"Why I think that a lord of those names had audience with his Holiness some while ago, just before the pest grew bad in Avignon and the gates of the palace were ordered to be shut.

I know not what passed on the occasion, not having been retained in the cause, but I will find out and tell you to-morrow." "Find out also, if it pleases you, learned Basil," said Hugh, "whether or no this knight with the three names is still in Avignon.

If so, I have a word or two to say to him." "I will, I will," answered the lantern-jawed notary.

"Yet I think it most unlikely that any one who can buy or beg a horse to ride away on should stay in this old city just now, unless indeed, the laws of his order bind him to do so that he may minister to the afflicted.

Well, if the pest spares me and you, to-morrow morning I will be back here at this hour to tell you all that I can gather." "How did this sickness begin in Avignon ?" asked Grey Dick.
"Noble Squire, none know for certain.