over his success that the boy looked after Robert Sadler.

The next day Lady De Aldithely summoned her men-at-arms before her in
the castle hall. She had a missive in her hand. "I must send one of you
on a journey," she said. "More than one I cannot now spare to go to
Chester. Who will take this missive from me to the town of Chester, and
bring back from my aunt what it calleth for?"

A light flashed in the eyes of Robert Sadler which Lady De Aldithely
affected not to see. The opportunity he had been seeking was before
him. He would go out alone, but he would not return alone. When the
drawbridge should be lowered to admit him on his return the king's
messengers with a troop of horse would be at hand. They would make a
rush while he held parley with the old warder. They would gain entrance
to the castle; Josceline would be taken, and the reward for his own
treachery would be gained. He had plenty of time to think of all this,
for the men were slow to offer. Aside from Robert Sadler they were all
true and devoted adherents of the De Aldithelys, and each one imagined
the castle and its inmates safer because of his presence. Therefore
none desired to go.

"No man seemeth willing to do thy ladyship's behest," said Robert
Sadler, with a crafty smile. "I will, by thy leave, undertake it."

Lady De Aldithely looked calmly upon him. "Thou shalt do so, Robert
Sadler," she said courteously, "and thou hast my thanks for the
service. Thou shalt depart to-morrow morn, and thou shouldest return by
the evening of this day week. See that thou bringest safely with thee
what the missive calleth for."