He is, as I guess, your companion in this quest; is it not so ?" "It is," Cuthbert replied frankly.

"I am like yourself, a disinherited knight, and my history resembles yours.

Upon my return to England I found another in possession of the land and titles that belonged to the noble I followed, and which King Richard bestowed upon me.

The Earl of Evesham was doubtless known to you, and before his death King Richard, at his request, bestowed upon me as his adopted son--although but a distant connexion--his title and lands and the hand of his daughter.

Prince John, who now rules in England, had however granted these things to one of his favourites, and he having taken possession of the land and title, though not, happily, of the lady, closed his door somewhat roughly in my face.