the last week at a neighboring monastery, which they had quit only that
morning. It was rumored there, however, that the Duke of Gloucester
had passed southward the prior day with a great train of attendants.
This, at least, was some slight indication, and thanking them
courteously De Lacy jogged on; but it was not until they reached
Doncaster, about noon, that accurate knowledge of the Duke was obtained.

Halting before the inn of the "Silver Sun," a ramshackle old house,
from over whose door, as proclaiming the character of the place,
projected a long pole with a bunch of furze on the end, De Lacy called,
"Ho, within!"

The landlord, a big, blear-eyed rogue, much the worse for wear and ale,
came shambling out at the summons. His listlessness vanished quickly
enough, however, at sight of the Knight and his following; and bowing
to the ground he asked how he might serve them.

"With food and drink, good fellow," said De Lacy; "and that right
quickly."

"Your worship shall be accommodated immediately with what I have," said
the man with another bow that almost overbalanced him, "but if it is
meagre, blame the Duke of Gloucester and his men."

"His Grace has passed?" asked Aymer.

"God's truth! he has," said the fellow. "He precedes you by a day.
And, saving your lordship, if you travel to the Coronation, methinks
you will have but scant fare along the road. They eat things clean as
they go--but pay good silver for it."