The stranger bowed.
"I am known as Matteo of Antioch," he said.
"And I," said Hugh, "am Hugh de Chesby."
"De Chesby? You are of the same stock as the great Sir James?"
"He was my father," replied Hugh proudly.
The jongleur extended his hand.
"That is brave news! A son of the great Sir James! Do you but sit by the roadside a moment, lordling, and I will sing you a romaunt of Sir James that hath pleased the Lords of Toulouse and Provence—ay, and the mighty Lion-Heart, your own King."
Before Hugh could say a word the jongleur crossed the road to a palfrey that browsed on the grass, and from behind the saddle took a bulky package, which contained a stringed instrument called a gittern. He swept his fingers over the strings with practiced ease.
"Now, they say and tell and relate," he began.
But Hugh interrupted.