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Sir Nigel: Ferret

It was found that the plans of the attack upon the French at Calais by the prince's army had been stolen, and it was suspected that a cunning, daring Frenchman, called the "Red Ferret," had taken them and was then already on his way across the Channel. Nigel started in pursuit with Aylward and other followers. After a long chase and a hard-fought battle, Nigel caught the Red Ferret and saved the English plans; but as his enemy was so gallant a man Nigel begged his life of the king and so saved him. He sent the Ferret to Mary at Cosford, with the message that the first deed was accomplished. Nigel then stormed the famous castle of La Brohinere, where lived the knight called the "Butcher of Brohinere," who was said never to let a prisoner escape alive from his castle. Here, at great risk of his own life, Nigel rescued not only his man Sam Aylward and other comrades, but a young Frenchman, who later, however, died, praising his rescuer. Then news of the second deed was sent to Mary of Cosford.

Nigel had followed on with John Chandos into Brittany when the third deed was found. There had been hot, furious fighting, and Nigel, riding Pommers, plunged forward, unseating and taking captive one of the enemy. Having the Frenchman at his mercy, Nigel might have killed him at once, or held him for ransom, but he had made a gallant fight, and out of admiration and pity the young squire spared his life and let him go, only to discover later that he had had at his mercy none other than King John of France. When the prince heard the story from King John himself he exclaimed, "For my part, I had rather have the honor this squire has gathered than all the richest ransoms of France." Whereupon the prince with his sword touched Nigel's shoulder as he knelt before him, and said, "England has lost a brave squire and gained a gallant knight! Nay, linger not. Rise up, Sir Nigel." And a third message went to Mary.

Two months later Nigel arrived at Cosford, and, kissing Mary's welcoming hand, he said, "Saint Catherine has brought me home!"

Printed by permission of, and arrangement with, Doubleday, Page & Co., authorized publishers.