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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The White Company + +Author: Arthur Conan Doyle + +Release Date: May, 1997 [EBook #903] +Last Updated: March 6, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WHITE COMPANY *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Keller, Carlo Traverso, Tonya Allen, Samuel S. Johnson, +and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE WHITE COMPANY + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> HOW THE BLACK + SHEEP CAME FORTH FROM THE FOLD. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> + CHAPTER II. </a> HOW ALLEYNE EDRICSON CAME OUT INTO THE + WORLD. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> HOW + HORDLE JOHN COZENED THE FULLER OF LYMINGTON. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> HOW THE BAILIFF OF + SOUTHAMPTON SLEW THE TWO MASTERLESS MEN. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> HOW A STRANGE COMPANY + GATHERED AT THE “PIED MERLIN.” <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> + CHAPTER VI. </a> HOW SAMKIN AYLWARD WAGERED HIS FEATHER-BED. + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> HOW THE + THREE COMRADES JOURNEYED THROUGH THE WOODLANDS. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> THE THREE FRIENDS. + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> HOW + STRANGE THINGS BEFELL IN MINSTEAD WOOD. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> HOW HORDLE JOHN FOUND A + MAN WHOM HE MIGHT FOLLOW. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER + XI. </a> HOW A YOUNG SHEPHERD HAD A PERILOUS FLOCK. <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> HOW ALLEYNE + LEARNED MORE THAN HE COULD TEACH. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> + CHAPTER XIII. </a> HOW THE WHITE COMPANY SET FORTH TO THE + WARS. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> HOW + SIR NIGEL SOUGHT FOR A WAYSIDE VENTURE. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> HOW THE YELLOW COG + SAILED FORTH FROM LEPE. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. + </a> HOW THE YELLOW COG FOUGHT THE TWO ROVER GALLEYS. <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> HOW THE YELLOW + COG CROSSED THE BAR OF GIRONDE. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0018"> + CHAPTER XVIII. </a> HOW SIR NIGEL LORING PUT A PATCH UPON HIS + EYE. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> HOW + THERE WAS STIR AT THE ABBEY OF ST. ANDREW'S. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> HOW ALLEYNE WON HIS + PLACE IN AN HONORABLE GUILD. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER + XXI. </a> HOW AGOSTINO PISANO RISKED HIS HEAD. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> HOW THE BOWMEN HELD + WASSAIL AT THE “ROSE DE GUIENNE.” <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0023"> + CHAPTER XXIII. </a> HOW ENGLAND HELD THE LISTS AT BORDEAUX. + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> HOW A + CHAMPION CAME FORTH FROM THE EAST. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0025"> + CHAPTER XXV. </a> HOW SIR NIGEL WROTE TO TWYNHAM CASTLE. + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> HOW + THE THREE COMRADES GAINED A MIGHTY TREASURE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> HOW ROGER CLUB-FOOT + WAS PASSED INTO PARADISE. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER + XXVIII. </a> HOW THE COMRADES CAME OVER THE MARCHES OF FRANCE + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a> HOW + THE BLESSED HOUR OF SIGHT CAME TO THE LADY TIPHAINE. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. </a> HOW THE BRUSHWOOD MEN + CAME TO THE CHATEAU OF VILLEFRANCHE. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0031"> + CHAPTER XXXI. </a> HOW FIVE MEN HELD THE KEEP OF VILLEFRANCHE + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. </a> HOW + THE COMPANY TOOK COUNSEL ROUND THE FALLEN TREE. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. </a> HOW THE ARMY MADE + THE PASSAGE OF RONCESVALLES. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER + XXXIV. </a> HOW THE COMPANY MADE SPORT IN THE VALE OF + PAMPELUNA. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. </a> HOW + SIR NIGEL HAWKED AT AN EAGLE. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0036"> + CHAPTER XXXVI. </a> HOW SIR NIGEL TOOK THE PATCH FROM HIS + EYE. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. </a> HOW + THE WHITE COMPANY CAME TO BE DISBANDED. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. </a> OF + THE HOME-COMING TO HAMPSHIRE. <br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. HOW THE BLACK SHEEP CAME FORTH FROM THE FOLD. + </h2> + <p> + The great bell of Beaulieu was ringing. Far away through the forest might + be heard its musical clangor and swell. Peat-cutters on Blackdown and + fishers upon the Exe heard the distant throbbing rising and falling upon + the sultry summer air. It was a common sound in those parts—as + common as the chatter of the jays and the booming of the bittern. Yet the + fishers and the peasants raised their heads and looked questions at each + other, for the angelus had already gone and vespers was still far off. Why + should the great bell of Beaulieu toll when the shadows were neither short + nor long? + </p> + <p> + All round the Abbey the monks were trooping in. Under the long green-paved + avenues of gnarled oaks and of lichened beeches the white-robed brothers + gathered to the sound. From the vine-yard and the vine-press, from the + bouvary or ox-farm, from the marl-pits and salterns, even from the distant + iron-works of Sowley and the outlying grange of St. Leonard's, they had + all turned their steps homewards. It had been no sudden call. A swift + messenger had the night before sped round to the outlying dependencies of + the Abbey, and had left the summons for every monk to be back in the + cloisters by the third hour after noontide. So urgent a message had not + been issued within the memory of old lay-brother Athanasius, who had + cleaned the Abbey knocker since the year after the Battle of Bannockburn. + </p> + <p> + A stranger who knew nothing either of the Abbey or of its immense + resources might have gathered from the appearance of the brothers some + conception of the varied duties which they were called upon to perform, + and of the busy, wide-spread life which centred in the old monastery. As + they swept gravely in by twos and by threes, with bended heads and + muttering lips there were few who did not bear upon them some signs of + their daily toil. Here were two with wrists and sleeves all spotted with + the ruddy grape juice. There again was a bearded brother with a + broad-headed axe and a bundle of faggots upon his shoulders, while beside + him walked another with the shears under his arm and the white wool still + clinging to his whiter gown. A long, straggling troop bore spades and + mattocks while the two rearmost of all staggered along under a huge basket + o' fresh-caught carp, for the morrow was Friday, and there were fifty + platters to be filled and as many sturdy trenchermen behind them. Of all + the throng there was scarce one who was not labor-stained and weary, for + Abbot Berghersh was a hard man to himself and to others. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, in the broad and lofty chamber set apart for occasions of + import, the Abbot himself was pacing impatiently backwards and forwards, + with his long white nervous hands clasped in front of him. His thin, + thought-worn features and sunken, haggard cheeks bespoke one who had + indeed beaten down that inner foe whom every man must face, but had none + the less suffered sorely in the contest. In crushing his passions he had + well-nigh crushed himself. Yet, frail as was his person there gleamed out + ever and anon from under his drooping brows a flash of fierce energy, + which recalled to men's minds that he came of a fighting stock, and that + even now his twin-brother, Sir Bartholomew Berghersh, was one of the most + famous of those stern warriors who had planted the Cross of St. George + before the gates of Paris. With lips compressed and clouded brow, he + strode up and down the oaken floor, the very genius and impersonation of + asceticism, while the great bell still thundered and clanged above his + head. At last the uproar died away in three last, measured throbs, and ere + their echo had ceased the Abbot struck a small gong which summoned a + lay-brother to his presence. + </p> + <p> + “Have the brethren come?” he asked, in the Anglo-French dialect used in + religious houses. + </p> + <p> + “They are here,” the other answered, with his eyes cast down and his hands + crossed upon his chest. + </p> + <p> + “All?” + </p> + <p> + “Two and thirty of the seniors and fifteen of the novices, most holy + father. Brother Mark of the Spicarium is sore smitten with a fever and + could not come. He said that—” + </p> + <p> + “It boots not what he said. Fever or no, he should have come at my call. + His spirit must be chastened, as must that of many more in this Abbey. You + yourself, brother Francis, have twice raised your voice, so it hath come + to my ears, when the reader in the refectory hath been dealing with the + lives of God's most blessed saints. What hast thou to say?” + </p> + <p> + The lay-brother stood meek and silent, with his arms still crossed in + front of him. + </p> + <p> + “One thousand Aves and as many Credos, said standing with arms + outstretched before the shrine of the Virgin, may help thee to remember + that the Creator hath given us two ears and but one mouth, as a token that + there is twice the work for the one as for the other. Where is the master + of the novices?” + </p> + <p> + “He is without, most holy father.” + </p> + <p> + “Send him hither.” + </p> + <p> + The sandalled feet clattered over the wooden floor, and the iron-bound + door creaked upon its hinges. In a few moments it opened again to admit a + short square monk with a heavy, composed face and an authoritative manner. + </p> + <p> + “You have sent for me, holy father?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, brother Jerome, I wish that this matter be disposed of with as + little scandal as may be, and yet it is needful that the example should be + a public one.” The Abbot spoke in Latin now, as a language which was more + fitted by its age and solemnity to convey the thoughts of two high + dignitaries of the order. + </p> + <p> + “It would, perchance, be best that the novices be not admitted,” suggested + the master. “This mention of a woman may turn their minds from their pious + meditations to worldly and evil thoughts.” + </p> + <p> + “Woman! woman!” groaned the Abbot. “Well has the holy Chrysostom termed + them <i>radix malorum</i>. From Eve downwards, what good hath come from + any of them? Who brings the plaint?” + </p> + <p> + “It is brother Ambrose.” + </p> + <p> + “A holy and devout young man.” + </p> + <p> + “A light and a pattern to every novice.” + </p> + <p> + “Let the matter be brought to an issue then according to our old-time + monastic habit. Bid the chancellor and the sub-chancellor lead in the + brothers according to age, together with brother John, the accused, and + brother Ambrose, the accuser.” + </p> + <p> + “And the novices?” + </p> + <p> + “Let them bide in the north alley of the cloisters. Stay! Bid the + sub-chancellor send out to them Thomas the lector to read unto them from + the 'Gesta beati Benedicti.' It may save them from foolish and pernicious + babbling.” + </p> + <p> + The Abbot was left to himself once more, and bent his thin gray face over + his illuminated breviary. So he remained while the senior monks filed + slowly and sedately into the chamber seating themselves upon the long + oaken benches which lined the wall on either side. At the further end, in + two high chairs as large as that of the Abbot, though hardly as + elaborately carved, sat the master of the novices and the chancellor, the + latter a broad and portly priest, with dark mirthful eyes and a thick + outgrowth of crisp black hair all round his tonsured head. Between them + stood a lean, white-faced brother who appeared to be ill at ease, shifting + his feet from side to side and tapping his chin nervously with the long + parchment roll which he held in his hand. The Abbot, from his point of + vantage, looked down on the two long lines of faces, placid and + sun-browned for the most part, with the large bovine eyes and unlined + features which told of their easy, unchanging existence. Then he turned + his eager fiery gaze upon the pale-faced monk who faced him. + </p> + <p> + “This plaint is thine, as I learn, brother Ambrose,” said he. “May the + holy Benedict, patron of our house, be present this day and aid us in our + findings! How many counts are there?” + </p> + <p> + “Three, most holy father,” the brother answered in a low and quavering + voice. + </p> + <p> + “Have you set them forth according to rule?” + </p> + <p> + “They are here set down, most holy father, upon a cantle of sheep-skin.” + </p> + <p> + “Let the sheep-skin be handed to the chancellor. Bring in brother John, + and let him hear the plaints which have been urged against him.” + </p> + <p> + At this order a lay-brother swung open the door, and two other + lay-brothers entered leading between them a young novice of the order. He + was a man of huge stature, dark-eyed and red-headed, with a peculiar + half-humorous, half-defiant expression upon his bold, well-marked + features. His cowl was thrown back upon his shoulders, and his gown, + unfastened at the top, disclosed a round, sinewy neck, ruddy and corded + like the bark of the fir. Thick, muscular arms, covered with a reddish + down, protruded from the wide sleeves of his habit, while his white shirt, + looped up upon one side, gave a glimpse of a huge knotty leg, scarred and + torn with the scratches of brambles. With a bow to the Abbot, which had in + it perhaps more pleasantry than reverence, the novice strode across to the + carved prie-dieu which had been set apart for him, and stood silent and + erect with his hand upon the gold bell which was used in the private + orisons of the Abbot's own household. His dark eyes glanced rapidly over + the assembly, and finally settled with a grim and menacing twinkle upon + the face of his accuser. + </p> + <p> + The chancellor rose, and having slowly unrolled the parchment-scroll, + proceeded to read it out in a thick and pompous voice, while a subdued + rustle and movement among the brothers bespoke the interest with which + they followed the proceedings. + </p> + <p> + “Charges brought upon the second Thursday after the Feast of the + Assumption, in the year of our Lord thirteen hundred and sixty-six, + against brother John, formerly known as Hordle John, or John of Hordle, + but now a novice in the holy monastic order of the Cistercians. Read upon + the same day at the Abbey of Beaulieu in the presence of the most reverend + Abbot Berghersh and of the assembled order. + </p> + <p> + “The charges against the said brother John are the following, namely, to + wit: + </p> + <p> + “First, that on the above-mentioned Feast of the Assumption, small beer + having been served to the novices in the proportion of one quart to each + four, the said brother John did drain the pot at one draught to the + detriment of brother Paul, brother Porphyry and brother Ambrose, who could + scarce eat their none-meat of salted stock-fish on account of their + exceeding dryness.” + </p> + <p> + At this solemn indictment the novice raised his hand and twitched his lip, + while even the placid senior brothers glanced across at each other and + coughed to cover their amusement. The Abbot alone sat gray and immutable, + with a drawn face and a brooding eye. + </p> + <p> + “Item, that having been told by the master of the novices that he should + restrict his food for two days to a single three-pound loaf of bran and + beans, for the greater honoring and glorifying of St. Monica, mother of + the holy Augustine, he was heard by brother Ambrose and others to say that + he wished twenty thousand devils would fly away with the said Monica, + mother of the holy Augustine, or any other saint who came between a man + and his meat. Item, that upon brother Ambrose reproving him for this + blasphemous wish, he did hold the said brother face downwards over the + piscatorium or fish-pond for a space during which the said brother was + able to repeat a pater and four aves for the better fortifying of his soul + against impending death.” + </p> + <p> + There was a buzz and murmur among the white-frocked brethren at this grave + charge; but the Abbot held up his long quivering hand. “What then?” said + he. + </p> + <p> + “Item, that between nones and vespers on the feast of James the Less the + said brother John was observed upon the Brockenhurst road, near the spot + which is known as Hatchett's Pond in converse with a person of the other + sex, being a maiden of the name of Mary Sowley, the daughter of the King's + verderer. Item, that after sundry japes and jokes the said brother John + did lift up the said Mary Sowley and did take, carry, and convey her + across a stream, to the infinite relish of the devil and the exceeding + detriment of his own soul, which scandalous and wilful falling away was + witnessed by three members of our order.” + </p> + <p> + A dead silence throughout the room, with a rolling of heads and upturning + of eyes, bespoke the pious horror of the community. + </p> + <p> + The Abbot drew his gray brows low over his fiercely questioning eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Who can vouch for this thing?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “That can I,” answered the accuser. “So too can brother Porphyry, who was + with me, and brother Mark of the Spicarium, who hath been so much stirred + and inwardly troubled by the sight that he now lies in a fever through + it.” + </p> + <p> + “And the woman?” asked the Abbot. “Did she not break into lamentation and + woe that a brother should so demean himself?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, she smiled sweetly upon him and thanked him. I can vouch it and so + can brother Porphyry.” + </p> + <p> + “Canst thou?” cried the Abbot, in a high, tempestuous tone. “Canst thou + so? Hast forgotten that the five-and-thirtieth rule of the order is that + in the presence of a woman the face should be ever averted and the eyes + cast down? Hast forgot it, I say? If your eyes were upon your sandals, how + came ye to see this smile of which ye prate? A week in your cells, false + brethren, a week of rye-bread and lentils, with double lauds and double + matins, may help ye to remembrance of the laws under which ye live.” + </p> + <p> + At this sudden outflame of wrath the two witnesses sank their faces on to + their chests, and sat as men crushed. The Abbot turned his angry eyes away + from them and bent them upon the accused, who met his searching gaze with + a firm and composed face. + </p> + <p> + “What hast thou to say, brother John, upon these weighty things which are + urged against you?” + </p> + <p> + “Little enough, good father, little enough,” said the novice, speaking + English with a broad West Saxon drawl. The brothers, who were English to a + man, pricked up their ears at the sound of the homely and yet unfamiliar + speech; but the Abbot flushed red with anger, and struck his hand upon the + oaken arm of his chair. + </p> + <p> + “What talk is this?” he cried. “Is this a tongue to be used within the + walls of an old and well-famed monastery? But grace and learning have ever + gone hand in hand, and when one is lost it is needless to look for the + other.” + </p> + <p> + “I know not about that,” said brother John. “I know only that the words + come kindly to my mouth, for it was the speech of my fathers before me. + Under your favor, I shall either use it now or hold my peace.” + </p> + <p> + The Abbot patted his foot and nodded his head, as one who passes a point + but does not forget it. + </p> + <p> + “For the matter of the ale,” continued brother John, “I had come in hot + from the fields and had scarce got the taste of the thing before mine eye + lit upon the bottom of the pot. It may be, too, that I spoke somewhat + shortly concerning the bran and the beans, the same being poor provender + and unfitted for a man of my inches. It is true also that I did lay my + hands upon this jack-fool of a brother Ambrose, though, as you can see, I + did him little scathe. As regards the maid, too, it is true that I did + heft her over the stream, she having on her hosen and shoon, whilst I had + but my wooden sandals, which could take no hurt from the water. I should + have thought shame upon my manhood, as well as my monkhood, if I had held + back my hand from her.” He glanced around as he spoke with the half-amused + look which he had worn during the whole proceedings. + </p> + <p> + “There is no need to go further,” said the Abbot. “He has confessed to + all. It only remains for me to portion out the punishment which is due to + his evil conduct.” + </p> + <p> + He rose, and the two long lines of brothers followed his example, looking + sideways with scared faces at the angry prelate. + </p> + <p> + “John of Hordle,” he thundered, “you have shown yourself during the two + months of your novitiate to be a recreant monk, and one who is unworthy to + wear the white garb which is the outer symbol of the spotless spirit. That + dress shall therefore be stripped from thee, and thou shalt be cast into + the outer world without benefit of clerkship, and without lot or part in + the graces and blessings of those who dwell under the care of the Blessed + Benedict. Thou shalt come back neither to Beaulieu nor to any of the + granges of Beaulieu, and thy name shall be struck off the scrolls of the + order.” + </p> + <p> + The sentence appeared a terrible one to the older monks, who had become so + used to the safe and regular life of the Abbey that they would have been + as helpless as children in the outer world. From their pious oasis they + looked dreamily out at the desert of life, a place full of stormings and + strivings—comfortless, restless, and overshadowed by evil. The young + novice, however, appeared to have other thoughts, for his eyes sparkled + and his smile broadened. It needed but that to add fresh fuel to the fiery + mood of the prelate. + </p> + <p> + “So much for thy spiritual punishment,” he cried. “But it is to thy + grosser feelings that we must turn in such natures as thine, and as thou + art no longer under the shield of holy church there is the less + difficulty. Ho there! lay-brothers—Francis, Naomi, Joseph—seize + him and bind his arms! Drag him forth, and let the foresters and the + porters scourge him from the precincts!” + </p> + <p> + As these three brothers advanced towards him to carry out the Abbot's + direction, the smile faded from the novice's face, and he glanced right + and left with his fierce brown eyes, like a bull at a baiting. Then, with + a sudden deep-chested shout, he tore up the heavy oaken prie-dieu and + poised it to strike, taking two steps backward the while, that none might + take him at a vantage. + </p> + <p> + “By the black rood of Waltham!” he roared, “if any knave among you lays a + finger-end upon the edge of my gown, I will crush his skull like a + filbert!” With his thick knotted arms, his thundering voice, and his + bristle of red hair, there was something so repellent in the man that the + three brothers flew back at the very glare of him; and the two rows of + white monks strained away from him like poplars in a tempest. The Abbot + only sprang forward with shining eyes; but the chancellor and the master + hung upon either arm and wrested him back out of danger's way. + </p> + <p> + “He is possessed of a devil!” they shouted. “Run, brother Ambrose, brother + Joachim! Call Hugh of the Mill, and Woodman Wat, and Raoul with his + arbalest and bolts. Tell them that we are in fear of our lives! Run, run! + for the love of the Virgin!” + </p> + <p> + But the novice was a strategist as well as a man of action. Springing + forward, he hurled his unwieldy weapon at brother Ambrose, and, as desk + and monk clattered on to the floor together, he sprang through the open + door and down the winding stair. Sleepy old brother Athanasius, at the + porter's cell, had a fleeting vision of twinkling feet and flying skirts; + but before he had time to rub his eyes the recreant had passed the lodge, + and was speeding as fast as his sandals could patter along the Lyndhurst + Road. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. HOW ALLEYNE EDRICSON CAME OUT INTO THE WORLD. + </h2> + <p> + Never had the peaceful atmosphere of the old Cistercian house been so + rudely ruffled. Never had there been insurrection so sudden, so short, and + so successful. Yet the Abbot Berghersh was a man of too firm a grain to + allow one bold outbreak to imperil the settled order of his great + household. In a few hot and bitter words, he compared their false + brother's exit to the expulsion of our first parents from the garden, and + more than hinted that unless a reformation occurred some others of the + community might find themselves in the same evil and perilous case. Having + thus pointed the moral and reduced his flock to a fitting state of + docility, he dismissed them once more to their labors and withdrew himself + to his own private chamber, there to seek spiritual aid in the discharge + of the duties of his high office. + </p> + <p> + The Abbot was still on his knees, when a gentle tapping at the door of his + cell broke in upon his orisons. + </p> + <p> + Rising in no very good humor at the interruption, he gave the word to + enter; but his look of impatience softened down into a pleasant and + paternal smile as his eyes fell upon his visitor. + </p> + <p> + He was a thin-faced, yellow-haired youth, rather above the middle size, + comely and well shapen, with straight, lithe figure and eager, boyish + features. His clear, pensive gray eyes, and quick, delicate expression, + spoke of a nature which had unfolded far from the boisterous joys and + sorrows of the world. Yet there was a set of the mouth and a prominence of + the chin which relieved him of any trace of effeminacy. Impulsive he might + be, enthusiastic, sensitive, with something sympathetic and adaptive in + his disposition; but an observer of nature's tokens would have confidently + pledged himself that there was native firmness and strength underlying his + gentle, monk-bred ways. + </p> + <p> + The youth was not clad in monastic garb, but in lay attire, though his + jerkin, cloak and hose were all of a sombre hue, as befitted one who dwelt + in sacred precincts. A broad leather strap hanging from his shoulder + supported a scrip or satchel such as travellers were wont to carry. In one + hand he grasped a thick staff pointed and shod with metal, while in the + other he held his coif or bonnet, which bore in its front a broad pewter + medal stamped with the image of Our Lady of Rocamadour. + </p> + <p> + “Art ready, then, fair son?” said the Abbot. “This is indeed a day of + comings and of goings. It is strange that in one twelve hours the Abbey + should have cast off its foulest weed and should now lose what we are fain + to look upon as our choicest blossom.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak too kindly, father,” the youth answered. “If I had my will I + should never go forth, but should end my days here in Beaulieu. It hath + been my home as far back as my mind can carry me, and it is a sore thing + for me to have to leave it.” + </p> + <p> + “Life brings many a cross,” said the Abbot gently. “Who is without them? + Your going forth is a grief to us as well as to yourself. But there is no + help. I had given my foreword and sacred promise to your father, Edric the + Franklin, that at the age of twenty you should be sent out into the world + to see for yourself how you liked the savor of it. Seat thee upon the + settle, Alleyne, for you may need rest ere long.” + </p> + <p> + The youth sat down as directed, but reluctantly and with diffidence. The + Abbot stood by the narrow window, and his long black shadow fell slantwise + across the rush-strewn floor. + </p> + <p> + “Twenty years ago,” he said, “your father, the Franklin of Minstead, died, + leaving to the Abbey three hides of rich land in the hundred of Malwood, + and leaving to us also his infant son on condition that we should rear him + until he came to man's estate. This he did partly because your mother was + dead, and partly because your elder brother, now Socman of Minstead, had + already given sign of that fierce and rude nature which would make him no + fit companion for you. It was his desire and request, however, that you + should not remain in the cloisters, but should at a ripe age return into + the world.” + </p> + <p> + “But, father,” interrupted the young man, “it is surely true that I am + already advanced several degrees in clerkship?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, fair son, but not so far as to bar you from the garb you now wear or + the life which you must now lead. You have been porter?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Exorcist?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Reader?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Acolyte?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father.” + </p> + <p> + “But have sworn no vow of constancy or chastity?” + </p> + <p> + “No, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are free to follow a worldly life. But let me hear, ere you + start, what gifts you take away with you from Beaulieu? Some I already + know. There is the playing of the citole and the rebeck. Our choir will be + dumb without you. You carve too?” + </p> + <p> + The youth's pale face flushed with the pride of the skilled workman. “Yes, + holy father,” he answered. “Thanks to good brother Bartholomew, I carve in + wood and in ivory, and can do something also in silver and in bronze. From + brother Francis I have learned to paint on vellum, on glass, and on metal, + with a knowledge of those pigments and essences which can preserve the + color against damp or a biting air. Brother Luke hath given me some skill + in damask work, and in the enamelling of shrines, tabernacles, diptychs + and triptychs. For the rest, I know a little of the making of covers, the + cutting of precious stones, and the fashioning of instruments.” + </p> + <p> + “A goodly list, truly,” cried the superior with a smile. “What clerk of + Cambrig or of Oxenford could say as much? But of thy reading—hast + not so much to show there, I fear?” + </p> + <p> + “No, father, it hath been slight enough. Yet, thanks to our good + chancellor, I am not wholly unlettered. I have read Ockham, Bradwardine, + and other of the schoolmen, together with the learned Duns Scotus and the + book of the holy Aquinas.” + </p> + <p> + “But of the things of this world, what have you gathered from your + reading? From this high window you may catch a glimpse over the wooden + point and the smoke of Bucklershard of the mouth of the Exe, and the + shining sea. Now, I pray you, Alleyne, if a man were to take a ship and + spread sail across yonder waters, where might he hope to arrive?” + </p> + <p> + The youth pondered, and drew a plan amongst the rushes with the point of + his staff. “Holy father,” said he, “he would come upon those parts of + France which are held by the King's Majesty. But if he trended to the + south he might reach Spain and the Barbary States. To his north would be + Flanders and the country of the Eastlanders and of the Muscovites.” + </p> + <p> + “True. And how if, after reaching the King's possessions, he still + journeyed on to the eastward?” + </p> + <p> + “He would then come upon that part of France which is still in dispute, + and he might hope to reach the famous city of Avignon, where dwells our + blessed father, the prop of Christendom.” + </p> + <p> + “And then?” + </p> + <p> + “Then he would pass through the land of the Almains and the great Roman + Empire, and so to the country of the Huns and of the Lithuanian pagans, + beyond which lies the great city of Constantine and the kingdom of the + unclean followers of Mahmoud.” + </p> + <p> + “And beyond that, fair son?” + </p> + <p> + “Beyond that is Jerusalem and the Holy Land, and the great river which + hath its source in the Garden of Eden.” + </p> + <p> + “And then?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, good father, I cannot tell. Methinks the end of the world is not far + from there.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we can still find something to teach thee, Alleyne,” said the Abbot + complaisantly. “Know that many strange nations lie betwixt there and the + end of the world. There is the country of the Amazons, and the country of + the dwarfs, and the country of the fair but evil women who slay with + beholding, like the basilisk. Beyond that again is the kingdom of Prester + John and of the great Cham. These things I know for very sooth, for I had + them from that pious Christian and valiant knight, Sir John de Mandeville, + who stopped twice at Beaulieu on his way to and from Southampton, and + discoursed to us concerning what he had seen from the reader's desk in the + refectory, until there was many a good brother who got neither bit nor + sup, so stricken were they by his strange tales.” + </p> + <p> + “I would fain know, father,” asked the young man, “what there may be at + the end of the world?” + </p> + <p> + “There are some things,” replied the Abbot gravely, “into which it was + never intended that we should inquire. But you have a long road before + you. Whither will you first turn?” + </p> + <p> + “To my brother's at Minstead. If he be indeed an ungodly and violent man, + there is the more need that I should seek him out and see whether I cannot + turn him to better ways.” + </p> + <p> + The Abbot shook his head. “The Socman of Minstead hath earned an evil name + over the country side,” he said. “If you must go to him, see at least that + he doth not turn you from the narrow path upon which you have learned to + tread. But you are in God's keeping, and Godward should you ever look in + danger and in trouble. Above all, shun the snares of women, for they are + ever set for the foolish feet of the young. Kneel down, my child, and take + an old man's blessing.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne Edricson bent his head while the Abbot poured out his heartfelt + supplication that Heaven would watch over this young soul, now going forth + into the darkness and danger of the world. It was no mere form for either + of them. To them the outside life of mankind did indeed seem to be one of + violence and of sin, beset with physical and still more with spiritual + danger. Heaven, too, was very near to them in those days. God's direct + agency was to be seen in the thunder and the rainbow, the whirlwind and + the lightning. To the believer, clouds of angels and confessors, and + martyrs, armies of the sainted and the saved, were ever stooping over + their struggling brethren upon earth, raising, encouraging, and supporting + them. It was then with a lighter heart and a stouter courage that the + young man turned from the Abbot's room, while the latter, following him to + the stair-head, finally commended him to the protection of the holy + Julian, patron of travellers. + </p> + <p> + Underneath, in the porch of the Abbey, the monks had gathered to give him + a last God-speed. Many had brought some parting token by which he should + remember them. There was brother Bartholomew with a crucifix of rare + carved ivory, and brother Luke with a white-backed psalter adorned with + golden bees, and brother Francis with the “Slaying of the Innocents” most + daintily set forth upon vellum. All these were duly packed away deep in + the traveller's scrip, and above them old pippin-faced brother Athanasius + had placed a parcel of simnel bread and rammel cheese, with a small flask + of the famous blue-sealed Abbey wine. So, amid hand-shakings and laughings + and blessings, Alleyne Edricson turned his back upon Beaulieu. + </p> + <p> + At the turn of the road he stopped and gazed back. There was the + wide-spread building which he knew so well, the Abbot's house, the long + church, the cloisters with their line of arches, all bathed and mellowed + in the evening sun. There too was the broad sweep of the river Exe, the + old stone well, the canopied niche of the Virgin, and in the centre of all + the cluster of white-robed figures who waved their hands to him. A sudden + mist swam up before the young man's eyes, and he turned away upon his + journey with a heavy heart and a choking throat. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. HOW HORDLE JOHN COZENED THE FULLER OF LYMINGTON. + </h2> + <p> + It is not, however, in the nature of things that a lad of twenty, with + young life glowing in his veins and all the wide world before him, should + spend his first hours of freedom in mourning for what he had left. Long + ere Alleyne was out of sound of the Beaulieu bells he was striding + sturdily along, swinging his staff and whistling as merrily as the birds + in the thicket. It was an evening to raise a man's heart. The sun shining + slantwise through the trees threw delicate traceries across the road, with + bars of golden light between. Away in the distance before and behind, the + green boughs, now turning in places to a coppery redness, shot their broad + arches across the track. The still summer air was heavy with the resinous + smell of the great forest. Here and there a tawny brook prattled out from + among the underwood and lost itself again in the ferns and brambles upon + the further side. Save the dull piping of insects and the sough of the + leaves, there was silence everywhere—the sweet restful silence of + nature. + </p> + <p> + And yet there was no want of life—the whole wide wood was full of + it. Now it was a lithe, furtive stoat which shot across the path upon some + fell errand of its own; then it was a wild cat which squatted upon the + outlying branch of an oak and peeped at the traveller with a yellow and + dubious eye. Once it was a wild sow which scuttled out of the bracken, + with two young sounders at her heels, and once a lordly red staggard + walked daintily out from among the tree trunks, and looked around him with + the fearless gaze of one who lived under the King's own high protection. + Alleyne gave his staff a merry flourish, however, and the red deer + bethought him that the King was far off, so streaked away from whence he + came. + </p> + <p> + The youth had now journeyed considerably beyond the furthest domains of + the Abbey. He was the more surprised therefore when, on coming round a + turn in the path, he perceived a man clad in the familiar garb of the + order, and seated in a clump of heather by the roadside. Alleyne had known + every brother well, but this was a face which was new to him—a face + which was very red and puffed, working this way and that, as though the + man were sore perplexed in his mind. Once he shook both hands furiously in + the air, and twice he sprang from his seat and hurried down the road. When + he rose, however, Alleyne observed that his robe was much too long and + loose for him in every direction, trailing upon the ground and bagging + about his ankles, so that even with trussed-up skirts he could make little + progress. He ran once, but the long gown clogged him so that he slowed + down into a shambling walk, and finally plumped into the heather once + more. + </p> + <p> + “Young friend,” said he, when Alleyne was abreast of him, “I fear from thy + garb that thou canst know little of the Abbey of Beaulieu.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are in error, friend,” the clerk answered, “for I have spent all + my days within its walls.” + </p> + <p> + “Hast so indeed?” cried he. “Then perhaps canst tell me the name of a + great loathly lump of a brother wi' freckled face an' a hand like a spade. + His eyes were black an' his hair was red an' his voice like the parish + bull. I trow that there cannot be two alike in the same cloisters.” + </p> + <p> + “That surely can be no other than brother John,” said Alleyne. “I trust he + has done you no wrong, that you should be so hot against him.” + </p> + <p> + “Wrong, quotha?” cried the other, jumping out of the heather. “Wrong! why + he hath stolen every plack of clothing off my back, if that be a wrong, + and hath left me here in this sorry frock of white falding, so that I have + shame to go back to my wife, lest she think that I have donned her old + kirtle. Harrow and alas that ever I should have met him!” + </p> + <p> + “But how came this?” asked the young clerk, who could scarce keep from + laughter at the sight of the hot little man so swathed in the great white + cloak. + </p> + <p> + “It came in this way,” he said, sitting down once more: “I was passing + this way, hoping to reach Lymington ere nightfall when I came on this + red-headed knave seated even where we are sitting now. I uncovered and + louted as I passed thinking that he might be a holy man at his orisons, + but he called to me and asked me if I had heard speak of the new + indulgence in favor of the Cistercians. 'Not I,' I answered. 'Then the + worse for thy soul!' said he; and with that he broke into a long tale how + that on account of the virtues of the Abbot Berghersh it had been decreed + by the Pope that whoever should wear the habit of a monk of Beaulieu for + as long as he might say the seven psalms of David should be assured of the + kingdom of Heaven. When I heard this I prayed him on my knees that he + would give me the use of his gown, which after many contentions he at last + agreed to do, on my paying him three marks towards the regilding of the + image of Laurence the martyr. Having stripped his robe, I had no choice + but to let him have the wearing of my good leathern jerkin and hose, for, + as he said, it was chilling to the blood and unseemly to the eye to stand + frockless whilst I made my orisons. He had scarce got them on, and it was + a sore labor, seeing that my inches will scarce match my girth—he + had scarce got them on, I say, and I not yet at the end of the second + psalm, when he bade me do honor to my new dress, and with that set off + down the road as fast as feet would carry him. For myself, I could no more + run than if I had been sown in a sack; so here I sit, and here I am like + to sit, before I set eyes upon my clothes again.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, friend, take it not so sadly,” said Alleyne, clapping the + disconsolate one upon the shoulder. “Canst change thy robe for a jerkin + once more at the Abbey, unless perchance you have a friend near at hand.” + </p> + <p> + “That have I,” he answered, “and close; but I care not to go nigh him in + this plight, for his wife hath a gibing tongue, and will spread the tale + until I could not show my face in any market from Fordingbridge to + Southampton. But if you, fair sir, out of your kind charity would be + pleased to go a matter of two bow-shots out of your way, you would do me + such a service as I could scarce repay.” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart,” said Alleyne readily. + </p> + <p> + “Then take this pathway on the left, I pray thee, and then the deer-track + which passes on the right. You will then see under a great beech-tree the + hut of a charcoal-burner. Give him my name, good sir, the name of Peter + the fuller, of Lymington, and ask him for a change of raiment, that I may + pursue my journey without delay. There are reasons why he would be loth to + refuse me.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne started off along the path indicated, and soon found the log-hut + where the burner dwelt. He was away faggot-cutting in the forest, but his + wife, a ruddy bustling dame, found the needful garments and tied them into + a bundle. While she busied herself in finding and folding them, Alleyne + Edricson stood by the open door looking in at her with much interest and + some distrust, for he had never been so nigh to a woman before. She had + round red arms, a dress of some sober woollen stuff, and a brass brooch + the size of a cheese-cake stuck in the front of it. + </p> + <p> + “Peter the fuller!” she kept repeating. “Marry come up! if I were Peter + the fuller's wife I would teach him better than to give his clothes to the + first knave who asks for them. But he was always a poor, fond, silly + creature, was Peter, though we are beholden to him for helping to bury our + second son Wat, who was a 'prentice to him at Lymington in the year of the + Black Death. But who are you, young sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I am a clerk on my road from Beaulieu to Minstead.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, indeed! Hast been brought up at the Abbey then. I could read it from + thy reddened cheek and downcast eye. Hast learned from the monks, I trow, + to fear a woman as thou wouldst a lazar-house. Out upon them! that they + should dishonor their own mothers by such teaching. A pretty world it + would be with all the women out of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forfend that such a thing should come to pass!” said Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “Amen and amen! But thou art a pretty lad, and the prettier for thy modest + ways. It is easy to see from thy cheek that thou hast not spent thy days + in the rain and the heat and the wind, as my poor Wat hath been forced to + do.” + </p> + <p> + “I have indeed seen little of life, good dame.” + </p> + <p> + “Wilt find nothing in it to pay for the loss of thy own freshness. Here + are the clothes, and Peter can leave them when next he comes this way. + Holy Virgin! see the dust upon thy doublet! It were easy to see that there + is no woman to tend to thee. So!—that is better. Now buss me, boy.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne stooped and kissed her, for the kiss was the common salutation of + the age, and, as Erasmus long afterwards remarked, more used in England + than in any other country. Yet it sent the blood to his temples again, and + he wondered, as he turned away, what the Abbot Berghersh would have + answered to so frank an invitation. He was still tingling from this new + experience when he came out upon the high-road and saw a sight which drove + all other thoughts from his mind. + </p> + <p> + Some way down from where he had left him the unfortunate Peter was + stamping and raving tenfold worse than before. Now, however, instead of + the great white cloak, he had no clothes on at all, save a short woollen + shirt and a pair of leather shoes. Far down the road a long-legged figure + was running, with a bundle under one arm and the other hand to his side, + like a man who laughs until he is sore. + </p> + <p> + “See him!” yelled Peter. “Look to him! You shall be my witness. He shall + see Winchester jail for this. See where he goes with my cloak under his + arm!” + </p> + <p> + “Who then?” cried Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “Who but that cursed brother John. He hath not left me clothes enough to + make a gallybagger. The double thief hath cozened me out of my gown.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay though, my friend, it was his gown,” objected Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “It boots not. He hath them all—gown, jerkin, hosen and all. + Gramercy to him that he left me the shirt and the shoon. I doubt not that + he will be back for them anon.” + </p> + <p> + “But how came this?” asked Alleyne, open-eyed with astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Are those the clothes? For dear charity's sake give them to me. Not the + Pope himself shall have these from me, though he sent the whole college of + cardinals to ask it. How came it? Why, you had scarce gone ere this + loathly John came running back again, and, when I oped mouth to reproach + him, he asked me whether it was indeed likely that a man of prayer would + leave his own godly raiment in order to take a layman's jerkin. He had, he + said, but gone for a while that I might be the freer for my devotions. On + this I plucked off the gown, and he with much show of haste did begin to + undo his points; but when I threw his frock down he clipped it up and ran + off all untrussed, leaving me in this sorry plight. He laughed so the + while, like a great croaking frog, that I might have caught him had my + breath not been as short as his legs were long.” + </p> + <p> + The young man listened to this tale of wrong with all the seriousness that + he could maintain; but at the sight of the pursy red-faced man and the + dignity with which he bore him, the laughter came so thick upon him that + he had to lean up against a tree-trunk. The fuller looked sadly and + gravely at him; but finding that he still laughed, he bowed with much mock + politeness and stalked onwards in his borrowed clothes. Alleyne watched + him until he was small in the distance, and then, wiping the tears from + his eyes, he set off briskly once more upon his journey. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. HOW THE BAILIFF OF SOUTHAMPTON SLEW THE TWO MASTERLESS MEN. + </h2> + <p> + The road along which he travelled was scarce as populous as most other + roads in the kingdom, and far less so than those which lie between the + larger towns. Yet from time to time Alleyne met other wayfarers, and more + than once was overtaken by strings of pack mules and horsemen journeying + in the same direction as himself. Once a begging friar came limping along + in a brown habit, imploring in a most dolorous voice to give him a single + groat to buy bread wherewith to save himself from impending death. Alleyne + passed him swiftly by, for he had learned from the monks to have no love + for the wandering friars, and, besides, there was a great half-gnawed + mutton bone sticking out of his pouch to prove him a liar. Swiftly as he + went, however, he could not escape the curse of the four blessed + evangelists which the mendicant howled behind him. So dreadful are his + execrations that the frightened lad thrust his fingers into his ear-holes, + and ran until the fellow was but a brown smirch upon the yellow road. + </p> + <p> + Further on, at the edge of the woodland, he came upon a chapman and his + wife, who sat upon a fallen tree. He had put his pack down as a table, and + the two of them were devouring a great pasty, and washing it down with + some drink from a stone jar. The chapman broke a rough jest as he passed, + and the woman called shrilly to Alleyne to come and join them, on which + the man, turning suddenly from mirth to wrath, began to belabor her with + his cudgel. Alleyne hastened on, lest he make more mischief, and his heart + was heavy as lead within him. Look where he would, he seemed to see + nothing but injustice and violence and the hardness of man to man. + </p> + <p> + But even as he brooded sadly over it and pined for the sweet peace of the + Abbey, he came on an open space dotted with holly bushes, where was the + strangest sight that he had yet chanced upon. Near to the pathway lay a + long clump of greenery, and from behind this there stuck straight up into + the air four human legs clad in parti-colored hosen, yellow and black. + Strangest of all was when a brisk tune struck suddenly up and the four + legs began to kick and twitter in time to the music. Walking on tiptoe + round the bushes, he stood in amazement to see two men bounding about on + their heads, while they played, the one a viol and the other a pipe, as + merrily and as truly as though they were seated in a choir. Alleyne + crossed himself as he gazed at this unnatural sight, and could scarce hold + his ground with a steady face, when the two dancers, catching sight of + him, came bouncing in his direction. A spear's length from him, they each + threw a somersault into the air, and came down upon their feet with + smirking faces and their hands over their hearts. + </p> + <p> + “A guerdon—a guerdon, my knight of the staring eyes!” cried one. + </p> + <p> + “A gift, my prince!” shouted the other. “Any trifle will serve—a + purse of gold, or even a jewelled goblet.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne thought of what he had read of demoniac possession—the + jumpings, the twitchings, the wild talk. It was in his mind to repeat over + the exorcism proper to such attacks; but the two burst out a-laughing at + his scared face, and turning on to their heads once more, clapped their + heels in derision. + </p> + <p> + “Hast never seen tumblers before?” asked the elder, a black-browed, + swarthy man, as brown and supple as a hazel twig. “Why shrink from us, + then, as though we were the spawn of the Evil One?” + </p> + <p> + “Why shrink, my honey-bird? Why so afeard, my sweet cinnamon?” exclaimed + the other, a loose-jointed lanky youth with a dancing, roguish eye. + </p> + <p> + “Truly, sirs, it is a new sight to me,” the clerk answered. “When I saw + your four legs above the bush I could scarce credit my own eyes. Why is it + that you do this thing?” + </p> + <p> + “A dry question to answer,” cried the younger, coming back on to his feet. + “A most husky question, my fair bird! But how? A flask, a flask!—by + all that is wonderful!” He shot out his hand as he spoke, and plucking + Alleyne's bottle out of his scrip, he deftly knocked the neck off, and + poured the half of it down his throat. The rest he handed to his comrade, + who drank the wine, and then, to the clerk's increasing amazement, made a + show of swallowing the bottle, with such skill that Alleyne seemed to see + it vanish down his throat. A moment later, however, he flung it over his + head, and caught it bottom downwards upon the calf of his left leg. + </p> + <p> + “We thank you for the wine, kind sir,” said he, “and for the ready + courtesy wherewith you offered it. Touching your question, we may tell you + that we are strollers and jugglers, who, having performed with much + applause at Winchester fair, are now on our way to the great Michaelmas + market at Ringwood. As our art is a very fine and delicate one, however, + we cannot let a day go by without exercising ourselves in it, to which end + we choose some quiet and sheltered spot where we may break our journey. + Here you find us; and we cannot wonder that you, who are new to tumbling, + should be astounded, since many great barons, earls, marshals and knights, + who have wandered as far as the Holy Land, are of one mind in saying that + they have never seen a more noble or gracious performance. If you will be + pleased to sit upon that stump, we will now continue our exercise.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne sat down willingly as directed with two great bundles on either + side of him which contained the strollers' dresses—doublets of + flame-colored silk and girdles of leather, spangled with brass and tin. + The jugglers were on their heads once more, bounding about with rigid + necks, playing the while in perfect time and tune. It chanced that out of + one of the bundles there stuck the end of what the clerk saw to be a + cittern, so drawing it forth, he tuned it up and twanged a harmony to the + merry lilt which the dancers played. On that they dropped their own + instruments, and putting their hands to the ground they hopped about + faster and faster, ever shouting to him to play more briskly, until at + last for very weariness all three had to stop. + </p> + <p> + “Well played, sweet poppet!” cried the younger. “Hast a rare touch on the + strings.” + </p> + <p> + “How knew you the tune?” asked the other. + </p> + <p> + “I knew it not. I did but follow the notes I heard.” + </p> + <p> + Both opened their eyes at this, and stared at Alleyne with as much + amazement as he had shown at them. + </p> + <p> + “You have a fine trick of ear then,” said one. “We have long wished to + meet such a man. Wilt join us and jog on to Ringwood? Thy duties shall be + light, and thou shalt have two-pence a day and meat for supper every + night.” + </p> + <p> + “With as much beer as you can put away,” said the other, “and a flask of + Gascon wine on Sabbaths.