, as fortune has declared against us, it
should be to so good a knight as Sir Robert De Beaulieu that I surrender
my sword."

"Keep it, Sir Edgar, for never have I seen one better wielded. No small
damage, indeed, has it done us."

"The stout man-at-arms is my own retainer, and I prythee, sir knight,
suffer him to remain with us."

[Illustration: SIR EDGAR AT LAST SURRENDERS TO SIR ROBERT DE BEAULIEU.]

"Assuredly he shall do so."

As soon as the parley began Hal Carter laid down his weapon, and kneeling
beside Albert, unlaced his helmet.

"He lives, Sir Edgar!" he said; "he is but stunned, methinks, with the
blow of a mace, which has deeply dinted his casque, though, indeed, he has
other wounds."

By Sir Robert De Beaulieu's orders, four men now formed a litter with
their spears. Albert was laid on it, and Sir Robert, Edgar, and Hal Carter
walking in front, and half a score of men-at-arms accompanying them, they
made their way to a large house where the knight lodged. Sir Robert had
sent on for a leech to be in attendance, and he was there when they
arrived. Hal at once took off Albert's armour.

"'Tis well for him that this armour was good," Sir Robert said. "Had it
not been, it would have gone hard with him. It must be steel of proof
indeed, for I saw the blow struck, and there are but few helmets that
would not have been crushed by it."

"He has a deep gash near the neck," the leech said. "The lacings and
straps of the helmet and gorget must have been cut by a sharp sword, and
another blow has fallen on the same spot. Methinks he has dropped as much
from loss of blood as from the blow on the head."

Edgar had by this time taken off his own helmet. As soon as he did so, Sir
Robert De Beaulieu, who was somewhat grizzled with age, said:

"In truth, sir knight, you and your companion are young indeed to have
fought so doughtily as you have done to-day; you are young to be knights,
and yet you have shown a courage and a skill such as no knight could have
surpassed. We had thought the affair finished when that stout knight, Sir
Hugh Calverley, was down with two others, and but three or four remained
on their feet. Then suddenly your party burst upon us, coming from we knew
not where, and had you but been reinforced more rapidly the town would
have been lost."

Edgar made no reply, for at the moment Hal Carter leant heavily against
him.

"I can do no more, Sir Edgar," he murmured; "I am spent."

Edgar caught the brave fellow in his arms and supported him, while two
men-at-arms, who had assisted to carry Albert in, unstrapped Hal's armour
and gently laid him down on a couch. He was bleeding from half a dozen
wounds, and his face was pale and bloodless. Edgar knelt by his side and
raised his head.

"I will see to him, sir knight," the surgeon said. "I have bandaged your
comrade's injuries, and methinks that he will soon come round."

Then he examined Hal's wounds.

"He will do," he said. "Assuredly there are none of them that are mortal;
'tis but loss of blood that ails him. I will but bandage them hastily now,
for there are many other cases waiting for me, and methinks, sir, that you
yourself need looking to."

"I am unhurt," Edgar said, in surprise.

"Your doublet is stained with blood from the shoulder to the wrist," Sir
Robert said. "A spear-head has penetrated at the shoulder-joint and torn a
gash well-nigh to the neck. 'Tis well that it is not worse."

Two of his men-at-arms had by this time taken off Sir Robert's armour
also.

"You have ruined my helmet, Sir Edgar, and cut so deep a notch in it that
I know not how my head escaped. You have gashed a hole in my gorget and
dinted the armour in half a dozen places, and I failed to make a single
mark on yours. Never was I engaged with so good a swordsman. I could
scarcely believe my eyes when you lifted your vizor, for it seemed to me
that you must be in the prime of your manhood, and possessed of strength
altogether out of the common."

"I have practised a good deal," Edgar said, quietly, "having indeed little
else to do, so it is not surprising that my muscles are hard."

At the knight's order a servant now brought in two goblets of wine. Sir
Robert and Edgar then drank to each other, both draining the cups to the
bottom.

Albert was not long before he opened his eyes. He looked round in wonder,
and smiled faintly when he saw Edgar, who hastened to his side.

"We are out of luck this time, Albert; we are both prisoners. Still,
things might have been worse. You were struck down with a mace, but the
leech says that the wound on your head is of no great consequence, and
that you fainted rather from loss of blood from other gashes than from the
blow on the head. I have got off with a scratch on the shoulder. Hal
Carter, who fought like a tiger over your body, has come off worst, having
fully half a dozen wounds, but it was not before he had killed at least
twice as many of his assailants with that terrible mace of his."

So far Edgar had spoken in English. He went on in French:

"This is the good knight, Sir Robert De Beaulieu, who is our captor, and
will hold us on ransom."

"You may congratulate yourself, Sir Albert," the knight said, courteously,
"that you had such stout defenders as your comrade here and his man-at-
arms, because for fully five minutes they held the whole of us at bay, and
so stoutly did they fight that we were all glad when Sir Edgar yielded
himself to me. Truly, between you, you have done us ill service, for not
only have you and your party killed a large number of our men, but you
have enabled Sir Hugh Calverley to be carried off, and for so famous a
captain we should have claimed a goodly ransom, and it would have been an
honour and glory to have taken so fearless a knight. As it is, with the
exception of yourselves, no single prisoner has fallen into our hands, and
methinks that in all there were not more than ten or twelve in the
storming party killed, while we must have lost nigh a hundred. 'Tis the
first time I have fought against the English, and in truth you are doughty
foemen. It was well that you came into the land but some four or five
thousand strong, for had you brought an army you might have marched to
Paris. Now, Sir Edgar, I will show you your room."

He led the way along a broad corridor to a large room, the men-at-arms
carrying the couch on which Albert was lying.

"I should like to have my man-at-arms brought here also, Sir Robert,"
Edgar said. "He is a faithful fellow, and I have known him for years. He
speaks but little of any language but English, and will, methinks, do
better with my nursing than with any other."

In a fortnight Albert was quite convalescent, and Hal was rapidly gaining
strength. Three days after they had been taken prisoner Sir Robert had
said to Edgar:

"It will be best, Sir Edgar, that you should not go abroad in the streets.
The townsmen here, as in other towns in Flanders, are rough fellows. They
are, of course, suffering somewhat from the siege, and they murmur that
any prisoners should have been taken. They say that your people showed no
mercy at Gravelines and Dunkirk, which, methinks, is true enough, and that
none should be given here. Yesterday some of their leaders came to the
house where I was sitting in council with other knights, and represented
that all English prisoners should be put to the sword at once. I pointed
out to them that, for their own sakes, as many prisoners should be taken
as possible. We hope to defend the town until succour comes, but were the
English to capture it, and to find that prisoners who had surrendered had
been killed, no mercy would be shown, but every man within the walls would
be slain and the city laid in ashes.

"To this they had no answer ready, and retired grumbling. But, in any
case, it were better that you did not show yourself in the street, for a
tumult might arise, and your life might be sacrificed before any of us
could come to your assistance."

"I thank you, Sir Robert, and will gladly take your advice. I have seen
somewhat of the townsmen of Ghent and Bruges, and know that, when the fit
seizes them, they are not to be restrained."

After that time Sir Robert De Beaulieu seldom left the house, and Edgar
found that the doors were kept closed, and that the knight's followers and
men-at-arms were also kept in the house. Several times he heard shouts in
the street of "Death to the English!"

He took his meals with the knight, while Albert and Hal were served in
their room. At the end of the week, however, Albert was able to join the
two knights, and a fortnight later Hal was again up and about.

"I fear, Sir Robert, that our presence here is a source of trouble to
you," Edgar said one day. "If it could be managed, we would gladly give
you our knightly word to send you our ransom at the first opportunity, and
not to serve in arms again until it is paid, if you would let us go free."

"I would do so gladly, Sir Edgar, but I fear that it would be difficult to
manage. Both before and behind the house there are evidently men on the
watch to see that no one passes out. My own men-at-arms have been stopped
and questioned, and were you to issue out methinks that there would, on
the instant, be an uproar, for so great a crowd would gather in a few
minutes that even had you a strong guard you might be torn from them. You
see, though some eight of us knights and three hundred men-at-arms were
placed here to aid in the defence, we could do naught without the
assistance of the townsmen, who have on all occasions fought stoutly. Were
there to be a fray now, the safety of the town would be compromised, for
the craftsmen of all these towns are as fickle as the wind. The men of
Ypres fought by the side of those at Ghent at one time, and when the Count
of Flanders came here, great numbers of the townspeople were executed. At
present, why, I know not, they are fighting stoutly for the count, while
the men of Ghent are with the besiegers; but were there to be troubles
between them and us, they might tomorrow open their gates to the English."

"That I can quite believe, Sir Robert. I can only say that we are in your
hands, and are ready to pursue any course that you may think best, either
to stay here quietly and take the risk of what may come of it or endeavour
to escape in disguise if so it could be managed."

"I would that it could be managed, for the matter is causing us grave
anxiety. My comrades are, of course, all with me, and hold, that even if
it comes to a struggle with the mob, the lives of prisoners who have
surrendered on ransom must be defended. I suggested that we should hold
counsel here, that two should remain, and that you should sally out with
the others, but our faces are all so well known in the town that there
would be little chance indeed of your passing undetected."

"Think you, Sir Robert, that we could pass along the roofs, enter a
casement a few houses along, and then make our way out in disguise?"

