In no way, therefore, would success be so likely to attend the mission of those who set out to discover the hiding-place of King Richard as under the guise of a minstrel and his attendant.

No questions would be asked them; they could halt where they would, in castle or town, secure of hospitality and welcome.

Blondel was himself a native of the south of France, singing his songs in the soft language of Languedoc.

Cuthbert's Norman French would pass muster anywhere as being that of a native of France; and although when dressed as a servitor attention might be attracted by his bearing, his youth might render it probable that he was of noble family, but that he had entered the service of the minstrel in order to qualify himself some day for following that career.

He carried a long staff, a short sword, and at his back the lute or small harp played upon by the troubadour.