They had suffered no further adventure
on their way for, though the times were rough and they met many
evil-looking fellows, none ventured to lift hand against six men so well
armed and sturdy. Guided by one of their number who had often been
to London on Master de Cressi's business, they rode straight to
Westminster. Having stabled their horses at an inn near by, and cleaned
the mire of the road from their mail and garments, they went up to the
palace, where Hugh told his errand to an officer whom he found on duty
at the gate.
"Then it is a fool's errand," said the captain, "seeing that his Grace
rode yesterday to his castle at Windsor to hunt and revel, and will be
gone eight days at the least."
"Then to Windsor I must follow," answered Hugh.
CHAPTER V
GREY DICK SHOWS HIS ARCHERY
So sorely did the horses need rest, that Hugh and his people could not
ride from London till the following morning, and evening was closing in
before they found themselves drawing near the gate of Windsor Castle. In
the market-place of the little town they pulled rein, while one of them
went to search for a good inn at which they might lie, for the place
seemed to be very full of people. Suddenly, as they stood there,
wondering at the mighty, new-built keep which towered above them, a
trumpet was blown and from round a corner appeared a gay procession of
noble-looking men, and with them some ladies, who carried hawk on wrist,
all mounted on splendid horses.
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