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 \VILLIAM O'ALBIXIJ 
 
 OR. 
 
 THE SECOND SIEGE OF ROCHESTER CASTLE.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI; 
 
 OR, 
 
 THE SECOND SIEGE 
 
 OF 
 
 ROCHESTER CASTLE 
 
 BY 
 
 EDWIN HAERIS. 
 
 ROCHESTER: 
 
 EDWIN HARRIS AND SONS, PRINTERS, EASTttATE. 
 1901.
 
 PK 
 
 (,0/S 
 
 TO 
 GEORGE PAYNE, ESQ., F.J..S., F.S.A., 
 
 IN RECOGNITION OF THE VA1,UABI,E INFORMATION REGARDING 
 
 THE ANTIQUITIES OK THE CITY OF ROCHESTER WHICH HE HAS 
 
 AT DIFFERENT TIMES IMPARTED TO THE AUTHOR, AND HIS 
 
 UNTIRING SERVICES IN THE CAUSE OF ARCH^OI^OGY, 
 
 THIS BOOK 
 
 IS 
 DEDICATED. 
 
 1703794
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 BEFORE writing the most difficult part of this volume, viz: "The 
 Preface," I feel it my duty to thank the numerous subscribers to 
 "Odo; or, the first Siege of Rochester Castle," who have helped to 
 make it a financial success, and also for the many expressions of 
 encouragement received fiorn them. To these may be added the 
 splendid list of subscribers to the present work, printed at the end of 
 this volume, both marking their appreciation of my humble efforts to 
 give pleasure in the study of tl:e past greatness of our ancient City. 
 
 The Siege of King John marks one of the most important of the 
 three Sieges, as the damage to the south-east angle of the Keep, which 
 fell through the undermining, can still be distinctly traced, together 
 with the part rebuilt by Henry III. In the repairs executed under 
 the direction of George Payne, Esquire, F.L.S., F.S.A., in 1900, the 
 portion of the arch at the apse end of the earlier Norman Chapel of 
 the Keep was opened out, thus displaying the splendid proportions 
 of the earlier work of William de Corbeuil in 1126. 
 
 A controversy occured in the daily papers last year as to who was 
 the Standard Bearer at the Coronation of William the Conqueror. 
 It was claimed by one signing himself De Albini, that he 
 who had this proud privilege was Robert de Todeni, a Norman 
 nobleman, whom Duke William of Normandy brought with a large 
 train of Norman nobles over to England with him. This powerful
 
 X. PREFACE. 
 
 iioblemaii, Robert de Tocleni, feudal L,ord of Belvoir, and possessor of 
 eight}- lordships, died in 1088, leaving issue by his wife, Adela, viz : 
 
 William, who assumed the surname of Albini, and was known as 
 William de Albini Brito, from having been born in Britain. 
 
 One of the de scer.dants of Robert de Todeui, was William de Albini, 
 the hero of our tale, a Crusader, soldier and scholar. 
 
 The name has been spelt in a variety of ways viz : D'Albinet, De 
 Albinero, De Albini, D'Alligny, De Aubigne, Daubeuey, Daubeny. 
 
 Walter Vyr.et, Robert Pende, Nicholas Lethenard, and Idonea, are 
 all ficttcious personages in connection with this novel, though their 
 names are to be found in ancient deeds relating to the City and 
 Castle. 
 
 History tells us that D' Albini was sent with a strong force to sei/.e 
 Rochester Castle; but how this was effected, whether by storming or 
 stratagem is not stated. Also, that John undermined the walls; but 
 the details are left to the imagination of the student or the invention 
 of the novelist. 
 
 Without further detaining the reader, I will now leave him to 
 pursue the fortunes of D' Albini, and trust that he will find not only 
 enjoyment, but that he will become better acquainted with many 
 Historic facts connected with Rochester, the City, the Castle, and the 
 Cathedral. 
 
 KDWIN HARRLS. 
 
 EASTGATK, ROCHESTER, 
 
 July 1st, 1901.
 
 I N DEX. 
 
 PACK 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 Introduction - i 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Rutmyiuede - - 5 
 
 CHAPTER III- 
 Windsor Castle . 12 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 The Baron's Camp - 18 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 Walter Vynet . 23 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Rochester - 30 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 William D'Albini - 36
 
 xii. INDEX. 
 
 PACK 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 The King's Treachery 43 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 Rochester - 49 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Irtonea 55 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 The Messenger 62 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 Rochester Castle - 70 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 The Council - - - 77 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 The Seizure of Rochester Castle - - - 84 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 Dover Castle - - .. . 92 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 The Governor and the Captain - - - 98 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 Arrival of King John at Rochester - - - 105 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 Sacrilege I12
 
 INDEX. Xlll. 
 
 PAGE 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Comrades - - - 120 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 Savaric de Mauleoti - - - 129 
 
 * CHAPTER XXI. 
 The Besieged - - " 137 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 Vyuet's Mission - 144 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 Idouea and the King - - 150 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 The March of the Barons - 157 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 Treachery and Devotion - - 167 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 An Evil Conscience - 174 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 False Hopes ....... 185 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 Undermining - ..... 191 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 The Sortie ........ 301
 
 Xiv. INDEX. 
 
 PACK 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Trapped . - 213 
 
 CHAPTKR XXXI. 
 Monarch and Maid - 222 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 Generous Foes - - 231 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 The Fall of the Castle - - 241 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Conclusion - - 250 
 
 Notes --------- 257
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINL 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 THE narrative, that runs through the following 
 pages, deals with that period of English his- 
 tory, which, although stained by the most 
 barbarous and wanton cruelty, has yet left to 
 England and her sons the blessings of liberty, 
 first ensured to them by the signing of the 
 Magiia Charta by King John, at the instiga- 
 tion of his Barons, to protect their lives and 
 interests. 
 
 This step had been rendered necessary by 
 the treachery and cruelty of the King, whose 
 royal word and even sacred oath were alike 
 valueless to friend or foe. 
 
 John had disgusted the warlike Barons of 
 England by his cowardice, and offended their 
 families by his gallantries, whilst the middle 
 and lower orders were groaning under the 
 oppression of the tyrant.
 
 2 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 Being of a cowardly nature, John was sus- 
 picious of all the English nobility, and so he 
 surrounded himself with hordes of foreign 
 mercenaries, who, having no local interest, 
 were the better calculated to obey his com- 
 mands, and to assist him in accomplishing his 
 base designs. 
 
 During the struggle between the King and 
 his Barons, Eochester Castle again played 
 an important part in the national history. 
 
 When the Barons, after signing the Magna 
 Charta, discovered the perfidy of King John, 
 they immediately sent William D'Albini with 
 a strong force to seize the royal Castle of 
 Kochester, and to hold it on their behalf. 
 
 John no sooner heard of Eochester Castle 
 falling into the hands of his Barons, than he 
 placed himself at the head of his mercenaries, 
 (who were generally cut-throats and murderers 
 of every nationality) marched to Eochester, 
 and immediately invested the castle. The King 
 was also supported by Pope Innocent III., who 
 issued a Papal Bull, commanding the Barons 
 to return to their allegiance to the Crown of 
 England, under pain of excommunication. 
 
 The Primate of England, Stephen Langton, 
 a man of sterling qualities, ventured to oppose 
 the thunders of Eome, and was true to the 
 interests of the Barons.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 3 
 
 John besieged Kochester Castle, which was 
 bravely defended by Sir William D'Albini 
 from the llth of October till the 30th of 
 November, when he undermined the walls, 
 causing a part of the great Keep to fall. 
 
 By the capitulation of the castle and the 
 imprisonment of William D'Albini, a heavy 
 blow was given to the cause of the Barons. 
 
 John then proceeded throughout England, 
 giving permission to his followers (and in 
 many cases setting an example) to perform 
 such unheard of barbarities, that they have 
 gained for him the unenviable notoriety of 
 being "the most cruel monarch that ever sat 
 upon the throne of England." 
 
 For a time it seemed as though nothing could 
 stop the tyrant ; but a higher power than the 
 Barons was soon to put an end to his cruelties 
 and reign ; for heaven, as if incensed by his 
 crimes, struck him down immediately after 
 the famous "Passage of the Wash," where he 
 narrowly escaped the fate of Pharaoh and his 
 host. 
 
 His death, which is somewhat involved in 
 mystery, is usually attributed to gluttony, eat- 
 iiig to excess of peaches or pears, and drinking 
 large quantities of cider, at the Abbey of the 
 Cistercians, at Swineshead. Another account, 
 which gained credence, declared that the
 
 4 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 monks poisoned him. He was carried in a 
 horse litter to Sleaford Castle, and the follow- 
 ing day, in a burning fever, was again removed 
 to the Castle of Newark- on- Trent, where he 
 ended his career of crime. 
 
 The old chronicles relate that John died in 
 an extremity of agony and remorse. He was 
 attended by the Abbot of Croxton, who gave 
 him such consolation as he had to bestow.
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 RUNNYMEDE. 
 
 ON the banks of the Thames, beyond Wind, 
 sor, are to be found at the present time many 
 pretty water- side residences, the owners of 
 which can indulge in aquatic amusements, 
 whenever their inclinations tend that way ; 
 whilst on its bosom are borne parties of plea- 
 sure seekers to the various islands dotted 
 about in different parts of the river. 
 
 It is with one of these islands we are at 
 present concerned, situated about five miles 
 to the east of the royal Borough of Windsor, 
 though at the time of which we are writing it 
 was of very little importance; but it was 
 destined to become famous and dear to the 
 hearts of all Englishmen, as the spot where 
 King John signed the Magna Charta or great 
 Charter of England. The island is still known 
 by its Saxon name of Runny mede. 
 
 On a glorious June morning, in the year 1215, 
 the banks of the Thames between Windsor and 
 Staines were seen at the zenith of their beautv.
 
 6 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 The green meadows, sloping down to the river's 
 edge, the luxuriant foliage of the trees, many 
 of them overhanging the water, and the mighty 
 Thames, rolling on its way from its source 
 near Cirencester, to the Nore, uncontrolled by 
 the numerous locks that now bar its progress 
 to the sea, completed the landscape. 
 
 In the meadows, facing the Island of Kunny- 
 mede, were encamped the Barons of England, a 
 steel-clad host, representing the whole nobility 
 of the realm, and attended by knights and 
 men-at-arms, whose tents, covering a large 
 tract of ground, added to the picturesque 
 scenery of the locality. 
 
 Here they awaited the coming of King John 
 from Windsor Castle, secure in the strength of 
 their might, and justness of their cause ; for 
 Stephen Langton, the Archbishop of Canter- 
 bury, had blessed their arms, and was himself 
 at their head, in defiance to Pope Innocent 
 III. and the tyrant John. The Primate and 
 the "Army of God and the Church" were 
 prepared either to compel John to sign the 
 Charta, or fight for their rights. 
 
 The sun was nearly in the centre of the sky, 
 indicating the hour of noon the time that had 
 been agreed upon for the arrival of King John 
 and his followers when a scout rode rapidly 
 to the Council Tent, in the centre of the camp,
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 7 
 
 where the Archbishop and the principal Barons 
 were assembled. Without dismounting he pro- 
 ceeded to the entrance of the tent, and bending 
 low to the august assembly, said, " My lords of 
 the Army of God and the Church ! King John 
 has left Windsor Castle, and he and his follow- 
 ers are riding leisurely along the road towards 
 Kunnymede.'' 
 
 " Brings he a numerous retinue with him ?" 
 queried the Archbishop. 
 
 " I counted but five and twenty in all, your 
 grace,'' replied the scout. 
 
 "Noble Barons," said the Archbishop, "to 
 arms ! and order your array as for battle, taking 
 care that each leader displays his banner and 
 device so that the tyrant may know, that not 
 only the flower, but the whole of English 
 chivalry are against him." 
 
 All was now bustle and confusion. Bugles 
 were sounded, while knights, esquires, and 
 men-at-arms were rushing hither and thither 
 to the different positions that had been allotted 
 them. 
 
 So well arranged were their plans, that in a 
 very short time all were in their places, pre- 
 senting to the eye a solid mass of warriors, with 
 banners and pennons fluttering gently in the 
 summer breeze. By the order of Baron Fitz- 
 Walter, who had been elected their military
 
 8 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 leader, such strict silence was maintained that 
 they might have been statues, the barons and 
 knights on horseback and the men-at-arms 
 standing motionless. 
 
 Yery soon King John was seen approaching, 
 with Pandulf , the Pope's Legate, riding beside 
 him, followed by Almeric, the Grand Master 
 of the Templars, the Earl of Pembroke, eight 
 bishops, and thirteen attendants. 
 
 "By the mass !" said the King to Pandulf, " our 
 Barons make a truly formidable array, con- 
 trasting strangely with this poor cavalcade." 
 
 " My liege," replied 'Pandulf, " not only do 
 they appear formidable, but judging by their 
 stern demeanour, they fully intend that you 
 shall sign the Charta." 
 
 "And so we will," replied John, "but the 
 keeping its terms is a different matter." 
 
 Riding on they advanced along the lines of 
 of the Barons' forces till they came opposite 
 the island. A bridge had been made from the 
 shore to the island, by means of two large trees 
 felled and fastened together by cross pieces. 
 
 Over this rude structure rode John and his 
 followers ; dismounting, they gave their horses 
 to the care of their attendants. The King then 
 seated himself upon the throne, that had been 
 prepared for him, with Pandulf on his right 
 hand, behind whom stood the train of bishops ;
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 9 
 
 whilst on his left were Almeric and the Earl 
 of Pembroke with their attendants. 
 
 Meanwhile not a sound had been heard from 
 the ranks of the Barons. Suddenly a solitary 
 bugle rang out on the summer air ; and im- 
 mediately Archbishop Langton, followed by 
 the principal Barons, marched on to the island. 
 
 Upon the arrival of Langton and the Barons 
 before John, the Archbishop, addressing the 
 King, said, "John, King of England ! I, on 
 behalf of the Barons of your kingdom, here 
 assembled, present to you, for signature, the 
 Magna Charta, which is based upon that 
 granted to the nation by King Henry I. It 
 contains seventy-eight clauses, which I will 
 read previous to your signing." 
 
 "My Lord Archbishop of Canterbury," said 
 John, " it is unneccessary for thee to read the 
 Charta through, as we have made ourselves 
 acquainted with the contents thereof." 
 
 " My liege," replied the Archbishop, " me- 
 thiiiks 'twere well to read it through, in order 
 to prevent any mistake ; for once signed, the 
 Barons will enforce the fulfilment of every 
 clause, and will use to its utmost the power 
 placed in their hands by this Charta." 
 
 " My Lord of Canterbury," said John, " the 
 Barons are more suspicious of us than we of 
 them. They wish to deprive us of our power.
 
 10 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 So be it. We will resign our royal prerogative 
 to their keeping, trusting to their oaths of 
 allegiance to us to keep inviolate their trust, 
 for the honour of England, and the benefit of 
 our subjects. Bring hither a pen. We will 
 now sign." 
 
 Pandulf , taking a quill from his girdle, pre- 
 sented it to the King, who rapidly signed the 
 Charta. He then passed it to Langton, who 
 called for each of the twenty-five Barons to 
 sign the Charta in turn. 
 
 When all had signed, Archbishop Langton 
 took the Charta, and holding it aloft, said, 
 " Our rights are now secure, for the Charta is 
 signed by both King and Barons ; and may 
 heaven's deepest punishment fall upon those 
 who violate its agreements, or in any way act 
 in contravention to its dictates." 
 
 As soon as the Archbishop had finished 
 speaking, cheer after cheer broke from the 
 Barons and their followers. Here, they fondly 
 imagined, was an end of the struggle, for had 
 they not, from the banks of the river, seen John 
 place his signature to the deed that was to give 
 them their freedom. 
 
 No Act in English history has ever been 
 executed in such an open manner, or with so 
 many thousands of witnesses, as the signing 
 of the Magna Charta. No narrow walls with
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 11 
 
 a select few, but an island with no other 
 canopy than the summer sky ; while on the 
 river banks stood the nobility and commoners 
 of England, in the full panoply of war to wit- 
 ness the consummation of their labours.
 
 CHAPTEE III. 
 WINDSOR CASTLE. 
 
 the signing of the Magna Charta was 
 over, John at once mounted his horse, taking 
 no heed of anyone, and rapidly rode back to 
 Windsor Castle, followed by his attendants. 
 On getting clear of the Barons' camp, he un- 
 mercifully lashed the noble steed he bestrode, 
 till it rushed along the road to the danger of 
 both rider and horse. Pandulf and the others 
 did their best to keep up with the King, but 
 were unable to do so ; and they coulrl only 
 follow him to Windsor. 
 
 King John dashed up the hill leading to the 
 castle, and on arriving at the tower, where his 
 private apartments were situated, he threw 
 himself off his horse, and with his whip lashed 
 out at the attendants who had gathered obse- 
 quiously to assist him to dismount, and then 
 entered the castle hastily. 
 
 Shortly after, Pandulf and the rest arrived 
 at the castle, breathless with the haste they
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBIIH. 13 
 
 had made in their endeavour to keep pace 
 with the King. 
 
 " Where is the King ?" enquired Pandulf of 
 the attendant who assisted him to alight. 
 
 " He has gone to his chamber, my lord," 
 he answered. 
 
 " Gave he any commands ?" asked Pandulf. 
 
 "None, my lord," he answered. "The King 
 threw himself off his horse, cutting to the right 
 and left with his whip at anyone within his 
 reach. He cut the face of one of his attendants 
 open to the bone, and then rushed up the stairs, 
 cursing and groaning like one possessed of an 
 evil spirit. 5 ' 
 
 " Follow me, my lords," said Pandulf. "We 
 will to the King and administer such comfort 
 as we can." 
 
 With slow and cat-like steps did the Legate 
 ascend the stairs leading to the chamber to 
 which John had gone. There was no need to 
 inquire where he was, for long before they 
 came to his presence they could hear him, like 
 a wild beast, roaring, cursing and ramping 
 about the room. 
 
 When John caught sight of Pandulf, he 
 roared " This is all thy doing. We were com- 
 pelled by thee to accept Langton as Primate of 
 England ; now he rules it like a king." 
 
 "Have patience, my liege,'' replied Pandulf.
 
 14 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 "Patience, indeed!" shouted John. "Had 
 we the patience of Job, we could not forget 
 that this day we have practically signed away 
 our kingdom.'' 
 
 Again John paced the chamber, biting the 
 end of his whip, which he still held in his 
 hand. 
 
 " My son," said Pandulf , " when you are more 
 composed I will speak to you. This business 
 is not so bad but that it can be remedied.'' 
 
 " Eemedied !" ejaculated John ; " no ! that is 
 impossible. Everything is against us. Philip 
 of France is ready to invade England, on the 
 paltry claim of his son's wife to the crown. 
 Our foreign possessions are wrested from us. 
 Ourselves in subjection to the Pope ; and now 
 the Barons of England are practically in re- 
 bellion. Can these things be remedied ?" 
 
 "Yes,'* replied Pandulf, "the power of the 
 Church has always been greater than the 
 sword." 
 
 " Then send forth the thunders of the Church 
 and crush our enemies, 5 ' said John. "At pre- 
 sent the worst enemy we have to contend with 
 is Langton." 
 
 "My son,'' said Pandulf, "those whom the 
 Pope has raised, he can likewise cast down 
 Langton shall be deposed, and the Barons 
 excommunicated. ' '
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 15 
 
 " That will prevent any immediate danger, 
 good Pandulf, but will not hinder Philip of 
 France from invading England," said John. 
 
 " Philip dare not invade the patrimony of 
 St. Peter, nor interfere with a vassal of the 
 Holy See," replied the Legate. 
 
 "True, we have given our kingdom to the 
 keeping of the Pope," said John, "and he 
 must protect his servant and his possessions." 
 
 " The Church will look after its servants, but 
 some exertion on their own behalf is necessary," 
 replied Pandulf. " You should appeal to the 
 Pope for succour. I will pen an epistle to 
 Eome for you, and then despatch the Bishop 
 of Worcester with it the Barons will not sus- 
 pect him of carrying the message, but will 
 think he has gone on matters of the Church." 
 
 "My Lord Bishop of Worcester, art thou 
 willing to undertake the journey ?" inquired 
 John. 
 
 " Yes, my liege," replied the Bishop. 
 
 "Execute thy commission satisfactorily 
 get Langton torn from his Archbishopric, and 
 thou shalt be installed in his place," said John. 
 
 "My son," said Pandulf, "it will be also 
 
 expedient to enlist in your service the aid of 
 
 foreign mercenaries, to curb these unruly 
 
 Barons." 
 
 "There we are powerless, 5 ' groaned John,
 
 16 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 "for we are beggared, both in money and 
 possessions, e'en as our surname Lackland 
 indicates. 1 ' 
 
 " My son,'' replied Pandulf , " I am not one 
 to give advice that cannot be followed. I will 
 furnish you with gold for that purpose ; it will 
 be strange if that, together with the thoughts 
 of pillage, does not entice to your side those 
 warlike spirits with which Europe is at present 
 overrun." 
 
 "Pillage, didst thou say ?" cried John, "that 
 word is too mild. Once let us find ourselves 
 at the head of a sufficient force, and not only 
 shall they pillage, but we will cause them to 
 destroy wholesale the dwellings of these re- 
 bellious barons and their supporters ; their 
 lives shall be taken ; their females corrupted, 
 and their children so disfigured that they shall 
 not afterwards be recognised." 
 
 "You will need a trustworthy agent to go 
 over to your late possessions,'' said Pandulf, 
 "particularly to Flanders and Gascony, and 
 with caution enlist followers to your cause." 
 
 " Whom thinkest thou we had better entrust 
 with the commission ?" queried John. 
 
 " Aimer ic, the Grand Master of the Temp- 
 lars,'' said Pandulf. " The Barons will think 
 the calls of his high office have taken him 
 abroad."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 17 
 
 " Almeric," said John, " art thou willing to 
 try and obtain recruits ?" 
 
 "Not only willing, but ready to start on my 
 quest at once," replied Almeric. "As Grand 
 Master of the Templars, I can go unquestioned 
 where another would be stopped. Having 
 served in the last Crusade with Eichard of the 
 Lion Heart, I am familiar with many of the 
 free lances and mercenaries, who are to be 
 found on the continent; and doubt not but 
 that I shall be able to entice a goodly force 
 to England." 
 
 "I feel every confidence in the success of 
 thy mission, Almeric," replied Pandulf, " but 
 be cautious. Do not let them come over in large 
 numbers, but in small parties ; and order them 
 to make their way to Dover Castle, where 
 Hubert de Burgh will be instructed as to the 
 place of their rendezvous." 
 
 "Thy orders shall be carried out to the 
 letter," replied Almeric. 
 
 " My liege," said Pandulf, " with your leave, 
 I will now retire, together with the Bishop of 
 Worcester and the Grand Master of the Tem- 
 plars, so that each may prepare for his journey; 
 the sooner they are on their way the better." 
 
 B
 
 CHAPTEE IY. 
 THE BAKONS' CAMP. 
 
 the Barons saw the unceremonious 
 departure of King John from the Island of 
 Eunnymede, followed by the Legate and all 
 the attendants, they continued cheering as the 
 natural outcome of their feelings upon the 
 result of the victory they had obtained over 
 John. 
 
 After the exuberance of their joy had some- 
 what subsided, the Barons adjourned to the 
 Council tent Langton carrying the precious 
 document with him. Upon arriving there, 
 Fitz- Walter cried, "Bring wine, in which to 
 drink success to our cause !" 
 
 Obeying the commands of their leader, wine 
 was quickly brought and goblets filled, while 
 those who could not obtain goblets used their 
 helmets and steel caps, for even the nobles of 
 those days were not particular as to the char- 
 acter of the vessels from which they drank. 
 
 Fitz- Walter, with goblet held aloft, said in a
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 19 
 
 loud tone of voice, " To the Army of God and 
 the Church, and confusion to its enemies !" 
 
 The toast was greeted with cheers, every man 
 draining his vessel to the dregs. 
 
 Fitz-Walter, again addressing the Barons, 
 said, " To commemorate our victory we will 
 hold a grand and solemn tournament, on the 
 second day of July, at Stamford." 
 
 " Barons of England !" said Langton, "you 
 have this day achieved a triumph, but the con- 
 quest is not yet complete, therefore I advise 
 you to be on your guard. Noted you not 
 John's willingness to sign the Charta, and 
 also the gleam of triumph in Pandulf 's eyes, 
 e'en as though they had won the game." 
 
 " Methinks Your Grace takes a melancholy 
 view of our position," replied Fitz- Walter. 
 " Have we not the Charta, with twenty- five of 
 our Barons to act as guardians or trustees of 
 the liberties of the realm. We are also to 
 hold possession of the City of London, while 
 
 Your Grace holds the Tower of London on our 
 
 , i 1 ,, 
 behalf. 
 
 " True, Fitz-Walter," said one of the Barons, 
 " yet I am of the Archbishop's opinion. John 
 we have always found treacherous ; therefore 
 it behoves us to be on the alert. The majority 
 of our force go to London, and the citizens 
 we know are our friends; but we should let
 
 20 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 some of our number retire to the different parts 
 of the country to which they belong, and keep 
 a strict watch on all that occurs. Any strange 
 movement on the part of John or his friends 
 should be reported to the Barons in London, 
 so that, if necessary, they may take action at 
 once." 
 
 A murmur of applause greeted this speech. 
 The Knight, who had spoken, was one who 
 seemed well-known to all. He was a man in 
 the prime of life, strongly built, with a hand- 
 some manly countenance, the chief charac- 
 teristic of which was an expression of deter- 
 mination, that suited well his .reputation as a 
 soldier. This was none other than William 
 D'Albini a brave knight and good soldier 
 dangerous to foes, but staunch and true to his 
 friends. 
 
 "D'Albini is right," said the Archbishop. 
 "John will, no doubt, try to enlist foreign aid, 
 while Pandulf will endeavour to get me 
 removed from my position as head of the 
 Church in England. This I fully expected 
 when taking up your cause ; but though a 
 servant of the Church of Eome, I could not 
 forget that I am also an Englishman." 
 
 " Thy cause is our cause," shouted several of 
 the Barons, " we will stand or fall together !" 
 
 " My lords, I thank you," replied Langton.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 21 
 
 " To-morrow I will proceed to the Tower ; and 
 should wish D'Albini to accompany me with 
 as many knights as can be spared, to form a 
 reserve force, ready for any emergency." 
 
 "We will all depart to-morrow, and make 
 our way to London," said Fitz- Walter, " with 
 the exception of those who return to their 
 own castles." 
 
 " My lords," said Langton, " I will now with- 
 draw and place the Charta in the keeping of 
 my trusty followers, till the time comes when 
 I can lodge it in a place of greater security." 
 
 Upon the departure of the Archbishop, Fitz- 
 Walter said, " My lords, let merriment be the 
 order of the day. The men-at-arms can indulge 
 in martial games ; and the archers shall shoot 
 for prizes, which I will furnish. Let ale and 
 viands be supplied for we need take nothing 
 away with us on our visit to the hospitable 
 citizens of London." 
 
 " Long live our noble leader !" shouted the 
 assembled multitude. 
 
 The camp was now all life and activity, 
 entirely different to the scene presented earlier 
 in the day, when they awaited the arrival of 
 John. Here and there were formed in groups 
 the different retainers of the barons, following 
 the particular amusement which their fancy 
 dictated.
 
 22 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 A space had been cleared, and targets erected, 
 and spirited contests ensued between the arch- 
 ers belonging to the various barons. In another 
 part were to be found men engaged in sword 
 and buckler exercise ; while not far from these 
 were some men-at-arms wrestling two sturdy 
 champions of different counties straining every 
 nerve to win the prize. 
 
 Another party were busy with the good old 
 English game of quarterstaff, plying their 
 weapons with unceasing rapidity ; while now 
 and again a laugh and a cheer burst from the 
 onlookers, as some successful hit was made. 
 
 Some of the veterans were reclining on the 
 grass, with huge flagons of ale, recounting tales 
 of battle and adventure in which they had 
 been engaged. 
 
 Meanwhile knots of barons and knights 
 wandered from one group to another, applaud- 
 ing the combat-nits and distributing largess 
 amongst the winners. 
 
 The whole camp was now in a state of revelry 
 from the highest to the lowest, having no care 
 for the morrow. They continued their sports 
 till the close of the day, when deepening twi- 
 light warned them to seek their couches upon 
 the greensward, and prepare for the march to 
 London, at daybreak on the morrow.
 
 CHAPTEE Y. 
 WALTER YYNET. 
 
 TOWAEDS the latter part of June, the Barons 
 and their followers were domiciled in London 
 and the outlying villages meeting with free- 
 hearted hospitality from the citizens. In fact, 
 so welcome were made " The Army of God and 
 the Church," that each day seemed but one 
 long round of feasting and merry-making. 
 Streets were thronged from daylight till dark 
 with men-at-arms, all appearing to be in the 
 height of good spirits and joviality. 
 
 One individual alone of all the vast con- 
 course did not seem to share their happiness. 
 This man made his way silently along the 
 streets, avoiding the more densely thronged 
 thoroughfares, and, notwithstanding it was 
 midsummer, kept his face closely muffled up 
 with his cloak. 
 
 Pursuing his way till he came to a dwelling, 
 where more people were congregated than at 
 any house he had previously passed, he stopped 
 and inquired of a bystander as to who dwelt
 
 24 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 there. He was informed that Fitz- "Walter had 
 made that place his headquarters on reaching 
 London. 
 
 Thanking him for his information, he at 
 once proceeded to the door, and informed the 
 man on duty, that he desired immediate speech 
 with the Baron. 
 
 " Marry ! and what can thy worship want 
 with the Baron ?" scornfully replied the man. 
 " Fitz- Walter does not receive all who call to 
 see him." 
 
 "Nevertheless, my friend," replied the un- 
 known, "I must see the Baron on matters of 
 great import to 'The Army of God and the 
 Church.' " 
 
 Scarcely had he uttered the last words, when 
 Fitz-Walter appeared at the door, and turning 
 quickly to the speaker, said, "Who, and what 
 art thou, who desirest speech with me ?" 
 
 " My lord," he replied, " one not altogether 
 unknown to thee. I am Walter Vynet, King- 
 John's attendant." 
 
 " Why, man ! I did not recognise thee, and 
 no wonder, for thou keepest thy face so care- 
 fully muffled," said Fitz- Walter. "But what 
 is thine errand ?'' 
 
 " My lord, I crave speech with thee in pri- 
 vate," replied Yynet. 
 
 " I am now going to the Tower to see the
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 25 
 
 Archbishop, anent the tournament," replied 
 Fitz- Walter. " Tis now past the time named 
 for our meeting. Thou shalt ride with my 
 followers, and I will attend to thee as soon as 
 I have seen the Archbishop." 
 
 Calling to one of his followers, he com- 
 manded him to give his horse to Vynet, and 
 having mounted, they set off at a brisk rate 
 for the Tower. 
 
 Upon the arrival there of Fitz-Walter and 
 his followers, the Baron beckoned Vynet to 
 follow him, and then led the way to the 
 presence of the Archbishop. 
 
 " I am somewhat late, Your Grace," said the 
 Baron, entering the chamber, while Langton 
 advanced to meet him. "I have brought 
 a servant of the King with me one Vynet." 
 
 " Comes he as a messenger ; if so, what is his 
 message ?" inquired the Archbishop. 
 
 " In truth, Your Grace, I know not," replied 
 Fitz- Walter. "I was leaving my lodgings, 
 when I heard an altercation between one of 
 my followers and Vynet, who was trying to 
 gain speech with me, on matters of import to 
 ' The Army of God and the Church.' I then 
 desired him to follow me here." 
 
 "Thou didst wisely, my lord," replied the 
 Archbishop. "Come hither, good Vy net, and 
 deliver thy master's message."
 
 26 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 "My Lord Archbishop, and thou noble 
 Baron," said Yynet, " I bear no message from 
 John, but have come on mine own account to 
 put you on your guard against his treachery." 
 
 "But how know we that what thou art 
 telling us is true ? It seems strange that thou, 
 attached to the service of the King, shouldst 
 come to us to expose his treachery," said the 
 Archbishop. " What are thy motives ?" 
 
 "Kevenge!" replied Yynet, in a loud voice 
 that startled both his hearers. 
 
 " What has John done to raise thine ire ?" 
 inquired Fitz-Walter. 
 
 " Gaze on my face," replied Vynet, withdraw- 
 ing the cloak and turning his face towards 
 them. Great was their astonishment when they 
 beheld a terrible gash, reaching from his ear to 
 his mouth, which was only partially healed, 
 completely distorting his whole countenance. 
 
 "Did John do that ?" 
 
 " With his own hand, Your Grace." 
 
 " What hadst thou done to annoy him ?" 
 
 " Nothing, Your Grace," replied Yynet. " If 
 thou wilt listen, I will give thee my motives. 
 When John left the Barons' camp at Kunny- 
 mede, he rode back to Windsor like one 
 possessed of the devil. I was waiting in the 
 courtyard to attend him, when, without any 
 reason, he dealt me a blow with his whip,
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 27 
 
 stretching me senseless on the ground, and 
 leaving this ghastly wound." 
 
 " And for that thou wouldst be revenged ?'' 
 said the Baron. 
 
 " No, my lord," replied Yynet, " not for the 
 blow, but for the bitter taunts which I have 
 had to endure from him since. I would have 
 borne the pain of the wound, for I have been 
 his servant from his youth ; but when I entered 
 his presence next day, he called me offensive 
 names, and jested on the injuries he had in- 
 flicted on me." 
 
 " So thou hast left him in anger ?" said the 
 Archbishop. 
 
 " Thou art wrong, again," replied Yynet, 
 " I concealed my feelings, and affected to take 
 his jestings in good part, while my brain was 
 burning for vengeance. I waited till I had 
 found out how he intends to keep his oath of 
 good faith with the Barons, and have come to 
 join thy ranks and put thee on thy guard." 
 
 " Ha ! does he meditate treachery ?" said the 
 Baron. 
 
 " Yes," replied Yynet. 
 
 " Dost thou know his plans ?" 
 
 " I do, my lord," said Yynet ; " that was the 
 the reason I dissembled, so as to put him off 
 his guard." 
 
 " Tell us as quickly as possible," replied the
 
 28 WILLIAM 
 
 Baron, " all thou knowest of John's move- 
 ments. Thou shalt be well rewarded, and I 
 will give thee a place in my service." 
 
 " Gramercy ! my lord," replied Yynet. "The 
 Barons are going to hold a tournament at Stam- 
 ford, in honour of their triumph, and have 
 caused it to be proclaimed throughout Eng- 
 land. When this reached the King's ears he 
 was mad with rage ; and, acting on the advice 
 of Pandulf , has sent orders to those nobles who 
 still adhere to his cause, to assemble quietly 
 in and around Windsor, so that when you are 
 all away at Stamford, he will march to London 
 and endeavour to take the City and the Tower 
 from your keeping." 
 
 "Said I not that thou wouldst find John 
 treacherous ?" said the Archbishop. 
 
 " Thou didst," replied the Baron, "but what 
 wouldst thou advise us to do ?" 
 
 "Abandon the idea of holding this tourna- 
 ment at Stamford," replied the Archbishop, 
 " and find a suitable spot nearer London.'' 
 
 " I have it," said Pitz- Walter. " Smoothfield 
 will be the very place, as it is close at hand, 
 and will suit us better than Stamford I will 
 cause fresh proclamations to be issued." 
 
 "And I will send D'Albiiii with a strong 
 force to interrogate John and accuse him of 
 perfidy," said the Archbishop.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 29 
 
 " Yynet," said the Baron, " thou hast rendered 
 us good service come with me thou shalt 
 never want a friend whilst Fitz-Walter lives. 
 I will give thee a position of trust in my house- 
 hold, and, if we have to try conclusions in the 
 field with John, thou shalt fight undei my 
 banner."
 
 CHAPTEE VI. 
 
 EOCHESTER. 
 
 THE ancient and picturesque City of Eochester, 
 situated on an angle of land formed by the 
 windings of the noble river Medway, had, from 
 the time of the Eomans, gradually risen to a 
 place of vast importance, being on the main 
 road from London to Dover. The City was 
 walled and moated round, and within its 
 walls were several streets, the principal being 
 the High Street, leading direct from the wooden 
 bridge over the Medway to the East Gate. The 
 larger part of the City was occupied by the 
 Ecclesiastical buildings, among them being the 
 Cathedral built by the good Bishop Gundulf, 
 together with the splendid Priory of Saint 
 Andrew , containing within its walls over sixty 
 monks. 
 
 At the entrance to the High Street, from the 
 Barbican on the bridge, stood the hotel known 
 by the sign of the " Golden Crown." The house 
 was one of those large rambling inns with 
 stone floors, large square rooms and low ceil- 
 ings with massive beams.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 31 
 
 On entering the door of the hostel, and turn- 
 ing to the right, there was a room used chiefly 
 by the merchants and craftsmen of the City. 
 In this room, at the close of a summer's day, 
 sat several of the citizens with flagons of 
 Kentish ale in front of them, discussing the 
 forthcoming tournament, which had been pro- 
 claimed afresh that day in the City by a herald, 
 who had proceeded on to Canterbury. 
 
 " 'Twill be a grand sight this tournament 
 in Smoothfield, and well worth the journey 
 thither," said one of the company. 
 
 " I intend to go, since it is to be held so 
 near," said another ; " but I wonder why they 
 have moved it from Stamford to London." 
 
 " Didst thou notice," said the landlord, who 
 was standing near the door, " a messenger, who 
 had evidently ridden hard, entering the City 
 by the Barbican ? He came here and called 
 for a stoup of wine, and inquired where the 
 Portreeve, Nicholas Lethenard, lived. On find- 
 ing it was only a short distance down the street, 
 he left his. horse to be fed, whilst he went to 
 see our worthy Portreeve. In about an hour 
 the messenger returned, accompanied by 
 Nicholas Lethenard, who requested me to 
 look for Robert Pende, the young armourer 
 (betrothed to his daughter Idonea), and tell 
 him, as soon as he comes under the Barbican,
 
 32 WIUJAM D'AWNI. 
 
 that the Portreeve wishes to speak to him at 
 once on matters of great import." 
 
 Just at that moment the clatter of a horse's 
 hoofs, on the paved space under the Barbican, 
 was heard ; and immediately after the armourer 
 rode up to the door of the inn. Jumping off 
 his horse, and fastening the reins to a ring in 
 the wall, he entered the room, and desired the 
 host to give him a stoup of wine. 
 
 " That I will, right willingly, Master Pende," 
 replied the host, "but I have a message for 
 thee. Master Lethenard desires thee on thy 
 return to wait on him.' 5 
 
 " Thanks ! mine host," replied the armourer, 
 "I will but wash the dust from my throat, 
 with a drink of thy generous wine, and then 
 will wait on our worthy Portreeve." 
 
 Drinking the wine, which the landlord 
 handed to him, he remounted his horse and 
 rode down the street to the abode of Nicholas 
 Lethenard. 
 
 Eobert Pende, the armourer of Rochester, 
 was a man of about six or seven and twenty 
 years of age, with a manly figure, and a fair 
 moustache. His hair, which hung in ringlets 
 round his head, was of a bright golden hue, be- 
 speaking him of Saxon origin. He was dressed 
 in a buff leathern suit, over which he wore 
 defensive armour, not showy, but of the kind
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 83 
 
 that was intended to thoroughly protect the 
 wearer. He was well-known, not only in 
 Kochester, but in the surrounding country for 
 the excellency of his work. 
 
 He was an orphan brought up by his uncle, 
 who, having no children, had left him his 
 business of armourer. 
 
 Nicholas Lethenard had one child a daugh- 
 ter, the fair Idonea. Robert and she had been 
 playmates from childhood, and they had grown 
 up to love one another the citizens of Koches- 
 ter had always coupled their names together 
 as if destined to become man and wife. 
 
 It was no wonder therefore that Robert was 
 anxious to obey the request of Lethenard. 
 
