"
"Master de Cressi," said the old priest, "your son Hugh rides to London
on an errand of mine which I think will save his neck from that halter
whereof you spoke but now. Are those four mounted men that you promised
me ready to companion him?"
"They will be within an hour, Father, but not before, since six good
horses cannot be laid hands on in the dead of night, being stabled
without the gates. But what is this message of yours, and to whom does
Hugh go?"
"To his Grace Edward the King, none less, Geoffrey de Cressi, with that
which shall earn pardon for him and Dick the Archer, or so I believe.
As for what it is I may not tell you or any man. It has to do with great
matters of State that are for the King's ear alone; and I charge you,
every one, on your honour and your safety, to make no mention of this
mission without these walls. Do you swear, Geoffrey de Cressi, and you,
his sons?"
Then one by one they swore to be secret as the grave; and Eve swore
also, though of her he had sought no promise. When this was finished Sir
Andrew asked if any of his brothers accompanied Hugh, saying that if so
they must arm.
"No," answered Master de Cressi, "one of the family is enough to risk
as well as four of our best servants. My sons bide here with me, who may
need their help, though they are not trained to arms."
"Perhaps it is as well," said Sir Andrew drily, "though were I their
age--well, let that be.
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