"I knew not that the king had a cousin," observed Hugo, with uplifted
axe.

"There was never a man born," declared Robert Sadler, recklessly, "who
had not a cousin. And would the king that hath everything else be
lacking in a common thing like a cousin? Thy speech is well nigh
treasonable. But strike thou on. I will not stay to see thee put the
king's cousin to shame, and then hear thee deny there is such a one."
And he stalked off to the stables leading the horse.

"I fear thou hast angered him," said Josceline. "But no matter. He will
not harbor anger long." And so it proved. For before the two had
finished striking he had returned to the tilt-yard apparently full of
good humor.

Two days went by. Then Lady De Aldithely spoke again to Hugo of his
project. "Hast abandoned thy plan?" she asked.

"Nay, my lady," he replied. "How should I abandon it? Is it not a good
one?"

"Good for my son," admitted Lady De Aldithely, "but bad for thee."

"Thou wilt find it will be bad for neither," said Hugo, stoutly. "I am
resolved."

Lady De Aldithely sighed in relief. "Come nearer," she said. "I would
confide in thee, and none but thou must hear. I have discovered the
traitor within our walls. For a sum of money he will deliver my son to
the king. Ask me not how. I have discovered it."