I drew forth from my pocket, as I spoke, the wallet of which my lady had despoiled me and which she had returned to me, and, asking for pen and ink, I gave to Master Dunner such writings as, in his judgment and mine, would enable him to command the sum of seven thousand pounds, which, with what he had, would complete the sum of ten thousand with which to approach the King. Master Dunner was very careful to give me such security as he could, acting as the Earl's agent and jealous for his patron's honour, and promised speedy repayment of the loan. Lady Katharine made some demur, but between us we easily overruled her: I, because I was determined that my quixotic impulse should be carried out; and Master Dunner, because he would have taken anything from anybody to save his patron. The transaction was soon over, and I arose to take my departure. "I have a word of advice to give," I remarked, ere I said good-bye. "Whatever you do, do quickly. It is quite late. I may have difficulty in getting access to the Lord Chief Justice or the military commandant. Possibly I shall not see them until the morning. No messenger, it is likely, will be despatched to the King until late to-morrow." "I will ride to the King myself early in the morning," said Lady Katharine immediately. "You told me that he would be at Durham by the time I could get there." "Ay," replied I, "but it will be a hard ride for a woman." "I will go just as I am," returned her ladyship. "Your wounded shoulder?" "A night's rest will put that to rights." "Have you none other who can go?" "I have only two friends," returned her ladyship--and her appreciation really thrilled me--"Master Dunner"--she hesitated--"and yourself, Sir Hugh," she continued, extending her hand. I do not know what made me do it. I had kissed it in the carriage like a courtier. Now I took her fine hand in my own and shook it well. "As one soldier to another, lad," I said, clapping her lightly upon the shoulder for the third time. "'Fore God, I like you well, and, when the time comes, I should be glad to have you in my company," I said, with double meaning, "forever." --------------------------------------------------------------------- [Illustration: "I like you well, and...] "I like you well, and when the time comes I should be glad to have you in my company--forever" --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Should I enlist as a soldier, Captain Richmond," returned my lady, saluting gallantly with her disengaged hand, "I should like no better fortune than to follow your flag."