"Not so, my lord. Raynor Royk has none to succeed him. And by your
leave it is small matter. In a few years there will be but scant work
for my calling in this land. England has seen her last warrior
King--unless------"

"Unless what?" said De Lacy.

The old retainer glanced shrewdly at his young leader; then answered
with apparent carelessness.

"Unless Richard of Gloucester should wear the crown."

De Lacy looked at him sharply.

"Small likelihood of that, my man," said he. "Edward left a goodly
family."

"In truth yes, my lord," was the answer. "Yet there would be more joy
among the soldiers in the North if Gloucester were our King."

Doubtless the speech merited rebuke,--it was over near to treason,--but
the man was honest in his devotion to the Duke, and likely meant no
particular disrespect to the young Edward. So De Lacy let it pass, but
straightway changed the subject.

"Do you know Craigston Castle?" he asked.

"Most thoroughly."