 Riding down the street to his dwelling, 
 which was situated on the north side of the 
 High Street, he dismounted, and calling to an 
 apprentice to take charge of his horse, he im- 
 mediately entered the next house, which was 
 Lethenard's dwelling. 
 
 The house of the Portreeve was a large 
 rambling building, two storeys high, with 
 three gable ends facing the street. The shop 
 was low-pitched, though roomy. Here could 
 be seen stored merchandise from different 
 parts of the world, for Nicholas Lethenard 
 was the principal merchant of the City. 
 
 Entering the door- way and walking to the 
 
 c
 
 34 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 
 
 farther end of the shop, Eobert, like one well 
 acquainted with the ins and outs of the dwell- 
 ing, opened a door that led into a passage- 
 way. He then ascended the broad staircase, 
 and knocking at the door, received an invita- 
 tion to enter the room. 
 
 The chamber was a large one, with a very 
 low ceiling, having two massive beams running 
 at right angles, from the centre of which was 
 suspended a curiously wrought lamp. The 
 furniture was very plain but substantial. The 
 occupants of the room were Idonea and her 
 father, Nicholas Lethenard, a tall spare man 
 with a black beard, but the few scanty locks of 
 hair upon his head had begun to assume the 
 tint, known as iron grey. 
 
 Nicholas was anxiously perusing a docu- 
 ment, while not far from him was seated 
 Idonea, a laughing brunette. Her beauty was 
 of no particular type, but was attributable more 
 to the varying expressions of her intelligent 
 countenance. On hearing the well-known foot- 
 step of Robert, her face lighted up with a happy 
 smile, while Nicholas withdrew his attention 
 from the missive he was studying and greeted 
 Eobert. 
 
 " I am glad thou hast come Eobert," he said. 
 " I wish >to confer with thee on matters of a 
 serious nature."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 35 
 
 " I had but just returned from Gravesend, 
 when mine host of the " Golden Crown " in- 
 formed me that thou wast anxious to see me 
 on my return." 
 
 " Robert, I have had a messenger here from 
 King John,'' said Mcholas, "who commands 
 me to get the inhabitants in readiness, quickly, 
 so as to hold the City against the Barons 
 should they menace it ; and as thou art the 
 captain of the City Guard I will leave the 
 matter to thee." 
 
 "lean easily manage that," replied Pende ; 
 " for Rochester has always been a loyal City." 
 
 " The King also commands me to inform Sir 
 Hugh De Cramaville, the Governor of the 
 castle, privately, of his wishes, that he may 
 secretly victual the castle, and strengthen it on 
 behalf of the King." 
 
 "It is fortunate that I can also undertake 
 that task," said Robert. " 1 have to deliver 
 to Sir Hugh a suit of armour, which I have 
 repaired for him. It would be better for me to 
 take the missive of the King to the Governor, 
 so that I can prove my message to be 
 authentic." 
 
 Robert then folded up the document, and 
 placing it in his pocket, took leave of father 
 and daughter.
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 EAKLY in the morning following the disclosures 
 of Yynet, a gallant party were forming within 
 the walls of the Tower of London. The force 
 numbered about two hundred, while at their 
 head was William D'Albini, sheathed in a 
 complete suit of armour ; and by his side was 
 Reginald De Cornhill, a brave and skilful 
 warrior, who was to accompany him on his 
 mission to King John. 
 
 The sun was just making its rays felt. Over 
 the mighty Thames hung, like a mantle, a 
 vapoury mist, which at this time of the year 
 betokened one of i those very hot days, almost 
 tropical in its fierceness. 
 
 D'Albini rode round his troop and inspected 
 them with the critical eye of a soldier. Find- 
 ing everything to his satisfaction, he again 
 placed himself at their head, and gave the 
 signal to march. When they got clear of the 
 Tower, D'Albini, putting his horse to a trot, 
 was followed by his men, and they were soon
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 37 
 
 well on their way to Windsor Castle, to which 
 place we will now precede them. 
 
 Since the signing of the Magna Charta, John 
 had remained at Windsor Castle, giving no 
 small amount of anxiety to his attendants by 
 his varying moods. After the first paroxysm 
 of his rage had abated, he strode about the 
 Castle in a morose and sullen manner, holding 
 converse with none, but secretly formulating 
 plans for the entire annihilation of his enemies, 
 as he termed the Barons. 
 
 At times, when thinking of his own degrada- 
 tion first in becoming a vassal of the Pope, and 
 then in surrendering his royal power to the 
 Barons he would work himself into such a 
 fury, that it was dangerous for his attendants 
 to come near him. 
 
 John, as we have seen, meditated taking- 
 London on the occasion of the tournament at 
 Stamford, and had instructed his adherents 
 to meet him at a given spot near London. He 
 had just been informed of the new proclama- 
 tion of the Barons, and the change of place. 
 His vacillating and cowardly mind at once 
 conjured up the idea that the Barons had 
 discovered his perfidy, and would, perhaps, 
 attack him at the Castle. So that when it was 
 reported to him that, from the Kound Tower, 
 troops were seen advancing from London, he
 
 38 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 at once concluded they were the advance 
 guard of the Barons. 
 
 John quickly gave orders to his servants to 
 saddle his horse, and prepare to accompany him 
 to Winchester. He did not even stop to con- 
 sult Pandulf, who was still at Windsor, but 
 mounting his horse, and with only a small 
 escort, dashed down the Castle hill and rode 
 rapidly away. 
 
 In the latter part of the afternoon D'Albini 
 and his followers rode up to the gates of 
 Windsor Castle, and demanded speech with 
 John. They were informed by Pandulf, from 
 the battlements, that the King had gone to 
 Winchester. 
 
 Courteously saluting the Legate, D'Albini 
 wheeled his horse round, and led his men 
 down the Castle hill to Windsor Forest. 
 Biding on till he came to a large open glade 
 in the forest, he commanded his men to dis- 
 mount and bivouac for the night. 
 
 As soon as the men had supped, and outposts 
 had been placed to guard against surprise, they 
 laid them down to rest till daylight. Not so, 
 however, D'Albini ; for walking apart from the 
 rest with Reginald de Cornhill, his lieutenant, 
 he consulted with him as to the best course to 
 be pursued. 
 
 "In faith, Reginald," said D'Albini, "lam
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 39 
 
 at a loss what to do. Would it be wiser to 
 return back to the Tower of London, or to 
 proceed to Winchester ? Pandulf may have 
 spoken us false, merely to entice us to an 
 ambuscade, where we may be intercepted by 
 some of the King's friends whom he has been 
 assembling." 
 
 " I think it would be better to go forward," 
 replied De Cornhill. " Thy instructions from 
 Langton were to interview the King. Our 
 force is strong, and by using extra vigilance 
 we can evade all snares. Let us consult Yynet, 
 who has accompanied us. He may have some 
 friends here, who could tell him whether the 
 King has departed or not." 
 
 "We will arouse him and inquire, 5 ' said 
 D'Albini. 
 
 Proceeding to the camp fire, D'Albini desired 
 one of the men, who was keeping watch, to 
 fetch Yynet. In a short time the man returned 
 with the news that Yynet was not in the 
 camp, and had not been seen since they left 
 the Castle. 
 
 "I wonder if he be playing us false," said 
 De Cornhill. 
 
 " Nay, I think not," replied D'Albini, " but 
 rather that he has found some means of gain- 
 ing intelligence of the King. We shall most 
 likely hear something of him ere morn."
 
 40 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 As D'Albini ceased speaking the sound of 
 a horse's hoofs struck their ears, and Yynet 
 shortly after rode into camp. 
 
 " My lord," said Yynet, " when you all left 
 the Castle, I detached myself from the troop, 
 and called upon the purveyor, who is a relative 
 of mine, and resides nearly opposite the Castle 
 gates. He informed me that he was in the 
 courtyard of the Castle when John departed. 
 He had about twelve attendants with him, 
 from whom my relative gathered, that they 
 were going to Winchester." 
 
 At daybreak the following morning, D'Albini 
 and his men were in their saddles, and pushed 
 rapidly on to Winchester, which they reached 
 after a fatiguing ride ; and encamped within 
 about a mile of that place, resolving to inter- 
 view the King on the morrow. 
 
 The next morning D'Albini and his men 
 entered the gates of Winchester ; and proceed- 
 ing to the Palace, the leaders demanded an 
 audience with the King. D'Albini and De 
 Cornhill were then ushered into the royal 
 presence. 
 
 John, who met them with a hollow smile 
 and deceptive courtesy, said, " Welcome, noble 
 lords, to Winchester ! To what happy motive 
 are we to ascribe this visit ?" 
 
 " My liege," replied D'Albini, " Sir Eeginald
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 41 
 
 De Cornhill and myself have come on behalf 
 of the Barons, to request you to explain the 
 reason of your conduct since the signing of the 
 Magna Charta, which has been, to say the least, 
 suspicious, if not treacherous." 
 
 "My lords," said the King, "we think our 
 Barons use scant courtesy with us, that we are 
 not allowed to remove from one dwelling to 
 another without being interrogated by them. 
 We presume, if our answers are not satisfac- 
 tory, seeing the force you have brought, you 
 will take your King back to the Barons." 
 
 "My liege," said D'Albini, "this flippancy is 
 not to the purpose ; we meditate nothing 
 against your personal freedom. What we 
 want are straightforward answers to our plain 
 questions." 
 
 " Noble lords, we thank you for your con- 
 siderations," sarcastically replied John. "Now 
 to your questions." 
 
 " We desire to know your reasons for secretly 
 issuing orders to assemble troops near Wind- 
 sor?" said D'Albini. 
 
 " Hearing of the tournament,'' replied John, 
 "which is purposed to be held, we merely 
 commanded the presence of some of the nobles 
 to attend us thither, so that we also might 
 grace the tourney in a manner befitting our 
 station as King."
 
 42 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 "We are differently informed," retorted 
 D'Albini. "It was really for the purpose of 
 capturing London, during the absence of the 
 Barons at Stamford." 
 
 John started at the reply of D'Albini, and 
 said, "Noble lords, you have been misinformed 
 we have told you our motives ; but sooner 
 than the Barons should have any suspicion, 
 we will forego the pleasure of attending the 
 tournament." 
 
 " We also wish to know whether you intend 
 to act strictly to the terms of the Charta?" 
 inquired D'Albini. 
 
 " We intend to obey the wishes of our faithful 
 Barons," ambiguously replied John; "and as 
 a mark of good faith, we will at once retire to 
 the Isle of Wight, where we shall be far enough 
 away to disperse their suspicions of treachery. 
 Have ye any further questions?" 
 
 " None, my liege," replied D'Albini ; and 
 taking leave of the King they withdrew and 
 rejoined their men.
 
 CHAPTEE VIII. 
 THE KING'S TEEACHEEY. 
 
 WITHIN an apartment of the Tower of London 
 were to be found Langton, Archbishop of Can- 
 terbury, Fitz- Walter and several of the leading 
 Barons, who were listening to D'Albini's report 
 of his mission to the King. He faithfully 
 stated all that had taken place, and, as we are 
 already acquainted with the particulars, there 
 is no need to recapitulate them. 
 
 "That John means to play us false," said 
 Langton, " I have never doubted. His civility 
 is more to be suspected than his rage." 
 
 " Noble Barons !" said D'Albini, " though 
 John's answers were so ambiguous that we 
 have gained nothing therefrom, except an un- 
 defined feeling that he intends treachery, yet 
 Yynet, who accompanied us, has been more 
 successful ; for mixing with the King's ser- 
 vants he found an old companion, from whom 
 he managed to extract some news.''
 
 44 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 "Tell Yynet to come hither," said Fitz- 
 Walter. 
 
 "He waits without," replied D'Albini. 
 " What ho, there ! 5> send Yynet to our pres- 
 ence," shouted Fitz- Walter. 
 
 Yynet quickly made his appearance, and bow- 
 ing to the Barons, inquired their commands. 
 
 "We wish to know what information thou 
 canst give us as to the King's movements," 
 said Langton. 
 
 " My lords," replied Yynet, " when in Win- 
 chester, I managed to see an old companion 
 of mine a servant of the King from whom 
 I heard that John hopes to retrieve his fortunes 
 by the aid of the Pope, and the hiring of foreign 
 mercenaries." 
 
 " Can this man be trusted ?'' queried one of 
 the Barons. 
 
 " Yes, my lord," replied Yynet, " he is under 
 an obligation to me : I once saved his life." 
 
 " Knowest thou who is gathering these 
 foreign troops ?" asked Fitz-Walter. 
 
 "Almeric, the Grand Master of the Tem- 
 plars," replied Yynet. 
 
 " That agrees with what we have already 
 heard. Almeric, they say, has gone abroad," 
 said Langton. 
 
 " At what part of our coast will they land ?" 
 asked the Earl of Gloucester.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 45 
 
 " They will come to the Kentish coast and 
 make for Dover Castle, where they will receive 
 further orders from Hubert De Burgh; and 
 many will be sent to reinforce Rochester 
 Castle," replied Yynet. 
 
 " Who are their leaders ?" inquired the Earl 
 of Hereford. 
 
 "Savaric De Mauleon, Falkes De Breaute, 
 and Peter De Mauley," said Yynet. "They and 
 their men will arrive in small parties to avoid 
 suspicion." 
 
 " Knowest thou aught else ?" inquired 
 Langton. 
 
 "Only this, my lord," answered Yynet, "that 
 the King goes to the Isle of Wight, thinking 
 you will watch him, and neglect Dover." 
 
 "Thanks, good Yynet, thou hast a second 
 time put us on our guard. Thou canst now 
 retire, but thy services shall not be forgotten," 
 said Langton. 
 
 Yynet bowed to the assemblage, and then 
 withdrew. 
 
 As soon as they were alone, Langton said, 
 " We have just received confirmation of John's 
 duplicity ; it is no more than I expected. Now, 
 my lords, what think you had better be done ?" 
 
 " Attack the King and hold him as hostage," 
 said Fitz- Walter. 
 
 " And by so doing call down the vengeance
 
 46 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 of Kome," said Langton, "with Philip of Franco 
 to execute it." 
 
 " What does Your Grace advise ?" inquired 
 D'Albini. 
 
 " Do nothing rash," replied Langton. " Let 
 us be fully assured of the truth of what we 
 have heard.'' 
 
 "What means thinkest thou would be best?" 
 said Fitz-Walter. 
 
 " Let some of the Barons go quietly, as if 
 journeying on their own affairs," replied Lang- 
 ton, " at the same time, taking sharp notice of 
 the state of the towns they may pass through ; 
 and if anything suspicious occurs, return here 
 and we will act at once." 
 
 " We could not do bettor than send D'Albini 
 and De Cornhill," said the Earl of Gloucester. 
 " D'Albini is one of the guardians of the realm ; 
 and De Cornhill has possessions in some part 
 of Kent." 
 
 "My home," replied De Cornhill, "is at 
 Maidstone, but I am well-known in Rochester. 
 If Vynet, who has proved himself to be ob- 
 servant, was to accompany me as my retainer, 
 he could stay in Rochester to wait for certain 
 armour that I require from Pende, the City 
 armourer, whilst I go on to Maidstone and 
 other places." 
 
 " D'Albini can also be engaged on a mission
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 47 
 
 for me to Canterbury," said Langton, "where I 
 have no doubt but that he will be able to gain 
 intelligence of the forces that are arriving." 
 
 " We must not be idle in the meantime," said 
 Fitz- Walter, " but must gather our forces here, 
 so as to be able to act at once, if necessary." 
 
 "De Cornhill," said Langton, "trust not 
 Benedict, the Bishop of Eochester he is a 
 creature of John's and joined Pandulf in an- 
 athematising the Barons. Helias, the Prior of 
 Saint Andrew's, thou canst trust." 
 
 " I will not fail to obey thy injunctions," 
 replied De Cornhill. 
 
 " It will be better to take only our ordinary 
 retinue with us," said D'Albini. 
 
 "Yes," replied De Cornhill, "for we shall be 
 travelling as brothers-in-arms." 
 
 " Thou hadst better set off by daybreak to- 
 morrow," said Langton, addressing D'Albini. 
 " I will furnish thee with authority to divers 
 persons in Canterbury and its neighbourhood, 
 who will give thee any information they may 
 possess. Kemaining at Canterbury for a time, 
 thou mayst be able to gain some important 
 tidings by means of spies, placed on the 
 different roads, as well as at Dover." 
 
 " I will wait on Your Grace this evening," 
 replied D'Albini. 
 
 "My lords," said Langton, "I invite you to
 
 48 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 grace my board, for this discussion has waxed 
 somewhat long ; and while guarding our rights, 
 we must not forget to fortify the inner man, 
 that we may be found strong in the day of 
 battle."
 
 CHAPTEE IX. 
 
 EOCHESTEB. 
 
 THE road between Gravesend and Eochester 
 has ever been notable as part of the great 
 highway to London. It commands splendid 
 views of the Biver Thames, which, as you 
 travel on towards Eochester, give place to 
 undulating scenery for which Kent is famous. 
 Approaching Strood, you behold from the hills 
 the Eiver Medway and the City of Eochester, 
 about a mile distant in the valley below. 
 
 It was a glorious summer's afternoon. The 
 birds were singing in the trees, whilst high 
 overhead the lark, soaring in the sky, added 
 its beautiful notes to the melody. 
 
 On the road were a party of travellers, dusty 
 and hot, who prove to be old friends. They 
 were D'Albini and De Cornhill, followed by 
 Yynet and a few attendants. 
 
 " I know not how it is," said D'Albini, " but 
 whenever I behold yon Castle of Eochester, I 
 always feel strangely moved. It seems to me 
 
 D
 
 50 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 like an old friend, that will some day become 
 intertwined with my fame." 
 
 " Tis a magnificent pile," replied De Corn- 
 hill, "and may well arouse such feelings in 
 the breast of any knight. Would that we had 
 the defence of it, with some brave troops, me- 
 thinks we could keep any army at bay : the 
 Castle is well-nigh impregnable." 
 
 Thus discoursing, they arrived at Strood ; 
 and riding down its Eoman paved street, and 
 over the old wooden bridge, they entered 
 through the Barbican gate of the City. 
 
 De Cornhill immediately led the way to 
 the "Golden Crown." Eiding into the inn 
 yard, where they left their horses in charge of 
 servants, they entered the house, and were 
 met by the host, who bowed obsequiously to 
 the knights Sir Eeginald De Cornhill being 
 well-known to him. They were soon ushered 
 into an upper room, and served with refresh- 
 ments. Sir Eeginald inquired if they could be 
 accommodated for the night as he had some 
 business to transact with Master Pende, the 
 armourer, previous to riding to his dwelling at 
 Maidstone. Mine host informed Sir Eeginald 
 that he had plenty of room for them, so the 
 party rested there that night. 
 
 The following morning Sir Eeginald De Corn- 
 hill, followed by Vynet carrying a hauberk,
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 51 
 
 proceeded down the High Street to the dwell- 
 ing of the armourer. 
 
 " Good morrow, worthy armourer," said Sir 
 Reginald, " I have brought my hauberk to be 
 repaired. A number of the links have broken 
 whilst exercising in the tilt yard." 
 
 " When wilt thou require it ?" said Pende. 
 " I cannot work on it for several days at least. 
 I have here a complete suit of armour to finish 
 for the Governor of Rochester Castle, for which 
 he is in great haste." 
 
 "I am in no hurry for the armour, for at 
 least a week," replied Sir Reginald. " I can 
 leave my servant Vynet in Rochester to bring 
 it on to me at Maidstone. He is somewhat 
 anxious to see the Prior of Saint Andrew, 
 whom he knew on the Continent. I will leave 
 him at the 'Golden Crown,' and thou canst 
 let him know when the hauberk is ready." 
 
 Leaving the armourer's shop, they retraced 
 their steps up the High Street ; and passing 
 under the Cemetery gate, entered the precincts 
 of the Priory of Saint Andrew, going along 
 the north side of the Cathedral till they arrived 
 at the eastern extremity of the venerable pile, 
 where dwelt the Prior. 
 
 In the door- way stood one of the monks of 
 the establishment, of whom Sir Reginald asked 
 whether the holv father was within.
 
 52 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " He is, noble knight," replied the Monk. 
 " Dost thou wish to speak with him ?" 
 
 " Yes, i'ather," he replied. " Wilt thou inform 
 him that Sir Eeginald De Cornhill wishes to 
 commune with him ?" 
 
 The monk departed, and after a short time 
 returned to usher the visitors into the presence 
 of the Prior of Saint Andrew. 
 
 Helias, the Prior, was seated in a large oaken 
 chair, quaintly carved with emblems of Saint 
 Andrew on the cross. He was intently read- 
 ing the "Textus Eoffensis," a book written by 
 Earnulph, Bishop of Eochester, in the early 
 part of the twelfth century, and which con- 
 tained a collection of the ancient laws of the 
 land. (>) 
 
 The Prior was a man of commanding pres- 
 ence, with a shrewd intelligent face, the ex- 
 pression of which was somewhat softened by 
 age; and he was dressed in the sombre garments 
 of the Benedictine Brotherhood. 
 
 He rose to welcome Sir Eeginald, with whom 
 he was acquainted. " Welcome, my son, to 
 the Priory of Saint Andrew," he said. " Hast 
 thou journeyed from Maidstone this morning?'' 
 
 " No, holy father," replied Sir Eeginald, "I 
 came from London, , and reached here yester- 
 eve, as I wished to confer with thee on matters 
 connected with this City."
 
 .WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 53 
 
 " My son," gravely responded the Prior, " I 
 have nought to do with the City ; my duties 
 are in the Priory." 
 
 " Nevertheless," said Sir Keginald, " the 
 Archbishop has commanded me to inquire of 
 thee for certain information respecting the 
 state of the City." 
 
 " If the Archbishop wishes to know," replied 
 the Prior, "I will tell thee all I can, for a more 
 upright priest than Stephen Langton it would 
 be impossible to find." 
 
 " Behold ! here is the Archbishop's ring," 
 said Sir Eeginald. " Where is Benedict Bishop 
 of Kochester?" 
 
 " At his Palace of Hailing." 
 
 "Which cause does he favour the King's, 
 or the Barons'?" 
 
 " The King's. Dost thou not remember he 
 joined in anathematising the Barons ?" 
 
 " Thy views are not in accordance with thy 
 Bishop's." 
 
 "No! but he being my superior, I have to 
 hide my feelings.'' 
 
 " Has there been any indication of warlike 
 activity here ?" 
 
 " Yes ! at the Castle, they have been erecting, 
 on the battlements, engines for throwing 
 stones ; and orders have been given Master 
 Lethenard to supply a quantity of stores and
 
 54 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 
 
 provisions. Pende, the armourer, has been 
 constantly going to and from the Castle." 
 
 " What about the citizens ?' 7 
 
 " They are friends of the King, and will take 
 up arms in his defence. 5 ' 
 
 " Why art thou so certain of it ?'' 
 
 "About a week since, a messenger, whose 
 weary horse bespoke the haste with which he 
 had travelled, came to this City from London, 
 and inquired for Nicholas Lethenard, the Port- 
 reeve. Since that time the Civic Guard has 
 been doubled on the walls at night; the 
 citizens are exercised daily with their weap- 
 ons; and every preparation made as if an 
 enemy were expected around the walls." 
 
 " I will report what thou hast told me to the 
 Archbishop. I am now going to my house at 
 Maidstone; but Vynet here, in whom thou 
 mayst place the fullest trust, will remain for 
 some days at Eochester, waiting for my armour, 
 which is being repaired by Pende. I have given 
 out that Yynet knew thee abroad, so that his 
 coming to see and converse with thee will not 
 surprise anyone. If anything should transpire 
 worthy of notice, let him know, and he will 
 find means to inform me." 
 
 Taking leave of the Prior, Sir Reginald 
 joined D'Albini and together they proceeded 
 to Maidstone.
 
 CHAPTBK X. 
 
 IDONEA. 
 
 THE daughter of Nicholas Lethenard, the Port- 
 reeve of the City of Rochester, whom we have 
 already introduced to the reader, not only 
 resided with her father, but also undertook 
 the management of his household. Young 
 ladies in those days were taught to be useful 
 housewives, and it was not thought menial, 
 even for damsels of higher estate than the 
 merchant's daughter, to thoroughly under- 
 stand their domestic duties. 
 
 Idoiiea had, all day, been busily engaged 
 superintending the servants of her father's 
 household, and had just retired to the parlour 
 or principal room of the house, where we first 
 made her acquaintance. She was seated near 
 the window, engaged with her needle, orna- 
 menting some article of feminine attire, when 
 Robert Pende opened the door with the famili- 
 arity of a friend. He glanced round the room
 
 56 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 as if expecting to see some other person present, 
 but finding no one there, he advanced towards 
 Idonea, and saluting her fair cheek in loverlike 
 fashion, he inquired where her father was. 
 
 " Benedict, the Bishop of Eochester, has just 
 returned from Hailing, and sent for father as 
 he wished to see him," she replied. 
 
 " Marry ! I wonder what he wants with the 
 worthy Portreeve," said Eobert. 
 
 " Nay, I cannot even guess," replied Idonea. 
 " He has been gone these two hours, and I am 
 expecting him back every moment. Wilt thou 
 not await his return ?" 
 
 "Willingly, Idonea," replied Eobert, "if 
 thou wilt keep me company ; for time ever 
 flies its swiftest when I am with thee.'' 
 
 " Eobert," she replied, " I also acknowledge 
 that time goes too rapidly when we meet." 
 
 " I have spoken to thy father," said Eobert, 
 " and have obtained his consent to our marriage 
 at Christmas. Will my Idonea sanction that 
 arrangement ?" 
 
 " E'en when thou choosest, Eobert," she re- 
 plied, casting down her eyes, while her face 
 was suffused with blushes. "My heart has 
 been thine from earliest childhood. It only 
 wants the sanction of our Holy Church to 
 make the bonds lawful it cannot make them 
 stronger."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 57 
 
 " Spoken like mine own sweet Idonea," said 
 Eobert. " Ours shall be the blythest wedding 
 that our dear old City has seen for many a 
 long day." 
 
 " I trust it may be so,'' replied Idonea. 
 
 "I will tell thee a secret," said Kobert, 
 "which I know thou canst keep, notwith- 
 standing all maxims to the contrary. I have 
 been quietly working on new steel head pieces, 
 breastplates, and swords for the whole of the 
 City Guard, of which I am the Captain ; they 
 are stored in the top rooms of my dwelling." 
 
 " For what purpose hast thou done this ?" 
 inquired Idonea. 
 
 " Marry ! to make our Civic Guard the best 
 equipped and handsomest in Kent, or even in 
 England." 
 
 " But what has this to do with our wedding?" 
 wonderingly asked Idonea. 
 
 " Why ! I intend to present them to the 
 citizen soldiers on the eve of our marriage, so 
 that they may grace it on the morrow." 
 
 So engrossed with the conversation had the 
 lovers become, that they had not noticed the 
 entrance of the Portreeve during the latter 
 part of the conversation. 
 
 " God grant that they may not be required 
 earlier!" said Nicholas Lethenard. 
 
 Both started ; Idonea blushing greatly, while
 
 58 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 Kobert with a smile said, "I fear not but that 
 whenever they are required they will be found 
 trustworthy, for I have bestowed especial care 
 on them." 
 
 " I doubt it not," replied Nicholas. "I have 
 just left our Bishop, who has had a letter from 
 the King, stating that he fears the Barons may 
 attempt to capture the City and Castle; and he 
 has exhorted him to remind the citizens of their 
 allegiance to him, and of their duty to use the 
 utmost vigilance in guarding the City." 
 
 " That is already done," replied Eobert ; "the 
 guards are doubled at night upon the walls, 
 and a sharp look out kept during the day." 
 
 " I know not what we are to expect," said 
 Nicholas; "but yet I fear me that evil times 
 are in store for Kochester." 
 
 " I hope thy fears are groundless," said 
 Eobert; "but I must own to feeling a vague 
 uneasiness myself." 
 
 " We are not in a position to know what is 
 transpiring in other parts of England," said 
 Nicholas, " and only hear the garbled reports 
 of travellers and others passing through the 
 City." 
 
 " There was one at the ' Golden Crown ' last 
 night,'' said Kobert, "who spoke of the rumour 
 that John was assembling an army at Dover 
 to chastise the Barons."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 59 
 
 " And I have also heard," replied Nicholas, 
 " from the captain of one of my vessels, who 
 has just returned from London, that the Barons 
 are arming there and elsewhere, and strictly 
 questioning all who come and go ; and that 
 they have sent out spies in every direction.'' 
 
 "That reminds me," said Eobert. "Sir 
 Eeginald De Cornhill called at my place, some 
 few days back, to get his armour repaired, and 
 left a servant of his behind to convey it to him 
 at Maidstone, so soon as it was finished." 
 
 "Sir Eeginald is a very worthy knight," 
 replied Nicholas. 
 
 "Yes, but he was accompanied by another 
 knight, named Sir William D'Albini." 
 
 " He is one of the Barons who signed the 
 famous Charta," said Nicholas, "and one of 
 the guardians of the realm." 
 
 "The servant who was left behind," said 
 Eobert, "was not one of Sir Eeginald's regular 
 attendants. I never saw him before." 
 
 "What was there in this servant that aroused 
 thy suspicions ?" inquired Nicholas. 
 
 " His speech was better than that of most 
 servants," replied Eobert, "while he took 
 every opportunity of inquiring into the state 
 of the City and Castle ; and I have more than 
 once seen him intently inspecting the gates 
 and fortifications."
 
 60 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " I will at once to the Governor of the Castle 
 and lay the matter before him," said Nicholas; 
 " and, if need be, he can arrest and detain him 
 prisoner until such time as we are satisfied 
 about him." 
 
 "'Tis useless," replied Eobert, "for the 
 armour was finished yesterday, and he left 
 the City at once." 
 
 " Then it cannot be helped," said Nicholas, 
 " but we will take better notice in the future, 
 for we have the King's command to do so. 
 "Whether the King or the Barons are in the 
 right I know not, only that our allegiance is 
 sworn to the King, so our duty is plain." 
 
 "And shall be well and faithfully per- 
 formed," said Eobert. 
 
 " Now, Robert !" said Nicholas, " instead of 
 weddings we may have battles, so I think it 
 would be better to be prepared. I would, if in 
 thy place, present the armour to the guard at 
 once." 
 
 "Eight willingly," answered Eobert, "for 
 should some of the brightness be worn off, and 
 the armour be battered by blows received in 
 the defence of the good old City, it will but 
 add more honour to the wedding.'' 
 
 "Eight! Eobert," said Nicholas, "but when 
 dost thou intend to present the armour ?" 
 
 " This very evening, the whole guard muster
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 61 
 
 for inspection. 'Tis nigh on the time, so I must 
 now take my leave.'' 
 
 " We will join thee anon, and witness the 
 arming of the guard," said Nicholas.
 
 CHAPTEE XI. 
 THE MESSENGEK. 
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT and Keginald De Cornhill, 
 after resting at Maidstone a couple of days, 
 left that pleasant rural town and travelled by 
 the Boxley road to Sittingbourne, and from 
 thence to Canterbury, where, thanks to the 
 instructions of the Archbishop, they were 
 comfortably and even sumptuously lodged. 
 
 Upon inquiring of the persons to whom 
 they were recommended, it was found that 
 different parties had been landed at various 
 parts of the coast, the whole of whom had 
 made for the Castle of Dover ; some of them 
 only staying long enough at the Castle to 
 receive instructions as to their further destina- 
 tion. Certain of the men-at-arms had been sent 
 to Eochester Castle, and to other strongholds 
 that were in possession of John's adherents. 
 
 Not content with obtaining mere reports the 
 two knights determined, if possible, to learn
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINL 63 
 
 more for themselves, and to disguise their per- 
 sons and go as far as Dover. Accordingly, 
 early one morning, the twain were to be seen 
 leaving Canterbury in the guise of Benedictine 
 Monks, mounted on quiet ambling palfreys? 
 belonging to the Monastery of Saint Augustine. 
 
 After an uneventful journey, they reached 
 the ancient seaport of Dover, and quietly be- 
 took themselves to the house of a fisherman 
 (recommended by the Prior of Saint Augus- 
 tine's), situated near the Snare or Pier Gate. 
 
 From the fisherman they learned, that he, 
 while engaged in his daily avocation, had seen 
 ships constantly coming and going between 
 France and England, laden with men-at-arms 
 and knights ; and that three great leaders had 
 arrived and were installed at the Castle, viz., 
 Savaric De Mauleon, Folkes De Breaute and 
 Peter De Mauley. 
 
 Having obtained this information, they deter- 
 mined to quit Dover at once, and make the best 
 of their way back to London, so as to acquaint 
 the Barons of the active measures that John 
 was pursuing. 
 
 They saddled their horses and left Dover, 
 riding as rapidly as possible to Canterbury, 
 where they rested for the night. Here they 
 found Yynet, who had come from Maidstone. 
 
 The next morning, arrayed once more in
 
 64 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 their knightly habiliments, they were in the 
 saddle betimes and journeying on to Eochester. 
 
 The weather all day was very sultry, and 
 heavy black clouds, which had been gathering 
 for some time, seemed almost ready to burst. 
 D'Albini determined to stop at the first village 
 they came to, and rest both horses and men, 
 although he was anxious to get on to London. 
 
 They shortly afterwards reached Kainham 
 and stopped at an old inn called " The White 
 Horse," and there rested their horses and 
 obtained refreshments. 
 
 The room into which they were ushered was 
 one looking on to the highway, and immedi- 
 ately facing the village church, with its high 
 spire. 
 
 The tables were speedily covered with viands; 
 and the hungry travellers, with appetites 
 sharpened by their ride, did ample justice to 
 the fare provided. While eating their meal, 
 the storm broke almost over the village, and 
 flashes of lightning were succeeded by loud 
 peals of thunder, which seemed to shake the 
 inn to its foundation. 
 
 De Cornhill and D'Albini had finished their 
 meal, and were standing at the window watch- 
 ing the severity of the storm, while Yynet and 
 the rest of the followers stood within the shelter 
 of the doorway to see the lightning as it played
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 65 
 
 around the spire of the church, threatening its 
 destruction. 
 
 "Keginald," said D'Albini, "I hope the storm 
 will soon be over, as I am anxious to continue 
 the journey. We must be in London to-morrow, 
 for it is important that we give the Barons 
 notice of what is taking place." 
 
 Just then they heard the approach of a horse; 
 and almost immediately after the animal and 
 its rider appeared, dashing along the road at 
 a furious pace. 
 
 " I wonder who it is riding in such a storm as 
 this," said D'Albini. 
 
 " It must be on matters of great moment," 
 replied Keginald. 
 
 " Holy Virgin protect us !" ejaculated 
 D'Albini. 
 
 The horseman had just passed the window 
 of the inn, when a terrible flash of lightning, 
 that seemed to envelope the church steeple in 
 a mass of luminous flame, startled the horse, 
 causing it to rear and plunge. Its rider was 
 caught by the electric current, and fell from 
 his saddle, as if a bolt from a crossbow had 
 struck him. ( 2 ) 
 
 Yynet, and those who stood in the doorway, 
 at once ran to his assistance, and at the same 
 time secured his horse. By the direction of 
 D'Albini, he was carried into the house. The 
 
 E
 
 66 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 others then withdrew, leaving the knights and 
 Vynet to see if it were possible to restore 
 animation to the man. 
 
 "Great heavens!'' exclaimed Yynet, "this 
 is Rudolf, one of the King's attendants.'' 
 
 " Ah !" ejaculated D' Albini, for as he unfast- 
 ened Eudolf 's doublet, to feel if his heart had 
 ceased beating, he found a letter carefully 
 concealed under it. " The man is dead, said 
 he ; but what have we here ? Merciful Provi- 
 dence ! it is a letter addressed to the Governor 
 of Eochester Castle.'' 
 
 " It would be well to make ourselves masters 
 of the contents," said De Cornhill. 
 
 Unfolding the letter D'Albini read in a low 
 tone to Reginald, as follows : 
 
 "To the Governor of Rochester Castle 
 " Greeting. 
 
 "These are to command thee in our 
 "name to receive into the Royal Castle of 
 " Rochester Hugh De Boves and his followers 
 "to strengthen the garrison. They will sail 
 " from Calais and arrive in the Medway in the 
 " course of a few days. The vessels will sail 
 " up the river at night, and the men are to be 
 " admitted secretly into the Castle by the water 
 " stairs. They will give the password ' Death 
 "to the Barons.' The bearer, in whom thou 
 "canst place the fullest trust, will remain
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 67 
 
 "with thee till their arrival, when he can 
 " return to us with the news thereof.'' 
 " Given at our Castle of Dover, 
 
 "JOHN. 5 ' 
 
 " 'Tis the judgment of Heaven against the 
 tyrant,' 5 said Eeginald, "that has killed his 
 messenger almost at our feet.'' 
 
 " Alas ! It is often the case with those who 
 serve unjust monarchs,'' said D'Albini. 
 
 Yynet had till this time been gazing at the 
 dead man, when Eeginald approached him and 
 said, "Cheer up man! 'tis not the first time 
 thou hast been a near neighbour with death. I 
 will cause him to be buried in yonder church, 
 and have masses said for the repose of his 
 soul." 
 
 " I thank thee, my lord," said Yynet. " Poor 
 Eudolf was ever a faithful comrade." 
 
 "Yynet," said D'Albini, "thou hast skill 
 with the pen. Thinkest thou that it is possible 
 to make an exact copy of this letter ?" 
 
 " Yes, my lord," replied Yynet, " I can make 
 so exact a copy that John himself would not 
 know the difference." 
 
 "Then proceed at once," said D'Albini ; "thou 
 wilt find the materials in the package on the 
 sumpter horse." 
 
 " What are thy plans ?'' queried Eeginald.
 
 68 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " When Yynet has made a copy of the letter," 
 replied D'Albini, " 1 propose sending him on 
 with it to Rochester Castle.'' 
 
 " But that will be playing into their hands," 
 said Reginald. 
 
 " Nay, I think not," replied D'Albini, "for as 
 soon as Yynet has set off for Rochester, we 
 will at once proceed to Maidstone. At thy 
 house we can obtain fresh horses, and, by 
 riding all night, reach the Tower of London 
 early in the morning." 
 
 " But why send the letter to its destination ?' ' 
 inquired Reginald. 
 
 " For our own ends," replied D'Albini. " If 
 the Barons follow my advice, they will use 
 the vessels, that are lying off the Tower, 
 as transports; and with the knights and men 
 who are ready, we may reach Rochester Castle 
 before Hugh De Boves and his mercenaries, 
 and seize it on behalf of the Barons without 
 striking a blow.'' 
 
 " The plan is good," said Reginald, " but all 
 depends on speed." 
 
 Shortly after Yynet returned with the copy 
 of the letter he had made, and on comparing 
 them, it was found almost impossible to tell 
 which was the original. D'Albini then asked 
 Yynet if he would be the bearer of the 
 despatch.
 
 WILLIAN D'ALBINI. 69 
 
 " Willingly, my lord," he replied. " It is 
 well I am chosen, for the fact of my having 
 been a servant of the King, and also of my 
 knowing a friend in the fortress, will surely be 
 of great advantage.'' 
 
 Vyiiet then took the copy of the letter, and 
 folding it up, placed it carefully in his leathern 
 jacket, and mounting the horse of the dead 
 messenger, rode on to Eochester. 
 
 D'Albini, having called the landlord of the 
 inn, discharged the reckoning ; and Eeginald, 
 as he had promised, gave his purse to the host, 
 requesting him to have the last rites per- 
 formed for the body, and masses celebrated 
 for the soul of the dead man. 
 
 The storm had by this time abated, having 
 gradually gone down with the tide towards 
 the Nore ; and nothing but the distant rolling 
 of the thunder was heard to denote that the 
 storm was not quite over. 
 
 D'Albini then ordered the servants to saddle 
 their horses, and shortly after they started 
 on the road once more.
 
 CHAPTEE XII. 
 EOCHESTEK CASTLE. 
 
