than of being looked upon askance by half the men I meet. And we
may sometimes hear the lark sing too, as well as the mouse squeak,
Sir Eustace. I know every pass of my native county, and the herds
of Languedoc shall pay toll to us."

Sir John Chandos, as Constable of Aquitaine, gave him the requisite
orders and information. The fortifications, he said, were in good
condition, and the garrison already numerous; but a sum of money
was allotted to him in order to increase their numbers as much as
he should deem advisable, since it was not improbable that he might
have to sustain a siege, as Oliver de Clisson was threatening that
part of the frontier. Four days were allowed for his preparations,
after which he was to depart for his government.

Eustace was well pleased with all that he heard, and returned to
his lodging, where, in the evening twilight, he was deeply engaged
in consultation with Gaston, on the number of followers to be raised,
when a light step was heard hastily approaching, and Arthur, darting
into the room, flung himself on his neck, exclaiming, "Uncle! uncle!
go not to this Castle!"

"Arthur, what brings you here? What means this? No foolish frolic,
no escape from punishment, I trust?" said Eustace, holding him at
some little distance, and fixing his eyes on him intently.

"No, uncle, no! On the word of a true Knight's son," said the boy,
stammering, in his eagerness, "believe me, trust me, dear uncle--
and go not to this fearful Castle. It is a trap--a snare laid to
be your death, by the foulest treachery!"