lles
and others have joined you, and we are heavy-hearted to think that the
orders of our Kings should debar us from attempting a venture." He
and his squire sat down at the places set for them, and filling their
glasses drank to the company.

"What you say is true, Robert," said Bambro', "and before you came we
were discussing the matter among ourselves and grieving that it should
be so. When heard you of the truce?"

"Yester-evening a messenger rode from Nantes."

"Our news came to-night from Hennebon. The King's own seal was on the
order. So I fear that for a year at least you will bide at Josselin and
we at Ploermel, and kill time as we may. Perchance we may hunt the wolf
together in the great forest, or fly our hawks on the banks of the Duc."

"Doubtless we shall do all this, Richard," said Beaumanoir; "but by
Saint Cadoc it is in my mind that with good-will upon both sides we may
please ourselves and yet stand excused before our Kings."

Knights and squires leaned forward in their chairs, their eager eyes,
fixed upon him. He broke into a gap-toothed smile as he looked round at
the circle, the wizened seneschal, the blond giant, Nigel's fresh young
face, the grim features of Knolles, and the yellow hawk-like Calverly,
all burning with the same desire.

"I see that I need not doubt the good-will," said he, "and of that I was
very certain before I came upon this errand. Bethink you then that this
order applies to war but not to challenges, spear-runnings, knightly
exchanges or the like. King Edward is too good a knight, and so is King
John, that either of them should stand in the way of a gentleman who
desires to advance himself or to venture his body for the exaltation of
his lady. Is this not so?"

A murmur of eager assent rose from the table.

"If you as the garrison of Ploermel march upon the garrison of Josselin,
then it is very plain that we have broken the truce and upon our heads
be it. But if there be a private bickering betwixt me, for example, and
this young squire whose eyes show that he is very eager for honor, and
if thereafter others on each side join in and fight upon the quarrel,
it is in no sense war, but rather our own private business which no king
can alter."

"Indeed, Robert," said Bambro', "all that you say is very good and
fair."

Beaumanoir leaned forward toward Nigel, his brimming glass in his hand.
"Your name, squire?" said he.

"My name is Nigel Loring."

"I see that you ar