re should be two Earls of March, of different
families and names; and, now that Dunbar has become a vassal of the
king, it will make the matter stranger. However, at present no mistakes
can arise, seeing that the one is an able warrior, and the other a mere
boy. But in the future, were the two Earls of March at the same time at
the court of our king, mistakes might well be made, and strange
complications take place.

"Doubtless you are aware that Sir Edmund's nephew is, by right of
birth, King of England. He was, you know, sprung from the Duke of
Clarence, the elder brother of the Duke of Lancaster. The duke died
without male issue, and his rights fell to Edmund Mortimer, Earl of
March, the husband of his daughter Philippa. From their marriage was
born the Roger Mortimer who was lord lieutenant of Ireland, during a
part of King Richard's reign, and was killed in the wars of that
country. He left two sons, of whom the elder was but eight or nine
years old, when Richard was dethroned; and he and his brother are now
living at Windsor, and are well treated there by the king.

"Had my lord's nephew attained the age of manhood, at the deposition of
Richard, many would doubtless have supported his right to the throne;
but for a child of eight to rule this realm, and keep in check the
turbulence of the great lords, would be so absurd that no one even
mentioned his name; and Henry, of course, ascended the throne as if by
right of conquest."

"I have heard something of this before, Sir John; but as the Percys
were among the chief supporters of Henry, the fact that there was one
who had greater rights to the throne was never talked of, at Alnwick;
although, by Percy's marriage with Sir Edmund's sister, he became uncle
of the young Earl of March."

"I can understand that, and indeed Sir Edmund himself has never, in the
most intimate conversation with us, expressed any opinion that the
young earl would, if he had his rights, be King of England."

Chapter 10: A Breach Of Duty.

Two or three hours after the return of the force to Ludlow, Sir Edmund
Mortimer returned, having ridden almost without a halt, since be
received the news of the Welsh incursion. His knights met him in the
courtyard.

"Well, my friends, I hear you have sent the Welsh back again, as fast
as they came."

"We cannot say that, Sir Edmund," Sir John Wyncliffe replied. "Sir John
Burgon went out, with ninety horse; and, coming upon a party of five or