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it may not be. I have other work to do. I have tarried with you over + long,” quoth Alleyne, and resolutely set forth upon his journey once more. + They ran behind him some little way, offering him first fourpence and then + sixpence a day, but he only smiled and shook his head, until at last they + fell away from him. Looking back, he saw that the smaller had mounted on + the younger's shoulders, and that they stood so, some ten feet high, + waving their adieus to him. He waved back to them, and then hastened on, + the lighter of heart for having fallen in with these strange men of + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Alleyne had gone no great distance for all the many small passages that + had befallen him. Yet to him, used as he was to a life of such quiet that + the failure of a brewing or the altering of an anthem had seemed to be of + the deepest import, the quick changing play of the lights and shadows of + life was strangely startling and interesting. A gulf seemed to divide this + brisk uncertain existence from the old steady round of work and of prayer + which he had left behind him. The few hours that had passed since he saw + the Abbey tower stretched out in his memory until they outgrew whole + months of the stagnant life of the cloister. As he walked and munched the + soft bread from his scrip, it seemed strange to him to feel that it was + still warm from the ovens of Beaulieu. + </p> + <p> + When he passed Penerley, where were three cottages and a barn, he reached + the edge of the tree country, and found the great barren heath of + Blackdown stretching in front of him, all pink with heather and bronzed + with the fading ferns. On the left the woods were still thick, but the + road edged away from them and wound over the open. The sun lay low in the + west upon a purple cloud, whence it threw a mild, chastening light over + the wild moorland and glittered on the fringe of forest turning the + withered leaves into flakes of dead gold, the brighter for the black + depths behind them. To the seeing eye decay is as fair as growth, and + death as life. The thought stole into Alleyne's heart as he looked upon + the autumnal country side and marvelled at its beauty. He had little time + to dwell upon it however, for there were still six good miles between him + and the nearest inn. He sat down by the roadside to partake of his bread + and cheese, and then with a lighter scrip he hastened upon his way. + </p> + <p> + There appeared to be more wayfarers on the down than in the forest. First + he passed two Dominicans in their long black dresses, who swept by him + with downcast looks and pattering lips, without so much as a glance at + him. Then there came a gray friar, or minorite, with a good paunch upon + him, walking slowly and looking about him with the air of a man who was at + peace with himself and with all men. He stopped Alleyne to ask him whether + it was not true that there was a hostel somewhere in those parts which was + especially famous for the stewing of eels. The clerk having made answer + that he had heard the eels of Sowley well spoken of, the friar sucked in + his lips and hurried forward. Close at his heels came three laborers + walking abreast, with spade and mattock over their shoulders. They sang + some rude chorus right tunefully as they walked, but their English was so + coarse and rough that to the ears of a cloister-bred man it sounded like a + foreign and barbarous tongue. One of them carried a young bittern which + they had caught upon the moor, and they offered it to Alleyne for a silver + groat. Very glad he was to get safely past them, for, with their bristling + red beards and their fierce blue eyes, they were uneasy men to bargain + with upon a lonely moor. + </p> + <p> + Yet it is not always the burliest and the wildest who are the most to be + dreaded. The workers looked hungrily at him, and then jogged onwards upon + their way in slow, lumbering Saxon style. A worse man to deal with was a + wooden-legged cripple who came hobbling down the path, so weak and so old + to all appearance that a child need not stand in fear of him. Yet when + Alleyne had passed him, of a sudden, out of pure devilment, he screamed + out a curse at him, and sent a jagged flint stone hurtling past his ear. + So horrid was the causeless rage of the crooked creature, that the clerk + came over a cold thrill, and took to his heels until he was out of shot + from stone or word. It seemed to him that in this country of England there + was no protection for a man save that which lay in the strength of his own + arm and the speed of his own foot. In the cloisters he had heard vague + talk of the law—the mighty law which was higher than prelate or + baron, yet no sign could he see of it. What was the benefit of a law + written fair upon parchment, he wondered, if there were no officers to + enforce it. As it fell out, however, he had that very evening, ere the sun + had set, a chance of seeing how stern was the grip of the English law when + it did happen to seize the offender. + </p> + <p> + A mile or so out upon the moor the road takes a very sudden dip into a + hollow, with a peat-colored stream running swiftly down the centre of it. + To the right of this stood, and stands to this day, an ancient barrow, or + burying mound, covered deeply in a bristle of heather and bracken. Alleyne + was plodding down the slope upon one side, when he saw an old dame coming + towards him upon the other, limping with weariness and leaning heavily + upon a stick. When she reached the edge of the stream she stood helpless, + looking to right and to left for some ford. Where the path ran down a + great stone had been fixed in the centre of the brook, but it was too far + from the bank for her aged and uncertain feet. Twice she thrust forward at + it, and twice she drew back, until at last, giving up in despair, she sat + herself down by the brink and wrung her hands wearily. There she still sat + when Alleyne reached the crossing. + </p> + <p> + “Come, mother,” quoth he, “it is not so very perilous a passage.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! good youth,” she answered, “I have a humor in the eyes, and though + I can see that there is a stone there I can by no means be sure as to + where it lies.” + </p> + <p> + “That is easily amended,” said he cheerily, and picking her lightly up, + for she was much worn with time, he passed across with her. He could not + but observe, however, that as he placed her down her knees seemed to fail + her, and she could scarcely prop herself up with her staff. + </p> + <p> + “You are weak, mother,” said he. “Hast journeyed far, I wot.” + </p> + <p> + “From Wiltshire, friend,” said she, in a quavering voice; “three days have + I been on the road. I go to my son, who is one of the King's regarders at + Brockenhurst. He has ever said that he would care for me in mine old age.” + </p> + <p> + “And rightly too, mother, since you cared for him in his youth. But when + have you broken fast?” + </p> + <p> + “At Lyndenhurst; but alas! my money is at an end, and I could but get a + dish of bran-porridge from the nunnery. Yet I trust that I may be able to + reach Brockenhurst to-night, where I may have all that heart can desire; + for oh! sir, but my son is a fine man, with a kindly heart of his own, and + it is as good as food to me to think that he should have a doublet of + Lincoln green to his back and be the King's own paid man.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a long road yet to Brockenhurst,” said Alleyne; “but here is such + bread and cheese as I have left, and here, too, is a penny which may help + you to supper. May God be with you!” + </p> + <p> + “May God be with you, young man!” she cried. “May He make your heart as + glad as you have made mine!” She turned away, still mumbling blessings, + and Alleyne saw her short figure and her long shadow stumbling slowly up + the slope. + </p> + <p> + He was moving away himself, when his eyes lit upon a strange sight, and + one which sent a tingling through his skin. Out of the tangled scrub on + the old overgrown barrow two human faces were looking out at him; the + sinking sun glimmered full upon them, showing up every line and feature. + The one was an oldish man with a thin beard, a crooked nose, and a broad + red smudge from a birth-mark over his temple; the other was a negro, a + thing rarely met in England at that day, and rarer still in the quiet + southland parts. Alleyne had read of such folk, but had never seen one + before, and could scarce take his eyes from the fellow's broad pouting lip + and shining teeth. Even as he gazed, however, the two came writhing out + from among the heather, and came down towards him with such a guilty, + slinking carriage, that the clerk felt that there was no good in them, and + hastened onwards upon his way. + </p> + <p> + He had not gained the crown of the slope, when he heard a sudden scuffle + behind him and a feeble voice bleating for help. Looking round, there was + the old dame down upon the roadway, with her red whimple flying on the + breeze, while the two rogues, black and white, stooped over her, wresting + away from her the penny and such other poor trifles as were worth the + taking. At the sight of her thin limbs struggling in weak resistance, such + a glow of fierce anger passed over Alleyne as set his head in a whirl. + Dropping his scrip, he bounded over the stream once more, and made for the + two villains, with his staff whirled over his shoulder and his gray eyes + blazing with fury. + </p> + <p> + The robbers, however, were not disposed to leave their victim until they + had worked their wicked will upon her. The black man, with the woman's + crimson scarf tied round his swarthy head, stood forward in the centre of + the path, with a long dull-colored knife in his hand, while the other, + waving a ragged cudgel, cursed at Alleyne and dared him to come on. His + blood was fairly aflame, however, and he needed no such challenge. Dashing + at the black man, he smote at him with such good will that the other let + his knife tinkle into the roadway, and hopped howling to a safer distance. + The second rogue, however, made of sterner stuff, rushed in upon the + clerk, and clipped him round the waist with a grip like a bear, shouting + the while to his comrade to come round and stab him in the back. At this + the negro took heart of grace, and picking up his dagger again he came + stealing with prowling step and murderous eye, while the two swayed + backwards and forwards, staggering this way and that. In the very midst of + the scuffle, however, whilst Alleyne braced himself to feel the cold blade + between his shoulders, there came a sudden scurry of hoofs, and the black + man yelled with terror and ran for his life through the heather. The man + with the birth-mark, too, struggled to break away, and Alleyne heard his + teeth chatter and felt his limbs grow limp to his hand. At this sign of + coming aid the clerk held on the tighter, and at last was able to pin his + man down and glanced behind him to see where all the noise was coming + from. + </p> + <p> + Down the slanting road there was riding a big, burly man, clad in a tunic + of purple velvet and driving a great black horse as hard as it could + gallop. He leaned well over its neck as he rode, and made a heaving with + his shoulders at every bound as though he were lifting the steed instead + of it carrying him. In the rapid glance Alleyne saw that he had white + doeskin gloves, a curling white feather in his flat velvet cap, and a + broad gold, embroidered baldric across his bosom. Behind him rode six + others, two and two, clad in sober brown jerkins, with the long yellow + staves of their bows thrusting out from behind their right shoulders. Down + the hill they thundered, over the brook and up to the scene of the + contest. + </p> + <p> + “Here is one!” said the leader, springing down from his reeking horse, and + seizing the white rogue by the edge of his jerkin. “This is one of them. I + know him by that devil's touch upon his brow. Where are your cords, + Peterkin? So! Bind him hand and foot. His last hour has come. And you, + young man, who may you be?” + </p> + <p> + “I am a clerk, sir, travelling from Beaulieu.” + </p> + <p> + “A clerk!” cried the other. “Art from Oxenford or from Cambridge? Hast + thou a letter from the chancellor of thy college giving thee a permit to + beg? Let me see thy letter.” He had a stern, square face, with bushy side + whiskers and a very questioning eye. + </p> + <p> + “I am from Beaulieu Abbey, and I have no need to beg,” said Alleyne, who + was all of a tremble now that the ruffle was over. + </p> + <p> + “The better for thee,” the other answered. “Dost know who I am?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, I do not.” + </p> + <p> + “I am the law!”—nodding his head solemnly. “I am the law of England + and the mouthpiece of his most gracious and royal majesty, Edward the + Third.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne louted low to the King's representative. “Truly you came in good + time, honored sir,” said he. “A moment later and they would have slain + me.” + </p> + <p> + “But there should be another one,” cried the man in the purple coat. + “There should be a black man. A shipman with St. Anthony's fire, and a + black man who had served him as cook—those are the pair that we are + in chase of.” + </p> + <p> + “The black man fled over to that side,” said Alleyne, pointing towards the + barrow. + </p> + <p> + “He could not have gone far, sir bailiff,” cried one of the archers, + unslinging his bow. “He is in hiding somewhere, for he knew well, black + paynim as he is, that our horses' four legs could outstrip his two.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we shall have him,” said the other. “It shall never be said, whilst + I am bailiff of Southampton, that any waster, riever, draw-latch or + murtherer came scathless away from me and my posse. Leave that rogue + lying. Now stretch out in line, my merry ones, with arrow on string, and I + shall show you such sport as only the King can give. You on the left, + Howett, and Thomas of Redbridge upon the right. So! Beat high and low + among the heather, and a pot of wine to the lucky marksman.” + </p> + <p> + As it chanced, however, the searchers had not far to seek. The negro had + burrowed down into his hiding-place upon the barrow, where he might have + lain snug enough, had it not been for the red gear upon his head. As he + raised himself to look over the bracken at his enemies, the staring color + caught the eye of the bailiff, who broke into a long screeching whoop and + spurred forward sword in hand. Seeing himself discovered, the man rushed + out from his hiding-place, and bounded at the top of his speed down the + line of archers, keeping a good hundred paces to the front of them. The + two who were on either side of Alleyne bent their bows as calmly as though + they were shooting at the popinjay at the village fair. + </p> + <p> + “Seven yards windage, Hal,” said one, whose hair was streaked with gray. + </p> + <p> + “Five,” replied the other, letting loose his string. Alleyne gave a gulp + in his throat, for the yellow streak seemed to pass through the man; but + he still ran forward. + </p> + <p> + “Seven, you jack-fool,” growled the first speaker, and his bow twanged + like a harp-string. The black man sprang high up into the air, and shot + out both his arms and his legs, coming down all a-sprawl among the + heather. “Right under the blade bone!” quoth the archer, sauntering + forward for his arrow. + </p> + <p> + “The old hound is the best when all is said,” quoth the bailiff of + Southampton, as they made back for the roadway. “That means a quart of the + best malmsey in Southampton this very night, Matthew Atwood. Art sure that + he is dead?” + </p> + <p> + “Dead as Pontius Pilate, worshipful sir.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well. Now, as to the other knave. There are trees and to spare over + yonder, but we have scarce leisure to make for them. Draw thy sword, + Thomas of Redbridge, and hew me his head from his shoulders.” + </p> + <p> + “A boon, gracious sir, a boon!” cried the condemned man. + </p> + <p> + “What then?” asked the bailiff. + </p> + <p> + “I will confess to my crime. It was indeed I and the black cook, both from + the ship 'La Rose de Gloire,' of Southampton, who did set upon the + Flanders merchant and rob him of his spicery and his mercery, for which, + as we well know, you hold a warrant against us.” + </p> + <p> + “There is little merit in this confession,” quoth the bailiff sternly. + “Thou hast done evil within my bailiwick, and must die.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sir,” urged Alleyne, who was white to the lips at these bloody + doings, “he hath not yet come to trial.” + </p> + <p> + “Young clerk,” said the bailiff, “you speak of that of which you know + nothing. It is true that he hath not come to trial, but the trial hath + come to him. He hath fled the law and is beyond its pale. Touch not that + which is no concern of thine. But what is this boon, rogue, which you + would crave?” + </p> + <p> + “I have in my shoe, most worshipful sir, a strip of wood which belonged + once to the bark wherein the blessed Paul was dashed up against the island + of Melita. I bought it for two rose nobles from a shipman who came from + the Levant. The boon I crave is that you will place it in my hands and let + me die still grasping it. In this manner, not only shall my own eternal + salvation be secured, but thine also, for I shall never cease to intercede + for thee.” + </p> + <p> + At the command of the bailiff they plucked off the fellow's shoe, and + there sure enough at the side of the instep, wrapped in a piece of fine + sendall, lay a long, dark splinter of wood. The archers doffed caps at the + sight of it, and the bailiff crossed himself devoutly as he handed it to + the robber. + </p> + <p> + “If it should chance,” he said, “that through the surpassing merits of the + blessed Paul your sin-stained soul should gain a way into paradise, I + trust that you will not forget that intercession which you have promised. + Bear in mind too, that it is Herward the bailiff for whom you pray, and + not Herward the sheriff, who is my uncle's son. Now, Thomas, I pray you + dispatch, for we have a long ride before us and sun has already set.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne gazed upon the scene—the portly velvet-clad official, the + knot of hard-faced archers with their hands to the bridles of their + horses, the thief with his arms trussed back and his doublet turned down + upon his shoulders. By the side of the track the old dame was standing, + fastening her red whimple once more round her head. Even as he looked one + of the archers drew his sword with a sharp whirr of steel and stept up to + the lost man. The clerk hurried away in horror; but, ere he had gone many + paces, he heard a sudden, sullen thump, with a choking, whistling sound at + the end of it. A minute later the bailiff and four of his men rode past + him on their journey back to Southampton, the other two having been chosen + as grave-diggers. As they passed Alleyne saw that one of the men was + wiping his sword-blade upon the mane of his horse. A deadly sickness came + over him at the sight, and sitting down by the wayside he burst out + weeping, with his nerves all in a jangle. It was a terrible world thought + he, and it was hard to know which were the most to be dreaded, the knaves + or the men of the law. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. HOW A STRANGE COMPANY GATHERED AT THE “PIED MERLIN.” + </h2> + <p> + The night had already fallen, and the moon was shining between the rifts + of ragged, drifting clouds, before Alleyne Edricson, footsore and weary + from the unwonted exercise, found himself in front of the forest inn which + stood upon the outskirts of Lyndhurst. The building was long and low, + standing back a little from the road, with two flambeaux blazing on either + side of the door as a welcome to the traveller. From one window there + thrust forth a long pole with a bunch of greenery tied to the end of it—a + sign that liquor was to be sold within. As Alleyne walked up to it he + perceived that it was rudely fashioned out of beams of wood, with + twinkling lights all over where the glow from within shone through the + chinks. The roof was poor and thatched; but in strange contrast to it + there ran all along under the eaves a line of wooden shields, most + gorgeously painted with chevron, bend, and saltire, and every heraldic + device. By the door a horse stood tethered, the ruddy glow beating + strongly upon his brown head and patient eyes, while his body stood back + in the shadow. + </p> + <p> + Alleyne stood still in the roadway for a few minutes reflecting upon what + he should do. It was, he knew, only a few miles further to Minstead, where + his brother dwelt. On the other hand, he had never seen this brother since + childhood, and the reports which had come to his ears concerning him were + seldom to his advantage. By all accounts he was a hard and a bitter man. + </p> + <p> + It might be an evil start to come to his door so late and claim the + shelter of his roof. Better to sleep here at this inn, and then travel on + to Minstead in the morning. If his brother would take him in, well and + good. + </p> + <p> + He would bide with him for a time and do what he might to serve him. If, + on the other hand, he should have hardened his heart against him, he could + only go on his way and do the best he might by his skill as a craftsman + and a scrivener. At the end of a year he would be free to return to the + cloisters, for such had been his father's bequest. A monkish upbringing, + one year in the world after the age of twenty, and then a free selection + one way or the other—it was a strange course which had been marked + out for him. Such as it was, however, he had no choice but to follow it, + and if he were to begin by making a friend of his brother he had best wait + until morning before he knocked at his dwelling. + </p> + <p> + The rude plank door was ajar, but as Alleyne approached it there came from + within such a gust of rough laughter and clatter of tongues that he stood + irresolute upon the threshold. Summoning courage, however, and reflecting + that it was a public dwelling, in which he had as much right as any other + man, he pushed it open and stepped into the common room. + </p> + <p> + Though it was an autumn evening and somewhat warm, a huge fire of heaped + billets of wood crackled and sparkled in a broad, open grate, some of the + smoke escaping up a rude chimney, but the greater part rolling out into + the room, so that the air was thick with it, and a man coming from without + could scarce catch his breath. On this fire a great cauldron bubbled and + simmered, giving forth a rich and promising smell. Seated round it were a + dozen or so folk, of all ages and conditions, who set up such a shout as + Alleyne entered that he stood peering at them through the smoke, uncertain + what this riotous greeting might portend. + </p> + <p> + “A rouse! A rouse!” cried one rough looking fellow in a tattered jerkin. + “One more round of mead or ale and the score to the last comer.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis the law of the 'Pied Merlin,'” shouted another. “Ho there, Dame + Eliza! Here is fresh custom come to the house, and not a drain for the + company.” + </p> + <p> + “I will take your orders, gentles; I will assuredly take your orders,” the + landlady answered, bustling in with her hands full of leathern + drinking-cups. “What is it that you drink, then? Beer for the lads of the + forest, mead for the gleeman, strong waters for the tinker, and wine for + the rest. It is an old custom of the house, young sir. It has been the use + at the 'Pied Merlin' this many a year back that the company should drink + to the health of the last comer. Is it your pleasure to humor it?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, good dame,” said Alleyne, “I would not offend the customs of your + house, but it is only sooth when I say that my purse is a thin one. As far + as two pence will go, however, I shall be right glad to do my part.” + </p> + <p> + “Plainly said and bravely spoken, my suckling friar,” roared a deep voice, + and a heavy hand fell upon Alleyne's shoulder. Looking up, he saw beside + him his former cloister companion the renegade monk, Hordle John. + </p> + <p> + “By the thorn of Glastonbury! ill days are coming upon Beaulieu,” said he. + “Here they have got rid in one day of the only two men within their walls—for + I have had mine eyes upon thee, youngster, and I know that for all thy + baby-face there is the making of a man in thee. Then there is the Abbot, + too. I am no friend of his, nor he of mine; but he has warm blood in his + veins. He is the only man left among them. The others, what are they?” + </p> + <p> + “They are holy men,” Alleyne answered gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Holy men? Holy cabbages! Holy bean-pods! What do they do but live and + suck in sustenance and grow fat? If that be holiness, I could show you + hogs in this forest who are fit to head the calendar. Think you it was for + such a life that this good arm was fixed upon my shoulder, or that head + placed upon your neck? There is work in the world, man, and it is not by + hiding behind stone walls that we shall do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then, did you join the brothers?” asked Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “A fair enough question; but it is as fairly answered. I joined them + because Margery Alspaye, of Bolder, married Crooked Thomas of Ringwood, + and left a certain John of Hordle in the cold, for that he was a ranting, + roving blade who was not to be trusted in wedlock. That was why, being + fond and hot-headed, I left the world; and that is why, having had time to + take thought, I am right glad to find myself back in it once more. Ill + betide the day that ever I took off my yeoman's jerkin to put on the white + gown!” + </p> + <p> + Whilst he was speaking the landlady came in again, bearing a broad + platter, upon which stood all the beakers and flagons charged to the brim + with the brown ale or the ruby wine. Behind her came a maid with a high + pile of wooden plates, and a great sheaf of spoons, one of which she + handed round to each of the travellers. Two of the company, who were + dressed in the weather-stained green doublet of foresters, lifted the big + pot off the fire, and a third, with a huge pewter ladle, served out a + portion of steaming collops to each guest. Alleyne bore his share and his + ale-mug away with him to a retired trestle in the corner, where he could + sup in peace and watch the strange scene, which was so different to those + silent and well-ordered meals to which he was accustomed. + </p> + <p> + The room was not unlike a stable. The low ceiling, smoke-blackened and + dingy, was pierced by several square trap-doors with rough-hewn ladders + leading up to them. The walls of bare unpainted planks were studded here + and there with great wooden pins, placed at irregular intervals and + heights, from which hung over-tunics, wallets, whips, bridles, and + saddles. Over the fireplace were suspended six or seven shields of wood, + with coats-of-arms rudely daubed upon them, which showed by their varying + degrees of smokiness and dirt that they had been placed there at different + periods. There was no furniture, save a single long dresser covered with + coarse crockery, and a number of wooden benches and trestles, the legs of + which sank deeply into the soft clay floor, while the only light, save + that of the fire, was furnished by three torches stuck in sockets on the + wall, which flickered and crackled, giving forth a strong resinous odor. + All this was novel and strange to the cloister-bred youth; but most + interesting of all was the motley circle of guests who sat eating their + collops round the blaze. They were a humble group of wayfarers, such as + might have been found that night in any inn through the length and breadth + of England; but to him they represented that vague world against which he + had been so frequently and so earnestly warned. It did not seem to him + from what he could see of it to be such a very wicked place after all. + </p> + <p> + Three or four of the men round the fire were evidently underkeepers and + verderers from the forest, sunburned and bearded, with the quick restless + eye and lithe movements of the deer among which they lived. Close to the + corner of the chimney sat a middle-aged gleeman, clad in a faded garb of + Norwich cloth, the tunic of which was so outgrown that it did not fasten + at the neck and at the waist. His face was swollen and coarse, and his + watery protruding eyes spoke of a life which never wandered very far from + the wine-pot. A gilt harp, blotched with many stains and with two of its + strings missing, was tucked under one of his arms, while with the other he + scooped greedily at his platter. Next to him sat two other men of about + the same age, one with a trimming of fur to his coat, which gave him a + dignity which was evidently dearer to him than his comfort, for he still + drew it round him in spite of the hot glare of the faggots. The other, + clad in a dirty russet suit with a long sweeping doublet, had a cunning, + foxy face with keen, twinkling eyes and a peaky beard. Next to him sat + Hordle John, and beside him three other rough unkempt fellows with tangled + beards and matted hair—free laborers from the adjoining farms, where + small patches of freehold property had been suffered to remain scattered + about in the heart of the royal demesne. The company was completed by a + peasant in a rude dress of undyed sheepskin, with the old-fashioned + galligaskins about his legs, and a gayly dressed young man with striped + cloak jagged at the edges and parti-colored hosen, who looked about him + with high disdain upon his face, and held a blue smelling-flask to his + nose with one hand, while he brandished a busy spoon with the other. In + the corner a very fat man was lying all a-sprawl upon a truss, snoring + stertorously, and evidently in the last stage of drunkenness. + </p> + <p> + “That is Wat the limner,” quoth the landlady, sitting down beside Alleyne, + and pointing with the ladle to the sleeping man. “That is he who paints + the signs and the tokens. Alack and alas that ever I should have been fool + enough to trust him! Now, young man, what manner of a bird would you + suppose a pied merlin to be—that being the proper sign of my + hostel?” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said Alleyne, “a merlin is a bird of the same form as an eagle or a + falcon. I can well remember that learned brother Bartholomew, who is deep + in all the secrets of nature, pointed one out to me as we walked together + near Vinney Ridge.” + </p> + <p> + “A falcon or an eagle, quotha? And pied, that is of two several colors. So + any man would say except this barrel of lies. He came to me, look you, + saying that if I would furnish him with a gallon of ale, wherewith to + strengthen himself as he worked, and also the pigments and a board, he + would paint for me a noble pied merlin which I might hang along with the + blazonry over my door. I, poor simple fool, gave him the ale and all that + he craved, leaving him alone too, because he said that a man's mind must + be left untroubled when he had great work to do. When I came back the + gallon jar was empty, and he lay as you see him, with the board in front + of him with this sorry device.” She raised up a panel which was leaning + against the wall, and showed a rude painting of a scraggy and angular + fowl, with very long legs and a spotted body. + </p> + <p> + “Was that,” she asked, “like the bird which thou hast seen?” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne shook his head, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “No, nor any other bird that ever wagged a feather. It is most like a + plucked pullet which has died of the spotted fever. And scarlet too! What + would the gentles Sir Nicholas Boarhunte, or Sir Bernard Brocas, of Roche + Court, say if they saw such a thing—or, perhaps, even the King's own + Majesty himself, who often has ridden past this way, and who loves his + falcons as he loves his sons? It would be the downfall of my house.” + </p> + <p> + “The matter is not past mending,” said Alleyne. “I pray you, good dame, to + give me those three pigment-pots and the brush, and I shall try whether I + cannot better this painting.” + </p> + <p> + Dame Eliza looked doubtfully at him, as though fearing some other + stratagem, but, as he made no demand for ale, she finally brought the + paints, and watched him as he smeared on his background, talking the while + about the folk round the fire. + </p> + <p> + “The four forest lads must be jogging soon,” she said. “They bide at Emery + Down, a mile or more from here. Yeomen prickers they are, who tend to the + King's hunt. The gleeman is called Floyting Will. He comes from the north + country, but for many years he hath gone the round of the forest from + Southampton to Christchurch. He drinks much and pays little but it would + make your ribs crackle to hear him sing the 'Jest of Hendy Tobias.' Mayhap + he will sing it when the ale has warmed him.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are those next to him?” asked Alleyne, much interested. “He of the + fur mantle has a wise and reverent face.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a seller of pills and salves, very learned in humors, and rheums, + and fluxes, and all manner of ailments. He wears, as you perceive, the + vernicle of Sainted Luke, the first physician, upon his sleeve. May good + St. Thomas of Kent grant that it may be long before either I or mine need + his help! He is here to-night for herbergage, as are the others except the + foresters. His neighbor is a tooth-drawer. That bag at his girdle is full + of the teeth that he drew at Winchester fair. I warrant that there are + more sound ones than sorry, for he is quick at his work and a trifle dim + in the eye. The lusty man next him with the red head I have not seen + before. The four on this side are all workers, three of them in the + service of the bailiff of Sir Baldwin Redvers, and the other, he with the + sheepskin, is, as I hear, a villein from the midlands who hath run from + his master. His year and day are well-nigh up, when he will be a free + man.” + </p> + <p> + “And the other?” asked Alleyne in a whisper. “He is surely some very great + man, for he looks as though he scorned those who were about him.” + </p> + <p> + The landlady looked at him in a motherly way and shook her head. “You have + had no great truck with the world,” she said, “or you would have learned + that it is the small men and not the great who hold their noses in the + air. Look at those shields upon my wall and under my eaves. Each of them + is the device of some noble lord or gallant knight who hath slept under my + roof at one time or another. Yet milder men or easier to please I have + never seen: eating my bacon and drinking my wine with a merry face, and + paying my score with some courteous word or jest which was dearer to me + than my profit. Those are the true gentles. But your chapman or your + bearward will swear that there is a lime in the wine, and water in the + ale, and fling off at the last with a curse instead of a blessing. This + youth is a scholar from Cambrig, where men are wont to be blown out by a + little knowledge, and lose the use of their hands in learning the laws of + the Romans. But I must away to lay down the beds. So may the saints keep + you and prosper you in your undertaking!” + </p> + <p> + Thus left to himself, Alleyne drew his panel of wood where the light of + one of the torches would strike full upon it, and worked away with all the + pleasure of the trained craftsman, listening the while to the talk which + went on round the fire. The peasant in the sheepskins, who had sat glum + and silent all evening, had been so heated by his flagon of ale that he + was talking loudly and angrily with clenched hands and flashing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Sir Humphrey Tennant of Ashby may till his own fields for me,” he cried. + “The castle has thrown its shadow upon the cottage over long. For three + hundred years my folk have swinked and sweated, day in and day out, to + keep the wine on the lord's table and the harness on the lord's back. Let + him take off his plates and delve himself, if delving must be done.” + </p> + <p> + “A proper spirit, my fair son!” said one of the free laborers. “I would + that all men were of thy way of thinking.” + </p> + <p> + “He would have sold me with his acres,” the other cried, in a voice which + was hoarse with passion. “'The man, the woman and their litter'—so + ran the words of the dotard bailiff. Never a bullock on the farm was sold + more lightly. Ha! he may wake some black night to find the flames licking + about his ears—for fire is a good friend to the poor man, and I have + seen a smoking heap of ashes where over night there stood just such + another castlewick as Ashby.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a lad of mettle!” shouted another of the laborers. “He dares to + give tongue to what all men think. Are we not all from Adam's loins, all + with flesh and blood, and with the same mouth that must needs have food + and drink? Where all this difference then between the ermine cloak and the + leathern tunic, if what they cover is the same?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Jenkin,” said another, “our foeman is under the stole and the + vestment as much as under the helmet and plate of proof. We have as much + to fear from the tonsure as from the hauberk. Strike at the noble and the + priest shrieks, strike at priest and the noble lays his hand upon glaive. + They are twin thieves who live upon our labor.” + </p> + <p> + “It would take a clever man to live upon thy labor, Hugh,” remarked one of + the foresters, “seeing that the half of thy time is spent in swilling mead + at the 'Pied Merlin.'” + </p> + <p> + “Better that than stealing the deer that thou art placed to guard, like + some folk I know.” + </p> + <p> + “If you dare open that swine's mouth against me,” shouted the woodman, + “I'll crop your ears for you before the hangman has the doing of it, thou + long-jawed lackbrain.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, gentles, gentles!” cried Dame Eliza, in a singsong heedless voice, + which showed that such bickerings were nightly things among her guests. + “No brawling or brabbling, gentles! Take heed to the good name of the + house.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides, if it comes to the cropping of ears, there are other folk who + may say their say,” quoth the third laborer. “We are all freemen, and I + trow that a yeoman's cudgel is as good as a forester's knife. By St. + Anselm! it would be an evil day if we had to bend to our master's servants + as well as to our masters.” + </p> + <p> + “No man is my master save the King,” the woodman answered. “Who is there, + save a false traitor, who would refuse to serve the English king?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not about the English king,” said the man Jenkin. “What sort of + English king is it who cannot lay his tongue to a word of English? You + mind last year when he came down to Malwood, with his inner marshal and + his outer marshal, his justiciar, his seneschal, and his four and twenty + guardsmen. One noontide I was by Franklin Swinton's gate, when up he rides + with a yeoman pricker at his heels. 'Ouvre,' he cried, 'ouvre,' or some + such word, making signs for me to open the gate; and then 'Merci,' as + though he were adrad of me. And you talk of an English king?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not marvel at it,” cried the Cambrig scholar, speaking in the high + drawling voice which was common among his class. “It is not a tongue for + men of sweet birth and delicate upbringing. It is a foul, snorting, + snarling manner of speech. For myself, I swear by the learned Polycarp + that I have most ease with Hebrew, and after that perchance with Arabian.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not hear a word said against old King Ned,” cried Hordle John in a + voice like a bull. “What if he is fond of a bright eye and a saucy face. I + know one of his subjects who could match him at that. If he cannot speak + like an Englishman I trow that he can fight like an Englishman, and he was + hammering at the gates of Paris while ale-house topers were grutching and + grumbling at home.” + </p> + <p> + This loud speech, coming from a man of so formidable an appearance, + somewhat daunted the disloyal party, and they fell into a sullen silence, + which enabled Alleyne to hear something of the talk which was going on in + the further corner between the physician, the tooth-drawer and the + gleeman. + </p> + <p> + “A raw rat,” the man of drugs was saying, “that is what it is ever my use + to order for the plague—a raw rat with its paunch cut open.” + </p> + <p> + “Might it not be broiled, most learned sir?” asked the tooth-drawer. “A + raw rat sounds a most sorry and cheerless dish.” + </p> + <p> + “Not to be eaten,” cried the physician, in high disdain. “Why should any + man eat such a thing?” + </p> + <p> + “Why indeed?” asked the gleeman, taking a long drain at his tankard. + </p> + <p> + “It is to be placed on the sore or swelling. For the rat, mark you, being + a foul-living creature, hath a natural drawing or affinity for all foul + things, so that the noxious humors pass from the man into the unclean + beast.” + </p> + <p> + “Would that cure the black death, master?” asked Jenkin. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, truly would it, my fair son.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I am right glad that there were none who knew of it. The black death + is the best friend that ever the common folk had in England.” + </p> + <p> + “How that then?” asked Hordle John. + </p> + <p> + “Why, friend, it is easy to see that you have not worked with your hands + or you would not need to ask. When half the folk in the country were dead + it was then that the other half could pick and choose who they would work + for, and for what wage. That is why I say that the murrain was the best + friend that the borel folk ever had.” + </p> + <p> + “True, Jenkin,” said another workman; “but it is not all good that is + brought by it either. We well know that through it corn-land has been + turned into pasture, so that flocks of sheep with perchance a single + shepherd wander now where once a hundred men had work and wage.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no great harm in that,” remarked the tooth-drawer, “for the + sheep give many folk their living. There is not only the herd, but the + shearer and brander, and then the dresser, the curer, the dyer, the + fuller, the webster, the merchant, and a score of others.” + </p> + <p> + “If it come to that,” said one of the foresters, “the tough meat of them + will wear folks teeth out, and there is a trade for the man who can draw + them.” + </p> + <p> + A general laugh followed this sally at the dentist's expense, in the midst + of which the gleeman placed his battered harp upon his knee, and began to + pick out a melody upon the frayed strings. + </p> + <p> + “Elbow room for Floyting Will!” cried the woodmen. “Twang us a merry + lilt.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, aye, the 'Lasses of Lancaster,'” one suggested. + </p> + <p> + “Or 'St. Simeon and the Devil.'” + </p> + <p> + “Or the 'Jest of Hendy Tobias.'” + </p> + <p> + To all these suggestions the jongleur made no response, but sat with his + eye fixed abstractedly upon the ceiling, as one who calls words to his + mind. Then, with a sudden sweep across the strings, he broke out into a + song so gross and so foul that ere he had finished a verse the pure-minded + lad sprang to his feet with the blood tingling in his face. + </p> + <p> + “How can you sing such things?” he cried. “You, too, an old man who should + be an example to others.” + </p> + <p> + The wayfarers all gazed in the utmost astonishment at the interruption. + </p> + <p> + “By the holy Dicon of Hampole! our silent clerk has found his tongue,” + said one of the woodmen. “What is amiss with the song then? How has it + offended your babyship?” + </p> + <p> + “A milder and better mannered song hath never been heard within these + walls,” cried another. “What sort of talk is this for a public inn?” + </p> + <p> + “Shall it be a litany, my good clerk?” shouted a third; “or would a hymn + be good enough to serve?” + </p> + <p> + The jongleur had put down his harp in high dudgeon. “Am I to be preached + to by a child?” he cried, staring across at Alleyne with an inflamed and + angry countenance. “Is a hairless infant to raise his tongue against me, + when I have sung in every fair from Tweed to Trent, and have twice been + named aloud by the High Court of the Minstrels at Beverley? I shall sing + no more to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but you will so,” said one of the laborers. “Hi, Dame Eliza, bring a + stoup of your best to Will to clear his throat. Go forward with thy song, + and if our girl-faced clerk does not love it he can take to the road and + go whence he came.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but not too fast,” broke in Hordle John. “There are two words in + this matter. It may be that my little comrade has been over quick in + reproof, he having gone early into the cloisters and seen little of the + rough ways and words of the world. Yet there is truth in what he says, + for, as you know well, the song was not of the cleanest. I shall stand by + him, therefore, and he shall neither be put out on the road, nor shall his + ears be offended indoors.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, your high and mighty grace,” sneered one of the yeomen, “have you + in sooth so ordained?” + </p> + <p> + “By the Virgin!” said a second, “I think that you may both chance to find + yourselves upon the road before long.” + </p> + <p> + “And so belabored as to be scarce able to crawl along it,” cried a third. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I shall go! I shall go!” said Alleyne hurriedly, as Hordle John + began to slowly roll up his sleeve, and bare an arm like a leg of mutton. + “I would not have you brawl about me.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! lad,” he whispered, “I count them not a fly. They may find they + have more tow on their distaff than they know how to spin. Stand thou + clear and give me space.” + </p> + <p> + Both the foresters and the laborers had risen from their bench, and Dame + Eliza and the travelling doctor had flung themselves between the two + parties with soft words and soothing gestures, when the door of the “Pied + Merlin” was flung violently open, and the attention of the company was + drawn from their own quarrel to the new-comer who had burst so + unceremoniously upon them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. HOW SAMKIN AYLWARD WAGERED HIS FEATHER-BED. + </h2> + <p> + He was a middle-sized man, of most massive and robust build, with an + arching chest and extraordinary breadth of shoulder. His shaven face was + as brown as a hazel-nut, tanned and dried by the weather, with harsh, + well-marked features, which were not improved by a long white scar which + stretched from the corner of his left nostril to the angle of the jaw. His + eyes were bright and searching, with something of menace and of authority + in their quick glitter, and his mouth was firm-set and hard, as befitted + one who was wont to set his face against danger. A straight sword by his + side and a painted long-bow jutting over his shoulder proclaimed his + profession, while his scarred brigandine of chain-mail and his dinted + steel cap showed that he was no holiday soldier, but one who was even now + fresh from the wars. A white surcoat with the lion of St. George in red + upon the centre covered his broad breast, while a sprig of new-plucked + broom at the side of his head-gear gave a touch of gayety and grace to his + grim, war-worn equipment. + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” he cried, blinking like an owl in the sudden glare. “Good even to + you, comrades! Hola! a woman, by my soul!” and in an instant he had + clipped Dame Eliza round the waist and was kissing her violently. His eye + happening to wander upon the maid, however, he instantly abandoned the + mistress and danced off after the other, who scurried in confusion up one + of the ladders, and dropped the heavy trap-door upon her pursuer. He then + turned back and saluted the landlady once more with the utmost relish and + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “La petite is frightened,” said he. “Ah, c'est l'amour, l'amour! Curse + this trick of French, which will stick to my throat. I must wash it out + with some good English ale. By my hilt! camarades, there is no drop of + French blood in my body, and I am a true English bowman, Samkin Aylward by + name; and I tell you, mes amis, that it warms my very heart-roots to set + my feet on the dear old land once more. When I came off the galley at + Hythe, this very day, I down on my bones, and I kissed the good brown + earth, as I kiss thee now, ma belle, for it was eight long years since I + had seen it. The very smell of it seemed life to me. But where are my six + rascals? Hola, there! En avant!” + </p> + <p> + At the order, six men, dressed as common drudges, marched solemnly into + the room, each bearing a huge bundle upon his head. They formed in + military line, while the soldier stood in front of them with stern eyes, + checking off their several packages. + </p> + <p> + “Number one—a French feather-bed with the two counter-panes of white + sendall,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Here, worthy sir,” answered the first of the bearers, laying a great + package down in the corner. + </p> + <p> + “Number two—seven ells of red Turkey cloth and nine ells of cloth of + gold. Put it down by the other. Good dame, I prythee give each of these + men a bottrine of wine or a jack of ale. Three—a full piece of white + Genoan velvet with twelve ells of purple silk. Thou rascal, there is dirt + on the hem! Thou hast brushed it against some wall, coquin!” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, most worthy sir,” cried the carrier, shrinking away from the + fierce eyes of the bowman. + </p> + <p> + “I say yes, dog! By the three kings! I have seen a man gasp out his last + breath for less. Had you gone through the pain and unease that I have done + to earn these things you would be at more care. I swear by my ten + finger-bones that there is not one of them that hath not cost its weight + in French blood! Four—an incense-boat, a ewer of silver, a gold + buckle and a cope worked in pearls. I found them, camarades, at the Church + of St. Denis in the harrying of Narbonne, and I took them away with me + lest they fall into the hands of the wicked. Five—a cloak of fur + turned up with minever, a gold goblet with stand and cover, and a box of + rose-colored sugar. See that you lay them together. Six—a box of + monies, three pounds of Limousine gold-work, a pair of boots, silver + tagged, and, lastly, a store of naping linen. So, the tally is complete! + Here is a groat apiece, and you may go.” + </p> + <p> + “Go whither, worthy sir?” asked one of the carriers. + </p> + <p> + “Whither? To the devil if ye will. What is it to me? Now, ma belle, to + supper. A pair of cold capons, a mortress of brawn, or what you will, with + a flask or two of the right Gascony. I have crowns in my pouch, my sweet, + and I mean to spend them. Bring in wine while the food is dressing. Buvons + my brave lads; you shall each empty a stoup with me.” + </p> + <p> + Here was an offer which the company in an English inn at that or any other + date are slow to refuse. The flagons were re-gathered and came back with + the white foam dripping over their edges. Two of the woodmen and three of + the laborers drank their portions off hurriedly and trooped off together, + for their homes were distant and the hour late. The others, however, drew + closer, leaving the place of honor to the right of the gleeman to the + free-handed new-comer. He had thrown off his steel cap and his brigandine, + and had placed them with his sword, his quiver and his painted long-bow, + on the top of his varied heap of plunder in the corner. Now, with his + thick and somewhat bowed legs stretched in front of the blaze, his green + jerkin thrown open, and a great quart pot held in his corded fist, he + looked the picture of comfort and of good-fellowship. His hard-set face + had softened, and the thick crop of crisp brown curls which had been + hidden by his helmet grew low upon his massive neck. He might have been + forty years of age, though hard toil and harder pleasure had left their + grim marks upon his features. Alleyne had ceased painting his pied merlin, + and sat, brush in hand, staring with open eyes at a type of man so strange + and so unlike any whom he had met. Men had been good or had been bad in + his catalogue, but here was a man who was fierce one instant and gentle + the next, with a curse on his lips and a smile in his eye. What was to be + made of such a man as that? + </p> + <p> + It chanced that the soldier looked up and saw the questioning glance which + the young clerk threw upon him. He raised his flagon and drank to him, + with a merry flash of his white teeth. + </p> + <p> + “A toi, mon garcon,” he cried. “Hast surely never seen a man-at-arms, that + thou shouldst stare so?” + </p> + <p> + “I never have,” said Alleyne frankly, “though I have oft heard talk of + their deeds.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt!” cried the other, “if you were to cross the narrow sea you + would find them as thick as bees at a tee-hole. Couldst not shoot a bolt + down any street of Bordeaux, I warrant, but you would pink archer, squire, + or knight. There are more breastplates than gaberdines to be seen, I + promise you.” + </p> + <p> + “And where got you all these pretty things?” asked Hordle John, pointing + at the heap in the corner. + </p> + <p> + “Where there is as much more waiting for any brave lad to pick it up. + Where a good man can always earn a good wage, and where he need look upon + no man as his paymaster, but just reach his hand out and help himself. + Aye, it is a goodly and a proper life. And here I drink to mine old + comrades, and the saints be with them! Arouse all together, <i>mes enfants</i>, + under pain of my displeasure. To Sir Claude Latour and the White Company!” + </p> + <p> + “Sir Claude Latour and the White Company!” shouted the travellers, + draining off their goblets. + </p> + <p> + “Well quaffed, mes braves! It is for me to fill your cups again, since you + have drained them to my dear lads of the white jerkin. Hola! mon ange, + bring wine and ale. How runs the old stave?— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + We'll drink all together + To the gray goose feather + And the land where the gray goose flew.” + </pre> + <p> + He roared out the catch in a harsh, unmusical voice, and ended with a + shout of laughter. “I trust that I am a better bowman than a minstrel,” + said he. + </p> + <p> + “Methinks I have some remembrance of the lilt,” remarked the gleeman, + running his fingers over the strings. “Hoping that it will give thee no + offence, most holy sir”—with a vicious snap at Alleyne—“and + with the kind permit of the company, I will even venture upon it.” + </p> + <p> + Many a time in the after days Alleyne Edricson seemed to see that scene, + for all that so many which were stranger and more stirring were soon to + crowd upon him. The fat, red-faced gleeman, the listening group, the + archer with upraised finger beating in time to the music, and the huge + sprawling figure of Hordle John, all thrown into red light and black + shadow by the flickering fire in the centre—memory was to come often + lovingly back to it. At the time he was lost in admiration at the deft way + in which the jongleur disguised the loss of his two missing strings, and + the lusty, hearty fashion in which he trolled out his little ballad of the + outland bowmen, which ran in some such fashion as this: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + What of the bow? + The bow was made in England: + Of true wood, of yew wood, + The wood of English bows; + So men who are free + Love the old yew tree + And the land where the yew tree grows. + + What of the cord? + The cord was made in England: + A rough cord, a tough cord, + A cord that bowmen love; + So we'll drain our jacks + To the English flax + And the land where the hemp was wove. + + What of the shaft? + The shaft was cut in England: + A long shaft, a strong shaft, + Barbed and trim and true; + So we'll drink all together + To the gray goose feather + And the land where the gray goose flew. + + What of the men? + The men were bred in England: + The bowman—the yeoman— + The lads of dale and fell + Here's to you—and to you; + To the hearts that are true + And the land where the true hearts dwell. +</pre> + <p> + “Well sung, by my hilt!” shouted the archer in high delight. “Many a night + have I heard that song, both in the old war-time and after in the days of + the White Company, when Black Simon of Norwich would lead the stave, and + four hundred of the best bowmen that ever drew string would come roaring + in upon the chorus. I have seen old John Hawkwood, the same who has led + half the Company into Italy, stand laughing in his beard as he heard it, + until his plates rattled again. But to get the full smack of it ye must + yourselves be English bowmen, and be far off upon an outland soil.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst the song had been singing Dame Eliza and the maid had placed a + board across two trestles, and had laid upon it the knife, the spoon, the + salt, the tranchoir of bread, and finally the smoking dish which held the + savory supper. The archer settled himself to it like one who had known + what it was to find good food scarce; but his tongue still went as merrily + as his teeth. + </p> + <p> + “It passes me,” he cried, “how all you lusty fellows can bide scratching + your backs at home when there are such doings over the seas. Look at me—what + have I to do? It is but the eye to the cord, the cord to the shaft, and + the shaft to the mark. There is the whole song of it. It is but what you + do yourselves for pleasure upon a Sunday evening at the parish village + butts.” + </p> + <p> + “And the wage?” asked a laborer. + </p> + <p> + “You see what the wage brings,” he answered. “I eat of the best, and I + drink deep. I treat my friend, and I ask no friend to treat me. I clap a + silk gown on my girl's back. Never a knight's lady shall be better + betrimmed and betrinketed. How of all that, mon garcon? And how of the + heap of trifles that you can see for yourselves in yonder corner? They are + from the South French, every one, upon whom I have been making war. By my + hilt! camarades, I think that I may let my plunder speak for itself.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems indeed to be a goodly service,” said the tooth-drawer. + </p> + <p> + “Tete bleu! yes, indeed. Then there is the chance of a ransom. Why, look + you, in the affair at Brignais some four years back, when the companies + slew James of Bourbon, and put his army to the sword, there was scarce a + man of ours who had not count, baron, or knight. Peter Karsdale, who was + but a common country lout newly brought over, with the English fleas still + hopping under his doublet, laid his great hands upon the Sieur Amaury de + Chatonville, who owns half Picardy, and had five thousand crowns out of + him, with his horse and harness. 'Tis true that a French wench took it all + off Peter as quick as the Frenchman paid it; but what then? By the twang + of string! it would be a bad thing if money was not made to be spent; and + how better than on woman—eh, ma belle?” + </p> + <p> + “It would indeed be a bad thing if we had not our brave archers to bring + wealth and kindly customs into the country,” quoth Dame Eliza, on whom the + soldier's free and open ways had made a deep impression. + </p> + <p> + “A toi, ma cherie!” said he, with his hand over his heart. “Hola! there is + la petite peeping from behind the door. A toi, aussi, ma petite! Mon Dieu! + but the lass has a good color!” + </p> + <p> + “There is one thing, fair sir,” said the Cambridge student in his piping + voice, “which I would fain that you would make more clear. As I understand + it, there was peace made at the town of Bretigny some six years back + between our most gracious monarch and the King of the French. This being + so, it seems most passing strange that you should talk so loudly of war + and of companies when there is no quarrel between the French and us.” + </p> + <p> + “Meaning that I lie,” said the archer, laying down his knife. + </p> + <p> + “May heaven forfend!” cried the student hastily. “<i>Magna est veritas sed + rara</i>, which means in the Latin tongue that archers are all honorable + men. I come to you seeking knowledge, for it is my trade to learn.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear that you are yet a 'prentice to that trade,” quoth the soldier; + “for there is no child over the water but could answer what you ask. Know + then that though there may be peace between our own provinces and the + French, yet within the marches of France there is always war, for the + country is much divided against itself, and is furthermore harried by + bands of flayers, skinners, Brabacons, tardvenus, and the rest of them. + When every man's grip is on his neighbor's throat, and every + five-sous-piece of a baron is marching with tuck of drum to fight whom he + will, it would be a strange thing if five hundred brave English boys could + not pick up a living. Now that Sir John Hawkwood hath gone with the East + Anglian lads and the Nottingham woodmen into the service of the Marquis of + Montferrat to fight against the Lord of Milan, there are but ten score of + us left, yet I trust that I may be able to bring some back with me to fill + the ranks of the White Company. By the tooth of Peter! it would be a bad + thing if I could not muster many a Hamptonshire man who would be ready to + strike in under the red flag of St. George, and the more so if Sir Nigel + Loring, of Christchurch, should don hauberk once more and take the lead of + us.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you would indeed be in luck then,” quoth a woodman; “for it is said + that, setting aside the prince, and mayhap good old Sir John Chandos, + there was not in the whole army a man of such tried courage.” + </p> + <p> + “It is sooth, every word of it,” the archer answered. “I have seen him + with these two eyes in a stricken field, and never did man carry himself + better. Mon Dieu! yes, ye would not credit it to look at him, or to + hearken to his soft voice, but from the sailing from Orwell down to the + foray to Paris, and that is clear twenty years, there was not a skirmish, + onfall, sally, bushment, escalado or battle, but Sir Nigel was in the + heart of it. I go now to Christchurch with a letter to him from Sir Claude + Latour to ask him if he will take the place of Sir John Hawkwood; and + there is the more chance that he will if I bring one or two likely men at + my heels. What say you, woodman: wilt leave the bucks to loose a shaft at + a nobler mark?” + </p> + <p> + The forester shook his head. “I have wife and child at Emery Down,” quoth + he; “I would not leave them for such a venture.” + </p> + <p> + “You, then, young sir?” asked the archer. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I am a man of peace,” said Alleyne Edricson. “Besides, I have other + work to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Peste!” growled the soldier, striking his flagon on the board until the + dishes danced again. “What, in the name of the devil, hath come over the + folk? Why sit ye all moping by the fireside, like crows round a dead + horse, when there is man's work to be done within a few short leagues of + ye? Out upon you all, as a set of laggards and hang-backs! By my hilt I + believe that the men of England are all in France already, and that what + is left behind are in sooth the women dressed up in their paltocks and + hosen.” + </p> + <p> + “Archer,” quoth Hordle John, “you have lied more than once and more than + twice; for which, and also because I see much in you to dislike, I am + sorely tempted to lay you upon your back.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! then, I have found a man at last!” shouted the bowman. “And, + 'fore God, you are a better man than I take you for if you can lay me on + my back, mon garcon. I have won the ram more times than there are toes to + my feet, and for seven long years I have found no man in the Company who + could make my jerkin dusty.” + </p> + <p> + “We have had enough bobance and boasting,” said Hordle John, rising and + throwing off his doublet. “I will show you that there are better men left + in England than ever went thieving to France.” + </p> + <p> + “Pasques Dieu!” cried the archer, loosening his jerkin, and eyeing his + foeman over with the keen glance of one who is a judge of manhood. “I have + only once before seen such a body of a man. By your leave, my red-headed + friend, I should be right sorry to exchange buffets with you; and I will + allow that there is no man in the Company who would pull against you on a + rope; so let that be a salve to your pride. On the other hand I should + judge that you have led a life of ease for some months back, and that my + muscle is harder than your own. I am ready to wager upon myself against + you if you are not afeard.” + </p> + <p> + “Afeard, thou lurden!” growled big John. “I never saw the face yet of the + man that I was afeard of. Come out, and we shall see who is the better + man.” + </p> + <p> + “But the wager?” + </p> + <p> + “I have nought to wager. Come out for the love and the lust of the thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Nought to wager!” cried the soldier. “Why, you have that which I covet + above all things. It is that big body of thine that I am after. See, now, + mon garcon. I have a French feather-bed there, which I have been at pains + to keep these years back. I had it at the sacking of Issodun, and the King + himself hath not such a bed. If you throw me, it is thine; but, if I throw + you, then you are under a vow to take bow and bill and hie with me to + France, there to serve in the White Company as long as we be enrolled.” + </p> + <p> + “A fair wager!” cried all the travellers, moving back their benches and + trestles, so as to give fair field for the wrestlers. + </p> + <p> + “Then you may bid farewell to your bed, soldier,” said Hordle John. + </p> + <p> + “Nay; I shall keep the bed, and I shall have you to France in spite of + your teeth, and you shall live to thank me for it. How shall it be, then, + mon enfant? Collar and elbow, or close-lock, or catch how you can?” + </p> + <p> + “To the devil with your tricks,” said John, opening and shutting his great + red hands. “Stand forth, and let me clip thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Shalt clip me as best you can then,” quoth the archer, moving out into + the open space, and keeping a most wary eye upon his opponent. He had + thrown off his green jerkin, and his chest was covered only by a pink silk + jupon, or undershirt, cut low in the neck and sleeveless. Hordle John was + stripped from his waist upwards, and his huge body, with his great muscles + swelling out like the gnarled roots of an oak, towered high above the + soldier. The other, however, though near a foot shorter, was a man of + great strength; and there was a gloss upon his white skin which was + wanting in the heavier limbs of the renegade monk. He was quick on his + feet, too, and skilled at the game; so that it was clear, from the poise + of head and shine of eye, that he counted the chances to be in his favor. + It would have been hard that night, through the whole length of England, + to set up a finer pair in face of each other. + </p> + <p> + Big John stood waiting in the centre with a sullen, menacing eye, and his + red hair in a bristle, while the archer paced lightly and swiftly to the + right and the left with crooked knee and hands advanced. Then with a + sudden dash, so swift and fierce that the eye could scarce follow it, he + flew in upon his man and locked his leg round him. It was a grip that, + between men of equal strength, would mean a fall; but Hordle John tore him + off from him as he might a rat, and hurled him across the room, so that + his head cracked up against the wooden wall. + </p> + <p> + “Ma foi!” cried the bowman, passing his fingers through his curls, “you + were not far from the feather-bed then, mon gar. A little more and this + good hostel would have a new window.” + </p> + <p> + Nothing daunted, he approached his man once more, but this time with more + caution than before. With a quick feint he threw the other off his guard, + and then, bounding upon him, threw his legs round his waist and his arms + round his bull-neck, in the hope of bearing him to the ground with the + sudden shock. With a bellow of rage, Hordle John squeezed him limp in his + huge arms; and then, picking him up, cast him down upon the floor with a + force which might well have splintered a bone or two, had not the archer + with the most perfect coolness clung to the other's forearms to break his + fall. As it was, he dropped upon his feet and kept his balance, though it + sent a jar through his frame which set every joint a-creaking. He bounded + back from his perilous foeman; but the other, heated by the bout, rushed + madly after him, and so gave the practised wrestler the very vantage for + which he had planned. As big John flung himself upon him, the archer + ducked under the great red hands that clutched for him, and, catching his + man round the thighs, hurled him over his shoulder—helped as much by + his own mad rush as by the trained strength of the heave. To Alleyne's + eye, it was as if John had taken unto himself wings and flown. As he + hurtled through the air, with giant limbs revolving, the lad's heart was + in his mouth; for surely no man ever yet had such a fall and came + scathless out of it. In truth, hardy as the man was, his neck had been + assuredly broken had he not pitched head first on the very midriff of the + drunken artist, who was slumbering so peacefully in the corner, all + unaware of these stirring doings. The luckless limner, thus suddenly + brought out from his dreams, sat up with a piercing yell, while Hordle + John bounded back into the circle almost as rapidly as he had left it. + </p> + <p> + “One more fall, by all the saints!” he cried, throwing out his arms. + </p> + <p> + “Not I,” quoth the archer, pulling on his clothes, “I have come well out + of the business. I would sooner wrestle with the great bear of Navarre.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a trick,” cried John. + </p> + <p> + “Aye was it. By my ten finger-bones! it is a trick that will add a proper + man to the ranks of the Company.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, for that,” said the other, “I count it not a fly; for I had promised + myself a good hour ago that I should go with thee, since the life seems to + be a goodly and proper one. Yet I would fain have had the feather-bed.” + </p> + <p> + “I doubt it not, mon ami,” quoth the archer, going back to his tankard. + “Here is to thee, lad, and may we be good comrades to each other! But, + hola! what is it that ails our friend of the wrathful face?” + </p> + <p> + The unfortunate limner had been sitting up rubbing himself ruefully and + staring about with a vacant gaze, which showed that he knew neither where + he was nor what had occurred to him. Suddenly, however, a flash of + intelligence had come over his sodden features, and he rose and staggered + for the door. “'Ware the ale!” he said in a hoarse whisper, shaking a + warning finger at the company. “Oh, holy Virgin, 'ware the ale!” and + slapping his hands to his injury, he flitted off into the darkness, amid a + shout of laughter, in which the vanquished joined as merrily as the + victor. The remaining forester and the two laborers were also ready for + the road, and the rest of the company turned to the blankets which Dame + Eliza and the maid had laid out for them upon the floor. Alleyne, weary + with the unwonted excitements of the day, was soon in a deep slumber + broken only by fleeting visions of twittering legs, cursing beggars, black + robbers, and the many strange folk whom he had met at the “Pied Merlin.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. HOW THE THREE COMRADES JOURNEYED THROUGH THE WOODLANDS. + </h2> + <p> + At early dawn the country inn was all alive, for it was rare indeed that + an hour of daylight would be wasted at a time when lighting was so scarce + and dear. Indeed, early as it was when Dame Eliza began to stir, it seemed + that others could be earlier still, for the door was ajar, and the learned + student of Cambridge had taken himself off, with a mind which was too + intent upon the high things of antiquity to stoop to consider the + four-pence which he owed for bed and board. It was the shrill out-cry of + the landlady when she found her loss, and the clucking of the hens, which + had streamed in through the open door, that first broke in upon the + slumbers of the tired wayfarers. + </p> + <p> + Once afoot, it was not long before the company began to disperse. A sleek + mule with red trappings was brought round from some neighboring shed for + the physician, and he ambled away with much dignity upon his road to + Southampton. The tooth-drawer and the gleeman called for a cup of small + ale apiece, and started off together for Ringwood fair, the old jongleur + looking very yellow in the eye and swollen in the face after his overnight + potations. The archer, however, who had drunk more than any man in the + room, was as merry as a grig, and having kissed the matron and chased the + maid up the ladder once more, he went out to the brook, and came back with + the water dripping from his face and hair. + </p> + <p> + “Hola! my man of peace,” he cried to Alleyne, “whither are you bent this + morning?” + </p> + <p> + “To Minstead,” quoth he. “My brother Simon Edricson is socman there, and I + go to bide with him for a while. I prythee, let me have my score, good + dame.” + </p> + <p> + “Score, indeed!” cried she, standing with upraised hands in front of the + panel on which Alleyne had worked the night before. “Say, rather what it + is that I owe to thee, good youth. Aye, this is indeed a pied merlin, and + with a leveret under its claws, as I am a living woman. By the rood of + Waltham! but thy touch is deft and dainty.” + </p> + <p> + “And see the red eye of it!” cried the maid. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, and the open beak.” + </p> + <p> + “And the ruffled wing,” added Hordle John. + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt!” cried the archer, “it is the very bird itself.” + </p> + <p> + The young clerk flushed with pleasure at this chorus of praise, rude and + indiscriminate indeed, and yet so much heartier and less grudging than any + which he had ever heard from the critical brother Jerome, or the + short-spoken Abbot. There was, it would seem, great kindness as well as + great wickedness in this world, of which he had heard so little that was + good. His hostess would hear nothing of his paying either for bed or for + board, while the archer and Hordle John placed a hand upon either shoulder + and led him off to the board, where some smoking fish, a dish of spinach, + and a jug of milk were laid out for their breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “I should not be surprised to learn, mon camarade,” said the soldier, as + he heaped a slice of fish upon Alleyne's tranchoir of bread, “that you + could read written things, since you are so ready with your brushes and + pigments.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be shame to the good brothers of Beaulieu if I could not,” he + answered, “seeing that I have been their clerk this ten years back.” + </p> + <p> + The bowman looked at him with great respect. “Think of that!” said he. + “And you with not a hair to your face, and a skin like a girl. I can shoot + three hundred and fifty paces with my little popper there, and four + hundred and twenty with the great war-bow; yet I can make nothing of this, + nor read my own name if you were to set 'Sam Aylward' up against me. In + the whole Company there was only one man who could read, and he fell down + a well at the taking of Ventadour, which proves that the thing is not + suited to a soldier, though most needful to a clerk.” + </p> + <p> + “I can make some show at it,” said big John; “though I was scarce long + enough among the monks to catch the whole trick of it. + </p> + <p> + “Here, then, is something to try upon,” quoth the archer, pulling a square + of parchment from the inside of his tunic. It was tied securely with a + broad band of purple silk, and firmly sealed at either end with a large + red seal. John pored long and earnestly over the inscription upon the + back, with his brows bent as one who bears up against great mental strain. + </p> + <p> + “Not having read much of late,” he said, “I am loth to say too much about + what this may be. Some might say one thing and some another, just as one + bowman loves the yew, and a second will not shoot save with the ash. To + me, by the length and the look of it, I should judge this to be a verse + from one of the Psalms.” + </p> + <p> + The bowman shook his head. “It is scarce likely,” he said, “that Sir + Claude Latour should send me all the way across seas with nought more + weighty than a psalm-verse. You have clean overshot the butts this time, + mon camarade. Give it to the little one. I will wager my feather-bed that + he makes more sense of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, it is written in the French tongue,” said Alleyne, “and in a right + clerkly hand. This is how it runs: 'A le moult puissant et moult honorable + chevalier, Sir Nigel Loring de Christchurch, de son tres fidele ami Sir + Claude Latour, capitaine de la Compagnie blanche, chatelain de Biscar, + grand seigneur de Montchateau, vavaseur de le renomme Gaston, Comte de + Foix, tenant les droits de la haute justice, de la milieu, et de la + basse.' Which signifies in our speech: 'To the very powerful and very + honorable knight, Sir Nigel Loring of Christchurch, from his very faithful + friend Sir Claude Latour, captain of the White Company, chatelain of + Biscar, grand lord of Montchateau and vassal to the renowned Gaston, Count + of Foix, who holds the rights of the high justice, the middle and the + low.'” + </p> + <p> + “Look at that now!” cried the bowman in triumph. “That is just what he + would have said.” + </p> + <p> + “I can see now that it is even so,” said John, examining the parchment + again. “Though I scarce understand this high, middle and low.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! you would understand it if you were Jacques Bonhomme. The low + justice means that you may fleece him, and the middle that you may torture + him, and the high that you may slay him. That is about the truth of it. + But this is the letter which I am to take; and since the platter is clean + it is time that we trussed up and were afoot. You come with me, mon gros + Jean; and as to you, little one, where did you say that you journeyed?” + </p> + <p> + “To Minstead.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, yes. I know this forest country well, though I was born myself in the + Hundred of Easebourne, in the Rape of Chichester, hard by the village of + Midhurst. Yet I have not a word to say against the Hampton men, for there + are no better comrades or truer archers in the whole Company than some who + learned to loose the string in these very parts. We shall travel round + with you to Minstead lad, seeing that it is little out of our way.” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready,” said Alleyne, right pleased at the thought of such company + upon the road. + </p> + <p> + “So am not I. I must store my plunder at this inn, since the hostess is an + honest woman. Hola! ma cherie, I wish to leave with you my gold-work, my + velvet, my silk, my feather bed, my incense-boat, my ewer, my naping + linen, and all the rest of it. I take only the money in a linen bag, and + the box of rose colored sugar which is a gift from my captain to the Lady + Loring. Wilt guard my treasure for me?” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be put in the safest loft, good archer. Come when you may, you + shall find it ready for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, there is a true friend!” cried the bowman, taking her hand. “There + is a bonne amie! English land and English women, say I, and French wine + and French plunder. I shall be back anon, mon ange. I am a lonely man, my + sweeting, and I must settle some day when the wars are over and done. + Mayhap you and I——Ah, mechante, mechante! There is la petite + peeping from behind the door. Now, John, the sun is over the trees; you + must be brisker than this when the bugleman blows 'Bows and Bills.'” + </p> + <p> + “I have been waiting this time back,” said Hordle John gruffly. + </p> + <p> + “Then we must be off. Adieu, ma vie! The two livres shall settle the score + and buy some ribbons against the next kermesse. Do not forget Sam Aylward, + for his heart shall ever be thine alone—and thine, ma petite! So, + marchons, and may St. Julian grant us as good quarters elsewhere!” + </p> + <p> + The sun had risen over Ashurst and Denny woods, and was shining brightly, + though the eastern wind had a sharp flavor to it, and the leaves were + flickering thickly from the trees. In the High Street of Lyndhurst the + wayfarers had to pick their way, for the little town was crowded with the + guardsmen, grooms, and yeomen prickers who were attached to the King's + hunt. The King himself was staying at Castle Malwood, but several of his + suite had been compelled to seek such quarters as they might find in the + wooden or wattle-and-daub cottages of the village. Here and there a small + escutcheon, peeping from a glassless window, marked the night's lodging of + knight or baron. These coats-of-arms could be read, where a scroll would + be meaningless, and the bowman, like most men of his age, was well versed + in the common symbols of heraldry. + </p> + <p> + “There is the Saracen's head of Sir Bernard Brocas,” quoth he. “I saw him + last at the ruffle at Poictiers some ten years back, when he bore himself + like a man. He is the master of the King's horse, and can sing a right + jovial stave, though in that he cannot come nigh to Sir John Chandos, who + is first at the board or in the saddle. Three martlets on a field azure, + that must be one of the Luttrells. By the crescent upon it, it should be + the second son of old Sir Hugh, who had a bolt through his ankle at the + intaking of Romorantin, he having rushed into the fray ere his squire had + time to clasp his solleret to his greave. There too is the hackle which is + the old device of the De Brays. I have served under Sir Thomas de Bray, + who was as jolly as a pie, and a lusty swordsman until he got too fat for + his harness.” + </p> + <p> + So the archer gossiped as the three wayfarers threaded their way among the + stamping horses, the busy grooms, and the knots of pages and squires who + disputed over the merits of their masters' horses and deer-hounds. As they + passed the old church, which stood upon a mound at the left-hand side of + the village street the door was flung open, and a stream of worshippers + wound down the sloping path, coming from the morning mass, all chattering + like a cloud of jays. Alleyne bent knee and doffed hat at the sight of the + open door; but ere he had finished an ave his comrades were out of sight + round the curve of the path, and he had to run to overtake them. + </p> + <p> + “What!” he said, “not one word of prayer before God's own open house? How + can ye hope for His blessing upon the day?” + </p> + <p> + “My friend,” said Hordle John, “I have prayed so much during the last two + months, not only during the day, but at matins, lauds, and the like, when + I could scarce keep my head upon my shoulders for nodding, that I feel + that I have somewhat over-prayed myself.” + </p> + <p> + “How can a man have too much religion?” cried Alleyne earnestly. “It is + the one thing that availeth. A man is but a beast as he lives from day to + day, eating and drinking, breathing and sleeping. It is only when he + raises himself, and concerns himself with the immortal spirit within him, + that he becomes in very truth a man. Bethink ye how sad a thing it would + be that the blood of the Redeemer should be spilled to no purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless the lad, if he doth not blush like any girl, and yet preach like + the whole College of Cardinals,” cried the archer. + </p> + <p> + “In truth I blush that any one so weak and so unworthy as I should try to + teach another that which he finds it so passing hard to follow himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Prettily said, mon garcon. Touching that same slaying of the Redeemer, it + was a bad business. A good padre in France read to us from a scroll the + whole truth of the matter. The soldiers came upon him in the garden. In + truth, these Apostles of His may have been holy men, but they were of no + great account as men-at-arms. There was one, indeed, Sir Peter, who smote + out like a true man; but, unless he is belied, he did but clip a varlet's + ear, which was no very knightly deed. By these ten finger-bones! had I + been there with Black Simon of Norwich, and but one score picked men of + the Company, we had held them in play. Could we do no more, we had at + least filled the false knight, Sir Judas, so full of English arrows that + he would curse the day that ever he came on such an errand.” + </p> + <p> + The young clerk smiled at his companion's earnestness. “Had He wished + help,” he said, “He could have summoned legions of archangels from heaven, + so what need had He of your poor bow and arrow? Besides, bethink you of + His own words—that those who live by the sword shall perish by the + sword.” + </p> + <p> + “And how could man die better?” asked the archer. “If I had my wish, it + would be to fall so—not, mark you, in any mere skirmish of the + Company, but in a stricken field, with the great lion banner waving over + us and the red oriflamme in front, amid the shouting of my fellows and the + twanging of the strings. But let it be sword, lance, or bolt that strikes + me down: for I should think it shame to die from an iron ball from the + fire-crake or bombard or any such unsoldierly weapon, which is only fitted + to scare babes with its foolish noise and smoke.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard much even in the quiet cloisters of these new and dreadful + engines,” quoth Alleyne. “It is said, though I can scarce bring myself to + believe it, that they will send a ball twice as far as a bowman can shoot + his shaft, and with such force as to break through armor of proof.” + </p> + <p> + “True enough, my lad. But while the armorer is thrusting in his + devil's-dust, and dropping his ball, and lighting his flambeau, I can very + easily loose six shafts, or eight maybe, so he hath no great vantage after + all. Yet I will not deny that at the intaking of a town it is well to have + good store of bombards. I am told that at Calais they made dints in the + wall that a man might put his head into. But surely, comrades, some one + who is grievously hurt hath passed along this road before us.” + </p> + <p> + All along the woodland track there did indeed run a scattered straggling + trail of blood-marks, sometimes in single drops, and in other places in + broad, ruddy gouts, smudged over the dead leaves or crimsoning the white + flint stones. + </p> + <p> + “It must be a stricken deer,” said John. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I am woodman enough to see that no deer hath passed this way this + morning; and yet the blood is fresh. But hark to the sound!” + </p> + <p> + They stood listening all three with sidelong heads. Through the silence of + the great forest there came a swishing, whistling sound, mingled with the + most dolorous groans, and the voice of a man raised in a high quavering + kind of song. The comrades hurried onwards eagerly, and topping the brow + of a small rising they saw upon the other side the source from which these + strange noises arose. + </p> + <p> + A tall man, much stooped in the shoulders, was walking slowly with bended + head and clasped hands in the centre of the path. He was dressed from head + to foot in a long white linen cloth, and a high white cap with a red cross + printed upon it. His gown was turned back from his shoulders, and the + flesh there was a sight to make a man wince, for it was all beaten to a + pulp, and the blood was soaking into his gown and trickling down upon the + ground. Behind him walked a smaller man with his hair touched with gray, + who was clad in the same white garb. He intoned a long whining rhyme in + the French tongue, and at the end of every line he raised a thick cord, + all jagged with pellets of lead, and smote his companion across the + shoulders until the blood spurted again. Even as the three wayfarers + stared, however, there was a sudden change, for the smaller man, having + finished his song, loosened his own gown and handed the scourge to the + other, who took up the stave once more and lashed his companion with all + the strength of his bare and sinewy arm. So, alternately beating and + beaten, they made their dolorous way through the beautiful woods and under + the amber arches of the fading beech-trees, where the calm strength and + majesty of Nature might serve to rebuke the foolish energies and misspent + strivings of mankind. + </p> + <p> + Such a spectacle was new to Hordle John or to Alleyne Edricson; but the + archer treated it lightly, as a common matter enough. + </p> + <p> + “These are the Beating Friars, otherwise called the Flagellants,” quoth + he. “I marvel that ye should have come upon none of them before, for + across the water they are as common as gallybaggers. I have heard that + there are no English among them, but that they are from France, Italy and + Bohemia. En avant, camarades! that we may have speech with them.” + </p> + <p> + As they came up to them, Alleyne could hear the doleful dirge which the + beater was chanting, bringing down his heavy whip at the end of each line, + while the groans of the sufferer formed a sort of dismal chorus. It was in + old French, and ran somewhat in this way: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Or avant, entre nous tous freres + Battons nos charognes bien fort + En remembrant la grant misere + De Dieu et sa piteuse mort + Qui fut pris en la gent amere + Et vendus et trais a tort + Et bastu sa chair, vierge et dere + Au nom de ce battons plus fort. +</pre> + <p> + Then at the end of the verse the scourge changed hands and the chanting + began anew. + </p> + <p> + “Truly, holy fathers,” said the archer in French as they came abreast of + them, “you have beaten enough for to-day. The road is all spotted like a + shambles at Martinmas. Why should ye mishandle yourselves thus?” + </p> + <p> + “C'est pour vos peches—pour vos peches,” they droned, looking at the + travellers with sad lack-lustre eyes, and then bent to their bloody work + once more without heed to the prayers and persuasions which were addressed + to them. Finding all remonstrance useless, the three comrades hastened on + their way, leaving these strange travellers to their dreary task. + </p> + <p> + “Mort Dieu!” cried the bowman, “there is a bucketful or more of my blood + over in France, but it was all spilled in hot fight, and I should think + twice before I drew it drop by drop as these friars are doing. By my hilt! + our young one here is as white as a Picardy cheese. What is amiss then, + mon cher?” + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing,” Alleyne answered. “My life has been too quiet, I am not + used to such sights.” + </p> + <p> + “Ma foi!” the other cried, “I have never yet seen a man who was so stout + of speech and yet so weak of heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, friend,” quoth big John; “it is not weakness of heart for I know + the lad well. His heart is as good as thine or mine but he hath more in + his pate than ever you will carry under that tin pot of thine, and as a + consequence he can see farther into things, so that they weigh upon him + more.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely to any man it is a sad sight,” said Alleyne, “to see these holy + men, who have done no sin themselves, suffering so for the sins of others. + Saints are they, if in this age any may merit so high a name.” + </p> + <p> + “I count them not a fly,” cried Hordle John; “for who is the better for + all their whipping and yowling? They are like other friars, I trow, when + all is done. Let them leave their backs alone, and beat the pride out of + their hearts.” + </p> + <p> + “By the three kings! there is sooth in what you say,” remarked the archer. + “Besides, methinks if I were le bon Dieu, it would bring me little joy to + see a poor devil cutting the flesh off his bones; and I should think that + he had but a small opinion of me, that he should hope to please me by such + provost-marshal work. No, by my hilt! I should look with a more loving eye + upon a jolly archer who never harmed a fallen foe and never feared a hale + one.” + </p> + <p> + “Doubtless you mean no sin,” said Alleyne. “If your words are wild, it is + not for me to judge them. Can you not see that there are other foes in + this world besides Frenchmen, and as much glory to be gained in conquering + them? Would it not be a proud day for knight or squire if he could + overthrow seven adversaries in the lists? Yet here are we in the lists of + life, and there come the seven black champions against us Sir Pride, Sir + Covetousness, Sir Lust, Sir Anger, Sir Gluttony, Sir Envy, and Sir Sloth. + Let a man lay those seven low, and he shall have the prize of the day, + from the hands of the fairest queen of beauty, even from the Virgin-Mother + herself. It is for this that these men mortify their flesh, and to set us + an example, who would pamper ourselves overmuch. I say again that they are + God's own saints, and I bow my head to them.” + </p> + <p> + “And so you shall, mon petit,” replied the archer. “I have not heard a man + speak better since old Dom Bertrand died, who was at one time chaplain to + the White Company. He was a very valiant man, but at the battle of + Brignais he was spitted through the body by a Hainault man-at-arms. For + this we had an excommunication read against the man, when next we saw our + holy father at Avignon; but as we had not his name, and knew nothing of + him, save that he rode a dapple-gray roussin, I have feared sometimes that + the blight may have settled upon the wrong man.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Company has been, then, to bow knee before our holy father, the Pope + Urban, the prop and centre of Christendom?” asked Alleyne, much + interested. “Perchance you have yourself set eyes upon his august face?” + </p> + <p> + “Twice I saw him,” said the archer. “He was a lean little rat of a man, + with a scab on his chin. The first time we had five thousand crowns out of + him, though he made much ado about it. The second time we asked ten + thousand, but it was three days before we could come to terms, and I am of + opinion myself that we might have done better by plundering the palace. + His chamberlain and cardinals came forth, as I remember, to ask whether we + would take seven thousand crowns with his blessing and a plenary + absolution, or the ten thousand with his solemn ban by bell, book and + candle. We were all of one mind that it was best to have the ten thousand + with the curse; but in some way they prevailed upon Sir John, so that we + were blest and shriven against our will. Perchance it is as well, for the + Company were in need of it about that time.” + </p> + <p> + The pious Alleyne was deeply shocked by this reminiscence. Involuntarily + he glanced up and around to see if there were any trace of those opportune + levin-flashes and thunderbolts which, in the “Acta Sanctorum,” were wont + so often to cut short the loose talk of the scoffer. The autumn sun + streamed down as brightly as ever, and the peaceful red path still wound + in front of them through the rustling, yellow-tinted forest, Nature seemed + to be too busy with her own concerns to heed the dignity of an outraged + pontiff. Yet he felt a sense of weight and reproach within his breast, as + though he had sinned himself in giving ear to such words. The teachings of + twenty years cried out against such license. It was not until he had + thrown himself down before one of the many wayside crosses, and had prayed + from his heart both for the archer and for himself, that the dark cloud + rolled back again from his spirit. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE THREE FRIENDS. + </h2> + <p> + His companions had passed on whilst he was at his orisons; but his young + blood and the fresh morning air both invited him to a scamper. His staff + in one hand and his scrip in the other, with springy step and floating + locks, he raced along the forest path, as active and as graceful as a + young deer. He had not far to go, however; for, on turning a corner, he + came on a roadside cottage with a wooden fence-work around it, where stood + big John and Aylward the bowman, staring at something within. As he came + up with them, he saw that two little lads, the one about nine years of age + and the other somewhat older, were standing on the plot in front of the + cottage, each holding out a round stick in their left hands, with their + arms stiff and straight from the shoulder, as silent and still as two + small statues. They were pretty, blue-eyed, yellow-haired lads, well made + and sturdy, with bronzed skins, which spoke of a woodland life. + </p> + <p> + “Here are young chips from an old bow stave!” cried the soldier in great + delight. “This is the proper way to raise children. By my hilt! I could + not have trained them better had I the ordering of it myself.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it then?” asked Hordle John. “They stand very stiff, and I trust + that they have not been struck so.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, they are training their left arms, that they may have a steady grasp + of the bow. So my own father trained me, and six days a week I held out + his walking-staff till my arm was heavy as lead. Hola, mes enfants! how + long will you hold out?” + </p> + <p> + “Until the sun is over the great lime-tree, good master,” the elder + answered. + </p> + <p> + “What would ye be, then? Woodmen? Verderers?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, soldiers,” they cried both together. + </p> + <p> + “By the beard of my father! but ye are whelps of the true breed. Why so + keen, then, to be soldiers?” + </p> + <p> + “That we may fight the Scots,” they answered. “Daddy will send us to fight + the Scots.” + </p> + <p> + “And why the Scots, my pretty lads? We have seen French and Spanish + galleys no further away than Southampton, but I doubt that it will be some + time before the Scots find their way to these parts.” + </p> + <p> + “Our business is with the Scots,” quoth the elder; “for it was the Scots + who cut off daddy's string fingers and his thumbs.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, lads, it was that,” said a deep voice from behind Alleyne's + shoulder. Looking round, the wayfarers saw a gaunt, big-boned man, with + sunken cheeks and a sallow face, who had come up behind them. He held up + his two hands as he spoke, and showed that the thumbs and two first + fingers had been torn away from each of them. + </p> + <p> + “Ma foi, camarade!” cried Aylward. “Who hath served thee in so shameful a + fashion?” + </p> + <p> + “It is easy to see, friend, that you were born far from the marches of + Scotland,” quoth the stranger, with a bitter smile. “North of Humber there + is no man who would not know the handiwork of Devil Douglas, the black + Lord James.” + </p> + <p> + “And how fell you into his hands?” asked John. + </p> + <p> + “I am a man of the north country, from the town of Beverley and the + wapentake of Holderness,” he answered. “There was a day when, from Trent + to Tweed, there was no better marksman than Robin Heathcot. Yet, as you + see, he hath left me, as he hath left many another poor border archer, + with no grip for bill or bow. Yet the king hath given me a living here in + the southlands, and please God these two lads of mine will pay off a debt + that hath been owing over long. What is the price of daddy's thumbs, + boys?” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty Scottish lives,” they answered together. + </p> + <p> + “And for the fingers?” + </p> + <p> + “Half a score.” + </p> + <p> + “When they can bend my war-bow, and bring down a squirrel at a hundred + paces, I send them to take service under Johnny Copeland, the Lord of the + Marches and Governor of Carlisle. By my soul! I would give the rest of my + fingers to see the Douglas within arrow-flight of them.” + </p> + <p> + “May you live to see it,” quoth the bowman. “And hark ye, mes enfants, + take an old soldier's rede and lay your bodies to the bow, drawing from + hip and thigh as much as from arm. Learn also, I pray you, to shoot with a + dropping shaft; for though a bowman may at times be called upon to shoot + straight and fast, yet it is more often that he has to do with a + town-guard behind a wall, or an arbalestier with his mantlet raised when + you cannot hope to do him scathe unless your shaft fall straight upon him + from the clouds. I have not drawn string for two weeks, but I may be able + to show ye how such shots should be made.” He loosened his long-bow, slung + his quiver round to the front, and then glanced keenly round for a fitting + mark. There was a yellow and withered stump some way off, seen under the + drooping branches of a lofty oak. The archer measured the distance with + his eye; and then, drawing three shafts, he shot them off with such speed + that the first had not reached the mark ere the last was on the string. + Each arrow passed high over the oak; and, of the three, two stuck fair + into the stump; while the third, caught in some wandering puff of wind, + was driven a foot or two to one side. + </p> + <p> + “Good!” cried the north countryman. “Hearken to him lads! He is a master + bowman. Your dad says amen to every word he says.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt!” said Aylward, “if I am to preach on bowmanship, the whole + long day would scarce give me time for my sermon. We have marksmen in the + Company who will notch with a shaft every crevice and joint of a + man-at-arm's harness, from the clasp of his bassinet to the hinge of his + greave. But, with your favor, friend, I must gather my arrows again, for + while a shaft costs a penny a poor man can scarce leave them sticking in + wayside stumps. We must, then, on our road again, and I hope from my heart + that you may train these two young goshawks here until they are ready for + a cast even at such a quarry as you speak of.” + </p> + <p> + Leaving the thumbless archer and his brood, the wayfarers struck through + the scattered huts of Emery Down, and out on to the broad rolling heath + covered deep in ferns and in heather, where droves of the half-wild black + forest pigs were rooting about amongst the hillocks. The woods about this + point fall away to the left and the right, while the road curves upwards + and the wind sweeps keenly over the swelling uplands. The broad strips of + bracken glowed red and yellow against the black peaty soil, and a queenly + doe who grazed among them turned her white front and her great questioning + eyes towards the wayfarers. Alleyne gazed in admiration at the supple + beauty of the creature; but the archer's fingers played with his quiver, + and his eyes glistened with the fell instinct which urges a man to + slaughter. + </p> + <p> + “Tete Dieu!” he growled, “were this France, or even Guienne, we should + have a fresh haunch for our none-meat. Law or no law, I have a mind to + loose a bolt at her.” + </p> + <p> + “I would break your stave across my knee first,” cried John, laying his + great hand upon the bow. “What! man, I am forest-born, and I know what + comes of it. In our own township of Hordle two have lost their eyes and + one his skin for this very thing. On my troth, I felt no great love when I + first saw you, but since then I have conceived over much regard for you to + wish to see the verderer's flayer at work upon you.” + </p> + <p> + “It is my trade to risk my skin,” growled the archer; but none the less he + thrust his quiver over his hip again and turned his face for the west. + </p> + <p> + As they advanced, the path still tended upwards, running from heath into + copses of holly and yew, and so back into heath again. It was joyful to + hear the merry whistle of blackbirds as they darted from one clump of + greenery to the other. Now and again a peaty amber colored stream rippled + across their way, with ferny over-grown banks, where the blue kingfisher + flitted busily from side to side, or the gray and pensive heron, swollen + with trout and dignity, stood ankle-deep among the sedges. Chattering jays + and loud wood-pigeons flapped thickly overhead, while ever and anon the + measured tapping of Nature's carpenter, the great green woodpecker, + sounded from each wayside grove. On either side, as the path mounted, the + long sweep of country broadened and expanded, sloping down on the one side + through yellow forest and brown moor to the distant smoke of Lymington and + the blue misty channel which lay alongside the sky-line, while to the + north the woods rolled away, grove topping grove, to where in the furthest + distance the white spire of Salisbury stood out hard and clear against the + cloudless sky. To Alleyne whose days had been spent in the low-lying + coastland, the eager upland air and the wide free country-side gave a + sense of life and of the joy of living which made his young blood tingle + in his veins. Even the heavy John was not unmoved by the beauty of their + road, while the bowman whistled lustily or sang snatches of French love + songs in a voice which might have scared the most stout-hearted maiden + that ever hearkened to serenade. + </p> + <p> + “I have a liking for that north countryman,” he remarked presently. “He + hath good power of hatred. Couldst see by his cheek and eye that he is as + bitter as verjuice. I warm to a man who hath some gall in his liver.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah me!” sighed Alleyne. “Would it not be better if he had some love in + his heart?” + </p> + <p> + “I would not say nay to that. By my hilt! I shall never be said to be + traitor to the little king. Let a man love the sex. Pasques Dieu! they are + made to be loved, les petites, from whimple down to shoe-string! I am + right glad, mon garcon, to see that the good monks have trained thee so + wisely and so well.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I meant not worldly love, but rather that his heart should soften + towards those who have wronged him.” + </p> + <p> + The archer shook his head. “A man should love those of his own breed,” + said he. “But it is not nature that an English-born man should love a Scot + or a Frenchman. Ma foi! you have not seen a drove of Nithsdale raiders on + their Galloway nags, or you would not speak of loving them. I would as + soon take Beelzebub himself to my arms. I fear, mon gar., that they have + taught thee but badly at Beaulieu, for surely a bishop knows more of what + is right and what is ill than an abbot can do, and I myself with these + very eyes saw the Bishop of Lincoln hew into a Scottish hobeler with a + battle-axe, which was a passing strange way of showing him that he loved + him.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne scarce saw his way to argue in the face of so decided an opinion + on the part of a high dignitary of the Church. “You have borne arms + against the Scots, then?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Why, man, I first loosed string in battle when I was but a lad, younger + by two years than you, at Neville's Cross, under the Lord Mowbray. Later, + I served under the Warden of Berwick, that very John Copeland of whom our + friend spake, the same who held the King of Scots to ransom. Ma foi! it is + rough soldiering, and a good school for one who would learn to be hardy + and war-wise.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard that the Scots are good men of war,” said Hordle John. + </p> + <p> + “For axemen and for spearmen I have not seen their match,” the archer + answered. “They can travel, too, with bag of meal and gridiron slung to + their sword-belt, so that it is ill to follow them. There are scant crops + and few beeves in the borderland, where a man must reap his grain with + sickle in one fist and brown bill in the other. On the other hand, they + are the sorriest archers that I have ever seen, and cannot so much as aim + with the arbalest, to say nought of the long-bow. Again, they are mostly + poor folk, even the nobles among them, so that there are few who can buy + as good a brigandine of chain-mail as that which I am wearing, and it is + ill for them to stand up against our own knights, who carry the price of + five Scotch farms upon their chest and shoulders. Man for man, with equal + weapons, they are as worthy and valiant men as could be found in the whole + of Christendom.” + </p> + <p> + “And the French?” asked Alleyne, to whom the archer's light gossip had all + the relish that the words of the man of action have for the recluse. + </p> + <p> + “The French are also very worthy men. We have had great good fortune in + France, and it hath led to much bobance and camp-fire talk, but I have + ever noticed that those who know the most have the least to say about it. + I have seen Frenchmen fight both in open field, in the intaking and the + defending of towns or castlewicks, in escalados, camisades, night forays, + bushments, sallies, outfalls, and knightly spear-runnings. Their knights + and squires, lad, are every whit as good as ours, and I could pick out a + score of those who ride behind Du Guesclin who would hold the lists with + sharpened lances against the best men in the army of England. On the other + hand, their common folk are so crushed down with gabelle, and poll-tax, + and every manner of cursed tallage, that the spirit has passed right out + of them. It is a fool's plan to teach a man to be a cur in peace, and + think that he will be a lion in war. Fleece them like sheep and sheep they + will remain. If the nobles had not conquered the poor folk it is like + enough that we should not have conquered the nobles.” + </p> + <p> + “But they must be sorry folk to bow down to the rich in such a fashion,” + said big John. “I am but a poor commoner of England myself, and yet I know + something of charters, liberties, franchises, usages, privileges, customs, + and the like. If these be broken, then all men know that it is time to buy + arrow-heads.