Free [Roger the Chapman 02] - The Plymouth Cloak by Kate Sedley

you to Plymouth?' The newcomer, a short, sturdy man whose hair was so fair as to be nearly white, and whose eyelashes were almost invisible, motioned us both to sit opposite him at a table in the furthest comer of the ale-room from the door, where the landlord had placed him. Three mazers of ale stood ready for us, together with a dish of oatcakes. John Penryn and the two tapsters with him were waved away, and, satisfied that no danger threatened, they departed about the morning's business.
    Simon Whitehead nodded at me. 'Who's he?' he asked suspiciously.
    'It's all right. He's the Duke of Gloucester's man," Philip answered, feeling, no doubt, that any other explanation would take too long. 'You can talk in front of him. Where have you come from and how did you know I was here? You've obviously come to find me.'
    'I was on the King's business in Falmouth when news arrived that the Earl of Oxford has invested St Michael's Mount. Three days ago, on the last day of September.' Ignoring our exclamations of astonishment and horror, Simon Whitehead recruited his strength with a gulp of ale and continued: 'Apparently he'd anchored in Mount's Bay, and then he and his followers - not above a hundred men in all, so I've been reliably informed- disguised themselves as pilgrims, with cloaks and broad-brimmed hats, waited for low tide and walked across the causeway as bold as you please. Said they were a group of palmers who had arrived by sea - true enough, I suppose - to make their offering at the shrine.' Simon snorted in exasperation.' They were admitted without any questions being asked, and on reaching the upper court, threw off their cloaks, drew their swords - and that was that. They've expelled the monks and the garrison, and sent out raiding parties into the neighbouring villages for food. It goes without saying that they'll try to stir up insurrection, but I'll be surprised if they succeed. A few disaffected men perhaps, but no great numbers. Nevertheless, Sir Henry Bodrugan and the Sheriff, Sir John Arundel, have ordered all ships in the area to remain where they are for the time being, while messengers are despatched to London to inform the King of what has happened, and to receive his instructions. This, of course, includes the Falcon , which on Thursday was anchored in Falmouth roads. Is indeed still anchored there, awaiting developments. Fortunately, the Master knew me to be lodged in the town and had himself rowed ashore the following day in order to ask me to carry an urgent message, letting you know of the delay. Like me, he believes that King Edward will issue pressing orders for him to continue with his mission, but until these orders are actually received, the Master dare not disobey Sir Henry or Sir John.'
    'And in the meantime?' Philip Underdown's tones were clipped; his eyes held fear.
    Simon Whitehead took a swig of ale and helped himself to another oatcake.
    'You stay here.' He shrugged. 'The Turk's Head offers a comfortable enough billet. John Penryn will ask no questions.
    It will probably be only a matter of days.'
    'No.' Philip slammed his empty mazer down on the table with a ferocity that made the other man jump. 'I'll not stay here. There have been two attempts on my life the past two nights, and I'll not remain tamely waiting for a third.' The landlord, who was attending to our wants himself, overheard the last remark as he approached our table with a second jug of ale.
    'There are always the cellars,' he reminded Philip quietly. When the other man shook his head vehemently, he added: 'No ghosts. Just the best ale and wine this side of the Tavy.'
    'And the duty not paid on any of it, I'll be bound,' Simon Whitehead said, grinning.
    John Penryn gave an answering grin, but made no comment, merely glancing in inquiry at Philip.
    My companion was adamant. 'No, I tell you! I'll not be mewed up down there.' And he gave a slight, almost imperceptible shiver. 'Why should I endure such discomfort?' 'Then we stay in