"It would be well-nigh impossible. The roofs are all so sloping that no
one could maintain a footing upon them."

"When it gets dusk I will, with your permission, Sir Robert, go up to one
of the attics and take a look out."

"By all means do so. Escape in that manner would certainly be the best way
out of the dilemma, though I much fear that it cannot be done."

When it became so dark that while he could take a view round, his figure
could not be recognized at a short distance, Edgar, with Albert and Hal,
went up to the top of the house, and the former got out of the highest of
the dormer windows, and, standing on the sill, looked out. The roof was
indeed so steep that it would be impossible to obtain a footing upon it.
Its ridge was some twenty feet above the window. The houses were of
varying heights, some being as much as thirty feet lower than others.
Still it seemed to Edgar that it would not be very difficult to make their
way along if they were provided with ropes. Descending, he told Sir Robert
the result of their investigations.

"It would," he said, "be very desirable, if possible, to come down into
some house which was either uninhabited, or where the people were
friendly. Still that would not be absolutely necessary, as we might hope
to make our way down to the door unperceived."

"There is one house which is empty," Sir Robert said, "for the owner left
the town with his family before the siege began, he having another place
of business at Liege, He was an old man, and was therefore permitted to
leave; for he could have been no good for the defence, and there would,
with his family and servants, have been ten mouths more to feed had he
remained. It is the sixth house along, I think, but I will see when I go
out. Once in the street and away from here, there would be no difficulty.
I would meet you a short distance away, and go with you to the walls, from
which you could lower yourself down. One or two of my comrades would give
their aid, for, naturally, all would be pleased that you should escape,
and so put an end to this cause of feud between us and the townsmen. You
would, of course, require some rope; that I can easily procure for you."

"We shall want several lengths, Sir Robert, and two or three stout
grapnels. We shall also want a strong chisel for forcing open a casement."

"All these you shall have; one of my men shall fetch them to-morrow."

On the following day the ropes and grapnels were brought in, and Sir
Robert, who had been out, ascertained that he had been correct, and that
the empty house was indeed the sixth from that he occupied. "I have been
speaking with two of my comrades," he said, "and they will be with me at
ten o'clock to-night at the end of the street that faces the house through
which you will descend. I shall accompany you to the foot of the walls.
The citizens are on guard there at night, and if they ask questions, as
they may well do, my comrades will say that you are bearers of a message
to the King of France to pray him to hasten to our aid. I shall not myself
go up on to the walls, for were I to do so suspicion might fall upon me.
Should you be interrupted as you go along the street to meet us, give a
call and we will run to your assistance."

"And now as to our ransom, Sir Robert?" Edgar went on.

"Trouble not yourselves about it," he replied; "you are but young knights,
and 'tis a pleasure to me to have been of service to two such valiant
young gentlemen. Moreover, I consider that I have no right to a ransom,
since, instead of letting you go free to obtain it, or holding you in
honourable captivity until it is sent to you, you are obliged to risk your
lives, as you assuredly will do, by climbing along those roofs to obtain
your liberty; therefore, we will say nothing about it. It may be that some
day you will be able to treat leniently some young Flemish or French
knight whom you may make captive. As to your armour, I see not how you can
carry it away with you, for you will have to swim the ditches; but the
first time that there is a flag of truce exchanged I will send it out to
you, or should there be no such opportunity, I will, when the siege is
over, forward it by the hands of some merchant trading with England, to
any address that you may give me there."

The two young knights thanked Sir Robert De Beaulieu most cordially for
his kindness to them, and at his request gave him their word not to serve
again during the campaign. This, indeed, they were by no means sorry to
do, for they had keenly felt the slight paid to Sir Hugh Calverley by the
haughty bishop in acting altogether contrary to his advice. They also had
been thoroughly disgusted by the massacre at Gravelines, and the sack of
so many towns against which England had no cause for complaint.

In the afternoon Sir Robert brought three doublets and caps for them to
put over their own clothes, so that they could pass as citizens. They
employed some time in wrapping strips of cloth round the grapnels, so that
these would fall noiselessly onto the tiles.

At nine o'clock Sir Robert said good-bye to them and went out; and half an
hour later they ascended to the upper story. They were well provided with
ropes, and had made all their arrangements. Edgar was the first to fasten
a rope round his body, and while this was held by his companions he was to
get out on the window-sill and throw a grapnel over the ridge and pull
himself up by the rope attached to it.

The others were to fasten the rope round their bodies at distances of
twenty feet apart, so that if one slipped down the others could check him.
Edgar took off his shoes and tied them round his neck, and then stood out
on the window-sill, and threw the grapnel over the ridge of the roof; then
he drew the rope in until he found that the hook caught on the ridge.

"That is all right," he said to his comrades. "Now keep a firm hold on the
rope, but let it gradually out as I climb; if you hear me slipping draw it
in rapidly so as to stop me as I come past the window. But there is no
fear of that unless the hook gives way."

Then he swung himself up to the roof of the dormer window and proceeded to
haul himself by the rope up the steep incline, helping himself as much as
possible with his feet and knees. He was heartily glad when he gained the
ridge, and had thus accomplished the most dangerous part of the work. He
was able now to fix the grapnel firmly, and sitting astride of the roof,
he called down that he was ready. It was easier work for Albert to follow
him. Not only was the latter certain that the grapnel was safely fixed,
but Edgar, pulling upon the rope, was enabled to give him a good deal of
assistance. In two or three minutes Hal Carter joined them.

"In faith, master," he said, panting, "I had not deemed that so much of my
strength had gone from me. If it had not been for the help you gave me I
doubt if I could have climbed up that rope."

They now made their way along to the end of the roof. The grapnel was
fixed, and Edgar slid down the rope to the next roof, which was some
fifteen feet below them. They did not attempt to free the grapnel, fearing
that in its fall it might make a clatter; they therefore used another to
mount to the next house, which was as high as that which they had left.
There was but a difference of four feet in the height of the next, and
they had not to use the grapnel again until they reached the sixth house,
which was ten feet below that next to it.

[Illustration: THE PRISONERS MAKE THEIR ESCAPE OVER THE ROOFS OF YPRES.]

There was light enough to enable them to make out the position of the
dormer window below them, and fixing the grapnel, Edgar, aided by his
companions lowering him, made his way down beside it, and knelt upon the
sill, his companions keeping a steady strain upon the rope. With his
chisel he had but little difficulty in prising open the casement. His
companions were not long in joining him. Once inside the house they made
their way with great caution. They had no means of striking a light, and
were forced to grope about with their swords in front of them to prevent
their touching any piece of furniture, till at last they discovered the
door. It was not fastened, and passing through, and, as before, feeling
the floor carefully as they went, they presently found the head of the
stairs.

After this it was comparatively easy work, though a stoppage was necessary
at each landing. At last, to their satisfaction, they found themselves in
a flagged passage, and knew that they were on the ground floor. They made
their way along the passage, and soon reached the door. It was locked with
so massive a fastening that it would have been difficult to unfasten it
from the outside; but with the aid of the chisel they had but little
difficulty in forcing back the lock. They paused for a minute to listen,
as a passer-by might have been startled by the sound of the bolts being
shot in an empty house. All was quiet, however, and, opening the door
cautiously, Edgar stepped out.

"The street is all clear," he said; "except half a dozen fellows watching
in front of the house we have left, there is not a soul in sight." The
others joined him, closing the door silently behind them. They had not put
on their shoes again, so with noiseless steps they crossed the street and
turned up the one that had been indicated by Sir Robert. After going a few
paces they stopped, put on their shoes, and then walked boldly along. When
they reached the end of the street three figures came out from a deep
doorway to meet them.

"Is all well?" one asked.

This was the signal that had been agreed upon.

"All is well, Sir Robert. We have escaped without any difficulty or aught
going wrong."

"The saints be praised!" the knight ejaculated. "These with me are Sir
Oliver Drafurn and Sir François Regnault."

"Right glad we are, knights," one of them said, "that we can assist in
giving you your freedom. A foul shame indeed would it have been had two
such gallant fighters been massacred by this rascally mob, after yielding
themselves to a knight."

"Truly, sirs, we are greatly beholden to you," Edgar replied, "and trust
that an occasion may occur in which we may repay to some of your
countrymen the great service you are now rendering us."

They had gone but a short distance further when the door of a tavern
opened and twelve or fifteen half-drunken soldiers poured out.

"Whom have we here?" one of them shouted. "Faith, if they are burghers
they must pay for being thus late in the streets."

"Silence, knaves," Sir François Regnault said, sternly. "What mean ye by
this roystering? Disperse to your quarters at once, or by St. James, some
of you shall hang in the morning, as a lesson to others that the burgesses
of Ypres are not to be insulted by drunken revellers."

As by this time the speaker had moved on into the light that streamed
through the open door, the soldier saw at once that it was a knight, and,
muttering excuses, went hastily down the street. No one else was
encountered until they reached the foot of the wall. Here Sir Robert took
a hearty farewell of them. The two knights first mounted the steps to the
wall.

As they reached the top a sentry close by challenged.

"France," Sir Oliver replied; "and, hark ye, make no noise. I am Sir
Oliver Drafurn, and I am here with Sir François Regnault to pass three
messengers over the wall, bearers of important dispatches. We do not wish
the news to get abroad, so take your halbert and march up and down."