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, but the men of the law are strong in France as well as the men of + war. By my hilt! I hold that a man has more to fear there from the ink-pot + of the one than from the iron of the other. There is ever some cursed + sheepskin in their strong boxes to prove that the rich man should be + richer and the poor man poorer. It would scarce pass in England, but they + are quiet folk over the water.” + </p> + <p> + “And what other nations have you seen in your travels, good sir?” asked + Alleyne Edricson. His young mind hungered for plain facts of life, after + the long course of speculation and of mysticism on which he had been + trained. + </p> + <p> + “I have seen the low countryman in arms, and I have nought to say against + him. Heavy and slow is he by nature, and is not to be brought into battle + for the sake of a lady's eyelash or the twang of a minstrel's string, like + the hotter blood of the south. But ma foi! lay hand on his wool-bales, or + trifle with his velvet of Bruges, and out buzzes every stout burgher, like + bees from the tee-hole, ready to lay on as though it were his one business + in life. By our lady! they have shown the French at Courtrai and elsewhere + that they are as deft in wielding steel as in welding it.” + </p> + <p> + “And the men of Spain?” + </p> + <p> + “They too are very hardy soldiers, the more so as for many hundred years + they have had to fight hard against the cursed followers of the black + Mahound, who have pressed upon them from the south, and still, as I + understand, hold the fairer half of the country. I had a turn with them + upon the sea when they came over to Winchelsea and the good queen with her + ladies sat upon the cliffs looking down at us, as if it had been joust or + tourney. By my hilt! it was a sight that was worth the seeing, for all + that was best in England was out on the water that day. We went forth in + little ships and came back in great galleys—for of fifty tall ships + of Spain, over two score flew the Cross of St. George ere the sun had set. + But now, youngster, I have answered you freely, and I trow it is time that + you answered me. Let things be plat and plain between us. I am a man who + shoots straight at his mark. You saw the things I had with me at yonder + hostel: name which you will, save only the box of rose-colored sugar which + I take to the Lady Loring, and you shall have it if you will but come with + me to France.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Alleyne, “I would gladly come with ye to France or where else + ye will, just to list to your talk, and because ye are the only two + friends that I have in the whole wide world outside of the cloisters; but, + indeed, it may not be, for my duty is towards my brother, seeing that + father and mother are dead, and he my elder. Besides, when ye talk of + taking me to France, ye do not conceive how useless I should be to you, + seeing that neither by training nor by nature am I fitted for the wars, + and there seems to be nought but strife in those parts.” + </p> + <p> + “That comes from my fool's talk,” cried the archer; “for being a man of no + learning myself, my tongue turns to blades and targets, even as my hand + does. Know then that for every parchment in England there are twenty in + France. For every statue, cut gem, shrine, carven screen, or what else + might please the eye of a learned clerk, there are a good hundred to our + one. At the spoiling of Carcasonne I have seen chambers stored with + writing, though not one man in our Company could read them. Again, in + Arles and Nimes, and other towns that I could name, there are the great + arches and fortalices still standing which were built of old by giant men + who came from the south. Can I not see by your brightened eye how you + would love to look upon these things? Come then with me, and, by these ten + finger-bones! there is not one of them which you shall not see.” + </p> + <p> + “I should indeed love to look upon them,” Alleyne answered; “but I have + come from Beaulieu for a purpose, and I must be true to my service, even + as thou art true to thine.” + </p> + <p> + “Bethink you again, mon ami,” quoth Aylward, “that you might do much good + yonder, since there are three hundred men in the Company, and none who has + ever a word of grace for them, and yet the Virgin knows that there was + never a set of men who were in more need of it. Sickerly the one duty may + balance the other. Your brother hath done without you this many a year, + and, as I gather, he hath never walked as far as Beaulieu to see you + during all that time, so he cannot be in any great need of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” said John, “the Socman of Minstead is a by-word through the + forest, from Bramshaw Hill to Holmesley Walk. He is a drunken, brawling, + perilous churl, as you may find to your cost.” + </p> + <p> + “The more reason that I should strive to mend him,” quoth Alleyne. “There + is no need to urge me, friends, for my own wishes would draw me to France, + and it would be a joy to me if I could go with you. But indeed and indeed + it cannot be, so here I take my leave of you, for yonder square tower + amongst the trees upon the right must surely be the church of Minstead, + and I may reach it by this path through the woods.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, God be with thee, lad!” cried the archer, pressing Alleyne to his + heart. “I am quick to love, and quick to hate and 'fore God I am loth to + part.” + </p> + <p> + “Would it not be well,” said John, “that we should wait here, and see what + manner of greeting you have from your brother. You may prove to be as + welcome as the king's purveyor to the village dame.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” he answered; “ye must not bide for me, for where I go I stay.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet it may be as well that you should know whither we go,” said the + archer. “We shall now journey south through the woods until we come out + upon the Christchurch road, and so onwards, hoping to-night to reach the + castle of Sir William Montacute, Earl of Salisbury, of which Sir Nigel + Loring is constable. There we shall bide, and it is like enough that for a + month or more you may find us there, ere we are ready for our viage back + to France.” + </p> + <p> + It was hard indeed for Alleyne to break away from these two new but hearty + friends, and so strong was the combat between his conscience and his + inclinations that he dared not look round, lest his resolution should slip + away from him. It was not until he was deep among the tree trunks that he + cast a glance backwards, when he found that he could still see them + through the branches on the road above him. The archer was standing with + folded arms, his bow jutting from over his shoulder, and the sun gleaming + brightly upon his head-piece and the links of his chain-mail. Beside him + stood his giant recruit, still clad in the home-spun and ill-fitting + garments of the fuller of Lymington, with arms and legs shooting out of + his scanty garb. Even as Alleyne watched them they turned upon their heels + and plodded off together upon their way. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. HOW STRANGE THINGS BEFELL IN MINSTEAD WOOD. + </h2> + <p> + The path which the young clerk had now to follow lay through a magnificent + forest of the very heaviest timber, where the giant bowls of oak and of + beech formed long aisles in every direction, shooting up their huge + branches to build the majestic arches of Nature's own cathedral. Beneath + lay a broad carpet of the softest and greenest moss, flecked over with + fallen leaves, but yielding pleasantly to the foot of the traveller. The + track which guided him was one so seldom used that in places it lost + itself entirely among the grass, to reappear as a reddish rut between the + distant tree trunks. It was very still here in the heart of the woodlands. + The gentle rustle of the branches and the distant cooing of pigeons were + the only sounds which broke in upon the silence, save that once Alleyne + heard afar off a merry call upon a hunting bugle and the shrill yapping of + the hounds. + </p> + <p> + It was not without some emotion that he looked upon the scene around him, + for, in spite of his secluded life, he knew enough of the ancient + greatness of his own family to be aware that the time had been when they + had held undisputed and paramount sway over all that tract of country. His + father could trace his pure Saxon lineage back to that Godfrey Malf who + had held the manors of Bisterne and of Minstead at the time when the + Norman first set mailed foot upon English soil. The afforestation of the + district, however, and its conversion into a royal demesne had clipped off + a large section of his estate, while other parts had been confiscated as a + punishment for his supposed complicity in an abortive Saxon rising. The + fate of the ancestor had been typical of that of his descendants. During + three hundred years their domains had gradually contracted, sometimes + through royal or feudal encroachment, and sometimes through such gifts to + the Church as that with which Alleyne's father had opened the doors of + Beaulieu Abbey to his younger son. The importance of the family had thus + dwindled, but they still retained the old Saxon manor-house, with a couple + of farms and a grove large enough to afford pannage to a hundred pigs—“sylva + de centum porcis,” as the old family parchments describe it. Above all, + the owner of the soil could still hold his head high as the veritable + Socman of Minstead—that is, as holding the land in free socage, with + no feudal superior, and answerable to no man lower than the king. Knowing + this, Alleyne felt some little glow of worldly pride as he looked for the + first time upon the land with which so many generations of his ancestors + had been associated. He pushed on the quicker, twirling his staff merrily, + and looking out at every turn of the path for some sign of the old Saxon + residence. He was suddenly arrested, however, by the appearance of a + wild-looking fellow armed with a club, who sprang out from behind a tree + and barred his passage. He was a rough, powerful peasant, with cap and + tunic of untanned sheepskin, leather breeches, and galligaskins round legs + and feet. + </p> + <p> + “Stand!” he shouted, raising his heavy cudgel to enforce the order. “Who + are you who walk so freely through the wood? Whither would you go, and + what is your errand?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I answer your questions, my friend?” said Alleyne, standing on + his guard. + </p> + <p> + “Because your tongue may save your pate. But where have I looked upon your + face before?” + </p> + <p> + “No longer ago than last night at the 'Pied Merlin,'” the clerk answered, + recognizing the escaped serf who had been so outspoken as to his wrongs. + </p> + <p> + “By the Virgin! yes. You were the little clerk who sat so mum in the + corner, and then cried fy on the gleeman. What hast in the scrip?” + </p> + <p> + “Naught of any price.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I tell that, clerk? Let me see.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I.” + </p> + <p> + “Fool! I could pull you limb from limb like a pullet. What would you have? + Hast forgot that we are alone far from all men? How can your clerkship + help you? Wouldst lose scrip and life too?” + </p> + <p> + “I will part with neither without fight.” + </p> + <p> + “A fight, quotha? A fight betwixt spurred cock and new hatched chicken! + Thy fighting days may soon be over.” + </p> + <p> + “Hadst asked me in the name of charity I would have given freely,” cried + Alleyne. “As it stands, not one farthing shall you have with my free will, + and when I see my brother, the Socman of Minstead, he will raise hue and + cry from vill to vill, from hundred to hundred, until you are taken as a + common robber and a scourge to the country.” + </p> + <p> + The outlaw sank his club. “The Socman's brother!” he gasped. “Now, by the + keys of Peter! I had rather that hand withered and tongue was palsied ere + I had struck or miscalled you. If you are the Socman's brother you are one + of the right side, I warrant, for all your clerkly dress.” + </p> + <p> + “His brother I am,” said Alleyne. “But if I were not, is that reason why + you should molest me on the king's ground?” + </p> + <p> + “I give not the pip of an apple for king or for noble,” cried the serf + passionately. “Ill have I had from them, and ill I shall repay them. I am + a good friend to my friends, and, by the Virgin! an evil foeman to my + foes.” + </p> + <p> + “And therefore the worst of foemen to thyself,” said Alleyne. “But I pray + you, since you seem to know him, to point out to me the shortest path to + my brother's house.” + </p> + <p> + The serf was about to reply, when the clear ringing call of a bugle burst + from the wood close behind them, and Alleyne caught sight for an instant + of the dun side and white breast of a lordly stag glancing swiftly betwixt + the distant tree trunks. A minute later came the shaggy deer-hounds, a + dozen or fourteen of them, running on a hot scent, with nose to earth and + tail in air. As they streamed past the silent forest around broke suddenly + into loud life, with galloping of hoofs, crackling of brushwood, and the + short, sharp cries of the hunters. Close behind the pack rode a fourrier + and a yeoman-pricker, whooping on the laggards and encouraging the + leaders, in the shrill half-French jargon which was the language of venery + and woodcraft. Alleyne was still gazing after them, listening to the loud + “Hyke-a-Bayard! Hyke-a-Pomers! Hyke-a-Lebryt!” with which they called upon + their favorite hounds, when a group of horsemen crashed out through the + underwood at the very spot where the serf and he were standing. + </p> + <p> + The one who led was a man between fifty and sixty years of age, war-worn + and weather-beaten, with a broad, thoughtful forehead and eyes which shone + brightly from under his fierce and overhung brows. His beard, streaked + thickly with gray, bristled forward from his chin, and spoke of a + passionate nature, while the long, finely cut face and firm mouth marked + the leader of men. His figure was erect and soldierly, and he rode his + horse with the careless grace of a man whose life had been spent in the + saddle. In common garb, his masterful face and flashing eye would have + marked him as one who was born to rule; but now, with his silken tunic + powdered with golden fleurs-de-lis, his velvet mantle lined with the royal + minever, and the lions of England stamped in silver upon his harness, none + could fail to recognize the noble Edward, most warlike and powerful of all + the long line of fighting monarchs who had ruled the Anglo-Norman race. + Alleyne doffed hat and bowed head at the sight of him, but the serf folded + his hands and leaned them upon his cudgel, looking with little love at the + knot of nobles and knights-in-waiting who rode behind the king. + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” cried Edward, reining up for an instant his powerful black steed. + “Le cerf est passe? Non? Ici, Brocas; tu parles Anglais.” + </p> + <p> + “The deer, clowns?” said a hard-visaged, swarthy-faced man, who rode at + the king's elbow. “If ye have headed it back it is as much as your ears + are worth.” + </p> + <p> + “It passed by the blighted beech there,” said Alleyne, pointing, “and the + hounds were hard at its heels.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” cried Edward, still speaking in French: for, though he could + understand English, he had never learned to express himself in so + barbarous and unpolished a tongue. “By my faith, sirs,” he continued, half + turning in his saddle to address his escort, “unless my woodcraft is sadly + at fault, it is a stag of six tines and the finest that we have roused + this journey. A golden St. Hubert to the man who is the first to sound the + mort.” He shook his bridle as he spoke, and thundered away, his knights + lying low upon their horses and galloping as hard as whip and spur would + drive them, in the hope of winning the king's prize. Away they drove down + the long green glade—bay horses, black and gray, riders clad in + every shade of velvet, fur, or silk, with glint of brazen horn and flash + of knife and spear. One only lingered, the black-browed Baron Brocas, who, + making a gambade which brought him within arm-sweep of the serf, slashed + him across the face with his riding-whip. “Doff, dog, doff,” he hissed, + “when a monarch deigns to lower his eyes to such as you!”—then + spurred through the underwood and was gone, with a gleam of steel shoes + and flutter of dead leaves. + </p> + <p> + The villein took the cruel blow without wince or cry, as one to whom + stripes are a birthright and an inheritance. His eyes flashed, however, + and he shook his bony hand with a fierce wild gesture after the retreating + figure. + </p> + <p> + “Black hound of Gascony,” he muttered, “evil the day that you and those + like you set foot in free England! I know thy kennel of Rochecourt. The + night will come when I may do to thee and thine what you and your class + have wrought upon mine and me. May God smite me if I fail to smite thee, + thou French robber, with thy wife and thy child and all that is under thy + castle roof!” + </p> + <p> + “Forbear!” cried Alleyne. “Mix not God's name with these unhallowed + threats! And yet it was a coward's blow, and one to stir the blood and + loose the tongue of the most peaceful. Let me find some soothing simples + and lay them on the weal to draw the sting.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, there is but one thing that can draw the sting, and that the future + may bring to me. But, clerk, if you would see your brother you must on, + for there is a meeting to-day, and his merry men will await him ere the + shadows turn from west to east. I pray you not to hold him back, for it + would be an evil thing if all the stout lads were there and the leader + a-missing. I would come with you, but sooth to say I am stationed here and + may not move. The path over yonder, betwixt the oak and the thorn, should + bring you out into his nether field.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne lost no time in following the directions of the wild, masterless + man, whom he left among the trees where he had found him. His heart was + the heavier for the encounter, not only because all bitterness and wrath + were abhorrent to his gentle nature, but also because it disturbed him to + hear his brother spoken of as though he were a chief of outlaws or the + leader of a party against the state. Indeed, of all the things which he + had seen yet in the world to surprise him there was none more strange than + the hate which class appeared to bear to class. The talk of laborer, + woodman and villein in the inn had all pointed to the wide-spread mutiny, + and now his brother's name was spoken as though he were the very centre of + the universal discontent. In good truth, the commons throughout the length + and breadth of the land were heart-weary of this fine game of chivalry + which had been played so long at their expense. So long as knight and + baron were a strength and a guard to the kingdom they might be endured, + but now, when all men knew that the great battles in France had been won + by English yeomen and Welsh stabbers, warlike fame, the only fame to which + his class had ever aspired, appeared to have deserted the plate-clad + horsemen. The sports of the lists had done much in days gone by to impress + the minds of the people, but the plumed and unwieldy champion was no + longer an object either of fear or of reverence to men whose fathers and + brothers had shot into the press at Crecy or Poitiers, and seen the + proudest chivalry in the world unable to make head against the weapons of + disciplined peasants. Power had changed hands. The protector had become + the protected, and the whole fabric of the feudal system was tottering to + a fall. Hence the fierce mutterings of the lower classes and the constant + discontent, breaking out into local tumult and outrage, and culminating + some years later in the great rising of Tyler. What Alleyne saw and + wondered at in Hampshire would have appealed equally to the traveller in + any other English county from the Channel to the marches of Scotland. + </p> + <p> + He was following the track, his misgivings increasing with every step + which took him nearer to that home which he had never seen, when of a + sudden the trees began to thin and the sward to spread out onto a broad, + green lawn, where five cows lay in the sunshine and droves of black swine + wandered unchecked. A brown forest stream swirled down the centre of this + clearing, with a rude bridge flung across it, and on the other side was a + second field sloping up to a long, low-lying wooden house, with thatched + roof and open squares for windows. Alleyne gazed across at it with flushed + cheeks and sparkling eyes—for this, he knew, must be the home of his + fathers. A wreath of blue smoke floated up through a hole in the thatch, + and was the only sign of life in the place, save a great black hound which + lay sleeping chained to the door-post. In the yellow shimmer of the autumn + sunshine it lay as peacefully and as still as he had oft pictured it to + himself in his dreams. + </p> + <p> + He was roused, however, from his pleasant reverie by the sound of voices, + and two people emerged from the forest some little way to his right and + moved across the field in the direction of the bridge. The one was a man + with yellow flowing beard and very long hair of the same tint drooping + over his shoulders; his dress of good Norwich cloth and his assured + bearing marked him as a man of position, while the sombre hue of his + clothes and the absence of all ornament contrasted with the flash and + glitter which had marked the king's retinue. By his side walked a woman, + tall and slight and dark, with lithe, graceful figure and clear-cut, + composed features. Her jet-black hair was gathered back under a light pink + coif, her head poised proudly upon her neck, and her step long and + springy, like that of some wild, tireless woodland creature. She held her + left hand in front of her, covered with a red velvet glove, and on the + wrist a little brown falcon, very fluffy and bedraggled, which she + smoothed and fondled as she walked. As she came out into the sunshine, + Alleyne noticed that her light gown, slashed with pink, was all stained + with earth and with moss upon one side from shoulder to hem. He stood in + the shadow of an oak staring at her with parted lips, for this woman + seemed to him to be the most beautiful and graceful creature that mind + could conceive of. Such had he imagined the angels, and such he had tried + to paint them in the Beaulieu missals; but here there was something human, + were it only in the battered hawk and discolored dress, which sent a + tingle and thrill through his nerves such as no dream of radiant and + stainless spirit had ever yet been able to conjure up. Good, quiet, + uncomplaining mother Nature, long slighted and miscalled, still bides her + time and draws to her bosom the most errant of her children. + </p> + <p> + The two walked swiftly across the meadow to the narrow bridge, he in front + and she a pace or two behind. There they paused, and stood for a few + minutes face to face talking earnestly. Alleyne had read and had heard of + love and of lovers. Such were these, doubtless—this golden-bearded + man and the fair damsel with the cold, proud face. Why else should they + wander together in the woods, or be so lost in talk by rustic streams? And + yet as he watched, uncertain whether to advance from the cover or to + choose some other path to the house, he soon came to doubt the truth of + this first conjecture. The man stood, tall and square, blocking the + entrance to the bridge, and throwing out his hands as he spoke in a wild + eager fashion, while the deep tones of his stormy voice rose at times into + accents of menace and of anger. She stood fearlessly in front of him, + still stroking her bird; but twice she threw a swift questioning glance + over her shoulder, as one who is in search of aid. So moved was the young + clerk by these mute appeals, that he came forth from the trees and crossed + the meadow, uncertain what to do, and yet loth to hold back from one who + might need his aid. So intent were they upon each other that neither took + note of his approach; until, when he was close upon them, the man threw + his arm roughly round the damsel's waist and drew her towards him, she + straining her lithe, supple figure away and striking fiercely at him, + while the hooded hawk screamed with ruffled wings and pecked blindly in + its mistress's defence. Bird and maid, however, had but little chance + against their assailant who, laughing loudly, caught her wrist in one hand + while he drew her towards him with the other. + </p> + <p> + “The best rose has ever the longest thorns,” said he. “Quiet, little one, + or you may do yourself a hurt. Must pay Saxon toll on Saxon land, my proud + Maude, for all your airs and graces.” + </p> + <p> + “You boor!” she hissed. “You base underbred clod! Is this your care and + your hospitality? I would rather wed a branded serf from my father's + fields. Leave go, I say——Ah! good youth, Heaven has sent you. + Make him loose me! By the honor of your mother, I pray you to stand by me + and to make this knave loose me.” + </p> + <p> + “Stand by you I will, and that blithely,” said Alleyne. “Surely, sir, you + should take shame to hold the damsel against her will.” + </p> + <p> + The man turned a face upon him which was lion-like in its strength and in + its wrath. With his tangle of golden hair, his fierce blue eyes, and his + large, well-marked features, he was the most comely man whom Alleyne had + ever seen, and yet there was something so sinister and so fell in his + expression that child or beast might well have shrunk from him. His brows + were drawn, his cheek flushed, and there was a mad sparkle in his eyes + which spoke of a wild, untamable nature. + </p> + <p> + “Young fool!” he cried, holding the woman still to his side, though every + line of her shrinking figure spoke her abhorrence. “Do you keep your spoon + in your own broth. I rede you to go on your way, lest worse befall you. + This little wench has come with me and with me she shall bide.” + </p> + <p> + “Liar!” cried the woman; and, stooping her head, she suddenly bit fiercely + into the broad brown hand which held her. He whipped it back with an oath, + while she tore herself free and slipped behind Alleyne, cowering up + against him like the trembling leveret who sees the falcon poising for the + swoop above him. + </p> + <p> + “Stand off my land!” the man said fiercely, heedless of the blood which + trickled freely from his fingers. “What have you to do here? By your dress + you should be one of those cursed clerks who overrun the land like vile + rats, poking and prying into other men's concerns, too caitiff to fight + and too lazy to work. By the rood! if I had my will upon ye, I should nail + you upon the abbey doors, as they hang vermin before their holes. Art + neither man nor woman, young shaveling. Get thee back to thy fellows ere I + lay hands upon you: for your foot is on my land, and I may slay you as a + common draw-latch.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this your land, then?” gasped Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “Would you dispute it, dog? Would you wish by trick or quibble to juggle + me out of these last acres? Know, base-born knave, that you have dared + this day to stand in the path of one whose race have been the advisers of + kings and the leaders of hosts, ere ever this vile crew of Norman robbers + came into the land, or such half-blood hounds as you were let loose to + preach that the thief should have his booty and the honest man should sin + if he strove to win back his own.” + </p> + <p> + “You are the Socman of Minstead?” + </p> + <p> + “That am I; and the son of Edric the Socman, of the pure blood of Godfrey + the thane, by the only daughter of the house of Aluric, whose forefathers + held the white-horse banner at the fatal fight where our shield was broken + and our sword shivered. I tell you, clerk, that my folk held this land + from Bramshaw Wood to the Ringwood road; and, by the soul of my father! it + will be a strange thing if I am to be bearded upon the little that is left + of it. Begone, I say, and meddle not with my affair.” + </p> + <p> + “If you leave me now,” whispered the woman, “then shame forever upon your + manhood.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, sir,” said Alleyne, speaking in as persuasive and soothing a way + as he could, “if your birth is gentle, there is the more reason that your + manners should be gentle too. I am well persuaded that you did but jest + with this lady, and that you will now permit her to leave your land either + alone or with me as a guide, if she should need one, through the wood. As + to birth, it does not become me to boast, and there is sooth in what you + say as to the unworthiness of clerks, but it is none the less true that I + am as well born as you.” + </p> + <p> + “Dog!” cried the furious Socman, “there is no man in the south who can say + as much.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet can I,” said Alleyne smiling; “for indeed I also am the son of Edric + the Socman, of the pure blood of Godfrey the thane, by the only daughter + of Aluric of Brockenhurst. Surely, dear brother,” he continued, holding + out his hand, “you have a warmer greeting than this for me. There are but + two boughs left upon this old, old Saxon trunk.” + </p> + <p> + His elder brother dashed his hand aside with an oath, while an expression + of malignant hatred passed over his passion-drawn features. “You are the + young cub of Beaulieu, then,” said he. “I might have known it by the sleek + face and the slavish manner too monk-ridden and craven in spirit to answer + back a rough word. Thy father, shaveling, with all his faults, had a man's + heart; and there were few who could look him in the eyes on the day of his + anger. But you! Look there, rat, on yonder field where the cows graze, and + on that other beyond, and on the orchard hard by the church. Do you know + that all these were squeezed out of your dying father by greedy priests, + to pay for your upbringing in the cloisters? I, the Socman, am shorn of my + lands that you may snivel Latin and eat bread for which you never did + hand's turn. You rob me first, and now you would come preaching and + whining, in search mayhap of another field or two for your priestly + friends. Knave! my dogs shall be set upon you; but, meanwhile, stand out + of my path, and stop me at your peril!” As he spoke he rushed forward, + and, throwing the lad to one side, caught the woman's wrist. Alleyne, + however, as active as a young deer-hound, sprang to her aid and seized her + by the other arm, raising his iron-shod staff as he did so. + </p> + <p> + “You may say what you will to me,” he said between his clenched teeth—“it + may be no better than I deserve; but, brother or no, I swear by my hopes + of salvation that I will break your arm if you do not leave hold of the + maid.” + </p> + <p> + There was a ring in his voice and a flash in his eyes which promised that + the blow would follow quick at the heels of the word. For a moment the + blood of the long line of hot-headed thanes was too strong for the soft + whisperings of the doctrine of meekness and mercy. He was conscious of a + fierce wild thrill through his nerves and a throb of mad gladness at his + heart, as his real human self burst for an instant the bonds of custom and + of teaching which had held it so long. The socman sprang back, looking to + left and to right for some stick or stone which might serve him for + weapon; but finding none, he turned and ran at the top of his speed for + the house, blowing the while upon a shrill whistle. + </p> + <p> + “Come!” gasped the woman. “Fly, friend, ere he come back.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, let him come!” cried Alleyne. “I shall not budge a foot for him or + his dogs.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come!” she cried, tugging at his arm. “I know the man: he will kill + you. Come, for the Virgin's sake, or for my sake, for I cannot go and + leave you here.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, then,” said he; and they ran together to the cover of the woods. As + they gained the edge of the brushwood, Alleyne, looking back, saw his + brother come running out of the house again, with the sun gleaming upon + his hair and his beard. He held something which flashed in his right hand, + and he stooped at the threshold to unloose the black hound. + </p> + <p> + “This way!” the woman whispered, in a low eager voice. “Through the bushes + to that forked ash. Do not heed me; I can run as fast as you, I trow. Now + into the stream—right in, over ankles, to throw the dog off, though + I think it is but a common cur, like its master.” As she spoke, she sprang + herself into the shallow stream and ran swiftly up the centre of it, with + the brown water bubbling over her feet and her hand out-stretched toward + the clinging branches of bramble or sapling. Alleyne followed close at her + heels, with his mind in a whirl at this black welcome and sudden shifting + of all his plans and hopes. Yet, grave as were his thoughts, they would + still turn to wonder as he looked at the twinkling feet of his guide and + saw her lithe figure bend this way and that, dipping under boughs, + springing over stones, with a lightness and ease which made it no small + task for him to keep up with her. At last, when he was almost out of + breath, she suddenly threw herself down upon a mossy bank, between two + holly-bushes, and looked ruefully at her own dripping feet and bedraggled + skirt. + </p> + <p> + “Holy Mary!” said she, “what shall I do? Mother will keep me to my chamber + for a month, and make me work at the tapestry of the nine bold knights. + She promised as much last week, when I fell into Wilverley bog, and yet + she knows that I cannot abide needle-work.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne, still standing in the stream, glanced down at the graceful + pink-and-white figure, the curve of raven-black hair, and the proud, + sensitive face which looked up frankly and confidingly at his own. + </p> + <p> + “We had best on,” he said. “He may yet overtake us.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so. We are well off his land now, nor can he tell in this great wood + which way we have taken. But you—you had him at your mercy. Why did + you not kill him?” + </p> + <p> + “Kill him! My brother!” + </p> + <p> + “And why not?”—with a quick gleam of her white teeth. “He would have + killed you. I know him, and I read it in his eyes. Had I had your staff I + would have tried—aye, and done it, too.” She shook her clenched + white hand as she spoke, and her lips tightened ominously. + </p> + <p> + “I am already sad in heart for what I have done,” said he, sitting down on + the bank, and sinking his face into his hands. “God help me!—all + that is worst in me seemed to come uppermost. Another instant, and I had + smitten him: the son of my own mother, the man whom I have longed to take + to my heart. Alas! that I should still be so weak.” + </p> + <p> + “Weak!” she exclaimed, raising her black eyebrows. “I do not think that + even my father himself, who is a hard judge of manhood, would call you + that. But it is, as you may think, sir, a very pleasant thing for me to + hear that you are grieved at what you have done, and I can but rede that + we should go back together, and you should make your peace with the Socman + by handing back your prisoner. It is a sad thing that so small a thing as + a woman should come between two who are of one blood.” + </p> + <p> + Simple Alleyne opened his eyes at this little spurt of feminine + bitterness. “Nay, lady,” said he, “that were worst of all. What man would + be so caitiff and thrall as to fail you at your need? I have turned my + brother against me, and now, alas! I appear to have given you offence also + with my clumsy tongue. But, indeed, lady, I am torn both ways, and can + scarce grasp in my mind what it is that has befallen.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor can I marvel at that,” said she, with a little tinkling laugh. “You + came in as the knight does in the jongleur's romances, between dragon and + damsel, with small time for the asking of questions. Come,” she went on, + springing to her feet, and smoothing down her rumpled frock, “let us walk + through the shaw together, and we may come upon Bertrand with the horses. + If poor Troubadour had not cast a shoe, we should not have had this + trouble. Nay, I must have your arm: for, though I speak lightly, now that + all is happily over I am as frightened as my brave Roland. See how his + chest heaves, and his dear feathers all awry—the little knight who + would not have his lady mishandled.” So she prattled on to her hawk, while + Alleyne walked by her side, stealing a glance from time to time at this + queenly and wayward woman. In silence they wandered together over the + velvet turf and on through the broad Minstead woods, where the old + lichen-draped beeches threw their circles of black shadow upon the sunlit + sward. + </p> + <p> + “You have no wish, then, to hear my story?” said she, at last. + </p> + <p> + “If it pleases you to tell it me,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” she cried tossing her head, “if it is of so little interest to you, + we had best let it bide.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said he eagerly, “I would fain hear it.” + </p> + <p> + “You have a right to know it, if you have lost a brother's favor through + it. And yet——Ah well, you are, as I understand, a clerk, so I + must think of you as one step further in orders, and make you my + father-confessor. Know then that this man has been a suitor for my hand, + less as I think for my own sweet sake than because he hath ambition and + had it on his mind that he might improve his fortunes by dipping into my + father's strong box—though the Virgin knows that he would have found + little enough therein. My father, however, is a proud man, a gallant + knight and tried soldier of the oldest blood, to whom this man's churlish + birth and low descent——Oh, lackaday! I had forgot that he was + of the same strain as yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, trouble not for that,” said Alleyne, “we are all from good mother + Eve.” + </p> + <p> + “Streams may spring from one source, and yet some be clear and some be + foul,” quoth she quickly. “But, to be brief over the matter, my father + would have none of his wooing, nor in sooth would I. On that he swore a + vow against us, and as he is known to be a perilous man, with many outlaws + and others at his back, my father forbade that I should hawk or hunt in + any part of the wood to the north of the Christchurch road. As it chanced, + however, this morning my little Roland here was loosed at a strong-winged + heron, and page Bertrand and I rode on, with no thoughts but for the + sport, until we found ourselves in Minstead woods. Small harm then, but + that my horse Troubadour trod with a tender foot upon a sharp stick, + rearing and throwing me to the ground. See to my gown, the third that I + have befouled within the week. Woe worth me when Agatha the tire-woman + sets eyes upon it!” + </p> + <p> + “And what then, lady?” asked Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “Why, then away ran Troubadour, for belike I spurred him in falling, and + Bertrand rode after him as hard as hoofs could bear him. When I rose there + was the Socman himself by my side, with the news that I was on his land, + but with so many courteous words besides, and such gallant bearing, that + he prevailed upon me to come to his house for shelter, there to wait until + the page return. By the grace of the Virgin and the help of my patron St. + Magdalen, I stopped short ere I reached his door, though, as you saw, he + strove to hale me up to it. And then—ah-h-h-h!”—she shivered + and chattered like one in an ague-fit. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” cried Alleyne, looking about in alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, friend, nothing! I was but thinking how I bit into his hand. + Sooner would I bite living toad or poisoned snake. Oh, I shall loathe my + lips forever! But you—how brave you were, and how quick! How meek + for yourself, and how bold for a stranger! If I were a man, I should wish + to do what you have done.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a small thing,” he answered, with a tingle of pleasure at these + sweet words of praise. “But you—what will you do?” + </p> + <p> + “There is a great oak near here, and I think that Bertrand will bring the + horses there, for it is an old hunting-tryst of ours. Then hey for home, + and no more hawking to-day! A twelve-mile gallop will dry feet and skirt.” + </p> + <p> + “But your father?” + </p> + <p> + “Not one word shall I tell him. You do not know him; but I can tell you he + is not a man to disobey as I have disobeyed him. He would avenge me, it is + true, but it is not to him that I shall look for vengeance. Some day, + perchance, in joust or in tourney, knight may wish to wear my colors, and + then I shall tell him that if he does indeed crave my favor there is wrong + unredressed, and the wronger the Socman of Minstead. So my knight shall + find a venture such as bold knights love, and my debt shall be paid, and + my father none the wiser, and one rogue the less in the world. Say, is not + that a brave plan?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, lady, it is a thought which is unworthy of you. How can such as you + speak of violence and of vengeance. Are none to be gentle and kind, none + to be piteous and forgiving? Alas! it is a hard, cruel world, and I would + that I had never left my abbey cell. To hear such words from your lips is + as though I heard an angel of grace preaching the devil's own creed.” + </p> + <p> + She started from him as a young colt who first feels the bit. “Gramercy + for your rede, young sir!” she said, with a little curtsey. “As I + understand your words, you are grieved that you ever met me, and look upon + me as a preaching devil. Why, my father is a bitter man when he is wroth, + but hath never called me such a name as that. It may be his right and + duty, but certes it is none of thine. So it would be best, since you think + so lowly of me, that you should take this path to the left while I keep on + upon this one; for it is clear that I can be no fit companion for you.” So + saying, with downcast lids and a dignity which was somewhat marred by her + bedraggled skirt, she swept off down the muddy track, leaving Alleyne + standing staring ruefully after her. He waited in vain for some backward + glance or sign of relenting, but she walked on with a rigid neck until her + dress was only a white flutter among the leaves. Then, with a sunken head + and a heavy heart, he plodded wearily down the other path, wroth with + himself for the rude and uncouth tongue which had given offence where so + little was intended. + </p> + <p> + He had gone some way, lost in doubt and in self-reproach, his mind all + tremulous with a thousand new-found thoughts and fears and wonderments, + when of a sudden there was a light rustle of the leaves behind him, and, + glancing round, there was this graceful, swift-footed creature, treading + in his very shadow, with her proud head bowed, even as his was—the + picture of humility and repentance. + </p> + <p> + “I shall not vex you, nor even speak,” she said; “but I would fain keep + with you while we are in the wood.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, you cannot vex me,” he answered, all warm again at the very sight of + her. “It was my rough words which vexed you; but I have been thrown among + men all my life, and indeed, with all the will, I scarce know how to + temper my speech to a lady's ear.” + </p> + <p> + “Then unsay it,” cried she quickly; “say that I was right to wish to have + vengeance on the Socman.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I cannot do that,” he answered gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Then who is ungentle and unkind now?” she cried in triumph. “How stern + and cold you are for one so young! Art surely no mere clerk, but bishop or + cardinal at the least. Shouldst have crozier for staff and mitre for cap. + Well, well, for your sake I will forgive the Socman and take vengeance on + none but on my own wilful self who must needs run into danger's path. So + will that please you, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “There spoke your true self,” said he; “and you will find more pleasure in + such forgiveness than in any vengeance.” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head, as if by no means assured of it, and then with a + sudden little cry, which had more of surprise than of joy in it, “Here is + Bertrand with the horses!” + </p> + <p> + Down the glade there came a little green-clad page with laughing eyes, and + long curls floating behind him. He sat perched on a high bay horse, and + held on to the bridle of a spirited black palfrey, the hides of both + glistening from a long run. + </p> + <p> + “I have sought you everywhere, dear Lady Maude,” said he in a piping + voice, springing down from his horse and holding the stirrup. “Troubadour + galloped as far as Holmhill ere I could catch him. I trust that you have + had no hurt or scath?” He shot a questioning glance at Alleyne as he + spoke. + </p> + <p> + “No, Bertrand,” said she, “thanks to this courteous stranger. And now, + sir,” she continued, springing into her saddle, “it is not fit that I + leave you without a word more. Clerk or no, you have acted this day as + becomes a true knight. King Arthur and all his table could not have done + more. It may be that, as some small return, my father or his kin may have + power to advance your interest. He is not rich, but he is honored and hath + great friends. Tell me what is your purpose, and see if he may not aid + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! lady, I have now no purpose. I have but two friends in the world, + and they have gone to Christchurch, where it is likely I shall join them.” + </p> + <p> + “And where is Christchurch?” + </p> + <p> + “At the castle which is held by the brave knight, Sir Nigel Loring, + constable to the Earl of Salisbury.” + </p> + <p> + To his surprise she burst out a-laughing, and, spurring her palfrey, + dashed off down the glade, with her page riding behind her. Not one word + did she say, but as she vanished amid the trees she half turned in her + saddle and waved a last greeting. Long time he stood, half hoping that she + might again come back to him; but the thud of the hoofs had died away, and + there was no sound in all the woods but the gentle rustle and dropping of + the leaves. At last he turned away and made his way back to the high-road—another + person from the light-hearted boy who had left it a short three hours + before. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. HOW HORDLE JOHN FOUND A MAN WHOM HE MIGHT FOLLOW. + </h2> + <p> + If he might not return to Beaulieu within the year, and if his brother's + dogs were to be set upon him if he showed face upon Minstead land, then + indeed he was adrift upon earth. North, south, east, and west—he + might turn where he would, but all was equally chill and cheerless. The + Abbot had rolled ten silver crowns in a lettuce-leaf and hid them away in + the bottom of his scrip, but that would be a sorry support for twelve long + months. In all the darkness there was but the one bright spot of the + sturdy comrades whom he had left that morning; if he could find them again + all would be well. The afternoon was not very advanced, for all that had + befallen him. When a man is afoot at cock-crow much may be done in the + day. If he walked fast he might yet overtake his friends ere they reached + their destination. He pushed on therefore, now walking and now running. As + he journeyed he bit into a crust which remained from his Beaulieu bread, + and he washed it down by a draught from a woodland stream. + </p> + <p> + It was no easy or light thing to journey through this great forest, which + was some twenty miles from east to west and a good sixteen from Bramshaw + Woods in the north to Lymington in the south. Alleyne, however, had the + good fortune to fall in with a woodman, axe upon shoulder, trudging along + in the very direction that he wished to go. With his guidance he passed + the fringe of Bolderwood Walk, famous for old ash and yew, through Mark + Ash with its giant beech-trees, and on through the Knightwood groves, + where the giant oak was already a great tree, but only one of many comely + brothers. They plodded along together, the woodman and Alleyne, with + little talk on either side, for their thoughts were as far asunder as the + poles. The peasant's gossip had been of the hunt, of the bracken, of the + gray-headed kites that had nested in Wood Fidley, and of the great catch + of herring brought back by the boats of Pitt's Deep. The clerk's mind was + on his brother, on his future—above all on this strange, fierce, + melting, beautiful woman who had broken so suddenly into his life, and as + suddenly passed out of it again. So <i>distrait</i> was he and so random + his answers, that the woodman took to whistling, and soon branched off + upon the track to Burley, leaving Alleyne upon the main Christchurch road. + </p> + <p> + Down this he pushed as fast as he might, hoping at every turn and rise to + catch sight of his companions of the morning. From Vinney Ridge to + Rhinefield Walk the woods grow thick and dense up to the very edges of the + track, but beyond the country opens up into broad dun-colored moors, + flecked with clumps of trees, and topping each other in long, low curves + up to the dark lines of forest in the furthest distance. Clouds of insects + danced and buzzed in the golden autumn light, and the air was full of the + piping of the song-birds. Long, glinting dragonflies shot across the path, + or hung tremulous with gauzy wings and gleaming bodies. Once a + white-necked sea eagle soared screaming high over the traveller's head, + and again a flock of brown bustards popped up from among the bracken, and + blundered away in their clumsy fashion, half running, half flying, with + strident cry and whirr of wings. + </p> + <p> + There were folk, too, to be met upon the road—beggars and couriers, + chapmen and tinkers—cheery fellows for the most part, with a rough + jest and homely greeting for each other and for Alleyne. Near Shotwood he + came upon five seamen, on their way from Poole to Southampton—rude + red-faced men, who shouted at him in a jargon which he could scarce + understand, and held out to him a great pot from which they had been + drinking—nor would they let him pass until he had dipped pannikin in + and taken a mouthful, which set him coughing and choking, with the tears + running down his cheeks. Further on he met a sturdy black-bearded man, + mounted on a brown horse, with a rosary in his right hand and a long + two-handed sword jangling against his stirrup-iron. By his black robe and + the eight-pointed cross upon his sleeve, Alleyne recognized him as one of + the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, whose presbytery was at + Baddesley. He held up two fingers as he passed, with a “<i>Benedic, fili + mi!</i>” whereat Alleyne doffed hat and bent knee, looking with much + reverence at one who had devoted his life to the overthrow of the infidel. + Poor simple lad! he had not learned yet that what men are and what men + profess to be are very wide asunder, and that the Knights of St. John, + having come into large part of the riches of the ill-fated Templars, were + very much too comfortable to think of exchanging their palace for a tent, + or the cellars of England for the thirsty deserts of Syria. Yet ignorance + may be more precious than wisdom, for Alleyne as he walked on braced + himself to a higher life by the thought of this other's sacrifice, and + strengthened himself by his example which he could scarce have done had he + known that the Hospitaller's mind ran more upon malmsey than on Mamelukes, + and on venison rather than victories. + </p> + <p> + As he pressed on the plain turned to woods once more in the region of + Wilverley Walk, and a cloud swept up from the south with the sun shining + through the chinks of it. A few great drops came pattering loudly down, + and then in a moment the steady swish of a brisk shower, with the dripping + and dropping of the leaves. Alleyne, glancing round for shelter, saw a + thick and lofty holly-bush, so hollowed out beneath that no house could + have been drier. Under this canopy of green two men were already squatted, + who waved their hands to Alleyne that he should join them. As he + approached he saw that they had five dried herrings laid out in front of + them, with a great hunch of wheaten bread and a leathern flask full of + milk, but instead of setting to at their food they appeared to have forgot + all about it, and were disputing together with flushed faces and angry + gestures. It was easy to see by their dress and manner that they were two + of those wandering students who formed about this time so enormous a + multitude in every country in Europe. The one was long and thin, with + melancholy features, while the other was fat and sleek, with a loud voice + and the air of a man who is not to be gainsaid. + </p> + <p> + “Come hither, good youth,” he cried, “come hither! <i>Vultus ingenui puer</i>. + Heed not the face of my good coz here. <i>Foenum habet in cornu</i>, as + Don Horace has it; but I warrant him harmless for all that.” + </p> + <p> + “Stint your bull's bellowing!” exclaimed the other. “If it come to Horace, + I have a line in my mind: <i>Loquaces si sapiat</i>——How doth + it run? The English o't being that a man of sense should ever avoid a + great talker. That being so, if all were men of sense then thou wouldst be + a lonesome man, coz.