At that moment an interruption occurred to delay the little cavalcade for a few moments.  The road they were traversing led them past a solid gateway, which showed that upon one side at least the property was that of a private individual; and just as they were approaching this gateway the portal swung open, and out of it rode a fine-looking man of middle age and imposing aspect, followed by three youths richly attired, and by some dozen mounted attendants.  The leader of the party wore a dress that was evidently the livery of some office —­ a tunic of blue and a cape of white Brussels cloth.  His cap was of white and blue, and the King’s badge of a silver swan was fastened in the front.

As he rode out, the esquires round Gaston and Raymond drew rein and whispered one to another: 

“It is the King’s Master of the Horse!”

Eagerly and curiously the two lads gazed at the face and figure of the kinsman now before them, whilst Sir James spurred his horse forward, a smile lighting up the grave face of the King’s servant.

“Marry well met, good Sir James!” was the hearty greeting of the latter, as the two men grasped hands.  “I warrant you will be welcome at the Castle, whither, I doubt not, your steps are bent.  It was but two days since that his Majesty was asking news of you, no man knowing rightly whither you had gone, nor upon what errand.  There be fine musterings already at the Court, and every day brings some fresh faces to the gathering assembly.  I trow that such a sight as will shortly be witnessed within those walls has scarce been seen by England before.”

“Nay, nor since the days of good King Arthur, if all be true that I have heard,” answered Sir James.  “Be these gallant youths your sons, Sir John?  Verily time flies!  I have not been in these parts for full three years.  I scarce know them once again.”

“Yes, these be my three sons,” answered the father, with a proud glance at the handsome youths, who came up at a sign from him to be presented to the knight.  “It may well be many long years since you saw them, for they have often been away from my side, travelling in foreign parts with my good brother, and learning the lessons of life as I have been able to see occasion.  This is John, my first born.  Oliver and Bernard follow after him.  I trust in years to come they will live to win their spurs in the King’s service.  They are often about the Court, and the Prince has chosen them amongst his serviens.  But they have not yet seen war, albeit I trow they will not be missing when the day for fighting shall come, which I verily believe will not be long now.”

The youths made their salute to the knight, and then dropped behind.  Sir James rode in advance, still in earnest converse with the Master of the Horse; whilst the attendants of the two bands, some of whom were acquainted, mixed together indiscriminately, and rode after their masters in amicable converse.