'"
"That's true enough, though I know not how the Pope heard of it,"
interrupted Hugh.
"Through me, Sir Knight, for I learn everything. None have so much power
in Avignon as I, although it often pleases me to seem poor and of no
account. But let that pass. Either you must take this opportunity or be
content not to see his Holiness at all. Orders have been issued because
of the increase of this pest in Avignon, that from to-night forward none
shall be admitted to the palace upon any pretext whatsoever; no, not
even a king."
"Then I had best go," said Hugh.
"Ay," answered Sir Andrew, "and return here with your tidings as soon as
may be. Yet," he added in a low voice to Grey Dick, "I love not the look
of this scurvy guide of yours. Could not your master have found a better
attorney?"
"Perhaps," answered Dick, "that is if one is left alive in Avignon.
Being in haste we took the first that came to hand, and it seems that he
will serve our turn. At least, if he plays tricks, I promise it will be
the worse for him," and he looked grimly at the rogue, who was talking
to David Day and appeared to hear nothing.
So they went, and with them David, who had witnessed the confession of
Father Nicholas. Therefore they thought it best that he should accompany
them to testify to it if there were need.
"Bid my lady keep a good heart and say that I will be with her again ere
long," said Hugh as they descended the stairs in haste.
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