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! Dicon, I fear that your logic is as bad as your philosophy or your + divinity—and God wot it would be hard to say a worse word than that + for it. For, hark ye: granting, <i>propter argumentum</i>, that I am a + talker, then the true reasoning runs that since all men of sense should + avoid me, and thou hast not avoided me, but art at the present moment + eating herrings with me under a holly-bush, ergo you are no man of sense, + which is exactly what I have been dinning into your long ears ever since I + first clapped eyes on your sunken chops.” + </p> + <p> + “Tut, tut!” cried the other. “Your tongue goes like the clapper of a + mill-wheel. Sit down here, friend, and partake of this herring. Understand + first, however, that there are certain conditions attached to it.” + </p> + <p> + “I had hoped,” said Alleyne, falling into the humor of the twain, “that a + tranchoir of bread and a draught of milk might be attached to it.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark to him, hark to him!” cried the little fat man. “It is even thus, + Dicon! Wit, lad, is a catching thing, like the itch or the sweating + sickness. I exude it round me; it is an aura. I tell you, coz, that no man + can come within seventeen feet of me without catching a spark. Look at + your own case. A duller man never stepped, and yet within the week you + have said three things which might pass, and one thing the day we left + Fordingbridge which I should not have been ashamed of myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough, rattle-pate, enough!” said the other. “The milk you shall have + and the bread also, friend, together with the herring, but you must hold + the scales between us.” + </p> + <p> + “If he hold the herring he holds the scales, my sapient brother,” cried + the fat man. “But I pray you, good youth, to tell us whether you are a + learned clerk, and, if so, whether you have studied at Oxenford or at + Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “I have some small stock of learning,” Alleyne answered, picking at his + herring, “but I have been at neither of these places. I was bred amongst + the Cistercian monks at Beaulieu Abbey.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh, pooh!” they cried both together. “What sort of an upbringing is + that?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Non cuivis contingit adire Corinthum</i>,” quoth Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “Come, brother Stephen, he hath some tincture of letters,” said the + melancholy man more hopefully. “He may be the better judge, since he hath + no call to side with either of us. Now, attention, friend, and let your + ears work as well as your nether jaw. <i>Judex damnatur</i>—you know + the old saw. Here am I upholding the good fame of the learned Duns Scotus + against the foolish quibblings and poor silly reasonings of Willie + Ockham.” + </p> + <p> + “While I,” quoth the other loudly, “do maintain the good sense and + extraordinary wisdom of that most learned William against the + crack-brained fantasies of the muddy Scotchman, who hath hid such little + wit as he has under so vast a pile of words, that it is like one drop of + Gascony in a firkin of ditch-water. Solomon his wisdom would not suffice + to say what the rogue means.” + </p> + <p> + “Certes, Stephen Hapgood, his wisdom doth not suffice,” cried the other. + “It is as though a mole cried out against the morning star, because he + could not see it. But our dispute, friend, is concerning the nature of + that subtle essence which we call thought. For I hold with the learned + Scotus that thought is in very truth a thing, even as vapor or fumes, or + many other substances which our gross bodily eyes are blind to. For, look + you, that which produces a thing must be itself a thing, and if a man's + thought may produce a written book, then must thought itself be a material + thing, even as the book is. Have I expressed it? Do I make it plain?” + </p> + <p> + “Whereas I hold,” shouted the other, “with my revered preceptor, <i>doctor, + praeclarus et excellentissimus</i>, that all things are but thought; for + when thought is gone I prythee where are the things then? Here are trees + about us, and I see them because I think I see them, but if I have + swooned, or sleep, or am in wine, then, my thought having gone forth from + me, lo the trees go forth also. How now, coz, have I touched thee on the + raw?” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne sat between them munching his bread, while the twain disputed + across his knees, leaning forward with flushed faces and darting hands, in + all the heat of argument. Never had he heard such jargon of scholastic + philosophy, such fine-drawn distinctions, such cross-fire of major and + minor, proposition, syllogism, attack and refutation. Question clattered + upon answer like a sword on a buckler. The ancients, the fathers of the + Church, the moderns, the Scriptures, the Arabians, were each sent hurtling + against the other, while the rain still dripped and the dark holly-leaves + glistened with the moisture. At last the fat man seemed to weary of it, + for he set to work quietly upon his meal, while his opponent, as proud as + the rooster who is left unchallenged upon the midden, crowed away in a + last long burst of quotation and deduction. Suddenly, however, his eyes + dropped upon his food, and he gave a howl of dismay. + </p> + <p> + “You double thief!” he cried, “you have eaten my herrings, and I without + bite or sup since morning.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” quoth the other complacently, “was my final argument, my crowning + effort, or <i>peroratio</i>, as the orators have it. For, coz, since all + thoughts are things, you have but to think a pair of herrings, and then + conjure up a pottle of milk wherewith to wash them down.” + </p> + <p> + “A brave piece of reasoning,” cried the other, “and I know of but one + reply to it.” On which, leaning forward, he caught his comrade a rousing + smack across his rosy cheek. “Nay, take it not amiss,” he said, “since all + things are but thoughts, then that also is but a thought and may be + disregarded.” + </p> + <p> + This last argument, however, by no means commended itself to the pupil of + Ockham, who plucked a great stick from the ground and signified his + dissent by smiting the realist over the pate with it. By good fortune, the + wood was so light and rotten that it went to a thousand splinters, but + Alleyne thought it best to leave the twain to settle the matter at their + leisure, the more so as the sun was shining brightly once more. Looking + back down the pool-strewn road, he saw the two excited philosophers waving + their hands and shouting at each other, but their babble soon became a + mere drone in the distance, and a turn in the road hid them from his + sight. + </p> + <p> + And now after passing Holmesley Walk and the Wooton Heath, the forest + began to shred out into scattered belts of trees, with gleam of corn-field + and stretch of pasture-land between. Here and there by the wayside stood + little knots of wattle-and-daub huts with shock-haired laborers lounging + by the doors and red-cheeked children sprawling in the roadway. Back among + the groves he could see the high gable ends and thatched roofs of the + franklins' houses, on whose fields these men found employment, or more + often a thick dark column of smoke marked their position and hinted at the + coarse plenty within. By these signs Alleyne knew that he was on the very + fringe of the forest, and therefore no great way from Christchurch. The + sun was lying low in the west and shooting its level rays across the long + sweep of rich green country, glinting on the white-fleeced sheep and + throwing long shadows from the red kine who waded knee-deep in the juicy + clover. Right glad was the traveller to see the high tower of Christchurch + Priory gleaming in the mellow evening light, and gladder still when, on + rounding a corner, he came upon his comrades of the morning seated + astraddle upon a fallen tree. They had a flat space before them, on which + they alternately threw little square pieces of bone, and were so intent + upon their occupation that they never raised eye as he approached them. He + observed with astonishment, as he drew near, that the archer's bow was on + John's back, the archer's sword by John's side, and the steel cap laid + upon the tree-trunk between them. + </p> + <p> + “Mort de ma vie!” Aylward shouted, looking down at the dice. “Never had I + such cursed luck. A murrain on the bones! I have not thrown a good main + since I left Navarre. A one and a three! En avant, camarade!” + </p> + <p> + “Four and three,” cried Hordle John, counting on his great fingers, “that + makes seven. Ho, archer, I have thy cap! Now have at thee for thy jerkin!” + </p> + <p> + “Mon Dieu!” he growled, “I am like to reach Christchurch in my shirt.” + Then suddenly glancing up, “Hola, by the splendor of heaven, here is our + cher petit! Now, by my ten finger bones! this is a rare sight to mine + eyes.” He sprang up and threw his arms round Alleyne's neck, while John, + no less pleased, but more backward and Saxon in his habits, stood grinning + and bobbing by the wayside, with his newly won steel cap stuck wrong side + foremost upon his tangle of red hair. + </p> + <p> + “Hast come to stop?” cried the bowman, patting Alleyne all over in his + delight. “Shall not get away from us again!” + </p> + <p> + “I wish no better,” said he, with a pringling in the eyes at this hearty + greeting. + </p> + <p> + “Well said, lad!” cried big John. “We three shall to the wars together, + and the devil may fly away with the Abbot of Beaulieu! But your feet and + hosen are all besmudged. Hast been in the water, or I am the more + mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “I have in good sooth,” Alleyne answered, and then as they journeyed on + their way he told them the many things that had befallen him, his meeting + with the villein, his sight of the king, his coming upon his brother, with + all the tale of the black welcome and of the fair damsel. They strode on + either side, each with an ear slanting towards him, but ere he had come to + the end of his story the bowman had spun round upon his heel, and was + hastening back the way they had come, breathing loudly through his nose. + </p> + <p> + “What then?” asked Alleyne, trotting after him and gripping at his jerkin. + </p> + <p> + “I am back for Minstead, lad.” + </p> + <p> + “And why, in the name of sense?” + </p> + <p> + “To thrust a handful of steel into the Socman. What! hale a demoiselle + against her will, and then loose dogs at his own brother! Let me go!” + </p> + <p> + “Nenny, nenny!” cried Alleyne, laughing. “There was no scath done. Come + back, friend”—and so, by mingled pushing and entreaties, they got + his head round for Christchurch once more. Yet he walked with his chin + upon his shoulder, until, catching sight of a maiden by a wayside well, + the smiles came back to his face and peace to his heart. + </p> + <p> + “But you,” said Alleyne, “there have been changes with you also. Why + should not the workman carry his tools? Where are bow and sword and cap—and + why so warlike, John?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a game which friend Aylward hath been a-teaching of me.” + </p> + <p> + “And I found him an over-apt pupil,” grumbled the bowman. “He hath + stripped me as though I had fallen into the hands of the tardvenus. But, + by my hilt! you must render them back to me, camarade, lest you bring + discredit upon my mission, and I will pay you for them at armorers' + prices.” + </p> + <p> + “Take them back, man, and never heed the pay,” said John. “I did but wish + to learn the feel of them, since I am like to have such trinkets hung to + my own girdle for some years to come.” + </p> + <p> + “Ma foi, he was born for a free companion!” cried Aylward, “He hath the + very trick of speech and turn of thought. I take them back then, and + indeed it gives me unease not to feel my yew-stave tapping against my leg + bone. But see, mes garcons, on this side of the church rises the square + and darkling tower of Earl Salisbury's castle, and even from here I seem + to see on yonder banner the red roebuck of the Montacutes.” + </p> + <p> + “Red upon white,” said Alleyne, shading his eyes; “but whether roebuck or + no is more than I could vouch. How black is the great tower, and how + bright the gleam of arms upon the wall! See below the flag, how it + twinkles like a star!” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, it is the steel head-piece of the watchman,” remarked the archer. + “But we must on, if we are to be there before the drawbridge rises at the + vespers bugle; for it is likely that Sir Nigel, being so renowned a + soldier, may keep hard discipline within the walls, and let no man enter + after sundown.” So saying, he quickened his pace, and the three comrades + were soon close to the straggling and broad-spread town which centered + round the noble church and the frowning castle. + </p> + <p> + It chanced on that very evening that Sir Nigel Loring, having supped + before sunset, as was his custom, and having himself seen that Pommers and + Cadsand, his two war-horses, with the thirteen hacks, the five jennets, my + lady's three palfreys, and the great dapple-gray roussin, had all their + needs supplied, had taken his dogs for an evening breather. Sixty or + seventy of them, large and small, smooth and shaggy—deer-hound, + boar-hound, blood-hound, wolf-hound, mastiff, alaun, talbot, lurcher, + terrier, spaniel—snapping, yelling and whining, with score of + lolling tongues and waving tails, came surging down the narrow lane which + leads from the Twynham kennels to the bank of Avon. Two russet-clad + varlets, with loud halloo and cracking whips, walked thigh-deep amid the + swarm, guiding, controlling, and urging. Behind came Sir Nigel himself, + with Lady Loring upon his arm, the pair walking slowly and sedately, as + befitted both their age and their condition, while they watched with a + smile in their eyes the scrambling crowd in front of them. They paused, + however, at the bridge, and, leaning their elbows upon the stonework, they + stood looking down at their own faces in the glassy stream, and at the + swift flash of speckled trout against the tawny gravel. + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel was a slight man of poor stature, with soft lisping voice and + gentle ways. So short was he that his wife, who was no very tall woman, + had the better of him by the breadth of three fingers. His sight having + been injured in his early wars by a basketful of lime which had been + emptied over him when he led the Earl of Derby's stormers up the breach at + Bergerac, he had contracted something of a stoop, with a blinking, peering + expression of face. His age was six and forty, but the constant practice + of arms, together with a cleanly life, had preserved his activity and + endurance unimpaired, so that from a distance he seemed to have the slight + limbs and swift grace of a boy. His face, however, was tanned of a dull + yellow tint, with a leathery, poreless look, which spoke of rough outdoor + doings, and the little pointed beard which he wore, in deference to the + prevailing fashion, was streaked and shot with gray. His features were + small, delicate, and regular, with clear-cut, curving nose, and eyes which + jutted forward from the lids. His dress was simple and yet spruce. A + Flandrish hat of beevor, bearing in the band the token of Our Lady of + Embrun, was drawn low upon the left side to hide that ear which had been + partly shorn from his head by a Flemish man-at-arms in a camp broil before + Tournay. His cote-hardie, or tunic, and trunk-hosen were of a purple plum + color, with long weepers which hung from either sleeve to below his knees. + His shoes were of red leather, daintily pointed at the toes, but not yet + prolonged to the extravagant lengths which the succeeding reign was to + bring into fashion. A gold-embroidered belt of knighthood encircled his + loins, with his arms, five roses gules on a field argent, cunningly worked + upon the clasp. So stood Sir Nigel Loring upon the bridge of Avon, and + talked lightly with his lady. + </p> + <p> + And, certes, had the two visages alone been seen, and the stranger been + asked which were the more likely to belong to the bold warrior whose name + was loved by the roughest soldiery of Europe, he had assuredly selected + the lady's. Her face was large and square and red, with fierce, thick + brows, and the eyes of one who was accustomed to rule. Taller and broader + than her husband, her flowing gown of sendall, and fur-lined tippet, could + not conceal the gaunt and ungraceful outlines of her figure. It was the + age of martial women. The deeds of black Agnes of Dunbar, of Lady + Salisbury and of the Countess of Montfort, were still fresh in the public + minds. With such examples before them the wives of the English captains + had become as warlike as their mates, and ordered their castles in their + absence with the prudence and discipline of veteran seneschals. Right easy + were the Montacutes of their Castle of Twynham, and little had they to + dread from roving galley or French squadron, while Lady Mary Loring had + the ordering of it. Yet even in that age it was thought that, though a + lady might have a soldier's heart, it was scarce as well that she should + have a soldier's face. There were men who said that of all the stern + passages and daring deeds by which Sir Nigel Loring had proved the true + temper of his courage, not the least was his wooing and winning of so + forbidding a dame. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, my fair lord,” she was saying, “that it is no fit training + for a demoiselle: hawks and hounds, rotes and citoles singing a French + rondel, or reading the Gestes de Doon de Mayence, as I found her + yesternight, pretending sleep, the artful, with the corner of the scroll + thrusting forth from under her pillow. Lent her by Father Christopher of + the priory, forsooth—that is ever her answer. How shall all this + help her when she has castle of her own to keep, with a hundred mouths all + agape for beef and beer?” + </p> + <p> + “True, my sweet bird, true,” answered the knight, picking a comfit from + his gold drageoir. “The maid is like the young filly, which kicks heels + and plunges for very lust of life. Give her time, dame, give her time.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I know that my father would have given me, not time, but a good + hazel-stick across my shoulders. Ma foi! I know not what the world is + coming to, when young maids may flout their elders. I wonder that you do + not correct her, my fair lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my heart's comfort, I never raised hand to woman yet, and it would + be a passing strange thing if I began on my own flesh and blood. It was a + woman's hand which cast this lime into mine eyes, and though I saw her + stoop, and might well have stopped her ere she threw, I deemed it unworthy + of my knighthood to hinder or balk one of her sex.” + </p> + <p> + “The hussy!” cried Lady Loring clenching her broad right hand. “I would I + had been at the side of her!” + </p> + <p> + “And so would I, since you would have been the nearer me my own. But I + doubt not that you are right, and that Maude's wings need clipping, which + I may leave in your hands when I am gone, for, in sooth, this peaceful + life is not for me, and were it not for your gracious kindness and loving + care I could not abide it a week. I hear that there is talk of warlike + muster at Bordeaux once more, and by St. Paul! it would be a new thing if + the lions of England and the red pile of Chandos were to be seen in the + field, and the roses of Loring were not waving by their side.” + </p> + <p> + “Now woe worth me but I feared it!” cried she, with the color all struck + from her face. “I have noted your absent mind, your kindling eye, your + trying and riveting of old harness. Consider my sweet lord, that you have + already won much honor, that we have seen but little of each other, that + you bear upon your body the scar of over twenty wounds received in I know + not how many bloody encounters. Have you not done enough for honor and the + public cause?” + </p> + <p> + “My lady, when our liege lord, the king, at three score years, and my Lord + Chandos at three-score and ten, are blithe and ready to lay lance in rest + for England's cause, it would ill be-seem me to prate of service done. It + is sooth that I have received seven and twenty wounds. There is the more + reason that I should be thankful that I am still long of breath and sound + in limb. I have also seen some bickering and scuffling. Six great land + battles I count, with four upon sea, and seven and fifty onfalls, + skirmishes and bushments. I have held two and twenty towns, and I have + been at the intaking of thirty-one. Surely then it would be bitter shame + to me, and also to you, since my fame is yours, that I should now hold + back if a man's work is to be done. Besides, bethink you how low is our + purse, with bailiff and reeve ever croaking of empty farms and wasting + lands. Were it not for this constableship which the Earl of Salisbury hath + bestowed upon us we could scarce uphold the state which is fitting to our + degree. Therefore, my sweeting, there is the more need that I should turn + to where there is good pay to be earned and brave ransoms to be won.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my dear lord,” quoth she, with sad, weary eyes. “I thought that at + last I had you to mine own self, even though your youth had been spent + afar from my side. Yet my voice, as I know well, should speed you on to + glory and renown, not hold you back when fame is to be won. Yet what can I + say, for all men know that your valor needs the curb and not the spur. It + goes to my heart that you should ride forth now a mere knight bachelor, + when there is no noble in the land who hath so good a claim to the square + pennon, save only that you have not the money to uphold it.” + </p> + <p> + “And whose fault that, my sweet bird?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “No fault, my fair lord, but a virtue: for how many rich ransoms have you + won, and yet have scattered the crowns among page and archer and varlet, + until in a week you had not as much as would buy food and forage. It is a + most knightly largesse, and yet withouten money how can man rise?” + </p> + <p> + “Dirt and dross!” cried he. + </p> + <p> + “What matter rise or fall, so that duty be done and honor gained. Banneret + or bachelor, square pennon or forked, I would not give a denier for the + difference, and the less since Sir John Chandos, chosen flower of English + chivalry, is himself but a humble knight. But meanwhile fret not thyself, + my heart's dove, for it is like that there may be no war waged, and we + must await the news. But here are three strangers, and one, as I take it, + a soldier fresh from service. It is likely that he may give us word of + what is stirring over the water.” + </p> + <p> + Lady Loring, glancing up, saw in the fading light three companions walking + abreast down the road, all gray with dust, and stained with travel, yet + chattering merrily between themselves. He in the midst was young and + comely, with boyish open face and bright gray eyes, which glanced from + right to left as though he found the world around him both new and + pleasing. To his right walked a huge red-headed man, with broad smile and + merry twinkle, whose clothes seemed to be bursting and splitting at every + seam, as though he were some lusty chick who was breaking bravely from his + shell. On the other side, with his knotted hand upon the young man's + shoulder, came a stout and burly archer, brown and fierce eyed, with sword + at belt and long yellow yew-stave peeping over his shoulder. Hard face, + battered head piece, dinted brigandine, with faded red lion of St. George + ramping on a discolored ground, all proclaimed as plainly as words that he + was indeed from the land of war. He looked keenly at Sir Nigel as he + approached, and then, plunging his hand under his breastplate, he stepped + up to him with a rough, uncouth bow to the lady. + </p> + <p> + “Your pardon, fair sir,” said he, “but I know you the moment I clap eyes + on you, though in sooth I have seen you oftener in steel than in velvet. I + have drawn string besides you at La Roche-d'Errien, Romorantin, + Maupertuis, Nogent, Auray, and other places.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, good archer, I am right glad to welcome you to Twynham Castle, and + in the steward's room you will find provant for yourself and comrades. To + me also your face is known, though mine eyes play such tricks with me that + I can scarce be sure of my own squire. Rest awhile, and you shall come to + the hall anon and tell us what is passing in France, for I have heard that + it is likely that our pennons may flutter to the south of the great + Spanish mountains ere another year be passed.” + </p> + <p> + “There was talk of it in Bordeaux,” answered the archer, “and I saw myself + that the armorers and smiths were as busy as rats in a wheat-rick. But I + bring you this letter from the valiant Gascon knight, Sir Claude Latour. + And to you, Lady,” he added after a pause, “I bring from him this box of + red sugar of Narbonne, with every courteous and knightly greeting which a + gallant cavalier may make to a fair and noble dame.” + </p> + <p> + This little speech had cost the blunt bowman much pains and planning; but + he might have spared his breath, for the lady was quite as much absorbed + as her lord in the letter, which they held between them, a hand on either + corner, spelling it out very slowly, with drawn brows and muttering lips. + As they read it, Alleyne, who stood with Hordle John a few paces back from + their comrade, saw the lady catch her breath, while the knight laughed + softly to himself. + </p> + <p> + “You see, dear heart,” said he, “that they will not leave the old dog in + his kennel when the game is afoot. And what of this White Company, + archer?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir, you speak of dogs,” cried Aylward; “but there are a pack of + lusty hounds who are ready for any quarry, if they have but a good + huntsman to halloo them on. Sir, we have been in the wars together, and I + have seen many a brave following but never such a set of woodland boys as + this. They do but want you at their head, and who will bar the way to + them!” + </p> + <p> + “Pardieu!” said Sir Nigel, “if they are all like their messenger, they are + indeed men of whom a leader may be proud. Your name, good archer?” + </p> + <p> + “Sam Aylward, sir, of the Hundred of Easebourne and the Rape of + Chichester.” + </p> + <p> + “And this giant behind you?” + </p> + <p> + “He is big John, of Hordle, a forest man, who hath now taken service in + the Company.” + </p> + <p> + “A proper figure of a man at-arms,” said the little knight. “Why, man, you + are no chicken, yet I warrant him the stronger man. See to that great + stone from the coping which hath fallen upon the bridge. Four of my lazy + varlets strove this day to carry it hence. I would that you two could put + them to shame by budging it, though I fear that I overtask you, for it is + of a grievous weight.” + </p> + <p> + He pointed as he spoke to a huge rough-hewn block which lay by the + roadside, deep sunken from its own weight in the reddish earth. The archer + approached it, rolling back the sleeves of his jerkin, but with no very + hopeful countenance, for indeed it was a mighty rock. John, however, put + him aside with his left hand, and, stooping over the stone, he plucked it + single-handed from its soft bed and swung it far into the stream. There it + fell with mighty splash, one jagged end peaking out above the surface, + while the waters bubbled and foamed with far-circling eddy. + </p> + <p> + “Good lack!” cried Sir Nigel, and “Good lack!” cried his lady, while John + stood laughing and wiping the caked dirt from his fingers. + </p> + <p> + “I have felt his arms round my ribs,” said the bowman, “and they crackle + yet at the thought of it. This other comrade of mine is a right learned + clerk, for all that he is so young, hight Alleyne, the son of Edric, + brother to the Socman of Minstead.” + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” quoth Sir Nigel, sternly, “if you are of the same way of + thought as your brother, you may not pass under portcullis of mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, fair sir,” cried Aylward hastily, “I will be pledge for it that they + have no thought in common; for this very day his brother hath set his dogs + upon him, and driven him from his lands.” + </p> + <p> + “And are you, too, of the White Company?” asked Sir Nigel. “Hast had small + experience of war, if I may judge by your looks and bearing.” + </p> + <p> + “I would fain to France with my friends here,” Alleyne answered; “but I am + a man of peace—a reader, exorcist, acolyte, and clerk.” + </p> + <p> + “That need not hinder,” quoth Sir Nigel. + </p> + <p> + “No, fair sir,” cried the bowman joyously. “Why, I myself have served two + terms with Arnold de Cervolles, he whom they called the archpriest. By my + hilt! I have seen him ere now, with monk's gown trussed to his knees, over + his sandals in blood in the fore-front of the battle. Yet, ere the last + string had twanged, he would be down on his four bones among the stricken, + and have them all houseled and shriven, as quick as shelling peas. Ma foi! + there were those who wished that he would have less care for their souls + and a little more for their bodies!” + </p> + <p> + “It is well to have a learned clerk in every troop,” said Sir Nigel. “By + St. Paul, there are men so caitiff that they think more of a scrivener's + pen than of their lady's smile, and do their devoir in hopes that they may + fill a line in a chronicle or make a tag to a jongleur's romance. I + remember well that, at the siege of Retters, there was a little, sleek, + fat clerk of the name of Chaucer, who was so apt at rondel, sirvente, or + tonson, that no man dare give back a foot from the walls, lest he find it + all set down in his rhymes and sung by every underling and varlet in the + camp. But, my soul's bird, you hear me prate as though all were decided, + when I have not yet taken counsel either with you or with my lady mother. + Let us to the chamber, while these strangers find such fare as pantry and + cellar may furnish.” + </p> + <p> + “The night air strikes chill,” said the lady, and turned down the road + with her hand upon her lord's arm. The three comrades dropped behind and + followed: Aylward much the lighter for having accomplished his mission, + Alleyne full of wonderment at the humble bearing of so renowned a captain, + and John loud with snorts and sneers, which spoke his disappointment and + contempt. + </p> + <p> + “What ails the man?” asked Aylward in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “I have been cozened and bejaped,” quoth he gruffly. + </p> + <p> + “By whom, Sir Samson the strong?” + </p> + <p> + “By thee, Sir Balaam the false prophet.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt!” cried the archer, “though I be not Balaam, yet I hold + converse with the very creature that spake to him. What is amiss, then, + and how have I played you false?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, marry, did you not say, and Alleyne here will be my witness, that, + if I would hie to the wars with you, you would place me under a leader who + was second to none in all England for valor? Yet here you bring me to a + shred of a man, peaky and ill-nourished, with eyes like a moulting owl, + who must needs, forsooth, take counsel with his mother ere he buckle sword + to girdle.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that where the shoe galls?” cried the bowman, and laughed aloud. “I + will ask you what you think of him three months hence, if we be all alive; + for sure I am that——” + </p> + <p> + Aylward's words were interrupted by an extraordinary hubbub which broke + out that instant some little way down the street in the direction of the + Priory. There was deep-mouthed shouting of men, frightened shrieks of + women, howling and barking of curs, and over all a sullen, thunderous + rumble, indescribably menacing and terrible. Round the corner of the + narrow street there came rushing a brace of whining dogs with tails tucked + under their legs, and after them a white-faced burgher, with outstretched + hands and wide-spread fingers, his hair all abristle and his eyes glinting + back from one shoulder to the other, as though some great terror were at + his very heels. “Fly, my lady, fly!” he screeched, and whizzed past them + like bolt from bow; while close behind came lumbering a huge black bear, + with red tongue lolling from his mouth, and a broken chain jangling behind + him. To right and left the folk flew for arch and doorway. Hordle John + caught up the Lady Loring as though she had been a feather, and sprang + with her into an open porch; while Aylward, with a whirl of French oaths, + plucked at his quiver and tried to unsling his bow. Alleyne, all unnerved + at so strange and unwonted a sight, shrunk up against the wall with his + eyes fixed upon the frenzied creature, which came bounding along with + ungainly speed, looking the larger in the uncertain light, its huge jaws + agape, with blood and slaver trickling to the ground. Sir Nigel alone, + unconscious to all appearance of the universal panic, walked with + unfaltering step up the centre of the road, a silken handkerchief in one + hand and his gold comfit-box in the other. It sent the blood cold through + Alleyne's veins to see that as they came together—the man and the + beast—the creature reared up, with eyes ablaze with fear and hate, + and whirled its great paws above the knight to smite him to the earth. He, + however, blinking with puckered eyes, reached up his kerchief, and flicked + the beast twice across the snout with it. “Ah, saucy! saucy,” quoth he, + with gentle chiding; on which the bear, uncertain and puzzled, dropped its + four legs to earth again, and, waddling back, was soon swathed in ropes by + the bear-ward and a crowd of peasants who had been in close pursuit. + </p> + <p> + A scared man was the keeper; for, having chained the brute to a stake + while he drank a stoup of ale at the inn, it had been baited by stray + curs, until, in wrath and madness, it had plucked loose the chain, and + smitten or bitten all who came in its path. Most scared of all was he to + find that the creature had come nigh to harm the Lord and Lady of the + castle, who had power to place him in the stretch-neck or to have the skin + scourged from his shoulders. Yet, when he came with bowed head and humble + entreaty for forgiveness, he was met with a handful of small silver from + Sir Nigel, whose dame, however, was less charitably disposed, being much + ruffled in her dignity by the manner in which she had been hustled from + her lord's side. + </p> + <p> + As they passed through the castle gate, John plucked at Aylward's sleeve, + and the two fell behind. + </p> + <p> + “I must crave your pardon, comrade,” said he, bluntly. “I was a fool not + to know that a little rooster may be the gamest. I believe that this man + is indeed a leader whom we may follow.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. HOW A YOUNG SHEPHERD HAD A PERILOUS FLOCK. + </h2> + <p> + Black was the mouth of Twynham Castle, though a pair of torches burning at + the further end of the gateway cast a red glare over the outer bailey, and + sent a dim, ruddy flicker through the rough-hewn arch, rising and falling + with fitful brightness. Over the door the travellers could discern the + escutcheon of the Montacutes, a roebuck gules on a field argent, flanked + on either side by smaller shields which bore the red roses of the veteran + constable. As they passed over the drawbridge, Alleyne marked the gleam of + arms in the embrasures to right and left, and they had scarce set foot + upon the causeway ere a hoarse blare burst from a bugle, and, with screech + of hinge and clank of chain, the ponderous bridge swung up into the air, + drawn by unseen hands. At the same instant the huge portcullis came + rattling down from above, and shut off the last fading light of day. Sir + Nigel and his lady walked on in deep talk, while a fat under-steward took + charge of the three comrades, and led them to the buttery, where beef, + bread, and beer were kept ever in readiness for the wayfarer. After a + hearty meal and a dip in the trough to wash the dust from them, they + strolled forth into the bailey, where the bowman peered about through the + darkness at wall and at keep, with the carping eyes of one who has seen + something of sieges, and is not likely to be satisfied. To Alleyne and to + John, however, it appeared to be as great and as stout a fortress as could + be built by the hands of man. + </p> + <p> + Erected by Sir Balwin de Redvers in the old fighting days of the twelfth + century, when men thought much of war and little of comfort, Castle + Twynham had been designed as a stronghold pure and simple, unlike those + later and more magnificent structures where warlike strength had been + combined with the magnificence of a palace. From the time of the Edwards + such buildings as Conway or Caernarvon castles, to say nothing of Royal + Windsor, had shown that it was possible to secure luxury in peace as well + as security in times of trouble. Sir Nigel's trust, however, still frowned + above the smooth-flowing waters of the Avon, very much as the stern race + of early Anglo-Normans had designed it. There were the broad outer and + inner bailies, not paved, but sown with grass to nourish the sheep and + cattle which might be driven in on sign of danger. All round were high and + turreted walls, with at the corner a bare square-faced keep, gaunt and + windowless, rearing up from a lofty mound, which made it almost + inaccessible to an assailant. Against the bailey-walls were rows of frail + wooden houses and leaning sheds, which gave shelter to the archers and + men-at-arms who formed the garrison. The doors of these humble dwellings + were mostly open, and against the yellow glare from within Alleyne could + see the bearded fellows cleaning their harness, while their wives would + come out for a gossip, with their needlework in their hands, and their + long black shadows streaming across the yard. The air was full of the + clack of their voices and the merry prattling of children, in strange + contrast to the flash of arms and constant warlike challenge from the + walls above. + </p> + <p> + “Methinks a company of school lads could hold this place against an army,” + quoth John. + </p> + <p> + “And so say I,” said Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, there you are wide of the clout,” the bowman said gravely. “By my + hilt! I have seen a stronger fortalice carried in a summer evening. I + remember such a one in Picardy, with a name as long as a Gascon's + pedigree. It was when I served under Sir Robert Knolles, before the days + of the Company; and we came by good plunder at the sacking of it. I had + myself a great silver bowl, with two goblets, and a plastron of Spanish + steel. Pasques Dieu! there are some fine women over yonder! Mort de ma + vie! see to that one in the doorway! I will go speak to her. But whom have + we here?” + </p> + <p> + “Is there an archer here hight Sam Aylward?” asked a gaunt man-at-arms, + clanking up to them across the courtyard. + </p> + <p> + “My name, friend,” quoth the bowman. + </p> + <p> + “Then sure I have no need to tell thee mine,” said the other. + </p> + <p> + “By the rood! if it is not Black Simon of Norwich!” cried Aylward. “A mon + coeur, camarade, a mon coeur! Ah, but I am blithe to see thee!” The two + fell upon each other and hugged like bears. + </p> + <p> + “And where from, old blood and bones?” asked the bowman. + </p> + <p> + “I am in service here. Tell me, comrade, is it sooth that we shall have + another fling at these Frenchmen? It is so rumored in the guard-room, and + that Sir Nigel will take the field once more.” + </p> + <p> + “It is like enough, mon gar., as things go.” + </p> + <p> + “Now may the Lord be praised!” cried the other. “This very night will I + set apart a golden ouche to be offered on the shrine of my name-saint. I + have pined for this, Aylward, as a young maid pines for her lover.” + </p> + <p> + “Art so set on plunder then? Is the purse so light that there is not + enough for a rouse? I have a bag at my belt, camarade, and you have but to + put your fist into it for what you want. It was ever share and share + between us.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, friend, it is not the Frenchman's gold, but the Frenchman's blood + that I would have. I should not rest quiet in the grave, coz, if I had not + another turn at them. For with us in France it has ever been fair and + honest war—a shut fist for the man, but a bended knee for the woman. + But how was it at Winchelsea when their galleys came down upon it some few + years back? I had an old mother there, lad, who had come down thither from + the Midlands to be the nearer her son. They found her afterwards by her + own hearthstone, thrust through by a Frenchman's bill. My second sister, + my brother's wife, and her two children, they were but ash-heaps in the + smoking ruins of their house. I will not say that we have not wrought + great scath upon France, but women and children have been safe from us. + And so, old friend, my heart is hot within me, and I long to hear the old + battle-cry again, and, by God's truth! if Sir Nigel unfurls his pennon, + here is one who will be right glad to feel the saddle-flaps under his + knees.” + </p> + <p> + “We have seen good work together, old war-dog,” quoth Aylward; “and, by my + hilt! we may hope to see more ere we die. But we are more like to hawk at + the Spanish woodcock than at the French heron, though certes it is rumored + that Du Guesclin with all the best lances of France have taken service + under the lions and towers of Castile. But, comrade, it is in my mind that + there is some small matter of dispute still open between us.” + </p> + <p> + “'Fore God, it is sooth!” cried the other; “I had forgot it. The + provost-marshal and his men tore us apart when last we met.” + </p> + <p> + “On which, friend, we vowed that we should settle the point when next we + came together. Hast thy sword, I see, and the moon throws glimmer enough + for such old night-birds as we. On guard, mon gar.! I have not heard clink + of steel this month or more.” + </p> + <p> + “Out from the shadow then,” said the other, drawing his sword. “A vow is a + vow, and not lightly to be broken.” + </p> + <p> + “A vow to the saints,” cried Alleyne, “is indeed not to be set aside; but + this is a devil's vow, and, simple clerk as I am, I am yet the mouthpiece + of the true church when I say that it were mortal sin to fight on such a + quarrel. What! shall two grown men carry malice for years, and fly like + snarling curs at each other's throats?” + </p> + <p> + “No malice, my young clerk, no malice,” quoth Black Simon. “I have not a + bitter drop in my heart for mine old comrade; but the quarrel, as he hath + told you, is still open and unsettled. Fall on, Aylward!” + </p> + <p> + “Not whilst I can stand between you,” cried Alleyne, springing before the + bowman. “It is shame and sin to see two Christian Englishmen turn swords + against each other like the frenzied bloodthirsty paynim.” + </p> + <p> + “And, what is more,” said Hordle John, suddenly appearing out of the + buttery with the huge board upon which the pastry was rolled, “if either + raise sword I shall flatten him like a Shrovetide pancake. By the black + rood! I shall drive him into the earth, like a nail into a door, rather + than see you do scath to each other.” + </p> + <p> + “'Fore God, this is a strange way of preaching peace,” cried Black Simon. + “You may find the scath yourself, my lusty friend, if you raise your great + cudgel to me. I had as lief have the castle drawbridge drop upon my pate.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, Aylward,” said Alleyne earnestly, with his hands outstretched to + keep the pair asunder, “what is the cause of quarrel, that we may see + whether honorable settlement may not be arrived at?” + </p> + <p> + The bowman looked down at his feet and then up at the moon, “Parbleu!” he + cried, “the cause of quarrel? Why, mon petit, it was years ago in + Limousin, and how can I bear in mind what was the cause of it? Simon there + hath it at the end of his tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, in troth,” replied the other; “I have had other things to think + of. There was some sort of bickering over dice, or wine, or was it a + woman, coz?” + </p> + <p> + “Pasques Dieu! but you have nicked it,” cried Aylward. “It was indeed + about a woman; and the quarrel must go forward, for I am still of the same + mind as before.” + </p> + <p> + “What of the woman, then?” asked Simon. “May the murrain strike me if I + can call to mind aught about her.” + </p> + <p> + “It was La Blanche Rose, maid at the sign of the 'Trois Corbeaux' at + Limoges. Bless her pretty heart! Why, mon gar., I loved her.” + </p> + <p> + “So did a many,” quoth Simon. “I call her to mind now. On the very day + that we fought over the little hussy, she went off with Evan ap Price, a + long-legged Welsh dagsman. They have a hostel of their own now, somewhere + on the banks of the Garonne, where the landlord drinks so much of the + liquor that there is little left for the customers.” + </p> + <p> + “So ends our quarrel, then,” said Aylward, sheathing his sword. “A Welsh + dagsman, i' faith! C'etait mauvais gout, camarade, and the more so when + she had a jolly archer and a lusty man-at-arms to choose from.” + </p> + <p> + “True, old lad. And it is as well that we can compose our differences + honorably, for Sir Nigel had been out at the first clash of steel; and he + hath sworn that if there be quarrelling in the garrison he would smite the + right hand from the broilers. You know him of old, and that he is like to + be as good as his word.” + </p> + <p> + “Mort-Dieu! yes. But there are ale, mead, and wine in the buttery, and the + steward a merry rogue, who will not haggle over a quart or two. Buvons, + mon gar., for it is not every day that two old friends come together.” + </p> + <p> + The old soldiers and Hordle John strode off together in all good + fellowship. Alleyne had turned to follow them, when he felt a touch upon + his shoulder, and found a young page by his side. + </p> + <p> + “The Lord Loring commands,” said the boy, “that you will follow me to the + great chamber, and await him there.” + </p> + <p> + “But my comrades?” + </p> + <p> + “His commands were for you alone.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne followed the messenger to the east end of the courtyard, where a + broad flight of steps led up to the doorway of the main hall, the outer + wall of which is washed by the waters of the Avon. As designed at first, + no dwelling had been allotted to the lord of the castle and his family but + the dark and dismal basement story of the keep. A more civilized or more + effeminate generation, however, had refused to be pent up in such a + cellar, and the hall with its neighboring chambers had been added for + their accommodation. Up the broad steps Alleyne went, still following his + boyish guide, until at the folding oak doors the latter paused, and + ushered him into the main hall of the castle. + </p> + <p> + On entering the room the clerk looked round; but, seeing no one, he + continued to stand, his cap in his hand, examining with the greatest + interest a chamber which was so different to any to which he was + accustomed. The days had gone by when a nobleman's hall was but a + barn-like, rush-strewn enclosure, the common lounge and eating-room of + every inmate of the castle. The Crusaders had brought back with them + experiences of domestic luxuries, of Damascus carpets and rugs of Aleppo, + which made them impatient of the hideous bareness and want of privacy + which they found in their ancestral strongholds. Still stronger, however, + had been the influence of the great French war; for, however well matched + the nations might be in martial exercises, there could be no question but + that our neighbors were infinitely superior to us in the arts of peace. A + stream of returning knights, of wounded soldiers, and of unransomed French + noblemen, had been for a quarter of a century continually pouring into + England, every one of whom exerted an influence in the direction of + greater domestic refinement, while shiploads of French furniture from + Calais, Rouen, and other plundered towns, had supplied our own artisans + with models on which to shape their work. Hence, in most English castles, + and in Castle Twynham among the rest, chambers were to be found which + would seem to be not wanting either in beauty or in comfort. + </p> + <p> + In the great stone fireplace a log fire was spurting and crackling, + throwing out a ruddy glare which, with the four bracket-lamps which stood + at each corner of the room, gave a bright and lightsome air to the whole + apartment. Above was a wreath-work of blazonry, extending up to the carved + and corniced oaken roof; while on either side stood the high canopied + chairs placed for the master of the house and for his most honored guest. + The walls were hung all round with most elaborate and brightly colored + tapestry, representing the achievements of Sir Bevis of Hampton, and + behind this convenient screen were stored the tables dormant and benches + which would be needed for banquet or high festivity. The floor was of + polished tiles, with a square of red and black diapered Flemish carpet in + the centre; and many settees, cushions, folding chairs, and carved bancals + littered all over it. At the further end was a long black buffet or + dresser, thickly covered with gold cups, silver salvers, and other such + valuables. All this Alleyne examined with curious eyes; but most + interesting of all to him was a small ebony table at his very side, on + which, by the side of a chess-board and the scattered chessmen, there lay + an open manuscript written in a right clerkly hand, and set forth with + brave flourishes and devices along the margins. In vain Alleyne bethought + him of where he was, and of those laws of good breeding and decorum which + should restrain him: those colored capitals and black even lines drew his + hand down to them, as the loadstone draws the needle, until, almost before + he knew it, he was standing with the romance of Garin de Montglane before + his eyes, so absorbed in its contents as to be completely oblivious both + of where he was and why he had come there. + </p> + <p> + He was brought back to himself, however, by a sudden little ripple of + quick feminine laughter. Aghast, he dropped the manuscript among the + chessmen and stared in bewilderment round the room. It was as empty and as + still as ever. Again he stretched his hand out to the romance, and again + came that roguish burst of merriment. He looked up at the ceiling, back at + the closed door, and round at the stiff folds of motionless tapestry. Of a + sudden, however, he caught a quick shimmer from the corner of a + high-backed bancal in front of him, and, shifting a pace or two to the + side, saw a white slender hand, which held a mirror of polished silver in + such a way that the concealed observer could see without being seen. He + stood irresolute, uncertain whether to advance or to take no notice; but, + even as he hesitated, the mirror was whipped in, and a tall and stately + young lady swept out from behind the oaken screen, with a dancing light of + mischief in her eyes. Alleyne started with astonishment as he recognized + the very maiden who had suffered from his brother's violence in the + forest. She no longer wore her gay riding-dress, however, but was attired + in a long sweeping robe of black velvet of Bruges, with delicate tracery + of white lace at neck and at wrist, scarce to be seen against her ivory + skin. Beautiful as she had seemed to him before, the lithe charm of her + figure and the proud, free grace of her bearing were enhanced now by the + rich simplicity of her attire. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you start,” said she, with the same sidelong look of mischief, “and I + cannot marvel at it. Didst not look to see the distressed damosel again. + Oh that I were a minstrel, that I might put it into rhyme, with the whole + romance—the luckless maid, the wicked socman, and the virtuous + clerk! So might our fame have gone down together for all time, and you be + numbered with Sir Percival or Sir Galahad, or all the other rescuers of + oppressed ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “What I did,” said Alleyne, “was too small a thing for thanks; and yet, if + I may say it without offence, it was too grave and near a matter for mirth + and raillery. I had counted on my brother's love, but God has willed that + it should be otherwise. It is a joy to me to see you again, lady, and to + know that you have reached home in safety, if this be indeed your home.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, in sooth, Castle Twynham is my home, and Sir Nigel Loring my father. + I should have told you so this morning, but you said that you were coming + thither, so I bethought me that I might hold it back as a surprise to you. + Oh dear, but it was brave to see you!” she cried, bursting out a-laughing + once more, and standing with her hand pressed to her side, and her + half-closed eyes twinkling with amusement. “You drew back and came forward + with your eyes upon my book there, like the mouse who sniffs the cheese + and yet dreads the trap.” + </p> + <p> + “I take shame,” said Alleyne, “that I should have touched it.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it warmed my very heart to see it. So glad was I, that I laughed for + very pleasure. My fine preacher can himself be tempted then, thought I; he + is not made of another clay to the rest of us.” + </p> + <p> + “God help me! I am the weakest of the weak,” groaned Alleyne. “I pray that + I may have more strength.” + </p> + <p> + “And to what end?” she asked sharply. “If you are, as I understand, to + shut yourself forever in your cell within the four walls of an abbey, then + of what use would it be were your prayer to be answered?” + </p> + <p> + “The use of my own salvation.” + </p> + <p> + She turned from him with a pretty shrug and wave. “Is that all?” she said. + “Then you are no better than Father Christopher and the rest of them. Your + own, your own, ever your own! My father is the king's man, and when he + rides into the press of fight he is not thinking ever of the saving of his + own poor body; he recks little enough if he leave it on the field. Why + then should you, who are soldiers of the Spirit, be ever moping or hiding + in cell or in cave, with minds full of your own concerns, while the world, + which you should be mending, is going on its way, and neither sees nor + hears you? Were ye all as thoughtless of your own souls as the soldier is + of his body, ye would be of more avail to the souls of others.” + </p> + <p> + “There is sooth in what you say, lady,” Alleyne answered; “and yet I + scarce can see what you would have the clergy and the church to do.” + </p> + <p> + “I would have them live as others and do men's work in the world, + preaching by their lives rather than their words. I would have them come + forth from their lonely places, mix with the borel folks, feel the pains + and the pleasures, the cares and the rewards, the temptings and the + stirrings of the common people. Let them toil and swinken, and labor, and + plough the land, and take wives to themselves——” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! alas!” cried Alleyne aghast, “you have surely sucked this poison + from the man Wicliffe, of whom I have heard such evil things.