“It is of a lady whose name is Joan that he speaks almost ceaselessly when the fever fit is on him.  Sometimes he speaks, too, of his cousin, that John de Brocas who lost his life in the Black Death through his ceaseless labours amongst the sick.  He is in sore trouble, as it seems, by the loss of some token given him by the lady.  He fears that some foul use may be made by his foes of this same token, which he would sooner have died than parted from.  If thou knowest who this lady is and where she may be found, it would do more for thy brother to have news of her than to receive all the skilled care of the best physicians in the world.  I misdoubt me whether we shall bring him back to life without her aid.  Wherefore, if thou knowest where she may be found, delay not to seek her.  Tell her her lover yet lives, and bring him some message from her that may give him life and health.”

Gaston’s eyes lighted.  To be given anything to do —­ anything but this weary, wearing waiting and watching for the change that never came —­ put new life into him forthwith.

“It must sure be Mistress Joan Vavasour thou meanest, Father,” he said.  “Raymond spoke much of her when we were on shipboard together.  I knew not that his heart was so deeply pledged; but I see it all now.  It is of her that he is dreaming night and day.  It is the loss of her token that is troubling him now.

“Stop! what have I heard?  Methinks that this same Peter Sanghurst was wooing Mistress Joan himself once.  Sure I see another motive in his dastard capture of my brother.  Perchance he had in him not only a rival for the lands of Basildene, but for the hand of the lady.  Father, I see it all!  Would that I had seen it before!  It is Peter Sanghurst who has robbed Raymond of his token, and he may make cruel use of what he has treacherously filched away.  I must lose not a day nor an hour.  I must to England in the wake of this villain.  Oh, why did I not understand before?  What may he not have done ere I can stop his false mouth?  The King shall hear all; the King shall be told all the tale!  I trow he will not tarry long in punishing the coward traitor!”

Father Paul was less certain how far the King would interest himself in a private quarrel, but Peter Sanghurst’s recent action with regard to Raymond might possibly be such as to stir even the royal wrath.  At least it was time that some watch should be placed upon the movements of the owner of Basildene, for he would be likely to make a most unscrupulous use of any power he might possess to injure Raymond or gain any hold over the lady they both loved.

Roger being called in to the conference, and giving his testimony clearly enough as to the frequent intercourse which had existed between Mistress Joan Vavasour and Raymond de Brocas, and the evident attraction each bore for the other, the matter appeared placed beyond the possibility of all doubt.  Gaston’s resolve was quickly taken, and he only waited till his brother could be aroused to fuller consciousness, to start forth upon his double quest after vengeance and after Joan.