Still more, when that other was returning through his dominions as a Crusader coming from the Holy Land, when his person should be safe, even to his deadliest enemy.

It has long been suspected that he was in the hands either of the emperor or of the archduke, and throughout Europe the feeling of indignation has been strong; and I doubt not, now that the truth is known, this feeling will be stronger than ever." "But now that it is known," Cuthbert said, "I suppose there will be no delay in ransoming the king." "There will be no delay in raising the ransom," Sir Baldwin said.

"But the kingdom is very impoverished by war, by the exactions of Prince John, and by those of Langley, who held it for King Richard.

He was a loyal servant of the king, but an exacting and rapacious prelate.
However, I doubt not that the rents of the English nobles will soon be charged with sums sufficient for the ransom; and if this avail not, not one of them will grudge their silver flagons and vessels to melt down to make the total required.

But we must not flatter ourselves that he will obtain his liberty so soon as the money is raised.