"
"'Tis a terribly dangerous service," Sir Edmund said, gravely; "but in
truth, I see no other way of forwarding this letter; which, for aught I
know, may be of high importance. But if this is a desperate enterprise,
it is also one that will bring you great credit, if safely carried
through. I will myself, if you go, give you a letter to the king,
saying that you have volunteered for this desperate undertaking, from
your loyalty to his person, and because it is possible that the letter
may contain matter of the highest importance, to him and the realm in
general. I shall add that you have already greatly distinguished
yourself, in service against the Welsh, and are the trusty esquire of
my brother-in-law, Sir Henry Percy."
"I quite feel, Sir Edmund, that the enterprise is a dangerous one; but
I am nevertheless determined, with your permission, to undertake it. My
henchman and myself have, together, gone through dangers as great; and
may pass through this, as well."
"I will give you my answer in half an hour, Master Oswald, when I have
talked it over with my knights, and heard their opinions as to whether
any better plan can be devised."
Oswald bowed and retired and, seeking out Roger, told him of the offer
that he had made.
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