"Then the struggle is on, I ween," remarked De Lacy. "Let us move
closer to the Duke. I would not miss this meeting."

When the horsemen were a short distance away, they broke from a hand
gallop into a walk, and then all halted except the two who were in
front. Of these, one was a man nearing middle age, of most courtly
bearing and noble countenance; while his companion, who resembled him
somewhat, was considerably younger. Meanwhile, Gloucester had kept
steadily on; but when the others dismounted and advanced on foot, he
instantly drew rein, and as Ratcliffe threw himself from the saddle and
held the stirrup he stepped to the ground.

"Welcome, noble Rivers and Grey!" he exclaimed. "How fares His
Majesty?"

The two men bent over the Duke's hands, and the elder replied: "Fit as
a King, and most anxious to greet his great and noble uncle."

"Not more than is his uncle to greet him," said Gloucester; and Rivers
read two meanings in the words. "Therefore, let us proceed; and do you
and Sir Richard ride beside me; I have questions by the score to ask."

Presently, as they neared the gate of the town, Gloucester turned to
the Earl.

"Where does the King lodge--at the castle?" he asked.

"His Majesty," replied Rivers, with a quick glance at the Duke, "has a
boy's eagerness to reach London, and insisted upon pushing on as far as