CHAPTER X.
PIRATES.
It was not possible that a matter of this sort could be entirely hushed up.

Not many hours passed before rumors were current of events which had taken place, though none knew what those events were.
There were reports that the tire-woman of the Princess Berengaria had in the night discovered that her mistress' couch was unoccupied, that she had found signs of a struggle, and had picked up a dagger on the floor, where it had evidently fallen from the sheath; also it was said that the princess had returned at daylight escorted by an armed party, and that she was unable to obtain entrance to the palace until one of the ladies of the queen had been fetched down to order the sentries at the gate to allow her to enter.
This was the news which rumor carried through the camp.

Few, however, believed it, and none who could have enlightened them opened their lips upon the subject.
It was known, however, that a messenger had come to King Richard early, and that he had at once mounted and ridden off to the bishop's palace.
What had happened there none could say, but there were rumors that his voice had been heard in furious outbursts of passion.

He remained there until the afternoon, when he sent for a number of his principal nobles.
When these arrived they found him standing on a dais in the principal hall of the palace, and he there formally introduced to them the Princess Berengaria as his affianced wife.

The ceremony of the marriage, he told them, would shortly take place.
This announcement caused a tremendous stir in both armies.