And now, young Master de Cressi, what is this message of yours ?" Hugh thrust his hand into his bosom, and produced a sealed packet which was addressed to "His Grace King Edward of England, sent from Andrew Arnold, priest, by the hand of Hugh de Cressi." "Can you read ?" the King asked of Hugh when he had spelt out this superscription.
"Ay, Sire; at least if the writing be that of Sir Andrew Arnold, for he was my master." "A learned one and a brave, Hugh de Cressi.

Well, break seal; we listen." Hugh obeyed, and read as follows: "Your Grace: "Mayhap, Sire, you will remember me, Andrew Arnold, late master of the Templars in this town of Dunwich, in whose house, by your warrant for certain services rendered to your grandsire, your sire, and to yourself, I still dwell on as a priest ordained.

Sire, the bearer of this, Hugh de Cressi, my godchild, is the son of Geoffrey de Cressi, of this town, the great wool-merchant, with whom your Highness has had dealings----" "In truth I have!" interrupted the King, with a laugh.

"Also I think the account is still open--against myself.

Well, it shall be paid some day, when I have conquered France.