I would not that aught should befall so brave a knight." "I seek him no harm," the knight said angrily; "but I know that he is one of the knights of the Black Prince's own suite, and that his ransom will be freely paid, and as my coffers are low from the expenses of the war, I would fain replenish them at the expense of the English prince." "I said not that I doubted you, Sir Phillip," the count said calmly; "but as the knight surrendered on my word, it was needful that I should warn you to treat him as I myself should do did he remain in my hands, and to give him fair treatment until duly ransomed." "I should be glad, count," Walter said, "if you will suffer me to take with me as companion in my captivity this man-at-arms.

He is strongly attached to me, and we have gone through many perils together; it will lighten my captivity to have him by my side." "Surely I will do so, Sir Walter, and wish that your boon had been a larger one.

The rest I will take back with me to Amiens, there to hold until exchanged for some of those who at various times have fallen into your king's hands.

And now to work, men; lose not a moment in stripping the castle of all that you choose to carry away, then apply fire to the storehouses, granaries, and the hold itself.

I would not that it remained standing to serve as an outpost for the English." The horses were brought from the stables.