On the morning of the third day after they left Dunwich, having beenmuch delayed by foul weather and fouler roads, Hugh de Cressi and hiscompany came at length to London. They had suffered no further adventureon their way for, though the times were rough and they met manyevil-looking fellows, none ventured to lift hand against six men so wellarmed and sturdy. Guided by one of their number who had often beento London on Master de Cressi's business, they rode straight toWestminster. Having stabled their horses at an inn near by, and cleanedthe mire of the road from their mail and garments, they went up to thepalace, where Hugh told his errand to an officer whom he found on dutyat the gate.
"Then it is a fool's errand," said the captain, "seeing that his Gracerode yesterday to his castle at Windsor to hunt and revel, and will begone eight days at the least."
"Then to Windsor I must follow," answered Hugh.