 THE storm, which we have seen do such fatal 
 work, had now given place to that calm serenity 
 and fragrant air which usually follow such 
 disturbances. The heavy showers that had 
 accompanied it. sank into the parched earth, 
 giving nourishment to the roots as well as 
 refreshing the vegetation of the district; while 
 the sun, which was now setting, gradually 
 illumined the whole of the western sky in a 
 halo of golden light. 
 
 On this pleasant evening Vynet was riding 
 along the road towards Chatham. He appeared 
 to be somewhat thoughtful, his mind dwelling 
 on the sudden death of his late comrade. It 
 was not that he was concerned about his errand 
 to Eochester Castle, which was really one, not 
 only of difficulty, but of danger. He gave no 
 heed to this, for being a man of ready resource, 
 he trusted to his own inventive genius to get 
 him out of any trouble.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 71 
 
 Noticing how rapidly the sun was setting, 
 he roused himself from his reverie, and using 
 his spurs, quickened the pace of his horse, for 
 he was anxious to enter the City gates before 
 the curfew rang. 
 
 The twilight had begun to assume the deeper 
 shades of night as he neared the East Gate of 
 the City of Rochester; and the Warder was in 
 the act of closing the gates as he arrived. 
 
 ' ; What, ho, friend!" he said to Vynet, "thou 
 art somewhat a late comer; a little longer, and 
 thou must have passed the night without the 
 City walls. From whence comest thou ?" 
 
 "Marry, Warder!'' cried Yynet, "I see not 
 how that concerns thee." 
 
 " Only as far as this,'' replied the Warder 
 " that I shall detain thee till I am satisfied 
 on the point." 
 
 " That is more than thy life is worth,'' boldly 
 replied Yynet. 
 
 " We shall see," said the Warder with a 
 laugh. " Now, comrades, take charge of this 
 man till our worshipful captain comes this 
 way." 
 
 Holding a lanthorn to Yy net's face, after he 
 had been forced to dismount, he started, say- 
 ing, " This is he whom we were told to watch 
 for. Note the deep scar across his face.''
 
 72 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 
 
 The guard conducted Yynet into a kind of 
 strong room, at the foot of one of the towers of 
 the gate, leaving some of the men to guard 
 him. 
 
 Yynet remembered that Pende the armourer 
 was captain of the guard, and he had felt before 
 that Pende had a shrewd suspicion of the motive 
 for which he was left behind in Eochester by 
 De Cornhill. He had already made up his 
 mind as to the story he should tell him, so that 
 he now commenced to chat cheerfully to his 
 gaolers concerning passing events and other 
 topics. 
 
 About an hour after Yynet had been stopped 
 at the gate, Pende visited the guard as usual, 
 when he was informed by the Warder of the 
 detention of Yynet. 
 
 Pende, who had generously given armour 
 like his own to the Civic Guard, entered the 
 guard room, and by the light of a lanthorn 
 hung in the centre of the room, at once 
 recognised him as De Cornhill's servant. 
 
 " So my friend we meet again," said Pende. 
 " Where is thy master ?" 
 
 " Where my master may be I know not, 
 replied Yynet. When I left him he was at Dover 
 Castle. But why am I detained a prisoner ?" 
 
 " Because thou art not what thou wishest to 
 appear."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 73 
 
 " Who am I supposed to be ?'' asked Vynet. 
 
 "A servant of Sir Keginald De Cornhill," 
 said Pende. 
 
 " I never said I was Sir Keginald's servant," 
 replied Yynet. 
 
 "That being the case," said Pende, "who, 
 and what art thou ?'' 
 
 "My name is Walter Yynet," he replied, 
 "and I am a confidential servant to King 
 John." 
 
 "Why then didst thou go with those two 
 Barons ?'' inquired Pende. 
 
 "By the King's commands, to watch their 
 actions." 
 
 "What is thy business in this City?" in- 
 quired Pende. 
 
 " I am acting as messenger for the King to 
 Sir Hugh De Cramaville, the Governor of the 
 Castle." 
 
 "We shall soon put that to the test," said 
 Pende. " Thou wilt at once be taken to the 
 Castle, and it will go hard with thee if thou 
 dost not prove thy assertions." 
 
 While Pende was speaking he kept his eyes 
 fixed on Yynet, expecting to see him quail at 
 this last remark, but he was disappointed, for 
 Yynet seemed to regard it as the best thing 
 that could happen.
 
 74 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 Pende, calling to several of the guard, bade 
 them escort Yynet up the High Street to Castle 
 Hill. 
 
 Upon their arrival at the Barbican of the 
 Castle, Pende seized the horn and blew a loud 
 blast thereon, that soon brought the Warder to 
 the wicket. 
 
 " Good even, Master Pende," said the Warder. 
 " What means this summons after curfew?'' 
 
 " We have a prisoner,'' replied Pende, " whom 
 we believe to be a spy, but who persists in 
 stating that he is a servant of the King with a 
 message to the Governor of the Castle. So we 
 have brought him here to make his statement 
 good." 
 
 " I will lower the drawbridge and give ad- 
 mittance," said the Warder. 
 
 The creaking of the bridge was now heard, 
 as it was being lowered on to the single arch, 
 that spanned the moat and upon which it 
 rested. The gates were opened and Pende and 
 his party were admitted within the walls. 
 
 The Warder directed a man-at-arms to 
 conduct them to the Castle Keep, where the 
 Governor was to be found. 
 
 Pende was ushered into the Keep, and shortly 
 afterwards found himself in the Governor's 
 presence.
 
 WILLIAM^ D'ALBINI. 75 
 
 "Well sir Captain!' 5 said De Cramaville, in 
 a deep manly voice, "what seekest thou with 
 me to-night ?" 
 
 " Pende then recounted his suspicions, and 
 his detention of Vynet. 
 
 " Thou hast done quite right," said the 
 Governor. " Fortunately I am acquainted with 
 Vynet. I knew him when I was a page in the 
 King's household. We will have him in." 
 
 " What, ho there ! bring in the prisoner." 
 
 The guard entered the apartment with 
 Yynet, who, saluting the Governor, said, "I 
 am glad to see thee, Sir Hugh, for by my faith 
 these worthy citizens were so fond of my com- 
 pany that they e'en proposed keeping me with 
 them all night." 
 
 " Master Pende, it is indeed Yynet,'' said the 
 Governor. " Hast been to the wars, to get that 
 ugly scar on thy face ? 'Tis like the bar sinister 
 across a fair escutcheon !" 
 
 " It was the result of an accident,' 1 replied 
 Yynet, " during an encounter with a wild beast, 
 in the presence of the King at Windsor." 
 
 " Where is the King at present ?" inquired 
 the Governor. 
 
 " At Dover Castle," replied Yynet, " where 
 he has an army, which is daily increasing in 
 numbers but I am forgetting my letter," and
 
 76 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 unbuttoning his doublet, he drew out the 
 missive and handed it to Sir Hugh. 
 
 The Governor carefully read the letter, then 
 turning to Pende, said, " Accept my thanks Sir 
 Captain and prince of armourers, for the 
 manner in which thou hast acted ; but Yynet 
 is here mentioned by the King as one in whom 
 to place implicit trust. He also sends word 
 that in the course of a few nights, ships will 
 come up the river with men to reinforce the 
 Castle, and that he wishes them to be admitted 
 secretly. It will be well for thee to give orders 
 for thy watch upon the walls not to take any 
 notice of vessels coming to the Castle." 
 
 "Thy commands shall be obeyed," said 
 Pende. "With thy permission I will return 
 to the City."
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 THE COUNCIL. 
 
 left D'Albini and De Cornhill starting out 
 from Eainham. Proceeding- a short distance 
 from the village they took the road to the left, 
 which led through the woods to Bredhurst, 
 and from thence to Boxley and Maidstone. 
 
 The dwelling of Sir Reginald De Cornhill 
 was situated on and overlooking the banks of 
 the Medway, close to the Church of the Holy 
 Virgin. It was a pretentious pile, which ulti- 
 mately became the property of the Archbishops 
 of Canterbury by deed of gift. 
 
 At Maidstone the two knights snatched a 
 hasty meal, and mounting fresh horses, leaving 
 their servants to follow, they rode, as rapidly 
 as the state of the roads would permit, to 
 London. They reached the Tower of London 
 in the morning about six o'clock, and at once 
 inquired for the Archbishop of Canterbury. 
 
 After the usual greetings were over D'Albini 
 informed the Archbishop of the finding of fresh 
 evidence of the King's treachery, which they
 
 78 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 had obtained; and placed his plans before him 
 for the seizure of Kochester Castle. 
 
 " My son," said the Archbishop, "this matter 
 is too serious for me to direct on my authority 
 alone. I will at once summon those of the 
 Barons who are in London to attend a Council 
 here at noon." 
 
 " I have no doubt as to the decision of the 
 Barons/' said D'Albini. 
 
 "Nor have I," responded the Archbishop, 
 " but it is for them to decide. " 
 
 " It would be well to make some prepara- 
 tion," said D'Albini. " In order to save time, 
 we might make a selection of the vessels that 
 are lying off the Tower, and proceed to embark 
 arms and munition of war, without informing 
 anyone of their destination." 
 
 " I approve of those steps being taken," said 
 the Archbishop, " for that commits us to 
 nothing. The seizing of Eochester Castle is 
 of much greater moment, and means the com- 
 mencement of civil war, the result of which 
 it would be difficult to foretell." 
 
 D'Albini at once went to the river, and 
 selecting several of the largest vessels, had 
 them moored close to the landing places of 
 the Tower, and commenced to load them 
 with bows and arrows for the archers, swords 
 and bucklers for the men-at-arms, and other
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 79 
 
 necessaries that were likely to be required for 
 attacking or defending a castle. 
 
 At the hour of noon, Fitz- Walter and a 
 goodly number of Barons met in the Council 
 Chamber of the Tower, and not only heard the 
 report -of D'Albini, but also saw John's letter 
 to the Governor of Eochester Castle. 
 
 D'Albini explained to the Barons his plans 
 for the seizure of the Castle. 
 
 "Thy scheme seems feasible,'' said Fitz- 
 Walter. " But supposing Hugh De Boves and 
 his men arrive first, thou wilt not then attempt 
 to take the Castle ?" 
 
 "Unless I can enter it by stratagem,'' replied 
 D'Albini. " Before leaving Maidstone, I sent 
 two servants down the river to watch and 
 await my coming in the reaches below Gilling- 
 ham. I have also sent a small vessel down 
 the Thames for the same purpose. If De Boves 
 has arrived I shall know of it without leaving 
 the Thames." 
 
 " Thou hast laid thy plans well," said Fitz- 
 Walter. 
 
 "My lords," said the Earl of Oxford, "we 
 must not delay matters. We cannot trust 
 John; therefore in the interests of the 'Army 
 of God and the Church,' let us send D'Albini 
 to obtain possession of the Castle of Eochester.
 
 80 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 It is necessary that we should hold it, as it is 
 one of the most important in the Kingdom." 
 
 "Wilt thou accept the command of this 
 expedition ?" inquired the Archbishop of 
 D'Albini. 
 
 "It is the wish of my heart," replied 
 D'Albini. " The Castle of Rochester has a 
 strange fascination for me. It would be 
 necessary to take a powerful force, for the 
 citizens of Eochester are for the King, and 
 there is a strong garrison in the Castle." 
 
 "Thou shalt choose thy own followers," 
 said Fitz-Walter. 
 
 "If we are successful," said D'Albini, "what 
 shall be done with those in the Castle ? Are 
 they to be detained as prisoners, or liberated?" 
 
 " Make them swear not to bear arms against 
 the Barons," replied Fitz- Walter, "and then 
 set them free. If thou dost keep them prison- 
 ers, they will be consuming the provisions of 
 the Castle to no purpose. It would be better 
 still to send them to the Tower." 
 
 "Noble Barons," said De Cornhill, "I ask 
 for the appointment of lieutenant to D'Albini. 
 We have been together on several occasions, 
 and I would fain follow his banner." 
 
 " Sir Reginald," said the Archbishop, " thou 
 hast our consent, if it be agreeable to D'Albini."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 81 
 
 " There is no one I would rather have than 
 thyself, Keginald," replied D'Albini. 
 
 " We will now marshal the knights and men 
 in the Tower, from among whom D'Albini can 
 pick his force," said Fitz- Walter; "but remember 
 not to mention Eochester as its destination, 
 lest anyone should turn traitor, and put the 
 Governor of the Castle on his guard. My Lord 
 Barons, we will now to the Courtyard," con- 
 tinued Fitz-Walter, and leading the way there 
 the Barons followed him down the stairs. 
 Upon his arrival he put n bugle to his lips, and 
 blew a sharp blast thereon that quickly brought 
 the whole garrison of the Tower to the spot. 
 
 Fitz- Walter mounted his horse the better to 
 address them. " Noble knights and veterans," 
 said he, "it is necessary through the King's 
 treachery to take some active steps. A strong 
 force is required to start from here, under the 
 command of Sir William D'Albini, a noble 
 knight and brave soldier. Its destination is at 
 present a secret, and its mission one of danger 
 and difficulty . Those who are willing to offer 
 their services for this dangerous enterprise will 
 uiisheath and hold aloft their swords." 
 
 With a ringing cheer the whole of those 
 present drew their swords, and waved them in 
 the air. 
 
 F
 
 82 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 "D'Albini," said the Archbishop, "if thou 
 acceptest the services of all who are willing, 
 I shall be the only one left to guard the 
 Tower of London." 
 
 " Nay, your grace ! they would be too many 
 for my purpose,'' replied D'Albini. 
 
 " True ! but how wilt thou select those whom 
 thou wouldst wish to follow thee ?" said Fitz- 
 Walter, with a scowl, for inwardly he was 
 jealous of the popularity of D'Albini, not 
 only with the knights, but the men-at-arms 
 also. 
 
 D'Albini then addressed the assembled 
 knights and men in a clear, manly voice. 
 
 " My friends, I thank you for this mark of 
 your confidence in me as a leader, shown by 
 your readiness to follow me on an unknown 
 and dangerous quest. Amongst so many brave 
 men it would be invidious to make any selec- 
 tion. I will leave it to chance. As our final 
 encounter is likely to take place in Kent, let 
 those knights and their followers who belong 
 to that county ride out from the ranks ; and 
 be they many or few, they only shall share in 
 our enterprise." 
 
 Immediately a number of knights broke 
 from the ranks, rode over, and placed them- 
 selves behind D'Albini.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINL 83 
 
 " In good faith," said the Archbishop, "I was 
 afraid that all the garrison were men of Kent." 
 
 Upon counting them it was found that one 
 hundred and forty knights belonged to Kent, 
 and were ready to follow their leader. 
 
 William D'Albini and his lieutenant Kegi- 
 nald de Cornhill at once set about completing 
 the equipment of the vessels and men to 
 enable them to drop down the Thames with 
 the next morning's tide.
 
 CHAPTEE XIV. 
 THE SEIZUEE OF EOCHESTEK CASTLE. 
 
 THE sun was just beginning to dispel the 
 heavy morning mist that hung over the Eiver 
 Thames, as the flotilla, composed of six of the 
 largest vessels that could be procured by Sir 
 William D'Albini, left their moorings and pro- 
 ceeded to sail down the river, assisted by the 
 tide. 
 
 The foremost vessel was the largest and con- 
 tained D'Albini and De Cornhill, with as many 
 knights and men-at-arms as could be crowded 
 on board, D'Albini intending to be the first to 
 land at the Water Stairs of Eochester Castle, 
 and thus to have as many men as possible to 
 follow him at once, so as to secure the 
 entrance. 
 
 None of the vessels displayed any flags or 
 pennons of the noble warriors they contained, 
 but merely the flags that were flying at their 
 mast-head when they were requisitioned by 
 the Barons. The knights and men-at-arms
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 85 
 
 also were kept under cover, so that any one 
 viewing them from the banks of the river 
 would have taken them for harmless merchant 
 vessels. 
 
 When they approached the mouth of the 
 Thames, D'Albini signalled to a small vessel, 
 which immediately steered towards him. The 
 captain informed him that no strange ships 
 had passed up the Medway, and that he had 
 also been round into that river and picked up 
 D'Albini's servants, who were on board, and 
 who were also certain that the force of Hugh 
 de Boves had not arrived. 
 
 D'Albini gave orders to sail round into the 
 Medway, and anchor till dark in the first reach. 
 He also commanded the captains of the vessels 
 to remove the masts, so as to enable them to 
 pass under Rochester Bridge. Trusting only 
 to the oars, assisted by the tide, he hoped to 
 reach the Castle at high water, which he 
 learned from the captain would be shortly 
 after midnight. 
 
 When the shades of night began to fall the 
 vessels weighed anchor, and, keeping in the 
 middle of the stream, resumed their voyage to 
 Rochester. The knights and men were all 
 armed and ready at a moment's notice to defend 
 their vessels, if needs be.
 
 86 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 
 
 Silently the ships crept up the Medway, 
 gliding along like phantoms, the course of 
 the river being bounded for a long distance 
 by flat, marshy ground. 
 
 Towards midnight they neared the City of 
 Eochester, when they took the precaution to 
 steer to the opposite side of the river. Upon 
 entering the Bridge Reach, where the river 
 widened, forming a kind of bay, they drew 
 into line and the vessels passing through the 
 centre arch of the Bridge, they found them- 
 selves near the Castle. 
 
 D'Albini's vessel led the way towards the 
 Water Stairs of the Castle. These stairs were 
 wooden, and led down from the Castle walls 
 to the river. They were so constructed that 
 at night or in times of danger they could be 
 raised by means of a chain worked in the 
 towers above, and so could render that part 
 safe from an invading force. ( 3 ). 
 
 On the approach of the vessels they were 
 observed by the men on the look-out for them. 
 A creaking noise was heard by those on board, 
 which was caused by the wooden stairs being- 
 lowered by means of a winch and chain 
 similar to those used on board barges for 
 raising the anchor. 
 
 The first vessel was quickly moored to the 
 foot of these stairs, and the other ships as they
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 87 
 
 came up were lashed side by side, thus enabling 
 the men on board to clamber over the bulwarks 
 from one ship to the other, and so be ready 
 to land at the stairs immediately. 
 
 D'Albini was the first to leave the vessel and 
 mount the steps, closely followed by Keginald 
 and a party of knights. Upon arriving at the 
 top the knight in charge of the gate demanded 
 the password. " Death to the Barons !" said 
 D'Albini in a loud voice, but he added in a 
 much lower tone the word " Enemies !" 
 
 " Sir Hugh de Boves,'' said the knight, "wel- 
 come to the Castle ! Wilt thou pass on to the 
 Keep, while I see to the disembarking of thy 
 troops ? The Governor is awaiting thee in the 
 Baron's Hall." 
 
 " I will pass on, noble knight," replied 
 D'Albini, " but not to the Keep at present. I 
 will descend to the Courtyard, and first see 
 that my men are mustered and quartered." 
 
 " E'en as thou wilt, my lord," said the 
 knight. " Yynet will be thy guide." 
 
 Yynet, who was standing with a torch close 
 to the knight, motioned D'Albini to follow. 
 He led him to the Courtyard, and said to him 
 in a low voice, " I have hidden the winch that 
 raises the steps, so they cannot shut out the 
 rest. It is just on the time for changing the
 
 88 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 guards on the walls. The watchword for the 
 night is ' Security !' Take a body of men with 
 thee and relieve the guard. I will bear the 
 light." 
 
 D'Albini spoke a few words to Eeginald; and, 
 commanding a certain number of men to follow 
 him, he was guided to the ramparts by Yynet, 
 and successfully changed the guard, leaving 
 the whole of the ramparts in the keeping of 
 his followers. 
 
 By this time the rest of the knights and 
 men-at-arms were disembarked and marshalled 
 in the Courtyard. D'Albini then desired Yynet 
 to lead the way to the Governor of the Castle. 
 
 Crossing the Courtyard they went up the 
 embankment leading to the drawbridge of the 
 Keep, which they passed over, and entered the 
 vestibule, where Yynet, who had already made 
 himself popular with all, spoke to the drowsy 
 guard, telling him that Sir Hugh de Boves and 
 his men had arrived, and that he had orders 
 to conduct them to the Governor. 
 
 They left the vestibule, and passing under 
 the massive portcullis, ascended the stone stairs 
 in the Tower till they came to the State 
 Chamber. Yynet opened the door, and D'Albini, 
 with about twenty knights, followed him into 
 the Hall.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 89 
 
 The scene that met their eyes would have 
 seemed curious to anyone living in these days 
 of refinement ; but to D'Albini it presented 
 only an incident of every-day life. The Hall 
 was of grand and stately proportions, with a 
 huge fire-place, in which blazed logs of 
 wood. In the centre of the room was a large 
 and massive oak table covered with the remains 
 of the repast and flagons of wine. Around 
 were seated a number of knights some wholly 
 equipped in armour, having recently left the 
 walls, whilst others were in the military 
 undress of the time. At the head of the table, 
 on a da'is, sat Sir Hugh de Grama ville. He 
 was a man in the prime of life, tall and strongly 
 built, whose fearless and handsome face was 
 flushed with wine. 
 
 He rose 011 the entrance of D'Albini, and 
 said " Welcome De Boves to Eochester Castle ! 
 By the number of worthy knights thou hast 
 x n thy train, one would think thou wert going 
 to storm the Castle, instead of to reinforce 
 it." 
 
 " Sir Hugh de Cramaville," said D'Albini, 
 " subterfuge is no longer necessary. Thy sur- 
 mise is correct. I am not De Boves, but William 
 D'Albini, one of the Governors of the Kingdom. 
 The Castle is in our possession ; resistance is
 
 90 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 useless ; therefore, surrender thyself prisoner 
 to the Barons of England." 
 
 " Never ! '' replied the Governor, drawing his 
 sword. " To arms, brave knights !'' 
 
 D'Albini also drew his sword, the knights 
 following his example. The Governor advanced 
 to D'Albini and said " Have at thee. traitor I 1 ' 
 dealing a blow at him, which was parried in 
 the most skilful manner. 
 
 The fighting was now general and the scene 
 was one of wildest excitement, for both sides 
 fought with fury, while the attendants, who 
 were unarmed, used the trenchers and flagons 
 as missiles. 
 
 D'Albini and the Governor fought hand to 
 to hand. Both were evenly matched as regards 
 skill, but the advantage was on D'Albiiii's side, 
 as he was fully armed. The Governor sought 
 to terminate the combat by a furious onslaught, 
 throwing all his strength into a thrust, which 
 D'Albini avoided by jumping on one side. The 
 Governor's foot slipped, and a well-directed 
 blow with the flat of D'Albini's sword sent 
 Sir Hugh headlong to the floor. In an instant 
 D'Albini's foot was on the Governor's prostrate 
 body. " Yield thee, prisoner ! rescue or no 
 rescue !" he cried.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 91 
 
 The attendants, who had been hurling various 
 objects at the intruders, now gave a yell of 
 rage at the fate of their leader. One burly 
 knave, who was near the fire, seized a large 
 log of blazing wood, and with a true aim threw 
 it across the room, whizzing like a giant rocket, 
 striking D'Albini on the shoulder, making him 
 reel, and then falling with full force on to the 
 head of the Governor of the Castle. 
 
 This incident caused a suspension in the 
 hostilities, D'Albini himself removing the log 
 when it was found that it had smashed Sir 
 Hugh's skull and killed him. 
 
 The knights, on seeing the death of their 
 leader, threw down their arms and yielded 
 themselves prisoners. D'Albini then made 
 them swear that they would not attempt to 
 escape or bear arms against the Barons. He 
 also caused them to deliver up their arms and 
 conveyed them on board the ships, with the 
 exception of one knight, and under a strong 
 escort sent them to the Tower of London.
 
 CHAPTEE XY. 
 DOVEK CASTLE. 
 
 DOVES Castle, standing on the rugged chalk 
 cliffs, overlooking not only the town but the 
 English Channel, as well as many miles of 
 inland scenery, was justly accounted one of the 
 strongest fortifications of the times, being often 
 termed the lock and key of England. 
 
 Within the Eoyal apartments of the Castle 
 Keep, King John and a few English knights, 
 who had remained true to his cause, together 
 with a number of the mercenary leaders from 
 the continent, were keeping high revels. At the 
 head of the table sat King John, with Savaric 
 de Mauleoii 011 his right hand, and Faulkes de 
 Ereaute on his left, with many other brave, but 
 lawless leaders. 
 
 A minstrel had just finished singing a lay in 
 praise of England's fair dames, when one of 
 the leaders, with a strong Norman accent, said, 
 " I would fain behold some of these English 
 beauties. At present all we have seen have 
 been fishcrfolk."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 93 
 
 " Have patience, Sir Peter de Mauley," said 
 John. "The campaign once started against the 
 Barons, thou shalt have thy pick of the fairest, 
 be they wives or maidens, and when thou 
 tirest of them, thou canst give them to thy 
 followers." 
 
 "I will not fail to accept of thy permission," 
 replied Sir Peter. 
 
 " I not only give thee permission,'' said John, 
 " but will also set thee an example.'' 
 
 Hubert de Burgh, the Governor of Dover 
 Castle, who was one of the bravest knights up- 
 holding John's cause, now entered the Hall, 
 when John at once said to him, " How now, 
 De Burgh! Why dost thou not join us at the 
 festive board ? " 
 
 " My liege," replied De Burgh, " 1 am a soldier, 
 having the charge of this Castle. No true 
 soldier would neglect his duties for the attrac- 
 tion of a feast.'' 
 
 " Pshaw ! De Burgh," said John, " there is no 
 need to be so careful. We have an army here ; 
 and the two strongest Castles in Kent, nay in 
 England Dover and Eochester are in our 
 hands ; so what hast thou to fear ?" 
 
 Before De Burgh could reply, a servant 
 approached the King, and said, " My liege, a 
 knight (who has evidently ridden hard, for
 
 94 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 his steed fell dead as he entered the Castle), 
 demands instant speech with you." 
 
 " Bring him to our presence at once," replied 
 John. 
 
 The servant withdrew, and shortly after 
 returned in company with the knight, whose 
 travel- stained and dusty appearance betokened 
 the length of his journey. 
 
 "Sir John Huntingfield!" said the King, 
 " Comest thou as a messenger from the Governor 
 of Rochester Castle ? If our memory serves 
 us, that is the stronghold thou wast appointed 
 to." 
 
 " My liege," replied Sir John, " you are right. 
 I have come from Rochester Castle." 
 
 " Has De Cramaville sent thee ?" asked John. 
 " Alas, no ! he is dead." 
 
 "Dead I 1 ' echoed John. "This is too much. 
 Whom hast thou left in charge of the Castle ?" 
 
 " Sir William D'Albini." 
 
 "Confusion to bim !'' cried John. " By what 
 right was he installed Governor ?" 
 
 "By the right of might," replied Sir John. 
 
 "Thou speakest in riddles," said the King- 
 angrily. "Give us the plain meaning thereof." 
 
 " My liege," replied Sir John, " as soon as 
 your letter arrived, a look-out was kept every
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 95 
 
 night for De Boves. The night before last ships 
 arrived at the Water Stairs of the Castle. The 
 leader of the party was the first to mount the 
 steps, and he gave the password of ' Death to 
 the Barons !' I went to inform the Governor 
 of the arrival of De Boves, when shortly after 
 the leader (whom we supposed to be he) arrived 
 in the Baron's Hall, and declared himself to be 
 Sir William D'Albini. The Governor and 
 those who were with him drew their swords, 
 and attacked D'Albini and his knights. The 
 Governor's foot slipped, and he was killed by a 
 log of wood falling upon him, but which had 
 been aimed at D'Albini.'' 
 
 " My liege," said De Burgh, " said I not truly, 
 e'en now, when I refused to join in this 
 banquet ? Had De Grama ville been at his post 
 this might not have happened." 
 
 " True, De Burgh," replied the King, " Would 
 we had more leaders like thyself. Then, turning 
 to Sir John, he inquired as to what had become 
 of the garrison. 
 
 " They were all taken on board the ships in 
 which D'Albini's force arrived, but I do not 
 know their destination," replied Sir John. 
 
 " How earnest thou to escape ?" inquired De 
 Burgh. 
 
 " I did not escape,'' replied Sir John, " but 
 was detained a prisoner by D'Albini till the
 
 96 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 morrow, and was sworn not to bear arms 
 against the Barons. D'Albini sent me here 
 with this message " Tell King John that we 
 perused his letter to the Governor of Eochester 
 Castle, ere it reached its destination, and 
 took steps to thwart his intentions by imper- 
 sonating De Boves, and so we gained the Castle. 
 Let this be a warning to him to act in strict 
 faith with the Barons in future, or beware of 
 their vengeance.'' 
 
 " By the Mass ! " thundered John, " he shall 
 rue that message. We will wrest the Castle from 
 him, though we spend a year before its walls." 
 
 " Whom did you entrust with the letter ?" 
 inquired De Burgh. 
 
 " Eudolph, one of our most faithful fol- 
 lowers," replied John ; " but it is plain he must 
 have turned traitor." 
 
 " Eudolf !" suddenly ejaculated Sir John, 
 " He did not bring the letter to the Castle. It 
 was one Walter Vynet." 
 
 "Yynet !" said John, in surprise, "Had he 
 any particular mark about his face ?" 
 
 " Yes ! a deep scar that greatly disfigured 
 him," replied Sir John. " He told the Governor 
 of the Castle that he received it in an encounter 
 with a wild beast at Windsor."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 97 
 
 " A wild beast !" roared John. " He also shall 
 dangle from the walls of the Castle. Would 
 we had killed him when we gave him that 
 wound." 
 
 "My liege," said Savaric de Mauleon, "what 
 do you intend doing ? '' 
 
 "To start for Rochester to-morrow at day- 
 break," replied John. "We will now to our 
 couches to rest, and with the morn away to 
 Rochester Castle and invest it." 
 
 "To Rochester Castle !" shouted the knights, 
 waving aloft their swords. 
 
 G
 
 CHAPTEE XYI. 
 THE GOVERNOR AND THE CAPTAIN. 
 
 EGBERT PENDE had seen the arrival of the 
 ships, but true to his promise he had not taken 
 any notice of them ; nor was he aware that 
 Sir William D'Albini had by stratagem won 
 the Castle, and brought about the death of Sir 
 Hugh de Cramaville. 
 
 The next morning he went into the house of 
 Nicholas Lethenard, whom he found seated at 
 the table, breaking his fast. There was also at 
 the same board his daughter ; while at the 
 lower end were seated his serving-men and 
 apprentices, for in those days master and 
 servant sat down at the same table, the only 
 difference being that according to their station 
 they were assigned positions at the board below 
 the salt. 
 
 " Good morrow, Eobert ! '' said Nicholas. 
 " Hast broken thy fast, or wilt do so now ? " 
 
 " Gramercy, Master Lethenard ! '' replied 
 Eobert, " I have already done so, and am on
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINL 99 
 
 my way to deliver this dagger to Sir Hugh de 
 Cramaville. There be some fresh arrivals at 
 the Castle, and perchance they may require 
 new armour.'' 
 
 "I wish thee success,'' said Nicholas. "Hast 
 any fresh news ? " 
 
 " Only the arrival of the ships, which thou 
 knowest of,'' replied Pende, "and the departure 
 of Sir John Huntingfield, who passed out of 
 the East Gate about half-aii-hour ago, accom- 
 panied as far as the gate by some stranger 
 knights. His mission must have been import- 
 ant, for he no sooner left the City than, 
 clapping spurs to his horse, he rode away as if 
 pursued." 
 
 " I wonder what has taken him so hurriedly 
 away," said Nicholas. 
 
 "I know not," replied Pende, "but I will 
 now go on to the Castle. If anything of 
 importance occurs thou shalt be informed at 
 once." 
 
 "We will now precede Pende in his visit to 
 Rochester Castle, and see how matters stand 
 with them there. 
 
 William D'Albini, when he found himself 
 master of the Castle, and its late occupants 
 were safely shipped and on their way to the
 
 100 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 Tower, at once took a survey of the fortifica- 
 tions, placing men at the various parts which 
 he deemed necessary to guard, and disposing 
 of others in such a manner as his military 
 knowledge suggested. He permitted none to 
 retire to rest till daylight had enabled him to 
 inspect every part of the Castle. 
 
 He found it even stronger than he imagined 
 it to be, every care having been bestowed 
 upon it by the different Governors who had 
 held this important post ; but the stock of 
 provisions was very deficient. 
 
 Walter Yynet had also been assisting in the 
 work of exploration, and had just arrived at 
 the Barbican, when Pende blew the horn at 
 the gate. Vynet looked through the wicket, 
 and, seeing Pende, told the Warder to admit 
 him. 
 
 " So, my friend, we meet again," said Yynet, 
 " only with this difference the tables are 
 turned. What business hast thou at the 
 Castle?" 
 
 " I wish to see the Governor," replied Pende. 
 
 "Which character art thou enacting IK/\\ ?" 
 said Yynet " the armourer, or the captain of 
 the guard?" 
 
 " Since thou seemest to be in authority," 
 replied Pende, "I will let thee know that I 
 came as armourer."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINL 101 
 
 Calling to some of the men, Vynet said, 
 " Guard this man till I return. I believe he is 
 a spy, but we shall soon prove whether he be 
 or not." 
 
 Yynet then went in search of D'Albini, and 
 informed him that Pende was inquiring for 
 the Governor of the Castle. 
 
 " How had we better deal with him ?'' said 
 D'Albini. 
 
 " He is an upright and brave man," said 
 De Comhill. " I should let him know that 
 we have possession of the Castle, and then try 
 to win him to our cause ; but I am afraid he 
 will not join us, having sworn allegiance to 
 the King." 
 
 " Bring him hither, Vynet," said D'Albini. 
 
 Yynet departed on his errand, but shortly 
 after returned, and said, " Pende awaits with- 
 out." 
 
 " Admit him, 5 ' said D'Albini. 
 
 " What, ho, there ! bring in the prisoner ! '' 
 shouted Yynet. 
 
 Pende was ushered into the chamber, and 
 was surprised on beholding D'Albini and 
 De Cornhill. 
 
 " Sir Knight," he said, " why am I a 
 prisoner ? "
 
 102 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " Thou art now free," said Vynet. " I was 
 merely repaying thee for thy kind attention 
 to myself the other night." 
 
 "I did but do my duty," boldly replied 
 Pende. 
 
 "We know that," said De Cornhill, "and 
 respect thee for it." 
 
 "I wish to see Sir Hugh de Cramaville," 
 said Pende, "as I have brought the dagger 
 that he wants.'' 
 
 " Alas ! he will want arms no more," said 
 Eeginald. " He is dead." 
 
 " Dead ! " said Pende in surprise. 
 
 "It is indeed true," said D'Albini. "I am 
 now the Governor of the Castle, holding it on 
 behalf of the Barons of England. We gained 
 the Castle by stratagem. De Cramaville fell 
 trying to regain it." 
 
 " I am grieved to hear of the Governor's 
 death," replied Pende. " Thou knowest that 
 I owe allegiance to the King, and will faith- 
 fully execute my trust." 
 
 " Thou wilt not attempt to retake the Castle," 
 said D'Albini with a smile. 
 
 " No, my lord," replied Pende, " but I shall 
 at once send off a messenger to inform the 
 King."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 103 
 
 "That would be needless," said D'Albini, 
 "for we have already despatched Sir John 
 Huntingfield to Dover with a message of 
 defiance, and expect soon to see John and his 
 mercenaries before the Castle." 
 
 "Sir William D'Albini," said Pende, "I 
 came to the Castle in good faith, expecting to 
 see Sir Hugh de Cramaville. Am I at liberty 
 to depart?" 
 
 " Thou art free to depart e'en when thou 
 choosest," replied D'Albini. " Though circum- 
 stances force us to be enemies, we, at least, 
 will be honourable ones ; and, to prove it, I 
 crave a boon of thee." 
 
 "If it is consistent with my duty to the 
 King," replied Robert, "it is granted ere it is 
 asked." 
 
 "I thank thee," replied D'Albini, "and am 
 too much a soldier to ask aught that is not 
 consistent with thy duty. The boon I ask is 
 that thou wilt make the necessary arrange- 
 ments for the burial of Sir Hugh de Cramaville 
 in yon Priory. Here is my purse to pay what 
 the Monks demand, and also for Masses for his 
 soul's repose.'' 
 
 " Right willingly will I undertake the sad 
 trust," said Pende.
 
 104 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 "I give thee thanks,'' replied D'Albini, 
 " and if ever it lies in my power to do thee a 
 service, fail not to remind me of it, although 
 I am afraid the next time we meet 'twill be at 
 the sword's point/' 
 
 "In whatever way we meet there is no 
 doubt but that we shall greet each other as 
 brave men should," replied Pende. 
 
 " I doubt it not, Sir Captain," said D'Albini. 
 "Wilt thou now follow me to the Chapel ?" 
 
 Leading the way up the stairs, D'Albini 
 entered a small door on the left hand, which 
 gave admission to the Chapel. Here lay the 
 body of De Cramaville on a bier, fully armed, 
 with the exception of his helmet, which was 
 placed upon his breast ; while above his head 
 was suspended his banner. The sun was 
 shining brightly through the windows on to 
 the body, causing the polished steel armour to 
 reflect back its rays like a mirror. 
 
 By the direction of D'Albini a party of men 
 lifted the bier, and bore it towards the Priory, 
 followed to the Barbican of the Castle by 
 D'Albini, De Cornhill, and several of the 
 knights bareheaded.
 
 CHAPTER XYIL 
 AEEIVAL OF KING JOHN AT ROCHESTER. 
 
 THE morning of the llth of October, in the 
 year 1215, broke with an autumnal mist. The 
 ancient City of Rochester was enveloped in 
 the cloud, which, as the sun rose, gradually 
 gave way to a beautiful bright day ; the walls 
 of the City, the Castle, and Priory, with its 
 Church, standing out in bold relief against a 
 clear sky. 
 
 Within the walls a state of excitement 
 prevailed. The civic guard were standing 
 around the East Gate, with armour cleaned 
 and burnished, reflecting the rays of the sun 
 at each turn of the warriors ; for the citizens 
 of Rochester had learnt not only how to carry 
 arms, but also to use them in the defence of 
 their property. 
 
 Nicholas Lethenard, the worthy portreeve, 
 was there in a strong suit of armour made by 
 Pende, who accompanied him. To both these
 
 106 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 dignitaries the inhabitants looked up as to the 
 principal persons of the City Nicholas, for 
 his knowledge and sage advice in its govern- 
 ment ; and Eobert Pende, as the leader of the 
 warlike spirits who guarded the City. 
 
 On the walls were an eager group of citizens, 
 all gazing intently on the great highway from 
 Canterbury. Why were they thus eagerly 
 scanning this road in particular ? It was 
 owing to the arrival of Sir John Huntingfield 
 on the previous evening on his way to his 
 estate, bringing the news of the march of 
 King John, whom he had left encamped for 
 the night near Sittingbourne. 
 
 Suddenly a cheer burst from those on the 
 walls, for they had just discerned a body of 
 soldiers coming over the brow of the hills in 
 the distance. A small party of knights were 
 evidently in advance, and were hurrying on 
 before the main body. As they approached 
 nearer it was found that King John was in 
 command, attended by a number of the 
 mercenary leaders. 
 
 Kobert Pende, as soon as he was certain that 
 it was the King, sounded the bugle he wore 
 at his side, and marshalled his men into a 
 compact body just within the East Gate. 
 Mounting their horses, Pende and Lethenard
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 107 
 
 took their places at the head of the guard, 
 and there awaited the coming of John. 
 
 In a short time King John and his party 
 arrived at the East Gate, where they were 
 greeted with cheers by the citizens. 
 
 Nicholas Lethenard advanced to meet the 
 King, and, bowing till his head almost touched 
 his saddle-bow, said, " Welcome, my liege, to 
 your loyal City of Eochester ! " 
 
 " By the mass ! '' replied John, " we are glad 
 to visit our possessions, but we like not the 
 occasion of it. The rebel D'Albini, however, 
 shall feel our wrath." 
 
