"There were other things for which I wished to come over. I had hoped to return before this, but matters seem to be going on but badly, and if the King of France and his army defeat or drive out the bishop, his power will be greater than ever in Flanders, and in that case I shall send for my wife and daughter to come over again, and establish myself here finally." On taking leave of them he handed a wooden box to each, saying: "I pray you not to open these until you reach home." The next day Edgar and Albert rode down into Kent. Great was the surprise that their presence excited when they arrived at De Courcy's castle. Aline ran down into the courtyard and embraced her brother warmly, and then, as was the custom, held up her cheek to be kissed by Edgar. "What, tired of the wars already?" she said, laughing. "Or have you killed all your enemies? or how is it that you are here?" "We have been prisoners, Aline," her brother said, "and have been bound to take no farther part in the war." "Prisoners!" she repeated; "you are joking with me, Albert. Surely you and Edgar would never have surrendered unharmed?" "Nor did we, Aline. I was cut down and stunned by the blow of a mace, and was lying insensible." "And what was Edgar doing?" she asked, looking reproachfully at him. "Edgar was not near me when I was struck down, Aline, but no sooner did I fall than he, with his man-at-arms, Hal Carter, stood over me and kept at bay a host of knights and soldiers, and slew so many that they were glad at last to give him terms of surrender." The girl's face flushed, and she would have spoken had not Sir Ralph and her mother at that moment issued from the door. "Why! what brings you home, lads?" Sir Ralph asked, heartily. "They have been taken prisoners, father," Aline interposed, "and Albert has been wounded, and they have both been obliged to give their parole not to serve again through the war." "That is bad news indeed," the knight said. "It means another farm gone, and perhaps two, to pay for Albert's ransom. However, it is the fortune of war. Now come in and tell us all about it; but doubtless you are both hungry, and the matter will keep till you have dined. The meal is already on the table. You are not looking much the worse for your wounds, Albert," his father went on as they seated themselves at table. "I have been healed of them for the last month, father. I was brought down by the blow of a mace, which would have finished me had it not been for the good work put into my helmet by the Milanese armourer. Also I had a wound on the neck, but fortunately it was not very deep." "And did you come out of it scatheless, Edgar?"