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Page 71
"He will be so glad to rid of me," Simon said merrily, "that he would welcome it if I accompanied the Devil himself. He thinks me too outspoken." Then he added more soberly, "If you would consent to a small subterfuge, my lord, and play the part of one of my men-at-arms until we are clear of the gates, you would be safer, and the question of my being in your company would never arise."
Simon was a little afraid Richard would be insulted by the notion that he should conceal himself, but Richard was too practical to allow false pride to endanger him. "Good!" Richard exclaimed, "Excellent! I do not believe I was noticed coming in, and if I am not remarked leaving, it will be less trouble all around. Also, it will be better if you are not known by the court to be my man. If I wish to reach the king's ear, I will be able to do so through you and Lord Geoffrey. By all means, I will be you man-at-arms, with a heavy cloak to cover my mailyou can say I have a fever, if asked."
It was obvious that Richard had become convinced by Simon's warning and had accepted the necessity of flight. His later conversation with Ian and Geoffrey confirmed that beyond doubt. Geoffrey had heard enough to be sure and make Richard sure that there was a definite plan afoot now to seize him, which would make him an even more powerful object lesson and would destroy the focal point of all opposition to the king. Geoffrey looked haggard as he related what he knew.
"It is a sickness," Ian said, his voice shaking a little. "This is not HenryI swear it is not. He looks and talks like a man raving with fever. I have known Henry all his life, from a babe, and he is a loving person who greatly desires to do good."
"I cannot understand it," Richard agreed. "It is not as if Henry even enjoyed the business of ruling. You know he was happy to leave that in de Burgh's hands. William wrote me often enough to complain that whenever he

 
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