human
I shall be for ever in your debt, he said impassively,
gpt
Faith, we were never taught it, laughed Michael.
human
It just came to us as the corn sprouts or the lark sings. The old grey kirk had something to do with it, maybe, though I yawned through many a sermon about serving God and honouring the King. One remembers these little matters afterwards.
gpt
One does, undoubtedly, said Rupert.
human
Now, sir, he went on, after a grave silence,
gpt
I have a great desire. I’m commissioned to raise forces for the relief of York, and I want you men of Yoredale for my first recruits. They are already busy in the north, you’ll say. Yes, but I need them here. Six-score of your breed here among us, or as many as their wounds permit to ride, would bring the laggards in.
human
With you here? said Kit impulsively.
gpt
The laggards should be stirred without our help.
human
By your leave, they are tiring of me here in Oxford. The tales of your doings in the north are whetting jaded appetites. Bring your big men south on their white horses, and show the city what it covets. I’ll send a horseman to York within the hour.
gpt
That need not be, said Michael.
human
We wasted a whole night in Banbury, and your messenger need ride no further than that town, I fancy. The first of our outposts should be there by now.
gpt
You will explain, sir,
human
It is simple enough. Six-score men—and I think all of them will ride, wounded or no—cover a good deal of country, set two miles apart. That was my father’s planning of our journey south—a horseman playing sentry, on a fresh horse, at every stage, until we sent news that you were coming to the relief of York.
gpt
Thorough! said Rupert.
human
Strafford should be here, and Archbishop Laud—they understand that watchword.