"Get thee hence, Sir Marshal," said the King. "Set a guard of archers to watch my Lord Scrope, without giving him cause for alarm. Send also to the caitiff Grey, and require his presence instantly. Should he refuse, then arrest him, otherwise let him come unsuspectingly. As for the Earl, send a party of mounted men-at-arms to Winchester and secure his person."
When the marshal had departed on his errand the King turned to Sir John Carberry.
"By my halidome, thy squire and the squire of our absent Sir Oliver Lysle have borne themselves with credit. Harry of Monmouth is slow to reward, yet none the less sure. Let them prove themselves by some deed of arms in the field, and in due course the gilded spurs of knighthood shall be theirs."
"Now, my lords," he continued, "let us return to the council chamber. Not a word nor a look must be given to show that aught is amiss till Grey is confronted with his partners in their most abhorrent guilt."
On returning to the larger hall the King resumed his reception, devoting his attention to every suitor who sought a hearing, though at intervals his glance was directed at the throng behind the barriers, where the traitor Scrope was a conspicuous figure.
At length Sir Thomas Grey, who had evidently arrayed himself with haste, entered the room in company with the marshal.
"Ah, we do perceive our right worthy Grey," exclaimed the King. "Forward, fair sir, we have need of thy services on some small matter."
Unsuspectingly Sir Thomas Grey advanced to the daïs, where he stood awaiting his Sovereign's pleasure.
"We believe, Sir Thomas, that thou wert sent as envoy to our cousin of France?"
"Yea, sire."