"By St. George, what have we here?" he continued, tearing aside the dead man's cloak and disclosing a small device upon the left breast of his doublet. "A red axe upon a field of murrey. Dost know this cognizance, Master Geoffrey?"
"Nay, forsooth," replied the lad.
"Then I trust that thou wilt ever see it in the dust. 'Tis the coat of Yves, Lord of Malevereux."
"Surely this is not the corpse of the man who holds my father captive?"
"Nay, young sir; the Lord of Malevereux is great in stature and inclined to stoutness. Moreover, 'tis unreasonable to suppose that he would lead in person a band of churlish cut-throats such as these. Without doubt they are of the household of Malevereux."
"Of Malevereux?" exclaimed the Lady d'Aulx. "Then I do perceive how matters stand. This base-born Yves knew that I was journeying 'twixt Harfleur and Rouen, and doubtless thought to hold me to ransom. My faith, if Sir Raoul doth not bring him to book for this, may I never break bread again."
"'Tis to this purpose that I am sent to the Castle of Maissons, madame," said Ratclyffe. "So that they of Taillemartel should join forces with the garrison of Maissons 'gainst this villainous Yves."
"Young squire, in the name of Sir Raoul d'Aulx I shall welcome thee and thine to Maissons, yet methinks that this matter concerning the combining of the two garrisons must wait, seeing that Sir Raoul hath been called to Paris by his Sovereign."
"When will he return, fair lady?" asked Geoffrey anxiously.
"Nay, that I cannot say; but rest assured, young sir, that thine anxiety concerning the chastisement of the Lord of Malevereux is not greater than mine."