Hal Carter had brought one of the ropes, twisted round him for the
purpose.

"You are on the side facing the English camp," Sir Oliver said. "Those are
the lights that you see ahead. You will have three ditches to swim, and
will find it cold work, but there is no other way for it."

After giving hearty thanks to the knights, the three were lowered, one at
a time, and the rope was then dropped down. It was a good deal longer than
was necessary for descending the wall, but Edgar, rather to the surprise
of the others, had chosen it for the purpose. The first ditch was but ten
yards away; it was some thirty feet across.

"Now," Edgar said, "I will cross first. I am much the strongest, for
neither of you has fully recovered his strength. The water will be icy
cold, therefore I will swim across first, and do you, when I am over, each
hold to the rope and I will pull you across."

Short as was the distance the work was trying, for the night was bitterly
cold, and the ditches would have been frozen hard, were it not that twice
a day the besieged went out and broke the ice, which had now began to bind
again. At last, however, Edgar got across.

"Do you take the rope, Albert, and let Hal hold on by you, for the passage
I have made is but narrow."

A few strong pulls on Edgar's part brought them across.

"It is well," he said, as they climbed out, "that the knights promised to
go one each way, to tell the watchers on the walls to take no heed of any
sounds that they might hear of breaking ice, for that those leaving the
town were doing so by their authority."

The two other ditches were crossed in the same way, but the work was more
difficult, as the besieged only broke the ice of these once a day.

"We should never have got across without your aid, Edgar," Albert said. "I
could scarce hold on to the rope. My hands are dead, and I feel as if I
were frozen to the bone."

"Let us run for a bit, Albert, to warm our blood. Another quarter of a
mile and we shall be challenged by our sentries."




CHAPTER XVIII

A NOBLE GIFT


The pace at which the party started soon slackened, for neither Albert nor
Hal Carter could maintain it. However, it was not long before they heard
the sentry challenge:

"Who go there?"

"Sir Albert De Courcy and Sir Edgar Ormskirk escaped from Ypres," Edgar
answered.

"Stand where you are till I call the sergeant," the man said, and shouted
"Sergeant!" at the top of his voice. In five minutes a sergeant and two
men-at-arms came up.

"Hurry, sergeant, I pray you," Edgar said. "We have swum three ditches,
and my companions, being weakened by their wounds, are well-nigh
perished."

"Come on," the sergeant said, "it is clear at any rate that you are
Englishmen." He had brought a torch with him, and as they came up looked
at them narrowly, then he saluted. "I know you, Sir Edgar, disguised as
you are. I was fighting behind you on the wall five weeks since, and had
it not been for the strength of your arm, I should have returned no more
to England."

"How is Sir Hugh Calverley?" Edgar asked, as they hurried towards the
camp.

"His wounds are mending fast," the sergeant said, "and he went out of his
tent to-day for the first time. I saw him myself."

A quarter of an hour's walking brought them to the tent occupied by Sir
Hugh and his followers. A light was still burning there, and they heard
voices within.

"May we enter?" Edgar said, as he slightly opened the flap of the tent.

"Surely, that must be the voice of Sir Edgar Ormskirk!" Sir Hugh
exclaimed.

"It is I, sure enough, and with me is Sir Albert De Courcy and my brave
man-at-arms."

As he spoke he stepped into the tent. Two knights were there, and they and
Sir Hugh advanced with outstretched hands to meet the new-comers.

"Welcome back, welcome back!" Sir Hugh exclaimed, in a tone of emotion.
"My brave knights, I and my two comrades here have to thank you for our
lives, for, although in truth I know naught about it, I have heard from
Sir Thomas Vokes and Sir Tristram Montford how you brought the band to our
assistance, and how you kept the enemy at bay, while this good fellow of
yours bore me down the ladder on his shoulder; while from those who
escaped afterwards we heard how you both, with but two or three others,
kept the foe back, and gave time for the rest to jump from the walls or
slide down the ladders. But your faces are blue, and your teeth
chattering!"

"We have had to swim three ditches, and the ice having formed pretty
thickly, it was no child's work."

"First, do you each drain a goblet of wine," Sir Hugh said, "and then to
your tent. All your things are untouched. Knights, will you go with them
and rub them down till their skin glows, and then wrap them up in
blankets?" He called, and two servants came in. "Heat three bottles of
wine in a bowl with plenty of spices," he said, "and carry it to these
knights' tent, and take a portion to the tent of their men-at-arms for the
use of this good fellow. See that your comrades rub you down," he said to
Hal. "They will be glad indeed to see you back; for, although we heard
from a prisoner that the two knights were alive, we knew not whether any
others had been taken with them. Tell Hawkins to light two torches at once
and fix them in the knights' tent, and put two others in that of the men-
at-arms. Mind, Sir Edgar, once between the blankets, you stay there till
morning. Your story will keep until then."

After throwing off their wet clothes, and being rubbed down until they
glowed, Edgar and Albert were soon covered up in blankets, and after
drinking the hot spiced wine, soon fell asleep. In the morning they
related their story to Sir Hugh Calverley and the other two knights.

"'Tis Sir Edgar who should tell the tale," Albert said, "for indeed I know
but little about it from the time I saw you lowered over the wall. Things
went well with us for a time; we were joined by more men, and were strong
enough to divide into two parties, Edgar going to the right while I went
to the left. We cleared the wall for some distance, and methinks had there
been ladders, so that we could have been helped more quickly, the town
would have been won, but the enemy were reinforced more quickly than we
were, and we began to lose ground. Then came a body of knights who beat us
back till we were close to the point where the ladders were set. Then a
knight made at me with a mace. I saw his arms raised, and after that I
knew nothing more."

"The last man who jumped from the wall, Sir Albert, told us that he saw
that you were down and that Sir Edgar and one of his men-at-arms were
fighting like demons over you. Now, Sir Edgar, tell us how the matter
ended."

"We made a shift to keep them back, Sir Hugh, for some five minutes, when
one of the French knights offered to give us terms of surrender on ransom,
and seeing no use in fighting longer when the matter could only have
terminated one way, I surrendered."

Then he related the good treatment they had met with at the hands of Sir
Robert De Beaulieu, and the manner in which he had enabled them to escape
the fury of the rabble of Ypres, and had sent them away free from ransom.

"It was well done, indeed, of him," Sir Hugh said, warmly. "Truly a
courteous and knightly action. And so you have both given your pledge to
fight no more in this campaign. By St. George, I should not be ill-pleased
if someone would put me under a similar pledge, for I tell you that I am
heartily sick of it. Never did so disordered an army start from England.
An army led by bishops and priests is something strange. Bishops have
before now ridden often in battle, but never before did they assume
command. Methinks when I go home that I will ask the king to give me the
direction of Westminster Monastery and Abbey; at any rate I could not make
a worse hand of it than the Bishop of Norwich is doing of this. And you
say that De Beaulieu promised to send your armour on the first
opportunity. That is, indeed, a generous action, for the armour of a
prisoner is always the property of his captor, and your armour is of great
value. I would that we could do something to show the good knight that we
appreciate his generosity."

"We have our chains," Edgar said. "Of course we did not carry them about
us when we should have to fight, and they are very heavy and of the finest
workmanship. These would we gladly send to him, would we not, Albert, in
token of our gratitude? Though, costly as they are, they are of much less
value than the armour."

"I would gladly add something of my own account," Sir Hugh said, "seeing
that you are in my train, and one does not like to be surpassed by a
foreign knight. As to the matter of the ransom, that does not trouble me,
and indeed, seeing that you surrendered to him, and that he felt that he
could not give protection, and you had to risk your lives in getting away,
it was but reasonable that he should remit it, but in the matter of the
armour the case is different. I will add to your chains a reliquary which
was presented to me by Pedro of Castile when I saved his life in the fight
at Najarra. He told me that it contained a nail of the true cross, and
that it was brought to Spain by a Spaniard of royal blood who was a knight
commander of the Temple.

"I do not know how far this is true, for as one gets older one loses faith
in these monkish stories of reliquaries. However, the casket is set with
gems of value, and there is with it a parchment setting forth its history;
at any rate it is a gift that is worthy of even a prince's acceptance. I
will send it to him as a token that Sir Hugh Calverley recognizes his
chivalrous behaviour to the knights who were captured while covering his
carriage from the ramparts of Ypres, and, therefore, sends this gift to
him in all honour and courtesy, together with the gold chains of the
knights themselves. We shall not have long to wait. There are fights well-
nigh every day, and when these are over there is a truce of an hour to
carry off the wounded and dead."

The young knights thanked Sir Hugh for thus generously supplementing their
own offering in return for their armour, but he waved it aside.

"You saved my life," he said; "or at any rate you saved me from capture,
and had I fallen into their hands methinks that I should have had to pay a
far heavier ransom before they let me out again."

Two days later there was heavy fighting again and much loss on both sides.
It ceased as usual without any advantage being won by the besiegers. The
fighting ended soon after mid-day, and at one o'clock the trumpet sounded
a truce. Sir Hugh mounted, with his two knights, saying to Edgar: "It were
perhaps best that you should not ride with me. 'Tis likely that the
townsmen still think that you are in Beaulieu's house, and were it known
that you had escaped it might bring trouble upon him and the two knights
who aided your escape from the wall."

