CHAPTER V.
INVESTIGATION OF THE ADVENTURE OF THE HUNTING .-- A DISCOVERY.
-- GREGORY'S MANHOOD .-- FATE OF GASTON ST.

CLERE .-- CONCLUSION.
So soon as they arrived at the princely mansion of Boteler, the Lady Emma craved permission to retire to her chamber, that she might compose her spirits after the terror she had undergone.

Henry St.Clere, in a few words, proceeded to explain the adventure to the curious audience.

"I had no sooner seen my sister's palfrey, in spite of her endeavours to the contrary, entering with spirit into the chase set on foot by the worshipful Gregory than I rode after to give her assistance.

So long was the chase that when the greyhounds pulled down the knobbler, we were out of hearing of your bugles; and having rewarded and coupled the dogs, I gave them to be led by the jester, and we wandered in quest of our company, whom, it would seem, the sport had led in a different direction.
At length, passing through the thicket where you found us, I was surprised by a cross-bow bolt whizzing past mine head.