"
Oswald held out his hand.
"This signet ring, sir, was given me by Glendower, who said that any
Welshman to whom I might show it would act as my guide and escort to
him. I come on an important mission, not from the king, but from one
from whom Glendower may be glad to hear; therefore I pray you take me
to him, or at least send a party of your men; for I might,
peradventure, fall in with some who would shoot before they
questioned."
"'Tis assuredly the prince's signet," the man said, after carefully
examining it, "and right gladly will I escort you to him. He is, at
present, at Aberystwith."
"Thanks for your courtesy, sir. To whom am I speaking?"
"My name is Howel ap Ryddyn. You passed my abode, which cannot be seen
from the road; and I would, were you not pressed for time, gladly
entertain you; but if we push forward, we may reach Aberystwith before
nightfall, and I make no question that would better suit your wishes."
"Thanks, sir. My business is somewhat urgent, and I shall be glad to
meet the prince, as soon as possible. Indeed, I should not be sorry to
reach a spot where we can sup and sleep, seeing that we have twice
slept in the woods, since we left Shrewsbury.
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