He took with him a pursuivant and trumpeter, and, riding through the
English and Flemish men-at-arms, who were already engaged in carrying away
the dead and wounded, he rode up to within a short distance of the wall,
then the pursuivant and trumpeter advanced to the edge of the moat, and
the latter blew a loud blast.

In a short time a knight appeared on the wall, and the pursuivant cried in
a loud voice:

"Sir Hugh Calverley, a valiant and puissant knight of England, desires
speech with Sir Robert De Beaulieu, a brave and gentle knight of
Flanders."

"I am Sir Robert De Beaulieu. Pray tell Sir Hugh Calverley to do me the
courtesy to wait for me a quarter of an hour, and I will then issue forth
and speak to him."

At the end of that time Sir Robert rode out, and crossed the bridge which
had been lowered across the ditch for the passage of the soldiers engaged
in collecting the dead. He was followed by two esquires and four men-at-
arms, the latter bearing something behind them on their horses. The two
knights saluted each other courteously, and Sir Hugh introduced his two
companions to Sir Robert.

"I am glad, indeed," the latter said to Calverley, "thus to have the
opportunity of meeting one of the most famous knights in Europe. My men-
at-arms are bearers of the armour of Sir Edgar Ormskirk and Sir Albert De
Courcy, who are, I believe, knights riding in your train. I promised them
that I would send the armour on the first opportunity, and am glad indeed
that the occasion has come so speedily."

He and Sir Hugh had both dismounted after saluting each other, and the
latter held out his mailed hand to the Fleming.

"Sir Robert De Beaulieu," he said, "I have heard of you as a brave and
honourable knight, and you have in this matter proved yourself to be a
chivalrous and generous one in thus rendering up the spoil fairly won by
you, without ransom; but it is not our custom to be outdone in
generosity. The armour is of no ordinary value, and, as these knights of
mine were made prisoners while covering my removal when insensible and
helpless, I feel that the debt is mine as well as theirs. They have begged
me to give you these two chains, both, as you see, of value, and of the
best Italian work. To these I add, as a token of my esteem for you, this
casket, which was given to me by Don Pedro of Spain when I rode with the
Black Prince to aid him in his struggle with Don Henry. As you will see by
the parchment attached to the casket, it contains a nail of the true
cross, brought from Palestine by a Spanish grandee who was knight
commander of the Spanish branch of the Knights Templar. I pray you to
accept it, not as part of the ransom for my knights' armour, but as a
proof of my esteem for one who has shown himself a flower of knightly
courtesy."

"It would be churlish, Sir Hugh Calverley, for me to refuse so noble a
gift thus courteously tendered. I shall prize it beyond any in my
possession, not only for its own value and holiness, but as the gift of so
noble and famous a knight. As to the chains, I pray you to return them to
your brave young knights. Never did I see men who bore themselves more
gallantly, and Sir Edgar, especially, withstood with honour a score of us
for some time, and at last he yielded, not because he was conquered, but
to save further bloodshed. They are young, and may, like enough, some day
be again made prisoners. In that case they may find the chains, which are
of singular beauty, of value to them; therefore, I pray you, hand them
back to them again as a token of how warmly I appreciate their bravery and
conduct."

"Right gladly will I do so. As you put it in that way, Sir Robert, they
will appreciate the gift as much as I do, and, as you say, maybe the
chains will be useful to them some day, for they are not of those who
battle for spoil, and, like myself, have refused all share in that which
the army has taken in Flanders, holding that we had no cause of dispute
with your people, and that our assault upon them was unfairly and unjustly
made."

After some more compliments had been exchanged, the two knights grasped
each other's hands courteously, remounted, and then saluting again, rode
off. While the conversation had been going on, Sir Robert's men-at-arms
had handed over the armour to the three retainers who had ridden behind
Sir Hugh and his two knights.

Edgar and Albert were delighted at regaining their armour. It would have
been impossible for them to have replaced the harness by similar suits,
and, moreover, they felt that they would have been humiliated had they, on
their return to England, been obliged to confess to Sir Robert Gaiton that
they had lost the splendid presents that he had given them. They were less
pleased at the return of their chains, but Sir Hugh assured them that it
would be an act of discourtesy were they to send them back to De Beaulieu.

There was now nothing to detain them longer in the camp, and taking leave
of Sir Hugh, they started the next morning, with Hal Carter and the other
surviving retainers, and rode by easy stages to Gravelines, where they
took ship for Dover. Instead of riding directly home, they journeyed to
London, as they were bearers of a letter from Sir Hugh Calverley to the
council, and one also to the king. The latter received them with marked
pleasure.

"What! back from the wars, sir knights?" he said, as they handed him Sir
Hugh's letter. "Surely Calverley might have chosen as his messengers some
whose swords could have been better spared."

"We were chosen, your Majesty, because we had the misfortune to be taken
prisoners at Ypres, and it was a condition of our release that we should
take no further part in the campaign, and as we were returning in
consequence, Sir Hugh committed to us this letter to yourself, and one to
the council."

"Prisoners!" the king said, with a laugh; "that you had got yourselves
killed would not have surprised me, but that you should surrender never
entered my mind."

The two young knights coloured.

"It cannot be said that Sir Albert surrendered," Edgar said, "seeing that
he was insensible from his wounds. As for myself, your Majesty, as I and
one of my men-at-arms stood alone on the walls of Ypres surrounded by
foes, I trust that your Majesty will see that it was wiser for me to
yield, and so to have the opportunity of fighting again some day under
your royal banner, than to give away my life uselessly."

"Assuredly, assuredly," the young king said, hastily. "I did but jest, Sir
Edgar, for I know that so long as a chance of victory remained, you would
not lower your sword. However, let me see what the stout knight says. I
know already that he does not approve of the way in which the war is being
carried on; and, indeed, had we thought that the headstrong bishop would
have disregarded Sir Hugh's counsel and embroiled us with the Flemings,
whom we regard as our allies, we should not have placed him at the head of
the army, for though it is but, as the bishop maintains, a church army,
and not an English army, Europe will assuredly hold us responsible for its
doings."

He cut with his dagger the silk that bound the roll of parchment together.

The king read the letter carefully, and when he concluded said:

"Truly, young sirs, you have borne yourselves right gallantly and well;
Sir Hugh Calverley speaks strongly indeed in your favour, and says that he
owes his freedom if not his life to you. And now, tell me, think you that
Ypres will be taken?"

"I fear not, your Majesty," Edgar said. "I thought that the siege of
Oudenarde was worse conducted than anything I had ever read of, but the
siege of Ypres is to the full as faulty. The place is strong and stoutly
defended, and it can only be taken by regular works erected against it and
machines placed to batter a breach. Nothing of this sort has been
attempted. The troops march valiantly against the walls, but they throw
away their lives in vain; and if, as is said, the French king is marching
to its assistance with a strong army, there will be naught for us but to
retreat to the ports unless strong aid arrives from England."

"But the bishop has some eight thousand Englishmen and twenty thousand
Ghentois," the king said. "Surely we might fight and win, as our
grandfathers did at Crécy."

"Yes, sire; but the English army at Crécy was commanded by a king, and was
composed of good fighting men, with a great number of knights and nobles
to lead them. The army in Flanders is commanded by a bishop, and there are
many of the men who have gone over for the sake of plunder, and they will
make but a poor stand in battle."

"My uncle of Lancaster has gathered a large force, and is ready to cross
over to their aid," the king said.

"So we have heard by the way, sire, and if he joins the bishop all may be
well, for his authority would be paramount, but at present he has not
crossed, and unless he arrives before the King of France, things will
assuredly go badly with the bishop."

"I have no doubt that Sir Hugh has set forth these matters in his letter
to the council," the king said, "but assuredly Lancaster should be there
in time. And now, tell me how you made your escape from Ypres."

Edgar related the circumstances.

"Your captor was an honourable gentleman," the king said, "and it is well
that you escaped, for these Flemish burghers are masterful men and might
well have murdered you. I must now to the council; I have summoned it to
assemble. Have you been home yet?"

"No, sire. Our first duty was to bring you the letters, but, with your
permission, we shall ride down into Kent tomorrow."

"Do you know that your friend Van Voorden has again returned to London? He
found that he could do naught in Flanders, which at present is wholly at
the orders of the King of France."

They rode first to Sir Robert Gaiton's house, where, as always, they were
welcomed most warmly, and Albert narrated their adventures in Flanders,
and how they still owned the armour he had given them.

After staying there for some time they went to the house where Van Voorden
was lodging, having obtained his address from Sir Robert Gaiton. They had
not seen him since they had parted from him in Ghent, a year before.

"I thought you intended to settle in Flanders, Mynheer," Edgar said, after
the first greetings were over.

"I hoped to do so, and after I left Antwerp I went to Louvain and took a
house there, but when the King of France defeated and killed Van
Artevelde, and all Flanders save Ghent came under his power, the country
was no longer safe for me. It was known, of course, that I was for many
years here, and that I had done all in my power to effect a league between
Ghent and England, so three months ago I crossed hither, leaving my wife
and daughter at Louvain. I stopped for a short time at Ghent, and had much
to do with bringing it about that Ghent should send an army to assist the
English; but I fear that the doings of the bishop's troops--the sacking of
towns by them--has so set the Flemings against England that there is no
hope of a general alliance being made with Flanders.

