"There is a Crusade being preached," he answered innocently. "Many stalwart knights are sailing from Flanders. I thought two such well-appointed lords would be journeying in the same direction. But if I am wrong I beg you will consider the words unsaid." "We do not seek passage to Outremer," returned Matteo. "Ah, but wherever you wish to go, there I will gladly carry you," returned the swart shipman quickly. "Name the port, lords, and it shall be done." "You are very anxious to have us, 'twould seem," interjected Hugh. "I am not too anxious to prevent me from driving a good bargain with your lordships," answered the man with a leer. "I would not have you think me careless of my pocket. But for the money you will be more comfortably lodged than on any other vessel, I pledge you the word of Bartolommeo Caraducci." "What would you call a fair price?" "Name me your port, and I will make you an offer," countered the man. "Let us say Rouen," spoke up Matteo. The shipman considered. "There will be three horses with you? Horses are the devil at sea, lords. Let us say two silver pennies for each of you, a penny for your servant and three pennies each for the horses." There was a bustle at the inn-door, and the landlord entered, escorting a bluff giant of a man whose ruddy face was flushed with haste. "What's this?" bellowed the giant. "Did I hear this Italian knave--or Cypriot or whatever he calls himself--asking three pennies each for horses? To Rouen, said you? Marry, but the man is as dishonest as he looks! Now, I----" The swart shipman scowled at him. "I will take your horses for two pennies each, lords," he offered. "That is more like it," said the giant. "But I am an Englishman, mark you, and I will take you all, bag and baggage, horses and man, to Rouen for ten silver pennies in hand at Rouen quayside." The swart shipman pushed forward. "Heed him not, lords," he shouted. "I will take you for nine pennies!" "You are too eager," said Hugh haughtily. "Eager, say you? Marry, lord, I am but eager to do what I may for the rescue of the Holy Sepulchre and----" The English sailor laughed heartily. "He eager to rescue the Sepulchre! St. Edward, 'tis good hearing! Why, the fellow's crew are three-quarters hang-dog Saracen hounds or I never stopped a corsair in the Inner Sea!" "'Tis a lie, fair sirs," pleaded the swart shipman, his ugly face crimson with rage. "Look you, and----" "Enough," answered Hugh. "We are done with you, fellow. Ralph, open him the door." Ralph heaved up his impressive bulk, and advanced ruthlessly upon the man. The Cypriot's eyes lit up with rage, but he controlled himself, and made another low bow. "You do greatly wrong me, lords," he said protestingly. "But I pray for you a safe journey." As the door closed behind him, Hugh turned to the English shipman. "Who are you?" he asked.