"Not to impoverish thee, my Warwick," answered Edward, smiling, "did I
call thee to my aid; for the rest, my revenues as Duke of York are at
least mine to bestow. Go now to the hostile camp,--go as sole
minister and captain-general of this realm; go with all powers and
honours a king can give; and when these districts are at peace, depart
to our Welsh provinces, as chief justiciary of that principality.
Pembroke's mournful death leaves that high post in my gift. It cannot
add to your greatness, but it proves to England your sovereign's
trust."

"And while that trust is given," said Warwick, with tears in his eyes,
"may Heaven strengthen my arm in battle, and sharpen my brain in
council! But I play the laggard. The sun wanes westward; it should
not go down while a hostile army menaces the son of Richard of York."

The earl rode rapidly away, reached the broad space where his
followers still stood, dismounted, but beside their steeds,--

"Trumpets advance, pursuivants and heralds go before! Marmaduke,
mount! The rest I need not. We ride to the insurgent camp."




CHAPTER III.

THE CAMP OF THE REBELS.

The rebels had halted about a mile from the town, and were already