"There were other things for which I wished to come over. I had hoped to
return before this, but matters seem to be going on but badly, and if the
King of France and his army defeat or drive out the bishop, his power will
be greater than ever in Flanders, and in that case I shall send for my
wife and daughter to come over again, and establish myself here finally."

On taking leave of them he handed a wooden box to each, saying:

"I pray you not to open these until you reach home."

The next day Edgar and Albert rode down into Kent. Great was the surprise
that their presence excited when they arrived at De Courcy's castle. Aline
ran down into the courtyard and embraced her brother warmly, and then, as
was the custom, held up her cheek to be kissed by Edgar.

"What, tired of the wars already?" she said, laughing. "Or have you killed
all your enemies? or how is it that you are here?"

"We have been prisoners, Aline," her brother said, "and have been bound to
take no farther part in the war."

"Prisoners!" she repeated; "you are joking with me, Albert. Surely you and
Edgar would never have surrendered unharmed?"

"Nor did we, Aline. I was cut down and stunned by the blow of a mace, and
was lying insensible."

"And what was Edgar doing?" she asked, looking reproachfully at him.

"Edgar was not near me when I was struck down, Aline, but no sooner did I
fall than he, with his man-at-arms, Hal Carter, stood over me and kept at
bay a host of knights and soldiers, and slew so many that they were glad
at last to give him terms of surrender."

The girl's face flushed, and she would have spoken had not Sir Ralph and
her mother at that moment issued from the door.

"Why! what brings you home, lads?" Sir Ralph asked, heartily.

"They have been taken prisoners, father," Aline interposed, "and Albert
has been wounded, and they have both been obliged to give their parole not
to serve again through the war."

"That is bad news indeed," the knight said. "It means another farm gone,
and perhaps two, to pay for Albert's ransom. However, it is the fortune of
war. Now come in and tell us all about it; but doubtless you are both
hungry, and the matter will keep till you have dined. The meal is already
on the table. You are not looking much the worse for your wounds, Albert,"
his father went on as they seated themselves at table.

"I have been healed of them for the last month, father. I was brought down
by the blow of a mace, which would have finished me had it not been for
the good work put into my helmet by the Milanese armourer. Also I had a
wound on the neck, but fortunately it was not very deep."

"And did you come out of it scatheless, Edgar?"

"Nearly scatheless, for I knew not that I had been wounded until the fight
was over, and it was but a pike thrust that entered at the shoulder-joint
and cut the flesh thence to the neck. It was but an affair of a bandage
and a bit of plaster. The only one seriously hurt was Hal Carter--it was
some three weeks before he began to mend. He had half a dozen wounds.
Another of my men was killed and two of Albert's."

"Now let us hear all about it," Sir Ralph said when the meal was over;
"that you bore yourselves well I have no doubt, but I would fain hear the
details of the matter."

Albert told the whole story of the assault and the escape, interrupted by
Edgar, who protested that Albert was always belittling his own doings, and
giving him credit when everything had been done equally by them both.

"You blame Albert unjustly, Edgar," Sir Ralph said when the story was
concluded. "Albert has behaved well, but he has neither your strength,
your skill, nor your quickness. It was you who thought of carrying the
broken ladder to another spot, and so taking the besieged on the wall by
surprise, and you were the first to mount it. It was you who, when you saw
that the case had become altogether hopeless, ordered the soldiers to save
themselves, while you held the enemy at bay. Albert would like enough have
been killed, had you not so stoutly defended him that they gave terms of
surrender to you both. You, again, had the idea of making your escape
along the roofs, and took the lead in it. There is all credit due to
Albert that he well seconded you, but it was you who led. Again, it is
probable that neither he nor your man-at-arms would have been able to
cross those half-frozen ditches, had you not first broken the ice for them
and then dragged them over. You have done wonders for Albert, but you
could not accomplish miracles. You have transformed him from a weakling
into a brave young knight, of whom I am proud, but you cannot give him
your strength or your quickness. If you go on as you have began, Edgar,
you will become a famous captain. He will remain, and will be content to
remain, your companion and lieutenant. What have you in those boxes that
were strapped behind your saddles?"

"I know not, Sir Ralph," Albert said. "They were given to us by Mynheer
Van Voorden, and he charged us not to open them until we arrived here."

"It is a mystery, then!" Aline exclaimed. "Let us send for them and open
them at once. I am glad one of the boxes was not given to me to take care
of, for I am afraid I should never have had the patience to wait until I
arrived here before opening it."

Sir Ralph ordered the boxes to be brought in. "They are light enough," he
said, "and I should judge from their weight that they contain papers of
some sort. Open yours first, Albert."

They were fastened by three skeins of silk, the Fleming's seal being
affixed to the knots.

"Cut them, Albert!" Aline exclaimed, as her brother proceeded to break the
seals and untie the knots.

"No, no," he said; "silk is not to be picked up on the wayside, and it
will be little trouble to undo them."

Indeed, in a minute he had unfastened the knots and raised the lid. At the
top lay a piece of paper, on which was written, _A slight testimony of
gratitude for inestimable services rendered to yours gratefully, John Van
Voorden_. Underneath was a roll of parchment.

"What have we here?" Sir Ralph said. Albert ran his eye over the crabbed
black-letter writing, and gave an exclamation of surprise.

"Now, then, Albert," Aline exclaimed, impatiently, "don't keep it all to
yourself. We are burning to know what it is all about!"

Albert made no reply, but continued to read. "It is an assignment to me,"
he said, at last, in a low and agitated voice, "of the lands, castle,
messuages, tenements, etc., of Cliffe."

Sir Ralph leapt to his feet. "A princely gift, Albert! The lands are four
times as large as mine, and as I have heard, a fair castle has been rising
there for months past. Art sure that there is no mistake?"

"There can be no mistake in the deed, father; but can I accept such a gift
at the hands of the Fleming?"

"That you can, my son, and without any hesitation. Van Voorden is known to
be the richest Fleming in England. He has on various occasions lent vast
sums to the king and council, and noble as the gift is, it is one that he
can doubtless well afford. You have saved the lives of himself, his wife,
and daughter, and he may well feel grateful. He told me when he gave you
that suit of armour that it was no recognition of what he felt he owed
you, and that he hoped in the future to discharge the debt more worthily.
Now, Edgar, let us see what is in your box."

Edgar had been quietly untying the knots of the silk, and the box was
already open. The words on the top were similar to those in Albert's box.

"Please read it, Albert," he said, handing over the parchment. "You can
decipher the characters better than I can." Albert read it through to
himself.

"'Tis similar to mine," he said, "and assigns you the land, manors, the
castle, and all rights and privileges thereto appertaining of the hundred
of Hoo."

"Bravo, bravo!" Sir Ralph exclaimed. "Another noble gift, and fully equal
to that of Albert. This Fleming is a very prince. I congratulate you,
Edgar, with all my heart. I had heard that Sir John Evesham had sold his
estates, which comprise the whole hundred of Hoo, a year since, in order
to live at Court, but none seemed to know who was the purchaser. I heard,
too, that a large number of men had been employed in building a castle on
the heights looking down the Medway past Upnor to Chatham. Why, lads, if
you ever win to the rank of knight banneret, you will have land enough to
support the dignity, and to take the field with two or three knights and a
fair following of men-at-arms in your train. I have gained good sums for
the ransom of prisoners, but I never had the luck to save the life of a
Flemish merchant and his family."

"It seems well-nigh impossible," Edgar said.

"You must remember, Edgar, that these rich Flemings are the bankers of
half the princes in Europe. You, who have been in their houses, know that
they live in comfort and luxury such as none of our nobles possess. They
could find the money for a king's ransom, or pay beforehand the taxes of a
country. If a king can grant estates like these to his favourites, and not
only the king, but many of our nobles can do so, it is not strange that
one of the richest of these Flemings should make such gifts to those who
have saved his life without feeling that he has in any way overpaid the
service."

"I must be riding on now," Edgar said, "to carry this wonderful news to my
father."

While they had been dining, Hal Carter had been getting a hearty meal in
the kitchen, where he and Albert's two retainers were surrounded by all
the men-at-arms, who were anxious to hear the details of the expedition.
When Edgar sent down for his horse, Sir Ralph went down with him to the
courtyard, and as Hal brought the horses round, the old knight put his
hand upon his shoulder.

"My brave fellow," he said, "I have heard how you stood with your master
across my son's body, and how doughtily you fought. Do not forget that I
am your debtor, but for the present I can only say that I thank you for
the part you played."

"It would have been strange, indeed, Sir Ralph, had I not hit my hardest,
for my own life depended upon it, and it was not like that I should draw
back a foot when Sir Albert, whom I love only next to my master, was lying
there; but, indeed, it was a right merry fight, the only one that came up
to my expectations of what a stiffly fought _mêlée_ would be. I would not
have missed it for anything."




CHAPTER XIX

WELL SETTLED


"Well, well, well," Mr. Ormskirk exclaimed when Edgar brought the story of
all that had happened since he had been away to an end, "indeed you
surprise me. I know that many knights fit out parties and go to the wars,
not so much for honour and glory as for the spoils and ransoms they may
gain, and that after Crécy and Poictiers, there was not a single soldier
but came back laden with booty and with rich jewels, gold chains, and
costly armour, gathered from the host of French nobles who fell on those
fields; while knights who were fortunate enough to capture counts, earls,
or princes, gained ransoms that enabled them to purchase estates, and live
without occasion to go further to the wars during their lives. But I never
thought that you would benefit by such a chance. As it is to my mind more
honourable to save life than to take it, I rejoice that you have come to
your fortune, not by the slaying of enemies, but by the saving the lives
of a man, his wife, and daughter, who are rich enough to reward you.

