"How stands the matter, then?"

"Rather favorable to the Queen's faction than otherwise. The King's
coronation has been fixed for the first Lord's Day of the coming month
and His Majesty is to be escorted from Ludlow by two thousand men. The
Marquis of Dorset has seized the treasure in the Tower and Sir Edward
Woodville has been tampering with the navy, and methinks not without
result. The Queen and the whole family are catering to the populace
and spare no effort to win their favor. Only action sharp and sudden
will enable the Barons to prevail."

For a moment Gloucester made no response, but sat with his head bent
upon his bosom, as was his habit when in thought. Presently he said:

"How do you know that the King's escort will number two thousand?"

"The Council so fixed it, and very much against the wishes of the
Queen."

"She wanted more, I doubt not," said the Duke meditatively.

"She long held that less than five thousand would not be fitting the
dignity of a King."

Gloucester looked up with a trace of a smile around his eyes.

"Will the Earl of Rivers accompany his nephew?" he asked.

"It was so reported to His Grace of Buckingham; and further, also, that
they would not start from Ludlow until the feast of St. George had
passed."

"Did Stafford advise no plan in case I fell in with his desires?"

"None. The lords will follow whatever course you fix. All that they
urge is haste."

"How long does Buckingham remain at Brecknock?"

"Until he receive word from you--or failing in that, until there be but
time sufficient to reach London for the coronation."

"Was it his purpose that you should carry my answer?"

"Nay, my lord Duke," said De Lacy. "Here ends my mission for
Buckingham. It was but as friend for friend that I bore this message.
I am not of his household nor was it his business that brought me here."

"What brought you to Pontefract then, Sir Knight?" said Richard
sternly. "As Buckingham's messenger you have received due honor; that
aside, your name alone commends you."

"I sought Pontefract," De Lacy replied, "for the single purpose of
tendering my sword to the Duke of Gloucester, hoping in his service to
brighten the dimmed lustre of my House."

Not for an instant did the searching eyes of Richard leave the young
Knight's face.

"Why do you prefer the Boar of Gloucester to the Stafford Knot?
Buckingham is most puissant."

"A De Lacy, my lord," answered Aymer proudly, "