But the French knight, in
acknowledgment of his rank, they trussed up by himself, having first
relieved him of his purse by way of fine. As it chanced, however, Hugh
turned and saw them in the act.
"God's truth! Would you make common thieves of us?" he said angrily.
"Their weapons and harness are ours by right of war, but I'll hunt the
man who steals their money out of my company."
So the purse was restored. When it was safe in the knight's pouch again
Hugh saluted him, begging his pardon that it should have been touched.
"But how are you named, sir?" he added.
"Sir Pierre de la Roche is my name," replied the knight sadly, and in
French.
"Then, Sir Pierre de la Roche," said Hugh, "here you and your people
must bide until some come to set you free, which, as this place is
lonely and little crossed in winter, may be to-day or may be to-morrow.
When at length you get back to Blythburgh Manor, however, or to Dunwich
town, I trust it to your honour to declare that Hugh de Cressi has dealt
well with you. For whereas he might have slain you every one, as you
would have slain him and his if you could, he has harmed no hair of your
heads. As for your horses, these, to his sorrow, he was obliged to kill
lest they should be used to ride him down. Will you do this of your
courtesy?"
"Ay," answered the knight, "since to your gentleness we owe our lives.
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