"Saints' bones and cracklings," muttered Laurence, "this is none so
cheerful! But I can always run away if the strap grows overlimber, and
then let them catch me if they can. Sholto will help me."

"Fall out!" commanded the Earl, sharply, "and join yourself to the
company of the Abbot William. Come, Malise, we lose our time."

Thus was one of our heroes brought into the way of becoming a learned
and holy clerk. But all those who knew him best agreed that he had a
far road to travel.




CHAPTER XI

THE AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE


The Earl had almost arrived at the pavilion erected at the southern
end of the jousting meadow, when a gust of cheering borne along the
lines announced the arrival of a belated company. The young man
glanced northward with intent to discover, by their pennons, who his
visitors might be. But the distance was too great, and identification
was made more difficult by the swarming of the populace round the
newcomers. So, being unable to make the matter out, Earl William
despatched his brother David to bring him word of their quality.

Presently, however, and before David Douglas' return, shouts of