Now was I determined to join Lord Stanley's force in time to take part in the great battle. There would I meet Catesby, and kill him; and somewhere near would I find Hazel. I did neither storm nor gnash my teeth, as is my wont when my temper doth control my reason; but with quiet bearing, and lips drawn tightly in, I rode straight forward under the bright sun that glistened so on Michael's battered armour. Thus steadily could I have ridden unto the end of the earth, and never would I rest in peace until I found the man which so had wronged me. Michael did seem to share my mood; for no word did he speak; but sat his steed with his head thrust slightly forward and a fearful look of unrelenting vengeance stamped on his firm-cut features. There could be no escape for Catesby. He might cross the world; but still his grim fate would follow and o'er take him. "He can never escape me," I kept repeating in my mind. Hell's fire seemed burning in my heart; but outward I was cold, deliberate and as unchangeable of feature as is the London-stone. CHAPTER XXVII THE FIELD OF BOSWORTH On the fourth day following, and late in the afternoon, we at last found the camp of Lord Stanley. Once we came near running our heads through the noose, and there ending all our hopes and fears. It was just as we were nearing the town of Bosworth, in our search for Stanley's force, that we fell in with a straggling body of yeomen and some few men-at-arms. I asked them to direct me to Lord Stanley's camp. "Straight ahead, sir, until thou comest unto the first turning to the right. Here turn, and that road will take ye unto your destination, which is the Town of Bosworth," replied their leader. I thanked him and rode on, following his directions. Soldiers of all ranks and arms were hurrying along by every road. Presently we drew in sight of Bosworth. The town seemed filled with soldiers, and others were arriving at every moment. "Ho! sirrah, canst thou inform me whose force it is that occupies yonder town?" I asked of a straggler by my side. The fellow stared at me in surprise for a breathing space and then answered:--"Why, his Majesty King Richard's, to be sure. Thou didst not think that Richmond had taken it, didst thou?" "Hill!" ejaculated Michael. I came near to betraying mine emotion; but controlled myself in time and asked:--"But where doth Lord Stanley keep his camp?" "To the North and West about a mile, sir." I muttered a prayer of thanksgiving for mine escape from falling into the hands of mine enemies, and wheeling our horses about we retraced our steps until we came upon the road that we had left at the direction of the yeoman. This we pursued for some little distance, and then we beheld Lord Stanley's camp before us. We rode up to before the noble Lord's tent and to the guard before the door I gave my name and asked to be admitted. The soldier had scarcely entered when out rushed Harleston.