When the meal was almost finished, a sudden commotion arose outside, and the door was opened to admit one whose appearance showed every evidence of a rapid ride.

“Speak,” said Richard.

The messenger saluted.  “So please you, my lord, His Majesty will reach Northampton by four o’clock this afternoon.”

Gloucester nodded; then arose and drew on his gauntlets.

“Gentlemen,” said he, “we may not dally longer.  Order up the horses, Ratcliffe, and let the route be sounded; we must be at Northampton ere the vespers chime.”

“There will be some shrewd tongue play, methinks, and perchance sharp action this night,” remarked De Wilton to De Lacy as, late in the afternoon, the towers of Northampton lifted before them.  “Rivers and Grey are with young Edward—­it will be Woodville against Plantagenet, and England for the stakes.”

“A royal game, indeed,” said De Lacy; “yet, surely, Edward’s kingdom is secure.”

“Pasque Dieu!” exclaimed De Wilton, “I can answer that better after he is crowned.  All that I think now is that the situation is very grave.  This meeting in yonder town is big with fate.”

“I fear I am too new to my native land to appreciate the present situation,” replied De Lacy; “yet I hope that war may be averted.  There has been bloodshed enough in this fair land since the Roses were plucked.”

“By St. George! my heart is with yours,” returned De Wilton instantly; “yet, mark me, this night will make history for England.  If not, then I mistake the Duke of Gloucester.  It is obvious now that, to him, this meeting is no accident—­it was timed for most adroitly.  Why did he tarry so long at Pontefract, unless because it were easier to prick the Woodville bubble at Northampton than in London?”

“You know the Prince far better than I,” said De Lacy, “but perchance you do not know that with Rivers ride two thousand men.  If Gloucester intended such a course, why did he not bring a larger following?  He was fully advised of the number of the King’s escort.”

“Because it would have aroused instant suspicion and left him no recourse but to force.  He has some other plan, I warrant.  Yet, should it come to blows, Richard himself is equal to a thousand men.”

“Scarce so much as that, I fancy,” said De Lacy, with a laugh.  “Nathless, sooner will I ride behind the Boar of Gloucester with six hundred swords than under the Woodville banner with thrice the number.”

“Well said, by St. George!” De Wilton exclaimed.  “No Lancastrian upstart for me.”

“Be not so energetic, Sir Ralph,” said De Lacy, as Ratcliffe, hearing the words, looked back.  “But tell me, I pray, who are these that approach?”

“Your eyes are keener than mine,” returned De Wilton, “for I can scarce discern them at all.  Is there any banner displayed?”

“Aye, but I cannot yet distinguish the device. . . .  There are at least fifty of them, and they are riding most marvellously fast.  By St. Denis! they cannot travel far at such a pace.  When the sun next falls athwart the banner, I will try to make it out. . .  There . . .  Pardieu! it is a queer bearing:  argent, a la fasce-canton a desire de gueules.  Do you know it, or have I not read it aright?”