"And caught him?"
"Alas! no; he escaped in the darkness, but we captured his companion. He is the clue that follows."
"Was there anything about him to show what lord he serves?"
"He serves Your Majesty."
"What, sir!—Serves me?"
Aymer bowed. "It is Lord Darby."
The King raised his eyebrows and fell to stroking his chin again; then arose and began to pace the room.
"Pardieu, man! but you have brought a budget of surprises," he said. "Are you sure it was Flat-Nose? You have never seen him."
"He fit Sir John de Bury's words as the glove the hand—my squire was as convinced as myself."
"Give me the full details."