And at that very instant, from the camp beyond the town, came the music of the trumpets sounding the fanfare of the King.

XXII

THE KNIGHT AND THE ABBOT

When the King returned, Sir John Kendale with Sir Aymer de Lacy hastened to place in his hands the letter containing Buckingham’s statement, at the same time detailing the circumstances under which it was made.

Richard read it very carefully, and handed it back to Kendale.

“So!” he said.  “Out of the revolt comes the solution of the mystery, even as I thought.  Now, De Lacy, you see it was wise not to arrest Darby at Lincoln.”

“Aye, Sire, you were right—­and I fancy it is no wiser to arrest him now.”

“Not unless you would have the Countess hurried to a fresh prison—­or perchance put away altogether—­ere you could hope to reach her.  For be assured, Darby has provided that instant information be forwarded if he be seized.”

“Then all I ask is permission to return forthwith to Yorkshire,” said De Lacy.

“It is granted,” the King replied instantly.  “Take with you a few men-at-arms and Raynor Royk; he knows the country as a priest his prayers.  As many more as you may need draw from Pontefract or any of our castles—­the Ring will be your warrant.  Depart quietly and it can be given out that you are on our special service.  Meanwhile Darby shall be as much a prisoner as though he were already in the Tower.  We march for Exeter to-morrow; and after things grow quiet thereabouts, and a head or two more has fallen, we shall fare back to London.  There I trust you will bring, ere long, the Lady of Clare.”

An hour later Sir Aymer De Lacy and Giles Dauvrey, with Raynor Royk and four sturdy men-at-arms, rode out of Salisbury and headed Westward.  But after a league or so they turned abruptly to the right and circling around gained the main road to the North at a safe distance from the town and bore away toward Yorkshire.

Had De Lacy responded to the eagerness in his heart he would have raced all the way, nor drawn rein save to take refreshment.  But no horse nor pair of horses ever foaled could go the length of England at a gallop, and there were none worth the having to be obtained along the way:  the army had swept the country clean of them as it marched Southward.  And so the pace was grave and easy; and though Aymer fretted and fumed and grew more impatient as the end drew nearer, yet he never thought to hasten their speed; knowing that by going slowly they were, in fact, going fast.  But at length, and in due season, the huge towers of Pontefract frowned against the sky line; and presently at the name of De Lacy, the drawbridge fell and they crossed into the courtyard.