As the column proceeded, other knights rode forward and joined the group attending the Marshal. These new-comers gathered thickest about the Lady Helena, and Hugh found occasion for a word in private with Matteo. "Hast any key to these Greeks?" he questioned. Matteo's brows were furrowed by a puzzled frown. "Only this: they are of the Comnenoi, an Imperial house, and they were forced into exile after the death of Andronicus, your father's friend, last of that line to sit on the throne of Byzantium. He was assassinated by one of the Angeloi, and 'tis the brother of that Angelos, you will remember, who rules now in Constantinople. This pair are on some errand of intrigue." "But why is this man so sure of my father's death?" "Would that I knew, comrade! Why are all those with the taint of the Greek Court so sure of it?" "Ay, that is true," Hugh admitted sombrely. "Yet these two are exiles. What interest can they have?" "They are Greeks--and they hope some time to rule in Constantinople. There are two causes for any lie." "'Tis passing strange," Hugh conceded, "but mayhap I suffer from the canker of suspicion. I will strive to banish it. I must not suspect every stranger from Outremer of being an enemy to me." "Banish it not, Hugh," advised Matteo earnestly. "Be ever on your guard. Certes, it was more than strange our meeting here in France with these two from Constantinople. Be on your guard against all Greeks. A slippery, treacherous race!" Before Hugh could answer the Marshal rode to his side. "That was a pretty bicker you fought by the crossroads," Villehardouin said warmly. "These forest varlets are no mean foes. Where got you those huge arrows I marked sticking in some of the rogues?" "My follower here shot them from his long-bow," explained Hugh. "Ralph, do you show how 'tis done." The Marshal cried out in wonder at the great yew bow, a man's-length tall. "Never have I seen such a weapon," he exclaimed. "Certes, it must be stronger than a cross-bow. Is it common in England?" "Not so, Lord Marshal," returned Hugh, while Ralph grinned sheepishly, proud to have his pet noticed by the French knight. "Ralph's father served in the wars on the Welsh March. The Welsh are a mountain people, very nimble and swift of foot, and they make bows somewhat like this, but not so big. Ralph's father took the Welsh bow and made it longer and stouter, until he had this." The Frenchman shook his head as he tried to draw the strung bow to his shoulder. "Never saw I the like," he repeated. "Arm a peasantry with it, and they would be invincible." "Mayhap some day we shall," said Hugh lightly. "I would we had some companies of your archers for service against the Paynims," replied the Marshal. "Our ranks are none too full, Messers." "How is that?"