In the morning all was activity.  The bailey resounded with the stamp of hoofs, the neighing of horses, and the rattle of armor, as the three hundred and more men-at-arms assembled before the keep, awaiting the order to fall in.  The under officers stood apart conversing, but glancing, ever and anon, toward the main stairway in anticipation of the coming of the Duke or one of his suite.  Presently the dark face of Ratcliffe appeared at the door; and after a quick glance about he waved his hand.  Instantly the blare of the trumpet lifted every man into saddle; and in another moment, that which seemed but a confused mass had disentangled itself and swung into a square of glittering steel, over which the morning sunbeams rippled in waves of silver as the horses moved in restlessness.

De Lacy was standing before the entrance, watching the soldiery, when a page hurriedly summoned him to the Duke.

He found Gloucester in the lower hall, booted and spurred for the road, and pacing slowly back and forth, his head upon his breast.  He was dressed entirely in black, and his heavy cloak, lined with fur, lay on a near-by bancal.  He carried his gauntlets in his right hand, and every step or two would strike them sharply against the top of his high boot.  Catesby, Brackenbury and Ratcliffe were gathered a bit apart, talking in low tones.  They glanced up when De Lacy appeared, and as he halted just within the doorway, waiting for the Duke to address him, Brackenbury spoke: 

“My lord, Sir Aymer de Lacy is here.”

Richard wheeled abruptly.  “Come hither,” he said, and led the way toward the window.  “Do you know the country or people in the region of Kirkstall Abbey?”

“No, my lord,” said De Lacy.  “I have never been north of Pontefract.”

“Then you are the one for the purpose.  A dozen men-at-arms have been detailed for you; take them and proceed direct to Craigston Castle and deliver to Sir John de Bury this letter.  I ride to York to-day and South to-morrow.  If you hasten, you can rejoin me at Nottingham.  Do you understand?”

“Perfectly, my lord.”

“Then away.  Come, gentlemen!” and the Duke walked briskly to the stairway.

As he came within view of those in the courtyard, there arose a mighty shout that echoed from the walls and keep.  Gloucester’s calm face relaxed in a slight smile and he waved his hand in response.  Then scarce touching his foot to the stirrup which Catesby held he leaped into saddle.  The trumpet rang out, and the horsemen, breaking from square into column, filed out of the courtyard and across the outer bailey.

Gloucester had tarried, meanwhile, to speak a final word to Sir Robert Wallingford; and when he had finished, the last clatter of hoofs on the drawbridge had ceased.  As the Constable stepped back with a farewell salute, Richard’s quick eye discerned the face of the Duchess at an upper window.  Swinging his charger in a demi-volte, he doffed bonnet and flung her a kiss with his finger tips.