 " My liege," said the Portreeve, " if you will 
 deign to accept of some refreshment at my 
 poor abode a short distance up the street I 
 shall feel honoured." 
 
 " Sir Portreeve," replied John, " we thank 
 thee for thy courtesy. We will, however, only 
 stay to take a stoup of wine in the saddle, for 
 the dust has nearly choked us, and will then 
 on to summon the Castle to surrender. Whose 
 men are drawn up here ? '' 
 
 " These, my liege," said Nicholas, " are the 
 civic guard under the command of Robert 
 Pende, the armourer." 
 
 " By my soul!" ejaculated John. " A noble 
 body. Their soldierly bearing and well-
 
 108 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 burnished armour contrast strongly with the 
 majority of mine own followers." 
 
 " Though our men be not so well equipped," 
 said Sir Peter de Mauley, " you will find they 
 will fight equally well." 
 
 " We doubt it not," replied the King, anxious 
 to conciliate Sir Peter. "Let us proceed to 
 the Portreeve's dwelling, and try his wine, for 
 my tongue cleaveth to my mouth." 
 
 Nicholas Lethenard led the way to his 
 house, followed by the King and his nobles. 
 Upon arriving there Nicholas called loudly 
 for wine to be brought. The fair Idonea 
 appeared, carrying goblets; while behind came 
 a serving man, bearing two flagons of wine. 
 The first goblet that was filled was handed 
 by Idonea to the King, who emptied it at a 
 draught. 
 
 "Truly," said John, "We know not which to 
 praise most thy wine or thy daughter for 
 they are both beyond comparison. 5 ' 
 
 While John was waiting for the rest to be 
 served with wine, he was casting side-long 
 glances at the fair daughter of Nicholas, much 
 to her discomfiture. 
 
 There was one of the knights also who was 
 scrutinising Idonea, but with vastly different 
 feelings. This was Savaric de Mauleon.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 109 
 
 " How now, De Mauleon," said John, " art 
 captivated by the good looks of the damsel ?'' 
 
 " My liege," replied De Mauleon, " her face 
 and figure carry me back to my youthful 
 days. She reminds me of my sister, who was 
 lost at sea." 
 
 The party had now finished drinking the 
 wine, and began to make their way to the 
 Barbican of the Castle, led by John, and 
 followed by the civic guard, and a whole host 
 of the soldiers, who had by this time made 
 their way into the City. 
 
 Arriving at the Castle Hill, a herald rode 
 forth from the ranks, and blew a blast on his 
 bugle, at the sound of which William D'Albini, 
 completely sheathed in armour, came to the 
 battlements of the Barbican, and demanded to 
 know the reason of the summons. 
 
 The herald answered him thus : " John, 
 King of England, here present, demands the 
 instant surrender of this his Eoyal Castle of 
 Rochester from the hands of William D'Albini. 
 The said D'Albini and the rebels who are with 
 him to be dealt with as the King may think 
 fit." 
 
 To this demand D'Albini replied, " Tell the 
 tyrant John that the Barons of England have 
 fully discovered his treachery, and have placed
 
 110 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 
 
 this Castle of Kochester in my keeping, to be 
 held on their behalf, and I will surrender it 
 only at the last extremity ; also bid John 
 beware, or the Barons will inflict such 
 chastisement on him as he deserves for his 
 treachery." 
 
 When John heard this reply to his demands, 
 he raved and swore that he would not leave 
 till he had captured the Castle. He at once 
 commanded the walls to be invested, and 
 from that time till sundown he worked with 
 fitful energy to make the surrender of the 
 Castle a certainty. 
 
 By this time the old City of Eochester was 
 filled to its utmost capacity. 
 
 The citizens, who in the early part of the 
 day had greeted the King and his followers 
 with cheers, now began to wear grave faces, 
 and to regret the reception into their midst of 
 such a motley and reckless set. 
 
 The bands of men belonging to the mercenary 
 leaders were accoutred according to the custom 
 of the country from which they came, present- 
 ing to the eye a variety of men and armour of 
 every country and date. 
 
 The language, too, that one heard on every 
 side, mixed as it was with strange oaths and 
 obscene words, comprehended every known
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. Ill 
 
 tongue of the Continent, reminding the hearer 
 of the Tower of Babel. 
 
 If this assemblage of murderers and cut- 
 throats the representatives of vice of every 
 shade was terrifying to the citizens, it was 
 regarded by the Monks of St. Andrew's Priory 
 with absolute fear. The Monks represented 
 to Bishop Benedict the utter lawlessness of 
 the men, so that he ordered the gates of the 
 Priory to be fast closed and barricaded. 
 
 The Bishop went to the Cemetery Gate, in 
 the High Street, and from the windows saw 
 the behaviour of the men, congratulating 
 himself on having closed the gates, and fondly 
 believing that he was secure within the 
 precincts of his sanctuary. He little knew 
 the fiend in human form with whom he had 
 to deal.
 
 CHAPEE XYIII. 
 SACEILEGE. 
 
 KING JOHN, as we have seen in the last 
 chapter, at once commenced operations against 
 the Castle. This, however, was not done 
 without opposition on the part of those within. 
 From the loopholes in the Keep and the 
 towers on the walls arrows and other missiles 
 were sent on their deadly errand, enraging the 
 besiegers and sending many a ruffian to the 
 ground. Nevertheless, the work of investing 
 this stronghold still went on. 
 
 One of John's first objects was to destroy the 
 bridge over the Medway , and thus effectually 
 bar the progress of the Barons if they attempted 
 to come to the assistance of D'Albini. This 
 he ordered Pende to do. 
 
 It was with a sad heart that Eobert Pende 
 obeyed the instruction to damage the bridge 
 over which he had passed so many times. He 
 knew full well the trouble there would be in 
 getting it repaired when the siege was over.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINX 113 
 
 However, there was no gainsaying the King's 
 commands ; so, taking with him a number of 
 the civic guard and several craftsmen of the 
 City, he commenced with hammer and saw to 
 cut away and break down the joists of the 
 wooden bridge from pier to pier. So well did 
 he work, assisted by the men, that by midnight 
 he had succeeded in making a terrible gap in 
 the centre of the structure. 
 
 During the latter part of the afternoon John 
 came to the bridge to see how the work of 
 destruction was progressing, and gave further 
 commands to Pende about barricading the 
 bridge. Whilst so engaged, Sir Peter de 
 Mauley came up with countenance darkened 
 by rage. "My liege," said he, "methinks your 
 reverend monks of Rochester show but scant 
 courtesy to your anointed head." 
 
 "What meanest thou, Sir Peter?'' inquired 
 John. 
 
 " Those rascally monks,'' replied Sir Peter 
 "not content with taking up about a third 
 part of the City in time of peace, have had 
 the temerity to fasten up their Priory Gates to 
 prevent us from using some of their surplus 
 
 room.'' 
 
 "True dogs in the manger," replied the 
 King. "They cannot use it themselves, and 
 
 will not allow anyone else to do so.'' 
 
 H
 
 114 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " By my father's soul !" said one of the 
 leaders, " I would strip their Piiory for them, 
 and reward these honest followers of thine ; 
 'twould be an incentive for them to keep to 
 our banner.'' 
 
 " By the mass, thou art right !" said John. 
 "We will storm the Priory, and give these 
 drones a lesson." 
 
 " To the Priory !" shouted the leaders, and 
 the cry was taken up by the men-at-arms, 
 eager as they could be to take part in anything 
 that promised them a share of spoil. 
 
 Down the street strode John, his anger 
 gathering as he went, artfully stimulated by 
 the remarks of some of the mercenary leaders. 
 On reaching the Cemetery Gate John knocked 
 with the pommel of his sword against the 
 massive oak doors with such fury, that he 
 made the archway beyond echo. 
 
 The wicket was opened, and a monk 
 demanded the reason of the summons. 
 
 " Open the gates at once !" thundered John. 
 
 " My orders," replied the Monk, " are not to 
 open the gates to anyone.'' 
 
 "Nevertheless, thou must obey our Koyal 
 order." 
 
 "I obey the Bishop," replied the Monk, 
 and have naught to do with Kings." 
 
 The King, upon hearing the reply of the
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 115 
 
 Monk, used some dreadful imprecations, and 
 commanded the gates to be burst in. 
 
 "Kun to the Bridge, my men," said Sir 
 Peter de Mauley, " and bring hither one of the 
 massive beams they have dislodged, for that 
 is the sort of key we must have to open the 
 gates with." 
 
 A number of men ran to the Bridge, and, 
 selecting a piece of oak about twenty feet 
 long, carried it 011 their shoulders down the 
 High Street to the gates. They next procured 
 ropes, which they fastened round the beam, 
 by which to hold it, and then with a cheer 
 commenced battering in the gates, which shook 
 with the force of the blows, but did not give 
 way, for they were made of oak, cross-banded, 
 and thickly studded with iron bolts. 
 
 Again and again did these men return to 
 the charge until at length the gates were 
 splintered, and one gave way with a crash. 
 John at once rushed into the Priory Precincts, 
 followed by the mob. He made straight for 
 the Cathedral, where he found Bishop Benedict 
 and nearly the whole of the Monks of the 
 Priory gathered, supplicating the Saints to 
 protect them. 
 
 John strode up to the Altar, before which 
 stood Bishop Benedict, and, addressing him, 
 said, '--My Lord Bishop, what meanest thou by
 
 116 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 
 
 closing the gates of thy Priory to a Servant of 
 the Church and King of this Kealm ? " 
 
 " My son," replied the Bishop, " I did it to 
 defend this holy sanctuary from these lawless 
 men." 
 
 " My Lord Bishop," replied John, " for the 
 trouble we have had in forcing an entrance to 
 these precincts, we will teach thee a lesson by 
 taking up our quarters here ; and, for the 
 insult to our followers, they have our per- 
 mission to pillage the Priory and Church." 
 
 " My son,'' said Benedict, in a stern voice, 
 "touch but one small crucifix and I will 
 excommunicate you and your host.'' 
 
 " Dost threaten us ?" replied John. " Knowest 
 thou that we rank as a Prince of the Holy 
 Church, and that thou, although a Bishop, art 
 only a servant and our inferior ?" Turning to 
 some of his followers, he said, "Take this 
 proud Prelate and confine him in a strong 
 room of the Priory, feeding him on bread and 
 water until his haughty spirit is bowed." 
 
 The men seized hold of the unfortunate 
 Bishop, and locked him in a room of Gundulf 's 
 Bell Tower which adjoined the Cathedral, and 
 then hurried back for fear of losing their share 
 of the spoil. 
 
 " To the Eefectory !" cried the King, " and 
 try the cheer of those saintly monks. We will
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 117 
 
 take the shavelings with us to minister to our 
 wants." 
 
 Many of the knights and men - at - arms 
 followed the King to the Kefectory, some of 
 them standing badly in need of refreshments, 
 having toiled at the siege of the Castle after a 
 long march. 
 
 The rest remained in the Cathedral, ran- 
 sacking the holy fane. The monks were 
 roughly thrust aside from the altars, and 
 everything of value stolen therefrom. The 
 rich vestments were appropriated by the men- 
 at-arms, and others were busy with their 
 daggers loosening and extracting the precious 
 metals and stones with which the shrines were 
 inlaid. 
 
 The work of desecration was going on apace, 
 when some of the men noticed the door of the 
 ancient Chapter Eoom leading from the 
 chapel. They tried to open it, but found it 
 locked and bolted on the inside. They imme- 
 diately tried to force an entrance, but the 
 stout oak door resisted their efforts, although 
 the men-at-arms endeavoured to batter it in 
 with their maces and other heavy weapons. 
 Finding they made little or no impression 
 on the door, they paused to take breath, and 
 consulted about the advisability of bringing a 
 battering-ram to force an entrance, when the
 
 118 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 door suddenly opened, and Helias, the Prior of 
 St. Andrew's, stood in the open doorway. 
 
 The Prior was a man of commanding stature, 
 with strongly knit frame, and formed an 
 imposing figure as he stood facing the infu- 
 riated mercenaries, armed only with a strong 
 and heavy mace. 
 
 " Forbear ! '' said he, in a voice of thunder. 
 " This room contains naught of value to tempt 
 your cupidity ; only the ancient writings of 
 the early Bishops and other books relating to 
 ecclesiastical matters.'' 
 
 " 'Tis a lie ! '' shouted some of the men. 
 " We will see for ourselves." 
 
 " Again I say, Forbear ! " replied the Prior. 
 " The first man who attempts to pass this 
 threshold shall feel the weight of my mace ; 
 and to enter this room he must pass over my 
 prostrate body." 
 
 " Have at him," said one of the men. " Are 
 we to be defied by a single monk ? '' 
 
 " No ! " shouted the men. 
 
 They made a rush at the Prior, and tried to 
 force their way into the Chapter Eoom. The 
 Prior calmly awaited the onslaught, but when 
 they came close to him, he swung the mace 
 with such rapidity that many of his opponents 
 fell back wounded and disabled. 
 
 There is no doubt but that the men would
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 119 
 
 have conquered at last by force of numbers 
 had not, at that moment, Savaric de Mauleon 
 rushed into the chancel with many of his 
 followers, and, driving back the men who were 
 attacking the Prior, commanded them to leave 
 the Cathedral. They informed him that they 
 had the authority of the King for what they 
 were doing ; but to all this Savaric de Mauleon 
 lent a deaf ear, and speedily cleared the build- 
 ing. Placing some of his men at the entrances, 
 he commanded them to look to the safety of 
 the monks, and then went himself to see the 
 Prior, who had so bravely kept the Chapter 
 Eoom.
 
 CHAPTEK XIX. 
 COMRADES. 
 
 HAVING seen his men placed to guard the 
 entrances to the Cathedral, Savaric de Mauleon 
 strode from the great West door, along the 
 nave and up the steps to the chancel, which 
 was now quite deserted save for the presence 
 of the Prior, who was kneeling before the 
 shrine of St. Paulinus, engaged in fervent 
 prayer. 
 
 Savaric, finding the Prior thus devoutly 
 occupied, folded his arms over his breast, and 
 stood there watching him with a meditative 
 gaze. After some time spent in prayer the 
 Prior rose, and beholding Savaric de Mauleon, 
 started with surprise. 
 
 "What ! mine old comrade-in-arms turned 
 monk ? " said Savaric. 
 
 " Yes, 'tis even so," replied the Prior. " When 
 I returned from the Crusades, I found my wife 
 and children had died, having caught a fever 
 that was prevalent in the district. My grief
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 121 
 
 was great, for never had knight a truer or 
 better wife. I was broken in spirit, and 
 suffering from wounds received in encounters 
 with infidels in Palestine ; and mine old com- 
 panions in arms, I knew not where. Being 
 alone in the world, I determined to seek that 
 consolation which only our holy religion can 
 give." 
 
 " But how earnest thou at Eochester ? " 
 asked Savaric. 
 
 " I entered the Benedictine Brotherhood,'' 
 replied the Prior, " at Waltune in Suffolk 
 (where there is a cell, dependent on the Priory 
 of Saint Andrew), and was afterwards trans- 
 ferred to this Priory. On the death of Father 
 Kalph, the late Prior, I was chosen to fill his 
 place." 
 
 " I thought, when I saw that mace of thine 
 at work," said Savaric, "that I knew who 
 wielded it.'' 
 
 " I give thee thanks, Savaric," said the Prior, 
 "for coming to my rescue, and saving this 
 poor carcase of mine ; but more so for saving 
 the manuscripts in the Chapter Boom." 
 
 " My men tell me," said Savaric, " that thy 
 Bishop is confined somewhere about here by 
 John's orders. We will release him." 
 
 " But will not that raise the King's anger," 
 said the Prior, " and perchance make him deal
 
 122 WILLIAM D'ALBINL 
 
 still more harshly with us ? " 
 
 " Tut, man ! what care I for John ? '' replied 
 Savaric. " He dares not to cross me, for I am 
 too powerful, and he cannot do without me. If 
 I withdraw my men from his assistance, he 
 will have to abandon the siege of Eochester 
 Castle." 
 
 " Let us search at once for Bishop Benedict," 
 said the Prior. 
 
 "There is no need to do that," replied 
 Savaric, " if thou canst tell me which is Gun- 
 dulf's Bell Tower." ( 4 ) 
 
 " I will guide thee to it," replied the Prior. 
 
 He led the way to the North transept of the 
 chancel, and down the steps, which were worn 
 hollow by the pilgrims to the shrine of St. 
 Paulinus ; and opening a small door in the 
 wall of the North aisle, they crossed the yard 
 to the Bell Tower. There they found the 
 Bishop sitting on a bench, lamenting the fate 
 of the Cathedral. 
 
 " Woe unto me," he cried, " that I should 
 have lived to see John commit this act of 
 desecration to my Cathedral, after standing by 
 him when he needed it, and joining Pandulf, 
 the Pope's Legate, in declaring the Barons 
 accursed. 3 ' 
 
 "Put not thy faith in Princes," said Savaric. 
 
 " Oh, that I were free ! " said Benedict. " I
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 123 
 
 would at once seek Stephen Langton, the 
 Archbishop, who would fearlessly oppose this 
 tyrant." 
 
 " We have come to set thee at liberty,'' said 
 the Prior. " Savaric do Mauleon came to my 
 rescue, as I was defending the Chapter Boom 
 from the intrusion of the King's followers, and 
 saved my life." 
 
 " If he will but give me a horse, and get me 
 out of this city," said the Bishop, " I will 
 bestow my blessing upon him. I have no 
 other means of reward." 
 
 " A horse thou shalt have, and I will see 
 thee safely out of the South Gate, as that is the 
 most convenient." 
 
 The trio proceeded through the North door 
 to the West end of the Cathedral, and then, 
 procuring a horse from one of his men, Savaric 
 saw the Bishop depart safely out of the City. 
 
 Savaric and the Prior now turned their steps 
 towards the Cathedral, Savaric proposing that 
 they should go to the Priory and see how John 
 was disporting himself. 
 
 " 'Ere we go there," said the Prior, " I would 
 claim a few words with thee in private. If 
 thou wilt follow me, I will take thee to a 
 place where we shall not be disturbed.' 5 
 
 .Re-entering the Cathedral, they went down 
 the South aisle, across the transept of the nave
 
 124 WILLIAM 
 
 to a small room, that appeared to be built in 
 the thickness of the wall. 
 
 Ascending two or three steps, they entered 
 by a narrow doorway and found themselves in 
 a small chamber, lighted by a window between 
 the buttresses. Carefully closing the door, the 
 Prior said, " Savaric, what I am now about to 
 inform thee relates to thine own kindred." 
 
 " 'Tis strange that I should come this dis- 
 tance, and then hear tidings of my family." 
 
 " The ways of Providence are wonderful,'' 
 replied the Prior. " Dost thou remember thy 
 only sister ? " 
 
 "Truly I do,'' replied Savaric. "I was 
 forcibly reminded of her this morning, when 
 the daughter of the portreeve gave the cup 
 of wine to the King." 
 
 "Well do I remember," said the Prior, 
 " sitting in our tent one evening in Palestine, 
 when a new arrival brought the news that 
 Idonea de Mauleoii, when on a voyage along 
 the coast from Brittany to Normandy, was 
 drowned. The vessel was believed to have 
 been wrecked, as there was a terrible storm at 
 the time." 
 
 " Ah ! well do I also remember that evening," 
 replied Savaric. 
 
 " On my coming to Eochester," continued 
 the Prior, " I was surprised to find Idonea
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 125 
 
 a resident in this City, married to one of its 
 merchants, a man of high integrity, their 
 family consisting of one child, a daughter, the 
 exact counterpart of her mother, only in 
 miniature." 
 
 " 'Twas she whom I saw this morning,'' 
 broke in Savaric. " I knew it, for there was a 
 strange yearning in my breast when I beheld 
 her." 
 
 " Thou art right ; she is the daughter of 
 Nicholas Lethenard. The vessel, on which thy 
 sister embarked, encountered the gale. The 
 sailors were all washed overboard, while the 
 maiden who was with her leapt into the sea in 
 sheer fright and was drowned. Thy sister 
 swooned, and remembered nothing more, till, 
 recovering consciousness, she found herself 
 on a larger vessel, being carefully attended by 
 a young man. Nicholas Lethenard (for he it 
 was) had undertaken a voyage on matters 
 connected with his business ; and after en- 
 countering a storm sighted a vessel, tossed 
 helplessly about by the waves. With feelings 
 of humanity, he desired the captain to run 
 alongside the derelict, to see if there were any 
 of the crew still remaining, when, to his great 
 surprise, he found only thy sister, apparently 
 dead. He conveyed her on board his own 
 ship, and by kind attention managed to bring
 
 126 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 her round. They continued the voyage to 
 Eochester, treating Idonea with every respect 
 and consideration. Nicholas, learning the 
 friendless situation of Idonea and being deeply 
 in love with her, asked and obtained her con- 
 sent to become his wife. They were married 
 in this Cathedral, and a few years afterwards 
 thy sister was buried in the Cemetery of the 
 Priory, leaving Nicholas and his young 
 daughter to mourn for her." 
 
 " I will claim kinship with them anon, but 
 till then tell no one of this,'' said Savaric. "In 
 the meantime I will guard them, and see that 
 they are not robbed by any of the rabble who 
 are with us.'' 
 
 " Thy secret shall be kept,'' replied the 
 Prior. 
 
 " I have changed my mind, and will not go 
 to John at present," said Savaric, " but will 
 visit the men, and see that all is well round 
 the defences. That will allow me time to 
 ponder on what I havs just heard.'' 
 
 Taking leave of Prior Helias, Savaric went 
 to the outworks of the Castle, and, with the 
 quick eye of a leader, noted how the siege was 
 progressing. From thence he went to the 
 Bridge, and, passing under the Barbican, he 
 met Lethenard and Pende. 
 
 u Good even, my friends ! " said Savaric. " I
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 127 
 
 was about to see how you had fortified the 
 Bridge.'' 
 
 " Come this way, sir knight,'' said Pende. " I 
 shall be glad of any suggestion which thy 
 experience may give/' 
 
 The trio went towards the centre of the 
 Bridge, where Savaric pointed out to Pende 
 several things that could be done to strengthen 
 
 o o 
 
 its defences, at which the citizens were still 
 labouring. 
 
 Savaric turned to retrace his steps, and said 
 to Nicholas, " Worthy Portreeve, I must now 
 get me down into the City to look for quarters, 
 for I have been at the siege till a short time 
 ago, when the noise at the Priory attracted my 
 attention, and, calling to some of my followers, 
 I went to inquire into the cause thereof." 
 
 "Is it true that the Bishop is a prisoner, the 
 Prior dead, and the Cathedral sacked ? " 
 inquired Pende. 
 
 " Stop ! sir captain," laughed Savaric. "Pro- 
 pound not too many questions at once. The 
 Bishop was a prisoner, but I have liberated 
 him, and he is now on his way to the Arch- 
 bishop to lay his plaint before him. I rescued 
 the Prior, or he would have been slain while 
 fighting nobly. The Cathedral has been sacked, 
 but that can soon be put right. The crafty
 
 128 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 monks know well how to secure more gold and 
 silver, I ween.'' 
 
 " Sir Knight," said Nicholas, " I also have a 
 question to propound. Thou desirest quarters. 
 Wilt thou deign to accept such accommodation 
 as my poor house affords ? " 
 
 "I will gladly accept thy offer, Master 
 Lethenard," replied Savaric. "Meanwhile, I 
 will go to the King, and rejoin thee after 
 seeing the guards posted for the night."
 
 CHAPTEK XX. 
 SAVAEIC DE MAULEON. 
 
 SAVAEIC DE MAULEON was a knight who had 
 gained renown in the Crusades, where he had 
 served under the banner of Eichard, Coeur de 
 Lion, the bravest knight in Christendom. 
 Through association with Eichard, he had 
 imbibed many of his manners, and at the same 
 time his noble and chivalrous ideas. 
 
 Savaric was just beyond the prime of life, 
 brave and fearless, his whole life having been 
 passed where battle raged, either in the 
 Crusades, or in some of the petty wars of 
 foreign potentates, by whom many parts of 
 the continent were kept in a constant state of 
 ferment. 
 
 It was no idle boast when he said that, if he 
 withdrew his assistance from John, the tyrant 
 would have to raise the siege of Eochester 
 Castle. Not only was his great military know- 
 ledge, combined with valour, of the greatest 
 importance to John, but so great was his fame, 
 that thousands had assembled under his 
 
 I
 
 130 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 banner to follow so renowned a leader to such 
 a rich country as England was reputed to be. 
 
 Savaric, as we have seen, left the Bridge and 
 walked towards the out-works in order to 
 ascertain whether the guards were set for the 
 night round the Castle. He walked down the 
 High Street in a meditative mood, his breast 
 swelling with tumultuous feelings. Proceed- 
 ing round the out -works, he found that 
 everything was in order to guard against 
 surprise from those within the Castle. 
 
 Savaric then went to the Priory, and, when 
 once within the precincts, there was no need 
 to inquire where the King was holding his 
 revels, for the sounds of merriment were a 
 sufficient guide. John had selected the Chapter 
 House for this purpose. 
 
 The Chapter House was situated on the 
 south side of the Cathedral, and was used by 
 the Prior and monks when assembled in 
 solemn conclave. Here also they proceeded to 
 the election of a Prior from one of their own 
 brotherhood whenever that office became 
 vacant ; and all other matters of importance 
 were transacted there by them. 
 
 What a contrast, on this October evening, to 
 the usual quietude that was wont to be 
 observed in the Priory and its precincts, for 
 the Benedictine Brotherhood were bound by
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 131 
 
 their rules to keep the strictest silence in all 
 their religious buildings. 
 
 "When Savaric de Mauleon entered the 
 Chapter House, he found the King seated in 
 the Prior's chair at the head of the table, his 
 face flushed with wine. Around the table 
 were gathered many of his followers, attacking 
 the good cheer that was before them, or paying 
 deep attention to the flagons of wine, for 
 which the Priory cellars were noted. 
 
 The monks were compelled to act the part of 
 attendants at this Bacchanalian feast, and 
 many scurrilous jests as well as rough horse- 
 play were levelled at them by the revellers. 
 
 " Bring more wine," said the King to one of 
 the monks ; "in faith, thou art somewhat 
 niggardly with it." 
 
 "My liege," said one of the Knights, "they 
 need not be, for they have plenty. I saw a 
 number of barrels when I went to the cellars 
 a- while ago." 
 
 " Tis a good thought," said the King. " Thou, 
 knowing the way, hadst better accompany the 
 monk, to ensure that he does not add o ison 
 to the wine, to show his love for us." 
 
 " Now, monk, move thyself as if the devil 
 were after thee," said the knight, at the same 
 time pricking him with the point of his 
 dagger.
 
 132 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " I verily believe he is," said the monk. 
 
 The King, now observing Savaric, cried, 
 " Come hither, Sir Savaric de Mauleon. We 
 hear thou hast dared to release the Bishop of 
 Rochester, contrary to our commands." 
 
 " I have released the Bishop," replied Savaric ; 
 " but when thou sayest dared, marry ! what 
 is there that I dare not do ? " 
 
 " Eemember that this realm is ours,'' said 
 John, with drunken gravity, "and that our 
 commands are to be obeyed." 
 
 " Remember, also, that I am no subject of 
 yours," replied Savaric, " and can withdraw 
 my followers from your cause at once, if you 
 wish it." 
 
 " Nay, Sir Savaric," said John ; " we did but 
 jest, and will not let a miserable Bishop stand 
 between our friendship. But here comes more 
 wine ; let us pledge each other.*' 
 
 "Right willingly, my liege," said Savaric, 
 draining the cup that was handed to him. 
 
 " Stand not thus, De Mauleon," said John. 
 " Sit thee down and join us at our revels.'' 
 
 "Nay, my liege," he replied ; "this is no 
 time for revels. We have a skilful and brave 
 knight to contend with in D'Albini. I have 
 taken every precaution for the night, and I 
 now go to seek my couch, so as to be ready for 
 the morrow."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 133 
 
 " Fare thee well ! De Mauleon," said John. 
 " We will continue our revels, were it but to 
 harass these rebellious monks.'' 
 
 Wending his way from the precincts of the 
 Priory, Savaric entered the High Street and 
 went direct to the dwelling of Nicholas 
 Lethenard. By the order of Savaric, his ser- 
 vant had displayed his banner from an upper 
 window ; and on the outside of the house were 
 posted a couple of sentinels to guard the 
 building, and likewise to show the importance 
 of the leader, who had chosen this place for 
 his temporary abode. 
 
 Nicholas Lethenard welcomed his guest, and 
 led him to an apartment upstairs, overlooking 
 the High Street, where he caused Idonea to 
 place refreshments before the knight. 
 
 Savaric did full justice to the viands that 
 were set before him, at the same time 
 regarding Idonea attentively, and glancing 
 occasionally at Nicholas, who was busy 
 writing at the farther end of the table. 
 
 When the repast was over, and Savaric 
 found the servants had withdrawn, he said, 
 "My friends, if ye can spare time, I would 
 hold converse with you." 
 
 " Worthy knight," said Nicholas, " I have 
 finished, and am at thy service."
 
 134 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 "I am pleased to be quartered here with 
 thee," said Savaric. " It will enable me to be 
 a protection to you, while the siege of the 
 Castle goes on." 
 
 " Gramercy ! noble knight," said Nicholas. 
 " To think that I should have lived to see the 
 day when the Portreeve of the City of 
 Eochester should require protection in his 
 own dwelling ! '' 
 
 "Nay, Sir Portreeve,'' replied Savaric ; " 'twas 
 not so much to thy goods and chattels that I 
 alluded." 
 
 " To what else didst thou refer, sir knight ?" 
 asked Nicholas. 
 
 "Thou hast a daughter the fair Idonea," 
 replied Savaric. "Noticed thou the King's 
 admiring glances at her this morning, when 
 she handed him the wine ? " 
 
 " I did, sir knight," said Nicholas ; " but, 
 surely, the King would not meditate aught 
 against one of such humble degree as a poor 
 citizen's daughter." 
 
 "Pish ! thou knowest not John," replied 
 Savaric. " He intends to ride through Eng- 
 land serving fiiends and foes, as his captious 
 fancy takes him, killing all who oppose him, 
 and sparing neither maid nor wife who may 
 please him/'
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 135 
 
 " Then the saints protect us, v groaned 
 Nicholas ; " for to whom else shall we look for 
 protection ?" 
 
 " Why, marry, to me ! '' replied Savaric. " I 
 have both the power and the right to protect 
 you." 
 
 " The power thou undoubtedly hast,'* said 
 Nicholas ; " but to thy protection we can 
 claim no right." 
 
 " By our Lady ! " replied Savaric, " how 
 knowest thou that ?'' 
 
 "Who art thou, noble knight," inquired 
 Nicholas, " that thou should'st claim it as a 
 duty to protect us ? " 
 
 " A knight, not altogether unknown to fame 
 Sir Savaric de Mauleon brother to thy wife, 
 and uncle to her motherless child." 
 
 " Brother ! " said Nicholas, " protect my 
 child from the machinations of the King, and 
 thy sister will look down from heaven upon 
 thee, and bless thee." 
 
 " Niece," said Savaric, " come hither and let 
 me salute thy fair cheek." 
 
 Idonea embraced her uncle, who looked at 
 her again, and said, "Thou art the image of 
 thy mother. I saw the likeness when thou 
 didst hand the goblet to the King." 
 
 " How didst thou learn of our relationship ? " 
 queried Nicholas.
 
 136 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " From the Prior, Helias, just before I met 
 thee on the Bridge,' 5 said Savaric. " I also 
 discovered that the Prior was an old comrade 
 of mine, who knew my sister well. He was 
 surprised to find her a resident of this city, 
 when he believed that she had been drowned. 
 Idonea, I must caution thee, also, about some 
 of the roystering gallants who follow the 
 King's banner. Lose not thy heart to any of 
 them.'' 
 
 44 Nay, brother," replied Nicholas ; " have no 
 fear on that head, for Idonea is betrothed to 
 Bobert Pende, the Captain of the City Guard.'* 
 
 " I am glad to hear of it," said Savaric. " I 
 have both seen and conversed with him, and 
 he pleased me."
 
 CHAPTEE XXI. 
 THE BESIEGED. 
 
 A fortnight had elapsed since the arrival of 
 King John at Kochester, and the beginning of 
 the siege of the Castle. This time had not 
 been wasted by his forces. Thrice had they 
 attempted to storm the Castle ; but thanks to 
 the enormous solidity and height of the walls, 
 as well as the valour and military skill shown 
 by the defenders, John practically was no 
 nearer taking the Castle than on the first day 
 of his arrival. 
 
 Within the Castle the knights and men-at- 
 arms felt the utmost confidence, not only in 
 the manner in which the walls were guarded, 
 but also in the great skill displayed by William 
 D'Albini. 
 
 On the walls had been erected immense 
 engines for hurling huge stones down upon 
 the assailants ; and every method for strength- 
 ening the Castle, that skill could devise, had 
 been carried out. 
 
 D'Albini and De Cornhill were always on 
 duty in turn. Theirs had been no idle task,
 
 138 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 
 
 for ever and anon John and his leaders 
 attacked first one part of the walls and then 
 another ; and they would be frequently 
 menaced at two or three different points at 
 once. 
 
 It was after one of these attacks that 
 D'Albini and Keginald were refreshing them- 
 selves, and Yynet was also present in 
 attendance on them. 
 
 " By the mass ! '' said Keginald, " this has 
 been a hardish tussle ; but we have beaten 
 them back." 
 
 " It has, Keginald," replied D'Albini ; " and 
 our men have behaved with great bravery." 
 
 " I should think they must be getting tired 
 of these attacks,'' said Reginald. 
 
 " I hope not," replied D'Albini ; " for all the 
 while they continue thus the Castle is safe. 
 They have leaders of great skill amongst 
 them, and we know not to what stratagem 
 they will resort." 
 
 " We shall not be required to hold out long," 
 said Reginald, " for ere this Fitz-Walter has 
 learned of our being mewed up here, and, 
 according to the tenor of his oath, will be soon 
 advancing to our relief." 
 
 ' I take a different view, Reginald.'' replied 
 D'Albini. " Fitz-Walter is likely to leave us 
 to our fate. I noted the scowling glance he
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBDQ. 139 
 
 cast at me, on his discovering the amount of 
 popularity that I had attained in the Tower, 
 when all the soldiers wanted to follow me on 
 an unknown quest/' 
 
 "I did notice it, but did not attach any 
 importance to it." 
 
 " Reginald, when thou hast been in all 
 countries and had to study men's counten- 
 ances, as I have done, thou wilt learn that the 
 face is a true index to the feelings that are 
 within." 
 
 "He may play us false," said Reginald. 
 "We will, however, hold out as long as 
 possible." 
 
 " I have no fear of the Castle being taken, 
 all the time John pursues the same tactics," 
 replied D'Albini ; " but I am afraid that our 
 provisions will not hold out a lengthened 
 siege." 
 
 " How long, thinkest thou, that our pro- 
 visions will last ? " inquired Reginald. 
 
 " About a fortnight," replied D'Albini. 
 
 " Why not at once place the garrison on half 
 rations ? That would be better than being 
 starved out entirely," said Reginald. 
 
 " I will call the men together, and explain 
 matters to them," said D'Albini.
 
 140 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 "It will be better to do so," replied Reginald ; 
 " and let them know that knights and men-at- 
 arms will share alike." 
 
 It would be well if we could communicate 
 with the Barons," said D'Albini. "If they 
 were to send an army to attack John, we, too, 
 could so worry his men from the Castle that 
 they would be fairly caught in a trap.' 7 
 
 " How can we let the Barons know ? '' asked 
 Eeginald. 
 
 " My lords,'' said Yynet, " I have been your 
 messenger before. Let me again undertake 
 the task." 
 
 " How dost thou propose to get clear of 
 John's army ? " said D'Albini. 
 
 " There is the secret shaft leading to the 
 river. I am a good swimmer, and the tide will 
 be full about ten o'clock to-night. I could 
 float up the river, eluding their boats that are 
 scattered about, and, when a safe point has 
 been reached, I could land and make for Sir 
 Reginald's house at Maidstone, where I should 
 be able to get a horse, and borrow some dry 
 clothing." 
 
 " Thy plan is good," said Reginald ; " but 
 thou wilt have to walk about seven miles in 
 thy wet garments." 
 
 " That will not hurt me," replied Yynet ; " I 
 have been in worse plights than that.''
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 141 
 
 " It is agreed, then, for thee to undertake 
 the mission, Yynet," said D'Albini. " To-night, 
 about an hour before the tide is full, thou 
 shalt start on thy journey, and the tide will 
 assist thee. Take this ring of mine. It will 
 gain for thee the credence of the Barons. 5 ' 
 
 " My lords, fear not but that I will inform 
 the Barons how you are now situated," said 
 Yynet. 
 
 D'Albini, Keginald and Yynet now went to 
 the great courtyard in the centre of the 
 enclosure ; and D'Albini, putting his bugle to 
 his lips, blew a blast, which quickly sum- 
 moned the garrison of the Castle. As soon as 
 they were assembled, the Governor addressed 
 them. 
 
 " Comrades," he said, " I find that the pro- 
 visions are running short, and we have not 
 enough to last a fortnight longer. "We will, 
 therefore, all go on short allowance, to enable 
 us to hold out as long as possible ; for we have 
 no quarter to expect from John and his mer- 
 cenaries, though we have hopes that, ere we get 
 to such extremities, the Barons will come, 
 according to their oaths, to our rescue. Walter 
 Yynet has offered to-night to elude the vigil- 
 ance of the King's army, and then proceed to 
 London to inform the Barons of our condition, 
 and so hasten them on."
 
 142 WILLIAM D'ALBIJSI. 
 
 " Long live our noble Leader ! " shouted the 
 men. " We will hold out till the last." 
 
 The same night Yynet, dressed in a leathern 
 jerkin and hose, armed only with a long 
 dagger that was fastened to his belt, could be 
 seen approaching the Water Tower, accom- 
 panied by D'Albini. Entering the Tower, they 
 opened a small door in the farther side, and 
 ascending a winding staircase, they came to a 
 chamber in the solid thickness of the wall. In 
 the floor of this room was an iron trap-door, 
 while overhead, fixed in a massive beam, was 
 a pulley with rope attached. 
 
 On raising the trap- door, a cold rush of air 
 came up from the chimney-like cavity, nearly 
 extinguishing the light in the lanthorn that 
 D'Albini carried ; while forty feet below could 
 be heard the waters of the Medway dashing 
 against the foundations. 
 
 " By the Mass ! " said Yynet, " it sounds as if 
 a legion of devils were tormenting the Medway 
 into a fury." 
 
 "I grieve, Yynet," replied D'Albini, "to 
 send thee on such a perilous journey.'' 
 
 " Tut ! my lord," replied Yynet ; " I shall 
 arrive in London in safety. 5 ' 
 
 Yynet tightened his belt, and loosened his 
 dagger in its sheath ; then, taking a firm grip 
 of the rope, he swung over the dark abyss.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 143 
 
 " Farewell ! my lord," he said, as D'Albini 
 lowered him into the river. 
 
 "When the rope was slackened, D'Albini 
 hauled it up, and, closing the trap, fastened it. 
 He then made his way to the ramparts to see 
 if he could discover Vynet ; but the darkness 
 was so intense that he could distinguish 
 nothing on the river beneath.
 
 CHAPTEK XXII. 
 
 YYNET'S MISSION. 
 
 WHEN Yynet was lowered, he found himself 
 gradually being immersed in water till it 
 reached his armpits, when he touched the 
 bottom. Feeling his feet on the shore, he let 
 go the rope by which he had been let down. 
 
 It was a chilly October night, and the waters 
 of the Medway sent a cold thrill all over 
 Yynet, as he stood there in the well - like 
 bottom of the shaft, with the light of 
 D'Albini's lanthorn casting a lurid gleam 
 upon the surging waters below. 
 
