"It will take more than steel coats to make Aldam speak, if he be minded otherwise," said De Wilton.
"Doubtless; but while we hold converse with him, Raynor Royk shall have the premises spied over."
When they reached Kirkstall no porter was in the lodge, but the gates were open wide, and halting the column, the two Knights with their squires rode into the courtyard. At the further end of the quadrangle a dozen horsemen were drawn up, and their leader, his foot in stirrup ready to mount, was having a last word with the Abbot.
Hearing their approach they turned quickly.
"Darby!" exclaimed De Wilton. "Now what brings him here so early in the day?"
"Penance and absolution likely," De Lacy answered scornfully.
"Well, I trust he has got them and feels more easy with the world."
"My lord Abbot," said Aymer, as they dismounted, "I am a trespasser a second time, and an ill-timed one I fear, for which I beg your kind indulgence—and Lord Darby's," and he bowed to the latter.
"Nay, Sir Aymer de Lacy, you interrupt nothing," Darby responded; "I was but making my adieu before pushing on to Pontefract."
"And Sir Aymer knows he is ever welcome at Kirkstall, both on his own account and because he is of the Household of the royal Richard," the Abbot answered easily; "and I trust His Majesty and his gracious consort are in the best of health."