nking that, may be, our Knight was
over strict and harsh, and pulled the reins so tight, that a poor
man-at-arms must needs get a little diversion now and then--as the
proverb says, 'when the cat's away, the mice may play.' But it was
drugged, my Lord, else when would one cup of spiced wine have so
overcome me that I knew nought till I hear Master d'Aubricour shouting
treason in the courtyard like one frantic? But the Knight has forgiven
me, and I have sworn to our blessed Lady of Taunton, and St. Joseph of
Glastonbury, that not a draught of wine, spiced or unspiced, shall
again cross my lips."

"A wholesome vow," said the Prince; "and her is a token to make thee
remember it,"--and he placed in the hand of the yeoman a chain of some
value. "Go to the guard-room, where you shall be well entertained till
such time as we need thee again, as we may, if you have been, as you
say, long in Sir Eustace Lynwood's service. But what now? Hast more to
say?"

"I would say--so please you, my Lord--that I pray you but to let me
ride back to Chateau Norbelle with this honourable Knight, for I owe
all service to Sir Eustace, nor could I rest till I know how it fares
with him."

"As you will, good fellow," said the Prince; "and you, Chandos, come
with me to my chamber--I would speak with you before you depart."

"My Lord," said Arthur, "would you but grant me one boon--to go with
Sir John to Chateau Norbelle?"

"You too? You would almost make me think you all drawn by witchcraft
to this Castle!" But Arthur's eagerness extorted a consent, and he
rode off amid Sir John Chandos's troop, boldly enough at first, but by
and by so sleepily, that, as night advanced, Sir John ordered him to be
placed in front of a trooper, and he soon lost all perception of the
rough rapid pace at which they travelled. It was broad day when he was
awakened by a halt, and the first thing he heard was, "There is St.
George's pennon still safe!"

He sat upright, gazed eagerly forwards, and beheld a tall dark tower
rising by the bank of a stream at some distance. "Chateau Norbelle?"
he asked.

"Oh, ho! my little page," said Chandos. "You are alive again, are you?
Ay, Chateau Norbelle it is--and we are in time it seems! But let us
have you on your own steed again. And let us see--if Oliver be there
himself, we shall have sharp work. Ay, keep you by the side of the old
master leech there--he will be sure to keep out of peril. Now--close
in--lance