Chapter L

HENRY BEAUCLERC:--Personal appearance of Beauclerc--A native of
England--His manners--His learning--Military education--Addicted
to gaming--Beauclerc's avarice--Beauclerc lends money to
Curthose--Lord of Cotentin--Selection of a chaplain--Takes part
with Curthose in the defence of Normandy--Firm dealing at
Rouen--Curthose comes to terms with Rufus--They besiege Henry in
the Castle of Mont St. Michael--The Red King in danger--Defence
of the saddle--Want of water in the fortress--Curthose grants
permission to Beauclerc to get water--Beauclerc
defeated--Departs to Brittany--Beauclerc feels assured he will
ascend the throne of England--Is elected governor of
Damfront--Rufus, jealous of Beauclerc, invites him to
England--Joins his brother--Fondness for the
chase--"Deersfoot"--Presentiments