in the early coolness of the next morning; and, without further
adventure, the Black Prince led his weakened and reduced forces
over the Pyrenees back into France. Here they were again dispersed,
as the war was at an end; and the young Sir Eustace Lynwood received
high commendation from the Prince, and even from Chandos himself,
for being able to show his brother's band as complete in numbers
and discipline as on the day when it was given into his charge.

"This," as Chandos said, "was a service which really showed him
worthy of his spurs, if he would but continue the good course."

The peace with France, however, prevented the Prince from being
desirous of keeping up the Lances of Lynwood, and he therefore
offered to take their young leader into his own troop of Knights,
who were maintained at his own table, and formed a part of his
state; and so distinguished was this body, that no higher favour
could have been offered. Edward likewise paid to Sir Eustace a
considerable sum as the purchase of his illustrious captive, and
this, together with the ransoms of the two other prisoners, enabled
him to reward the faithful men-at-arms, some of whom took service
with other Knights, and others returned to England. Leonard Ashton
having no pleasant reminiscences of his first campaign, and having
been stripped of all his property by his chosen associates, was
desirous of returning to his father; and Eustace, after restoring
his equipments to something befitting an Esquire of property, and
liberally supplying him with the expenses of his journey, bade
him an affectionate farewell, and saw him depart, not without
satisfaction at no longer feeling himself accountable for his
conduct.