 As D'Albini closed the trap, it left Yynet in 
 utter darkness. He then groped his way along 
 a short tunnel till he arrived at the archway, 
 the apex of which rose about three feet above 
 the water, which at full tide would completely 
 cover it. 
 
 Standing there for a few seconds, he gazed 
 around him. Away on the right loomed the 
 Bridge, with the vast gap in the centre, 
 partially illuminated by the fitful glare of the
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 145 
 
 watch fire that had been lit in the middle of 
 the roadway ; while ever and anon the 
 sentinel, pacing backwards and forwards, 
 seemed for the moment to extinguish it. 
 
 In front of him and to the left, looking up 
 the river, was one dark expanse of water, 
 rushing wildly on, eddying and surging, and 
 now resembling a miniature sea, upon whose 
 bosom rode several vessels at anchor, dimly 
 outlined in the darkness. 
 
 Breathing a prayer to the Yirgin to protect 
 him, Yynet silently plunged into the Medway ; 
 and, swimming under water, he made for the 
 centre of the stream, only rising to take 
 breath, and again disappearing below the 
 surface. 
 
 Proceeding in this way for some distance, he 
 rose once more to take breath, when his head 
 came, with a sudden thud, into contact with 
 the side of one of the vessels. So severe was 
 the blow that, unconsciously, he gave vent to 
 a cry of agony. A man, who was on the look- 
 out on deck, and who had been imagining all 
 kinds of ghosts and spectres in the darkness, 
 was so alarmed at what he considered some- 
 thing supernatural, that he made a rush into 
 the cabin, firmly bolting himself in. 
 
 Yynet for a moment was compelled to hang 
 on to the rudder of the vessel till he recovered 
 
 K
 
 146 WILLIAM D'ALBINL 
 
 himself. He had seen the man run along the 
 deck, and expected that he had gone to call the 
 rest of the crew ; but, as no one appeared, he 
 gathered courage, and, seeing a small boat 
 moored to the vessel, he swam towards it, 
 clambering over its side. With the speed of one 
 who knows that every moment is of value, he 
 quickly severed the rope by which it was 
 fastened with his dagger, and let the boat 
 glide with the tide up the river. 
 
 When he had got a safe distance from the 
 vessel he took the oars, which, to his great joy, 
 he found in the boat, and proceeded to pull up 
 the stream. 
 
 About twelve o'clock he found himself at 
 Maidstone, when, steering his boat in to the 
 steps of De Cornhill's house, beneath the 
 shadow of the stately church of the Yirgin, 
 adjacent, he stepped on shore. He then cast 
 the boat adrift, and left it to float back with 
 the tide, which had now turned. 
 
 Carefully he went round the house, but all 
 was in darkness ; not a solitary light was to 
 be seen. He tried every means of gaining 
 admission, but all the doors had been care- 
 fully locked and barred, for these were times 
 when it behoved everyone to see that their 
 premises were carefully defended against 
 unwelcome intruders.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 147 
 
 Finding he could not gain admittance, and 
 being thoroughly exhausted with his labours, 
 he went to the adjoining church, and there, in 
 the large porch, lay down upon the benches 
 that were on either side of the doorway, soon 
 falling into a slumber. 
 
 With the break of day Yynet arose from his 
 wooden couch, and found that some of the 
 household of De Cornhill were stirring. He at 
 once communicated their lord's commands to 
 them, and was furnished with some clothing, 
 refreshment, and a horse, when he at once set 
 off on the road to London. 
 
 After a few hours' riding, Yynet again 
 entered London ; but how different was the 
 city now. The brave citizens had heard of the 
 siege of Eochester Castle, and were all under 
 arms, presenting a very martial appearance, 
 and looking like men who intended to defend 
 their city to the last if John tried to attack 
 them. 
 
 Yynet made straight for the Tower, and 
 inquired for Archbishop Langton. He was 
 soon informed that the Archbishop had gone 
 to Rome, whither he had been summoned to a 
 conference by the Pope, but that Fitz- Walter 
 was in charge of the Tower ; so Yynet re- 
 quested at once to be guided to his presence. 
 ( 5 ) There he found, with Fitz- Walter, William
 
 148 WILLIAM D'ALBINL 
 
 de Aumale and the Earls of Gloucester and 
 Oxford. 
 
 " Ha, Yynet ! " said Fitz - Walter. " Has 
 John's army been routed by the valiant 
 D'Albini, that we see thee here ? " 
 
 " No, my lord," replied Yynet. " I am sent 
 from Sir "William D'Albini, to let thee know 
 that he is closely besieged in the Castle of 
 Eochester. His provisions are running short, 
 and, if the Barons come not speedily to the 
 rescue, the whole of the garrison will be 
 starved out.'' 
 
 " I thought D'Albini, with the force he has 
 with him, would be able to annihilate John's 
 army,' 1 replied Fitz- Walter, with a sneer. 
 
 " Thou knowest not what an immense force 
 John has mustered," said Yynet. " It would 
 be impossible for Sir William to break through 
 the vast hordes of mercenaries." 
 
 " If D'Albini, with all his force, is unable to 
 get out of the Castle, how didst thou manage 
 to get free ? " inquired the Earl of Gloucester. 
 
 Yynet then related how he had escaped 
 from the Castle, and described, also, the state 
 of the City and Bridge, and the urgent need of 
 a speedy rescue. 
 
 When he had finished, Fitz - Walter said, 
 " Thou must stand in need of rest and refresh- 
 ment." He then directed an attendant to
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 149 
 
 conduct Yynet to an apartment, and minister 
 to his wants. 
 
 "We are bound," said the Earl of Oxford, 
 " to go to the rescue of D'Albini." 
 
 " If the Barons were to rescue D'Albini,'' 
 said William de Aumale, " he would get the 
 credit of routing John's army ; and, being of 
 an ambitious nature, there is no knowing to 
 what height his aims may lead him." 
 
 " I do not think it would be wise to go and 
 meet John at the present time, and thus leave 
 the rest of England at the mercy of our 
 enemies,'' said Fitz-Walter. 
 
 " Nevertheless, we are bound by oath to go 
 to his relief," said the Earl of Oxford. 
 
 "So be it," said Fitz- Walter. "In three days' 
 time we will march to the rescue of D'Albini." 
 
 Later on, when Fitz- Walter and D'Aumale 
 were alone, the latter so worked upon the 
 jealous feelings which he knew Fitz- Walter 
 entertained towards D'Albini, that, although 
 he determined to march to Eochester, it was 
 only on the understanding that, upon the 
 slightest pretext, he would abandon the idea 
 of rescue and leave D'Albini to his fate.
 
 CHAPTEE XXIII. 
 
 IDONEA AND THE KING. 
 
 KING JOHN had been superintending the 
 various means employed for the attacks on 
 the Castle, and was in no very amiable mood 
 to find that its defenders made such a stubborn 
 resistance. 
 
 Whilst he was thus engaged, a messenger 
 from Hubert de Burgh, the Governor of Dover 
 Castle, sought him out and placed in his 
 hands a packet. Hastily breaking the seal, he 
 learned that the force of Hugh de Boves, who 
 had sailed from the coast of France, had been 
 overtaken by a severe storm, which the 
 mariners were unable to cope with, and that 
 the whole of the ships had been wrecked and 
 the men drowned, scarcely any escaping to 
 tell the tale. 
 
 When John had mastered the contents of 
 the letter, he swore many blasphemous oaths, 
 and declared that though heaven itself should 
 fight against him, yet he would accomplish 
 the capture of Eochester Castle.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 151 
 
 Eobert Pende now approached the King, and 
 said, " My liege, there is a knight whom we 
 have detained at the East Gate of the City. 
 He says that he comes from William de 
 Aumale, one of the Barons, and craves speech 
 with you.'' 
 
 " We will to the East Gate, and there inter- 
 rogate him,'' said John. 
 
 Leaving the outworks of the Castle, John 
 strode down the High Street to the East Gate, 
 followed by Eobert Pende. 
 
 Upon their arrival there, they found the 
 knight in the guard-room, whilst his horse 
 was being held by one of the citizens just 
 within the gate. 
 
 " My liege," said the knight, " I am sent by 
 my kinsman, William de Aumale." 
 
 " What has the traitor to do with us ? " 
 replied John, with a scowl. 
 
 " This much, that although apparently be- 
 longing to the Barons," said the knight, " he is 
 anxious to be of service to you, if you will 
 grant him pardon for having leagued with the 
 Barons." 
 
 " If thou canst show that he means us fair," 
 said the King, "and can aid us against the 
 Barons, he shall be pardoned."
 
 152 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " I will remain as his hostage," replied the 
 knight. " I have also some more important 
 tidings for your ears alone." 
 
 At the command of John, the guard with- 
 drew. 
 
 " We are alone,'' said the King. " Now for 
 thy important news." 
 
 " My liege," replied the knight, " a mes- 
 senger came to the Barons in London from 
 D'Albini." 
 
 " Impossible ! " said John. " No one can 
 leave the Castle without our knowing it." 
 
 "What I state is true, 3 ' quietly replied the 
 knight. " It was one Yynet." 
 
 " Still that traitor ! " roared John. " If ever 
 he comes within reach of our sword, he shall 
 die like a dog.'' 
 
 " This Vynet was lowered through some 
 secret channel,'' continued the knight, " into 
 the Medway at night, and managed to procure 
 a boat, in which he rowed to Ma'idstone, and 
 there was furnished with a horse, which 
 brought him to London.'' 
 
 " The villain has escaped us for a time ! " 
 cried John. " What news brought he to 
 London ? " 
 
 " That D'Albini is in fear of being starved 
 out, and has called the Barons to his rescue.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 153 
 
 They start for Eochester with an army to- 
 morrow." 
 
 " This is serious news indeed," replied the 
 King. "We shall have to meet them on the 
 road and give them battle, for it would not be 
 wise to let them besiege the City." 
 
 "My liege," said the knight, "if I might 
 presume to advise, do not attempt to give 
 them battle. The flower of the Barons' army 
 will be there. Fitz- Walter is jealous of the 
 popularity of D'Albini with the Barons, and 
 D'Aumale has so fanned the flame, that Fitz- 
 Walter only wants a pretext to turn back. 
 Langton has been summoned to Eome by the 
 Pope, under the pretence of a conference, but 
 really to get him in his power, which trap 
 Langton has fallen into.'' 
 
 "What pretext can be furnished to Fitz- 
 Walter ? " asked the King. 
 
 " Let some noble, who is not known to be 
 with you, ride towards London,'' replied the 
 knight. " He will be sure to meet the Barons, 
 and then let him give a glowing account of 
 your strength, and the way you are fortified 
 here, and Fitz-Walter will be sure to turn back 
 to London." 
 
 "We thank thee, Sir Knight," said John. "If 
 thou wilt come with us, thou shalt enlist 
 under our banner.''
 
 154 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 Walking up the High Street with the 
 stranger - knight, leading his horse by the 
 bridle, they were making towards the Castle, 
 when, passing the dwelling of Nicholas 
 Lethenard, John chanced to descry Idonea at 
 the casement. Directing the knight where to 
 go, he entered the house, and was shown into 
 the room where she was sitting. 
 
 " My liege," said Idonea, " my father is out 
 in the City somewhere." 
 
 " Sweet maiden," said John, " who told thee 
 we wanted to see thy father ? '' 
 
 "I expected, by your coming hither, that 
 you wished to see him, 5 ' replied Idonea. 
 
 " Nay ! 'tis thine own sweet self that we 
 want," replied the King. 
 
 " My liege, what business can you have with 
 me ? " asked Idonea. 
 
 " "What business but that of love could 
 monarch have with such a comely subject ? " 
 
 "My liege, hold not such discourse with 
 me. I am the betrothed wife of Eobert Pende, 
 the armourer.'' 
 
 " What ! think of a paltry citizen, when a 
 King sues at thy feet ? '' 
 
 " You have a wife, my liege," said Idonea.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 155 
 
 "Who could think of an absent Queen, 
 whilst thou art present ? '' said John. 
 
 " My liege ! once for all, understand that I 
 am a true woman, and will not listen to your 
 hollow proposal," replied Idonea, the colour 
 rushing to her cheeks. 
 
 " Consider what we offer the proudest place 
 in the kingdom, instead of a life of insig- 
 nificance," said John. 
 
 " Better a life in a lower sphere, with 
 honour, 1 ' replied Idonea, "than a position 
 which is bought with dishonour." 
 
 " Nay, sweet maid,' 5 said John ; " let us dis- 
 perse these idle scruples.'' 
 
 " It is useless," said Idonea. " I refuse to be 
 your sweetheart.'' 
 
 " And we have sworn thou shalt be," said the 
 King. 
 
 Idonea was about to reply, when her 
 father's footsteps were heard upon the stairs ; 
 and, directly afterwards, Nicholas entered the 
 room. " My liege," said he, " I have but just 
 learned that you deigned to honour my poor 
 dwelling." 
 
 "We have been entertained by thy lovely 
 daughter in thy absence, 5 ' said John, with 
 suavity ; " and now, having rested, will once 
 more return to the siege.''
 
 156 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 "When John found himself in the street, he 
 muttered a curse upon the untimely arrival of 
 Nicholas, and inwardly resolved that Eobert 
 Pende should be disposed of, to make his 
 conquest the more sure.
 
 CHAPTEE XXIV. 
 THE MAKCH OF THE BARONS. 
 
 FITZ- WALTER kept his word, and marched, as 
 he promised, on the third day from the Tower 
 of London to the relief of William D'Albini. 
 
 It was a cold, dull day. Overhead the clouds 
 were flying before the wind in large, dark, mis- 
 shapen masses ; and now and again a driving 
 shower of rain would thoroughly saturate all 
 who were exposed to it, making the roads 
 heavy for travellers on horse or foot. The 
 army of the Barons presented a grand and 
 imposing array, as they marched along the road 
 from London. Fitz -Walter, with D'Aumale, 
 rode at the head of the army. The former 
 was moody and silent, not at all like the 
 leader of a gallant body of men, ready and 
 eager for battle. This depression in the spirit 
 of their leader had communicated itself to his 
 followers ; for nothing has so much influence, 
 as the personal bearing of a leader, upon those 
 who are under his command.
 
 158 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 The men - at - arms marched along in a 
 dejected manner, with none of the jokes and 
 laughter that usually accompany a body of 
 men on the march ; and the frequent showers 
 of rain tended to further increase the gloom 
 that hung over them. Wet through and 
 covered with mud, many a murmur and 
 muttered oath were heard in the ranks as 
 they made their way towards Eochester. 
 
 They had just passed through the town of 
 Dartford, when they espied a knight fully 
 armed, riding towards them, followed by his 
 esquire and a small retinue. The knight wore 
 over his armour a white tunic, on which was 
 embroidered a black cross, showing that he 
 was a member of the military religious order 
 known as the Knights Templars. ( 6 ) 
 
 Courteously saluting the leaders of the 
 Barons' Army, he was attempting to pass 
 them, when Fitz -Walter cried out, " Halt ! 
 sir stranger knight." 
 
 " By what right am I stopped upon the 
 highway ? " asked the knight. 
 
 " By the right of might," replied Fitz- Walter. 
 " We wish to know which side thou art for 
 the King's or the Barons' ? " 
 
 " I have but just returned from the Holy 
 Land," replied the knight, "and know nothing
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 159 
 
 of King or Barons. I am, as thou perceivest, a 
 Knight Templar." 
 
 " Such being the case," said Fitz -Walter, 
 " answer the questions I may put to thee ; 
 and, if satisfactory, thou shalt be permitted to 
 pursue thy journey without delay." 
 
 "I will answer thy questions," replied the 
 knight, " providing that thou requirest no 
 information about the secrets of our Order." 
 . " Thy name and title ? " 
 
 " Osbert de Opham, a Knight of the 
 Temple." 
 
 " From whence hast thou come ? " 
 
 " I have but just returned from the Holy 
 Land." 
 
 " Where didst thou disembark ? " 
 
 " Folkestone." 
 
 " Whither art thou journeying ? " 
 
 " To the precept ory of the Templars in 
 London." 
 
 " At what towns on thy road hast thou 
 stopped ? " 
 
 " I stopped at Canterbury and Eochester." 
 
 " How didst thou cross the Medway ? " 
 
 " Over Eochester Bridge. 5 ' 
 
 " We have been told that the Bridge has 
 been broken to prevent John from being 
 attacked."
 
 160 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " There is a temporary platform laid over 
 the chasm, by which myself and followers 
 crossed.'' 
 
 " Did not John want to enlist thy services in 
 his cause ? " 
 
 " There was no need." 
 
 " Why ? Explain thyself." 
 
 " Because he has such a large army with 
 him ; more than double thy force, I should 
 judge." 
 
 " What news didst thou learn at Eochester ? 
 And how goes the siege of the Castle ? '' 
 
 " The siege is over ; the Castle has surren- 
 dered." 
 
 " Surrendered ! " said Fitz- Walter, with a 
 smile. 
 
 " I learnt that King John and his followers 
 stormed the Castle and gained the battle- 
 ments. Sir William D'Albini was slain in a 
 hand-to-hand encounter by Savaric de Mau- 
 leon, when the garrison, reduced by famine 
 and worn out by continuous duty, surrendered 
 themselves to John." 
 
 " When did this take place ? " 
 " Yesterday morning." 
 
 " Knowest thou aught of John's move- 
 ments ? "
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 161 
 
 " It was rumoured in the city that the King 
 intended to march immediately and subdue 
 London." 
 
 " Dost thou think that is correct ? '' 
 
 " I cannot say. I know that there is a move- 
 ment among the troops that betokens a march, 
 especially the repairing of the Bridge." 
 
 " I thank thee, Sir Osbert, for thy informa- 
 tion," said Fitz- Walter. "Thou art now at 
 liberty to continue thy journey." 
 
 " Having replied to thy interrogations," said 
 Sir Osbert, " perhaps thou wilt deign to give 
 me some information in return.'' 
 
 " Willingly," said Fitz-Walter. 
 
 " What is the next town from here ? And 
 how far distant ? '' 
 
 " Dartford, about a mile off." 
 
 " Then I will make for that town, stop there 
 for the night, and then on to London with the 
 morrow's dawn/' Thus saying, with a graceful 
 wave of the hand to Fitz-Walter and his staff, 
 he rode on towards Dartford, where he put up 
 at the principal inn. He directed his servants to 
 mix with the Barons' army, and learn all they 
 could from them upon their return to Dart- 
 ford, as he felt sure they would retrace their 
 steps and pass the night there, believing that 
 he had succeeded in deluding them.
 
 162 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 On the departure of the knight, William de 
 Aumale said to Fitz-Walter, " What, thinkest 
 thou, had better be done now ? If we go on, 
 we should just about reach the outskirts of 
 Kochester by the evening, and possibly be 
 caught in a trap laid by John.'' 
 
 "I think we had better follow Sir Osbert 
 and return to Dartford, encamp there for the 
 night, and place our men so as to guard 
 against surprise from the King,'' said Fitz- 
 Walter. 
 
 Yynet, who was riding near the Barons, had 
 heard the questions of Fitz-Walter, as well as 
 Sir Osbert's answers, and clearly foresaw that 
 they would leave D'Albini to his fate. Yet he 
 nevertheless determined to return with them 
 to Dartford, and learn their final decision. 
 
 The Barons then made their way back to 
 Dartford and took possession of the town, 
 placing the men round about it, so as to guard 
 all the roads by which an attack could be 
 made. 
 
 How different was this camp to that (de- 
 scribed in the opening of our story) by the 
 banks of the silvery Thames, after the signing 
 of Magna Charta ! The weather then was 
 beautiful, and the men were engaged in 
 various pastimes and feasting. Now they 
 were wet through to the skin, murmuring and
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 163 
 
 discontented, and the object of the expedition 
 defeated. It was no wonder, therefore, that a 
 feeling of gloom permeated the whole of the 
 camp. 
 
 When the leaders had seen to the placing of 
 their men for the night, they went to their 
 Inn, there to hold a Council. 
 
 By a strange coincidence, this happened to 
 be the very house that Sir Osbert de Opham 
 had chosen for his quarters, and he had been 
 shown into a small chamber. This room joined 
 one of much larger dimensions, and was separ- 
 ated only by a thin partition of wainscoting, 
 so that anyone in the smaller apartment could 
 distinctly hear what was transpiring in the 
 larger one. 
 
 It was to this larger chamber that the Barons 
 were shown ; and, as soon as the leaders were 
 seated, they closed the door and commenced 
 deliberations. 
 
 " Nobles and Knights," said Fitz -Walter, 
 "we have made a retrograde movement to 
 enable us, whilst guarding against surprise, 
 to hold counsel together to decide what our 
 future actions shall be. Whether we shall 
 advance to .Rochester and give battle to John ; 
 or return to London, so as to strengthen the 
 garrison, should John attack us at that strong- 
 hold."
 
 164 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " Lord Barons,' r said De Aumale, " it is use- 
 less to go to Eochester. We have already been 
 informed that D'Albini is dead, and the Castle 
 surrendered. If we go there, we may find John 
 strongly fortified ; or, possibly, he may have 
 evaded us, and, by making a detour to London, 
 attack the capital in our absence." 
 
 " My lords," said another, " although clearly 
 of opinion that we should have gone to the 
 rescue of D'Albini, living, it were foolhardi- 
 ness to go, now that we are assured of his 
 death." 
 
 " Noble Barons, may I crave the honour of 
 asking a question of this august assembly ? " 
 said Yynet. " How knowest thou that D'Albini 
 is dead, and that the knight was truthful in 
 his communication ? " 
 
 "By the honour of knighthood which he 
 bore, and the Holy Cross which he wore upon 
 his breast," replied D'Aumale. 
 
 "Thou forgetest, my lord of Aumale," replied 
 Yynet, " that I have recently come from 
 Eochester, and know the exact state of things 
 there. I am certain that Sir William D'Albini 
 could have held out, at least, for a fortnight." 
 
 " My lords," said De Aumale, in an angry 
 tone, " are we to bandy words with a renegade 
 and a menial to weigh his words against the
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 165 
 
 honour of a knight who has fought for the 
 Holy Sepulchre ? " 
 
 " No ! " shouted several of the Barons. " We 
 have decided. Let us go back to London." 
 
 " It is agreed then," said Fitz- Walter. " By 
 to-morrow's eve, we will be again within the 
 walls of London." 
 
 At daybreak, the next morning, Fitz-Walter 
 and the Barons were astir, busy marshalling 
 their men, and were soon on their way back to 
 London. 
 
 Osbert de Opham had heard the whole of 
 their remarks at the council, and determined 
 to stop in his chamber till after he had seen 
 the departure of the Barons. 
 
 When the last portion of the army had gone, 
 he hastily summoned his servants, and made 
 his way back to Eochester to communicate the 
 success of his deception to King John. 
 
 But who is that man standing in a discon- 
 solate attitude, watching the departure of the 
 troops, and even for a long time after the last 
 rank of the Barons had disappeared from view, 
 standing still in the same position, with his 
 eyes fixed on the road to London ? It is none 
 other than our old acquaintance, Yynet ! 
 
 Suddenly he braced himself up, and seemed 
 once more the man of action he really was. 
 As he glanced up and down the road, he saw a
 
 166 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 little troop leave the Inn and proceed towards 
 the road to Rochester, having at their head Sir 
 Osbert de Opham, the Knight Templar. 
 
 " It is even as I thought,'' he muttered. "Sir 
 Osbert is a friend of the King's. The Barons 
 are his willing dupes. D'Albini and his gar- 
 rison are left to their fate through the 
 treachery and jealousy of Fitz- Walter. But 
 I must also go to Eochester by a circuitous 
 route, and, when once there, find means to 
 communicate with those within the Castle."
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 TKEACHEKY AND DEVOTION. 
 
 OSBEET DE OPHAM and his followers rode at a 
 good round pace to Gravesend, where they 
 stopped and gave the horses a rest, starting 
 shortly afterwards on the road again to 
 Rochester. 
 
 By noon they had reached Strood, and, 
 riding on to the Bridge as far as the gap, Sir 
 Osbert shouted to those on the other side to 
 send a boat to the Strood Quay to ferry his 
 party over the Medway. 
 
 He then rode back to the Quay, and waited 
 till a heavy, flat- bottomed boat was pulled 
 across the stream, on to which the knight led 
 his horse with some difficulty, and was fol- 
 lowed by his servants. When all were 011 
 board they were pulled over to the Town 
 Quay. Disembarking, they re-mounted their 
 horses, and rode to the outworks of the Castle 
 in search of King John, whom they found 
 completely accoutred in a suit of rich armour, 
 walking from post to post, and watching the
 
 168 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 Castle to see if he could discern a weak or 
 unguarded point on which to make another 
 attack. 
 
 Directly John saw Sir Osbert, his face was 
 illumined with joy, and he said, " Thou hast 
 succeeded in thy mission ? '' 
 " I have, my liege," replied Sir Osbert. 
 " Dismount quickly, and give us the result 
 of thy journey." 
 
 Sir Osbert sprang from his horse, and gave 
 instructions to his followers to retire to their 
 quarters. 
 
 " My liege," he said, " you need have no fear 
 of the Barons. They are completely deluded, 
 and are now in full retreat to London. 5 ' 
 
 " How hast thou managed to so completely 
 hoodwink Fitz-Walter ? " 
 
 " By the aid of this Templar's dress,'' said 
 he, pointing to the cross upon his breast, " and 
 a natural talent I have for lying." 
 " Did they attempt to illtreat thee ? " 
 " JS : o. I met them just below Dartford, and 
 wap pretending to pass them when I was 
 stepped by Fitz-Walter, and I freely gave him 
 tLt premature intelligence that you had taken 
 the Castle, as well as a faithful account of the 
 dtalh of D'Albini, and of your intended march 
 to London. The Barons no sooner heard this, 
 than they returned to Dartford. It was
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 169 
 
 amusing to see the care they took to prevent 
 surprise during the night. I was in the next 
 chamber to that in which they held their 
 council. There was but one voice that doubted 
 my words, and he would have had the Barons 
 continue their march to Eochester. De Aumale, 
 however, effectually silenced him. I know his 
 name, and, if ever he is revealed to me, I 
 will slay him for so nearly overthrowing my 
 plans." 
 
 " What was his name ? " inquired the King. 
 
 " Yynet." 
 
 " The devil's malison on him ! " growled 
 John. " He seems to meet us at every turn, 
 like an evil spirit. We swear we will kill him 
 with our own hands if ever he comes within 
 our reach." 
 
 " Then he has two enemies to face,' 5 said Sir 
 Osbert. 
 
 " Did he return with the Barons ?'' inquired 
 the King. 
 
 " I believe so," said Sir Osbert. " I watched 
 the last of the Barons' army out of sight, and 
 then rode to Eochester as quickly as possible.'' 
 
 " Thou shalt be rewarded for thy zeal in our 
 behalf," said John. " Now away to the Priory 
 and get some refreshment. We will see thee 
 
 anon."
 
 170 WILLIAM D'ALBIKt. 
 
 It is now time to return to Yynet, whom we 
 left at Dartford. When he saw Sir Osbert 
 making for Rochester, he saddled and mounted 
 his horse, and rode slowly along the same road 
 in deep thought, wondering how to communi- 
 cate with those within the Castle, as well as to 
 gain an entrance into the City undiscovered. 
 
 After riding about four miles in this medi- 
 tative mood, he suddenly roused himself from 
 his reverie, and, putting spurs to his horse, he 
 made the animal change his walking pace to a 
 gallop. 
 
 As he passed through Gravesend, he found 
 himself overtaking Sir Osbert and his train. 
 Instantly checking his horse, he noticed an 
 inn, where he dismounted and called for a jug 
 of ale, resting there for a time. 
 
 When he judged that he had given the 
 knight and his party a sufficient start, he once 
 more mounted his horse, and followed the 
 main road till he came to the top of the hills 
 overlooking the city, where he struck off to 
 the right and made for Maidstone, which town 
 he reached during the afternoon. 
 
 Yynet went to the house of Reginald de 
 Cornhill, and was in deep conference with Sir 
 Reginald's confessor for a long time ; the out- 
 come of which was, that the Confessor lent 
 Yynet a monk's gown of the Benedictine
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINL 171 
 
 Brotherhood, to which Order he belonged. In 
 this disguise Vynet started for Eochester. 
 
 Later in the day, a monk was to be seen 
 wending his way along the road from Maid- 
 stone to Eochester, his cowl closely drawn 
 over his head. The horse he rode was guided 
 only by a halter, having neither saddle nor 
 stirrups ; yet it was plain that the rider was 
 no inexperienced horseman. 
 
 The monk arrived at the top of the hill 
 within sight of Eochester, when he dis- 
 mounted, and, taking the halter from the 
 horse's head, he shouted to the noble animal 
 the word " Home ! " and it immediately gal- 
 loped back toward Maidstone. 
 
 He then walked down the hill, avoiding 
 the City, till he came to the Hospital founded 
 by Bishop Gundulf, and dedicated to Saint 
 Bartholomew, for poor folk lazars and lepers. 
 
 Entering the Hospital, the monk inquired if 
 Helias, the Prior of St. Andrew's, was there, it 
 having been his usual habit to visit the 
 Hospital during the day. He was told that 
 the Prior had not been to the Hospital since the 
 siege of the Castle. The Bishop having gone 
 away, he had deputed his duties to the Prior, 
 which kept him within the Cathedral and 
 Priory.
 
 172 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 Leaving the Hospital, the monk proceeded 
 to the East Gate, and was readily admitted as 
 belonging to the Brotherhood. 
 
 Walking up the High Street, he made his 
 way to the Priory and inquired for Helias. 
 
 Yynet (for it was he) was conducted to a 
 chamber, where Helias received him. 
 
 " Father Prior," he said, " I have a message 
 for thine ear alone." 
 
 Helias desired the monk, who had conducted 
 Yynet, to withdraw. When they were alone, 
 he threw back his cowl, displaying his features 
 to the Prior, to whom he communicated all 
 that had happened. 
 
 Helias listened patiently to the recital, and 
 agreed to let Yynet take shelter at the Priory ; 
 and also to assist him, as far as possible, in the 
 schemes which were proposed to him. Yynet 
 then vowed that he would enter the monastery 
 after the siege, and thus have the protection of 
 the Church against John's persecution. 
 
 At night the Prior led Yynet into the 
 Cathedral, and along the southern aisle of the 
 nave, to a door beside the great west entrance. 
 Unlocking the door, they ascended a narrow 
 flight of stone steps, which brought them on 
 to the roof of the nave. 
 
 Yynet carried in his hand a bow and arrow. 
 The bow was an ordinary one, but the arrow
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 173 
 
 had been painted a bright red, whilst round 
 the end nearest the arrow-head, bound tightly, 
 was a piece of parchment. 
 
 The night was wild and gusty, the wind 
 at times threatening to blow them over the 
 battlemented parapet running round the top 
 of the nave. Ever and anon the moon would 
 break through the masses of wild, black clouds 
 that were skimming along the sky. 
 
 Keeping well in the shade of the towers, 
 Yynet and the Prior watched for the moon 
 again to break forth Yynet with the arrow 
 drawn ready for discharging. Again the moon 
 appeared, but only for a second or two ; yet, in 
 that time, Yynet had sent the arrow straight 
 up in the air with so true an aim, that it fell 
 at the feet of a sentinel, pacing the battle- 
 ments at the top of the great keep. 
 
 Yynet was then conducted by the Prior to a 
 small chamber in the Priory. He also showed 
 him a secret door that led to the room which 
 John had appropriated for his own use on the 
 memorable day when he forced the Priory 
 gates, and pillaged the Cathedral and Monas- 
 tery.
 
 CHAPTEK XXYI. 
 AN EVIL CONSCIENCE. 
 
 KING JOHN, when he learned of the retreat of 
 the Barons' army, and the straits to which the 
 brave defenders of the Castle were reduced, 
 acted somewhat like a madman in his joy. He 
 ran from leader to leader to impart the intelli- 
 gence, with many a brutal jest. He gave vent 
 to cheers, interspersed with yells, gesticulating 
 wildly, and shaking his mailed hand at the 
 Castle, which menace was answered by those 
 within the Castle with a night of arrows ; but, 
 thanks to his splendid armour, they did not 
 injure him. 
 
 At length, exhausted by the excesses to 
 which he had been carried, he withdrew to the 
 Priory, followed by the various knights, whose 
 actual duty did not detain them round the 
 walls of the Castle. 
 
 " Let us celebrate our triumph at the expense 
 of the Priory," said John, once again seated in 
 the Prior's chair. "A speedy surrender of the 
 Castle, and death to its defenders !" said he,
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 175 
 
 holding aloft a goblet of wine. This toast was 
 drunk with enthusiasm. 
 
 " After the fall of the Castle, what is the 
 next step ? " inquired a knight. 
 
 " On to London,'' replied the King, " enrich- 
 ing ourselves as we go, from our rebellious 
 subjects." 
 
 " I shall be glad to leave Eochester,'' said 
 the knight, " for we have taken all that is to 
 be had in this City ; the wine, also, is running- 
 short ; the valuables have mysteriously dis- 
 appeared ; and I am bored with the women, 
 who avoid us and treat us with scant 
 courtesy." 
 
 " That reminds me," said John. " Let us 
 drink to the health of the fair Idonea." 
 
 " We have no chance to judge of her beauty, 
 since Sir Savaric de Mauleon has taken up his 
 quarters at the portreeve's house," grumbled a 
 young knight. 
 
 " We have seen her," said John, " but she 
 has rejected our suit, which tends to inflame 
 our desire for her conquest." 
 
 A minstrel, who was present, struck the 
 strings of his harp, and commenced singing 
 the lay of " Sir Lauiicelot and Princess Gui- 
 nevere." 
 
 The mirth grew uproarious, and more than 
 one knight was wagging his head with drunken
 
 176 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 mirth. This carouse was continued well into 
 the night, and many a seasoned drinker was 
 fain to rest his head upon the festive board. 
 
 At a late hour King John, with unsteady 
 gait, sought his chamber. His sleeping apart- 
 ment was a large room with a stone- vaulted 
 ceiling, and lighted by two small windows, 
 looking in the daytime over the Priory garden. 
 The massive oak bedstead was at the farther 
 end of the chamber ; and on the opposite side 
 was a large open fireplace, furnished with fire 
 dogs, on which cheerfully blazed huge logs of 
 wood. From the ceiling, by a chain, was 
 suspended a lamp, which faintly illumined 
 the room- 
 Arrived at this chamber, John threw himself 
 upon the oak settle beside the fireplace, his 
 attendants undressing and then assisting him 
 to his couch ; this being a service they fre- 
 quently had to render him, after he had been 
 holding high revels. 
 
 John no sooner lay down than, overcome 
 with drowsiness, he fell into a heavy, drunken 
 slumber. 
 
 The attendants, as soon as they found that 
 the King was soundly sleeping, instead of 
 stopping and keeping guard, as their duty 
 demanded, stole away to take a share of what 
 the revellers had left.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 177 
 
 But John's sleep was not the sleep of the 
 just. He turned and moaned in a restless 
 manner, indicating troubled dreams. 
 
 He dreamed of his father, whose death he 
 had accelerated by his undutiful conduct. He 
 stood before him, and saw the stern brow, and 
 heard the curse which had been pronounced 
 upon him. So realistic was the dream that he 
 awoke with a start, and beads of perspiration 
 stood upon his face. 
 
 " What a terrible dream ! " he muttered. 
 
 Turning over, he soon fell asleep again. But 
 this time he thought that he was in a lonely 
 wood, and met a stranger- knight, who gave 
 him battle and speedily conquered him. 
 Placing his foot upon John's breast, with the 
 point of his sword at his throat, while with 
 his left hand he raised his visor, he displayed 
 the well-known features of Eichard, Ooeur de 
 Lion, who said, " Traitor and perjurer, what 
 hast thou to say that I should slay thee not, 
 and so rid the world of a tyrant ? " 
 
 " Mercy ! " cried John. 
 
 " Hast thou shown mercy," said Eichard, 
 " to my subjects ? Coward that thou art, live, 
 but seek a confessor and try to expiate thy 
 crimes in a monastery." 
 
 Again John awoke with a start, and fear 
 
 * ' 
 
 was plainly depicted on his countenance ; but
 
 178 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 this time it was not to slumber again. Sitting 
 bolt upright in bed, his eyes starting from 
 their sockets, he turned his affrighted gaze 
 towards the side of the chamber, for there, in 
 the darkest part, was a strange figure. 
 
 " The saints protect us ! " gasped John, cross- 
 ing himself. " Spirit, we conjure thee to tell 
 us who and what thou art ? '' 
 
 " A spirit, as thou sayest," replied a hollow 
 voice. 
 
 "What wantest thou with us ?" tremblingly 
 asked John. 
 
 "To call thee to repentance for thy evil 
 deeds, and to tell thee that, unless thou 
 makest reparation, thy place will be with the 
 damned in purgatory." 
 
 " Good spirit, what has been done was 
 through State necessity,'' said John. 
 
 " Was it a necessity to rise in rebellion 
 against the King, thy father, and afterwards 
 to rebel against the noble Coeur de Lion ? " 
 
 "No ; these were among the follies of 
 youth," replied John. 
 
 " Were they the follies of youth that caused 
 thee to persuade the Count of Angouleme to 
 carry off his daughter, the Lady Isabella, from 
 her husband, the noble Count de la Marche 
 to divorce thine own wife in order that thou 
 mightest marry Isabella, in face of the menaces
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 179 
 
 of the Pope and the resentment of the injured 
 husband ? " 
 
 " Good spirit, these are deeds that others 
 have done the like before, and for which there 
 is absolution." 
 
 " Thinkest thou the Church can grant abso- 
 lution to a Prince who, even now, is resting 
 in the Priory he has despoiled, and has treated 
 God's holy servants with contempt ? " 
 
 " We will compensate them for the ill that 
 we have done,' 3 replied John. 
 
 "The only compensation thou canst make, 
 and which will be acceptable to heaven, is 
 this at once to raise the siege of yon Castle, 
 and pardon its brave defenders." 
 
 " That will we never do, though all the 
 powers of hell be ranged against us," said 
 John, in an angry tone. 
 
 " Fiend ! tyrant ! parricide ! " 
 
 " What meanest thou by parricide ? " 
 
 " Tell me what became of thy nephew 
 Arthur ? " 
 
 " We know not,'' replied John. 
 
 " Liar ! Thou didst cause him to be removed 
 from the Castle of Falaise by night, and taken 
 to Eouen. Thou, with one follower, didst enter 
 his prison chamber and stab him with thine 
 own hands while he slept. By the secret stairs 
 the twain of you took him, and cast the body,
 
 180 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 
 
 heavily weighted with stone, into the Seine." ( 7 ) 
 " Thou art either the devil, or his imp, 
 Vynet," said John. 
 
 ' I am not the devil. I am Yynet ! " 
 " Then have at thee," said John, springing 
 out of bed, and, rushing at Yynet, seized him 
 by the neck. So sudden was the movement 
 that Yynet was almost overpowered ; but John, 
 weakened by continual debauchery, was no 
 match for him. Holding John by the waist, 
 and being an accomplished wrestler, despite 
 his utmost resistance, he threw the King over 
 his head to the other side of the chamber, 
 where he lay like a log, stunned. 
 
 " Ha, viper ! " said Yynet. " If I had not 
 sworn to the Prior that I would do thee no 
 harm, except in self-defence, I would kill 
 thee." 
 
 Bending over the prostrate Sovereign, Yynet 
 spurned him with his foot, when John uttered 
 a groan. Yynet then retreated to the other 
 side of the chamber, touched a spring which 
 opened the secret door, and disappeared. 
 
 Slowly John recovered consciousness, and 
 staggered to his feet. Glancing round the 
 chamber, but not finding Yynet there, he 
 rushed to the door, shouting to a man-at-arms 
 on duty at the end of the corridor, and inquir- 
 ing of him if he had seen anyone pass.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 181 
 
 The man declared that he had not. John 
 therefore, commanded him to summon the 
 guard, while he hastily dressed himself, 
 cursing and vowing vengeance. 
 
