the several bearings and devices which, to the warrior of that day,
spoke as plainly (often more so) as written words. "See yonder,
the tent of my brave countryman, the Captal de Buch, close to that
of the Prince, as is ever his wont. No doubt he is willing to wipe
away the memory of his capture at Auray. There, to the left, _gules_
and _argent_, per _pale_, is the pennon of the stout old Englishman,
Chandos. Ha! I see the old Free Companions are here with Sir Hugh
Calverly! Why, 'twas but the other day they were starting to set
this very Don Enrique on the throne as blithely as they now go to
drive him from his."

While Gaston spoke, the sound of horses' feet approached rapidly
from another quarter, and a small party came in sight, the
foremost of whom checked his bridle, as, at Reginald's signal,
his Lances halted and drew respectfully aside. He was a man
about thirty-six years of age, and looking even younger, from the
remarkable fairness and delicacy of his complexion. The perfect
regularity of his noble features, together with the commanding,
yet gentle expression of his clear light blue eyes, would, even
without the white ostrich feather in his black velvet cap, have
enabled Eustace to recognize in him the flower of chivalry, Edward,
Prince of Wales.

"Welcome, my trusty Reginald!" exclaimed he. "I knew that the Lances
of Lynwood would not be absent where knightly work is to be done. Is
my brother John arrived?"

"Yes, my Lord," replied Reginald; "I parted from him but now as he
rode to the castle, while I came to seek where to bestow my knaves."