"Where is Sir Oliver Lysle?" he demanded.
"Sire, he hath been wounded and hath been left at the Castle of Taillemartel, as also hath Sir Thomas Carberry," replied Geoffrey.
"And the rebel Sir Denis of Malevereux: hath he been hanged on the battlements of his own castle, according to our commands?"
"Nay, Sire——"
"Then thou hast ventured to return hither branded with the unpardonable disgrace of defeat?"
"Sire," replied Geoffrey, pointing to the captured standard that Arnold Gripwell had unfurled, "Sir Denis is dead, slain by his own act, ere we could work thy will upon him. We were, by the grace of God, able to carry the castle after one repulse." And in a few words the squire gave a plain account of what had occurred during the expedition, modestly omitting the gallant part he had played in the final assault.
"Thy name, squire?" demanded the King, and Geoffrey gave it.
"By our Lady! Thou art the same that served us right well at Southampton, and again on the eve of our victory at Agincourt, though at the end of that thou didst wellnigh place thy neck in a halter. By the soul of my father we have a good memory for such matters. Now, return to thy company, young sir. Sir Gilbert, bring before us the two squires whom we perceive stand at the head of the column."
The King listened attentively to Oswald's version of the capture of Malevereux, the squire mentioning several details that Geoffrey had purposely omitted, while young Talbot stoutly praised Geoffrey's bravery in rallying the discomfited stormers at the termination of the first onslaught.
"Then 'tis to Squire Lysle that the credit of the successful assault is due?" remarked Henry. "Are we to understand that both Sir Oliver and the Constable of Portchester were sore hurt before the second attempt was made? And is this the reason why their banners are not displayed?"