Oliver and Bernard de Brocas had likewise gone, and John was, they knew, to be moved as soon as possible to Master Bernard’s rectory, not far away.  The kindly priest had said something about taking the brothers there also till they were quite healed of their wounds and bruises, and John invariably asked for Raymond if ever he awoke to consciousness.  What was to be the end of it all the twins had no idea, but it certainly seemed as though for the present they were to be the guests of their own uncle, who knew nothing of the tie that existed betwixt them.

“Shall we say aught to him, Gaston?” asked Raymond, in a low whisper, as the pair sat over the glowing fire together.  “He is a good man and a kind one, and perchance if he knew us for kinsmen he might —­”

“Might be kinder than before?” questioned Gaston, with a proud smile.  “Is it that thou wouldst say, brother?  Ay, it is possible, but it is also likely enough that he would at once look coldly and harshly upon us.  Raymond, I have learned many lessons since we left our peaceful home, and one of these is that men love not unsuccess.  It is the prosperous, the favoured of fortune, upon whom the smiles of the great are bent.  Perchance it was because he succeeded not well that by his own brothers our father was passed by.  Raymond, I have seen likewise this —­ if our kinsmen are kind, they are also proud.  They have won kingly favour, kingly rewards; all men speak well of them; they are placed high in the land.  Doubtless they could help us if they would; but are we to come suing humbly to them for favours, when they would scarce listen to our father when he lived?  Shall we run into the peril of having their smiles turned to frowns by striving to claim kinship with them, when perchance they would spurn us from their doors?  And if in days to come we rise to fame and fortune, as by good hap we may, shall we put it in their power to say that it is to their favour we owe it all?  No —­ a thousand times no!  I will carve out mine own fortune with mine own good sword and mine own strong arm.  I will be beholden to none for that which some day I will call mine own.  The King himself has said that I shall make a valiant knight.  I have fought by the Prince’s side once; I trow that in days to come I shall do the like again.  When my knighthood’s spurs are won, then perchance I will to mine uncle and say to him, ‘Sire, I am thy brother Arnald’s son —­ thine own nephew;’ but not till then will I divulge the secret.  Sir John de Brocas —­ no, nor Master Bernard either —­ shall never say that they have made Sir Gaston’s fortune for him!”

The lad’s eyes flashed fire; the haughty look upon his face was not unlike the one sometimes to be seen upon that of the King’s Master of the Horse.

Raymond listened with a smile to these bold words, and then said quietly: 

“Perhaps thou art right, Gaston; but I trust thou bearest no ill will towards our two uncles?”