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Page 387
asked uncertainly, aware that he had missed something while his attention was occupied with Joanna.
Salisbury gave his son an indulgent glance. He had seen where Geoffrey's eyes were fixed as he related his news. Patiently, he started again. "Not that. You know I have always advised John to make peace with the Church, although I could have wishednever mind, it is done, and Pandulf is a most sensible person. He recognizes that restitution must be made slowly, and he is to be the judge in disputed cases. There will be no trouble there. My doubts lie in the scheme John has concocted to put a spoke in Philip's wheel. He has resigned the kingdom utterly into the pope's hands, and has done fealty to Innocentor, rather, to Pandulf as Innocent's legateas vassal ruler of England."
Geoffrey whistled softly through his teeth. That would certainly put a spoke in Philip's wheel. If Philip invaded England now, he would be committing an act of deep sacrilege by attacking the pope's own domain. The move was as clever a piece of chicanery as John had ever plannedexcept for one thing.
"What will this cost?" Geoffrey asked suspiciously.
"A thousand marks a year."
"That is a tidy sum but perhaps not too high a price to pay for the benefits it will buy," Geoffrey said slowly.
"For now, I agree, but for the long future I have my doubts. What if the pope should be offended by some prince in Italy? Rightfully, he could call upon John as a vassal to come to his aid."
"I should hope Innocent would have more sense," Joanna remarked tartly. "He must know that John's barons are not docile and would not leave their land to fight Innocent's wars. What could such an order bring about except to induce the barons to rebel against the king?"
"It is not likely Innocent would call John to Italy to solve a secular problem," Geoffrey agreed, but absently. "He might call another crusade" His voice trailed away and a frown grew between his brows. Suddenly he said, "But we

 
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