"He is indeed a soldier and a good one," Chandos answered,
laughing, "and I warrant he has slept in rougher quarters than
Tilford Manor-house."

"I have few friends, fair sir," said Nigel, with a puzzled face.
"I pray you give me this gentleman's name."

"His name is Edward."

"Sir Edward Mortimer of Kent, perchance, or is it Sir Edward
Brocas of whom the Lady Ermyntrude talks?"

"Nay, he is known as Edward only, and if you ask a second name it
is Plantagenet, for he who comes to seek the shelter of your roof
is your liege lord and mine, the King's high majesty, Edward of
England."




VI. IN WHICH LADY ERMYNTRUDE OPENS THE IRON COFFER


AS in a dream Nigel heard these stupendous and incredible words.
As in a dream also he had a vision of a smiling and conciliatory
Abbot, of an obsequious sacrist, and of a band of archers who
cleared a path for him and for the King's messenger through the
motley crowd who had choked the entrance of the Abbey court. A
minute later he was walking by the side of Chandos through the