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270 Company together, who are now at Montaubon, where they pillage and destroy; yet I hope that, by God's help, I may be able to show that I am their master, even as, my sweet lady, I am thy servant.' 'How of that, Alleyne?' continued Sir Nigel, blinking at his squire, with an expression of some pride upon his face. 'Have I not told her all that hath befallen us?'

'You have said much, my fair lord; and yet, if I may say so, it is somewhat crowded together, so that my Lady Loring can, mayhap, scarce follow it. Were it in shorter periods' 'Nay, it boots not how you marshal them, as long as they are all there at the muster. Let my lady have the words, and she will place them in such order as pleases her best. But I would have you add what it would please her to know.'

'That will I,' said Alleyne, blithely, and bent to the task. 'My fair lady and mistress,' he wrote, 'God hath had us in His keeping, and my lord is well and in good cheer. He hath won much honour at the jousting before the prince, when he alone was able to make it good against a very valiant man from France. Touching the monies, there is enough and to spare until we reach Montaubon. Herewith, my fair lady, I send my humble regards, entreating you that you will give the same to your daughter, the Lady Maude. May the holy saints have you both in their keeping is ever the prayer of thy servant, '.'

'That is very fairly set forth,' said Sir Nigel, nodding his bald head as each sentence was read to him. 'And for thyself, Alleyne, if there be any dear friend to whom you would fain give greeting, I can send it for thee within this packet.'

'There is none,' said Alleyne, sadly.

'Have you no kinsfolk, then?'

'None, save my brother,'