"Assuredly, if a man like Mynheer Van Voorden had fallen into the hands of
the Count of Flanders, the latter would have extracted from him, as the
price of his freedom, a sum many times larger than that which he has
expended on the purchase of these two estates, and the building of the
castles. Well, Edgar, I congratulate you heartily. You can now ride to the
wars when the king's banner is spread to the winds, and do your duty to
your country, but there will be no occasion for you to become a mere
knight adventurer--a class I detest, ever ready to sell their swords to
the highest bidder, and to kill men, against whom they have no cause of
complaint, as indifferently as a butcher would strike down a bullock with
a pole-axe.

"Between these men and those who fight simply in the wars of their own
country, the gulf is a wide one, as wide as that betwixt a faithful house-
dog and a roving wolf. When are you going to receive your new acquisition,
or are you intending to ride first to London to thank the Fleming for his
noble gift?"

"Assuredly, we should have first ridden to London, father, but we each
found in the bottom of our boxes a short letter which we had at first
overlooked. The letters were the same, save for our names. Mine ran:--

"'_Dear Sir Edgar,

"'It has given me very great pleasure to prepare this little surprise for
you. I pray you, do not mar it in any way by returning me thanks. The gift
is as naught in comparison with the service rendered. I am proceeding to
the North to-morrow on business with Earl Percy, and shall not return for
some weeks. When we meet next, I pray you, let there be no word of thanks
concerning this affair, for I consider myself still greatly your debtor.
You will find an agent of mine at your castle. He has been there some
time, has made the acquaintance of all the vassals and others, and will
introduce you to them as their lord. He has my instructions either to
remain there to manage your affairs for six months, or for any less time
you may choose. But methinks you will do well to keep him for that time,
as he is a good man of business, and you will need such an one until you
have mastered all the details, and can take matters entirely in your own
hands._'

"So you see, father, we shall be free to start to-morrow. Sir Ralph, Lady
De Courcy, and Mistress Aline will ride with us, and I trust that you will
come also. We shall first go to Cliffe, which will be on our road, and,
indeed, I believe that for some distance Albert's lands join mine. Then we
shall go on to my castle--it sounds absurd, doesn't it, father?--and
doubtless we shall be able to stay in Hoo, or if not, 'tis but two or
three miles to Stroud, where we are sure to find good lodging."

"I should like to ride with you, Edgar, but it is years since I have
bestridden a horse."

"We shall ride but slowly, father, for Dame De Courcy loves not for her
palfrey to go beyond a walk. If you like you could bestride Hal Carter's
horse, which is a strong and steady animal, and he can walk alongside, so
as to be ready to catch the rein if it be needed. He will be very glad to
go, for the honest fellow is in the highest delight at the news of my good
fortune."

"I think that I could do that, Edgar, yet I will not go by Cliffe, but
straight to Hoo. I can then travel as I like, and shall not have to join
in talk with Dame De Courcy nor the others, nor feel that my bad
horsemanship makes me a jest."

"Very well, father, perhaps that would be the pleasantest way for you."

"If I get there before you, Edgar, I shall stop at a tavern in the main
street of Hoo. There is sure to be one there; and will rest until you come
along. If Hal Carter learns that you have passed through before my
arrival, I will come straight on to the castle."

Accordingly, early the next morning, Mr. Ormskirk started with Hal, and
Edgar, after seeing them fairly on their way, rode over to the De
Courcys'. All were in readiness for the start.

"Is not Mr. Ormskirk coming with us?" Dame De Courcy asked. "Recluse
though he is, I thought he would surely tear himself from his books on
such an occasion."

"He has done so, dame, and is already on the road to Hoo, under the charge
of Hal Carter. 'Tis so many years since he has bestridden a horse that he
said that he should be ill at ease riding with such a party, and that he
would therefore go on quietly, with Hal walking beside him, and would join
us when we came to Hoo."

They mounted at once. Dame De Courcy rode on a pillion behind Sir Ralph.
Aline bestrode--for side-saddles had not yet come into use--her own pony.
Two retainers followed, one leading a sumpter horse, with two panniers
well filled with provisions and wine, together with some women's gear, in
case the weather should turn bad, and a change be required at the halting-
place for the night. They started briskly, and Edgar was glad that his
father had gone on alone; the pace would have sorely discomposed him.
Alternately walking and going at a canter they arrived in three hours at
Cliffe.

"There is your castle, Albert!" Aline exclaimed. "It seems well-nigh, if
not quite, finished, and is strongly posted on that hill, overlooking the
whole country from Dartford to Sheerness. You will need a chatelaine
before long, brother mine."

Albert laughed, but coloured a little.

"Time enough to think of that, Aline."

"Nay, I am in earnest. Many are betrothed, if not married, long before
they attain your age."

"I may say the same to you, Aline. 'Tis the fashion now for girls to be
betrothed between twelve and fourteen. I have been wandering about and
fighting and have had no time to think of love-making."

Aline shrugged her shoulders. "You had better ask Sir Ralph and my mother
for their views about me, Albert. It is not for a maid to make her own
marriage, but a valiant knight like yourself can manage your own affairs,
Methought perhaps that you would have to tell us that the Fleming's fair
daughter was to assist you in the management of the castle that her father
has given you."

"Joanna Van Voorden!" Albert exclaimed, indignantly, while Edgar burst
into laughter; "why, she is well-nigh as big as her mother already, and
promises to be far bigger. Thank you, Aline; if the castle and estate had
been offered me on the condition that I married her, I would have had none
of them."

"Well, sir, shall I make another guess?" Aline asked, mischievously.

"No, no, Aline," Albert said, hastily. "No more guessing, if you please."

They had by this time approached the castle. "Look, father!" Aline
exclaimed, clapping her hands; "they must have been on the watch for us.
See! they are raising a flag on that staff on the turret, and see, there
are your arms blazoned on it."

"'Tis a goodly castle for its size," the knight said, as he drew rein and
turned his horse so that his dame might get a better view of it. "There is
a dry moat, which is lined with stonework. The walls are not very high,
but they are well defended by those flanking towers, and the place could
stand any sudden assault. I should say that it was about the same strength
as our own. So far as I can see, the other arrangements are quite
different. There is no keep, and it seems to me that the house is built
rather for comfort than for defence; the windows are large, and it looks
more like a Flemish house built within a castle wall than an English place
of strength. Now let us ride on," and they pressed their horses forward.
The gates were thrown open when they approached within a hundred yards;
the drawbridge over the moat had been already lowered.

"Ride you first, Albert," Sir Ralph said; "you are lord of the place."

As they came to the head of the drawbridge, a middle-aged man of grave
aspect, dressed in the garb of a citizen, appeared at the gate, and six
men-at-arms, in steel caps and body armour, armed with pike and sword,
drew up behind him.

The man bowed deeply to Albert. "Welcome to Cliffe Castle, sir knight," he
said. "I am Nicholas Hocht, and have, by the orders of my master, Mynheer
Van Voorden, been here for the last year to superintend the building of
this castle, and in carrying out his other commands respecting it, with
further orders to remain here, should you desire it, for the further space
of six months as your steward. I received a message from him yesterday,
saying that possibly you would be here to-day, and I must, therefore, have
everything in readiness for you. The warning was somewhat short, but I
have done my best, and I trust that you will pardon any shortcomings."

"I am much beholden to you, Master Hocht," Albert said. "You have done
well, indeed, for a fairer castle and one better placed no one could
desire."

The men-at-arms saluted as he rode on. Entering the gate, they were able
to see the house itself. It was, as Sir Ralph had said, rather a Flemish
house than a knightly castle; the lower range of windows were small and
heavily barred, but above there were large casements, pointed roofs, and
projecting gables. It had an air of comfort and brightness. On the top of
the broad steps leading to the great door were four retainers, all
similarly attired in doublets of russet cloth and orange hose. As soon as
the party alighted they ascended the steps, led by the steward. When they
entered the great hall a general exclamation of surprise broke from them.

They had expected to see bare walls and every sign of the place having
only just left the builders' hands; instead of this everything was
complete, the massive oak beams and panels of the ceilings were varnished,
the walls were wainscoted, the oak floor highly polished; Eastern rugs lay
here and there upon it, carved benches ran along the sides, and a large
banqueting table stood in the centre; rich curtains hung by the window,
and a huge fire was piled on the hearth.

"Why, this is a work of enchantment, Master Hocht," Dame Agatha said.

"I have had but little to do with it, lady," the steward replied. "The
woodwork was all made in London, to my master's orders, and I had but to
superintend its being placed in position."

He led them from room to room, their surprise and delight continually
increasing; all were furnished richly in the Flemish style with cabinets,
tables, settees, and armoires. There were hangings to the windows and rugs
on the floors; everything was ready for habitation, the linen presses were
full of table-cloths and napkins and sheets. The beds were ready for
sleeping in, with their great bags of soft feathers, their thick blankets
and silken coverlets. These more than anything else excited the dame's
admiration. Never had she seen beds approaching these in softness and
daintiness.

