"If there be enough for the horses, we can soon overtake them," said the squire; "for the men, it matters little: we all are soldiers." De Lacy nodded. "We will push on steadily, and though I know little of this country, I fancy we will come up with the Duke by to-morrow night." "By your lordship's permission," said old Raynor Royk respectfully, who had overheard the conversation, "we shall not see the White Boar banner this side Leicester town, and we shall scarce reach there before the evening of the second day from now." And the old veteran, as events proved, was correct in his calculation. When De Lacy entered Leicester, he hailed the first soldier he chanced upon and was informed that Gloucester lodged at the "White Boar," near the center of the town. It was a large and handsome stone house, with the second floor of timber overhanging the street; and before it swung the painted sign: a white boar and a thorn bush, indicating that the place was named in honor of the Duke. And De Lacy smiled as he thought how, to his own knowledge, at least half a dozen inns on the Continent had been hastily compelled to rechristen themselves when, from some cause or other, the particular individual whose name or arms they bore fell suddenly into disgrace. That such might happen in this case, however, never crossed his mind. Passing the guards, who knew him and saluted, he entered the house, but was stopped at once by two strange squires, who informed him that the Duke was at present engaged. But even as they spoke, the inner door opened and Sir Richard Ratcliffe came out. "Welcome back, Sir Aymer," he exclaimed. "The Duke has inquired for you. Why were you not announced?" "I was told he was engaged," said Aymer. "That was because they did not know you were of the Household. Come--" and himself admitted him. The Duke was alone, seated before a rough table with his head upon his hand, and he did not stir until De Lacy stood directly before him. Then raising his eyes he fastened them intently upon the young Knight's face, though without sternness. [Illustration: The Duke fastened his eyes upon the young knight's face.] "You stopped at Pontefract," he said. "I did, so please you," replied Aymer promptly. "I could gain but little by going farther that evening." "And might gain much by staying," said Gloucester, sententiously. "However, I am glad, since you can give me word of the Duchess. How fares she?" "As when you left, my lord. She sent her loving wishes to you." Then drawing out De Bury's letter, he presented it without remark.