"I shall not forget," said Aymer, "and mayhap I may find the story for you. But it occurs to me you spoke of a bit of news." "By St. Luke, yes! I nigh forgot it, yet it would have mattered little. It is only that I ride North two days hence." "To Craigston Castle?" "The same, unless I meet with misadventure on the way." "In the guise of a flat-nosed, red-haired knave," said Aymer with a laugh. "A pleasant misadventure, truly! Though, were there any likelihood of that, you would best accompany me and save me from the rogue a second time." "Nay, my lord, an old bird is not caught twice in the same snare. I scarce fancy you will be surprised a second time, or that he will again venture voluntarily within your reach." "Then you may not be persuaded to go with me?" De Lacy shook his head. "I fear I am not open to persuasion; I could not leave the Court at present." "It is a pity," said Sir John, as he flung the score on the table and arose, "for I had thought the Countess of Clare might like to have you with us. But of course, if the King cannot spare you, there is an end to the matter." De Lacy looked at the old Knight quizzically for an instant and then laughed frankly. "It was not fairly done, Sir John," he said; "you caught me foul--you asked first, and reasoned only after I was helpless." "Well, there is no crime in reconsidering. Will you come?" "If the King will grant me leave, I shall fare with you." "With me or with the Countess?" Sir John laughed. Upon leaving De Bury, Sir Aymer de Lacy bent his steps to Baynard Castle, where the King had come that evening. At the main door he encountered the Duke of Buckingham in company with Sir William Stanley and was passing them with a courteous salutation when Stafford caught his arm. "Here, De Lacy," he exclaimed--and Aymer saw he was excited and angry, "you know all the facts! Tell Sir William who is most responsible for the crowning of Gloucester . . . who sent him message to Pontefract . . . who joined him at Northampton . . . who has done all the open work here in London?" "Nay, Stafford," broke in Stanley, "be not so wrathful. Doubtless His Majesty will be most fair and liberal in the matter. Give him time to feel his crown." "Time!" retorted the other. "Time! He has had time and to spare. Am I not co-heir to De Bohun through Aleanore, Hereford's daughter, and will Richard of Gloucester think to retake what Henry of Monmouth abjured? By the Lord Omnipotent, let him dare it!"--and with a fiercely menacing gesture he stalked into the courtyard, and springing to horse rode noisily away followed by his attendants. "His Grace appears a trifle annoyed," said De Lacy. Sir William Stanley shrugged his shoulders. "It would seem so; yet it were unwise to parade it. However, Buckingham was ever hasty of temper."