But if Lord Foxham's men still lay encamped in the long holm at Holywood,

it was from a different reason from the one supposed by Dick. They had

marched, indeed, for Shoreby; but ere they were half way thither, a

second messenger met them, and bade them return to their morning's

camp,

to bar the road against Lancastrian fugitives, and to be so much nearer

to the main army of York. For Richard of Gloucester, having finished the

battle and stamped out his foes in that district, was already on the

march to rejoin his brother; and not long after the return of my Lord

Foxham's retainers, Crookback himself drew rein before the abbey door.

It was in honour of this august visitor that the windows shone with

lights; and at the hour of Dick's arrival with his sweetheart and her

friend, the whole ducal party was being entertained in the refectory with

the splendour of that powerful and luxurious monastery.

Dick, not quite with his good will, was brought before them. Gloucester,

sick with fatigue, sat leaning upon one hand his white and terrifying

countenance; Lord Foxham, half recovered from his wound, was in a place

of honour on his left.

How, sir?" asked Richard. "Have ye brought me Sir Daniel's head?"

My lord duke," replied Dick, stoutly enough, but with a qualm at heart,

I have not even the good fortune to return with my command. I have

been, so please your grace, well beaten."

Gloucester looked upon him with a formidable frown.

The Black Arrow