"They are the arms of Clare, and the Countess is its heiress," said De Lacy.
"Then she you seek has, indeed, been here!"
"And is here still, though I have failed to find her."
"Nay—methinks not. There have been no gentle ones with his reverence these last five days."
"You are sure of that?"
The Prior's broad face expanded in a grin. "Well, sir, you see we have thought it good to keep a religious eye upon our worthy head."
De Lacy drew off his steel gauntlet.
"See you this ring?" he said, holding up the Boar. "In the name of the King I promise you, Sir Prior, the Abbotcy of Kirkstall, and your good fellows each a grade in rank, if you will aid me to capture this Aldam and to recover the Countess of Clare."
Father James's face flushed slightly at the prospect, and the Sub-prior and the Chancellor drew nearer in sudden interest.
"It is a tempting offer," the Prior said; "yet though you promised us all the red hat of a Prince Cardinal, we could give you no more assistance than we have already done. Nathless, fair sir, we shall do whatever lies in our power."