But Diccon Bowman here hath taught me use of arms."
The young squire laughed outright. "By'r Lady, thy talk doth tickle
me, friend Myles," said he. "Think'st thou such matters will gain thee
footing here? But stay! Thou didst say anon that thou hadst a letter to
my Lord. From whom is it?"
"It is from my father," said Myles. "He is of noble blood, but fallen in
estate. He is a kinsman of my Lord's, and one time his comrade in arms."
"Sayst so?" said the other. "Then mayhap thy chances are not so
ill, after all." Then, after a moment, he added: "My name is Francis
Gascoyne, and I will stand thy friend in this matter. Get thy letter
ready, for my Lord and his Grace of York are within and come forth anon.
The Archbishop is on his way to Dalworth, and my Lord escorts him so far
as Uppingham. I and those others are to go along. Dost thou know my Lord
by sight?"
"Nay," said Myles, "I know him not."
"Then I will tell thee when he cometh. Listen!" said he, as a confused
clattering sounded in the court-yard without. "Yonder are the horses
now. They come presently. Busk thee with thy letter, friend Myles."
The attendants who passed through the anteroom now came and went more
hurriedly, and Myles knew that the Earl must be about to come forth.
He had hardly time to untie his pouch, take out the letter, and tie the
strings again when the arras at the door-way was thrust suddenly aside,
and a tall thin squire of about twenty came forth, said some words to
the young men upon the bench, and then withdrew again.
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