The next morning, after I had said farewell to Hazel, the Queen, Mary and Harleston, I set out on my journey, accompanied by three picked men of my command. Two of these fellows were men which had served under me ever since I had been at court, and had proven to be, both, most excellent swordsmen and trusty servants; that is so far as most of these men are trusty--the which is not an over strong recommendation. The third was a mighty Irishman, by the name of Michael O'Brien, which had come to Windsor shortly after our return from Scotland. I knew nothing of him; but he had a face of exceeding honesty, and besides, his giant strength was equal to that of four soldiers of the general kind. My trip was quite uneventful and monotonous. In order that I may let you know the length of time that it doth take for news to travel in the country I will tell ye a little incident, by way of illustration. When we reached Tewkesbury, near which Edward had won his battle, and where Henry's son was murdered, it was the time of day when we must needs rest and refresh ourselves. When I had entered an inn--which seemed the best afforded by the town--and was seated at table a sedate looking old gentleman came and sat himself down on the side opposite to me. "I crave thy pardon, young sir, for my freedom in thus addressing thee, who are, to me, a stranger; but I perceive, from the trappings of thy horse, that thou dost come from court. Indeed at one time I did know the names of most all of the grand court ladies; for I have not always lived in these God forsaken parts," added the old man, with some show of pride. "But all this is beside the mark," he continued. "When I espied thee I came over to thee that I might enquire concerning the health of his Majesty." "He hath not yet been brought to Windsor, or Westminster, and, as he now resides at Ludlow, of his health I cannot speak." "But when went he unto Ludlow?" asked the inquisitive old man. "Now that I do not remember," I replied; "but, as I think, it was some months before his father died." "My dear young sir, his father died some twenty years ago." I stared at him for several moments, thinking he must be mad. Then I saw what was the matter. "Why, hast thou not heard that his Majesty, King Edward IV is dead?" I asked, in surprise. "Not until this moment," he replied. So now, my children, ye can see how long it took for news to travel in those days, of which I am writing. True, the people are becoming more progressive now, but it is surprising still to learn how long it doth take for news to reach those distant parts, even yet. We stayed that night in Tewkesbury. The next evening we rode into the town of Ludlow, and entered the Castle.