"Oh, he may be easily recognised, for he will remain covered, while all the rest momentarily remove their hats."
At this moment the rest of the hunting group came up, all of whom uncovered their heads.
"Now, do you recognise the king?" inquired the hunter.
"I do," he replied, dropping on his knee, "and crave pardon for the boldness of my language."
The King, for he it was, then told his followers how Sir William had saved his life, and that although he had declined giving his name, he would find that out, and would reward him suitably for so important a service.
"Please your Majesty," said one of the beaters, "I know who the gentleman is; he is Sir William Ingleby of Nidderdale."
"Sir William Ingleby?" said the King. "If I remember aright, you were one of those who, along with our kinsman, Lancaster, appeared in arms against our Royal authority."
"Not my Liege," replied Ingleby, "against your Royal authority, but against your evil advisers."
"Well," continued the King, with a slight scowl, "let bygones be bygones; you have done me a service which obliterates all that. You are from this moment restored to favour; in memory of what you have done this day, I decree that, for the future and all time, you and your family shall bear, as the crest of your arms, a boar's head. Let me see you shortly at my Court, and then I will see what further I can do out of gratitude for the service you have rendered me."
Sir William made a profound obeisance to the King, and from that time the fortunes of the Inglebys, from that circumstance, coupled with the fortunate marriage with the heiress of Ripley, continued to rise.