 He was soon ready, and then sent messen- 
 gers to each of the gates, forbidding the guard 
 to allow anyone to quit the City. The alarm- 
 bell was sounded, and at once search was 
 made in the Priory and its precincts, as well 
 as in the City, for Yynet. He was to be 
 captured, dead or alive. 
 
 The King himself led one search party over 
 the Priory and Cathedral, roughly waking the 
 sleeping monks in their cells, and compelling 
 them to guide him into the different parts of 
 the Priory. He threatened to hang the whole 
 of them if Yynet escaped ; but they had never 
 heard oC Vynet, and thought the King was 
 mad. 
 
 Nor were the citizens treated any better 
 than the monks. They, too, were aroused 
 without any ceremony, and their dwellings 
 searched. Many an indignity and insult were 
 committed by those conducting the search, 
 and, on remonstrating, the citizens were simply 
 told that it was by the King's command. 
 
 After an exhaustive search they gave it up, 
 concluding that it was but a phantasy of the 
 drunken slumbers of the King ; but John
 
 182 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 believed that Yynet had been introduced by 
 some of his servants, and secreted by them, 
 and he therefore determined to watch them 
 closely. 
 
 In the meantime daylight had appeared, 
 thus dispelling any feelings of supernatural 
 awe that had been felt by some during the 
 night. 
 
 We will now return to Yynet, who, upon 
 John showing signs of returning consciousness, 
 disappeared through the secret door. Yynet 
 was now in a small chamber, with another 
 door on the opposite side. 
 
 This room was about five feet square, lighted 
 by a series of small holes, which were cun- 
 ningly concealed in the sculpture work and 
 moulding of the larger chamber, not only 
 giving a borrowed light, but enabling the 
 occupant of this secret room to both see and 
 hear all that was transpiring in the chamber 
 which John occupied ; thus proving the adage 
 that " Stone walls have ears." 
 
 Yynet, after seeing that the door was safely 
 closed, watched John till he departed to insti- 
 tute his search for him, and then went to the 
 other door and passed through into a passage- 
 way, where there were several means of exit. 
 Yynet opened a door communicating with a 
 small, spiral staircase, having barely sufficient
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 183 
 
 room for a man to turn round. This he as- 
 cended, and from the narrow loopholes was 
 enabled to see the commotion that was being 
 made in the vain endeavour to find him. 
 
 Descending the stairs, he found the Prior 
 awaiting him, and to him he gave an account 
 of what had happened. 
 
 " Thou must not leave this hiding place 
 while John is in the City," said the Prior, " or 
 he will kill thee." 
 
 " Does anyone besides thyself know of this 
 secret chamber near the King's ? " asked Yynet. 
 
 " None but the dead, and they tell no tales. 
 It is a secret that the Priors of St. Andrew 
 alone know. When a Prior is elected, the keys 
 are given him, and amongst them is one which 
 opens a chest, to which none but the Prior 
 is allowed access, and which contains reli- 
 quaries, as well as a written account of these 
 passages, with full instructions how to open 
 the doors. A command is given that no one 
 else may know their secrets except in cases of 
 extreme emergency." 
 
 " And I have sworn, before the shrine of 
 Saint Paulirius, to preserve the secret, 5 ' said 
 Yynet. 
 
 " I will bring thee food and wine myself, so 
 that thou canst watch the King when he deems 
 himself alone, for that is the time he plans his
 
 184 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 deeds, that bear not the light of day ; and, 
 being forewarned, we may be able to thwart 
 him." 
 
 The Prior pointed out a cell to Yynet where 
 he could make himself comfortable for the 
 night, and then returned to his own apart- 
 ment. 
 
 On entering his chamber, the Prior knelt 
 before a crucifix and prayed earnestly. Whilst 
 he was thus engaged the door was thrown 
 open, and John, at the head of a number of 
 men, rushed in. 
 
 " My liege," said the Prior, rising, " what 
 meaneth this violent intrusion ? " 
 
 " Hast thou seen Yynet ?" shouted the King. 
 
 " Who is Yynet ? '' quietly inquired the 
 Prior. 
 
 " We had forgotten, of course, that thou 
 didst not know him," replied John. " He is a 
 traitorous servant of ours, who is secreted 
 somewhere in the Priory. Hast thou anyone 
 in this chamber ? " 
 
 " No, my liege," said the Prior. " You are at 
 liberty to search. '' 
 
 The followers of the King at once searched 
 the chamber, but soon they were quite satisfied 
 that Yynet was not there. 
 
 " Come," said John, " we are wasting time ; 
 but we will unearth him yet.' 7
 
 CHAPTEK XXYII. 
 FALSE HOPES. 
 
 IT is now time to return to the Castle, to see 
 how its brave defenders prospered. The pro- 
 visions were running very short, and the men 
 were only half -fed, and worn out with in- 
 cessant duty day and night, for John kept 
 constantly harassing them. What with night 
 attacks and false alarms, they had no rest ; 
 yet with all this, the men were cheerful, and 
 determined to hold out to the last. 
 
 D'Albini and De Cornhill had been discuss- 
 ing the mission of Yynet, both being confident 
 that he would reach London, but what the 
 result would be neither cared to say. 
 
 It was during the night of Vynet's return to 
 Eochester, that the sentinels of the Castle 
 noticed from the walls a certain movement in 
 the camp of their enemies, followed by the 
 ringing of their alarm bell, which was at once 
 a signal for the garrison of the Castle to fly to 
 their posts.
 
 186 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 D'Albini and Eeginald hastily mounted to 
 the walls to ascertain which part of the Castle 
 was to be attacked ; but, after peering out into 
 the darkness, they failed to find that any part 
 was threatened in particular. They could hear 
 the shouting, and see torches flashing about, 
 but could discover no reason for the com- 
 motion. 
 
 As the confusion increased, the men-at-arms 
 within the Castle commenced cheering, being 
 under the impression that the Barons had 
 arrived, and were making a night attack upon 
 the City. 
 
 Some of the younger knights desired to 
 make a sortie into the City to attack John's 
 troops ; but D'Albini was too experienced in 
 such matters to allow anyone to venture out- 
 side the walls. He only allowed them to worry 
 the besiegers as much as possible, by means of 
 the archers and the huge engines for hurling 
 stones. 
 
 All through the night D'Albini kept his 
 men at their posts. The whole garrison were 
 in a state of excitement, expecting every 
 moment to hear the clash of arms and the 
 battle cry of the Barons. Thus they anxiously 
 waited for daylight. 
 
 With the grey dawn of day they looked in 
 vain for the Barons' army around the walls of
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 187 
 
 the City ; and not finding them, as they fully 
 expected, their hopes of a speedy relief were 
 shattered. 
 
 D'Albini and Keginald, after taking a fresh 
 survey of their enemies, were utterly at a loss 
 to comprehend the meaning of the strange 
 commotion that had taken place in John's 
 camp during the night. 
 
 Soon their attention was attracted by one of 
 the men on the top of the Keep, who beckoned 
 them to come up. 
 
 D'Albini and Eeginald (his lieutenant) ran 
 to the Keep, and up the winding staircase till 
 they reached the battlements at the summit, 
 when D'Albini said to the man, " Hast thou 
 seen the Barons' army approaching ? " 
 
 " No, my lord," he replied ; "but I have just 
 noticed yon arrow. It is painted red, and there 
 is something bound round it. I thought thou 
 wouldst wish to see it at once." 
 
 D'Albini crossed to the spot, and, picking 
 up the arrow, he cut with his dagger the thong 
 that bound the parchment round the arrow- 
 head. " Ha ! " said he, " 'tis from Yynet. Let 
 us retire, and peruse its contents." 
 
 They descended from the battlements to the 
 Barons' Hall, where D'Albini, in a low voice, 
 read the missive from Vynet.
 
 188 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " My lord, thy fears are realised. The Barons, 
 " after mustering their forces, marched as far 
 " as Dartford, where they met a Knight of the 
 " Cross, calling himself Sir Osbert de Opham, 
 "whom they questioned. He told them that 
 "Sir William D'Albini was killed by Savaric 
 " de Mauleon in an attack on the walls ; that 
 " the garrison of the Castle had surrendered at 
 " discretion ; that the King was putting his 
 " forces in motion, and was marching to attack 
 " London. Fitz -Walter stopped at Dartford, 
 " after strongly posting his men to avoid being 
 " taken by surprise. A Council was held, when 
 " I tried to prove that the knight's communi- 
 " cation was false ; but the Baron de Aumale 
 " overruled what I said, preferring to take the 
 "knight's word before mine. The Barons re- 
 " turned the next morning to London. After 
 "their departure, Sir Osbert came from his 
 " hiding place, and rode rapidly to Eochester 
 " to give John the intelligence. I came to the 
 " City later, disguised as a Benedictine monk, 
 " and am now secreted in the Priory. Should 
 "I glean any important news, another arroAV 
 " shall be my messenger. 
 
 " Farewell, my lord, 
 
 " YYNET." 
 
 " This is indeed a gloomy outlook," said 
 D'Albini, after he had read the letter
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 189 
 
 " deserted by the Barons, a relentless foe at 
 our gates, and no provisions within. 5 ' 
 
 " Fitz- Walter is a coward," said Eeginald, 
 angrily, " but we will hold out to the last ; 
 and future ages, when hearing the recital of 
 the siege of Eochester Castle, will speak of 
 him with infamy ; but we shall be commended 
 for doing our duty as faithful knights. 5 ' 
 
 " I would wager that Vynet had something 
 to do with last night's commotion in the 
 City," said D'Albini. 
 
 " I quite believe it/' replied Reginald, 
 " knowing Yynet's deep feeling of revenge 
 against John." 
 
 "It is my opinion that we shall never leave 
 this Castle alive,' 5 said D'Albini. " Therefore, 
 our horses will be useless to us ; we had better 
 have them killed to eke out our provisions. 55 ( 8 ) 
 
 " I shall be sorry to see mine old war-horse, 
 that has carried me through so many dangers, 
 killed to be eaten," replied Eeginald. " Yet I 
 cannot see those brave fellows starve ; so the 
 horses must go. 5 ' 
 
 "Now we shall find the siege has really 
 begun," said D'Albini. " What we have expe- 
 rienced is mere child's play/' 
 
 " Let them try ; they shall find us ready to 
 die at our posts/' said Eeginald.
 
 190 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " They will now be finding some other 
 method to subdue the Castle," said D'Albini. 
 " Having no fear of the Earons, they will push 
 on the siege with more vigour." 
 
 " I have great faith in these massive walls/' 
 replied Eeginald. " What I fear more is star- 
 vation. 5 ' 
 
 "From this time we shall have to live and 
 sleep upon the battlements, for we shall find 
 they will give us very little rest," said 
 D'Albini. 
 
 " They certainly are strengthening our 
 hands,'' said Reginald, " by the constant cry 
 of ' No quarter to the rebels ! ' Our men know 
 what to expect, and will fight to the last.' 5
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 UNDEKMINING. 
 
 ONCE more within the Chapter Eoom we find 
 assembled King John and his mercenary 
 leaders ; but it was for no drunken orgies this 
 time. The King presided at the head of the 
 board, to take counsel with his leaders as to 
 the best means they could suggest for bring- 
 ing the siege to a climax. 
 
 "We have now been many weeks before yon 
 Castle," said John, "and have made no im- 
 pression upon its solid walls, nor yet upon its 
 defenders ; but we know they must be starv- 
 ing. The Barons have retreated to London upon 
 the report reaching them that we were going 
 to attack their forces, and we have nothing, 
 therefore, to fear from them. Our royal wish 
 is to take the Castle, and kill all its defenders 
 as speedily as possible. We will spare none of 
 the rebels. You are invited to give us your 
 ideas as to the best method to obtain our 
 end."
 
 192 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 
 
 " A night attack at the most assailable 
 point," said Sir Folkes de Breaute. 
 " That has already been tried," replied John. 
 
 " But they have lost many men since that 
 attack, besides being weakened by want of 
 food and rest," urged Sir Folkes. 
 
 " We shall lose too many men by a night 
 attack," said Sir Savaric de Mauleon, "and 
 make no impression upon the walls." 
 
 " Why not offer good conditions if they 
 will agree to surrender ? " said Sir Peter de 
 Mauley. 
 
 " Never ! " interrupted John. " They shall 
 die." 
 
 " Nay ! my liege, hear me to the end," said 
 Sir Peter de Mauley. " When they are in your 
 power, do as you list. There is no need to keep 
 faith with rebels." 
 
 " That plan is better, and suits us," said 
 John. 
 
 " But it would not be honourable," said 
 Savaric de Mauleon. " A knight's word, when 
 once given, should be held inviolate to friend 
 or foe." 
 
 " If thou wilt object to every scheme that is 
 brought forward," said John, with a scowl, 
 "perhaps thou canst furnish us with a better." 
 
 " I can, my liege/' replied Savaric calmly.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " What is it ? " asked John. 
 
 "That of undermining the walls,'' replied 
 Savaric. 
 
 " It would be next to impossible,'' said De 
 Breaute. " The moat is wide and deep, and 
 the pitch and stones that are hurled down 
 upon us would render us unable to proceed 
 with our work/' . 
 
 " We also think thy plan is impracticable," 
 said John. 
 
 " Your pardon, my liege,'' replied Savaric. 
 " I am quite willing to give you my plan, on 
 one condition." 
 
 " Name it," said John. 
 
 " That, when the Castle is taken, you will 
 not put to death the brave knights who have 
 so nobly defended it." 
 
 Whilst De Mauleon was making this request, 
 the countenance of the King underwent one of 
 those sudden changes for which he was noted. 
 A frown gathered on his brow, and his face 
 became livid, and assumed the appearance of 
 a fiend. It was a moment or so before he could 
 control his anger and speak ; and then he 
 uttered a string of oaths, and declared that 
 his cry was, " No quarter to the rebels ! '' and 
 so it should continue to the last. 
 
 Savaric de Mauleon awaited the finish of 
 this outburst of temper, calm and unmoved, 
 
 N
 
 194 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 his deeply-furrowed countenance wearing that 
 look of fixed determination which brave men 
 alone can assume in the face of danger. 
 
 " Inform us of thy plan, we command thee, 
 on peril of thy life ! " thundered John. 
 
 " You forget that I am no subject of yours," 
 calmly replied Savaric. " My life has been in 
 more jeopardy ere this. King John, I fear not 
 your threats ! " 
 
 " Seize him ! " shouted John. 
 
 As soon as John had given this order, Savaric 
 pushed over the heavy oaken table at which 
 he had been sitting, forming it into a barrier ; 
 and, placing his back against the wall of the 
 Chapter Boom, he drew his sword and stood 
 at bay. 
 
 John turned pale when he saw the resolute 
 stand that Savaric made against his order, and 
 that no one ventured to execute it. 
 
 " How now ? " said John. " Have ye all 
 turned cowards ? Seize him ! We command 
 you I " 
 
 "Your brother Eichard, of the lion heart, 
 would not have had to utter a command 
 twice," tauntingly said Savaric. " Be coura- 
 geous, and arrest me yourself." 
 
 " Summon the guard ! " cried John. " Are 
 we to be bearded in our own kingdom ? ''
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 195 
 
 " Stay ! " said Savaric, in a stern tone. " The 
 first man, who attempts to leave this room, 
 dies ! My liege, you have given your com- 
 mands ; now I will give mine. I withdraw 
 myself and force from the siege of this Castle, 
 and command the noble knights, who follow 
 my banner, and those who hold the same 
 opinion as myself, to follow me." 
 
 The majority of the knights at once rose, 
 and were making for the door of the Chapter 
 House, thus showing John his weakness, and 
 the danger he ran by offending one of his 
 principal supporters. 
 
 " Come back, Sir Savaric," said John. " "We 
 spoke hastily. Considering the time we have 
 spent against this Castle, it raises our anger 
 every time we behold its walls. Thou canst 
 imagine how we felt when thou cravest a 
 pardon for them.'' 
 
 "I asked you not to pardon them,'' said 
 Savaric. "What I required was, that you 
 should not put them to death. We may 
 meet with reverses yet at the hands of the 
 Barons, who, judging from D'Albini and his 
 followers, are brave men. Then what terrible 
 reprisals would they inflict on us, in case of 
 the fortune of war changing.'' 
 
 A murmur of approval followed this speech.
 
 196 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " We promise, if the Castle is taken through 
 thy means, we will not kill them," hissed 
 John. 
 
 "You must swear not to kill or injure them, 
 but only to detain them as honourable cap- 
 tives," said Savaric. 
 
 " We swear to do them no harm," mourn- 
 fully said John, kissing a small crucifix he 
 wore. 
 
 " Noble knights, bear witness. The King has 
 sworn," said Savaric. " I will accomplish my 
 part, and trust to the King's oath for the 
 performance of his." 
 
 " Now let us have thy plan," said John, 
 impatiently. 
 
 " My plan is to undermine the walls of the 
 Castle at the south-east angle." 
 
 " Why the south-east angle ? " asked John. 
 
 "That is the nearest point to the great 
 Keep." 
 
 "Dost thou propose to cross the moat by 
 means of a bridge ? '' 
 
 " No ; a bridge could be easily broken. I 
 shall require all the waggons that can be 
 found. Just beyond the City walls let chalk 
 be dug, and conveyed to the edge of the moat 
 and thrown in, thus making a causeway over 
 which any number can pass with safety."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 197 
 
 " Let it be so ; but we shall experience great 
 danger from the missiles that will be cast 
 upon us from the walls. Hast thou any 
 remedy for that ? " 
 
 " Have you ever heard of a 'sow' ? I do not 
 mean one of nature's making." 
 
 " No, we have not," said John. ( 9 ) " Pray 
 explain thyself." 
 
 "It is a huge framework of wood, with 
 rounded top, covered with untanned hides of 
 leather ; the interior, being hollow, forms a 
 shelter for the men engaged. This is pushed 
 forward to the foot of the walls, and, with 
 hammers and crowbars, the work of under- 
 mining goes on ; so that whatever may be 
 thrown from the walls above upon the sow 
 beneath, it is perfectly harmless to those 
 working under the covering.'' 
 
 " Hurrah ! " shouted several of the knights, 
 " the castle is ours ! " 
 
 " 'Tis a grand plan," said John. " Thou, Sir 
 Savaric, shalt take charge of the work, as thou 
 dost understand it. Early to-morrow morning 
 we will commence operations. We will per- 
 sonally command the knights and men-at- 
 arms, and, by false attacks, draw the defenders 
 to the other parts of the walls." 
 
 Later in the day John sent for Eobert Pende, 
 and, upon the captain making his appearance,
 
 198 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 he addressed him in a most condescending 
 manner. 
 
 " "Well, Sir Captain !" said he, "thou and thy 
 comrades have behaved in a manner that is 
 highly satisfactory ; so that we intend giving 
 thee a chance to win distinction." 
 
 " My liege, I thank you. We have but done 
 our duty,'' replied Pende. 
 
 " We are going to pursue a different course 
 of tactics. The Castle is to be undermined," 
 said John, "and there is no doubt but that, 
 when D'Albini sees the danger, he will en- 
 deavour to make a sortie from the Barbican. 
 We intend giving to thee and thy men the 
 task of keeping them within the Castle. There 
 will be some of our own immediate followers 
 near to thy men, and, if necessary, they will 
 be ready to give them support." 
 
 " My liege, I will undertake the task to the 
 best of my ability," replied Pende. 
 
 "Do so, and thou shalt be well rewarded," 
 said John. "Thou mayest think it strange that 
 we select thee in preference to the knights we 
 have with us. We know thee to be brave ; 
 and when the defenders of the Castle see only 
 a body of citizens, whom they may be tempted 
 to think lightly of, they will charge down the 
 hill, only to find they have fallen into an 
 ambuscade."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 199 
 
 " Fear not, my liege ; we shall give a good 
 account of ourselves," replied Pende. "We 
 will keep them within the Castle, or die if we 
 fail." 
 
 " Farewell, worthy captain ! ' : said John. 
 " Make every preparation for the morrow.'' 
 
 King John then desired one of his attend- 
 ants to send Sir Osbert de Opham to him. 
 
 Whilst waiting for Sir Osbert, John paced 
 the chamber with a moody brow and scowling 
 face, muttering, " Ha ! ha ! that fool of a 
 citizen captain has fallen willingly into the 
 trap prepared for him." 
 
 " Sir Osbert de Opham,'' announced the 
 attendant. 
 
 "Welcome! Sir Osbert," said John. "We 
 have sent for thee to undertake a task for us." 
 
 " Give me your commands, my liege," said 
 Sir Osbert. " I am ready to do your behest.'' 
 
 " To-morrow we commence undermining the 
 walls of yon Castle. We have given Robert 
 Pende, the Captain of the City Guard, the post 
 opposite the Barbican of the Castle. There is 
 no doubt in our mind that, when the besieged 
 discover what we are doing, they will en- 
 deavour to make a sortie. We therefore desire 
 to place thee next to Pende's forces ; and, if 
 thou seest him pressed, make as if going to
 
 200 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 his assistance with thy men, but manage so as 
 to hem him in, making retreat impossible." 
 
 " But supposing I find that they are getting 
 beaten ? " 
 
 " Press on just the same," said John. " So 
 long as Pende falls, we shall be satisfied." 
 
 " It is, then, the death of Pende that you 
 require ? " said Sir Osbert. 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " May I inquire your motives ? Has he 
 shown any signs of siding with the besieged ?" 
 
 " No. On the contrary, he is very zealous in 
 our cause ; but he stands in our way. We have 
 proffered our suit to Idonea ; and, forsooth, 
 she has cast this low-born citizen in our teeth. 
 She shall be ours, most likely willingly, when 
 she knows that Pende is dead ; but, with or 
 without her consent, we have sworn to possess 
 her." 
 
 " My liege, you can count upon me," replied 
 Sir Osbert.
 
 CHAPTEK XXIX. 
 THE SOETIE. 
 
 THE besieged were now on a very short allow- 
 ance of food ; and, to tantalise them, John had 
 several oxen roasted whole within sight of the 
 brave defenders of the Castle, the savoury 
 odours of which permeated the atmosphere 
 for a considerable distance. The half- famished 
 sentinels upon the walls looked with eager, 
 longing eyes at the oxen roasting and splutter- 
 ing below them. They could not help con- 
 trasting the appearance of good cheer in the 
 enemy's camp with their own meagre fare, 
 which consisted of a small piece of bread and 
 horse-flesh, washed down by copious draughts 
 of the brackish water of the Castle well. Yet, 
 with all these privations, there was no mutin- 
 ous talk among these brave and resolute men. 
 D'Albini was finishing his mid-day meal, 
 which, like that of the men-at-arms, consisted 
 of horse-flesh, and was wiping his dagger, 
 which he had been using for cutting up his 
 dinner, when Keginald came in hastily. " Come
 
 202 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 up to the battlements and see what they are 
 doing," he said. " In faith, I cannot make it 
 out." 
 
 D'Albini quickly ascended to the top of the 
 tower, and from there beheld a number of 
 waggons of all makes and dimensions, from 
 those of ancient pattern with solid wooden 
 wheels, to the lighter - built ones of John's 
 reign, the wheels of which were made with 
 spokes. 
 
 This long array of carts and baggage- wag- 
 gons (for everything upon wheels, and capable 
 of being propelled, had been appropriated, not 
 only in the City but in the neighbourhood) 
 went out of the south gate of the City for a 
 distance of about four hundred yards, and 
 then stopped. With the carts came a number 
 of men, armed with picks and shovels. When 
 the carts were stopped close to the banks, 
 which nature had formed in terraces sloping 
 down to the water's edge, the men set to work 
 to dig the chalk ; and, standing on the bank 
 above the carts, it was easy to throw the chalk 
 into them. A large number of men were 
 engaged in this occupation, so that in a re- 
 markably short time the carts were filled. 
 
 D'Albini and Reginald, with several of the 
 knights, who had gathered on the battlements, 
 watched the vehicles pass out of the gate, and
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 203 
 
 the process of filling them ; and many a con- 
 jecture was hazarded as to the meaning of this 
 strange procedure. Slowly the carts returned 
 to the south gate, groaning and creaking, 
 loaded to their fullest capacity. 
 
 Eumbling on to the very edge of the moat, 
 they shot load after load into it. Then, and 
 not till then, did the besiegers know what 
 their enemies were doing. 
 
 D'Albini commanded all the archers, who 
 could be spared with safety from other parts 
 of the walls, to keep up a constant flight of 
 arrows on those who were filling up the moat. 
 
 A cross-bowman, who was looking over the 
 battlements, now said to D'Albini, " My lord, 
 behold the tyrant ! '' pointing at the same 
 time to the well-known figure of King John, 
 who was cautiously reconnoitring the defences 
 of the Castle. 
 
 "Well!" said D'Albini, "it is the King; 
 what wouldest thou ? " 
 
 " Shall I take him off by thy leave ? " said 
 the bowman, suiting the action to the word, 
 and adjusting a steel bolt to the bolt- string. 
 
 " Shall I despatch this swift messenger to 
 the tyrant ? Only give the command." 
 
 " Nay, God forbid ! " said D'Albini, raising 
 his hand to check the rash attempt. " Forbear ! 
 it is the King ! "
 
 204 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " Very well, my lord," said the man, with a 
 disappointed air ; "be it according to thy 
 pleasure. Only, methinks, that were the tyrant 
 in thy place, and thou on the outworks yonder, 
 there would be no ' God forbid ! ' 'Tis a fine 
 target.'' 
 
 " Nay, nay ; no more of this. Keep thy bolts 
 for better uses. We must not do as the King 
 would do, nor as the King has done. He is the 
 anointed of the realm ; and, if his deeds have 
 ill corresponded with his duties, we shall not 
 mend things by an act of treachery." 
 
 " True, my lord," said the bowman, but still 
 keeping his eye on the King, and raising the 
 weapon instinctively to his eye ; " and yet 'tis 
 the last chance ; and, when the horse-flesh 
 fails us, the saints have mercy upon the 
 garrison.'' 
 
 " Let us abide the worst," said D'Albini. 
 " Brave hearts, and the favour of Heaven, 
 are a match for the King and all his army. 
 Besides, I expect Fitz- Walter and the Barons 
 will raise the siege." 
 
 " They are right tardy in their march ; al- 
 most two months have they loitered thus." 
 
 " Nay ; methinks I see them even now de- 
 scending yonder hill. Seest thou aught ? '' 
 
 " I can see nothing but the King and this 
 cross-bow," replied the man ; "'and now,''
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 205 
 
 added he, despairingly, " my chance has gone 
 -'tis lost ! " 
 
 " No matter," said D'Albini ; " thou hast 
 more honourable work before thee ; for see, 
 they prepare for a new assault the ladders 
 are out. To thy post, and I to mine. The 
 event is with God, not with King John." 
 
 "Maybe so!" said the' staunch bowman, 
 " maybe so ! but, with King John, I wot, is 
 neither sickness nor starvation. His host, I 
 warrant me, have all breakfasted this morn- 
 ing ; whilst some, whom I could name, have 
 been three days under arms, with little better 
 cheer than the Castle well provides." 
 
 " Too'true ! " said D'Albini, " too true ! We 
 must fast as well as fight ; but to-night, please 
 God, even to-night, the Barons may arrive, 
 thr siege may be raised, and thou and thy 
 brave companions shall then sup from the 
 King's larder. What sayest thou to that, 
 Hugo ? " 
 
 " My appetite is right keen, my lord ; and 
 my thirst not a whit behind my appetite." 
 
 "Well then, courage ! and see what God will 
 send us." 
 
 " Amen ! " said the bowman ; " and never 
 doubt my courage when D'Albini commands. 
 And yet, had this little bolt been sent home, 
 much blood, methinks, would have been
 
 206 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 spared. But no matter now, the die is cast ; 
 and, if once caught by the tyrant, yonder 
 stands the gibbet ! So once more, here goes !" 
 
 " Ay, by my troth, and a right good aim ! " 
 said D'Albini. " Thou hast hit the first man 
 between the joints of his harness ; he tumbles 
 dead from the ladder. This is the right game ; 
 so once more, ' God and freedom ! ' be the 
 word.'' 
 
 " God and freedom ! " responded the bow- 
 man ; and herewith the closing horrors of the 
 siege began. 
 
 Keginald, in a hasty conference with D'Al- 
 bini, suggested the advisability of making a 
 sudden sortie out of the Barbican, against 
 which was posted only the Civic Guard ; and, 
 by taking a strong body of men with him, he 
 counted upon being able to make a rush, 
 capture the carts and back them into the 
 moat, which, being deep, would prevent them 
 from being recovered. 
 
 D'Albini agreed that it was a chance worth 
 trying ; and Reginald claimed the privilege of 
 heading the sortie, to which D'Albini agreed. 
 
 He soon had a number of men ready to 
 follow him. D'Albini, leaving the walls in 
 charge of a knight, descended to the court- 
 yard, and; with his men, stood ready to cover
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 207 
 
 the retreat of Eeginald upon his return, should 
 his help be needed. 
 
 Suddenly the drawbridge was lowered, the 
 gates swung open, and, with a rush, Eeginald 
 dashed down the hill, followed by his men. 
 
 Wild as was the charge, it had not taken 
 Pende by surprise. He had seen the lowering 
 of the drawbridge, and had placed his men to 
 advantage as soon as the bridge was down. 
 Calling to the citizens to follow him, he ran 
 up the hill, where they met in the centre, and 
 a furious onslaught took place. The citizens 
 held their own, and it was doubtful which 
 would have gained the advantage ; but, just 
 at this time, Sir Osbert put his followers in 
 motion, and, driving onward the rear ranks of 
 the citizens, they pushed the combatants so 
 closely together that they had not room enough 
 to use their weapons. Besieged and besiegers 
 were so mixed together that they resembled 
 nothing but a disorganised crowd, surging and 
 swaying, shouting and cursing. 
 
 Eeginald, finding he could make no head- 
 way against the overwhelming number of his 
 opponents, reluctantly gave the command to 
 retreat into the Castle. 
 
 Falling back to the Barbican, they were fol- 
 lowed by the citizens, who were being driven 
 forward by those behind.
 
 208 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 D'Albini had witnessed the charge from the 
 walls, and ordered the archers to do their 
 utmost against those who were driving the 
 citizens forward. He then rushed to the gates, 
 and just as Keginald had got through, and 
 several citizens with him, D'Albini and his 
 knights made a furious charge, and managed 
 to drive back their assailants and close the 
 gates of the Barbican. 
 
 By the splendid accuracy of the archers, 
 almost every arrow told with deadly effect. 
 The drawbridge was now clear, and was at 
 once raised, and not till then did D'Albini 
 feel the Castle was safe. 
 
 Upon looking round, they discovered just 
 within the gates the Captain of the Civic 
 Guard, lying upon the ground, and apparently 
 dead. 
 
 Keginald quickly recognised Pende, and, 
 bending over him, raised him to his feet. 
 
 Pende slowly opened his eyes, and, looking 
 at the faces around, all of whom were strange 
 to him, he inquired, " Where am I ? What has 
 happened ? " 
 
 " Thou art within the walls of Eochester 
 Castle," replied D'Albini ; " and thy prediction 
 has come true. We have met as brave men 
 should, but the fortune of war has gone 
 against thee."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 209 
 
 " Then I am a prisoner ? " 
 
 " Yes ; but I pledged thee my knightly word 
 that, if ever it was in my power to be of assist- 
 ance to thee, I would render it. Give me thy 
 word that thou wilt not attempt to escape, and 
 thou shalt be free to wander about the interior 
 of the Castle as it may please thee.'' 
 
 "I give thee my word, and surrender my 
 sword," said Pende ; " at the same time thank- 
 ing thee for thy courtesy." 
 
 " Nay, keep thy sword. I trust thy word 
 alone," replied D'Albini. "Art thou wounded ?" 
 
 " No, my lord ; merely stunned by the blow 
 of a mace. My steel headpiece saved my life.'' 
 
 " Come to the Keep ; I would fain talk with 
 thee,' 7 said D'Albini, leading the way. 
 
 Arrived at the Barons' Hall within the Keep, 
 D'Albini desired Pende to seat himself, for he 
 was still giddy from the blow he had received. 
 
 " Art thou still faithful to John ? " asked 
 D'Albini. 
 
 " Yes, my lord." 
 
 "Yet, in thine own interest, thou wilt not 
 mind answering a few questions that concern 
 thyself ? " said D'Albini. 
 
 " Propound thy questions, my lord." 
 
 " How earnest thou to be posted with thy 
 
 men opposite the Barbican ? " 
 
 o
 
 210 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " By the King's order, given to me person- 
 ally," replied Pende. 
 
 " Hath John any cause for enmity towards 
 thee ? " 
 
 " I know no reason for his enmity,'' replied 
 Pende. "Wherefore askest thou these ques- 
 tions ? " 
 
 " I saw from the Barbican that, when thou 
 and De Cornhill met, another body of men, led 
 by a knight, advanced and treacherously drove 
 thy men forward, not even giving them room 
 to use their weapons. Had it not been for my 
 archers, thou wouldst have been in a worse 
 plight, for the archers caused them to retreat." 
 
 " I cannot understand it,'' said Pende. 
 
 " I can see that, for some reason or other, 
 John wishes for thy death. Take my advice, 
 and do not show thyself upon the walls, and 
 they will then imagine that thou art dead." 
 
 " John has acted a traitorous part towards 
 me, I feel convinced," replied Pende. " I will 
 tell thee all I know of his plans. They are 
 filling in part of the Castle moat, to enable 
 them to cross to the foot of the walls, which 
 they will undermine. The carpenters of the 
 City are busy making a huge frame, which 
 they are covering with raw hides, to protect 
 the men engaged in that work. They will
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINL 211 
 
 begin to undermine opposite the spot where 
 they are filling in the ditch." 
 
 " Then that is the post of danger," replied 
 D'Albini. 
 
 " Here is another arrow from Yynet, which 
 had overshot the mark and was found in the 
 courtyard," said Eeginald, as he entered the 
 room breathlessly. "It must have been des- 
 patched last night.'' 
 
 D'Albini took the arrow, and, cutting the 
 thong, read as follows : 
 
 " Treachery is again at work. I overheard 
 " John giving instructions to the Captain of 
 " the City Guard, to prevent a sortie from the 
 " Castle. Afterwards, in his private chamber, 
 " when he thought no one else was near, he 
 " commanded Sir Osbert de Opham to drive 
 " the citizens especially Robert Pende, their 
 " captain on to destruction, giving, as his 
 " reason for so doing, that, if Pende could be 
 " disposed of, Idonea, the Portreeve's daughter, 
 " would listen to his vows more willingly. 
 " But, willingly or not, John swore she should 
 " be his." " YYNET." 
 
 "When D'Albini had finished reading the 
 missive, Pende, who had started up with his 
 hand upon his sword-hilt, reeled and fell to 
 the ground. The blow which he had received,
 
 212 WILLIAM D'ALBINX 
 
 and the danger that menaced Idonea, had been 
 too much for the worthy armourer. 
 
 The knights raised him up and had him 
 carefully attended to, whilst everything was 
 done to alleviate his sufferings. They then 
 repaired to the battlements again, to watch 
 the progress their enemies made in filling in 
 the moat.
 
 CHAPTEK XXX. 
 TEAPPED. 
 
 GEEAT was the dismay of the citizens, after 
 their repulse, to discover that their Captain 
 was not with them. Several returned, as far 
 as the Barbican, to see if he had been thrown 
 down in the melee. They could find no trace 
 of him. He had been seen when they were 
 under the Barbican, but, as to his ultimate 
 fate, they were in great doubt. If he had been 
 captured alive within the gates, they knew 
 that death would be the penalty, as the cry of 
 the besiegers was "No quarter ! " 
 
 Nicholas Lethenard, the worthy Portreeve of 
 the City of Kochester, learned the tidings with 
 sorrow, nothing doubting but that Pende had 
 fallen in the fray ; and he therefore hastened 
 to his dwelling to break the news, as gently as 
 possible, to his daughter. 
 
 Upon his arrival there, he found Idonea had 
 already been informed of the report -for bad 
 news always fly apace and she was bowed
 
 214 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 down with grief. She threw herself into her 
 father's arms and wept. 
 
 " My daughter," said Nicholas, " I have but 
 now heard the tidings. I will go and inquire 
 of those taking part in the fray, and try to find 
 out the truth." 
 
 " Go, my father," replied Idonea. " If any- 
 thing has happened to Robert, it will break my 
 heart." 
 
 It was now late in the afternoon, and a deep 
 mist was gradually falling over the town, 
 changing daylight into darkness. Outside the 
 Portreeve's house were gathered small knots 
 of the inhabitants, discussing the disappear- 
 ance of Pende, who was both beloved and 
 respected by the inhabitants at large. 
 
 While the citizens were thus engaged, a 
 monk left the Priory gates and walked down 
 the High Street to the abode of Nicholas 
 Lethenard. Upon reaching the dwelling, he 
 inquired for Idonea, and was shown to the 
 room where her father had ]eft her. 
 
 " Daughter,'' said the monk, " I have come 
 to bring thee consolation." 
 
 "Alas, father, what consolation canst thou 
 give me when my betrothed is dead in yon 
 Castle ? " 
 
 " Daughter, the consolation that I would 
 give is for thine ear alone,'' replied the monk.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 215 
 
 Idonea then desired the neighbours, who 
 were present, to withdraw. 
 
 " Now, father, we are alone ; what wouldst 
 thou with me ? '' 
 
 " I am the Chaplain of Eochester Castle." 
 
 " How earnest thou to leave the Castle ? " 
 
 " By command of Sir William D'Albini, the 
 brave governor." 
 
 " Tell me, knowest thou aught of Eobert 
 Pende ? v cried Idonea, in a voice of anguish. 
 
 " I do. He is now a prisoner in the Castle. 
 He was wounded, and fell within the gates of 
 the Barbican just as they were closed." 
 
 " Then he is alive," said Idonea, joyfully. 
 
 " Alive, but dangerously wounded. He is 
 under my care, as I have a knowledge of drugs 
 and medicines. The crisis will be at mid- 
 night. He constantly calls for thee, and thy 
 presence alone is required to quiet him, and 
 then there would be a chance of his recovery." 
 
 " Oh, that I could but enter the Castle ! '' 
 cried Idonea. 
 
 " Nothing is easier, if thou hast courage," 
 said the monk. 
 
 " For Eobert 's sake, I would be brave even 
 unto death," she replied. " Tell me how to get 
 there." 
 
 " Thou art a brave damsel. As I anticipated 
 thou wouldst go, I have brought with me a
 
 216 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 monk's gown for thee to put on over thine 
 own. Draw the cowl well over thy face, and, 
 in the deepening twilight, thou wilt pass for 
 one of the brotherhood." 
 
 " How are we to reach the Castle ? " asked 
 Idonea. 
 
 " There is a subterranean passage leading 
 from the Priory of the blessed Saint Andrew 
 to the Castle. The passage runs under the 
 moat, and communicates with the dungeons of 
 the Castle. None but the monks knew of its 
 existence. I informed the governor of the 
 Castle, who, at the intercession of Sir Eeginald 
 de Cornhill, gave permission for me to come 
 for thee." ( 10 ) 
 
 " I am ready, holy father, to follow thee to 
 the Castle." 
 
 The monk led the way out of the dwelling, 
 and, bestowing his blessing as he passed on 
 the groups of citizens, entered the gates of the 
 Priory, closely followed by Idonea, in the garb 
 of a monk. 
 
 They passed into the Cathedral by the north 
 door, and found the transept but dimly lighted 
 by the candles burning on the altar of St. 
 Nicholas. Crossing to the south transept, they 
 entered the chapel of St. Edmund. In this 
 chapel was a door leading to the cloisters. 
 They had just arrived at this door when the
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 217 
 
 Prior (Helias) entered, and, greeting them, he 
 hastily passed on. 
 
