Eustace thanked the old Knight, and with spirits somewhat cheered,
returned to his tent, there to devote himself to the service of
his sick Squire. The report that the fever was in his tent made
most persons willing to avoid him, and he met little interruption
in his cares. Of Leonard, all that he heard was from a man-at-
arms, who made his appearance in his tent to demand Master Ashton's
arms, horse, and other property, he having entered the service of
Sir William Felton; and Eustace was too much engaged with his own
cares to make further inquiry after him.

For a day or two Gaston d'Aubricour's fever ran very high, and just
when its violence was beginning to diminish, a fresh access was
occasioned by the journey from Burgos to Valladolid, whither he was
carried in a litter, when the army, by Pedro's desire, marched thither
to await his promised subsidy. The unwholesome climate was of most
pernicious effect to the whole of the English army, and in especial
to the Black Prince, who there laid the foundation of the disorder
which destroyed his health. Week after week passed on, each adding
heat to the summer, and increasing the long roll of sick and dying in
the camp, while Gaston still lay, languid and feeble by day, and
fevered by night; there were other patients among the men-at-arms,
requiring scarcely less care; and the young Knight himself, though,
owing to his temperate habits, he had escaped the prevailing sickness,
was looking thin and careworn with the numerous troubles and anxieties
that were pressing on him.

Still he had actually lost not one of his men, and after the first
week or two, began to have more confidence in himself, and to feel
his place as their commander more than he would have done had Gaston
been able to assist him. At last his trusty Squire began slowly to