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I know him not. I have learned it by looking from my own chamber + window and marking these poor monks of the priory, their weary life, their + profitless round. I have asked myself if the best which can be done with + virtue is to shut it within high walls as though it were some savage + creature. If the good will lock themselves up, and if the wicked will + still wander free, then alas for the world!” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne looked at her in astonishment, for her cheek was flushed, her eyes + gleaming, and her whole pose full of eloquence and conviction. Yet in an + instant she had changed again to her old expression of merriment leavened + with mischief. + </p> + <p> + “Wilt do what I ask?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, lady?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, most ungallant clerk! A true knight would never have asked, but would + have vowed upon the instant. 'Tis but to bear me out in what I say to my + father.” + </p> + <p> + “In what?” + </p> + <p> + “In saying, if he ask, that it was south of the Christchurch road that I + met you. I shall be shut up with the tire-women else, and have a week of + spindle and bodkin, when I would fain be galloping Troubadour up Wilverley + Walk, or loosing little Roland at the Vinney Ridge herons.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not answer him if he ask.” + </p> + <p> + “Not answer! But he will have an answer. Nay, but you must not fail me, or + it will go ill with me.” + </p> + <p> + “But, lady,” cried poor Alleyne in great distress, “how can I say that it + was to the south of the road when I know well that it was four miles to + the north.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not say it?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely you will not, too, when you know that it is not so?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I weary of your preaching!” she cried, and swept away with a toss of + her beautiful head, leaving Alleyne as cast down and ashamed as though he + had himself proposed some infamous thing. She was back again in an + instant, however, in another of her varying moods. + </p> + <p> + “Look at that, my friend!” said she. “If you had been shut up in abbey or + in cell this day you could not have taught a wayward maiden to abide by + the truth. Is it not so? What avail is the shepherd if he leaves his + sheep.” + </p> + <p> + “A sorry shepherd!” said Alleyne humbly. “But here is your noble father.” + </p> + <p> + “And you shall see how worthy a pupil I am. Father, I am much beholden to + this young clerk, who was of service to me and helped me this very morning + in Minstead Woods, four miles to the north of the Christchurch road, where + I had no call to be, you having ordered it otherwise.” All this she reeled + off in a loud voice, and then glanced with sidelong, questioning eyes at + Alleyne for his approval. + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel, who had entered the room with a silvery-haired old lady upon + his arm, stared aghast at this sudden outburst of candor. + </p> + <p> + “Maude, Maude!” said he, shaking his head, “it is more hard for me to gain + obedience from you than from the ten score drunken archers who followed me + to Guienne. Yet, hush! little one, for your fair lady-mother will be here + anon, and there is no need that she should know it. We will keep you from + the provost-marshal this journey. Away to your chamber, sweeting, and keep + a blithe face, for she who confesses is shriven. And now, fair mother,” he + continued, when his daughter had gone, “sit you here by the fire, for your + blood runs colder than it did. Alleyne Edricson, I would have a word with + you, for I would fain that you should take service under me. And here in + good time comes my lady, without whose counsel it is not my wont to decide + aught of import; but, indeed, it was her own thought that you should + come.” + </p> + <p> + “For I have formed a good opinion of you, and can see that you are one who + may be trusted,” said the Lady Loring. “And in good sooth my dear lord + hath need of such a one by his side, for he recks so little of himself + that there should be one there to look to his needs and meet his wants. + You have seen the cloisters; it were well that you should see the world + too, ere you make choice for life between them.” + </p> + <p> + “It was for that very reason that my father willed that I should come + forth into the world at my twentieth year,” said Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “Then your father was a man of good counsel,” said she, “and you cannot + carry out his will better than by going on this path, where all that is + noble and gallant in England will be your companions.” + </p> + <p> + “You can ride?” asked Sir Nigel, looking at the youth with puckered eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have ridden much at the abbey.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet there is a difference betwixt a friar's hack and a warrior's + destrier. You can sing and play?” + </p> + <p> + “On citole, flute and rebeck.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! You can read blazonry?” + </p> + <p> + “Indifferent well.” + </p> + <p> + “Then read this,” quoth Sir Nigel, pointing upwards to one of the many + quarterings which adorned the wall over the fireplace. + </p> + <p> + “Argent,” Alleyne answered, “a fess azure charged with three lozenges + dividing three mullets sable. Over all, on an escutcheon of the first, a + jambe gules.” + </p> + <p> + “A jambe gules erased,” said Sir Nigel, shaking his head solemnly. “Yet it + is not amiss for a monk-bred man. I trust that you are lowly and + serviceable?” + </p> + <p> + “I have served all my life, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Canst carve too?” + </p> + <p> + “I have carved two days a week for the brethren.” + </p> + <p> + “A model truly! Wilt make a squire of squires. But tell me, I pray, canst + curl hair?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord, but I could learn.” + </p> + <p> + “It is of import,” said he, “for I love to keep my hair well ordered, + seeing that the weight of my helmet for thirty years hath in some degree + frayed it upon the top.” He pulled off his velvet cap of maintenance as he + spoke, and displayed a pate which was as bald as an egg, and shone bravely + in the firelight. “You see,” said he, whisking round, and showing one + little strip where a line of scattered hairs, like the last survivors in + some fatal field, still barely held their own against the fate which had + fallen upon their comrades; “these locks need some little oiling and + curling, for I doubt not that if you look slantwise at my head, when the + light is good, you will yourself perceive that there are places where the + hair is sparse.” + </p> + <p> + “It is for you also to bear the purse,” said the lady; “for my sweet lord + is of so free and gracious a temper that he would give it gayly to the + first who asked alms of him. All these things, with some knowledge of + venerie, and of the management of horse, hawk and hound, with the grace + and hardihood and courtesy which are proper to your age, will make you a + fit squire for Sir Nigel Loring.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! lady,” Alleyne answered, “I know well the great honor that you have + done me in deeming me worthy to wait upon so renowned a knight, yet I am + so conscious of my own weakness that I scarce dare incur duties which I + might be so ill-fitted to fulfil.” + </p> + <p> + “Modesty and a humble mind,” said she, “are the very first and rarest + gifts in page or squire. Your words prove that you have these, and all the + rest is but the work of use and time. But there is no call for haste. Rest + upon it for the night, and let your orisons ask for guidance in the + matter. We knew your father well, and would fain help his son, though we + have small cause to love your brother the Socman, who is forever stirring + up strife in the county.” + </p> + <p> + “We can scarce hope,” said Nigel, “to have all ready for our start before + the feast of St. Luke, for there is much to be done in the time. You will + have leisure, therefore, if it please you to take service under me, in + which to learn your devoir. Bertrand, my daughter's page, is hot to go; + but in sooth he is over young for such rough work as may be before us.” + </p> + <p> + “And I have one favor to crave from you,” added the lady of the castle, as + Alleyne turned to leave their presence. “You have, as I understand, much + learning which you have acquired at Beaulieu.” + </p> + <p> + “Little enough, lady, compared with those who were my teachers.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet enough for my purpose, I doubt not. For I would have you give an hour + or two a day whilst you are with us in discoursing with my daughter, the + Lady Maude; for she is somewhat backward, I fear, and hath no love for + letters, save for these poor fond romances, which do but fill her empty + head with dreams of enchanted maidens and of errant cavaliers. Father + Christopher comes over after nones from the priory, but he is stricken + with years and slow of speech, so that she gets small profit from his + teaching. I would have you do what you can with her, and with Agatha my + young tire-woman, and with Dorothy Pierpont.” + </p> + <p> + And so Alleyne found himself not only chosen as squire to a knight but + also as squire to three damosels, which was even further from the part + which he had thought to play in the world. Yet he could but agree to do + what he might, and so went forth from the castle hall with his face + flushed and his head in a whirl at the thought of the strange and perilous + paths which his feet were destined to tread. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. HOW ALLEYNE LEARNED MORE THAN HE COULD TEACH. + </h2> + <p> + And now there came a time of stir and bustle, of furbishing of arms and + clang of hammer from all the southland counties. Fast spread the tidings + from thorpe to thorpe and from castle to castle, that the old game was + afoot once more, and the lions and lilies to be in the field with the + early spring. Great news this for that fierce old country, whose trade for + a generation had been war, her exports archers and her imports prisoners. + For six years her sons had chafed under an unwonted peace. Now they flew + to their arms as to their birthright. The old soldiers of Crecy, of + Nogent, and of Poictiers were glad to think that they might hear the + war-trumpet once more, and gladder still were the hot youth who had chafed + for years under the martial tales of their sires. To pierce the great + mountains of the south, to fight the tamers of the fiery Moors, to follow + the greatest captain of the age, to find sunny cornfields and vineyards, + when the marches of Picardy and Normandy were as rare and bleak as the + Jedburgh forests—here was a golden prospect for a race of warriors. + From sea to sea there was stringing of bows in the cottage and clang of + steel in the castle. + </p> + <p> + Nor did it take long for every stronghold to pour forth its cavalry, and + every hamlet its footmen. Through the late autumn and the early winter + every road and country lane resounded with nakir and trumpet, with the + neigh of the war-horse and the clatter of marching men. From the Wrekin in + the Welsh marches to the Cotswolds in the west or Butser in the south, + there was no hill-top from which the peasant might not have seen the + bright shimmer of arms, the toss and flutter of plume and of pensil. From + bye-path, from woodland clearing, or from winding moor-side track these + little rivulets of steel united in the larger roads to form a broader + stream, growing ever fuller and larger as it approached the nearest or + most commodious seaport. And there all day, and day after day, there was + bustle and crowding and labor, while the great ships loaded up, and one + after the other spread their white pinions and darted off to the open sea, + amid the clash of cymbals and rolling of drums and lusty shouts of those + who went and of those who waited. From Orwell to the Dart there was no + port which did not send forth its little fleet, gay with streamer and + bunting, as for a joyous festival. Thus in the season of the waning days + the might of England put forth on to the waters. + </p> + <p> + In the ancient and populous county of Hampshire there was no lack of + leaders or of soldiers for a service which promised either honor or + profit. In the north the Saracen's head of the Brocas and the scarlet fish + of the De Roches were waving over a strong body of archers from Holt, + Woolmer, and Harewood forests. De Borhunte was up in the east, and Sir + John de Montague in the west. Sir Luke de Ponynges, Sir Thomas West, Sir + Maurice de Bruin, Sir Arthur Lipscombe, Sir Walter Ramsey, and stout Sir + Oliver Buttesthorn were all marching south with levies from Andover, + Arlesford, Odiham and Winchester, while from Sussex came Sir John Clinton, + Sir Thomas Cheyne, and Sir John Fallislee, with a troop of picked + men-at-arms, making for their port at Southampton. Greatest of all the + musters, however, was that of Twynham Castle, for the name and the fame of + Sir Nigel Loring drew towards him the keenest and boldest spirits, all + eager to serve under so valiant a leader. Archers from the New Forest and + the Forest of Bere, billmen from the pleasant country which is watered by + the Stour, the Avon, and the Itchen, young cavaliers from the ancient + Hampshire houses, all were pushing for Christchurch to take service under + the banner of the five scarlet roses. + </p> + <p> + And now, could Sir Nigel have shown the bachelles of land which the laws + of rank required, he might well have cut his forked pennon into a square + banner, and taken such a following into the field as would have supported + the dignity of a banneret. But poverty was heavy upon him, his land was + scant, his coffers empty, and the very castle which covered him the + holding of another. Sore was his heart when he saw rare bowmen and + war-hardened spearmen turned away from his gates, for the lack of the + money which might equip and pay them. Yet the letter which Aylward had + brought him gave him powers which he was not slow to use. In it Sir Claude + Latour, the Gascon lieutenant of the White Company, assured him that there + remained in his keeping enough to fit out a hundred archers and twenty + men-at-arms, which, joined to the three hundred veteran companions already + in France, would make a force which any leader might be proud to command. + Carefully and sagaciously the veteran knight chose out his men from the + swarm of volunteers. Many an anxious consultation he held with Black + Simon, Sam Aylward, and other of his more experienced followers, as to who + should come and who should stay. By All Saints' day, however ere the last + leaves had fluttered to earth in the Wilverley and Holmesley glades, he + had filled up his full numbers, and mustered under his banner as stout a + following of Hampshire foresters as ever twanged their war-bows. Twenty + men-at-arms, too, well mounted and equipped, formed the cavalry of the + party, while young Peter Terlake of Fareham, and Walter Ford of Botley, + the martial sons of martial sires, came at their own cost to wait upon Sir + Nigel and to share with Alleyne Edricson the duties of his squireship. + </p> + <p> + Yet, even after the enrolment, there was much to be done ere the party + could proceed upon its way. For armor, swords, and lances, there was no + need to take much forethought, for they were to be had both better and + cheaper in Bordeaux than in England. With the long-bow, however, it was + different. Yew staves indeed might be got in Spain, but it was well to + take enough and to spare with them. Then three spare cords should be + carried for each bow, with a great store of arrow-heads, besides the + brigandines of chain mail, the wadded steel caps, and the brassarts or + arm-guards, which were the proper equipment of the archer. Above all, the + women for miles round were hard at work cutting the white surcoats which + were the badge of the Company, and adorning them with the red lion of St. + George upon the centre of the breast. When all was completed and the + muster called in the castle yard the oldest soldier of the French wars was + fain to confess that he had never looked upon a better equipped or more + warlike body of men, from the old knight with his silk jupon, sitting his + great black war-horse in the front of them, to Hordle John, the giant + recruit, who leaned carelessly upon a huge black bow-stave in the rear. Of + the six score, fully half had seen service before, while a fair sprinkling + were men who had followed the wars all their lives, and had a hand in + those battles which had made the whole world ring with the fame and the + wonder of the island infantry. + </p> + <p> + Six long weeks were taken in these preparations, and it was close on + Martinmas ere all was ready for a start. Nigh two months had Alleyne + Edricson been in Castle Twynham—months which were fated to turn the + whole current of his life, to divert it from that dark and lonely bourne + towards which it tended, and to guide it into freer and more sunlit + channels. Already he had learned to bless his father for that wise + provision which had made him seek to know the world ere he had ventured to + renounce it. + </p> + <p> + For it was a different place from that which he had pictured—very + different from that which he had heard described when the master of the + novices held forth to his charges upon the ravening wolves who lurked for + them beyond the peaceful folds of Beaulieu. There was cruelty in it, + doubtless, and lust and sin and sorrow; but were there not virtues to + atone, robust positive virtues which did not shrink from temptation, which + held their own in all the rough blasts of the work-a-day world? How + colorless by contrast appeared the sinlessness which came from inability + to sin, the conquest which was attained by flying from the enemy! + Monk-bred as he was, Alleyne had native shrewdness and a mind which was + young enough to form new conclusions and to outgrow old ones. He could not + fail to see that the men with whom he was thrown in contact, + rough-tongued, fierce and quarrelsome as they were, were yet of deeper + nature and of more service in the world than the ox-eyed brethren who rose + and ate and slept from year's end to year's end in their own narrow, + stagnant circle of existence. Abbot Berghersh was a good man, but how was + he better than this kindly knight, who lived as simple a life, held as + lofty and inflexible an ideal of duty, and did with all his fearless heart + whatever came to his hand to do? In turning from the service of the one to + that of the other, Alleyne could not feel that he was lowering his aims in + life. True that his gentle and thoughtful nature recoiled from the grim + work of war, yet in those days of martial orders and militant brotherhoods + there was no gulf fixed betwixt the priest and the soldier. The man of God + and the man of the sword might without scandal be united in the same + individual. Why then should he, a mere clerk, have scruples when so fair a + chance lay in his way of carrying out the spirit as well as the letter of + his father's provision. Much struggle it cost him, anxious + spirit-questionings and midnight prayings, with many a doubt and a + misgiving; but the issue was that ere he had been three days in Castle + Twynham he had taken service under Sir Nigel, and had accepted horse and + harness, the same to be paid for out of his share of the profits of the + expedition. Henceforth for seven hours a day he strove in the tilt-yard to + qualify himself to be a worthy squire to so worthy a knight. Young, supple + and active, with all the pent energies from years of pure and healthy + living, it was not long before he could manage his horse and his weapon + well enough to earn an approving nod from critical men-at-arms, or to hold + his own against Terlake and Ford, his fellow-servitors. + </p> + <p> + But were there no other considerations which swayed him from the cloisters + towards the world? So complex is the human spirit that it can itself + scarce discern the deep springs which impel it to action. Yet to Alleyne + had been opened now a side of life of which he had been as innocent as a + child, but one which was of such deep import that it could not fail to + influence him in choosing his path. A woman, in monkish precepts, had been + the embodiment and concentration of what was dangerous and evil—a + focus whence spread all that was to be dreaded and avoided. So defiling + was their presence that a true Cistercian might not raise his eyes to + their face or touch their finger-tips under ban of church and fear of + deadly sin. Yet here, day after day for an hour after nones, and for an + hour before vespers, he found himself in close communion with three + maidens, all young, all fair, and all therefore doubly dangerous from the + monkish standpoint. Yet he found that in their presence he was conscious + of a quick sympathy, a pleasant ease, a ready response to all that was + most gentle and best in himself, which filled his soul with a vague and + new-found joy. + </p> + <p> + And yet the Lady Maude Loring was no easy pupil to handle. An older and + more world-wise man might have been puzzled by her varying moods, her + sudden prejudices, her quick resentment at all constraint and authority. + Did a subject interest her, was there space in it for either romance or + imagination, she would fly through it with her subtle, active mind, + leaving her two fellow-students and even her teacher toiling behind her. + On the other hand, were there dull patience needed with steady toil and + strain of memory, no single fact could by any driving be fixed in her + mind. Alleyne might talk to her of the stories of old gods and heroes, of + gallant deeds and lofty aims, or he might hold forth upon moon and stars, + and let his fancy wander over the hidden secrets of the universe, and he + would have a rapt listener with flushed cheeks and eloquent eyes, who + could repeat after him the very words which had fallen from his lips. But + when it came to almagest and astrolabe, the counting of figures and + reckoning of epicycles, away would go her thoughts to horse and hound, and + a vacant eye and listless face would warn the teacher that he had lost his + hold upon his scholar. Then he had but to bring out the old romance book + from the priory, with befingered cover of sheepskin and gold letters upon + a purple ground, to entice her wayward mind back to the paths of learning. + </p> + <p> + At times, too, when the wild fit was upon her, she would break into + pertness and rebel openly against Alleyne's gentle firmness. Yet he would + jog quietly on with his teachings, taking no heed to her mutiny, until + suddenly she would be conquered by his patience, and break into + self-revilings a hundred times stronger than her fault demanded. It + chanced however that, on one of these mornings when the evil mood was upon + her, Agatha the young tire-woman, thinking to please her mistress, began + also to toss her head and make tart rejoinder to the teacher's questions. + In an instant the Lady Maude had turned upon her two blazing eyes and a + face which was blanched with anger. + </p> + <p> + “You would dare!” said she. “You would dare!” The frightened tire-woman + tried to excuse herself. “But my fair lady,” she stammered, “what have I + done? I have said no more than I heard.” + </p> + <p> + “You would dare!” repeated the lady in a choking voice. “You, a graceless + baggage, a foolish lack-brain, with no thought above the hemming of + shifts. And he so kindly and hendy and long-suffering! You would—ha, + you may well flee the room!” + </p> + <p> + She had spoken with a rising voice, and a clasping and opening of her long + white fingers, so that it was no marvel that ere the speech was over the + skirts of Agatha were whisking round the door and the click of her sobs to + be heard dying swiftly away down the corridor. + </p> + <p> + Alleyne stared open-eyed at this tigress who had sprung so suddenly to his + rescue. “There is no need for such anger,” he said mildly. “The maid's + words have done me no scath. It is you yourself who have erred.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” she cried, “I am a most wicked woman. But it is bad enough + that one should misuse you. Ma foi! I will see that there is not a second + one.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, no one has misused me,” he answered. “But the fault lies in + your hot and bitter words. You have called her a baggage and a lack-brain, + and I know not what.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are he who taught me to speak the truth,” she cried. “Now I have + spoken it, and yet I cannot please you. Lack-brain she is, and lack-brain + I shall call her.” + </p> + <p> + Such was a sample of the sudden janglings which marred the peace of that + little class. As the weeks passed, however, they became fewer and less + violent, as Alleyne's firm and constant nature gained sway and influence + over the Lady Maude. And yet, sooth to say, there were times when he had + to ask himself whether it was not the Lady Maude who was gaining sway and + influence over him. If she were changing, so was he. In drawing her up + from the world, he was day by day being himself dragged down towards it. + In vain he strove and reasoned with himself as to the madness of letting + his mind rest upon Sir Nigel's daughter. What was he—a younger son, + a penniless clerk, a squire unable to pay for his own harness—that + he should dare to raise his eyes to the fairest maid in Hampshire? So + spake reason; but, in spite of all, her voice was ever in his ears and her + image in his heart. Stronger than reason, stronger than cloister + teachings, stronger than all that might hold him back, was that old, old + tyrant who will brook no rival in the kingdom of youth. + </p> + <p> + And yet it was a surprise and a shock to himself to find how deeply she + had entered into his life; how completely those vague ambitions and + yearnings which had filled his spiritual nature centred themselves now + upon this thing of earth. He had scarce dared to face the change which had + come upon him, when a few sudden chance words showed it all up hard and + clear, like a lightning flash in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + He had ridden over to Poole, one November day, with his fellow-squire, + Peter Terlake, in quest of certain yew-staves from Wat Swathling, the + Dorsetshire armorer. The day for their departure had almost come, and the + two youths spurred it over the lonely downs at the top of their speed on + their homeward course, for evening had fallen and there was much to be + done. Peter was a hard, wiry, brown faced, country-bred lad who looked on + the coming war as the schoolboy looks on his holidays. This day, however, + he had been sombre and mute, with scarce a word a mile to bestow upon his + comrade. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me Alleyne Edricson,” he broke out, suddenly, as they clattered + along the winding track which leads over the Bournemouth hills, “has it + not seemed to you that of late the Lady Maude is paler and more silent + than is her wont?” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so,” the other answered shortly. + </p> + <p> + “And would rather sit distrait by her oriel than ride gayly to the chase + as of old. Methinks, Alleyne, it is this learning which you have taught + her that has taken all the life and sap from her. It is more than she can + master, like a heavy spear to a light rider.” + </p> + <p> + “Her lady-mother has so ordered it,” said Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “By our Lady! and withouten disrespect,” quoth Terlake, “it is in my mind + that her lady-mother is more fitted to lead a company to a storming than + to have the upbringing of this tender and milk-white maid. Hark ye, lad + Alleyne, to what I never told man or woman yet. I love the fair Lady + Maude, and would give the last drop of my heart's blood to serve her.” He + spoke with a gasping voice, and his face flushed crimson in the moonlight. + </p> + <p> + Alleyne said nothing, but his heart seemed to turn to a lump of ice in his + bosom. + </p> + <p> + “My father has broad acres,” the other continued, “from Fareham Creek to + the slope of the Portsdown Hill. There is filling of granges, hewing of + wood, malting of grain, and herding of sheep as much as heart could wish, + and I the only son. Sure am I that Sir Nigel would be blithe at such a + match.” + </p> + <p> + “But how of the lady?” asked Alleyne, with dry lips. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, lad, there lies my trouble. It is a toss of the head and a droop of + the eyes if I say one word of what is in my mind. 'Twere as easy to woo + the snow-dame that we shaped last winter in our castle yard. I did but ask + her yesternight for her green veil, that I might bear it as a token or + lambrequin upon my helm; but she flashed out at me that she kept it for a + better man, and then all in a breath asked pardon for that she had spoke + so rudely. Yet she would not take back the words either, nor would she + grant the veil. Has it seemed to thee, Alleyne, that she loves any one?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I cannot say,” said Alleyne, with a wild throb of sudden hope in his + heart. + </p> + <p> + “I have thought so, and yet I cannot name the man. Indeed, save myself, + and Walter Ford, and you, who are half a clerk, and Father Christopher of + the Priory, and Bertrand the page, who is there whom she sees?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell,” quoth Alleyne shortly; and the two squires rode on again, + each intent upon his own thoughts. + </p> + <p> + Next day at morning lesson the teacher observed that his pupil was indeed + looking pale and jaded, with listless eyes and a weary manner. He was + heavy-hearted to note the grievous change in her. + </p> + <p> + “Your mistress, I fear, is ill, Agatha,” he said to the tire-woman, when + the Lady Maude had sought her chamber. + </p> + <p> + The maid looked aslant at him with laughing eyes. “It is not an illness + that kills,” quoth she. + </p> + <p> + “Pray God not!” he cried. “But tell me, Agatha, what it is that ails her?” + </p> + <p> + “Methinks that I could lay my hand upon another who is smitten with the + same trouble,” said she, with the same sidelong look. “Canst not give a + name to it, and thou so skilled in leech-craft?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, save that she seems aweary.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, bethink you that it is but three days ere you will all be gone, and + Castle Twynham be as dull as the Priory. Is there not enough there to + cloud a lady's brow?” + </p> + <p> + “In sooth, yes,” he answered; “I had forgot that she is about to lose her + father.” + </p> + <p> + “Her father!” cried the tire-woman, with a little trill of laughter. “Oh + simple, simple!” And she was off down the passage like arrow from bow, + while Alleyne stood gazing after her, betwixt hope and doubt, scarce + daring to put faith in the meaning which seemed to underlie her words. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. HOW THE WHITE COMPANY SET FORTH TO THE WARS. + </h2> + <p> + St. Luke's day had come and had gone, and it was in the season of + Martinmas, when the oxen are driven in to the slaughter, that the White + Company was ready for its journey. Loud shrieked the brazen bugles from + keep and from gateway, and merry was the rattle of the war-drum, as the + men gathered in the outer bailey, with torches to light them, for the morn + had not yet broken. Alleyne, from the window of the armory, looked down + upon the strange scene—the circles of yellow flickering light, the + lines of stern and bearded faces, the quick shimmer of arms, and the lean + heads of the horses. In front stood the bow-men, ten deep, with a fringe + of under-officers, who paced hither and thither marshalling the ranks with + curt precept or short rebuke. Behind were the little clump of steel-clad + horsemen, their lances raised, with long pensils drooping down the oaken + shafts. So silent and still were they, that they might have been + metal-sheathed statues, were it not for the occasional quick, impatient + stamp of their chargers, or the rattle of chamfron against neck-plates as + they tossed and strained. A spear's length in front of them sat the spare + and long-limbed figure of Black Simon, the Norwich fighting man, his + fierce, deep-lined face framed in steel, and the silk guidon marked with + the five scarlet roses slanting over his right shoulder. All round, in the + edge of the circle of the light, stood the castle servants, the soldiers + who were to form the garrison, and little knots of women, who sobbed in + their aprons and called shrilly to their name-saints to watch over the + Wat, or Will, or Peterkin who had turned his hand to the work of war. + </p> + <p> + The young squire was leaning forward, gazing at the stirring and martial + scene, when he heard a short, quick gasp at his shoulder, and there was + the Lady Maude, with her hand to her heart, leaning up against the wall, + slender and fair, like a half-plucked lily. Her face was turned away from + him, but he could see, by the sharp intake of her breath, that she was + weeping bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! alas!” he cried, all unnerved at the sight, “why is it that you are + so sad, lady?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the sight of these brave men,” she answered; “and to think how many + of them go and how few are like to find their way back. I have seen it + before, when I was a little maid, in the year of the Prince's great + battle. I remember then how they mustered in the bailey, even as they do + now, and my lady-mother holding me in her arms at this very window that I + might see the show.” + </p> + <p> + “Please God, you will see them all back ere another year be out,” said he. + </p> + <p> + She shook her head, looking round at him with flushed cheeks and eyes that + sparkled in the lamp-light. “Oh, but I hate myself for being a woman!” she + cried, with a stamp of her little foot. “What can I do that is good? Here + I must bide, and talk and sew and spin, and spin and sew and talk. Ever + the same dull round, with nothing at the end of it. And now you are going + too, who could carry my thoughts out of these gray walls, and raise my + mind above tapestry and distaffs. What can I do? I am of no more use or + value than that broken bowstave.” + </p> + <p> + “You are of such value to me,” he cried, in a whirl of hot, passionate + words, “that all else has become nought. You are my heart, my life, my one + and only thought. Oh, Maude, I cannot live without you, I cannot leave you + without a word of love. All is changed to me since I have known you. I am + poor and lowly and all unworthy of you; but if great love may weigh down + such defects, then mine may do it. Give me but one word of hope to take to + the wars with me—but one. Ah, you shrink, you shudder! My wild words + have frightened you.” + </p> + <p> + Twice she opened her lips, and twice no sound came from them. At last she + spoke in a hard and measured voice, as one who dare not trust herself to + speak too freely. + </p> + <p> + “This is over sudden,” she said; “it is not so long since the world was + nothing to you. You have changed once; perchance you may change again.” + </p> + <p> + “Cruel!” he cried, “who hath changed me?” + </p> + <p> + “And then your brother,” she continued with a little laugh, disregarding + his question. “Methinks this hath become a family custom amongst the + Edricsons. Nay, I am sorry; I did not mean a jibe. But, indeed, Alleyne, + this hath come suddenly upon me, and I scarce know what to say.” + </p> + <p> + “Say some word of hope, however distant—some kind word that I may + cherish in my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Alleyne, it were a cruel kindness, and you have been too good and + true a friend to me that I should use you despitefully. There cannot be a + closer link between us. It is madness to think of it. Were there no other + reasons, it is enough that my father and your brother would both cry out + against it.” + </p> + <p> + “My brother, what has he to do with it? And your father——” + </p> + <p> + “Come, Alleyne, was it not you who would have me act fairly to all men, + and, certes, to my father amongst them?” + </p> + <p> + “You say truly,” he cried, “you say truly. But you do not reject me, + Maude? You give me some ray of hope? I do not ask pledge or promise. Say + only that I am not hateful to you—that on some happier day I may + hear kinder words from you.” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes softened upon him, and a kind answer was on her lips, when a + hoarse shout, with the clatter of arms and stamping of steeds, rose up + from the bailey below. At the sound her face set her eyes sparkled, and + she stood with flushed cheek and head thrown back—a woman's body, + with a soul of fire. + </p> + <p> + “My father hath gone down,” she cried. “Your place is by his side. Nay, + look not at me, Alleyne. It is no time for dallying. Win my father's love, + and all may follow. It is when the brave soldier hath done his devoir that + he hopes for his reward. Farewell, and may God be with you!” She held out + her white, slim hand to him, but as he bent his lips over it she whisked + away and was gone, leaving in his outstretched hand the very green veil + for which poor Peter Terlake had craved in vain. Again the hoarse cheering + burst out from below, and he heard the clang of the rising portcullis. + Pressing the veil to his lips, he thrust it into the bosom of his tunic, + and rushed as fast as feet could bear him to arm himself and join the + muster. + </p> + <p> + The raw morning had broken ere the hot spiced ale had been served round + and the last farewell spoken. A cold wind blew up from the sea and ragged + clouds drifted swiftly across the sky. + </p> + <p> + The Christchurch townsfolk stood huddled about the Bridge of Avon, the + women pulling tight their shawls and the men swathing themselves in their + gaberdines, while down the winding path from the castle came the van of + the little army, their feet clanging on the hard, frozen road. First came + Black Simon with his banner, bestriding a lean and powerful dapple-gray + charger, as hard and wiry and warwise as himself. After him, riding three + abreast, were nine men-at-arms, all picked soldiers, who had followed the + French wars before, and knew the marches of Picardy as they knew the downs + of their native Hampshire. They were armed to the teeth with lance, sword, + and mace, with square shields notched at the upper right-hand corner to + serve as a spear-rest. For defence each man wore a coat of interlaced + leathern thongs, strengthened at the shoulder, elbow, and upper arm with + slips of steel. Greaves and knee-pieces were also of leather backed by + steel, and their gauntlets and shoes were of iron plates, craftily + jointed. So, with jingle of arms and clatter of hoofs, they rode across + the Bridge of Avon, while the burghers shouted lustily for the flag of the + five roses and its gallant guard. + </p> + <p> + Close at the heels of the horses came two-score archers bearded and burly, + their round targets on their backs and their long yellow bows, the most + deadly weapon that the wit of man had yet devised, thrusting forth from + behind their shoulders. From each man's girdle hung sword or axe, + according to his humor, and over the right hip there jutted out the + leathern quiver with its bristle of goose, pigeon, and peacock feathers. + Behind the bowmen strode two trumpeters blowing upon nakirs, and two + drummers in parti-colored clothes. After them came twenty-seven sumpter + horses carrying tent-poles, cloth, spare arms, spurs, wedges, cooking + kettles, horse-shoes, bags of nails and the hundred other things which + experience had shown to be needful in a harried and hostile country. A + white mule with red trappings, led by a varlet, carried Sir Nigel's own + napery and table comforts. Then came two-score more archers, ten more + men-at-arms, and finally a rear guard of twenty bowmen, with big John + towering in the front rank and the veteran Aylward marching by the side, + his battered harness and faded surcoat in strange contrast with the + snow-white jupons and shining brigandines of his companions. A quick + cross-fire of greetings and questions and rough West Saxon jests flew from + rank to rank, or were bandied about betwixt the marching archers and the + gazing crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Hola, Gaffer Higginson!” cried Aylward, as he spied the portly figure of + the village innkeeper. “No more of thy nut-brown, mon gar. We leave it + behind us.” + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul, no!” cried the other. “You take it with you. Devil a drop + have you left in the great kilderkin. It was time for you to go.” + </p> + <p> + “If your cask is leer, I warrant your purse is full, gaffer,” shouted + Hordle John. “See that you lay in good store of the best for our + home-coming.” + </p> + <p> + “See that you keep your throat whole for the drinking of it archer,” cried + a voice, and the crowd laughed at the rough pleasantry. + </p> + <p> + “If you will warrant the beer, I will warrant the throat,” said John + composedly. + </p> + <p> + “Close up the ranks!” cried Aylward. “En avant, mes enfants! Ah, by my + finger bones, there is my sweet Mary from the Priory Mill! Ma foi, but she + is beautiful! Adieu, Mary ma cherie! Mon coeur est toujours a toi. Brace + your belt, Watkins, man, and swing your shoulders as a free companion + should. By my hilt! your jerkins will be as dirty as mine ere you clap + eyes on Hengistbury Head again.” + </p> + <p> + The Company had marched to the turn of the road ere Sir Nigel Loring rode + out from the gateway, mounted on Pommers, his great black war-horse, whose + ponderous footfall on the wooden drawbridge echoed loudly from the gloomy + arch which spanned it. Sir Nigel was still in his velvet dress of peace, + with flat velvet cap of maintenance, and curling ostrich feather clasped + in a golden brooch. To his three squires riding behind him it looked as + though he bore the bird's egg as well as its feather, for the back of his + bald pate shone like a globe of ivory. He bore no arms save the long and + heavy sword which hung at his saddle-bow; but Terlake carried in front of + him the high wivern-crested bassinet, Ford the heavy ash spear with + swallow-tail pennon, while Alleyne was entrusted with the emblazoned + shield. The Lady Loring rode her palfrey at her lord's bridle-arm, for she + would see him as far as the edge of the forest, and ever and anon she + turned her hard-lined face up wistfully to him and ran a questioning eye + over his apparel and appointments. + </p> + <p> + “I trust that there is nothing forgot,” she said, beckoning to Alleyne to + ride on her further side. “I trust him to you, Edricson. Hosen, shirts, + cyclas, and under-jupons are in the brown basket on the left side of the + mule. His wine he takes hot when the nights are cold, malvoisie or + vernage, with as much spice as would cover the thumb-nail. See that he + hath a change if he come back hot from the tilting. There is goose-grease + in a box, if the old scars ache at the turn of the weather. Let his + blankets be dry and——” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my heart's life,” the little knight interrupted, “trouble not now + about such matters. Why so pale and wan, Edricson? Is it not enow to make + a man's heart dance to see this noble Company, such valiant men-at-arms, + such lusty archers? By St. Paul! I would be ill to please if I were not + blithe to see the red roses flying at the head of so noble a following!” + </p> + <p> + “The purse I have already given you, Edricson,” continued the lady. “There + are in it twenty-three marks, one noble, three shillings and fourpence, + which is a great treasure for one man to carry. And I pray you to bear in + mind, Edricson, that he hath two pair of shoes, those of red leather for + common use, and the others with golden toe-chains, which he may wear + should he chance to drink wine with the Prince or with Chandos.” + </p> + <p> + “My sweet bird,” said Sir Nigel, “I am right loth to part from you, but we + are now at the fringe of the forest, and it is not right that I should + take the chatelaine too far from her trust.” + </p> + <p> + “But oh, my dear lord,” she cried with a trembling lip, “let me bide with + you for one furlong further—or one and a half perhaps. You may spare + me this out of the weary miles that you will journey along.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, then, my heart's comfort,” he answered. “But I must crave a gage + from thee. It is my custom, dearling, and hath been since I have first + known thee, to proclaim by herald in such camps, townships, or fortalices + as I may chance to visit, that my lady-love, being beyond compare the + fairest and sweetest in Christendom, I should deem it great honor and + kindly condescension if any cavalier would run three courses against me + with sharpened lances, should he chance to have a lady whose claim he was + willing to advance. I pray you then my fair dove, that you will vouchsafe + to me one of those doeskin gloves, that I may wear it as the badge of her + whose servant I shall ever be.” + </p> + <p> + “Alack and alas for the fairest and sweetest!” she cried. “Fair and sweet + I would fain be for your dear sake, my lord, but old I am and ugly, and + the knights would laugh should you lay lance in rest in such a cause.” + </p> + <p> + “Edricson,” quoth Sir Nigel, “you have young eyes, and mine are somewhat + bedimmed. Should you chance to see a knight laugh, or smile, or even, look + you, arch his brows, or purse his mouth, or in any way show surprise that + I should uphold the Lady Mary, you will take particular note of his name, + his coat-armor, and his lodging. Your glove, my life's desire!” + </p> + <p> + The Lady Mary Loring slipped her hand from her yellow leather gauntlet, + and he, lifting it with dainty reverence, bound it to the front of his + velvet cap. + </p> + <p> + “It is with mine other guardian angels,” quoth he, pointing at the saints' + medals which hung beside it. “And now, my dearest, you have come far enow. + May the Virgin guard and prosper thee! One kiss!” He bent down from his + saddle, and then, striking spurs into his horse's sides, he galloped at + top speed after his men, with his three squires at his heels. Half a mile + further, where the road topped a hill, they looked back, and the Lady Mary + on her white palfrey was still where they had left her. A moment later + they were on the downward slope, and she had vanished from their view. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. HOW SIR NIGEL SOUGHT FOR A WAYSIDE VENTURE. + </h2> + <p> + For a time Sir Nigel was very moody and downcast, with bent brows and eyes + upon the pommel of his saddle. Edricson and Terlake rode behind him in + little better case, while Ford, a careless and light-hearted youth, + grinned at the melancholy of his companions, and flourished his lord's + heavy spear, making a point to right and a point to left, as though he + were a paladin contending against a host of assailants. Sir Nigel + happened, however, to turn himself in his saddle—Ford instantly became as + stiff and as rigid as though he had been struck with a palsy. The four + rode alone, for the archers had passed a curve in the road, though Alleyne + could still hear the heavy clump, clump of their marching, or catch a + glimpse of the sparkle of steel through the tangle of leafless branches. + </p> + <p> + “Ride by my side, friends, I entreat of you,” said the knight, reining in + his steed that they might come abreast of him. “For, since it hath pleased + you to follow me to the wars, it were well that you should know how you + may best serve me. I doubt not, Terlake, that you will show yourself a + worthy son of a valiant father; and you, Ford, of yours; and you, + Edricson, that you are mindful of the old-time house from which all men + know that you are sprung. And first I would have you bear very steadfastly + in mind that our setting forth is by no means for the purpose of gaining + spoil or exacting ransom, though it may well happen that such may come to + us also. We go to France, and from thence I trust to Spain, in humble + search of a field in which we may win advancement and perchance some small + share of glory. For this purpose I would have you know that it is not my + wont to let any occasion pass where it is in any way possible that honor + may be gained. I would have you bear this in mind, and give great heed to + it that you may bring me word of all cartels, challenges, wrongs, + tyrannies, infamies, and wronging of damsels. Nor is any occasion too + small to take note of, for I have known such trifles as the dropping of a + gauntlet, or the flicking of a breadcrumb, when well and properly followed + up, lead to a most noble spear-running. But, Edricson, do I not see a + cavalier who rides down yonder road amongst the nether shaw? It would be + well, perchance, that you should give him greeting from me. And, should he + be of gentle blood it may be that he would care to exchange thrusts with + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, my lord,” quoth Ford, standing in his stirrups and shading his eyes, + “it is old Hob Davidson, the fat miller of Milton!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, so it is, indeed,” said Sir Nigel, puckering his cheeks; “but wayside + ventures are not to be scorned, for I have seen no finer passages than are + to be had from such chance meetings, when cavaliers are willing to advance + themselves. I can well remember that two leagues from the town of Rheims I + met a very valiant and courteous cavalier of France, with whom I had + gentle and most honorable contention for upwards of an hour. It hath ever + grieved me that I had not his name, for he smote upon me with a mace and + went upon his way ere I was in condition to have much speech with him; but + his arms were an allurion in chief above a fess azure. I was also on such + an occasion thrust through the shoulder by Lyon de Montcourt, whom I met + on the high road betwixt Libourne and Bordeaux. I met him but the once, + but I have never seen a man for whom I bear a greater love and esteem. And + so also with the squire Le Bourg Capillet, who would have been a very + valiant captain had he lived.” + </p> + <p> + “He is dead then?” asked Alleyne Edricson. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! it was my ill fate to slay him in a bickering which broke out in a + field near the township of Tarbes. I cannot call to mind how the thing + came about, for it was in the year of the Prince's ride through Languedoc, + when there was much fine skirmishing to be had at barriers. By St. Paul! I + do not think that any honorable cavalier could ask for better chance of + advancement than might be had by spurring forth before the army and riding + to the gateways of Narbonne, or Bergerac or Mont Giscar, where some + courteous gentleman would ever be at wait to do what he might to meet your + wish or ease you of your vow. Such a one at Ventadour ran three courses + with me betwixt daybreak and sunrise, to the great exaltation of his + lady.” + </p> + <p> + “And did you slay him also, my lord?” asked Ford with reverence. + </p> + <p> + “I could never learn, for he was carried within the barrier, and as I had + chanced to break the bone of my leg it was a great unease for me to ride + or even to stand. Yet, by the goodness of heaven and the pious + intercession of the valiant St. George, I was able to sit my charger in + the ruffle of Poictiers, which was no very long time afterwards. But what + have we here? A very fair and courtly maiden, or I mistake.” + </p> + <p> + It was indeed a tall and buxom country lass, with a basket of + spinach-leaves upon her head, and a great slab of bacon tucked under one + arm. She bobbed a frightened curtsey as Sir Nigel swept his velvet hat + from his head and reined up his great charger. + </p> + <p> + “God be with thee, fair maiden!” said he. + </p> + <p> + “God guard thee, my lord!” she answered, speaking in the broadest West + Saxon speech, and balancing herself first on one foot and then on the + other in her bashfulness. + </p> + <p> + “Fear not, my fair damsel,” said Sir Nigel, “but tell me if perchance a + poor and most unworthy knight can in any wise be of service to you. Should + it chance that you have been used despitefully, it may be that I may + obtain justice for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Lawk no, kind sir,” she answered, clutching her bacon the tighter, as + though some design upon it might be hid under this knightly offer. “I be + the milking wench o' fairmer Arnold, and he be as kind a maister as heart + could wish.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” said he, and with a shake of the bridle rode on down the + woodland path. “I would have you bear in mind,” he continued to his + squires, “that gentle courtesy is not, as is the base use of so many false + knights, to be shown only to maidens of high degree, for there is no woman + so humble that a true knight may not listen to her tale of wrong. But here + comes a cavalier who is indeed in haste. Perchance it would be well that + we should ask him whither he rides, for it may be that he is one who + desires to advance himself in chivalry.” + </p> + <p> + The bleak, hard, wind-swept road dipped down in front of them into a + little valley, and then, writhing up the heathy slope upon the other side, + lost itself among the gaunt pine-trees. Far away between the black lines + of trunks the quick glitter of steel marked where the Company pursued its + way. To the north stretched the tree country, but to the south, between + two swelling downs, a glimpse might be caught of the cold gray shimmer of + the sea, with the white fleck of a galley sail upon the distant sky-line. + Just in front of the travellers a horseman was urging his steed up the + slope, driving it on with whip and spur as one who rides for a set + purpose. As he clattered up, Alleyne could see that the roan horse was + gray with dust and flecked with foam, as though it had left many a mile + behind it. The rider was a stern-faced man, hard of mouth and dry of eye, + with a heavy sword clanking at his side, and a stiff white bundle swathed + in linen balanced across the pommel of his saddle. + </p> + <p> + “The king's messenger,” he bawled as he came up to them. “The messenger of + the king. Clear the causeway for the king's own man.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so loudly, friend,” quoth the little knight, reining his horse half + round to bar the path. “I have myself been the king's man for thirty years + or more, but I have not been wont to halloo about it on a peaceful + highway.” + </p> + <p> + “I ride in his service,” cried the other, “and I carry that which belongs + to him. You bar my path at your peril.