“And thou wert his prisoner?” said Waldemar; “he is then at the head of a power?”

“No⁠—only a few outlawed yeomen were around him, and to these his person is unknown. I heard him say he was about to depart from them. He joined them only to assist at the storming of Torquilstone.”

“Ay,” said Fitzurse, “such is indeed the fashion of Richard⁠—a true knight-errant he, and will wander in wild adventure, trusting the prowess of his single arm, like any Sir Guy or Sir Bevis, while the weighty affairs of his kingdom slumber, and his own safety is endangered.⁠—What dost thou propose to do De Bracy?”

“I?⁠—I offered Richard the service of my Free Lances, and he refused them⁠—I will lead them to Hull , seize on shipping, and embark for Flanders ; thanks to the bustling times, a man of action will always find employment. And thou, Waldemar, wilt thou take lance and shield, and lay down thy policies, and wend along with me, and share the fate which God sends us?”