Look ye at that, my lord," said Gloucester, turning to Lord Foxham.

Here be a pair for you. The lad, when for good services I gave him his

choice of my favour, chose but the grace of an old, drunken shipman. I

did warn him freely, but he was stout in his besottedness. 'Here dieth

your favour,' said I; and he, my lord, with a most assured impertinence,

'Mine be the loss,' quoth he. It shall be so, by the rood!"

Said he so?" cried Alicia. "Then well said, lion-driver!"

Who is this?" asked the duke.

A prisoner of Sir Richard's," answered Lord Foxham; "Mistress Alicia

Risingham."

"See that she be married to a sure man," said the duke.

I had thought of my kinsman, Hamley, an it like your grace," returned

Lord Foxham. "He hath well served the cause."

"It likes me well," said Richard. "Let them be wedded speedily. Say,

fair maid, will you wed?"

"My lord duke," said Alicia, "so as the man is straight"--And there, in a

perfect consternation, the voice died on her tongue.

"He is straight, my mistress," replied Richard, calmly. "I am the only

The Black Arrow