"With the exception of the furniture in the hall," Master Hocht explained,
"everything has come direct from Flanders, having been selected by Mynheer
Van Voorden himself, and sent by sea to Gravesend."

After having inspected the whole of the house they returned to the hall.
Here the table had been spread. A silver skewer, to act as a fork, an
article then unknown in England, was placed before each, and an admirable
repast was served, the steward himself officiating as carver, while the
four servitors carried the platters, which were of fine Flemish ware, to
the guests. Albert had begged his father to take the head of the table,
but the latter refused positively. He sat on one side of his son and his
dame on the other. Fish of several kinds, meats, and poultry were served.
All cut up their meat with their daggers, and carried it to their mouths
on the point of the skewer.

Albert and Edgar had learned the use of them in Flanders. Lady Agatha and
Aline said that they were charming, but Sir Ralph declared that he greatly
preferred using his fingers. After the meal was concluded, water was
brought round in a silver bowl, with a damask napkin for them to wipe
their fingers on.

"The wine is excellent," Sir Ralph said. "You can scarcely have purchased
this at Cliffe or Gravesend."

"It is from the cellar, Sir Ralph, which is well stocked with the wines of
France and Spain."

"Truly, Albert," Dame Agatha said, "this is not a castle; it is a
veritable enchanted palace. Mynheer Van Voorden is like one of the good
genii the Saracens believe in, who can, at will, summon up from the ground
a vast palace, ready built and furnished. I trust that it will not at once
vanish as soon as we leave it. Were it to do so I should scarcely be more
surprised than I have been at its splendour and comfort."

"Do you tarry here to-night, Sir Albert?" the steward asked, as they rose
from the table.

"No, we are going to take horse at once and ride to Hoo."

"Will you take the men-at-arms with you? They have horses in the stables."

"Not to-day," Albert said. "We are a family party, and travelling
quietly."

As they rode into the street of Hoo, Mr. Ormskirk came out of a tavern,
where he had been resting. After greeting the ladies and Sir Ralph, he
said, "I had begun to think that you must have changed your minds, and
that you were not coming hither to-day. I expected you three hours ago."

"We have been viewing the marvels of an enchanted castle, Mr. Ormskirk,"
Dame Agatha said. "We will not tell you about them, for doubtless you will
see others like them here, and it would be a pity for me to prepare you
for what you are to see."

The castle was indeed in all respects an almost exact duplicate to that of
Cliffe. They were received as before by the Flemish steward. There were
the same number of men-at-arms and servitors, and the fittings and
furnishings were as perfect as those of Cliffe. After going over it, Edgar
drew Sir Ralph aside.

"Sir Ralph," he said, "the castle, perfect as it is, still lacks one
thing--a mistress. I have long hoped that the time would some day come
that I should ask you for the hand of Mistress Aline, but though I have
been fortunate, and have won rank and some distinction, I was but a
landless knight, and in no position to ask for your daughter's hand. That
obstacle has now been removed, and I pray you to give her to me. I love
her very truly. My thoughts have never wandered for a moment from her, and
I trust that I shall be able to make her happy. Unless the banner of
England is hoisted I shall go no more to the wars."

"I am in no way surprised at your request, Edgar," the knight said; "and,
indeed, for the past two years my dame and I have talked this over, and
hoped that it might be. I have during the past year had more than one
request for her hand, but have refused them, for her mother told me she
believed that Aline's fancy has long inclined towards you."

He called Dame Agatha to join him, and on hearing Edgar's request, she
heartily concurred with the knight.

"Nothing could please us better," she said. "We have long regarded you
almost as our son, and we need have no fear that Aline will thwart our
wishes and yours. Have you spoken to your father?"

"I spoke to him last night, lady, and told him what my hopes have long
been, and that Van Voorden's noble gift now rendered it possible for me to
speak; that it might be some time before it could be more than a
betrothal, since, although I had rank and land, I was still without money
to enable me to make the castle comfortable for her abode. Now that, owing
to the Fleming's generosity, this difficulty is also removed, I hope that
you will not think it necessary that our marriage should be delayed."

"I see no reason at all," Sir Ralph said. "Here is everything ready for
her, and no noble in England could offer so comfortable a home to his
bride. The castle lacks a mistress, and the sooner it has one the better.
Therefore, you can take her as soon as her mother can get her ready."

They now joined Albert, Aline, and Mr. Ormskirk, who had mounted to the
top of one of the turrets and were admiring the view.

"'Tis a fair home," Sir Ralph said.

"It is indeed, father."

"What say you to becoming its mistress, daughter? Sir Edgar has asked for
your hand, and has gained mine and your mother's hearty consent. What say
you?"

The girl coloured up to her forehead as her father spoke. "I am ready to
obey your orders, father," she said, in a low tone, "the more so as my
heart goes wholly with them."

"Take her, Edgar. 'Tis not often that a young knight gains castle, and
land, and bride in twenty-four hours. May your good luck continue all your
life."

"You have robbed me of my chatelaine, Edgar," Albert said, after the first
congratulations were over. "Aline had half promised to come and keep house
for me for the present."

"You must follow Edgar's example," Sir Ralph said. "Who is it to be, lad?"

"I had intended to speak to you shortly, father, but as you ask me I will
do so at once. I have seen no one whom I could love so well as Mistress
Ursula, daughter of Sir Robert Gaiton, and methinks that I am not
indifferent to her."

"She is a fair maid," Sir Ralph said, "and her father is a right good
fellow, though but a city knight. Still, others of higher rank than
yourself have married in the city, and as Sir Robert has no other
children, and is said to be one of the wealthiest of the London citizens,
she will doubtless come to you better dowered than will Aline, for, as
Edgar knows, my estates bring me in scarcely enough to keep up my castle
and to lay by sufficient to place my retainers in the field should the
king call on me for service. So be it then, my son. As we have settled to
sleep here to-night, it will be to-morrow afternoon before we get home.
The next day I will ride with you to London, and will ask Sir Robert for
his daughter's hand for you."

Not the least happy of the party at the castle was Hal Carter. He passed
the afternoon in walking, sometimes round the walls, sometimes going out
and making a circuit of the moat, or walking away short distances to
obtain views of the castle from various points. The news that his master
and Aline De Courcy would shortly be married raised his delight to the
highest pitch, for it pointed to an early occupation of the castle. The
thought that he, Hal Carter, was to be the captain of the men-at-arms in a
castle like this seemed to him a huge joke. It was but two years before
that he had been hunted as a rioter, and would have been executed if
caught. That so famous a leader as Sir Hugh Calverley should have praised
him greatly, and that he was now to have men under his command, seemed to
him as wonderful a thing as that his master, whom he had known as a young
boy, should stand high in the king's favour, and should be lord of a
castle and a wide estate.

"Of course, father," Edgar said, as early the next morning he took a turn
upon the battlements with him, "you will leave St. Alwyth and come here?"

"I don't think that I could do that, Edgar," Mr. Ormskirk said,
doubtfully.

"You will find it very lonely there, father; and, of course, we can fit
you up a laboratory here, and you can go on just the same way as you did
at home."

"I do not see that I shall be more lonely than I have been for the last
two years, Edgar, and, indeed, as you know, even when you were at home I
lived very much my own life, and only saw you at meals and for an hour or
so of an evening; therefore, your being established here will make but
little difference in my life, and, indeed, whenever I feel lonely I can
ride over here for a day or two. I thank you all the same, Edgar; but, at
any rate, for the present I will continue to live at St. Alwyth. I have
the good prior, who often comes in for a talk with me in the evening, and
makes me heartily welcome should I, as I do sometimes, go to the monastery
for an hour after sunset. Sir Ralph never passes my door on his way down
to Dartford without dismounting and coming in. I am happy in my own life,
and as long as I have health and strength shall hope to continue it.
Should my interest in my work flag, or when I feel that I am getting too
old for useful work, which will, I trust, be not for many years yet, I
will then gladly come and end my days here."

So the matter was left for the time, and although Edgar more than once
tried to shake his father's determination, and Aline added her persuasions
to his, he failed to alter Mr. Ormskirk's resolution. Sir Ralph and Albert
returned from London after staying there for a few days. Sir Robert Gaiton
had consented willingly to his daughter's marriage with Albert, and had
announced his intention of giving her a dowry greater than that which most
nobles could have bestowed on a daughter. The king had expressed very
great satisfaction at hearing of the gift Master Van Voorden had bestowed
on the young knights, and took great interest in their approaching
marriages.

"They will then have enough land for a knight banneret's feu," he said;
"that pleases me much. I should, on the report of Sir Hugh Calverley, have
appointed them to that rank, but at present there are no estates in my
gift, and I waited till some might fall in before I appointed them. Now,
however, there is no further need for delay, and I will order the patent
appointing them to be made out at once, for they can now, if called upon
for service, take the field with the proper following of their rank. Has
Sir Edgar adopted any cognizance? Of course your son will take yours."

"I don't think that he has ever so much as thought of it, sire."

"I will talk it over with my heralds," the king said, "and see if we can
fix upon something appropriate, and that is not carried by any noble or
knight. When will the weddings be?"

"In two months' time, sire. Sir Robert Gaiton and his dame asked for that
time. My son will, of course, be married in London, and will be wed in St.
Paul's, I have not yet thought about my daughter's marriage, but it will
doubtless be at the chapel in the castle."

