for your dainty young knighthood!"

"On my word, my Lord Chandos," said Eustace, colouring deeply, "I
am no loiterer here; I came but to seek my Squire, Leonard Ashton,
and found myself entangled in the crowd."

"Ay, ay! I understand," said Chandos, without listening to him;
"I see how it will be. Off to your troop instantly, Master Knight.
I suppose they are all seeking Squires in the wine-shops!"

"You do me wrong, my Lord," said Eustace; "but you shall be obeyed."

The bugles had already sounded before he reached his own quarters,
where he found that, thanks to Gaston, all was right. The tent
had been taken down and packed on the baggage mules, the men were
mounted, and drawn up in full array, with his banner floating above
their heads; and Gaston himself was only waiting his appearance to
mount a stout mule, which Martin, the horse-boy, was leading up and
down.

"This is well. Thanks, good Gaston," said Eustace, with a sigh
of relief, as he took off his heavy helmet, which had become much
heated during his hasty ride in the hot sun.

"No news of the truant?" asked Gaston. "Who but you would have
thought of going after him? Well did I know you would never
prosper without me at your elbow."

Eustace smiled, but he was too much heated and vexed to give a
very cheerful assent. He had only time to load Ferragus with his