CHAPTER XX.
UNDER THE GREENWOOD.
At the end of a month, news came from England that Sir Baldwin of Bethune had returned there, bearing the news that the king had been arrested at Gortz, only two days' journey north of the Adriatic--that he had been recognized, and at once captured.

He had offered no resistance, finding indeed that it would be hopeless so to do.

Sir Baldwin had been permitted to depart without molestation.

He believed that the folk into whose hands he had fallen were retainers of the Archduke John.

This news, although sad in itself, was yet in some degree reassuring to the duke and his wife; for they felt that while the followers of Conrad of Montferat would not hesitate to put King Richard to death should he fall into their hands, the Archduke John would not dare to bring upon himself the indignation of Europe by such treatment of his royal captive.
Cuthbert at once determined to return to England to see Sir Baldwin, and to ascertain what steps were being taken for the discovery of the prison in which King Richard was confined, and for his release therefrom; and also to establish himself in his new dignity as Earl of Evesham.
Therefore, bidding adieu to the duke and duchess, he started north.