I see no reason why any should not freely leave when they reach
the age of thirty or thirty-five, and indeed believe that it would
strengthen rather than weaken us were the vows, taken at the age
of seventeen, to be for fifteen years only."

"There is something in that," the knight said thoughtfully. "However,
that is far in the distance, and concerns me but little; still,
I agree with you, for I see no advantage in men, after their time
of usefulness to the Order is past, being bound to settle down to
a monastic life if by nature and habit unsuited for it. There are
some spirits who, after long years of warfare, are well content
so to do, but there are assuredly others to whom a life of forced
inactivity, after a youth and manhood spent in action, must be
well nigh unendurable. And now tell me frankly what you think of
our chances here."

"Everything depends upon time. Promises of aid have come in from
all quarters, and if Edward delays we shall soon be at the head of
an overwhelming force. But Edward, with all his faults and vices,
is an able and energetic leader, and must be well aware that if he
is to strike successfully he must strike soon. We must hope that
he will not be able to do this. He cannot tell whether we intend
to march direct to London, or to join Pembroke in Wales, or to
march north, and until he divines our purpose, he will hardly dare
to move lest we should, by some rapid movement, interpose between
himself and London. If he gives us a month, our success is certain.
If he can give battle in a fortnight, no one can say how the matter
will end."

Edward, indeed, was losing no time. He stayed but a few days