a qualm at heart, "I have not even the good fortune to
return with my command. I have been, so please your
grace, well beaten."

Gloucester looked upon him with a formidable frown.

"I gave you fifty lances, ^* sir," he said.

"My lord duke, I had but fifty men-at-arms," replied
the young knight.

"How is this?" said Gloucester. "He did ask me fifty
lances."

"May it please your grace," replied Catesby, smoothly,
"for a pursuit we gave him but the horsemen."

"It is well," replied Richard, adding, "Shelton, ye may
go."

"Stay!" said Lord Foxham. "This young man likewise
had a charge from me. It may be he hath better sped.
Say, Master Shelton, have ye found the maid?"

"I praise the saints, my lord," said Dick, "she is in this
house."

"Is it even so? Well, then, my lord the duke," re-
sumed Lord Foxham, "with your good will, to-morrow,
before the army march, I do propose a marriage. This
young squire-----"

"Young knight," interrupted Catesby.

"Say ye so, Sir William?" cried Lord Foxham.

"I did myself, and for good service, dub him knight,"
said Gloucester. "He hath twice manfully served me.

-312-