He had not slept very well; the noise from the guard-room without was
too great, and when that was quiet there was still the foulness of the
place to keep him awake, for all the floor was strewn with rotten rags
and straw and bones, as it were a kennel. His wounds, besides, had not
been tended, and he was very sick when he awoke, and for a while scarce
knew where he was. I think, perhaps, he had taken the fever then.

He heard presently steps in the way that led to his cell, and talking,
and immediately his door was unlocked and opened. There came in a
lieutenant of the King's guard, richly dressed, and in half-armour, with
his sword at his side. He had a heavy, hairy face, and as Master
Richard sat up on his blanket he perceived that the man was little
better than an animal--gross-bodied and gross-souled. I saw the fellow
later, though I did not speak with him, and I judge as Master Richard
judged. There were four men behind him.

Master Richard stood up immediately to salute the King's officer, and
stood awaiting what should follow, but he swayed with sickness as he
stood.

The officer said a word to his men, and they haled Master Richard forth,
pulling him roughly, although he went willingly, as well he was able for
his sickness, through the passage and into the guard-room.

There was a table set there on a step at the upper end with a chair
behind it; and at the lower end was a couple of men cleaning their
harness beneath a gallery that was held up by posts; the rest were out
changing guard. The door into the court was wide at first, and the sweet
air streamed in, refreshing Master Richard like wine after the stench
that was in his nostrils, and making him think upon the country again