Now, Sir Andrew, speak." "Master de Cressi," said the old priest, "your son Hugh rides to London on an errand of mine which I think will save his neck from that halter whereof you spoke but now.

Are those four mounted men that you promised me ready to companion him ?" "They will be within an hour, Father, but not before, since six good horses cannot be laid hands on in the dead of night, being stabled without the gates.

But what is this message of yours, and to whom does Hugh go ?" "To his Grace Edward the King, none less, Geoffrey de Cressi, with that which shall earn pardon for him and Dick the Archer, or so I believe.
As for what it is I may not tell you or any man.

It has to do with great matters of State that are for the King's ear alone; and I charge you, every one, on your honour and your safety, to make no mention of this mission without these walls.

Do you swear, Geoffrey de Cressi, and you, his sons ?" Then one by one they swore to be secret as the grave; and Eve swore also, though of her he had sought no promise.