h these demonstrations, soon wore an empty purse, in place of its
being well filled, as when we started on our journey.

I had thought our progress should have been greater, and therefore was
impatient with what I considered its slowness, though in reality we
were travelling rapidly, considering the number of the retinue.

Messengers were sent ahead to inform the authorities of the different
towns that their young Sovereign would soon pass through, so that the
townsfolk might have a passing glimpse of the child. In several of
these places we were compelled to stop for refreshments, and then the
King acknowledged, most briefly, the demonstrations in his honour.
Then would we hasten on, that we might make up for the time thus lost.

On the fourth afternoon a horseman, covered with dust, as though he had
ridden hard and far, met us. When he drew rein he dismounted and
kneeled in the road before the King, with a great show of respect.
When asked his business, he arose and replied by handing a packet unto
Lord Rivers, with the words:--"From his Royal Highness, the Duke of
Gloucester."

Rivers hastily opened the missive and, after glancing hurriedly over
its contents, said to the messenger:--"Tell His Royal Highness, with my
compliments, that his wish shall be carried out."

The messenger re-mounted and--as fast as his steed would carry
him--rode back the way he came.

"What says the letter, uncle?" asked his Majesty, when we were again on
our way.

"He informs me that he and the Duke of Buckingham, attended by a noble
train, await your Majesty at Northampton," replied his uncle.

So we rode on in silence for some time, till Rivers again spoke. "I
fear, Edward," said he, "that Northampton will be over crowded, if we
all do go there. The night will then be fallen, and we shall be
compelled to spend it there, in case we go. Methinks it would be
better for thee and thy retinue to take the road to Stony Stratford,
and there spend the night, whilst I, and some few others, go to the
Prince and explain this change of plan."

"As thou wilt, uncle," returned the King. So it was decided that the
King should proceed by another road to Stony Stratford. Lord Rivers
then asked Harleston and me to accompany him to Northampton.

When we came to the parting of the ways, and the young Edward was to
separate from his uncle, he put his slender arms around River's neck
and embraced him most affectionately. Little did he guess w