Page 63 (1/2)

Sir Hugh's as served in a golden goblet He raised it and proposed the loyal toast

'To Good King Harry!'

'To Harry!' the guard bellowed

Harald was mortified In his father's absence it was his duty and privilege to propose the loyal toast Thehe could do about it In a fit of pique, he june, and all the brave lads who are fighting with hi king'

He raised his tankard and a confused babble followed as the guard tried to repeat what he had just said

Sir Hugh showed him how it should be done 'To Duke Humphrey!'

'Humph! Humph! Humph!'

The guard banged their tankards on the table and shouted the duke's nadon The din continued unabated It hat Harald hated about dining at hoe amount of noise John Baret evidently shared his disquiet but Sir Hugh was in his element He rose and proposed another toast when the hubbub died down

'To Henry Beaufort!'

'Henry Bigfart!'

The guard blew raspberries and downed their wine

Other toasts and insults followed The Duke of York and John Talbot were hailed as heroes The Earl of Suffolk was derided as a traitor together with the entire Beaufort clan Harald watched as huge hunks of flesh were hacked froers iped on bread and clothing He yearned for the linen napkins and finger bowls that graced John Baret's table

Sir Hugh turned to hiot informants'