"It is kind indeed of Sir Ralph," Edgar exclaimed, warmly, "and I will
assuredly take advantage of his goodness, although undeserved. This is
indeed a splendid opportunity for me. When do you start?"

"We shall leave at ten. I heard as I came along that the peasants marched
at daybreak this morning to Gravesend, therefore there is no fear of our
crossing their path."

"I must run down and speak to my father. It is no small thing that he will
allow to disturb him at his work, but methinks that he will not mind upon
such an occasion."

In five minutes Mr. Ormskirk came up into the hall with Edgar.

"My son has told me, Master De Courcy, of the great kindness that your
father has done to him. I would, indeed, say no word to hinder his going
with you. 'Tis an opportunity the like of which may never occur to him
again. It is only on account of the troubles with the peasants that he
dislikes to go away at this moment, but I deem not that any trouble will
come of it here; and I can myself, as he knows, cope with them should they
attempt aught against this house, therefore I bade him not to let that
matter enter his mind, but to prepare himself at once to ride with you up
to town, so that you can rely upon his being at the castle at the hour
appointed."

"Then, with your permission, I will ride off at once, Mr. Ormskirk, for I
also have preparations to make, having started at once on the arrival of
my father's messenger."

As soon as he had gone, Mr. Ormskirk went up to his chamber and returned