THE WARNING Alert, determined, all trace of lassitude departed, the Bishop returned to the library, laid the stone upon the deed chest, sat down at a table and wrote a letter.

He had made up his mind as to what must be said, and not once did he pause or hesitate over a word.
While still writing, he lifted his left hand and struck upon a silver gong.
When his servant entered, the Bishop spoke without raising his eyes from the table.
"Request Brother Philip to come here, without loss of time." When the Bishop, having signed his letter, laid down the pen, and looked up, Brother Philip stood before him.
"Philip," said the Bishop, "select a trustworthy messenger from among the stable men, one possessed of wits as well as muscle; mount him on a good beast, supply him with whatsoever he may need for a possible six days' journey.

Bring him to me so soon as he is ready to set forth.
He must bear a letter, of much importance, to Sir Hugh d'Argent; and, seeing that I know only the Knight's route and stopping places, on his northward ride, but not his time of starting, which may have been yesterday or may not be until to-morrow, my messenger must ride first to Warwick, which if the Knight has left, he must then follow in his tracks until he overtake him." "My lord," said Brother Philip, "the sun is setting and the daylight fades.

The messenger cannot now reach Warwick until long after nightfall.

Would it not be safer to have all in readiness, and let him start at dawn.