The armourer had no difficulty in fitting me with a breastplate and steel cap, for my frame was as great as many a man's; but Granville's slighter build was encased in a steel covering which fitted so loosely that I could not refrain from jesting with him on the matter.
"Never mind, Master Granville," said Firestone. "A few months' active service and I'll warrant you'll fill it right enow."
There was nothing about our appearance to mark us as cavaliers, save our long hair, and I remarked this to Firestone.
"Faith," he replied, "I am well aware of it, though 'tis a small matter to conceal our locks under our steel caps. But, as 'tis certain we must break away and join the King as soon as possible, strategy must needs play its part."
"And your plan——?"
"Is to find a way out—how, I know not at present. The countryside must be alive with these rebels, so that we must be prepared where necessary to give and receive hard knocks. As your father, Sir Reginald, is with the King, 'tis best to make for Ashley, gain definite information, and then ride northwards as hard as we can travel."
"What think ye of Goring?" I asked boldly.
He looked strangely at me for a moment, then replied
"He is a vainglorious boaster. Already he has played the turncoat, and, in spite of his brave words, I'll warrant he'll betray his trust and Chaloner, who holds Southsea Castle, is no better."
Thereupon I told him of the message stealthily conveyed by the serving-man.