Their value is well established, and I believe that all of them
would be well pleased were they never called upon to set lance in
rest again Methinks this evening they avoided all public questions
chiefly because we were present; and you see no word was spoken of
the unexpected accident that has thrown Harold on our shores,
although it must have been in all their minds; and doubtless they
talked it over as they rode hither to-day. I should not be surprised
if my father had us in his tent for the very reason that your being
there would prevent more being said about it. I do not suppose any
of them know exactly what is in the duke's mind--possibly he has
not even made it up himself; and it is assuredly wise here in
Normandy to express no strong opinion until the duke's own mind is
manifest."
"I daresay you are right, Guy. I rather wondered why your father
had asked us as well as you to his tent when he had others with
him; but it is like enough that he thought our presence would prevent
any discussion on delicate topics."
The next morning the cavalcade mounted early, and in the afternoon
rode into the fortress of Eu. It stood upon the river Bresle, and
had, previous to the conquest of Ponthieu, been the frontier guard
of Normandy on the north. It lay only some ten miles from the spot
where the Saxon galley had been wrecked. A messenger had arrived
there early in the day from. Fitz-Osberne saying that Conrad of
Ponthieu had assented to the demand of the duke for the surrender
of his captives, that these had been at once released from their
confinement, and were now honourably entertained.
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