 The monk guided Idonea to one of the 
 apartments John occupied, and, requesting 
 her to be seated on a bench near the fire, 
 he said, "Daughter, so far we have come in 
 safety. In this room thou mayest rest quietly, 
 while I go and see if the way is clear to the 
 secret passage, for many of John's knights are 
 within the Priory. I may be gone some time, 
 but that will depend on circumstances. Do not 
 be alarmed ; thou art quite safe." 
 
 The monk left the chamber, gently locking 
 the door after him, and. putting the key in his 
 pouch, he hastily traversed the Cathedral to 
 the western door. Emerging from the sacred 
 fane, he made his way to that part of the moat 
 which was being filled up with chalk. 
 
 Ey the side of the moat stood John, his arms 
 folded, watching the chalk being thrown into 
 the water. The night was dark, but, by the 
 aid of torches and watch-fires, the work still 
 went on. In the distance were heard car- 
 penters, and other craftsmen, busily engaged 
 in making the curious " sow." So much inter- 
 est was manifested in its manufacture, that all 
 those, who had nothing better to do, crowded 
 round and watched the busy workers.
 
 218 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 The monk approached the King, and touched 
 him lightly on the arm, causing John to start 
 from his reverie. " How now, monk ? What 
 means this familiarity ?" said John, nervously 
 clutching the hilt of his sword. 
 
 " My liege, I came to call your soul heaven- 
 wards.' 5 
 
 " Ah, thou canting hypocrite ! What meanest 
 thou ? " 
 
 " That, if you follow me, 1 will conduct you 
 to an angel's presence." 
 
 " By my father's soul, I believe the shave- 
 ling is mad," muttered John. 
 
 " Ha ! ha ! ha ! " laughed the monk, throw- 
 ing back his cowl, and displaying the well- 
 known features of Sir Osbert de Opham. 
 
 " Sir Osbert ! '' said John, in amazement. 
 
 " Yes, my liege. I have caged the bird, who 
 is now awaiting you in your chamber. Here is 
 the key." 
 
 " Sir Osbert, thy reward shall be great,'' said 
 John, joyfully. "We will keep her waiting no 
 longer." 
 
 " And I will go and pay my attentions to the 
 wine cup, to wash the senseless tattle, that I 
 have been obliged to utter, from my throat." 
 
 As soon as they were gone, a man-at-arms, 
 wearing the uniform of the Civic Guard, 
 emerged from the shadow of a tower. "Ye
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 219 
 
 fiends ! " he muttered. " Beware ! for ye shall 
 be thwarted yet." 
 
 It is now time to return to Helias, the Prior. 
 After greeting the two persons in monkish 
 dress at the entrance to the cloisters, he passed 
 on to the western end of the nave of the 
 Cathedral. Unlocking the door leading to the 
 monks' walk, he hastily changed his Prior's 
 gown for the steel headpiece, sword, and buff 
 doublet of the Civic Guard. 
 
 This done, he muttered to himself, " Tis 
 time for monks to disguise as soldiers, when 
 knights assume the monkish robes.'' 
 
 After he had effected the transformation, he 
 went and knelt at the altar of St. Giles, in the 
 chapel of the infirmary. 
 
 Whilst kneeling there, apparently in deep 
 devotion, he saw one of the false monks return, 
 when he arose and, at a distance, followed 
 him, secreting himself in the shadow of the 
 walls, and so overheard his conversation with 
 John. 
 
 He now made his way to where Sir Savaric 
 was busily engaged, superintending the car- 
 penters and others, who were making the 
 framework. Elbowing his way through the 
 crowd, he approached Savaric, when one of 
 the men-at-arms, whose ribs had come in con- 
 tact with his elbow, said, somewhat surlily,
 
 220 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " How now, comrade ? There is no hurry ; 
 thou wilt be able to get a sight presently. 5 ' 
 
 "I crave thy pardon, comrade," said the 
 Prior ; " but I must have speech at once with 
 the worthy knight, Sir Savaric de Mauleon." 
 
 Savaric heard the latter part of this speech, 
 and, recognising the voice of Helias, he said, 
 " Ha ! thou hast come. I have waited for thee. 
 Come hither and deliver thy message.'' 
 
 Drawing him apart from the bystanders, he 
 anxiously inquired why he was disguised as a 
 soldier. 
 
 Helias then related all that he had seen and 
 heard ; and, as he unfolded the scheme of 
 villainy, the ire of the grim old warrior rose, 
 and, in a voice of thunder, he said, " Lead on, 
 and I will follow thee ! '' 
 
 Having entered the precincts of the Priory, 
 they were proceeding through the cloisters to 
 John's chamber, when they met Sir Osbert at 
 the farther end, still disguised as a monk. 
 
 " Sir Knight," said he, " thou canst not 
 pass this way. The King has retired to his 
 chamber." 
 
 " Sir monk,'' replied Savaric, " knowest thou 
 not that I have access to the King at any 
 time ? " 
 
 " I have also the commands of the Prior that 
 none but the King pass this way."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINL 221 
 
 " 'Tis a lie," said Helias. 
 
 " How now, thou base-born varlet ? Durst 
 thou say this to one of my calling ? '' said Sir 
 Osbert. 
 
 " Base-born, sayest thou ? '' replied the Prior. 
 " Nay, I am better born than thou a hundred 
 times. Knowest thou not that I am the 
 Prior ? " 
 
 " Thou must think me mad to believe such a 
 tale," said Sir Osbert. 
 
 " And thou must be mad to think that we 
 should take thee for a monk, Sir Osbert de 
 Opham," said Savaric. 
 
 " As thou hast detected me, Sir Savaric, thou 
 must know that I have the authority of the 
 King for barring thy progress. Thou shalt not 
 pass this way ! " 
 
 " And thou shalt not stop me," said Savaric, 
 dashing his heavy gauntleted hand full in the 
 face of Sir Osbert, stretching him senseless on 
 the ground, at the same time saying, "Forward, 
 good Prior ! "
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 * 
 
 MONARCH AND MAID. 
 
 IDONEA, when she was left by the false monk 
 in the King's chamber, sat gazing at the 
 embers in the fireplace, as if she could picture 
 Pende stretched on a bed of sickness. She 
 remained in this position for some time, en- 
 tirely lost in her thoughts. Waiting is ever a 
 tedious task ; the minutes seem hours, espe- 
 cially so when we wish to be elsewhere. 
 Therefore, it was not strange that Idonea 
 imagined she had been there a much longer 
 time. 
 
 Becoming impatient, she glanced round the 
 chamber, and, to her surprise, noticed for the 
 first time that it was a sleeping apartment. 
 Gaining courage, she arose and walked round, 
 when, to her horror, she discovered, scattered 
 about, different articles, clearly indicating that 
 this was the King's chamber. 
 
 Idonea's first thought was to fly back to the 
 shelter of her father's dwelling, and, going to
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 223 
 
 the door, tried in vain to open it. The door 
 was fast locked, and although she called, there 
 was no one there to answer her. 
 
 Finding herself a prisoner, Idonea was really 
 alarmed. She looked round the chamber to 
 see if there were anv other means of exit than 
 
 w 
 
 the door by which she had entered, but there 
 appeared to be none. She, however, found a 
 small dagger with a golden hilt, richly inlaid 
 with precious stones, which she hid in the 
 folds of her dress, determining to defend her- 
 self against John ; for she now felt sure that 
 it was through his means she had been trapped. 
 
 Idonea again seated herself upon the settle 
 by the fireplace opposite the door, so as not to 
 be taken by surprise. 
 
 After a time she heard a key placed in the 
 lock and turned cautiously. Idonea started to 
 her feet, and, as the door opened, stood face to 
 face with the King. John carefully closed the 
 door and drew the bolts. 
 
 " So, my pretty wench, we have you now in 
 our power," said John. 
 
 " My liege/' said Idonea, " I appeal to you, 
 as a monarch and a knight, to release me from 
 this captivity, and restore me to my father." 
 
 " Ha ! ha ! " laughed John. " Thou must be 
 simple to think that, once in our power, we 
 should let thee go."
 
 224 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " Is it thus that you repay dutiful service," 
 asked Idonea, with scorn, "knowing that my 
 heart is torn by the loss of my lover in your 
 cause ? " 
 
 " Maiden," said John, with a scowl, " know- 
 est thou that it was by our orders that thy 
 citizen captain was placed in a position of 
 danger ? And, to render it still more so, Sir 
 Osbert de Opham was commanded to drive 
 these same citizens into the Barbican, and 
 thus effectually clear Pende from our path." 
 
 " Inhuman fiend ! '' cried Idonea. " You 
 have caused his death ; but learn that, woman 
 as I am, I defy you ! " 
 
 " Thus do we laugh at thy threats," said 
 John, advancing towards her. 
 
 " Stand back, if you value your life ! '' said 
 Idonea, unsheathing the dagger. 
 
 " Fool ! " said John. " If thou rousest our 
 anger, beware of our vengeance ! " 
 
 The King then made a rush at Idonea, and 
 attempted to grasp her arm, intending to wrest 
 the dagger from her ; but Idonea was too quick 
 for him, and the dagger was plunged in John's 
 arm. 
 
 With the roar of a wild beast, John retreated 
 to the end of the apartment, cursing and vow- 
 ing vengeance. Snatching a scarf from the
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 225 
 
 table, he hastily bound it round his arm to 
 staunch the bleeding of the wound. 
 
 " Thou scornest our love ; now thou shalt 
 feel our hatred, 5 ' said he, drawing his sword. 
 
 " Better death than dishonour," said Idonea, 
 standing erect. " Traitorous King, I fear thee 
 not ! " 
 
 Again advancing towards her, but this time 
 with drawn sword, John swore that she should 
 die ; but ere he had gone a couple of paces, he 
 was seized by a pair of strong arms from 
 behind, and his sword wrested from him. 
 
 " Coward, to attack a defenceless woman ! " 
 said Yynet, thrusting the King aside, and 
 snapping his sword in two across his knee. 
 
 " Yynet ! '* said John, turning pale with 
 anger and fear. 
 
 " Yes, Yynet, at whose mercy you now 
 stand ! What have you to say that I should 
 not kill you like a dog, as you deserve ? ?> 
 
 " Have mercy, good Yynet ! " said John, in 
 abject terror ; " and we will reward thee." 
 
 " Neither your words nor oaths are to be 
 trusted," said Yynet. 
 
 " We will swear, upon this holy reliquary, to 
 raise thee to a good position if thou wilt spare 
 our life," whined John. 
 
 " Can you restore my face to its former 
 shape, and eradicate this terrible gash, that
 
 226 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 you inflicted in your rage ? " sternly de- 
 manded Yynet. "I trust you not, nor want 
 your rewards ; but an act of justice you shall 
 do before you die. Kneel to this maiden, whom 
 you have insulted, and ask her forgiveness." 
 
 " A King does not kneel to his subjects,'' 
 said John, with anger. 
 
 " Nevertheless, I have determined that, King 
 as you are, you shall kneel or die on the spot," 
 said Yynet, drawing his sword. 
 
 Just at that moment a loud knocking was 
 heard, and the voice of Savaric de Mauleon 
 loudly demanding admission. 
 
 " You hear the knocking ? ' : said Yynet. 
 " There are others to call you to account- 
 kneel ! " 
 
 John reluctantly knelt in front of Idonea, 
 and said, " Lady, we pray thy forgiveness ; 
 and, if thou hast any influence with Yynet, 
 entreat him to spare us." 
 
 " I have never seen him until now," said 
 Idonea ; " but he has my gratitude for pro- 
 tecting me. 5> 
 
 Whilst Idonea was thus replying, those 
 outside the door were threatening to burst it 
 open, and were already giving it some heavy 
 blows, when Yynet, seeing John engaged with 
 Idonea, attempted to cross the chamber in 
 order to unbolt the door. John saw his chance
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 227 
 
 and leapt to his feet in a moment, while 
 Idonea, fearing for her brave rescuer, screamed 
 " Take heed ! " 
 
 Vynet, hearing the scream, turned round, 
 only to receive John's dagger full in his chest ; 
 and. ere he could recover himself, the King 
 had given him another thrust. With a super- 
 human effort, Yynet threw John to the 
 ground, and then fell down beside him, the 
 blood gushing from the wounds he had re- 
 ceived. 
 
 So great was John's hatred towards Yynet, 
 that, raising himself to a kneeling position, he 
 stabbed him over and over again, uttering 
 imprecations the while dreadful to hear. 
 
 Idonea, at first paralysed with horror, and 
 then realising that she was again in John's 
 power, glided to the door ; and, before John 
 knew what was being done so intent was he 
 in wreaking his vengeance on the prostrate 
 body of Yynet she had unbolted the door, 
 and had fallen fainting to the ground. 
 
 Hearing the bolt withdrawn, Savaric de 
 Mauleon pushed the door open and rushed 
 into the chamber, followed by the Prior and 
 several knights and men-at-arms, who had 
 been attracted by the noise. 
 
 The scene that met their eyes would seem 
 strange to one unacquainted with those
 
 228 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 evil times. Yynet lay weltering in his blood 
 upon the oak floor of the chamber, the King 
 bending over him, his dagger reeking with 
 gore, whilst his face and garments were 
 smeared and bloody ; Idonea was stretched on 
 the floor in a death -like swoon ; and over all 
 the rays of the lamp shedding a dim light. 
 
 The Prior bent over Idonea, and, gently 
 lifting her up, placed her on the bench. 
 
 " Is she dead ? '' asked Savaric. 
 
 "No, my son ; she has only swooned," 
 replied Helias. 
 
 " But whom have we here ? " asked Savaric, 
 gazing at the lifeless body of Vynet. 
 
 " A traitor whom we have slain Yynet ! 
 who has so often thwarted us,'' replied John. 
 
 " Why was this lady in your chamber ? " 
 asked Savaric. 
 
 " We know not,'' replied John. " On return- 
 ing to this chamber, we found both her and 
 Vynet here ; and he not only bolted the door, 
 but attacked us. In the conflict our sword 
 was broken, leaving us at his mercy. When he 
 heard you knocking at the door, he lost his 
 presence of mind, and we despatched him 
 with our royal dagger." 
 
 " You tell a lying tale,'' said Savaric. " We 
 know that Sir Osbert de Opham inveigled the
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 229 
 
 Portreeve's daughter thither, to pander to thy 
 vices." 
 
 " Sir Savaric, thou art not our Father Con- 
 fessor," said John, haughtily. 
 
 " The saints be praised I am not. Methinks 
 my hair would stand on end at the recital of 
 your evil deeds," rejoined Savaric. 
 
 "Sir Savaric, thou art insulting,'' said John. 
 " May we know by what right thou intrudest 
 upon our privacy ? " 
 
 " I came to protect this lady from your 
 machinations," replied Savaric. 
 
 " What is she to thee," sneered John, " that 
 thou shouldst undertake this feat of knight- 
 errantry ? " 
 
 " My niece," replied Savaric, sternly, " the 
 child of my dead sister." 
 
 Nicholas Lethenard had now arrived, and 
 Idonea, Avho had by this time regained con- 
 sciousness, desired her father to take her from 
 the King's presence and that fatal chamber. 
 
 " Fear not, Idonea," said Savaric. " Has the 
 King wounded thee ? '' 
 
 " No, uncle. He would have done so but for 
 the interference of that brave man, who now 
 lies dead upon the floor. Take me home, I 
 entreat thee ; my senses are wandering. The 
 terrible scene I have just witnessed has un- 
 nerved me/'
 
 230 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 Savaric and Nicholas quickly conducted 
 Idonea from the chamber. John soon after 
 vacated the room, declaring that he could not 
 sleep there again. 
 
 At midnight the monks laid Yynet to rest 
 in their burying ground, within the walls of 
 the Priory, by the light of torches, Savaric 
 and Helias, now robed in his monkish gown, 
 following him to the grave.
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 GENEKOUS FOES. 
 
 WHEN darkness began to set in, D'Albini and 
 Reginald descended to the Hall, where they 
 had left Pende, attended by one of the menials 
 of the Castle. They found him somewhat re- 
 covered from the blow he had received. When 
 Pende saw them, he rose and said, " Noble 
 Knights, I thank you for your kind treatment. 
 I expected nothing short of death, when I 
 found myself within the Barbican." 
 
 " Thou didst judge us somewhat harshly,'' 
 said Reginald. u How dost thou find thyself 
 now ? " 
 
 " Better in body, though there is a trouble- 
 some noise in my head ; but I am anxious as to 
 the fate of Idonea, the Portreeve's daughter." 
 
 " If she has fallen into any snare of John's, 
 dost think thou couldst save her ? " queried 
 D'Albini. 
 
 " I do not know, but I would do all that man 
 could do to rescue or defend her."
 
 232 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 " If we liberate thee, wilt thou swear not to 
 bear arms against us again ? " asked D'Albini. 
 
 " Nay, more than that ; I will influence the 
 citizens to remain neutral," replied Pende. 
 
 " Then thou shalt be put outside the Castle 
 walls at once,'' said D'Albini. 
 
 " It may endanger the safety of the garrison 
 to open the gates of the Barbican," said Pende. 
 
 " Dost think that, because thou didst enter 
 that way, there are no other means of leaving 
 this grim fortress ? '' said Eeginald. 
 
 " It is the only way I know of," replied 
 Pende. 
 
 " We shall liberate thee by the secret outlet 
 near the water-tower,'' said D'Albini. " The 
 tide is low, and thou wilt find thyself not far 
 from the bridge. I advise thee to keep thyself 
 secreted from John and his mercenaries. Dost 
 thou think thou wilt be able to enter the city 
 secretly ? " 
 
 " Yes, easily," rejoined Pende. " The whole 
 of the gates and walls of the city are guarded 
 by the citizens ; and, when we cut away the 
 centre arch of the bridge, I caused to be con- 
 structed a ladder and platform from arch to 
 arch, to enable us to get down to the boats 
 which are moored there, in case they should 
 be wanted.''
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 233 
 
 " Then follow us, and we will lower thee to 
 the foreshore," said D'Albini. 
 
 Pende arose, and, at the suggestion of Regi- 
 nald, left his steel cap and armour behind, and 
 disguised himself as a Norman man-at-arms. 
 He then followed them across the courtyard 
 till they arrived at the Water Tower and 
 ascended to the chamber, from which we have 
 previously seen Yynet lowered. 
 
 Taking leave of the knights, he was let 
 down to the bottom of the cavity ; and then, 
 releasing the rope, it was hauled back and the 
 trap door closed and bolted. 
 
 Pende groped his way to the outlet, and 
 found himself upon the foreshore of the river. 
 Creeping along under the shadow of the walls, 
 till he came to the foundations of the Bridge, 
 he then climbed on to one of the starlings. 
 Once there, he was able to make his way to 
 the centre of the Bridge, and, ascending the 
 ladder, he saw who was on duty, whilst he 
 was hidden in the obscurity of the mist that 
 hung over the river. 
 
 From this point of vantage he was able to 
 observe the watch fire burning on the Bridge, 
 as well as the sentry, who was conversing with 
 several others of the Civic Guard and a few of 
 the soldiers belonging to the different leaders. 
 They were seated on some of the beams that
 
 234 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 had been removed from the Bridge, busily 
 engaged in conversation about Pende ; and 
 several times he heard tales related about him- 
 self, which caused him to blush with pride. 
 
 It was fully an hour ere the sentinel was 
 relieved, and then the party gathered round 
 the fire made a move to enter within the walls 
 of the city. 
 
 The relieving man-at-arms, after watching 
 his comrades depart, heaped more fuel on the 
 fire and then marched to the centre of the 
 Bridge, and looked down the chasm into the 
 river below. 
 
 Pende had recognised the soldier, who by 
 good chance happened to be one of the men 
 he employed at his armoury. 
 
 " Hubert ! '' said Pende, in a low voice. 
 
 The soldier started and listened. " I could 
 have sworn I heard the Captain's voice. Bah ! 
 it must have been my fancy. I shall never 
 hear it more." 
 
 Again came the voice, " Hubert ! 'Tis I, 
 Kobert Pende ! " 
 
 Quickly turning to the point where the lad- 
 der was fastened, he saw Pende's face on a 
 level with the roadway, peering out of the 
 darkness. 
 
 "Do I really once more behold thee alive, 
 Captain ? " inquired Hubert, joyfully.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINL 235 
 
 " As much alive as ever, Hubert, notwith- 
 standing an ugly blow I received on the head 
 from a mace. Art thou alone ? " 
 
 "Yes ; all the others have gone to the 
 taverns, or home to rest." 
 
 " I do not at present want my escape to be 
 known, for there is treachery at work. We 
 were purposely driven into the Barbican, and 
 we might all have been driven into the Castle 
 moat if it had not been for D'Albini, who kept 
 those, who were driving us on, in check by his 
 archers/' 
 
 " But how didst thou escape with thy life 
 from the Castle ? " inquired Hubert. 
 
 " I did not escape, but was set free and 
 lowered from the walls to the river side. Who 
 is on duty at the Barbican ? " 
 
 " None but our own men." 
 
 " Then, if thou wilt move slowly, so that I 
 can hide behind thee and continue to advance 
 to the Barbican, I can pass unnoticed to the 
 High Street. They will think that I am one of 
 the men belonging to the King.'' 
 
 Pende ascended to the roadway of the 
 Bridge, and, keeping well in the shadow of 
 Hubert as they passed the watch-fire, soon 
 found himself under the Barbican of the City. 
 
 Entering noiselessly the guard room, he 
 beheld those who were to take their turn of
 
 236 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 duty during the night, seated round the guard- 
 room fire, and one of the citizens was exhibit- 
 ing his sword. " This blade," he said, " was 
 the last piece of work done by our Captain. 
 Mine was stolen from the guard-room by some 
 of the robbers who belong to the mercenary 
 leaders, and the Captain made another. I saw 
 him forge it with mine own eyes, and a better 
 sword ne'er graced man's hand." 
 
 " Aye," said one, " he was as good an ar- 
 mourer as ever lived.'' 
 
 " Wilt exchange for mine, and I will give 
 thee a leathern doublet to boot ? '' said another. 
 
 " No," replied the owner of the sword. 
 " Eobert Pende will never make another 
 sword, and I will keep it and use it upon 
 his enemies, e'en though I lose my life in so 
 doing." 
 
 "Be not so sure that I shall never temper 
 another sword," said Pende, advancing into 
 the guard-room " 
 
 "What, Captain ! alive and well ? ' ! they 
 asked, pressing round him, and shaking him 
 by the hand. 
 
 Pende, after the greetings were over, related 
 all he knew of the treachery of John, and the 
 generous treatment he had met with from 
 D'Albini ; and concluded by asking the men 
 not to join in any attack upon the Castle, but
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINT. 237 
 
 only to guard the city walls, and keep the fact 
 of his being alive and free a secret to them- 
 selves. This the citizens readily promised to 
 do. 
 
 Pende now desired one of the men to relieve 
 Hubert, which was quickly done, and together 
 the twain passed down the High Street to 
 Pende's dwelling. 
 
 Hubert unlocked the door, and said, " Come 
 in, comrade, and I will give thee a stoup of 
 wine, for it has been none too warm upon the 
 Bridge." 
 
 Hubert said this as several parties of men 
 were loitering about in the street. 
 
 Entering the house, Hubert locked and 
 barred the door, and, going to the kitchen at 
 the back of the house, he gave his master a 
 drink of wine, and was about to place food 
 before him, when Pende said, "Although I 
 have eaten nothing, I cannot do so now until I 
 know whether Idonea is safe." 
 
 " She was greatly disheartened when she 
 heard of thy supposed death. This will be a 
 cheerful surprise for her." 
 
 " Go, good Hubert, by the back way, and 
 desire our worthy Portreeve to come hither, if 
 he is within." 
 
 Hubert departed, and, entering the Port- 
 reeve's dwelling, asked to see him. He was
 
 238 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 sent upstairs to a room, which we have before 
 described. Here he found not only Nicholas, 
 but also his daughter, and Sir Savaric. 
 
 Idonea had just finished giving an account 
 of all that had happened at the Priory, when 
 Hubert spoke to Nicholas, and asked if he 
 would step into the armourer's shop. 
 
 " Why, Hubert, is aught the matter ? I 
 thought thou wert on duty for the night,'' said 
 Nicholas. 
 
 " There was someone inquiring for thee, and 
 I was directed to guide thee to him.'' 
 
 "I will come with thee at once," replied 
 Nicholas. 
 
 The Portreeve accompanied Hubert, and, 
 entering the armourer's dwelling, was sur- 
 prised when he beheld Pende. 
 
 Seizing his hand, he gave it a hearty shake, 
 and said, " Eobert, I am glad to see thee alive. 
 Thou must come and assure Idonea of thy 
 safety." 
 
 " Are any strangers there ? " 
 
 " None but mine own family." 
 
 " Idonea thought me dead. Thou hadst bet- 
 ter prepare her before I enter." 
 
 " Nonsense ! Joy never kills." 
 
 Leading the way, Nicholas was quickly back 
 again in his own room. As he entered the 
 door, he said, u Dry thy tears, daughter ;
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 239 
 
 Robert has returned, safe and sound." The 
 next moment Idonea was folded in the strong 
 arms of Eobert. 
 
 Savaric also came forward, and said, " Let 
 me add my congratulations to the warm wel- 
 come of my niece." 
 
 " Niece ! " ejaculated Pende. 
 
 " Yes, Robert ; I have found an uncle," said 
 Idonea, " who has protected me from the fury 
 of the King." 
 
 " Art thou hungry ? '' asked the Portreeve. 
 
 " Yery,'' said Pende. " I have tasted only a 
 piece of horseflesh, and a drink of water, for 
 several hours.'' 
 
 " Sit thee down at once and eat thy fill, and 
 Idonea shall tell thee of her adventures ; and, 
 when thou hast satisfied thine hunger, we 
 will hear the particulars of thy escape,'' said 
 Nicholas. 
 
 Pende, without any ceremony, attacked the 
 good cheer that was upon the table ; and 
 Idonea related her story, which he heard with 
 indignation. 
 
 When Pende had finished his repast, he told 
 them how he was struck down by a mace, and 
 of the noble treatment of D'Albini, who ad- 
 vised him to keep himself under cover, which 
 advice Savaric approved of, knowing John's 
 malicious nature.
 
 240 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 "D'Albini is a noble knight," said Savaric. 
 "I will, if possible, protect him from John's 
 vengeance when the Castle is taken. It cannot 
 hold out long ; and he will never surrender, I 
 feel sure."
 
 CHAPTEE XXXIII. 
 THE FALL OF THE CASTLE. 
 
 SOME days had now elapsed since the events 
 recorded in the last chapter. The citizen- 
 soldiers had withdrawn from taking an active 
 part in the siege of the Castle, and confined 
 their duties to the watch and ward upon the 
 walls and gates of the city. The citizens were 
 greatly incensed against John for his treachery 
 to their Captain, and his dishonourable treat- 
 ment of their Portreeve's daughter. 
 
 Pende kept himself secluded during the day- 
 time, but in the evening, when dusk set in, he, 
 in company with others of the Civic Guard, 
 went out to get fresh air, and to watch how 
 matters progressed, for Pende felt great pity 
 for those whom he knew were starving within 
 the Castle. 
 
 We also will see what had been done during 
 
 
 
 the last few days. 
 
 The chalk, that had been shot into the moat, 
 was sufficient to form a broad roadway to the
 
 242 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 foot of the walls. With pick, crowbar and 
 shovel they had attacked the foundations of 
 the walls under cover of the " sow." The 
 besieged had tried in vain to penetrate its 
 untanned hides, but it seemed impervious to 
 anything that could be cast upon it, so well 
 had its construction been carried out. 
 
 A huge, tunnel-like aperture had been made 
 level with the chalk causeway, and the earth 
 and stones that were excavated had been 
 thrown into the moat. 
 
 The cavity went completely under the outer 
 walls, and the miners were engaged in remov- 
 ing the foundation of the south-east angle of 
 the Keep. This was a work of great danger ; 
 but every precaution was taken, the earth and 
 masonry above their heads being shored up 
 with large baulks of timber, the tunnel re- 
 sembling a huge skeleton. 
 
 When the decisive moment arrived, it was 
 proposed to remove these struts by means of 
 long ropes, which were to be attached to 
 horses and drawn from their position. It was 
 anticipated that the walls would then, like 
 those of Jericho, fall at the sound of the 
 bugles, which was to be the signal. 
 
 So certain was Sir Savaric of the success of 
 his work, which was nearly completed, that he
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 243 
 
 proposed on the morrow to assemble the whole 
 of the troops round the Castle, and, at the 
 given signal, to see the tower fall down. It 
 was then his intention to storm the Castle, and 
 to rush in by the breach caused by the collapse 
 of the tower. 
 
 The calculation of Sir Savaric de Mauleon 
 was, like many other calculations both before 
 and since, to be upset by the intervention of 
 the elements. 
 
 On the last day of November, there was a 
 strong wind blowing from the north-east, 
 which increased to a gale towards the middle 
 of the day ; but still the besiegers worked on, 
 utterly oblivious of the fact that the Medway 
 was already swollen and that its angry waves 
 were dashing against the banks. 
 
 Suddenly there arose a roar the Medway 
 had overleaped its bounds and was rushing in 
 cascades over the banks, carrying with it on 
 its onward rush anything of a buoyant nature 
 that lay within its course. ("} 
 
 Many of the mercenaries had encamped 
 outside the walls of the City, especially on the 
 north and east sides, where they felt secure 
 from the arrows of the besieged. These men 
 were the first to find out what the overflow 
 meant. Their tents were torn by the wind 
 and then scattered by the influx of the tide.
 
 244 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 A number of the besiegers had gathered 
 round to view the rush of water, which had 
 now penetrated many of the low lying parts 
 of the City, and had also flooded the moats 
 both of the City and Castle, whilst men- 
 at-arms were wading knee deep round the 
 walls. But what cared these men of war for 
 a wetting ; it was only water and could do no 
 great harm. 
 
 Such was their reasoning, but small incidents 
 often pave the way for larger ones. The water 
 had risen to the entrance of the tunnel, and 
 now began to pour into it. Still the men con- 
 tinued their work, although in some parts they 
 were up to their knees in water, and in others 
 it reached to their armpits. 
 
 Suddenly those who were working in the 
 tunnel noticed that large masses of earth kept 
 falling from the roof into the water ; and the 
 next moment, without any warning, the whole 
 fell in, burying those who were beneath it, 
 suffocating them as they stood. 
 
 The knights and others, who were opposite 
 the entrance, saw the collapse of the tunnel, 
 followed immediately by a terrible sound of 
 cracking in the angle of the great Keep. Then 
 amidst a profound silence, for the onlookers 
 held their breath, the south-east tower was 
 seen to tremble, totter and then fall outwards.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 245 
 
 crashing through the outer wall and falling 
 into the moat, while a large quantity of the 
 debris covered the farther bank of the moat. 
 
 With the falling tower came the knights 
 and men-at-arms, who were in that part of the 
 Keep, at the time it severed from the main 
 part. Like some revengeful giant it killed all 
 who came within its clutches. 
 
 Sir William D'Albini, who was standing 
 upon the outer walls at the time, was precipi- 
 tated on to the bank of the moat, stunned. 
 He was noticed by Pende and some of the 
 Civic Guard, and at once pulled out, just as 
 Sir Osbert de Opham arrived upon the scene. 
 He at once claimed him as his prisoner, 
 delivering him into the charge of his men. 
 
 Bugles were now blown, war-cries shouted 
 and the leaders, followed by their men, rushed 
 over the debris to the gap, caused by the 
 falling tower ; and then commenced a hand 
 to hand fight. The garrison, led on by De 
 Corn hill, fought bravely ; but worn out by 
 incessant watching and want of food, besides 
 being outnumbered by the vast hordes who 
 kept pouring into the Castle, they were dis- 
 armed and taken prisoners. 
 
 King John now made a somewhat tardy 
 appearance. Unlike his illustrious brother.
 
 246 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 Eichard Cour de Lion, who at the clash of 
 armour, was always drawn towards it, John 
 was cowardly, and loved not to venture in 
 the melee, contenting himself with being a 
 spectator. 
 
 He did not climb over the breach in the 
 walls, but rode in over the drawbridge, which 
 had been lowered, and thence under the 
 Barbican, where he was met by Sir Savaric 
 de Mauleon. 
 
 " My liege," he said, " we have won the 
 Castle, and have gathered the prisoners in the 
 great courtyard. By my faith they are starved 
 and look like scarecrows." 
 
 " It matters not about their looks ; they shall 
 all die," replied John. 
 
 " My liege, I claim your promise, sworn on 
 the blessed crucifix, that the knights should be 
 saved," said Savaric. 
 
 " Wouldst thou protect rebels from the just 
 anger of the King ? " 
 
 " No ! but I can and will protect brave 
 knights, who have fought manfully in a cause 
 they believed to be just." 
 
 " E'en have thy way," replied John with an 
 oath. " But kark ye ! remove them to the 
 Priory and guard them well, for we shall hold 
 thee responsible for their safety."
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 247 
 
 "As prisoners, but honourable ones, will I 
 guard them, and answer for their well-being," 
 replied Savaric. 
 
 Savaric returned to the courtyard, and 
 marched the knights, who were strongly 
 guarded, to the Priory, selecting the cells of 
 the monks for their prison, and placing a 
 strong guard in the corridor. 
 
 No sooner had Savaric departed, than Sir 
 Osbert said to the King, "My liege, De Mauleon 
 will but half accomplish his self-imposed task 
 of protecting the knights against vengeance." 
 
 " What meanest thou ? " asked John. 
 
 "That when the tower fell, D'Albini was 
 thrown, stunned, into the moat, and rescued 
 by the citizens. I claimed him as my prisoner, 
 and had him conveyed to the chamber in which 
 Yynet was killed, thinking that a second act 
 of retribution would give the worthy monks 
 something to pray for, tc cleanse their Priory 
 from pollution." 
 
 "Then he shall die, in spite of De Mauleon," 
 replied the King. 
 
 " Lead on to the other prisoners ! " 
 
 In the great courtyard were gathered the 
 garrison of the Castle men, who would have 
 moved the pity of anyone worthy of the name 
 of manhood. They were all emaciated and 
 wounded, unlike the strong men - at - arms
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 who had entered the Castle only a few 
 weeks before. Their captors were not like 
 men, but fiends. Directly John reached the 
 courtyard, he gloated over the looks of suffer- 
 ing that he beheld on the countenances of the 
 remnant of the garrison. 
 
 He then commanded that the whole of the 
 prisoners should be slaughtered where they 
 stood. They were not aware of this cruel 
 order ; and when they saw their guards draw 
 their swords, they expected it would be to 
 conduct them to some strong dungeon. They 
 were quickly undeceived however, when they 
 saw that the heads of their comrades were 
 being cut off. On all sides they were attacked 
 by John's cut-throats, and in a very short time 
 they lay a heap of murdered victims. 
 
 John stopped and saw his orders executed, 
 and then went over the Castle to see what 
 damage had been done. 
 
 Directly the King left the courtyard the 
 men, who had executed John's cruel com- 
 mands, started like vultures to rob the dead 
 of the clothing and valuables that they had 
 about them, in some cases entirely stripping 
 the bodies. 
 
 Meanwhile Savaric had learned from Pende 
 of the captivity of D'Albini, who had been 
 conveyed insensible to the King's chamber.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 249 
 
 Savaric called to several of his men to follow 
 him, intending to beat off the guard at the 
 door, and to transfer D'Albini to the place he 
 had assigned to the other knights. 
 
 Helias, who had heard Pende's communi- 
 cation, said to Savaric, "Thou wilt need no 
 attendants. Come with me ! " 
 
 The Prior then took Savaric to his apartment, 
 and from thence by the secret way to John's 
 chamber. 
 
 They found D'Albini recovered ; and telling 
 him of his danger, he at once followed Savaric 
 to the monk's cell. 
 
 "When John returned to the Priory, he, in 
 company with Sir Osbert, went to the chamber 
 to wreak his vengeance upon D'Albini ; but 
 after passing the guard at the door, they found 
 the chamber vacant. 
 
 " If we had not killed Yynet with our own 
 hands, we should have thought it was some of 
 his work," said John. 
 
 They questioned the guard outside, but no 
 one had entered the chamber since Sir Osbert 
 had left them to guard it. 
 
 John then retired to the Chapter Eoom of 
 the Priory, where he determined to have a 
 final revel at the expense of the Priory.
 
 CHAPTEE XXXIV. 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 THE day following the capitulation of the 
 Castle the whole of the knights were sent, 
 under a strong escort, to the Castles of Corfe 
 and Nottingham, from which they were 
 released on the death of King John, less than 
 twelve months afterwards. 
 
 William D'Albini succeeded to the Earldom 
 of Arundel. He, after his liberation, travelled 
 to Italy, and died as he was returning from 
 that country in the year 1221. 
 
 John placed Sir Osbert de Opham in charge 
 of the Castle, with orders to repair as far as 
 possible the ravages of the siege. 
 
 Within the next few days John departed 
 with his mercenaries on the way to London, 
 intending to attack the Metropolis, but on 
 approaching its walls he found the brave 
 citizens of London so well defended in their 
 stronghold, and presenting such a bold front
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 251 
 
 to him, their yells of defiance striking terror 
 to his craven heart, that he turned his back 
 upon them and proceeded to Nottingham, 
 marking his route by bloodshed, rapine, and 
 unheard of cruelties. 
 
 Let us see what reward John bestowed upon 
 the citizens of Eochester for espousing and 
 helping his cause. Had they joined hands 
 with D'Albini it is more than probable that 
 John would have been effectually checked in 
 his career of crime ; or at the worst would 
 have left the road open between Eochester and 
 London for escape by means of the Bridge. 
 
 There is no record relating to this period 
 that shows anything that John did for the 
 benefit of the citizens, who had so nobly 
 assisted him. 
 
 On the contrary there are many historic 
 facts, proving that Eochester was lefib by him 
 in a most deplorable condition. 
 
 On his departure, the Castle, which has at 
 all times been the pride of the inhabitants 
 of Eochester, could be seen with its walls dis- 
 mantled, and the angle of the great Keep 
 thrown down, the moat partially filled in, 
 and its late garrison ruthlessly butchered a 
 decomposed and ghastly heap, which had to 
 be buried by the citizens.
 
 252 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 The Bridge also had, by John's commands, 
 been cut away in the centre, and to the citizens 
 lay the task of seeing it repaired, and enforcing 
 the contributory manors to bear their part 
 towards the same by no means an easy task 
 in the unsettled state of England. ( 1J ) 
 
 The Priory of Saint Andrew suffered much. 
 The altars and shrines had been dismantled, 
 and the monks illtreated and robbed of every 
 valuable that the monastery contained. Its 
 cellars were cleared of the stores of food and 
 wine, which had been placed there to supply 
 the monks with provisions during the winter 
 months, John himself sanctioning all kinds 
 of sacrilege and debauchery within its holy 
 walls. 
 
 The citizens were even worse off. Some lives 
 had been lost during the siege, while many 
 had ugly wounds, the scars of which they 
 would carry to the grave. Their houses had 
 been invaded and robbed by the cut-throats 
 and murderers who had accompanied John to 
 Eochester. In several cases the females had 
 been treated with great indignity ; so that it 
 was no wonder the citizens viewed the depart- 
 ure of John and his army with the greatest 
 satisfaction. 
 
 Kobert Pende soon recovered his usual health, 
 and busied himself with Nicholas Lethenard
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 253 
 
 in relieving to the uttermost the wants of 
 those poorer neighbours, who had most felt 
 the effects of the siege. 
 
 Idonea often thought of her almost mirac- 
 ulous escape from John ; and shuddered when 
 she recalled to her mind the terrible events 
 she had witnessed in the Priory. 
 
 Kobert Pende and Idonea were united in 
 the Cathedral, by Prior Helias, at Christmas, 
 when the whole of the Civic Guard mustered 
 to grace the wedding of their Captain and 
 Portreeve's daughter. Their armour, which 
 Pende thought to present to them new on his 
 wedding day, was now proudly worn, not in 
 its freshness and beauty as he had intended, 
 but battered and soiled, telling of many blows 
 that had been received, and of the great service 
 it had rendered to the wearer in protecting 
 his life. 
 
