Auvergne and Litnoufîfc; for the enemies.of the realm had kept pofleffion of it fifteen years, and, during that time, had done much mifchièf to the country, and had greatly impoverifhed. it. Sir William le Bouteiller had found in the caftle of Ventadour a young and handforae fquire from Brittany, called Monacfich, a coufin to Geoffry Tête-noir, who had lately left a convent in Brittany, and come thither to learn the art of war, for he would not be a monk. The French knights wanted to have him beheaded, or hanged like the others ; but fir William took cbmpaffion on him, and faved his life, for which he fwore he would faithfully ferve him, and remain for the time to come a loyal Frenchman. They made no long ftay after this, but, having pulled down the block-houfes, went to the, duke of Berry. The men at arms feparated, each going to his own home. The knights arrived at Riom, with the two brothers prifoners. They were much caft down, and on the. road entreated fir William and'fir John to intereft themfelves in their behalf, that the duke might not be too fevere on them. The duke was with his duchefs at Riom, and moft kindly received the two knights : he xonfidered the gain of the caftle of Ventadour as a very gallant exploit, for which he made them hand-fome and rich gifts. The knights afked him, what was his pleafure refpefting the two prifoners. He faid, he would confider of it; which having done, it.was thought, by his council, moft advifeable to fend them to • • • ' the 86