"'But a short distance from the ford at Peronne.'
"'Then see to it, Sir Thomas. Let a troop of lances on the morrow be sent to bring Sir Oliver hither, for we have heard much concerning the Lord of Warblington, and have need of his services.' With that I thanked the King and withdrew."
"Fair lord, then we are much beholden to thee."
"Nay, 'twould ill become me if I failed to do my utmost for my squires. Now to rest, Geoffrey, for thou must be up betimes, since it is my desire that thou shouldst ride with the men-at-arms to Maissons."
For a space Geoffrey could not utter a word, then with an effort he asked—
"Did I hear aright, fair sir? The King—did he say that the gilded spurs of knighthood were not to be thought of in my case?"
"Aye, that he did," replied the Constable with a twinkle in his deep-set eyes. "Aye, that he did; but beshrew me, I have forgotten to add his own words 'for a while at least.' So bear up, young heart, and I'll warrant that thou'lt be Sir Geoffrey ere the King sets foot in Paris."
CHAPTER XXVI
AT THE CASTLE OF SIR RAOUL D'AULX
The morning after Agincourt dawned bright and clear, with a keenness in the wind that betokened the approach of winter.