 The City of Rochester was again the scene 
 of warfare, when Louis the Dauphin, in the 
 year 1216, at the invitation of the Barons of 
 England, who found themselves unable to 
 cope with John, came to the coast of Kent, 
 with a fleet of 700 vessels and landed at Sand- 
 wich. After spending three months besieging 
 Dover Castle, which was so bravely defended 
 by Hubert de Burgh, that he had to abandon
 
 254 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 
 
 the siege. Louis next proceeded to Eochester 
 Castle, and on his way was met by Gualo, the 
 Pope's Legate, who excommunicated Louis 
 and all his army for daring to invade England. 
 Louis was at first intimidated ; but after a 
 time, when he found that the sun was not 
 darkened, that the elements did not fight 
 against him, nor his camp become depopu- 
 lated, he set the Legate at defiance, and 
 marched on his way. 
 
 Eochester Castle, owing to the injuries it 
 had sustained at the hands of John, was 
 speedily reduced, and Sir Osbert de Opham 
 was slain. The citizens of Eochester, during 
 the conflict, merely acted the part of onlookers. 
 
 John's famous passage of the Wash, where 
 he lost all his baggage and stores, followed by 
 his sudden death at the Castle of Newark- on- 
 Trent, are subjects with which every school 
 boy is acquainted, and there is no need to 
 repeat the story here. 
 
 On the death of John, who justly earned the 
 unenviable title of " The worst Monarch that 
 ever sat on the throne of England," and the 
 accession of his son Henry III., the Barons of 
 England returned to their allegiance to the 
 crown, causing the retreat of Louis to France, 
 thus putting an end to the rebellion.
 
 WILLIAM D'ALBINI. 255 
 
 During the early part of Henry Ill's reign, 
 the City of Kochester was left in peace, which 
 enabled the citizens to recover from the 
 injuries received during the " SECOND SIEGE 
 OF EOCHESTEE CASTLE." 
 
 THE END.
 
 HISTORICAL NOTES. 
 
 1. TEXTUS ROFFENSIS. 
 
 There is a curious manuscript in the Library of Rochester 
 Cathedral, well known to the literary world as the Textus 
 Roffensis, compiled by Bishop Ernulphus, in the early part of the 
 twelfth century, and referred to as an authority by William of 
 Malmesbury. There is much valuable local information contained 
 in this book, many passages of which are clearly transcripts from 
 Saxon writers of a much earlier date than Ernulph, and to whose 
 works he frequently refers. 
 
 This manuscript, interesting as it is, never has been fully 
 published, although it was partially so by Herne, in the year 1720. 
 This is a fact the more to be regretted, as it has already encount- 
 ered one or two narrow escapes from loss, which have been thus 
 described by Pegge and Gough. 
 
 "The Textus Roffensis is a small quarto, bound in red. It is 
 written on vellum in a very elegant hand. Besides the affairs of 
 the Cathedral of Rochester, it furnishes us with the laws of several 
 Saxon Kings (four of Kent, omitted by Lambarde). During the 
 civil wars this book was lodged in the hands of Sir Roger Twysden, 
 and Hearne printed it from a transcript in the hands 'of Sir Edward 
 Denring Dr. Leonard stole it, and kept it two years, till Dean 
 Balcanqual and the Chapter filed a Bill in Chancery against him 
 in 1633. At its return to Rochester it fell into the water, but was 
 recovered without much hurt, except being a little tarnished by the 
 salt water." Phipperi's Descriptive Sketches of Rochester, fyc. 
 
 R
 
 258 NOTES. 
 
 2. RADTHAM CHUECH. 
 
 On the 20th of October, 1791, the steeple of this edifice was 
 greatly damaged by a storm of thunder and lightning, which also 
 split the wall for several feet in length. Ireland's History of Kent. 
 
 3. WATER STAIRS OF THE CASTLE. 
 
 There is no account in any book describing the Water Stairs of 
 the Castle, but the Civic Seal of Rochester, which is at present in 
 use, and is conjectured to be as ancient as the Charter of the City, 
 granted in the 14th century, shews on one side the Castle of 
 Rochester, with wooden stairs leading to the river, defended by two 
 embattled towers and a portcullis. This is the only authority I 
 have for assuming that such was the case. 
 
 4. GUNDULF'S TOWER. 
 
 This ruinous tower is situated on the north side of the Cathedral, 
 between the two cross aisles, and is ascribed to Bishop Gundulf . 
 For what purpose it was intended is a matter of doubt, some 
 antiquarians agreeing that it was for a belfry, it having been called 
 the five-bell tower, and others that it was intended to be used as a 
 depository for treasure and records. It is of great strength, the 
 walls being six feet thick, and contains two rooms. It was 
 originally entered at the top of the tower from a curious winding 
 staircase of stone, leading from the roof of the Cathedral, and is 65 
 feet high. 
 
 5. 
 
 Stephen Langton was invited to attend a council at Rome, but 
 after he had embarked on the voyage, the sentence of suspension 
 was proclaimed against him. He was not allowed to land on 
 English soil again, until he had paid a heavy fine for his contempt
 
 NOTES. 259 
 
 of the papal decree. Stephen Langton was hardly the kind of man 
 to admit himself in the wrong by paying a fine, so he preferred to 
 stay abroad during the rest of John's reign. Rev. C, II. Lane's 
 English Church History. 
 
 6. FITZ-WALTEE AT DAETFOED. 
 
 The Noble men, that maintained the warre against King John, 
 understanding that he laide siege to the Castle at Rochester, and 
 fearing that "William D'Albiney (or D'Albinet) the Captaine thereof 
 coulde not long defende it without supply of such things as he 
 wanted, and they could not well minister : determined to give some 
 adventure to raise the siege. And for that purpose made Eobert 
 Fitz- Walter general of a great armie. This man, when he came to 
 Dartforde, mette with a Gentleman of the Order of the Temple, of 
 whom he demanded sundry questions for intelligence of the number 
 of the King's campe. Who (finding him to be afraid) told him of 
 set purpose, that the King's armie was much greater than his, 
 whereas in deede his power was thrise so big as the King's. 
 Hereupon Robert (being with this false terrour stricken into an 
 exceeding great fearre, whose companion is flight, as Homer saith), 
 without further inquisition, sought to save himself e by the swiftnes 
 of his feet, and so through a faint hart left Rochester to the 
 uttermost adventure. Lambarde, 1570. 
 
 7. DEATH OF AETHUE. 
 
 Of the fate of the young Arthur, no authentic details have been 
 recorded. That his youth and innocence did not save him from the 
 bloody hands of John is certain, but of the manner in which he 
 came by his death we can only form an idea by comparing the 
 different stories which are current on the subject among the old 
 chroniclers. Arthur was conveyed by his uncle to the Castle of 
 Falaise, whence he was removed to that of Rouen. There he
 
 260 NOTES. 
 
 disappeared, and there ends the narrative of sober fact, the rest 
 bringing us into the region of conjecture and probability. The 
 Normans, who remained loyal to the English King, spread a report 
 that Arthur died of sickness in the Castle of Itouen, or was killed 
 in attempting to make his escape ; this statement may be at once 
 rejected as a mere invention, and not a very ingenious one. The 
 account given by some of the French chroniclers is to the following 
 effect : John, having visited his nephew at Falaise, desired him to 
 put confidence in his uncle. Arthur rejected his advances, and 
 said indignantly, "Give me my inheritance, the Kingdom of 
 England." The King then sent him to Rouen, strongly guarded, 
 and not long afterwards he suddenly disappeared. It was suspected 
 by all men that John had murdered his nephew with his own 
 hands, and he became the object of the deepest hatred. The monks 
 of Margan relate that John killed the prince in a fit of drunkenness, 
 and caused his body to be thrown into the Seine, with stones tied 
 to his feet, but that notwithstanding these, it was cast on the bank, 
 and was buried at the Abbey of Bee secretly, for fear of the tyrant. 
 CasselVs History of England. 
 
 8. 
 
 D'Albinit made an obstinate defence, and baffled, for three 
 months, all the efforts of the besiegers : during which the City 
 suffered much ; and the garrison in the Castle was reduced to such 
 extremities, that they ate all their horses. WildasWs History of 
 Rochftter. 
 
 9. 
 
 An attack on Jerusalem was commenced June 7th, 1099, headed 
 by Godfrey of Bouillon, Tancred, Robert of Normandy, and Robert 
 of Flanders. The Barbicans were carried and a portion of the walls 
 thrown down ; but such was the strength of the fortifications, and 
 so obstinate the defence of the Turks, that it became necessary to 
 construct engines of assault similar to those which had been used in
 
 NOTES. 261 
 
 the siege of Nice. Catapults and movable towers were prepared, 
 and to these was added a machine called the " sow," made of wood 
 and covered with raw hides to protect it from fire. The hollow 
 space within was filled with soldiers, who, with this protection, 
 were occupied in undermining the walls. CasselVs History of 
 England. 
 
 10. SUBTEBKANEAN PASSAGES. 
 
 Local tradition assigns several of these subterranean passages 
 from the Castle to different parts of the City. The Restoration 
 House, Rochester, possesses one of these, leading from the House to 
 the River Medway, which has been partly explored by the owner, 
 Stephen T. Aveling, Esq. 
 
 11. HIGH TIDES. 
 
 During the last few years we have experienced several High 
 Tides and overflowings of the Medway, doing great damage; 
 but there are also recorded in Ireland's History of Kent accounts of 
 several instances of the vagaries of the River. ' A..D., 86, a great 
 inundation of the river Medway and several inhabitants of Maidstone 
 were drowned ; and again in the year 86 1 another inundation, 
 drowning a number of cattle." 
 
 12. ROCHESTER BRIDGE, CONTRIBUTORY MANORS. 
 
 Memorandums plainly showing by whom the Bridge at Rochester should 
 be repaired, as often as It is broken. 
 
 The first land pier on the east side of the river shall be built or 
 repaired by the bishop of Rochester; to plank three virgates or 
 yards, and to lay three sullivas or large beams on the bridge ; and 
 this to be done by Borstale, Cuckstone, Frindsbury, and Stoke.
 
 262 NOTES. 
 
 The second pier belongs to Gillingham and Chatham ; they shall 
 lay three beams, and plank one yard. 
 
 The third pier belongs to the abovesaid bishop of Rochester ; he 
 shall lay three beams, and plank two yards and a half, and this to 
 be done by Hailing, Trottesclive, Mailing, Southfleet, Stanes, 
 Penenden, and Fakenham. 
 
 The fourth pier is the king's ; and he shall lay three beams and 
 plank three yards and a half to be done by Aylesford, and by all 
 the hundred pertaining to it, and by those on the hills, by Ockley, 
 by Smalland, and Cossington, and Dudsland, and Gislardsland, and 
 Woldham, and Burham, and Acclise, and Horsted, and Farley, and 
 Festan, and Chalk, and Honhirst, and Edon, and Bouchold, and 
 Lose, and Lillington, and Stockbury, and Sineland, and Daleland, 
 and Lechebundaland. 
 
 The fifth pier belongs to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and he 
 shall plank four yards and lay three beams, and this to be done by 
 "Wrotham, Maidstone, "Wattringbury, Nettlesterd, the two Peckhams, 
 Haselholt, Mereworth, Layborne, Swanton, Offham, Ditton, and 
 Westerham. 
 
 The sixth pier to be done by Hollingborne and all that hundred 
 which belongs to it ; four yards to plank, and four beams to lay. 
 
 The seventh and eighth piers belong to the men of the hundred of 
 Hoo ; six beams to lay, and four yards and a half to plank. 
 
 The ninth and last pier belongs to the Archbishop of Canterbury, 
 which is the west end ; he shall lay three beams, and plank four 
 yards : this to be done by Northfleet, Clive, Higham, Denton, 
 Milton, Ludesdown, Mepham, Snodland, Berling, Paddlesworth, 
 and all the men of that valley. 
 
 These shall repair the bridge at Rochester, whenever it is broken; 
 and let it be noticed, that all the beams which are placed in this 
 bridge ought to be of large dimensions, that they may well support 
 the planks, and the great weight of all those things that pass over 
 them. Wilda&Ks History and Antiquities of Rochester.
 
 LIST OF SUBSCEIBERS. 
 
 Adie, Charles, High street, Rainham, Kent 
 
 Allen, Edward, King Edward road, Rochester 
 
 Allen, John L., Radfield House, Watts' avenue, Rochester (2 copies) 
 
 Ankcorn, Stephen, 37, King street, Rochester 
 
 Argles, F. J., 9, King street, Maidstone 
 
 Ashmore, William A., Vines Cottage, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 
 Ashton, Charles Frederick, 1, High street, Rochester 
 
 Austen, Henry Joseph, 170, High street, Rochester 
 
 Austen, William Henry, 84, St. Martin's lane, London, W.C. 
 
 Aveling, Claude, L C., B A.. The Restoration House, Rochester 
 
 Aveling, Ralph C., The Restoration House, Rochester 
 
 Aveling, Stephen T., The Restoration House, Rochester 
 
 Ayers, H L., Avondale House, Lower Stoke 
 
 Baker, Charles, Almon place, Rochester 
 
 Baker. Walter James, Grove road, Frindsbury 
 
 Balcomb, Arthur R., 14, Dale street, Chatham 
 
 Balcomb, Edwin G., Danesbury House, Rochester avenue, Rochester 
 
 Ballard. W. L., Ingleton, Borden road, Maidstone 
 
 Barber, Thomas, John street, Rochester 
 
 Barnes, George, Rose street, Delce, Rochester 
 
 Bassett, George E., Star hill, Rochester 
 
 Bennett, E., High street, Strood 
 
 Bennett, Frederick, Morden street, Rochester 
 
 Billinghurst, Councillor E. A., Hardstown, Chatham
 
 264 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Bird, Charles, B.A., F.G.S., Frindsbury, road, Frindsbury 
 
 Blackman, J. J., Ravensknowle, Wouldham 
 
 Bond, George Edward, Victoria Buildings, High street, Rochester 
 
 Bonvonni, D. Evans, Hoo St. Werburgh, near Rochester 
 
 Bootes, Joshua Harry, Mill House, New road, Rochester 
 
 Boucher, Franklin Coles, LL.B., Clerk of the Peace, and City 
 
 Treasurer, The Vines, Rochester 
 
 Boulding, Edwin, 25, Chivalry road, "Wandsworth Common, S.W. 
 Bradshaw, Miss M., 4, Church terrace, Luton, Chatham 
 Braybrooke, A. L., 40, Cecil road, Rochester 
 Briggs, Rev. Augustine, M.A., St. Nicholas Vicarage, Rochester 
 Broadbridge, "William, Chief Constable, Guildhall, Rochester 
 Brock, Charles E., Arundine House, \fadingley road, Cambridge 
 Brown, Dr. Arthur Tresco Franklin, The Esplanade, Rochester 
 Brown, "Walter, 53, "Winston road, Stoke Newington 
 Buchanan, Dr. "Walter, M R.C.S., Paddock House, New road, 
 
 Chatham 
 
 Butler, Mrs. H., Eastgate, Rochester 
 Buxton, George, High street, Rochester 
 Buxton, Harry R., Eastgate, Rochester 
 Byron, Walter George, 150, Weston road, Strood 
 
 Callund, Alderman T., Rodney House, New road. Rochester 
 Camburn, Alfred H.. Belmont House, College avenue, New 
 
 H romp ton 
 
 Camburn, Ernest C., 13, Chelmar road, Chatham 
 Chambers, A i thur Henry, 1 60, High street, Rochester 
 Chant, F. G., Franklin road, New Brompton 
 Chapman, F., Garden row, Delce, Rochester 
 Chappell, John "W. E., 34, Conway road, Plumstead, Kent 
 Chard, H., 4, Holborn lane, Chatham 
 Chater, J. T. C., 182, Dale street, Chatham 
 Chatham Book Society, Globe lane, Chatham 
 Church, F. J., 29, John street, Rochester 
 Clifton, George, Eastgate House, High street, Rochester
 
 LIST OF SUBSCRICERS. 265 
 
 Cobb, Miss F. E., Highamette, Gocldington road, Frindsbury 
 
 Cobham, Charles, F.S 1., The Shrubbery, Gravesend 
 
 Cole, R. Mont, Liberal Club, Rochester 
 
 Colquhoun Mrs., 22, Cazeneuve street, Rochester 
 
 Coomes, John, 6, Smith street, Strood 
 
 Couchman, E., 108, High street, Strood 
 
 Cranborne Book Society, Conservative Club, Rochester 
 
 Craske, William Robert, Borstal, Rochester 
 
 Curtis, George, 197, High street, Rochester 
 
 Dakers, W H., Brompton lane, Strood 
 
 Dale, Frederick, College Terrace, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 
 Dale, Leonard, High street, Strood 
 
 Dalley, William, The Banks, Rochester 
 
 Darby, J., Oxlad, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 
 Dartnall, Frederick, 17, Chatham Hill, Chatham 
 
 Dartnall John, 180, Eastgate, Rochester 
 
 Daitnell, Councillor Dr. William A., L.R.C.P.S., Fontenay, Watts' 
 
 avenue, Rochester (2 copies) 
 Davies, H. G., Hoo Workhouse, Hoo, Rochester 
 Davis, H., 10, Linver road, Parson's Green, Fulham, London 
 Day, E., 43, Ordnance street, Chatham 
 
 Dell, Martin, The Auction Mart, Balmoral road, New Brompton 
 Dibley, C. H., 6, High street, Strood 
 Dixon, Henry Philip, 136, Britton street, New Brompton 
 Dorey, Henry, 49, Clive road, Rochester 
 Driver, Councillor W. D., New road, Chatham 
 Duckrell, Frederick, Cliffe road, Rochester 
 
 Duncan, Rev. G., D D., Clydesdale House, Wrotham road, Gravesend 
 Dunn, Miss G., 10, South Eastern road, Frindsbury 
 Dunning, Thomas, High street, Rochester 
 Dunstall, John, St. Ouen, Borstal road, Rochester 
 Durling, James, 17, East street, Chatham 
 Durling, J. H., Broadway, Delce, Rochester 
 Durrant, Joseph Henry, St. Margaret's Banks, Rochester
 
 266 LIST OF SUBSCEIBEKS. 
 
 Eley, Charles, 92, Cambridge Crescent, Birmingham 
 Elliott, Edwin Henry, Acorn House, Eochester 
 Elliott, James E,., 157, Rochester avenue, Rochester 
 English, W. E., Gore House, Gore road, Hackney 
 Evans, Mrs. H., St. Catherine's House, Star hill, Rochester 
 
 Fagge, E. L., Maidstone road, Rochester 
 
 Fancett, William J., 23, Alwyne villas, Canonbury, London, N". 
 
 Field, Arthur James, 45, Henry street, Rochester 
 
 Fletcher, Arthur, 3, York terrace, New Brompton 
 
 Foord, Alderman John Ross, J.P., The Esplanade, Rochester 
 
 Foord, John James, J.P., King Edward road, Rochester 
 
 Foster, "William, 113, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 
 Fox, Ernest William, 127, High street, Rochester 
 
 Furminger, Miss "W. A . , 1 03, Eugenia road, Rotherhithe, London, S. E. 
 
 Game, C., 151, High street, Chatham 
 
 Gardiner, Edwin R., Coulsden Station, S.E. & C.R., Coulsden, 
 
 Surrey 
 
 Gardiner, Henry, Tunnel cottages, Station road, Strood 
 Gates, S. G., 109, Frindsbury road, Rochester 
 Gates, Walter, 14. Grove road, Frindsbury 
 Gilbert, J. H., junr., High street, Rochester 
 Gill, George, 1 8, Langdon road, Rochester 
 Gill, John E., Hawthornden, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 Gold, Richard C., Broadway, Delce, Rochester 
 Goldie, Councillor Lewis Alexander, South avenue, Rochester 
 Goldup, Thomas, 166, High street, Rochester 
 Goldwin, John Henry, The Library, 31, High street, Rochester 
 Good, Walter, Eastgate, Rochester 
 Goord, A., Lower Higham, Kent 
 
 Gout, George, Upberry Villas, Mill road, New Brompton 
 Grant, A . G. , 4, Ridley road, Rochester 
 Grant, H. E., 7, Hastings road, Maidstone 
 Green, C. H., St. John's, Devonshire road, Westbury Park, Bristol
 
 LIST OF SUBSCEIBEES. 267 
 
 Haines, Miss R., St. Mark's Schools, Reigate 
 
 Han well, Percy, A.., Hartham road, Holloway, London, N. 
 
 Hardwidge, F. G., 286, Luton road, Chatham 
 
 Harman, Robert Thomas, 5 ! , Roebuck road, Rochester 
 
 Harris, Miss M. F., Eastgate, Rochester 
 
 Harris, Miss S. E., Eastgate, Rochester 
 
 Heartley, George, 3, Gun lane, Strood 
 
 Hickin, Rev. Henry Arthur, S. Peter's Vicarage, Rochester 
 
 Hickmott, P. T., 30, Star hill, Rochester 
 
 Higgins, J., 10, Ridley road, Rochester 
 
 Hills, Vincent, J.P., King Edward road, Rochester 
 
 Hilton, H., 34, Rochester avenue, Rochester 
 
 Hinds, Miss J., Eastgate, Rochester 
 
 Hitch, J. S., 110, High street, Strood 
 
 Hodshon, Frank W., St. Margaret street, Rochester 
 
 Hogg, R. W., ex High Constable of Gillingham, Berkeley House, 
 
 Luton road, Chatham 
 
 Hole, The Very Rev. Samuel Reynolds, D.D., Deanery, Rochester 
 Hollings, Mrs. E., Bridge approach, High street, Strood 
 Holloway, R. B., 30, Union street, Rochester 
 Homan, Councillor Hubert Franklin, Victoria Villa, "Watts' avenue, 
 
 Rochester 
 
 Hone, G. H., Crown street, New Brompton 
 Honey, Alfred T., High street, Chatham 
 Honey, S. A., 17, King street. Rochester 
 Hope, C. S., " Journal " Office, Rochester 
 Horton, Arthur, 10, Wykeham street, Strood 
 Hovenden, R., Heathcote, Park Hill road, Croydon (2 copies) 
 Howes. Albert, 22, Cross street, Strood 
 Hubbard, Charles, 199, High street, Rochester 
 Hudson, Thomas Spencer, 31, Roebuck road, Rochester 
 Hurley, H. J., High street, Rochester 
 Hurworth, Anthony John, 12, Rochester avenue, Rochester 
 
 Jackson, John Howard, King Edward road, Rochester
 
 268 LIST OF SUBSCKIBEES. 
 
 Jenny, H. W., 101, Gordon road, Strood 
 
 Johnston, Frederick C. G., 17, Rose street, Delce, Rochester 
 
 Kemp, John, 31, Oxberry avenue, Fulham, S.W. 
 
 Kennette, Apsley, Town Clerk, Guildhall, Rochester 
 
 Kidwell, John, F.S.I., 300, High street, Rochester 
 
 King, "William, Woolsey House, Borstal, Rochester 
 
 Knight, Alfred W., Wooderoft, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 
 Knight, Herbert, 51, Burritt street, Rochester 
 
 Knight, Councillor H. Sherwin, Fairview, St. Margaret, Rochester 
 
 Knight, J. J., Frindsbury road, Frindsbury 
 
 Labbett, William, 56, "Weston road, Strood 
 
 Lakin, Councillor W. E., Borstal Lodge, Borstal road, Rochester 
 
 Lambert, Harry, Rydal House, Star hill, Rochester 
 
 Laurence, A. H., junr., 4, High street, Chatham 
 
 Leest, George A., Mid Kent terrace, High street, Rochester (3 copies) 
 
 Leonard, Charles, High View, Maidstone road, Chatham 
 
 Lewis, Arthur, 9, King street, Maidstone 
 
 Lightfoot, Samuel, 167, Luton road, Chatham 
 
 Lord, Charles, 121, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 
 Lucy, J. W., 223, Maidstoue road, Rochester 
 
 Mallam, George, High street, Rochester 
 
 Mann, R. E., Horsley road, Rochester 
 
 Marsh, William Henry, Belmont, Borstal, Rochester 
 
 Martin, John William, 5, Boley hill, Rochester 
 
 McCormack, F., 15, Argyle square, London W.C. 
 
 McLellon, J. Stewart, 79, High street, Rochester 
 
 Miller, R. C., Ordnance Place, Chatham 
 
 Miller, Rev. George Anderson, 1 7, Rochester avenue, Rochester 
 
 Moore, J. D. W., 21, High street, Strood 
 
 Moore, Mrs. R., High street, Rochester 
 
 Morrison George, 135, Rosemont place, Aberdeen, Scotland 
 
 Morton, Joseph, 9, Northcote road, Strood 
 
 Morton, Miss C., 4, Orange terrace, Rochester
 
 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 269 
 
 Nash, J. "W., Medway terrace, Rochester 
 
 Neves, George, "Chatham News" Office, High street, Chatham 
 
 Newlyn Alfred, Theobald square, Rochester 
 
 Nicholls, F., 65, Luton road, Chatham 
 
 Noyce, "Walter Harry, 1 09, Montfort road, Strood 
 
 Off en, C., Station road, Strood 
 Oliver, W., 59, North street, Strood 
 
 Palmer, H. E., 28, Union street, Rochester 
 
 Parker, Councillor Francis K., 13, King Edward road, Rochester 
 
 Payne, George, F.S.A , F.L.S., The Precincts, Rochester 
 
 Penn, William. 46, New road, Rochester 
 
 Peters, Thomas, 15, Clifton terrace, London road, Strood 
 
 Phillips, Mrs., The Terrace, Rochester 
 
 Phillips, John S., The Brook, Chatham 
 
 Philp, J. Linney, 259, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 
 Pitts, H., Lockington, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 
 Powell, Councillor 11., 5, Station road, Strood 
 
 Prall, Ernest F., Kent Villa, Rock avenue, New Brompton 
 
 Prall, George Wilkinson, St. Aubin's, Borstal road, Rochester 
 
 Prall, H. Alexander, The Red House, Frindsbury 
 
 Prall, H. C., The Palace, St. Margaret, Rochester 
 
 Prall, John Thomas, Justices' Clerk, Eastgate, Rochester 
 
 Prall, Richard Evans, The Old Vicarage, Boley hill, Rochester 
 
 Prothero, L. Eric, The Paddock, Rochester 
 
 Purkis, W. G , High street, Rochester 
 
 Ratcliffe, Alfred William, Malligaum, St. Margaret street, Rochester 
 
 Reaks, William John, Victoria street, Rochester 
 
 Redding, Miss F., Working Men's Club, Chatham 
 
 Richards, A. W., 3, Acacia Villas, High street, Queenboro* 
 
 Richards, James, Almon place, Rochester 
 
 Richman, Charles George, 1 , Cazeneuve street, Rochester 
 
 Ridge, William, 1, Allen's square, Rochester
 
 270 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Roberts, E. H., 24, Hayward's avenue, Frindsbury 
 Robinson, Councillor George, Mandeville, Strood hill, Strood 
 Robinson, Mrs., 38, Weston road, West Brighton, Sussex 
 Roots, John Henry, 248, High street, Rochester 
 Rose, H., 52, Olive road, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 Ruh, J. G., 28, High street, Strood 
 
 Salisbury, W. T., 16, Ridley road, Rochester 
 
 Salomons, Rev. B. J., Montefiore College, Ramsgate 
 
 Samuels, W. G., 66, Blackheath road, Greenwich 
 
 Scotcher, W., 5, Rutland road, Ilford 
 
 Scrace, John, Constitution road, Chatham 
 
 Seagars, Charles, The Lodge, St. Nicholas Cemetery, Maidstone 
 
 road, Rochester 
 
 Seeley, B. J., Newport House, High street, Rochester 
 Sills, Spencer, Surveyor's Office, Guildhall, Rochester 
 Simmonds, Bayden, 6, High street, Strood 
 Simmons, Charles, 24, York place, Brighton, Sussex 
 Smetham, Henry, High street, Strood 
 Smith, A., Castle Gardens, Rochester (2 copies) 
 Smith, Arthur, 18, Ridley road, Rochester 
 
 Smith, Edwin Thomas, 133, Queen's Park road, Brighton, Sussex 
 Smith, Miss Bessie, Eastgate, Rochester 
 Smith, Miss E., Fairview, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 Smith, W., The Common, Rochester 
 Smith, "William, Eastgate, Rochester 
 Smith, William, 140, Thorold road, Chatham 
 Snell, John Thomas, King street, Rochester 
 Spong, Miss E., Mount Hill House, Rochester 
 Spratt, Albert Lewis, 8, Gibraltar terrace, Chatham 
 Stagg, Ambrose Alfred, 264, High street, Rochester 
 Stanley, George Valentine, 50, Rochester avenue, Rochester 
 Stevens, H. R. V., Waverley, Maidstone road, Chatham 
 Stockley, G. W., Catherine street, Delce, Rochester 
 Stokes, Arthur, High street, New Brompton
 
 LIST OF SUBSCEIBEES. 271 
 
 Streeter, W., Great Knocks, Lidsing 
 Streten, Mrs. E., Kentstowe, Union street, Rochester 
 Stunt, "Warwick, The Shrubbery, Frindsbury, Rochester 
 Sutton, T., High street, Rochester 
 
 Taylor, G. L, Free School lane, Rochester 
 
 Taylor, Miss 8., Watts' Charity for Six Poor Travellers, High street, 
 
 Rochester 
 
 Taylor, Rev. R. W., M.A., The Rectory, Wouldham, near Rochester 
 Thomas, J. H., Ivo Villa, Frindsbury road, Frindsbury 
 Thompson, Miss J., 5, Clarendon road, Redhill, Surrey 
 Tillott, Mrs. A. E., 10, Collegiate Cottage, Hamilton road, "West 
 
 Norwood, S.E. 
 Timothy, F. F., C Portland Mansions, 120, Great Portland street, 
 
 London, W.C. 
 
 Tossell, John W., Ordnance row, TJpnor 
 Trueman, Alfred J., 90, Luton road, Chatham 
 Tuff, Charles, Mayor of Rochester, Hatfield, "Watts' avenue, 
 
 Rochester 
 
 Turner, Alfred, The Broadway, Delce, Rochester 
 Turner, Arthur, 1, Almon place, Rochester 
 Turtle, W. G., M.P.S., 200, High street, Chatham 
 Turvey, Fred., 89, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 
 Upton, "W. J., Bank House, High street, Rochester 
 
 Vale, Robert Ernest, Eastgate, Rochester 
 
 Valsler, John Charles, Blenheim, Luton road, Chatham 
 
 Varrall, C. J. 8., 19, Bryant road, Strood 
 
 Veevers, J. M., 95, High street, Rochester 
 
 Vinall, Isaac, 220, High street, Lewes, Sussex 
 
 Vincent, Thomas, Morden street, Rochester 
 
 Viney, G. R., Deputy Mayor of Chatham, Railway street, Rochester 
 
 Vokes, C. M., 165, Ladywell road, Lewisham, London, S.E.
 
 272 LIST OF SUBSCEIBEES. 
 
 Wall, Henry, 8, High street, Rochester 
 
 "Ward, Frank, 10, Burgess terrace, Frindsbury 
 
 Ward, Fred. W., Allandale, St. Helen's Crescent, Hastings 
 
 Ward, George, 42, High street, Rochester 
 
 Watkins, Edward, 94, High street, Rochester 
 
 Watson, Edmund, Borstal road, Rochester 
 
 Watson, Thomas, 189, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 
 Watson, Wallace A., Clifton Villa, Rochester 
 
 Welch, Thomas, 1, Upper Ashby street, Groswell road, London, E.G. 
 
 Whitfield, J. H., Denmark House, Maidstone road, Rochester 
 
 Willis, Edward Basset, 200, High street, Rochester 
 
 Willmott, Edward, High street, Chatham 
 
 Winfield, Edwin E., Burritt street, Rochester 
 
 Wingent, Frederick, J.P., C.C., Moat House,' Castle Gardens, 
 
 Rochester 
 
 Wood, Cyril J., Kimherley, Clifton road, Weston-Super-Mare 
 Wood, Humphrey, F.S. A., Westfield House, Borstal road, Rochester 
 Wood, Mrs. Star Hill, Rochester 
 Woodman, Councillor Dr. William James, M.R.C.S., L.R C.P. Lond , 
 
 New road, Rochester 
 Wren, Jesse, 41, Medway road, New Brompton
 
 * * s~~^ yv y~-y * 99 
 
 OR 
 
 THE FIRST SIEGE OF ROCHESTER CASTLE." 
 
 Price 5s. Each. 
 
 (Bound in the same style as "William D'Albini," and forming part 
 of the Series). A few copies only in hand. 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM PRESS OPINIONS. 
 
 CHATHAM AND ROCHESTER NEWS. 
 AUGUST 4TH, 1900. 
 
 " Of making many books there is no end, says ' The Preacher,' but 
 a hearty welcome will be given to Mr. Edwin Harris's historical 
 romance, entitled 'Odo, or The Siege of Rochester Castle.' The 
 volume is half-bound in crimson, and consists of about 250 pages. 
 The author dedicates his work to Mr. Stephen Aveling." 
 
 ROCHESTER AND CHATHAM JOURNAL AND MID-KENT 
 
 ADVERTISER. 
 AUGUST IOTH, 1900. 
 
 "What a storehouse is Rochester Castle for the historical novelist. 
 The noble ruins, which we to-day so much admire, connect the 
 present with a distant, romantic past, largely surrounded by 
 fascinating mystery. The disjointed and brief though interesting 
 and exciting records afford the opportunity for the imagination 
 and facile pen to rebuild and populate the sturdy fortress, to 
 depict it in time of peace or war, and to interpolate much that 
 is attractive in the way of the manners and customs of the early 
 citizens. Prominent characters in history have been associated 
 with the Castle, and from their diversity the selection to adorn a 
 tale is somewhat simplified. Mr. Edwin Harris, of Eastgate, 
 Rochester, has with gratifying success made this selection. In 
 'Odo' we have not only a glimpse into local life in the turbulous 
 reign of William Rufus, but have a comparative study of two 
 men, both Bishops, who figure in local history. Gundulf comes 
 down to us as a skilful and accomplished prelate and architect,
 
 and a generous occupant of the See, who did whatever he could 
 for the social welfare of the people. Odo, the Bishop of Bayeaux, 
 and half brother of the Conquerer, however, was the opposite, 
 and his ambition, his greed, and his cruelty are features which 
 English historians have emphasised." 
 
 "The book, which contains sixty-one chapters and nearly 260 
 pages, is well printed in large, clear type, and is handsomely and 
 strongly bound. To those who wish to pass a pleasant hour or 
 two, and at the same time gain a knowledge of the Castle, we 
 can safely recommend the account of ' The first Siege of Rochester 
 Castle,' and we have no doubt it will have a good sale locally." 
 
 CHATHAM, ROCHESTER AND BROMPTON OBSERVER. 
 AUGUST IITH, 1900. 
 
 "It is matter for surprise that ancient Rochester with its hoary 
 Castle, its venerable Cathedral, its battles and sieges, its fighting 
 men and its priors and priests, has not inspired the romancer to 
 a greater degree than it has done. The historians deal with the 
 ancient city in a more or less perfunctory way, treating the events 
 which transpired here as mere incidents in the larger history of 
 Roman, Saxon, Norman, or English as the case may be. Dickens 
 has likewise many but merely superficial allusions to the City 
 and its historical buildings, and so far as we know no one has 
 attempted to write either their history comprehensively or picture 
 for us the stirring episodes which were crowded into the centuries, 
 by the aid of the romancer's imagination." 
 
 " We welcome therefore the effort of a native of Rochester to 
 supply what the advertiser terms 'a long-felt want.' Mr. Edwin 
 Harris gives us a stirring passage from the life of that strong, 
 daring, and unscrupulous prelate, Odo, Bishop of Bayeaux. The 
 author deserves credit for the manner in which he has utilised the 
 materials for his romance." 
 
 THE BRITISH WEEKLY. 
 SEPT. gTH, 1900. 
 
 " Odo, or The Siege of Rochester Castle," by Edwin Harris, 
 (Rochester: Edwin Harris & Sons), "is a romance founded on 
 historical facts, and shows the writer's deep love for his native 
 town, and the careful study he has given to its history. It is 
 handsomely got up."
 
 THE PRINTER'S ENGINEER. 
 NOVEMBER 1900. 
 
 "The historical novelist is the exception, not the rule, for of 
 him, as well as the poet, it can be truly said that he must be born, 
 not made. The difficulties attending the writing of this kind of 
 book are many, which accounts for the failure of so many imitators 
 of the genius who produced the "Waverley" series; and unless 
 the interest is sustained throughout, the average reader of a 
 work of this description is very apt to skip the details having 
 reference to bygone days and customs, as having no direct 
 bearing upon the thread of the narrative. It is with some con- 
 siderable amount of pleasure, therefore, that we are in a position 
 to say the book having Mr. Edwin Harris as its author, is one 
 calculated to hold the attention from beginning to end; the 
 historical part is so well woven into the story, that without it 
 much of the interest would be lost. The book is called, ' Odo : 
 Or the Siege of Rochester Castle,' so that the period dealt with 
 is the commencement of the reign of William Rufus. The crafty 
 prelate whose name gives the title to the work is sketched in 
 his true colours, the saintly Gundulf, the famous architect- 
 bishop, being a complete contrast to the warrior priest. The 
 heroine attracts the attention of one of Odo's knights, and it is 
 around her troubles that the story centres. How she escapes 
 the snares set for her, and eventually becomes the bride of Sir 
 John de Cobeham, together with a thrilling account of the long 
 siege of the castle, must be gleaned from Mr. Harris's interesting 
 pages. The author is evidently well acquainted with the past 
 history of the fine old city on the bank of the Medway, his 
 birthplace, and in which his business career has been passed. 
 Indeed the book was printed by his firm Messrs. Harris and 
 Sons, who deserve great credit for the manner in which it is 
 produced. The type employed is an English Modern, which 
 comes as a boon in thess days of small print, and the binding 
 is a strong one, calculated to withstand much handling." 
 
 GRAVESEND AND NORTHFLEET STANDARD. 
 JUNE 29TH, 1901. 
 
 "Odo, or the Siege of Rochester Castle," by Edwin Harris, "is a 
 historical tale of singular freshness and power. Its very opening 
 page lays tenacious hold of the reader, and the grip tightens as
 
 we hasten from page to page. The tale is most absorbing, and 
 yet it is as wholesome as it is trustworthy, and it is as beautifully 
 written as it is skilfully planned. No public library ought to 
 t>e without a copy. It would prove a most acceptable present to 
 the old or young of either sex." 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM SUBSCRIBERS' OPINIONS. 
 
 THE BISHOP OF ROCHESTER. 
 
 "I have not yet had time to look at the book myself, bnt the 
 way in which my sharp-witted little boy of nine read and re-read 
 it showed me that you had succeeded in making a life-like and 
 vivid story." 
 
 REV. T. J. CLEAVE WARNE, M.A. 
 
 " I have read " Odo " with the greatest pleasure and interest. 
 You have worked out the plot admirably, and to me, a native of 
 our dear old city, your historical story has proved most attractive 
 . . . . I have nothing but unqualified praise." 
 
 REV. G. ANDERSON MILLER. 
 " Hearty congratulations on your very successful authorship." 
 
 HENRY SMETHAM. 
 
 " I like the plot well. It is good, and natural, and the historical 
 element is, as a rule, well placed and done so as to cause the 
 ordinary reader not to skip it." 
 
 THOMAS PETERS. 
 
 " I have derived great pleasure in reading your book ' Odo, or 
 The Siege of Rochester Castle," which I think is most interesting. 
 If you should be bringing out another book at any future time 
 please put my name down as a subscriber." 
 
 "SIMON DE MONTFORT 
 
 OR, 
 
 Is in preparation, and will be published in 1902. 
 
 EDWIN HARfllS 4 SONS, STEAM PRINTERS, EA8TQATE, ROCHESTER
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
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