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet I have known the king's enemies claim to ride in his same,” said Sir + Nigel. “The foul fiend may lurk beneath a garment of light. We must have + some sign or warrant of your mission.” + </p> + <p> + “Then must I hew a passage,” cried the stranger, with his shoulder braced + round and his hand upon his hilt. “I am not to be stopped on the king's + service by every gadabout.” + </p> + <p> + “Should you be a gentleman of quarterings and coat-armor,” lisped Sir + Nigel, “I shall be very blithe to go further into the matter with you. If + not, I have three very worthy squires, any one of whom would take the + thing upon himself, and debate it with you in a very honorable way.” + </p> + <p> + The man scowled from one to the other, and his hand stole away from his + sword. + </p> + <p> + “You ask me for a sign,” he said. “Here is a sign for you, since you must + have one.” As he spoke he whirled the covering from the object in front of + him and showed to their horror that it was a newly-severed human leg. “By + God's tooth!” he continued, with a brutal laugh, “you ask me if I am a man + of quarterings, and it is even so, for I am officer to the verderer's + court at Lyndhurst. This thievish leg is to hang at Milton, and the other + is already at Brockenhurst, as a sign to all men of what comes of being + over-fond of venison pasty.” + </p> + <p> + “Faugh!” cried Sir Nigel. “Pass on the other side of the road, fellow, and + let us have the wind of you. We shall trot our horses, my friends, across + this pleasant valley, for, by Our Lady! a breath of God's fresh air is + right welcome after such a sight.” + </p> + <p> + “We hoped to snare a falcon,” said he presently, “but we netted a + carrion-crow. Ma foi! but there are men whose hearts are tougher than a + boar's hide. For me, I have played the old game of war since ever I had + hair on my chin, and I have seen ten thousand brave men in one day with + their faces to the sky, but I swear by Him who made me that I cannot abide + the work of the butcher.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet, my fair lord,” said Edricson, “there has, from what I hear, been + much of such devil's work in France.” + </p> + <p> + “Too much, too much,” he answered. “But I have ever observed that the + foremost in the field are they who would scorn to mishandle a prisoner. By + St. Paul! it is not they who carry the breach who are wont to sack the + town, but the laggard knaves who come crowding in when a way has been + cleared for them. But what is this among the trees?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a shrine of Our Lady,” said Terlake, “and a blind beggar who lives + by the alms of those who worship there.” + </p> + <p> + “A shrine!” cried the knight. “Then let us put up an orison.” Pulling off + his cap, and clasping his hands, he chanted in a shrill voice: “Benedictus + dominus Deus meus, qui docet manus meas ad proelium, et digitos meos ad + bellum.” A strange figure he seemed to his three squires, perched on his + huge horse, with his eyes upturned and the wintry sun shimmering upon his + bald head. “It is a noble prayer,” he remarked, putting on his hat again, + “and it was taught to me by the noble Chandos himself. But how fares it + with you, father? Methinks that I should have ruth upon you, seeing that I + am myself like one who looks through a horn window while his neighbors + have the clear crystal. Yet, by St. Paul! there is a long stride between + the man who hath a horn casement and him who is walled in on every hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! fair sir,” cried the blind old man, “I have not seen the blessed + blue of heaven this two-score years, since a levin flash burned the sight + out of my head.” + </p> + <p> + “You have been blind to much that is goodly and fair,” quoth Sir Nigel, + “but you have also been spared much that is sorry and foul. This very hour + our eyes have been shocked with that which would have left you unmoved. + But, by St. Paul! we must on, or our Company will think that they have + lost their captain somewhat early in the venture. Throw the man my purse, + Edricson, and let us go.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne, lingering behind, bethought him of the Lady Loring's counsel, and + reduced the noble gift which the knight had so freely bestowed to a single + penny, which the beggar with many mumbled blessings thrust away into his + wallet. Then, spurring his steed, the young squire rode at the top of his + speed after his companions, and overtook them just at the spot where the + trees fringe off into the moor and the straggling hamlet of Hordle lies + scattered on either side of the winding and deeply-rutted track. The + Company was already well-nigh through the village; but, as the knight and + his squires closed up upon them, they heard the clamor of a strident + voice, followed by a roar of deep-chested laughter from the ranks of the + archers. Another minute brought them up with the rear-guard, where every + man marched with his beard on his shoulder and a face which was agrin with + merriment. By the side of the column walked a huge red-headed bowman, with + his hands thrown out in argument and expostulation, while close at his + heels followed a little wrinkled woman who poured forth a shrill volley of + abuse, varied by an occasional thwack from her stick, given with all the + force of her body, though she might have been beating one of the forest + trees for all the effect that she seemed likely to produce. + </p> + <p> + “I trust, Aylward,” said Sir Nigel gravely, as he rode up, “that this doth + not mean that any violence hath been offered to women. If such a thing + happened, I tell you that the man shall hang, though he were the best + archer that ever wore brassart.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my fair lord,” Aylward answered with a grin, “it is violence which + is offered to a man. He comes from Hordle, and this is his mother who hath + come forth to welcome him.” + </p> + <p> + “You rammucky lurden,” she was howling, with a blow between each catch of + her breath, “you shammocking, yaping, over-long good-for-nought. I will + teach thee! I will baste thee! Aye, by my faith!” + </p> + <p> + “Whist, mother,” said John, looking back at her from the tail of his eye, + “I go to France as an archer to give blows and to take them.” + </p> + <p> + “To France, quotha?” cried the old dame. “Bide here with me, and I shall + warrant you more blows than you are like to get in France. If blows be + what you seek, you need not go further than Hordle.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! the good dame speaks truth,” said Aylward. “It seems to be + the very home of them.” + </p> + <p> + “What have you to say, you clean-shaved galley-beggar?” cried the fiery + dame, turning upon the archer. “Can I not speak with my own son but you + must let your tongue clack? A soldier, quotha, and never a hair on his + face. I have seen a better soldier with pap for food and swaddling clothes + for harness.” + </p> + <p> + “Stand to it, Aylward,” cried the archers, amid a fresh burst of laughter. + </p> + <p> + “Do not thwart her, comrade,” said big John. “She hath a proper spirit for + her years and cannot abide to be thwarted. It is kindly and homely to me + to hear her voice and to feel that she is behind me. But I must leave you + now, mother, for the way is over-rough for your feet; but I will bring you + back a silken gown, if there be one in France or Spain, and I will bring + Jinny a silver penny; so good-bye to you, and God have you in His + keeping!” Whipping up the little woman, he lifted her lightly to his lips, + and then, taking his place in the ranks again, marched on with the + laughing Company. + </p> + <p> + “That was ever his way,” she cried, appealing to Sir Nigel, who reined up + his horse and listened with the greatest courtesy. “He would jog on his + own road for all that I could do to change him. First he must be a monk + forsooth, and all because a wench was wise enough to turn her back on him. + Then he joins a rascally crew and must needs trapse off to the wars, and + me with no one to bait the fire if I be out, or tend the cow if I be home. + Yet I have been a good mother to him. Three hazel switches a day have I + broke across his shoulders, and he takes no more notice than you have seen + him to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Doubt not that he will come back to you both safe and prosperous, my fair + dame,” quoth Sir Nigel. “Meanwhile it grieves me that as I have already + given my purse to a beggar up the road I——” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my lord,” said Alleyne, “I still have some moneys remaining.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I pray you to give them to this very worthy woman.” He cantered on + as he spoke, while Alleyne, having dispensed two more pence, left the old + dame standing by the furthest cottage of Hordle, with her shrill voice + raised in blessings instead of revilings. + </p> + <p> + There were two cross-roads before they reached the Lymington Ford, and at + each of then Sir Nigel pulled up his horse, and waited with many a curvet + and gambade, craning his neck this way and that to see if fortune would + send him a venture. Crossroads had, as he explained, been rare places for + knightly spear-runnings, and in his youth it was no uncommon thing for a + cavalier to abide for weeks at such a point, holding gentle debate with + all comers, to his own advancement and the great honor of his lady. The + times were changed, however, and the forest tracks wound away from them + deserted and silent, with no trample of war-horse or clang of armor which + might herald the approach of an adversary—so that Sir Nigel rode on + his way disconsolate. At the Lymington River they splashed through the + ford, and lay in the meadows on the further side to eat the bread and salt + meat which they carried upon the sumpter horses. Then, ere the sun was on + the slope of the heavens, they had deftly trussed up again, and were + swinging merrily upon their way, two hundred feet moving like two. + </p> + <p> + There is a third cross-road where the track from Boldre runs down to the + old fishing village of Pitt's Deep. Down this, as they came abreast of it, + there walked two men, the one a pace or two behind the other. The + cavaliers could not but pull up their horses to look at them, for a + stranger pair were never seen journeying together. The first was a + misshapen, squalid man with cruel, cunning eyes and a shock of tangled red + hair, bearing in his hands a small unpainted cross, which he held high so + that all men might see it. He seemed to be in the last extremity of + fright, with a face the color of clay and his limbs all ashake as one who + hath an ague. Behind him, with his toe ever rasping upon the other's + heels, there walked a very stern, black-bearded man with a hard eye and a + set mouth. He bore over his shoulder a great knotted stick with three + jagged nails stuck in the head of it, and from time to time he whirled it + up in the air with a quivering arm, as though he could scarce hold back + from dashing his companion's brains out. So in silence they walked under + the spread of the branches on the grass-grown path from Boldre. + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul!” quoth the knight, “but this is a passing strange sight, and + perchance some very perilous and honorable venture may arise from it. I + pray you, Edricson, to ride up to them and to ask them the cause of it.” + </p> + <p> + There was no need, however, for him to move, for the twain came swiftly + towards them until they were within a spear's length, when the man with + the cross sat himself down sullenly upon a tussock of grass by the + wayside, while the other stood beside him with his great cudgel still + hanging over his head. So intent was he that he raised his eyes neither to + knight nor squires, but kept them ever fixed with a savage glare upon his + comrade. + </p> + <p> + “I pray you, friend,” said Sir Nigel, “to tell us truthfully who you are, + and why you follow this man with such bitter enmity?” + </p> + <p> + “So long as I am within the pale of the king's law,” the stranger + answered, “I cannot see why I should render account to every passing + wayfarer.” + </p> + <p> + “You are no very shrewd reasoner, fellow,” quoth the knight; “for if it be + within the law for you to threaten him with your club, then it is also + lawful for me to threaten you with my sword.” + </p> + <p> + The man with the cross was down in an instant on his knees upon the + ground, with hands clasped above him and his face shining with hope. “For + dear Christ's sake, my fair lord,” he cried in a crackling voice, “I have + at my belt a bag with a hundred rose nobles, and I will give it to you + freely if you will but pass your sword through this man's body.” + </p> + <p> + “How, you foul knave?” exclaimed Sir Nigel hotly. “Do you think that a + cavalier's arm is to be bought like a packman's ware. By St. Paul! I have + little doubt that this fellow hath some very good cause to hold you in + hatred.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, my fair sir, you speak sooth,” quoth he with the club, while the + other seated himself once more by the wayside. “For this man is Peter + Peterson, a very noted rieve, draw-latch, and murtherer, who has wrought + much evil for many years in the parts about Winchester. It was but the + other day, upon the feasts of the blessed Simon and Jude, that he slew my + younger brother William in Bere Forest—for which, by the black thorn + of Glastonbury! I shall have his heart's blood, though I walk behind him + to the further end of earth.” + </p> + <p> + “But if this be indeed so,” asked Sir Nigel, “why is it that you have come + with him so far through the forest?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I am an honest Englishman, and will take no more than the law + allows. For when the deed was done this foul and base wretch fled to + sanctuary at St. Cross, and I, as you may think, after him with all the + posse. The prior, however, hath so ordered that while he holds this cross + no man may lay hand upon him without the ban of church, which heaven + forfend from me or mine. Yet, if for an instant he lay the cross aside, or + if he fail to journey to Pitt's Deep, where it is ordered that he shall + take ship to outland parts, or if he take not the first ship, or if until + the ship be ready he walk not every day into the sea as far as his loins, + then he becomes outlaw, and I shall forthwith dash out his brains.” + </p> + <p> + At this the man on the ground snarled up at him like a rat, while the + other clenched his teeth, and shook his club, and looked down at him with + murder in his eyes. Knight and squire gazed from rogue to avenger, but as + it was a matter which none could mend they tarried no longer, but rode + upon their way. Alleyne, looking back, saw that the murderer had drawn + bread and cheese from his scrip, and was silently munching it, with the + protecting cross still hugged to his breast, while the other, black and + grim, stood in the sunlit road and threw his dark shadow athwart him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. HOW THE YELLOW COG SAILED FORTH FROM LEPE. + </h2> + <p> + That night the Company slept at St. Leonard's, in the great monastic barns + and spicarium—ground well known both to Alleyne and to John, for + they were almost within sight of the Abbey of Beaulieu. A strange thrill + it gave to the young squire to see the well-remembered white dress once + more, and to hear the measured tolling of the deep vespers bell. At early + dawn they passed across the broad, sluggish, reed-girt stream—men, + horses, and baggage in the flat ferry barges—and so journeyed on + through the fresh morning air past Exbury to Lepe. Topping the heathy + down, they came of a sudden full in sight of the old sea-port—a + cluster of houses, a trail of blue smoke, and a bristle of masts. To right + and left the long blue curve of the Solent lapped in a fringe of foam upon + the yellow beach. Some way out from the town a line of pessoners, creyers, + and other small craft were rolling lazily on the gentle swell. Further out + still lay a great merchant-ship, high ended, deep waisted, painted of a + canary yellow, and towering above the fishing-boats like a swan among + ducklings. + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul!” said the knight, “our good merchant of Southampton hath not + played us false, for methinks I can see our ship down yonder. He said that + she would be of great size and of a yellow shade.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt, yes!” muttered Aylward; “she is yellow as a kite's claw, and + would carry as many men as there are pips in a pomegranate.” + </p> + <p> + “It is as well,” remarked Terlake; “for methinks, my fair lord, that we + are not the only ones who are waiting a passage to Gascony. Mine eye + catches at times a flash and sparkle among yonder houses which assuredly + never came from shipman's jacket or the gaberdine of a burgher.” + </p> + <p> + “I can also see it,” said Alleyne, shading his eyes with his hand. “And I + can see men-at-arms in yonder boats which ply betwixt the vessel and the + shore. But methinks that we are very welcome here, for already they come + forth to meet us.” + </p> + <p> + A tumultuous crowd of fishermen, citizens, and women had indeed swarmed + out from the northern gate, and approached them up the side of the moor, + waving their hands and dancing with joy, as though a great fear had been + rolled back from their minds. At their head rode a very large and solemn + man with a long chin and a drooping lip. He wore a fur tippet round his + neck and a heavy gold chain over it, with a medallion which dangled in + front of him. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, most puissant and noble lord,” he cried, doffing his bonnet to + Black Simon. “I have heard of your lordship's valiant deeds, and in sooth + they might be expected from your lordship's face and bearing. Is there any + small matter in which I may oblige you?” + </p> + <p> + “Since you ask me,” said the man-at-arms, “I would take it kindly if you + could spare a link or two of the chain which hangs round your neck.” + </p> + <p> + “What, the corporation chain!” cried the other in horror. “The ancient + chain of the township of Lepe! This is but a sorry jest, Sir Nigel.” + </p> + <p> + “What the plague did you ask me for then?” said Simon. “But if it is Sir + Nigel Loring with whom you would speak, that is he upon the black horse.” + </p> + <p> + The Mayor of Lepe gazed with amazement on the mild face and slender frame + of the famous warrior. + </p> + <p> + “Your pardon, my gracious lord,” he cried. “You see in me the mayor and + chief magistrate of the ancient and powerful town of Lepe. I bid you very + heartily welcome, and the more so as you are come at a moment when we are + sore put to it for means of defence.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” cried Sir Nigel, pricking up his ears. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord, for the town being very ancient and the walls as old as the + town, it follows that they are very ancient too. But there is a certain + villainous and bloodthirsty Norman pirate hight Tete-noire, who, with a + Genoan called Tito Caracci, commonly known as Spade-beard, hath been a + mighty scourge upon these coasts. Indeed, my lord, they are very cruel and + black-hearted men, graceless and ruthless, and if they should come to the + ancient and powerful town of Lepe then—” + </p> + <p> + “Then good-bye to the ancient and powerful town of Lepe,” quoth Ford, + whose lightness of tongue could at times rise above his awe of Sir Nigel. + </p> + <p> + The knight, however, was too much intent upon the matter in hand to give + heed to the flippancy of his squire. “Have you then cause,” he asked, “to + think that these men are about to venture an attempt upon you?” + </p> + <p> + “They have come in two great galleys,” answered the mayor, “with two bank + of oars on either side, and great store of engines of war and of + men-at-arms. At Weymouth and at Portland they have murdered and ravished. + Yesterday morning they were at Cowes, and we saw the smoke from the + burning crofts. To-day they lie at their ease near Freshwater, and we fear + much lest they come upon us and do us a mischief.” + </p> + <p> + “We cannot tarry,” said Sir Nigel, riding towards the town, with the mayor + upon his left side; “the Prince awaits us at Bordeaux, and we may not be + behind the general muster. Yet I will promise you that on our way we shall + find time to pass Freshwater and to prevail upon these rovers to leave you + in peace.” + </p> + <p> + “We are much beholden to you!” cried the mayor “But I cannot see, my lord, + how, without a war-ship, you may venture against these men. With your + archers, however, you might well hold the town and do them great scath if + they attempt to land.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a very proper cog out yonder,” said Sir Nigel, “it would be a + very strange thing if any ship were not a war-ship when it had such men as + these upon her decks. Certes, we shall do as I say, and that no later than + this very day.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said a rough-haired, dark-faced man, who walked by the knight's + other stirrup, with his head sloped to catch all that he was saying. “By + your leave, I have no doubt that you are skilled in land fighting and the + marshalling of lances, but, by my soul! you will find it another thing + upon the sea. I am the master-shipman of this yellow cog, and my name is + Goodwin Hawtayne. I have sailed since I was as high as this staff, and I + have fought against these Normans and against the Genoese, as well as the + Scotch, the Bretons, the Spanish, and the Moors. I tell you, sir, that my + ship is over light and over frail for such work, and it will but end in + our having our throats cut, or being sold as slaves to the Barbary + heathen.” + </p> + <p> + “I also have experienced one or two gentle and honorable ventures upon the + sea,” quoth Sir Nigel, “and I am right blithe to have so fair a task + before us. I think, good master-shipman, that you and I may win great + honor in this matter, and I can see very readily that you are a brave and + stout man.” + </p> + <p> + “I like it not,” said the other sturdily. “In God's name, I like it not. + And yet Goodwin Hawtayne is not the man to stand back when his fellows are + for pressing forward. By my soul! be it sink or swim, I shall turn her + beak into Freshwater Bay, and if good Master Witherton, of Southampton, + like not my handling of his ship then he may find another master-shipman.” + </p> + <p> + They were close by the old north gate of the little town, and Alleyne, + half turning in his saddle, looked back at the motley crowd who followed. + The bowmen and men-at-arms had broken their ranks and were intermingled + with the fishermen and citizens, whose laughing faces and hearty gestures + bespoke the weight of care from which this welcome arrival had relieved + them. Here and there among the moving throng of dark jerkins and of white + surcoats were scattered dashes of scarlet and blue, the whimples or shawls + of the women. Aylward, with a fishing lass on either arm, was vowing + constancy alternately to her on the right and her on the left, while big + John towered in the rear with a little chubby maiden enthroned upon his + great shoulder, her soft white arm curled round his shining headpiece. So + the throng moved on, until at the very gate it was brought to a stand by a + wondrously fat man, who came darting forth from the town with rage in + every feature of his rubicund face. + </p> + <p> + “How now, Sir Mayor?” he roared, in a voice like a bull. “How now, Sir + Mayor? How of the clams and the scallops?” + </p> + <p> + “By Our Lady! my sweet Sir Oliver,” cried the mayor. “I have had so much + to think of, with these wicked villains so close upon us, that it had + quite gone out of my head.” + </p> + <p> + “Words, words!” shouted the other furiously. “Am I to be put off with + words? I say to you again, how of the clams and scallops?” + </p> + <p> + “My fair sir, you flatter me,” cried the mayor. “I am a peaceful trader, + and I am not wont to be so shouted at upon so small a matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Small!” shrieked the other. “Small! Clams and scallops! Ask me to your + table to partake of the dainty of the town, and when I come a barren + welcome and a bare board! Where is my spear-bearer?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Sir Oliver, Sir Oliver!” cried Sir Nigel, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Let your anger be appeased, since instead of this dish you come upon an + old friend and comrade.” + </p> + <p> + “By St. Martin of Tours!” shouted the fat knight, his wrath all changed in + an instant to joy, “if it is not my dear little game rooster of the + Garonne. Ah, my sweet coz, I am right glad to see you. What days we have + seen together!” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, by my faith,” cried Sir Nigel, with sparkling eyes, “we have seen + some valiant men, and we have shown our pennons in some noble skirmishes. + By St. Paul! we have had great joys in France.” + </p> + <p> + “And sorrows also,” quoth the other. “I have some sad memories of the + land. Can you recall that which befell us at Libourne?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I cannot call to mind that we ever so much as drew sword at the + place.” + </p> + <p> + “Man, man,” cried Sir Oliver, “your mind still runs on nought but blades + and bassinets. Hast no space in thy frame for the softer joys. Ah, even + now I can scarce speak of it unmoved. So noble a pie, such tender pigeons, + and sugar in the gravy instead of salt! You were by my side that day, as + were Sir Claude Latour and the Lord of Pommers.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember it,” said Sir Nigel, laughing, “and how you harried the cook + down the street, and spoke of setting fire to the inn. By St. Paul! most + worthy mayor, my old friend is a perilous man, and I rede you that you + compose your difference with him on such terms as you may.” + </p> + <p> + “The clams and scallops shall be ready within the hour,” the mayor + answered. “I had asked Sir Oliver Buttesthorn to do my humble board the + honor to partake at it of the dainty upon which we take some little pride, + but in sooth this alarm of pirates hath cast such a shadow on my wits that + I am like one distrait. But I trust, Sir Nigel, that you will also partake + of none-meat with me?” + </p> + <p> + “I have overmuch to do,” Sir Nigel answered, “for we must be aboard, horse + and man, as early as we may. How many do you muster, Sir Oliver?” + </p> + <p> + “Three and forty. The forty are drunk, and the three are but indifferent + sober. I have them all safe upon the ship.” + </p> + <p> + “They had best find their wits again, for I shall have work for every man + of them ere the sun set. It is my intention, if it seems good to you, to + try a venture against these Norman and Genoese rovers.” + </p> + <p> + “They carry caviare and certain very noble spices from the Levant aboard + of ships from Genoa,” quoth Sir Oliver. “We may come to great profit + through the business. I pray you, master-shipman, that when you go on + board you pour a helmetful of sea-water over any of my rogues whom you may + see there.” + </p> + <p> + Leaving the lusty knight and the Mayor of Lepe, Sir Nigel led the Company + straight down to the water's edge, where long lines of flat lighters + swiftly bore them to their vessel. Horse after horse was slung by main + force up from the barges, and after kicking and plunging in empty air was + dropped into the deep waist of the yellow cog, where rows of stalls stood + ready for their safe keeping. Englishmen in those days were skilled and + prompt in such matters, for it was so not long before that Edward had + embarked as many as fifty thousand men in the port of Orwell, with their + horses and their baggage, all in the space of four-and-twenty hours. So + urgent was Sir Nigel on the shore, and so prompt was Goodwin Hawtayne on + the cog, that Sir Oliver Buttesthorn had scarce swallowed his last scallop + ere the peal of the trumpet and clang of nakir announced that all was + ready and the anchor drawn. In the last boat which left the shore the two + commanders sat together in the sheets, a strange contrast to one another, + while under the feet of the rowers was a litter of huge stones which Sir + Nigel had ordered to be carried to the cog. These once aboard, the ship + set her broad mainsail, purple in color, and with a golden St. Christopher + bearing Christ upon his shoulder in the centre of it. The breeze blew, the + sail bellied, over heeled the portly vessel, and away she plunged through + the smooth blue rollers, amid the clang of the minstrels on her poop and + the shouting of the black crowd who fringed the yellow beach. To the left + lay the green Island of Wight, with its long, low, curving hills peeping + over each other's shoulders to the sky-line; to the right the wooded + Hampshire coast as far as eye could reach; above a steel-blue heaven, with + a wintry sun shimmering down upon them, and enough of frost to set the + breath a-smoking. + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul!” said Sir Nigel gayly, as he stood upon the poop and looked + on either side of him, “it is a land which is very well worth fighting + for, and it were pity to go to France for what may be had at home. Did you + not spy a crooked man upon the beach?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I spied nothing,” grumbled Sir Oliver, “for I was hurried down with + a clam stuck in my gizzard and an untasted goblet of Cyprus on the board + behind me.” + </p> + <p> + “I saw him, my fair lord,” said Terlake, “an old man with one shoulder + higher than the other.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a sign of good fortune,” quoth Sir Nigel. “Our path was also crossed + by a woman and by a priest, so all should be well with us. What say you, + Edricson?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell, my fair lord. The Romans of old were a very wise people, + yet, certes, they placed their faith in such matters. So, too, did the + Greeks, and divers other ancient peoples who were famed for their + learning. Yet of the moderns there are many who scoff at all omens.” + </p> + <p> + “There can be no manner of doubt about it,” said Sir Oliver Buttesthorn. + “I can well remember that in Navarre one day it thundered on the left out + of a cloudless sky. We knew that ill would come of it, nor had we long to + wait. Only thirteen days after, a haunch of prime venison was carried from + my very tent door by the wolves, and on the same day two flasks of old + vernage turned sour and muddy.” + </p> + <p> + “You may bring my harness from below,” said Sir Nigel to his squires, “and + also, I pray you, bring up Sir Oliver's and we shall don it here. Ye may + then see to your own gear; for this day you will, I hope, make a very + honorable entrance into the field of chivalry, and prove yourselves to be + very worthy and valiant squires. And now, Sir Oliver, as to our + dispositions: would it please you that I should order them or will you?” + </p> + <p> + “You, my cockerel, you. By Our Lady! I am no chicken, but I cannot claim + to know as much of war as the squire of Sir Walter Manny. Settle the + matter to your own liking.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall fly your pennon upon the fore part, then, and I upon the poop. + For foreguard I shall give you your own forty men, with two-score archers. + Two-score men, with my own men-at-arms and squires, will serve as a + poop-guard. Ten archers, with thirty shipmen, under the master, may hold + the waist while ten lie aloft with stones and arbalests. How like you + that?” + </p> + <p> + “Good, by my faith, good! But here comes my harness, and I must to work, + for I cannot slip into it as I was wont when first I set my face to the + wars.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile there had been bustle and preparation in all parts of the great + vessel. The archers stood in groups about the decks, new-stringing their + bows, and testing that they were firm at the nocks. Among them moved + Aylward and other of the older soldiers, with a few whispered words of + precept here and of warning there. + </p> + <p> + “Stand to it, my hearts of gold,” said the old bowman as he passed from + knot to knot. “By my hilt! we are in luck this journey. Bear in mind the + old saying of the Company.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that, Aylward?” cried several, leaning on their bows and laughing + at him. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis the master-bowyer's rede: 'Every bow well bent. Every shaft well + sent. Every stave well nocked. Every string well locked.' There, with that + jingle in his head, a bracer on his left hand, a shooting glove on his + right, and a farthing's-worth of wax in his girdle, what more doth a + bowman need?” + </p> + <p> + “It would not be amiss,” said Hordle John, “if under his girdle he had + four farthings'-worth of wine.” + </p> + <p> + “Work first, wine afterwards, mon camarade. But it is time that we took + our order, for methinks that between the Needle rocks and the Alum cliffs + yonder I can catch a glimpse of the topmasts of the galleys. Hewett, Cook, + Johnson, Cunningham, your men are of the poop-guard. Thornbury, Walters, + Hackett, Baddlesmere, you are with Sir Oliver on the forecastle. Simon, + you bide with your lord's banner; but ten men must go forward.” + </p> + <p> + Quietly and promptly the men took their places, lying flat upon their + faces on the deck, for such was Sir Nigel's order. Near the prow was + planted Sir Oliver's spear, with his arms—a boar's head gules upon a + field of gold. Close by the stern stood Black Simon with the pennon of the + house of Loring. In the waist gathered the Southampton mariners, hairy and + burly men, with their jerkins thrown off, their waists braced tight, + swords, mallets, and pole-axes in their hands. Their leader, Goodwin + Hawtayne, stood upon the poop and talked with Sir Nigel, casting his eye + up sometimes at the swelling sail, and then glancing back at the two + seamen who held the tiller. + </p> + <p> + “Pass the word,” said Sir Nigel, “that no man shall stand to arms or draw + his bow-string until my trumpeter shall sound. It would be well that we + should seem to be a merchant-ship from Southampton and appear to flee from + them.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see them anon,” said the master-shipman. “Ha, said I not so? + There they lie, the water-snakes, in Freshwater Bay; and mark the reek of + smoke from yonder point, where they have been at their devil's work. See + how their shallops pull from the land! They have seen us and called their + men aboard. Now they draw upon the anchor. See them like ants upon the + forecastle! They stoop and heave like handy ship men. But, my fair lord, + these are no niefs. I doubt but we have taken in hand more than we can do. + Each of these ships is a galeasse, and of the largest and swiftest make.” + </p> + <p> + “I would I had your eyes,” said Sir Nigel, blinking at the pirate galleys. + “They seem very gallant ships, and I trust that we shall have much + pleasance from our meeting with them. It would be well to pass the word + that we should neither give nor take quarter this day. Have you perchance + a priest or friar aboard this ship, Master Hawtayne?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my fair lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, it is no great matter for my Company, for they were all + houseled and shriven ere we left Twynham Castle; and Father Christopher of + the Priory gave me his word that they were as fit to march to heaven as to + Gascony. But my mind misdoubts me as to these Winchester men who have come + with Sir Oliver, for they appear to be a very ungodly crew. Pass the word + that the men kneel, and that the under-officers repeat to them the pater, + the ave, and the credo.” + </p> + <p> + With a clank of arms, the rough archers and seamen took to their knees, + with bent heads and crossed hands, listening to the hoarse mutter from the + file-leaders. It was strange to mark the hush; so that the lapping of the + water, the straining of the sail, and the creaking of the timbers grew + louder of a sudden upon the ear. Many of the bowmen had drawn amulets and + relics from their bosoms, while he who possessed some more than usually + sanctified treasure passed it down the line of his comrades, that all + might kiss and reap the virtue. + </p> + <p> + The yellow cog had now shot out from the narrow waters of the Solent, and + was plunging and rolling on the long heave of the open channel. The wind + blew freshly from the east, with a very keen edge to it; and the great + sail bellied roundly out, laying the vessel over until the water hissed + beneath her lee bulwarks. Broad and ungainly, she floundered from wave to + wave, dipping her round bows deeply into the blue rollers, and sending the + white flakes of foam in a spatter over her decks. On her larboard quarter + lay the two dark galleys, which had already hoisted sail, and were + shooting out from Freshwater Bay in swift pursuit, their double line of + oars giving them a vantage which could not fail to bring them up with any + vessel which trusted to sails alone. High and bluff the English cog; long, + black and swift the pirate galleys, like two fierce lean wolves which have + seen a lordly and unsuspecting stag walk past their forest lair. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we turn, my fair lord, or shall we carry on?” asked the + master-shipman, looking behind him with anxious eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, we must carry on and play the part of the helpless merchant.” + </p> + <p> + “But your pennons? They will see that we have two knights with us.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet it would not be to a knight's honor or good name to lower his pennon. + Let them be, and they will think that we are a wine-ship for Gascony, or + that we bear the wool-bales of some mercer of the Staple. Ma foi, but they + are very swift! They swoop upon us like two goshawks on a heron. Is there + not some symbol or device upon their sails?” + </p> + <p> + “That on the right,” said Edricson, “appears to have the head of an Ethiop + upon it.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis the badge of Tete-noire, the Norman,” cried a seaman-mariner. “I + have seen it before, when he harried us at Winchelsea. He is a wondrous + large and strong man, with no ruth for man, woman, or beast. They say that + he hath the strength of six; and, certes, he hath the crimes of six upon + his soul. See, now, to the poor souls who swing at either end of his + yard-arm!” + </p> + <p> + At each end of the yard there did indeed hang the dark figure of a man, + jolting and lurching with hideous jerkings of its limbs at every plunge + and swoop of the galley. + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul!” said Sir Nigel, “and by the help of St. George and Our + Lady, it will be a very strange thing if our black-headed friend does not + himself swing thence ere he be many hours older. But what is that upon the + other galley?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the red cross of Genoa. This Spade-beard is a very noted captain, + and it is his boast that there are no seamen and no archers in the world + who can compare with those who serve the Doge Boccanegra.” + </p> + <p> + “That we shall prove,” said Goodwin Hawtayne; “but it would be well, ere + they close with us, to raise up the mantlets and pavises as a screen + against their bolts.” He shouted a hoarse order, and his seamen worked + swiftly and silently, heightening the bulwarks and strengthening them. The + three ship's anchors were at Sir Nigel's command carried into the waist, + and tied to the mast, with twenty feet of cable between, each under the + care of four seamen. Eight others were stationed with leather water-bags + to quench any fire-arrows which might come aboard, while others were sent + up the mast, to lie along the yard and drop stones or shoot arrows as the + occasion served. + </p> + <p> + “Let them be supplied with all that is heavy and weighty in the ship,” + said Sir Nigel. + </p> + <p> + “Then we must send them up Sir Oliver Buttesthorn,” quoth Ford. + </p> + <p> + The knight looked at him with a face which struck the smile from his lips. + “No squire of mine,” he said, “shall ever make jest of a belted knight. + And yet,” he added, his eyes softening, “I know that it is but a boy's + mirth, with no sting in it. Yet I should ill do my part towards your + father if I did not teach you to curb your tongue-play.” + </p> + <p> + “They will lay us aboard on either quarter, my lord,” cried the master. + “See how they stretch out from each other! The Norman hath a mangonel or a + trabuch upon the forecastle. See, they bend to the levers! They are about + to loose it.” + </p> + <p> + “Aylward,” cried the knight, “pick your three trustiest archers, and see + if you cannot do something to hinder their aim. Methinks they are within + long arrow flight.” + </p> + <p> + “Seventeen score paces,” said the archer, running his eye backwards and + forwards. “By my ten finger-bones! it would be a strange thing if we could + not notch a mark at that distance. Here, Watkin of Sowley, Arnold, Long + Williams, let us show the rogues that they have English bowmen to deal + with.” + </p> + <p> + The three archers named stood at the further end of the poop, balancing + themselves with feet widely spread and bows drawn, until the heads of the + cloth-yard arrows were level with the centre of the stave. “You are the + surer, Watkin,” said Aylward, standing by them with shaft upon string. “Do + you take the rogue with the red coif. You two bring down the man with the + head-piece, and I will hold myself ready if you miss. Ma foi! they are + about to loose her. Shoot, mes garcons, or you will be too late.” + </p> + <p> + The throng of pirates had cleared away from the great wooden catapult, + leaving two of their number to discharge it. One in a scarlet cap bent + over it, steadying the jagged rock which was balanced on the spoon-shaped + end of the long wooden lever. The other held the loop of the rope which + would release the catch and send the unwieldy missile hurtling through the + air. So for an instant they stood, showing hard and clear against the + white sail behind them. The next, redcap had fallen across the stone with + an arrow between his ribs; and the other, struck in the leg and in the + throat, was writhing and spluttering upon the ground. As he toppled + backwards he had loosed the spring, and the huge beam of wood, swinging + round with tremendous force, cast the corpse of his comrade so close to + the English ship that its mangled and distorted limbs grazed their very + stern. As to the stone, it glanced off obliquely and fell midway between + the vessels. A roar of cheering and of laughter broke from the rough + archers and seamen at the sight, answered by a yell of rage from their + pursuers. + </p> + <p> + “Lie low, mes enfants,” cried Aylward, motioning with his left hand. “They + will learn wisdom. They are bringing forward shield and mantlet. We shall + have some pebbles about our ears ere long.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. HOW THE YELLOW COG FOUGHT THE TWO ROVER GALLEYS. + </h2> + <p> + The three vessels had been sweeping swiftly westwards, the cog still well + to the front, although the galleys were slowly drawing in upon either + quarter. To the left was a hard skyline unbroken by a sail. The island + already lay like a cloud behind them, while right in front was St. Alban's + Head, with Portland looming mistily in the farthest distance. Alleyne + stood by the tiller, looking backwards, the fresh wind full in his teeth, + the crisp winter air tingling on his face and blowing his yellow curls + from under his bassinet. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes shining, for + the blood of a hundred fighting Saxon ancestors was beginning to stir in + his veins. + </p> + <p> + “What was that?” he asked, as a hissing, sharp-drawn voice seemed to + whisper in his ear. The steersman smiled, and pointed with his foot to + where a short heavy cross-bow quarrel stuck quivering in the boards. At + the same instant the man stumbled forward upon his knees, and lay lifeless + upon the deck, a blood-stained feather jutting out from his back. As + Alleyne stooped to raise him, the air seemed to be alive with the sharp + zip-zip of the bolts, and he could hear them pattering on the deck like + apples at a tree-shaking. + </p> + <p> + “Raise two more mantlets by the poop-lanthorn,” said Sir Nigel quietly. + </p> + <p> + “And another man to the tiller,” cried the master-shipman. + </p> + <p> + “Keep them in play, Aylward, with ten of your men,” the knight continued. + “And let ten of Sir Oliver's bowmen do as much for the Genoese. I have no + mind as yet to show them how much they have to fear from us.” + </p> + <p> + Ten picked shots under Aylward stood in line across the broad deck, and it + was a lesson to the young squires who had seen nothing of war to note how + orderly and how cool were these old soldiers, how quick the command, and + how prompt the carrying out, ten moving like one. Their comrades crouched + beneath the bulwarks, with many a rough jest and many a scrap of criticism + or advice. “Higher, Wat, higher!” “Put thy body into it, Will!” “Forget + not the wind, Hal!” So ran the muttered chorus, while high above it rose + the sharp twanging of the strings, the hiss of the shafts, and the short + “Draw your arrow! Nick your arrow! Shoot wholly together!” from the + master-bowman. + </p> + <p> + And now both mangonels were at work from the galleys, but so covered and + protected that, save at the moment of discharge, no glimpse could be + caught of them. A huge brown rock from the Genoese sang over their heads, + and plunged sullenly into the slope of a wave. Another from the Norman + whizzed into the waist, broke the back of a horse, and crashed its way + through the side of the vessel. Two others, flying together, tore a great + gap in the St. Christopher upon the sail, and brushed three of Sir + Oliver's men-at-arms from the forecastle. The master-shipman looked at the + knight with a troubled face. + </p> + <p> + “They keep their distance from us,” said he. “Our archery is over-good, + and they will not close. What defence can we make against the stones?” + </p> + <p> + “I think I may trick them,” the knight answered cheerfully, and passed his + order to the archers. Instantly five of them threw up their hands and fell + prostrate upon the deck. One had already been slain by a bolt, so that + there were but four upon their feet. + </p> + <p> + “That should give them heart,” said Sir Nigel, eyeing the galleys, which + crept along on either side, with a slow, measured swing of their great + oars, the water swirling and foaming under their sharp stems. + </p> + <p> + “They still hold aloof,” cried Hawtayne. + </p> + <p> + “Then down with two more,” shouted their leader. “That will do. Ma foi! + but they come to our lure like chicks to the fowler. To your arms, men! + The pennon behind me, and the squires round the pennon. Stand fast with + the anchors in the waist, and be ready for a cast. Now blow out the + trumpets, and may God's benison be with the honest men!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke a roar of voices and a roll of drums came from either galley, + and the water was lashed into spray by the hurried beat of a hundred oars. + Down they swooped, one on the right, one on the left, the sides and + shrouds black with men and bristling with weapons. In heavy clusters they + hung upon the forecastle all ready for a spring—faces white, faces brown, + faces yellow, and faces black, fair Norsemen, swarthy Italians, fierce + rovers from the Levant, and fiery Moors from the Barbary States, of all + hues and countries, and marked solely by the common stamp of a wild-beast + ferocity. Rasping up on either side, with oars trailing to save them from + snapping, they poured in a living torrent with horrid yell and shrill + whoop upon the defenceless merchantman. + </p> + <p> + But wilder yet was the cry, and shriller still the scream, when there rose + up from the shadow of those silent bulwarks the long lines of the English + bowmen, and the arrows whizzed in a deadly sleet among the unprepared + masses upon the pirate decks. From the higher sides of the cog the bowmen + could shoot straight down, at a range which was so short as to enable a + cloth-yard shaft to pierce through mail-coats or to transfix a shield, + though it were an inch thick of toughened wood. One moment Alleyne saw the + galley's poop crowded with rushing figures, waving arms, exultant faces; + the next it was a blood-smeared shambles, with bodies piled three deep + upon each other, the living cowering behind the dead to shelter themselves + from that sudden storm-blast of death. On either side the seamen whom Sir + Nigel had chosen for the purpose had cast their anchors over the side of + the galleys, so that the three vessels, locked in an iron grip, lurched + heavily forward upon the swell. + </p> + <p> + And now set in a fell and fierce fight, one of a thousand of which no + chronicler has spoken and no poet sung. Through all the centuries and over + all those southern waters nameless men have fought in nameless places, + their sole monuments a protected coast and an unravaged country-side. + </p> + <p> + Fore and aft the archers had cleared the galleys' decks, but from either + side the rovers had poured down into the waist, where the seamen and + bowmen were pushed back and so mingled with their foes that it was + impossible for their comrades above to draw string to help them. It was a + wild chaos where axe and sword rose and fell, while Englishman, Norman, + and Italian staggered and reeled on a deck which was cumbered with bodies + and slippery with blood. The clang of blows, the cries of the stricken, + the short, deep shout of the islanders, and the fierce whoops of the + rovers, rose together in a deafening tumult, while the breath of the + panting men went up in the wintry air like the smoke from a furnace. The + giant Tete-noire, towering above his fellows and clad from head to foot in + plate of proof, led on his boarders, waving a huge mace in the air, with + which he struck to the deck every man who approached him. On the other + side, Spade-beard, a dwarf in height, but of great breadth of shoulder and + length of arm, had cut a road almost to the mast, with three-score Genoese + men-at-arms close at his heels. Between these two formidable assailants + the seamen were being slowly wedged more closely together, until they + stood back to back under the mast with the rovers raging upon every side + of them. + </p> + <p> + But help was close at hand. Sir Oliver Buttesthorn with his men-at-arms + had swarmed down from the forecastle, while Sir Nigel, with his three + squires, Black Simon, Aylward, Hordle John, and a score more, threw + themselves from the poop and hurled themselves into the thickest of the + fight. Alleyne, as in duty bound, kept his eyes fixed ever on his lord and + pressed forward close at his heels. Often had he heard of Sir Nigel's + prowess and skill with all knightly weapons, but all the tales that had + reached his ears fell far short of the real quickness and coolness of the + man. It was as if the devil was in him, for he sprang here and sprang + there, now thrusting and now cutting, catching blows on his shield, + turning them with his blade, stooping under the swing of an axe, springing + over the sweep of a sword, so swift and so erratic that the man who braced + himself for a blow at him might find him six paces off ere he could bring + it down. Three pirates had fallen before him, and he had wounded + Spade-beard in the neck, when the Norman giant sprang at him from the side + with a slashing blow from his deadly mace. Sir Nigel stooped to avoid it, + and at the same instant turned a thrust from the Genoese swordsman, but, + his foot slipping in a pool of blood, he fell heavily to the ground. + Alleyne sprang in front of the Norman, but his sword was shattered and he + himself beaten to the ground by a second blow from the ponderous weapon. + Ere the pirate chief could repeat it, however, John's iron grip fell upon + his wrist, and he found that for once he was in the hands of a stronger + man than himself. + </p> + <p> + Fiercely he strove to disengage his weapon, but Hordle John bent his arm + slowly back until, with a sharp crack, like a breaking stave, it turned + limp in his grasp, and the mace dropped from the nerveless fingers. In + vain he tried to pluck it up with the other hand. Back and back still his + foeman bent him, until, with a roar of pain and of fury, the giant clanged + his full length upon the boards, while the glimmer of a knife before the + bars of his helmet warned him that short would be his shrift if he moved. + </p> + <p> + Cowed and disheartened by the loss of their leader, the Normans had given + back and were now streaming over the bulwarks on to their own galley, + dropping a dozen at a time on to her deck. But the anchor still held them + in its crooked claw, and Sir Oliver with fifty men was hard upon their + heels. Now, too, the archers had room to draw their bows once more, and + great stones from the yard of the cog came thundering and crashing among + the flying rovers. Here and there they rushed with wild screams and + curses, diving under the sail, crouching behind booms, huddling into + corners like rabbits when the ferrets are upon them, as helpless and as + hopeless. They were stern days, and if the honest soldier, too poor for a + ransom, had no prospect of mercy upon the battle-field, what ruth was + there for sea robbers, the enemies of humankind, taken in the very deed, + with proofs of their crimes still swinging upon their yard-arm. + </p> + <p> + But the fight had taken a new and a strange turn upon the other side. + Spade-beard and his men had given slowly back, hard pressed by Sir Nigel, + Aylward, Black Simon, and the poop-guard. Foot by foot the Italian had + retreated, his armor running blood at every joint, his shield split, his + crest shorn, his voice fallen away to a mere gasping and croaking. Yet he + faced his foemen with dauntless courage, dashing in, springing back, + sure-footed, steady-handed, with a point which seemed to menace three at + once. Beaten back on to the deck of his own vessel, and closely followed + by a dozen Englishmen, he disengaged himself from them, ran swiftly down + the deck, sprang back into the cog once more, cut the rope which held the + anchor, and was back in an instant among his crossbow-men. At the same + time the Genoese sailors thrust with their oars against the side of the + cog, and a rapidly widening rift appeared between the two vessels. + </p> + <p> + “By St. George!” cried Ford, “we are cut off from Sir Nigel.” + </p> + <p> + “He is lost,” gasped Terlake. “Come, let us spring for it.” The two youths + jumped with all their strength to reach the departing galley. Ford's feet + reached the edge of the bulwarks, and his hand clutching a rope he swung + himself on board. Terlake fell short, crashed in among the oars, and + bounded off into the sea. Alleyne, staggering to the side, was about to + hurl himself after him, but Hordle John dragged him back by the girdle. + </p> + <p> + “You can scarce stand, lad, far less jump,” said he. “See how the blood + rips from your bassinet.” + </p> + <p> + “My place is by the flag,” cried Alleyne, vainly struggling to break from + the other's hold. + </p> + <p> + “Bide here, man. You would need wings ere you could reach Sir Nigel's + side.” + </p> + <p> + The vessels were indeed so far apart now that the Genoese could use the + full sweep of their oars, and draw away rapidly from the cog. + </p> + <p> + “My God, but it is a noble fight!” shouted big John, clapping his hands. + “They have cleared the poop, and they spring into the waist. Well struck, + my lord! Well struck, Aylward! See to Black Simon, how he storms among the + shipmen! But this Spade-beard is a gallant warrior. He rallies his men + upon the forecastle. He hath slain an archer. Ha! my lord is upon him. + Look to it, Alleyne! See to the whirl and glitter of it!” + </p> + <p> + “By heaven, Sir Nigel is down!” cried the squire. + </p> + <p> + “Up!” roared John. “It was but a feint. He bears him back. He drives him + to the side. Ah, by Our Lady, his sword is through him! They cry for + mercy. Down goes the red cross, and up springs Simon with the scarlet + roses!” + </p> + <p> + The death of the Genoese leader did indeed bring the resistance to an end. + Amid a thunder of cheering from cog and from galleys the forked pennon + fluttered upon the forecastle, and the galley, sweeping round, came slowly + back, as the slaves who rowed it learned the wishes of their new masters. + </p> + <p> + The two knights had come aboard the cog, and the grapplings having been + thrown off, the three vessels now moved abreast. Through all the storm and + rush of the fight Alleyne had been aware of the voice of Goodwin Hawtayne, + the master-shipman, with his constant “Hale the bowline! Veer the sheet!” + and strange it was to him to see how swiftly the blood-stained sailors + turned from the strife to the ropes and back. Now the cog's head was + turned Francewards, and the shipman walked the deck, a peaceful + master-mariner once more. + </p> + <p> + “There is sad scath done to the cog, Sir Nigel,” said he. “Here is a hole + in the side two ells across, the sail split through the centre, and the + wood as bare as a friar's poll. In good sooth, I know not what I shall say + to Master Witherton when I see the Itchen once more.” + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul! it would be a very sorry thing if we suffered you to be the + worse of this day's work,” said Sir Nigel. “You shall take these galleys + back with you, and Master Witherton may sell them. Then from the moneys he + shall take as much as may make good the damage, and the rest he shall keep + until our home-coming, when every man shall have his share. An image of + silver fifteen inches high I have vowed to the Virgin, to be placed in her + chapel within the Priory, for that she was pleased to allow me to come + upon this Spade-beard, who seemed to me from what I have seen of him to be + a very sprightly and valiant gentleman. But how fares it with you, + Edricson?” + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing, my fair lord,” said Alleyne, who had now loosened his + bassinet, which was cracked across by the Norman's blow. Even as he spoke, + however, his head swirled round, and he fell to the deck with the blood + gushing from his nose and mouth. + </p> + <p> + “He will come to anon,” said the knight, stooping over him and passing his + fingers through his hair. “I have lost one very valiant and gentle squire + this day. I can ill afford to lose another. How many men have fallen?” + </p> + <p> + “I have pricked off the tally,” said Aylward, who had come aboard with his + lord. “There are seven of the Winchester men, eleven seamen, your squire, + young Master Terlake, and nine archers.” + </p> + <p> + “And of the others?” + </p> + <p> + “They are all dead—save only the Norman knight who stands behind + you. What would you that we should do with him?” + </p> + <p> + “He must hang on his own yard,” said Sir Nigel. “It was my vow and must be + done.” + </p> + <p> + The pirate leader had stood by the bulwarks, a cord round his arms, and + two stout archers on either side. At Sir Nigel's words he started + violently, and his swarthy features blanched to a livid gray. + </p> + <p> + “How, Sir Knight?” he cried in broken English. “Que dites vous? To hang, + le mort du chien! To hang!” + </p> + <p> + “It is my vow,” said Sir Nigel shortly. “From what I hear, you thought + little enough of hanging others.” + </p> + <p> + “Peasants, base roturiers,” cried the other. “It is their fitting death. + Mais Le Seigneur d'Andelys, avec le sang des rois dans ses veins! C'est + incroyable!