At Harry's request he promised the villagers that the next day money should be sent out from the king's treasury to make good the losses which they had sustained.

Then he left a strong body of horse to hold the village, and directed Harry to ride with him with his troop to Oxford.
"I have a mission for you, Master Furness," he said, as they rode along.
"I have already told his majesty how coolly and courageously you conducted yourself in that sore strait in which we were placed together.
The king has need of a messenger to Scotland.

The mission is a difficult one, and full of danger.

It demands coolness and judgment as well as courage.

I have told his majesty that, in spite of your youth, you possess these qualities, but the king was inclined to doubt whether you were old enough to be intrusted with such a commission.