'"Gold horseshoes on black," said the Crab.

'"That is one of Fulke's men," said De Aquila.'

Puck broke in very gently, 'Gold horseshoes on black is _not_ the
Fulkes' shield. The Fulkes' arms are----'

The knight waved one hand statelily.

'Thou knowest that evil man's true name,' he replied, 'but I have chosen
to call him Fulke because I promised him I would not tell the story of
his wickedness so that any man might guess it. I have changed _all_ the
names in my tale. His children's children may be still alive.'

'True--true,' said Puck, smiling softly. 'It is knightly to keep
faith--even after a thousand years.'

Sir Richard bowed a little and went on:--

'"Gold horseshoes on black?" said De Aquila. "I had heard Fulke had
joined the Barons, but if this is true our King must be of the upper
hand. No matter, all Fulkes are faithless. Still, I would not have sent
the man away empty."

'"He fed," said Jehan. "Gilbert the Clerk fetched him meat and wine from
the kitchens. He ate at Gilbert's table."

'This Gilbert was a clerk from Battle Abbey, who kept the accounts of
the Manor of Pevensey. He was tall and pale-coloured, and carried those