"Prince Edward is at Alton! What think you of that, Sir? Come to
seek through copse and brake for the arrant deer-stealer and outlaw,
and all his gang!"

"Why, there's preferment for you!" said the boy, laughing. "High
game for the heir of the throne! And his gang! Hold up your head,
Leonillo: you and I come in for a share of the honour!"

"Hold up your head!" said the outlaw bitterly. "You may chance to
hold it as high as your father's is, for all your gibes and jests, my
young Lord, if the Longshanks gets a hold of you, which our Lady
forefend."

"Nay, I think better of my Cousin Longshanks. I loved him well when
I was his page at Hereford: he was tenderer to me than ever my
brothers were; and I scarce think he would hang, draw, and quarter me
now."

"You may try, if you are not the better guided."

"How did you hear these tidings?" inquired the boy, changing his mood
to a graver one.

"From the monk to whom you confessed a fortnight back. Did you let
him know your lineage?"

"How could I do otherwise?"

"He looked like a man who would keep a secret; and yet--"