Earl Hugh of Chester could bear it no longer.
He called out for the four soldiers carrying the litter to slow down.
"Why are we in such a hurry to deliver the King to his death?" Hugh said, annoyed.
It was unclear who he was speaking to—perhaps Beaumont, perhaps the other nobles, or perhaps himself.
Meanwhile, Lord Beaumont of Leicester leaned down to comfort William. "Your Majesty, your son Rufus is well. He has come to see you several times these past few days, but he was asked not to disturb your rest. He is somewhere behind us, but not far."
He caught Hugh's sidelong glance, then reined in his horse, allowing old King William's litter to move ahead.
Answering Hugh's unspoken question, he said, "Yes, it's a lie, and I'll continue with it. For God's sake, what else can I tell him? By all means, Hugh, feel free to come up with a better story."
