golden cross of Suffolk, the blue and gold of Willoughby,
and the gold-fretted scarlet of Audley. In the very center of them, all
was one which caused all others to pass from his mind, for close to the
royal banner of England, crossed with the label of the Prince, there
waved the war-worn flag with the red wedge upon the golden field which
marked the quarters of the noble Chandos.

At the sight Nigel set spurs to his horse, and a few minutes later had
reached the spot. Chandos, gaunt from hunger and want of sleep, but
with the old fire lurking in his eye, was standing by the Prince's tent,
gazing down at what could be seen of the French array, and heavy with
thought. Nigel sprang from his horse and was within touch of his master
when the silken hanging of the royal tent was torn violently aside and
Edward rushed out.

He was without his armor and clad in a sober suit of black, but the high
dignity of his bearing and the imperious anger which flushed his
face proclaimed the leader and the Prince. At his heels was a little
white-haired ecclesiastic in a flowing gown of scarlet sendal,
expostulating and arguing in a torrent of words.

"Not another word, my Lord Cardinal," cried the angry prince. "I have
listened to you overlong, and by God's dignity! that which you say is
neither good nor fair in my ears. Hark you, John, I would have your
counsel. What think you is the message which my Lord Cardinal of
Perigord has carried from the King of France? He says that of his
clemency he will let my army pass back to Bordeaux if we will restore
to him all that we have taken, remit all ransoms, and surrender my own
person with that of a hundred nobles of England and Guienne to be held
as prisoners. What think you, John?"

Chandos smiled. "Things are not done in that fashion," said he.

"But my Lord Chandos," cried the Cardinal, "I have made it clear to the
Prince that indeed it is a scandal to all Christendom and a cause of
mocking to the heathen, that two great sons of the Church should turn
their swords thus upon each other."

"Then bid the King of France keep clear of us," said the Prince.

"Fair son, you are aware that you are in the heart of his country and
that it standeth not aright that he should suffer you to go forth as you
came. You have but a small army, three thousand bowmen and five thousand
men-at-arms at the most, who seem in evil case for want of food and
rest. The King has thirty thousand men at his back, o