84 OVER ON THE ISLAND crest of three feathers and its motto, Ich Dien. These he made his own. Since that time each Prince of Wales has adopted this motto, Ich Dien—I serve. But there seems to be something to spoil every good legend—" " I know. History says now that Alfred didn't burn the cakes," said the ex-Islander scornfully. "Of course he burned them. It is even said that Robert the Bruce didn't watch the spider in the cave. Well, if he didn't, who did?" "It's the same with this motto," I interrupted hurriedly. "It is said that it should not be the High German Ich Dien but the Guelderland Ich Dene. That immediately ruins the romantic tradition of the conquering hero borrowing the vanquished king's motto. For Ich Dene is adopted from Dutch Guelder¬ land, with which England was associated through the marriage of Edward Ill 's sister to the Duke of Guelder¬ land. This secret about the tradition came out through the chance discovery of an old manuscript written during the lifetime of the Black Prince . It spells the motto Ich Dene." "It would! They should have hidden the manu¬ script and not spoiled the story like that." "You've been to Falconwood, I suppose?" "Yes, indeed. Beautiful grounds there." "Well, you certainly have seen the main items of interest, but I know one you have probably overlooked. Have you read any Island poetry?" "No, is there any?" "Certainly. I brought these volumes from the library out here where I could enjoy them." I passed them over.