The Delta independent., 1906-08-10
CHAPTER XIII.


manded. A high das at the further end
was rooted in by a broad canopy of scar
let velvet spangled with silver feurs-de-
lis.
In the center of the dais were two
very high chairs. On that TO the right
hair, a livid face, and a cold blue. eye.
lie lounged back in careless position,
nnd yawned repeatedly. On the other
throne there was perched bolt upright,
IL little round pippin. faced person,
who smiled and bobbed to everyone
whose eyes he chanced to meet. Be
tween, and a little in front of them. on
a humble charette or stool, sat slim
dark young man, whose quiet attire and
modest manner would scarce proclaim
Europe: He sat ,:l,h his hands clasped
round his knee, his head slightly bent.
and an expression of trouble upon his
clear, well-chiseled features. Below on
either side of the steps were forty. or
fifty English and Gascon barons, knights,
and courtiers.
There sits the prince" whispered Sir
John Chandos as they entered. HE on
the right is Pedro, whom we are about
to put upon the Spanish throne. The
other is Don James, whom we purpose
with the aid of God to help to his throne
in Majorca.
The prince had observed their entrance,
and, springing to his feet. he had ad-
vanced with a winning smile and the
light of welcome in his eyes.
Welcome to Aquitaine, sir, Nigel Lor;
ing and Sir Oliver Buttessthorn." said
father at Windsor. l would have your
hands, my friends. We are like to give
you some work to do ere you see the
downs of Hampshire once more. How
many have you in your train!"
81 have forty men-at-arms, SIRE" said
Sir Oliver
IS And 1 have one hundred archers and
a score of lances; there are also three
hundred men of the White Company who
syalt for me on this side of the water up
IN the borders of Navarro"
-We hope to see you both in the BAN
uuet-hall anon," rejoined the prince. He
bowed, and Chandos, plucking Sir Oliver
by the sleeve, led them both away to the
back Of the press p Of f. courtieEs; rt H;,.,, ,,,
his stool with the two. puppet monarchs
enthroned behind him, but Of a sudden a
nafk shadow passed over his face. and
he sprang to his feet in one of those
gusts of passion which were the single
acter; 49,
h. cried now Io% SSn as.n nows sesah re f. What
DO you bring t1 US from 0ur
dressed was tall and handsome cavalier
who had just been ushered into the
apartment. '.Are the passes open to us.
or does your master 20 back from his
word pledged to me at Libourne no later
at would i'll become my gracious
master, sire. to go back from. promise
given. He does but ask some delay and
certain conditions and hostages
Conditions! Hostages! is he speak
Ing to the Prince of England. or is it to
~ n
tured town? Conditions, quotha? He
may find much to mend in his own condi.
tion, ere long. The passes are. then.
closed to u.s."
"They are open, them"
Nay, sire, if you would but"
Enough, enough, Don Martini" cried
the prince. ut is a sorry sight to see 80
true a knight pleading in SO false a cause.
We know the doings of our Cousin
right hand he takes our fifty thousand
crowns for the holding of the passes open.
he hath his left outstretched to Henry
Trastamare, or to the King OF France. all
ready to take as many more for the keep;
Charles. and he shall learn that l know
him. He sets his kingdom up to the best
bidder. like some scullion farrier selling a
glandered horse. lie is"
my lord" cried Don Martin. l cannot
master. Did they come from other lips
! should know better how to answer
them"
"Your bearing and your words. Don
Martin. are such as | should have looked
for in you. You will tell the king, your
master that be hath been paid his price
and that if he holds to his promise he
hath my word for it that no scath shall
come to his people, nor to their houses
or gear. If, however, we have not hi.
hall ~t~r NJ L1nv nj
this message without his leave. and bear
ing a key with me which shall open all
that he may close Where is my Lore
Chandos? fia, Sir John, l commend this
worthy knight to your care. You will
sec that he hath reflection, and such q
purse of gold as may defray his charges
for indeed it is great honor to any cour1
to have within it SO noble and gentle 6
cavalier
is on his way for our capital with foul
hundred lances and as many archers tt
aid us in our venture. We shall ther
join the army at Dax and set our ban
ners to the breeze once more"
A buzz of joy at the prospect OF i'm
mediate action rose up from the group o.
warriors The prince smiled at the mar
tial ardor which shone upon every fac
around him.
at will hearten you to know" he con
ttUUeQ, IudI 1 nave sure HuVlCeS IQuL tUl
Henry Is n very valiant leader, and tina
he has It In his power to make such .
stand against us as promises to give VI
much honor and pleasure. 1t il certain
also. that the brave and worthy Bertran,
du Guesclin hath ridden into France t,
the Duke q An1ou, and purposes to tax
and Brittany. We hold Bertrand in higl
esteem, for he oft before been a
great pains to furnish us with an honor
able encounter. What think YOU Of II
nv worthy Capital? He took Won a
Cocherei, and. BY my soul you will hav
re chance now to pay that score"
The Gascon warrior addressed vince
q little at the allusion, nor were hi
countrymen around him better pleaset
Sor on the only occasion when they ha
Encountered the arms Of France withou
EnslIsh aid they had met with heav
defeat .,.v -,