"'Tis a pity that they could not be married together here, Sir Ralph."

"I believe that my daughter's tastes and those of Sir Edgar would incline
to a quiet wedding, with just our neighbours and friends, and doubtless
Albert's would also lie that way; but in this matter Sir Robert must, of
course, carry out the arrangements as he wishes; and as an alderman and
like to be lord mayor in two years he would wish to make a brave show on
the occasion."

Before the time for the weddings approached came the news that things had
gone badly in Flanders. At the approach of the French army a council was
held among the leaders, and it was agreed that the allied army could not
fight with any hope of success against it. Accordingly, the men of Ghent
retired to their own city, and the English marched with great haste to the
coast and shut themselves up in Bruckburg, while the bishop himself
galloped as far as Bergues. Bruckburg surrendered on the arrival of the
French army, all the English being permitted to embark with the great
spoil that had been taken. Sir Hugh Calverley, whose advice throughout had
been always disregarded, had ridden to Gravelines with his small body of
men-at-arms and thence took ship to England. The bishop, on his arrival
home, was, with the knights who had been his councillors, very badly
received; for it was held that by their conduct and ignorance of affairs,
and by the manner in which they had behaved in Flanders, they had brought
great discredit upon England.

Sir Hugh Calverley, on the other hand, was received with honour, it being
well known that all that had been done had been contrary to his advice,
and that had this been followed the event would have turned out very
differently. The people at large, however, considered that the blame for
the ill ending of the expedition was due entirely to the delay on the part
of the Duke of Lancaster in crossing over with the army under him. It was
known that he had been altogether opposed to the expedition, which had
prevented the one he desired from sailing to Spain, and that he was minded
to bring ruin upon it by delaying, under many false pretences, from
crossing to France. He had been extremely unpopular before, but this added
very greatly to the ill-feeling with which he was regarded.

But, in truth, the bishop's expedition failed from its own weakness. In no
case could an army so collected and led have effected any great thing; but
the headstrong folly and arrogance of the bishop, and his unprovoked
attack upon the Flemings, precipitated matters, and the scornful neglect
of all the counsel tendered by the veteran knight who accompanied the
expedition, rendered it a shameful disaster.

The marriage of Sir Edgar with Aline was celebrated a fortnight before
that of the bride's brother. The ceremony took place at the castle of the
De Courcys, and was attended only by neighbours and friends, and by Sir
Robert Gaiton, who rode down from town and presented the bride with a
superb casket of jewels.

On the following day Sir Edgar with his wife rode to his castle at Hoo,
where for the first time his banner, with the cognizance chosen by the
king, a very simple one, being a sword with the words "_For King and
Honour_," was hoisted at their approach, while the banneret denoting
Edgar's new rank flew from another tower. The number of the men-at-arms
had been increased to ten, and great was Hal Carter's pride as he took his
place in front of them and saluted as Sir Edgar rode in. Ten days later
they started for London to attend Albert's wedding; which was celebrated
with much pomp in St. Paul's, the king himself and most of the nobles of
the Court being present.

Neither of the two young knights ever rode to the wars again, for in King
Richard's time the royal banner was never again raised in France; and yet
they were not without a share of fighting. Many depredations were
committed along the coasts and at the mouths of rivers by French
freebooters and lawless people, and the castles of Hoo and Cliffe were
well placed for preventing such incursions by men landing anywhere in the
Hundred, either from the Medway or the Thames. There was no fear of such
marauders sailing up the Medway past Hoo, for Upnor Castle barred the way,
and indeed Rochester was too large a place, defended as it was by its
castle, to be attacked by such pirates, but below Hoo a landing could be
effected anywhere, and boats with a few hands on board could row up the
creeks in the marshes, pounce upon a quiet hamlet, carry off anything of
value, and set the place on fire.

Such incursions had been carried far up the Thames and great damage done,
but as the ships of Fowey and other places were equally busy damaging
French commerce and ravaging their sea-coast, no complaints could be made
to France even during the very brief period when there was a truce between
the two countries. Not only from across the Channel did these marauders
come, but from the islands of Friesland and Zeeland, where the
inhabitants--hardy sailors to a man--were lawless and uncontrolled. After
having suffered several times from these pirates, and been moved by the
constant complaints of their tenants, Edgar and Albert went up to town and
laid the matter before the king and council, pointing out that these
attacks were becoming more frequent and general all along the coast, and
praying that measures might be adopted for putting a stop to them.

"But what do you propose should be done, sir knights?" the king asked.

"I would suggest, your Majesty, that either a few fast ships should be
placed at various points, such as the mouth of the Medway, Harwich, Dover,
Hastings, and Southampton, that might keep a watch for these pirates, or
else that some of your vassals round the coast should be appointed to keep
forces of some strength always under arms, just as the Percys are at all
times in readiness to repel the incursions of the Scots; but should you
and the council think this too weighty a plan, we would pray you to order
better protection for the Thames. It was but the other day some pirates
burnt six ships in Dartford Creek, and if they carry on these ravages
unpunished, they may grow bolder and will be sailing higher still, and may
cause an enormous loss to your merchants by setting fire to the vessels at
the wharves, or to those anchored out in the stream."

"The matter would be serious, assuredly," the king said, "and would cause
so great a trouble to the citizens of London that it would be well that
some means should be taken to prevent it. I will talk the matter over with
the council, sir knights, and will let you know in an hour's time whether
we can do aught in the matter."

When the young knights returned, the king said:

"There is a royal manor at Bromley at present vacant; 'tis of the value of
fifty-six pounds a year. This we will hand over to you jointly, upon your
undertaking to keep thirty men-at-arms fully equipped and ready for
service, each of you; and also that each of you shall maintain, at the
spots which may seem to you the most advisable, a galley with oars, in
which you can put out and attack these pirates."

Edgar begged permission to consult with his friend.

"You see, Albert, we have already each of us ten men-at-arms, and the
revenue of the manor should well-nigh, if not quite, pay the expenses of
the others. As to the galleys, we could keep them in the little creek
between Cliffe and Graves-end. It would give us employment, and should we
ever be called upon to take the field, the sixty men-at-arms will make a
good beginning for the force we should gather."

Albert assented, and, returning, they informed the council that they were
ready to undertake the charge of keeping thirty men-at-arms each, always
in readiness for service, and for fighting the pirates by land or water.
Returning home, preparations were speedily made, and the men enrolled and
drilled. A watch-tower was raised on an eminence that was visible from
both castles, and a look-out place also erected at the mouth of the
Medway. This was some sixty feet high. A great cresset was placed at the
summit ready for firing, and an arrangement made with the tenants, on
whose land it stood, that a man should be on watch night and day. His duty
would be to keep a vigilant eye on the river, and to light the beacon if
any suspicions vessels were seen coming up. The smoke by day or the fire
at night could be seen at both castles, and by a pre-arranged system
signals could then be exchanged between Edgar and Albert by means of the
watch-tower on the hill.

Albert had two large and fast galleys constructed, for his wife's dowry
enabled him to spend money more freely than Edgar. They had a good many
encounters with the freebooters. Two or three times strong parties that
had landed from ships were attacked by the garrisons of both castles,
joined by the tenantry near, and were driven to the boats with heavy loss.

Once the beacon from the mouth of the Medway signalled that three ships
had entered the mouth of that river. Edgar signalled to Cliffe, and when
at ten o'clock the French landed just below Hoo, thinking to make an easy
capture of the village, and, perhaps, even to carry the castle by
surprise, they were allowed to ascend the hill undisturbed, and were then
attacked by the sixty men-at-arms, led by the two knights, together with a
number of villagers and countrymen armed with bows and bills. Although
superior in numbers the French were driven down the hill with great
slaughter. Only a few succeeded in regaining their ships; but the tide had
not yet turned, and there was little wind. Boats were obtained at Upnor,
the vessels boarded, and all on board put to the sword.

Three or four sharp engagements also took place between the galleys and
the pirates ascending the Thames, and at various times rich prizes that
the pirates had taken higher up the river were recovered from them; so
that in time the depredations greatly abated, and the city of London
presented the two knights with costly swords and a vote of thanks for the
great services they had rendered to the city, and to those trading with
it.

They were both too happy in their homes to care to go often to Court, but
they viewed with pain the increasing unpopularity of the king, brought
about by his reckless extravagance, his life of pleasure, and the manner
in which he allowed himself to be dominated by unworthy favourites. Van
Voorden, who had permanently settled in England, often came down with his
wife and daughter to stay for a few days with them, and declared that he
had never laid out money so well as that which had established two such
happy households. The last few years of Mr. Ormskirk's life were spent at
Hoo, where he still dabbled a little in his former occupation, but never
succeeded in finding the elixir he had laboured so long to discover. On
the departure of the Flemish steward, Hal Carter was appointed to the
post, with the understanding that if his lord should ever ride to battle,
he was to revert to the command of the men-at-arms. Hal was ignorant of
figures, but he had a young assistant given him to manage this part of the
work, and his honesty, his acquaintance with farming, and his devotion to
his master, made up for any deficiency on that score. Both knights sent
contingents under their sons to fight at Agincourt, and were only
prevented from taking the field themselves by the entreaties of their
wives and daughters, and by the thought that it would be as well to give
their sons the opportunity of distinguishing themselves, as they
themselves had done, in their early youth.

THE END.





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