"Philip," said the Bishop, "select a trustworthy messenger from among
the stable men, one possessed of wits as well as muscle; mount him on a
good beast, supply him with whatsoever he may need for a possible six
days' journey. Bring him to me so soon as he is ready to set forth.
He must bear a letter, of much importance, to Sir Hugh d'Argent; and,
seeing that I know only the Knight's route and stopping places, on his
northward ride, but not his time of starting, which may have been
yesterday or may not be until to-morrow, my messenger must ride first
to Warwick, which if the Knight has left, he must then follow in his
tracks until he overtake him."
"My lord," said Brother Philip, "the sun is setting and the daylight
fades. The messenger cannot now reach Warwick until long after
nightfall. Would it not be safer to have all in readiness, and let him
start at dawn. He would then arrive early in the day, and could
speedily overtake the most worshipful Knight who, riding with his lady,
will do the journey by short stages."
"Nay," said the Bishop, "the matter allows of no delay. Mount him so
well, that he shall outdistance all dangers. He must start within half
an hour."
Brother Philip, bowing low, withdrew.
The Bishop bent again over the table, and read what he had written.
Glancing quickly through the opening greetings, he considered carefully
what followed.
_"This comes to you, my son, by messenger, riding in urgent haste,
because the advice herein contained is of extreme importance.
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