pped me from this practice.

When my passion had somewhat abated my friend asked me when I thought
it likely that Lord Rivers would take the King to London.

"Indeed I know not," I replied; "but one thing is certain, and that is
if he does not start at once I will set out alone. I cannot bear to
think of what might happen unto my poor dear girl, whilst I am away
from her side. That Catesby dare do anything; and that rogue,
Gloucester, would back him up in all his villainy; for he hath been
mighty friendly with the accursed dog of late. I know not what his
object may be; but as I think, he doth intend to use him in order that
he may win Hasting's friendship."

We spent the greater part of that afternoon in walking through the town
of Ludlow, which Harleston had never seen before.

That night we sat up until a late hour, and talked of all the strange
actions of those in power, and made surmises as to what the next move
should be; but even our most pessimistic predictions fell far short of
the reality.

When at length I fell asleep I had fully made up my mind to ask Lord
Rivers, early the next morning, for his permission to leave for London
that day, as I had private business to attend to.

However, many strange things did happen ere I did again see Hazel.

CHAPTER XII

GLOUCESTER SHOWS HIS HAND

When I asked Lord Rivers for permission to return to the court before
he should start with the King, he replied:--"Why, Bradley, we are to
leave to-morrow morning; and unless your affairs cannot wait one day
more, I would have you accompany his Majesty."

"In that case, my lord," said I, "one day more can make but little
difference, so I shall wait. I did not know your lordship did intend
to set out so soon."

Early the next morning--in fact ere day-break--we started for London
with a goodly train, though not an army. Almost every man in the
King's retinue was a gentleman, he having but a small body of
men-at-arms. This made it possible for us to travel at a rapid pace,
as the whole following was mounted.

About a score of gentlemen went first; then followed the King, riding
betwixt his uncle and his half brother. Harleston and I rode
immediately behind his Majesty, and we were followed by a score of
other gentlemen, and the men-at-arms brought up the rear.

At every hamlet which we did pass through, the people lined each side
of the road and cheered and blessed their young King. The boy, pleased
wit