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel turned upon his heel, while two seamen cast a noose over the + pirate's neck. At the touch of the cord he snapped the bonds which bound + him, dashed one of the archers to the deck, and seizing the other round + the waist sprang with him into the sea. + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt, he is gone!” cried Aylward, rushing to the side. “They have + sunk together like a stone.” + </p> + <p> + “I am right glad of it,” answered Sir Nigel; “for though it was against my + vow to loose him, I deem that he has carried himself like a very gentle + and debonnaire cavalier.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. HOW THE YELLOW COG CROSSED THE BAR OF GIRONDE. + </h2> + <p> + For two days the yellow cog ran swiftly before a northeasterly wind, and + on the dawn of the third the high land of Ushant lay like a mist upon the + shimmering sky-line. There came a plump of rain towards mid-day and the + breeze died down, but it freshened again before nightfall, and Goodwin + Hawtayne veered his sheet and held head for the south. Next morning they + had passed Belle Isle, and ran through the midst of a fleet of transports + returning from Guienne. Sir Nigel Loring and Sir Oliver Buttesthorn at + once hung their shields over the side, and displayed their pennons as was + the custom, noting with the keenest interest the answering symbols which + told the names of the cavaliers who had been constrained by ill health or + wounds to leave the prince at so critical a time. + </p> + <p> + That evening a great dun-colored cloud banked up in the west, and an + anxious man was Goodwin Hawtayne, for a third part of his crew had been + slain, and half the remainder were aboard the galleys, so that, with an + injured ship, he was little fit to meet such a storm as sweeps over those + waters. All night it blew in short fitful puffs, heeling the great cog + over until the water curled over her lee bulwarks. As the wind still + freshened the yard was lowered half way down the mast in the morning. + Alleyne, wretchedly ill and weak, with his head still ringing from the + blow which he had received, crawled up upon deck. Water-swept and aslant, + it was preferable to the noisome, rat-haunted dungeons which served as + cabins. There, clinging to the stout halliards of the sheet, he gazed with + amazement at the long lines of black waves, each with its curling ridge of + foam, racing in endless succession from out the inexhaustible west. A huge + sombre cloud, flecked with livid blotches, stretched over the whole + seaward sky-line, with long ragged streamers whirled out in front of it. + Far behind them the two galleys labored heavily, now sinking between the + rollers until their yards were level with the waves, and again shooting up + with a reeling, scooping motion until every spar and rope stood out hard + against the sky. On the left the low-lying land stretched in a dim haze, + rising here and there into a darker blur which marked the higher capes and + headlands. The land of France! Alleyne's eyes shone as he gazed upon it. + The land of France!—the very words sounded as the call of a bugle in + the ears of the youth of England. The land where their fathers had bled, + the home of chivalry and of knightly deeds, the country of gallant men, of + courtly women, of princely buildings, of the wise, the polished and the + sainted. There it lay, so still and gray beneath the drifting wrack—the + home of things noble and of things shameful—the theatre where a new + name might be made or an old one marred. From his bosom to his lips came + the crumpled veil, and he breathed a vow that if valor and goodwill could + raise him to his lady's side, then death alone should hold him back from + her. His thoughts were still in the woods of Minstead and the old armory + of Twynham Castle, when the hoarse voice of the master-shipman brought + them back once more to the Bay of Biscay. + </p> + <p> + “By my troth, young sir,” he said, “you are as long in the face as the + devil at a christening, and I cannot marvel at it, for I have sailed these + waters since I was as high as this whinyard, and yet I never saw more sure + promise of an evil night.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I had other things upon my mind,” the squire answered. + </p> + <p> + “And so has every man,” cried Hawtayne in an injured voice. “Let the + shipman see to it. It is the master-shipman's affair. Put it all upon good + Master Hawtayne! Never had I so much care since first I blew trumpet and + showed cartel at the west gate of Southampton.” + </p> + <p> + “What is amiss then?” asked Alleyne, for the man's words were as gusty as + the weather. + </p> + <p> + “Amiss, quotha? Here am I with but half my mariners, and a hole in the + ship where that twenty-devil stone struck us big enough to fit the fat + widow of Northam through. It is well enough on this tack, but I would have + you tell me what I am to do on the other. We are like to have salt water + upon us until we be found pickled like the herrings in an Easterling's + barrels.” + </p> + <p> + “What says Sir Nigel to it?” + </p> + <p> + “He is below pricking out the coat-armor of his mother's uncle. 'Pester me + not with such small matters!' was all that I could get from him. Then + there is Sir Oliver. 'Fry them in oil with a dressing of Gascony,' quoth + he, and then swore at me because I had not been the cook. 'Walawa,' + thought I, 'mad master, sober man'—so away forward to the archers. + Harrow and alas! but they were worse than the others.” + </p> + <p> + “Would they not help you then?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, they sat tway and tway at a board, him that they call Aylward and + the great red-headed man who snapped the Norman's arm-bone, and the black + man from Norwich, and a score of others, rattling their dice in an + archer's gauntlet for want of a box. 'The ship can scarce last much + longer, my masters,' quoth I. 'That is your business, old swine's-head,' + cried the black galliard. 'Le diable t'emporte,' says Aylward. 'A five, a + four and the main,' shouted the big man, with a voice like the flap of a + sail. Hark to them now, young sir, and say if I speak not sooth.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, there sounded high above the shriek of the gale and the + straining of the timbers a gust of oaths with a roar of deep-chested mirth + from the gamblers in the forecastle. + </p> + <p> + “Can I be of avail?” asked Alleyne. “Say the word and the thing is done, + if two hands may do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, your head I can see is still totty, and i' faith little head + would you have, had your bassinet not stood your friend. All that may be + done is already carried out, for we have stuffed the gape with sails and + corded it without and within. Yet when we bale our bowline and veer the + sheet our lives will hang upon the breach remaining blocked. See how + yonder headland looms upon us through the mist! We must tack within three + arrow flights, or we may find a rock through our timbers. Now, St. + Christopher be praised! here is Sir Nigel, with whom I may confer.” + </p> + <p> + “I prythee that you will pardon me,” said the knight, clutching his way + along the bulwark. “I would not show lack of courtesy toward a worthy man, + but I was deep in a matter of some weight, concerning which, Alleyne, I + should be glad of your rede. It touches the question of dimidiation or + impalement in the coat of mine uncle, Sir John Leighton of Shropshire, who + took unto wife the widow of Sir Henry Oglander of Nunwell. The case has + been much debated by pursuivants and kings-of-arms. But how is it with + you, master shipman?” + </p> + <p> + “Ill enough, my fair lord. The cog must go about anon, and I know not how + we may keep the water out of her.” + </p> + <p> + “Go call Sir Oliver!” said Sir Nigel, and presently the portly knight made + his way all astraddle down the slippery deck. + </p> + <p> + “By my soul, master-shipman, this passes all patience!” he cried + wrathfully. “If this ship of yours must needs dance and skip like a clown + at a kermesse, then I pray you that you will put me into one of these + galeasses. I had but sat down to a flask of malvoisie and a mortress of + brawn, as is my use about this hour, when there comes a cherking, and I + find my wine over my legs and the flask in my lap, and then as I stoop to + clip it there comes another cursed cherk, and there is a mortress of brawn + stuck fast to the nape of my neck. At this moment I have two pages + coursing after it from side to side, like hounds behind a leveret. Never + did living pig gambol more lightly. But you have sent for me, Sir Nigel?” + </p> + <p> + “I would fain have your rede, Sir Oliver, for Master Hawtayne hath fears + that when we veer there may come danger from the hole in our side.” + </p> + <p> + “Then do not veer,” quoth Sir Oliver hastily. “And now, fair sir, I must + hasten back to see how my rogues have fared with the brawn.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but this will scarce suffice,” cried the shipman. “If we do not veer + we will be upon the rocks within the hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Then veer,” said Sir Oliver. “There is my rede; and now, Sir Nigel, I + must crave——” + </p> + <p> + At this instant, however, a startled shout rang out from two seamen upon + the forecastle. “Rocks!” they yelled, stabbing into the air with their + forefingers. “Rocks beneath our very bows!” Through the belly of a great + black wave, not one hundred paces to the front of them, there thrust forth + a huge jagged mass of brown stone, which spouted spray as though it were + some crouching monster, while a dull menacing boom and roar filled the + air. + </p> + <p> + “Yare! yare!” screamed Goodwin Hawtayne, flinging himself upon the long + pole which served as a tiller. “Cut the halliard! Haul her over! Lay her + two courses to the wind!” + </p> + <p> + Over swung the great boom, and the cog trembled and quivered within five + spear-lengths of the breakers. + </p> + <p> + “She can scarce draw clear,” cried Hawtayne, with his eyes from the sail + to the seething line of foam. “May the holy Julian stand by us and the + thrice-sainted Christopher!” + </p> + <p> + “If there be such peril, Sir Oliver,” quoth Sir Nigel, “it would be very + knightly and fitting that we should show our pennons. I pray you, + Edricson, that you will command my guidon-bearer to put forward my + banner.” + </p> + <p> + “And sound the trumpets!” cried Sir Oliver. “In manus tuas, Domine! I am + in the keeping of James of Compostella, to whose shrine I shall make + pilgrimage, and in whose honor I vow that I will eat a carp each year upon + his feast-day. Mon Dieu, but the waves roar! How is it with us now, + master-shipman?” + </p> + <p> + “We draw! We draw!” cried Hawtayne, with his eyes still fixed upon the + foam which hissed under the very bulge of the side. “Ah, Holy Mother, be + with us now!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the cog rasped along the edge of the reef, and a long white + curling sheet of wood was planed off from her side from waist to poop by a + jutting horn of the rock. At the same instant she lay suddenly over, the + sail drew full, and she plunged seawards amid the shoutings of the seamen + and the archers. + </p> + <p> + “The Virgin be praised!” cried the shipman, wiping his brow. “For this + shall bell swing and candle burn when I see Southampton Water once more. + Cheerily, my hearts! Pull yarely on the bowline!” + </p> + <p> + “By my soul! I would rather have a dry death,” quoth Sir Oliver. “Though, + Mort Dieu! I have eaten so many fish that it were but justice that the + fish should eat me. Now I must back to the cabin, for I have matters there + which crave my attention.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Sir Oliver, you had best bide with us, and still show your ensign,” + Sir Nigel answered; “for, if I understand the matter aright, we have but + turned from one danger to the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Master Hawtayne,” cried the boatswain, rushing aft, “the water comes + in upon us apace. The waves have driven in the sail wherewith we strove to + stop the hole.” As he spoke the seamen came swarming on to the poop and + the forecastle to avoid the torrent which poured through the huge leak + into the waist. High above the roar of the wind and the clash of the sea + rose the shrill half-human cries of the horses, as they found the water + rising rapidly around them. + </p> + <p> + “Stop it from without!” cried Hawtayne, seizing the end of the wet sail + with which the gap had been plugged. “Speedily, my hearts, or we are + gone!” Swiftly they rove ropes to the corners, and then, rushing forward + to the bows, they lowered them under the keel, and drew them tight in such + a way that the sail should cover the outer face of the gap. The force of + the rush of water was checked by this obstacle, but it still squirted + plentifully from every side of it. At the sides the horses were above the + belly, and in the centre a man from the poop could scarce touch the deck + with a seven-foot spear. The cog lay lower in the water and the waves + splashed freely over the weather bulwark. + </p> + <p> + “I fear that we can scarce bide upon this tack,” cried Hawtayne; “and yet + the other will drive us on the rocks.” + </p> + <p> + “Might we not haul down sail and wait for better times?” suggested Sir + Nigel. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, we should drift upon the rocks. Thirty years have I been on the sea, + and never yet in greater straits. Yet we are in the hands of the Saints.” + </p> + <p> + “Of whom,” cried Sir Oliver, “I look more particularly to St. James of + Compostella, who hath already befriended us this day, and on whose feast I + hereby vow that I shall eat a second carp, if he will but interpose a + second time.” + </p> + <p> + The wrack had thickened to seaward, and the coast was but a blurred line. + Two vague shadows in the offing showed where the galeasses rolled and + tossed upon the great Atlantic rollers. Hawtayne looked wistfully in their + direction. + </p> + <p> + “If they would but lie closer we might find safety, even should the cog + founder. You will bear me out with good Master Witherton of Southampton + that I have done all that a shipman might. It would be well that you + should doff camail and greaves, Sir Nigel, for, by the black rood! it is + like enough that we shall have to swim for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said the little knight, “it would be scarce fitting that a cavalier + should throw off his harness for the fear of every puff of wind and puddle + of water. I would rather that my Company should gather round me here on + the poop, where we might abide together whatever God may be pleased to + send. But, certes, Master Hawtayne, for all that my sight is none of the + best, it is not the first time that I have seen that headland upon the + left.” + </p> + <p> + The seaman shaded his eyes with his hand, and gazed earnestly through the + haze and spray. Suddenly he threw up his arms and shouted aloud in his + joy. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis the point of La Tremblade!” he cried. “I had not thought that we + were as far as Oleron. The Gironde lies before us, and once over the bar, + and under shelter of the Tour de Cordouan, all will be well with us. Veer + again, my hearts, and bring her to try with the main course!” + </p> + <p> + The sail swung round once more, and the cog, battered and torn and + well-nigh water-logged, staggered in for this haven of refuge. A bluff + cape to the north and a long spit to the south marked the mouth of the + noble river, with a low-lying island of silted sand in the centre, all + shrouded and curtained by the spume of the breakers. A line of broken + water traced the dangerous bar, which in clear day and balmy weather has + cracked the back of many a tall ship. + </p> + <p> + “There is a channel,” said Hawtayne, “which was shown to me by the + Prince's own pilot. Mark yonder tree upon the bank, and see the tower + which rises behind it. If these two be held in a line, even as we hold + them now, it may be done, though our ship draws two good ells more than + when she put forth.” + </p> + <p> + “God speed you, Master Hawtayne!” cried Sir Oliver. “Twice have we come + scathless out of peril, and now for the third time I commend me to the + blessed James of Compostella, to whom I vow——” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, old friend,” whispered Sir Nigel. “You are like to bring a + judgment upon us with these vows, which no living man could accomplish. + Have I not already heard you vow to eat two carp in one day, and now you + would venture upon a third?” + </p> + <p> + “I pray you that you will order the Company to lie down,” cried Hawtayne, + who had taken the tiller and was gazing ahead with a fixed eye. “In three + minutes we shall either be lost or in safety.” + </p> + <p> + Archers and seamen lay flat upon the deck, waiting in stolid silence for + whatever fate might come. Hawtayne bent his weight upon the tiller, and + crouched to see under the bellying sail. Sir Oliver and Sir Nigel stood + erect with hands crossed in front of the poop. Down swooped the great cog + into the narrow channel which was the portal to safety. On either bow + roared the shallow bar. Right ahead one small lane of black swirling water + marked the pilot's course. But true was the eye and firm the hand which + guided. A dull scraping came from beneath, the vessel quivered and shook, + at the waist, at the quarter, and behind sounded that grim roaring of the + waters, and with a plunge the yellow cog was over the bar and speeding + swiftly up the broad and tranquil estuary of the Gironde. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. HOW SIR NIGEL LORING PUT A PATCH UPON HIS EYE. + </h2> + <p> + It was on the morning of Friday, the eight-and-twentieth day of November, + two days before the feast of St. Andrew, that the cog and her two + prisoners, after a weary tacking up the Gironde and the Garonne, dropped + anchor at last in front of the noble city of Bordeaux. With wonder and + admiration, Alleyne, leaning over the bulwarks, gazed at the forest of + masts, the swarm of boats darting hither and thither on the bosom of the + broad curving stream, and the gray crescent-shaped city which stretched + with many a tower and minaret along the western shore. Never had he in his + quiet life seen so great a town, nor was there in the whole of England, + save London alone, one which might match it in size or in wealth. Here + came the merchandise of all the fair countries which are watered by the + Garonne and the Dordogne—the cloths of the south, the skins of + Guienne, the wines of the Medoc—to be borne away to Hull, Exeter, + Dartmouth, Bristol or Chester, in exchange for the wools and woolfels of + England. Here too dwelt those famous smelters and welders who had made the + Bordeaux steel the most trusty upon earth, and could give a temper to + lance or to sword which might mean dear life to its owner. Alleyne could + see the smoke of their forges reeking up in the clear morning air. The + storm had died down now to a gentle breeze, which wafted to his ears the + long-drawn stirring bugle-calls which sounded from the ancient ramparts. + </p> + <p> + “Hola, mon petit!” said Aylward, coming up to where he stood. “Thou art a + squire now, and like enough to win the golden spurs, while I am still the + master-bowman, and master-bowman I shall bide. I dare scarce wag my tongue + so freely with you as when we tramped together past Wilverley Chase, else + I might be your guide now, for indeed I know every house in Bordeaux as a + friar knows the beads on his rosary.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Aylward,” said Alleyne, laying his hand upon the sleeve of his + companion's frayed jerkin, “you cannot think me so thrall as to throw + aside an old friend because I have had some small share of good fortune. I + take it unkind that you should have thought such evil of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, mon gar. 'Twas but a flight shot to see if the wind blew steady, + though I were a rogue to doubt it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, had I not met you, Aylward, at the Lynhurst inn, who can say where I + had now been! Certes, I had not gone to Twynham Castle, nor become squire + to Sir Nigel, nor met——” He paused abruptly and flushed to his + hair, but the bowman was too busy with his own thoughts to notice his + young companion's embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “It was a good hostel, that of the 'Pied Merlin,'” he remarked. “By my ten + finger bones! when I hang bow on nail and change my brigandine for a + tunic, I might do worse than take over the dame and her business.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought,” said Alleyne, “that you were betrothed to some one at + Christchurch.” + </p> + <p> + “To three,” Aylward answered moodily, “to three. I fear I may not go back + to Christchurch. I might chance to see hotter service in Hampshire than I + have ever done in Gascony. But mark you now yonder lofty turret in the + centre, which stands back from the river and hath a broad banner upon the + summit. See the rising sun flashes full upon it and sparkles on the golden + lions. 'Tis the royal banner of England, crossed by the prince's label. + There he dwells in the Abbey of St. Andrew, where he hath kept his court + these years back. Beside it is the minster of the same saint, who hath the + town under his very special care.” + </p> + <p> + “And how of yon gray turret on the left?” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis the fane of St. Michael, as that upon the right is of St. Remi. + There, too, above the poop of yonder nief, you see the towers of Saint + Croix and of Pey Berland. Mark also the mighty ramparts which are pierced + by the three water-gates, and sixteen others to the landward side.” + </p> + <p> + “And how is it, good Aylward, that there comes so much music from the + town? I seem to hear a hundred trumpets, all calling in chorus.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be strange else, seeing that all the great lords of England and + of Gascony are within the walls, and each would have his trumpeter blow as + loud as his neighbor, lest it might be thought that his dignity had been + abated. Ma foi! they make as much louster as a Scotch army, where every + man fills himself with girdle-cakes, and sits up all night to blow upon + the toodle-pipe. See all along the banks how the pages water the horses, + and there beyond the town how they gallop them over the plain! For every + horse you see a belted knight hath herbergage in the town, for, as I + learn, the men-at-arms and archers have already gone forward to Dax.” + </p> + <p> + “I trust, Aylward,” said Sir Nigel, coming upon deck, “that the men are + ready for the land. Go tell them that the boats will be for them within + the hour.” + </p> + <p> + The archer raised his hand in salute, and hastened forward. In the + meantime Sir Oliver had followed his brother knight, and the two paced the + poop together, Sir Nigel in his plum-colored velvet suit with flat cap of + the same, adorned in front with the Lady Loring's glove and girt round + with a curling ostrich feather. The lusty knight, on the other hand, was + clad in the very latest mode, with cote-hardie, doublet, pourpoint, + court-pie, and paltock of olive-green, picked out with pink and jagged at + the edges. A red chaperon or cap, with long hanging cornette, sat daintily + on the back of his black-curled head, while his gold-hued shoes were + twisted up <i>a la poulaine</i>, as though the toes were shooting forth a + tendril which might hope in time to entwine itself around his massive leg. + </p> + <p> + “Once more, Sir Oliver,” said Sir Nigel, looking shorewards with sparkling + eyes, “do we find ourselves at the gate of honor, the door which hath so + often led us to all that is knightly and worthy. There flies the prince's + banner, and it would be well that we haste ashore and pay our obeisance to + him. The boats already swarm from the bank.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a goodly hostel near the west gate, which is famed for the + stewing of spiced pullets,” remarked Sir Oliver. “We might take the edge + of our hunger off ere we seek the prince, for though his tables are gay + with damask and silver he is no trencherman himself, and hath no sympathy + for those who are his betters.” + </p> + <p> + “His betters!” + </p> + <p> + “His betters before the tranchoir, lad. Sniff not treason where none is + meant. I have seen him smile in his quiet way because I had looked for the + fourth time towards the carving squire. And indeed to watch him dallying + with a little gobbet of bread, or sipping his cup of thrice-watered wine, + is enough to make a man feel shame at his own hunger. Yet war and glory, + my good friend, though well enough in their way, will not serve to tighten + such a belt as clasps my waist.” + </p> + <p> + “How read you that coat which hangs over yonder galley, Alleyne?” asked + Sir Nigel. + </p> + <p> + “Argent, a bend vert between cotises dancette gules.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a northern coat. I have seen it in the train of the Percies. From + the shields, there is not one of these vessels which hath not knight or + baron aboard. I would mine eyes were better. How read you this upon the + left?” + </p> + <p> + “Argent and azure, a barry wavy of six.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, it is the sign of the Wiltshire Stourtons! And there beyond I see the + red and silver of the Worsleys of Apuldercombe, who like myself are of + Hampshire lineage. Close behind us is the moline cross of the gallant + William Molyneux, and beside it the bloody chevrons of the Norfork + Woodhouses, with the amulets of the Musgraves of Westmoreland. By St. + Paul! it would be a very strange thing if so noble a company were to + gather without some notable deed of arms arising from it. And here is our + boat, Sir Oliver, so it seems best to me that we should go to the abbey + with our squires, leaving Master Hawtayne to have his own way in the + unloading.” + </p> + <p> + The horses both of knights and squires were speedily lowered into a broad + lighter, and reached the shore almost as soon as their masters. Sir Nigel + bent his knee devoutly as he put foot on land, and taking a small black + patch from his bosom he bound it tightly over his left eye. + </p> + <p> + “May the blessed George and the memory of my sweet lady-love raise high my + heart!” quoth he. “And as a token I vow that I will not take this patch + from my eye until I have seen something of this country of Spain, and done + such a small deed as it lies in me to do. And this I swear upon the cross + of my sword and upon the glove of my lady.” + </p> + <p> + “In truth, you take me back twenty years, Nigel,” quoth Sir Oliver, as + they mounted and rode slowly through the water-gate. “After Cadsand, I + deem that the French thought that we were an army of the blind, for there + was scarce a man who had not closed an eye for the greater love and honor + of his lady. Yet it goes hard with you that you should darken one side, + when with both open you can scarce tell a horse from a mule. In truth, + friend, I think that you step over the line of reason in this matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir Oliver Buttesthorn,” said the little knight shortly, “I would have + you to understand that, blind as I am, I can yet see the path of honor + very clearly, and that that is the road upon which I do not crave another + man's guidance.” + </p> + <p> + “By my soul,” said Sir Oliver, “you are as tart as verjuice this morning! + If you are bent upon a quarrel with me I must leave you to your humor and + drop into the 'Tete d'Or' here, for I marked a varlet pass the door who + bare a smoking dish, which had, methought, a most excellent smell.” + </p> + <p> + “Nenny, nenny,” cried his comrade, laying his hand upon his knee; “we have + known each other over long to fall out, Oliver, like two raw pages at + their first epreuves. You must come with me first to the prince, and then + back to the hostel; though sure I am that it would grieve his heart that + any gentle cavalier should turn from his board to a common tavern. But is + not that my Lord Delewar who waves to us? Ha! my fair lord, God and Our + Lady be with you! And there is Sir Robert Cheney. Good-morrow, Robert! I + am right glad to see you.” + </p> + <p> + The two knights walked their horses abreast, while Alleyne and Ford, with + John Norbury, who was squire to Sir Oliver, kept some paces behind them, a + spear's-length in front of Black Simon and of the Winchester + guidon-bearer. Norbury, a lean, silent man, had been to those parts + before, and sat his horse with a rigid neck; but the two young squires + gazed eagerly to right or left, and plucked each other's sleeves to call + attention to the many strange things on every side of them. + </p> + <p> + “See to the brave stalls!” cried Alleyne. “See to the noble armor set + forth, and the costly taffeta—and oh, Ford, see to where the + scrivener sits with the pigments and the ink-horns, and the rolls of + sheepskin as white as the Beaulieu napery! Saw man ever the like before?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, man, there are finer stalls in Cheapside,” answered Ford, whose + father had taken him to London on occasion of one of the Smithfield + joustings. “I have seen a silversmith's booth there which would serve to + buy either side of this street. But mark these houses, Alleyne, how they + thrust forth upon the top. And see to the coats-of-arms at every window, + and banner or pensil on the roof.” + </p> + <p> + “And the churches!” cried Alleyne. “The Priory at Christchurch was a + noble pile, but it was cold and bare, methinks, by one of these, with + their frettings, and their carvings, and their traceries, as though some + great ivy-plant of stone had curled and wantoned over the walls.” + </p> + <p> + “And hark to the speech of the folk!” said Ford. “Was ever such a hissing + and clacking? I wonder that they have not wit to learn English now that + they have come under the English crown. By Richard of Hampole! there are + fair faces amongst them. See the wench with the brown whimple! Out on you, + Alleyne, that you would rather gaze upon dead stone than on living flesh!” + </p> + <p> + It was little wonder that the richness and ornament, not only of church + and of stall, but of every private house as well, should have impressed + itself upon the young squires. The town was now at the height of its + fortunes. Besides its trade and its armorers, other causes had combined to + pour wealth into it. War, which had wrought evil upon so many fair cities + around, had brought nought but good to this one. As her French sisters + decayed she increased, for here, from north, and from east, and from + south, came the plunder to be sold and the ransom money to be spent. + Through all her sixteen landward gates there had set for many years a + double tide of empty-handed soldiers hurrying Francewards, and of enriched + and laden bands who brought their spoils home. The prince's court, too, + with its swarm of noble barons and wealthy knights, many of whom, in + imitation of their master, had brought their ladies and their children + from England, all helped to swell the coffers of the burghers. Now, with + this fresh influx of noblemen and cavaliers, food and lodging were scarce + to be had, and the prince was hurrying forward his forces to Dax in + Gascony to relieve the overcrowding of his capital. + </p> + <p> + In front of the minster and abbey of St. Andrew's was a large square + crowded with priests, soldiers, women, friars, and burghers, who made it + their common centre for sight-seeing and gossip. Amid the knot of noisy + and gesticulating townsfolk, many small parties of mounted knights and + squires threaded their way towards the prince's quarters, where the huge + iron-clamped doors were thrown back to show that he held audience within. + Two-score archers stood about the gateway, and beat back from time to time + with their bow-staves the inquisitive and chattering crowd who swarmed + round the portal. Two knights in full armor, with lances raised and closed + visors, sat their horses on either side, while in the centre, with two + pages to tend upon him, there stood a noble-faced man in flowing purple + gown, who pricked off upon a sheet of parchment the style and title of + each applicant, marshalling them in their due order, and giving to each + the place and facility which his rank demanded. His long white beard and + searching eyes imparted to him an air of masterful dignity, which was + increased by his tabardlike vesture and the heraldic barret cap with + triple plume which bespoke his office. + </p> + <p> + “It is Sir William de Pakington, the prince's own herald and scrivener,” + whispered Sir Nigel, as they pulled up amid the line of knights who waited + admission. “Ill fares it with the man who would venture to deceive him. He + hath by rote the name of every knight of France or of England; and all the + tree of his family, with his kinships, coat-armor, marriages, + augmentations, abatements, and I know not what beside. We may leave our + horses here with the varlets, and push forward with our squires.” + </p> + <p> + Following Sir Nigel's counsel, they pressed on upon foot until they were + close to the prince's secretary, who was in high debate with a young and + foppish knight, who was bent upon making his way past him. + </p> + <p> + “Mackworth!” said the king-at-arms. “It is in my mind, young sir, that you + have not been presented before.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it is but a day since I set foot in Bordeaux, but I feared lest the + prince should think it strange that I had not waited upon him.” + </p> + <p> + “The prince hath other things to think upon,” quoth Sir William de + Pakington; “but if you be a Mackworth you must be a Mackworth of + Normanton, and indeed I see now that your coat is sable and ermine.” + </p> + <p> + “I am a Mackworth of Normanton,” the other answered, with some uneasiness + of manner. + </p> + <p> + “Then you must be Sir Stephen Mackworth, for I learn that when old Sir Guy + died he came in for the arms and the name, the war-cry and the profit.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir Stephen is my elder brother, and I am Arthur, the second son,” said + the youth. + </p> + <p> + “In sooth and in sooth!” cried the king-at-arms with scornful eyes. “And + pray, sir second son, where is the cadency mark which should mark your + rank. Dare you to wear your brother's coat without the crescent which + should stamp you as his cadet. Away to your lodgings, and come not nigh + the prince until the armorer hath placed the true charge upon your + shield.” As the youth withdrew in confusion, Sir William's keen eye + singled out the five red roses from amid the overlapping shields and cloud + of pennons which faced him. + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” he cried, “there are charges here which are above counterfeit. The + roses of Loring and the boar's head of Buttesthorn may stand back in + peace, but by my faith! they are not to be held back in war. Welcome, Sir + Oliver, Sir Nigel! Chandos will be glad to his very heart-roots when he + sees you. This way, my fair sirs. Your squires are doubtless worthy the + fame of their masters. Down this passage, Sir Oliver! Edricson! Ha! one of + the old strain of Hampshire Edricsons, I doubt not. And Ford, they are of + a south Saxon stock, and of good repute. There are Norburys in Cheshire + and in Wiltshire, and also, as I have heard, upon the borders. So, my fair + sirs, and I shall see that you are shortly admitted.” + </p> + <p> + He had finished his professional commentary by flinging open a folding + door, and ushering the party into a broad hall, which was filled with a + great number of people who were waiting, like themselves, for an audience. + The room was very spacious, lighted on one side by three arched and + mullioned windows, while opposite was a huge fireplace in which a pile of + faggots was blazing merrily. Many of the company had crowded round the + flames, for the weather was bitterly cold; but the two knights seated + themselves upon a bancal, with their squires standing behind them. Looking + down the room, Alleyne marked that both floor and ceiling were of the + richest oak, the latter spanned by twelve arching beams, which were + adorned at either end by the lilies and the lions of the royal arms. On + the further side was a small door, on each side of which stood + men-at-arms. From time to time an elderly man in black with rounded + shoulders and a long white wand in his hand came softly forth from this + inner room, and beckoned to one or other of the company, who doffed cap + and followed him. + </p> + <p> + The two knights were deep in talk, when Alleyne became aware of a + remarkable individual who was walking round the room in their direction. + As he passed each knot of cavaliers every head turned to look after him, + and it was evident, from the bows and respectful salutations on all sides, + that the interest which he excited was not due merely to his strange + personal appearance. He was tall and straight as a lance, though of a + great age, for his hair, which curled from under his velvet cap of + maintenance, was as white as the new-fallen snow. Yet, from the swing of + his stride and the spring of his step, it was clear that he had not yet + lost the fire and activity of his youth. His fierce hawk-like face was + clean shaven like that of a priest, save for a long thin wisp of white + moustache which drooped down half way to his shoulder. That he had been + handsome might be easily judged from his high aquiline nose and clear-cut + chin; but his features had been so distorted by the seams and scars of old + wounds, and by the loss of one eye which had been torn from the socket, + that there was little left to remind one of the dashing young knight who + had been fifty years ago the fairest as well as the boldest of the English + chivalry. Yet what knight was there in that hall of St. Andrew's who would + not have gladly laid down youth, beauty, and all that he possessed to win + the fame of this man? For who could be named with Chandos, the stainless + knight, the wise councillor, the valiant warrior, the hero of Crecy, of + Winchelsea, of Poictiers, of Auray, and of as many other battles as there + were years to his life? + </p> + <p> + “Ha, my little heart of gold!” he cried, darting forward suddenly and + throwing his arms round Sir Nigel. “I heard that you were here and have + been seeking you.” + </p> + <p> + “My fair and dear lord,” said the knight, returning the warrior's embrace, + “I have indeed come back to you, for where else shall I go that I may + learn to be a gentle and a hardy knight?” + </p> + <p> + “By my troth!” said Chandos with a smile, “it is very fitting that we + should be companions, Nigel, for since you have tied up one of your eyes, + and I have had the mischance to lose one of mine, we have but a pair + between us. Ah, Sir Oliver! you were on the blind side of me and I saw you + not. A wise woman hath made prophecy that this blind side will one day be + the death of me. We shall go in to the prince anon; but in truth he hath + much upon his hands, for what with Pedro, and the King of Majorca, and the + King of Navarre, who is no two days of the same mind, and the Gascon + barons who are all chaffering for terms like so many hucksters, he hath an + uneasy part to play. But how left you the Lady Loring?” + </p> + <p> + “She was well, my fair lord, and sent her service and greetings to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am ever her knight and slave. And your journey, I trust that it was + pleasant?” + </p> + <p> + “As heart could wish. We had sight of two rover galleys, and even came to + have some slight bickering with them.” + </p> + <p> + “Ever in luck's way, Nigel!” quoth Sir John. “We must hear the tale anon. + But I deem it best that ye should leave your squires and come with me, + for, howsoe'er pressed the prince may be, I am very sure that he would be + loth to keep two old comrades-in-arms upon the further side of the door. + Follow close behind me, and I will forestall old Sir William, though I can + scarce promise to roll forth your style and rank as is his wont.” So + saying, he led the way to the inner chamber, the two companions treading + close at his heels, and nodding to right and left as they caught sight of + familiar faces among the crowd. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. HOW THERE WAS STIR AT THE ABBEY OF ST. ANDREW'S. + </h2> + <p> + The prince's reception-room, although of no great size, was fitted up with + all the state and luxury which the fame and power of its owner demanded. A + high dais at the further end was roofed in by a broad canopy of scarlet + velvet spangled with silver fleurs-de-lis, and supported at either corner + by silver rods. This was approached by four steps carpeted with the same + material, while all round were scattered rich cushions, oriental mats and + costly rugs of fur. The choicest tapestries which the looms of Arras could + furnish draped the walls, whereon the battles of Judas Maccabaeus were set + forth, with the Jewish warriors in plate of proof, with crest and lance + and banderole, as the naive artists of the day were wont to depict them. A + few rich settles and bancals, choicely carved and decorated with glazed + leather hangings of the sort termed <i>or basane</i>, completed the + furniture of the apartment, save that at one side of the dais there stood + a lofty perch, upon which a cast of three solemn Prussian gerfalcons sat, + hooded and jesseled, as silent and motionless as the royal fowler who + stood beside them. + </p> + <p> + In the centre of the dais were two very high chairs with dorserets, which + arched forwards over the heads of the occupants, the whole covered with + light-blue silk thickly powdered with golden stars. On that to the right + sat a very tall and well formed man with red hair, a livid face, and a + cold blue eye, which had in it something peculiarly sinister and menacing. + He lounged back in a careless position, and yawned repeatedly as though + heartily weary of the proceedings, stooping from time to time to fondle a + shaggy Spanish greyhound which lay stretched at his feet. On the other + throne there was perched bolt upright, with prim demeanor, as though he + felt himself to be upon his good behavior, a little, round, pippin faced + person, who smiled and bobbed to every one whose eye he chanced to meet. + Between and a little in front of them on a humble charette or stool, sat a + slim, dark young man, whose quiet attire and modest manner would scarce + proclaim him to be the most noted prince in Europe. A jupon of dark blue + cloth, tagged with buckles and pendants of gold, seemed but a sombre and + plain attire amidst the wealth of silk and ermine and gilt tissue of + fustian with which he was surrounded. He sat with his two hands clasped + round his knee, his head slightly bent, and an expression of impatience + and of trouble upon his clear, well-chiselled features. Behind the thrones + there stood two men in purple gowns, with ascetic, clean-shaven faces, and + half a dozen other high dignitaries and office-holders of Aquitaine. Below + on either side of the steps were forty or fifty barons, knights, and + courtiers, ranged in a triple row to the right and the left, with a clear + passage in the centre. + </p> + <p> + “There sits the prince,” whispered Sir John Chandos, as they entered. “He + on the right is Pedro, whom we are about to put upon the Spanish throne. + The other is Don James, whom we purpose with the aid of God to help to his + throne in Majorca. Now follow me, and take it not to heart if he be a + little short in his speech, for indeed his mind is full of many very + weighty concerns.” + </p> + <p> + The prince, however, had already observed their entrance, and, springing + to his feet, he had advanced with a winning smile and the light of welcome + in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “We do not need your good offices as herald here, Sir John,” said he in a + low but clear voice; “these valiant knights are very well known to me. + Welcome to Aquitaine, Sir Nigel Loring and Sir Oliver Buttesthorn. Nay, + keep your knee for my sweet father at Windsor. I would have your hands, my + friends. We are like to give you some work to do ere you see the downs of + Hampshire once more. Know you aught of Spain, Sir Oliver?” + </p> + <p> + “Nought, my sire, save that I have heard men say that there is a dish + named an olla which is prepared there, though I have never been clear in + my mind as to whether it was but a ragout such as is to be found in the + south, or whether there is some seasoning such as fennel or garlic which + is peculiar to Spain.” + </p> + <p> + “Your doubts, Sir Oliver, shall soon be resolved,” answered the prince, + laughing heartily, as did many of the barons who surrounded them. “His + majesty here will doubtless order that you have this dish hotly seasoned + when we are all safely in Castile.” + </p> + <p> + “I will have a hotly seasoned dish for some folk I know of,” answered Don + Pedro with a cold smile. + </p> + <p> + “But my friend Sir Oliver can fight right hardily without either bite or + sup,” remarked the prince. “Did I not see him at Poictiers, when for two + days we had not more than a crust of bread and a cup of foul water, yet + carrying himself most valiantly. With my own eyes I saw him in the rout + sweep the head from a knight of Picardy with one blow of his sword.” + </p> + <p> + “The rogue got between me and the nearest French victual wain,” muttered + Sir Oliver, amid a fresh titter from those who were near enough to catch + his words. + </p> + <p> + “How many have you in your train?” asked the prince, assuming a graver + mien. + </p> + <p> + “I have forty men-at-arms, sire,” said Sir Oliver. + </p> + <p> + “And I have one hundred archers and a score of lancers, but there are two + hundred men who wait for me on this side of the water upon the borders of + Navarre.” + </p> + <p> + “And who are they, Sir Nigel?” + </p> + <p> + “They are a free company, sire, and they are called the White Company.” + </p> + <p> + To the astonishment of the knight, his words provoked a burst of merriment + from the barons round, in which the two kings and the prince were fain to + join. Sir Nigel blinked mildly from one to the other, until at last + perceiving a stout black-bearded knight at his elbow, whose laugh rang + somewhat louder than the others, he touched him lightly upon the sleeve. + </p> + <p> + “Perchance, my fair sir,” he whispered, “there is some small vow of which + I may relieve you. Might we not have some honorable debate upon the + matter. Your gentle courtesy may perhaps grant me an exchange of thrusts.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, Sir Nigel,” cried the prince, “fasten not the offence upon Sir + Robert Briquet, for we are one and all bogged in the same mire. Truth to + say, our ears have just been vexed by the doings of the same company, and + I have even now made vow to hang the man who held the rank of captain over + it. I little thought to find him among the bravest of my own chosen + chieftains. But the vow is now nought, for, as you have never seen your + company, it would be a fool's act to blame you for their doings.” + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” said Sir Nigel, “it is a very small matter that I should be + hanged, albeit the manner of death is somewhat more ignoble than I had + hoped for. On the other hand, it would be a very grievous thing that you, + the Prince of England and the flower of knighthood, should make a vow, + whether in ignorance or no, and fail to bring it to fulfilment.” + </p> + <p> + “Vex not your mind on that,” the prince answered, smiling. “We have had a + citizen from Montauban here this very day, who told us such a tale of sack + and murder and pillage that it moved our blood; but our wrath was turned + upon the man who was in authority over them.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear and honored master,” cried Nigel, in great anxiety, “I fear me + much that in your gentleness of heart you are straining this vow which you + have taken. If there be so much as a shadow of a doubt as to the form of + it, it were a thousand times best——” + </p> + <p> + “Peace! peace!” cried the prince impatiently. “I am very well able to look + to my own vows and their performance. We hope to see you both in the + banquet-hall anon. Meanwhile you will attend upon us with our train.” He + bowed, and Chandos, plucking Sir Oliver by the sleeve, led them both away + to the back of the press of courtiers. + </p> + <p> + “Why, little coz,” he whispered, “you are very eager to have your neck in + a noose. By my soul! had you asked as much from our new ally Don Pedro, he + had not baulked you. Between friends, there is overmuch of the hangman in + him, and too little of the prince. But indeed this White Company is a + rough band, and may take some handling ere you find yourself safe in your + captaincy.” + </p> + <p> + “I doubt not, with the help of St. Paul, that I shall bring them to some + order,” Sir Nigel answered. “But there are many faces here which are new + to me, though others have been before me since first I waited upon my dear + master, Sir Walter. I pray you to tell me, Sir John, who are these priests + upon the dais?” + </p> + <p> + “The one is the Archbishop of Bordeaux, Nigel, and the other the Bishop of + Agen.” + </p> + <p> + “And the dark knight with gray-streaked beard? By my troth, he seems to be + a man of much wisdom and valor.” + </p> + <p> + “He is Sir William Felton, who, with my unworthy self, is the chief + counsellor of the prince, he being high steward and I the seneschal of + Aquitaine.” + </p> + <p> + “And the knights upon the right, beside Don Pedro?” + </p> + <p> + “They are cavaliers of Spain who have followed him in his exile. The one + at his elbow is Fernando de Castro, who is as brave and true a man as + heart could wish. In front to the right are the Gascon lords. You may well + tell them by their clouded brows, for there hath been some ill-will of + late betwixt the prince and them. The tall and burly man is the Captal de + Buch, whom I doubt not that you know, for a braver knight never laid lance + in rest. That heavy-faced cavalier who plucks his skirts and whispers in + his ear is Lord Oliver de Clisson, known also as the butcher. He it is who + stirs up strife, and forever blows the dying embers into flame. The man + with the mole upon his cheek is the Lord Pommers, and his two brothers + stand behind him, with the Lord Lesparre, Lord de Rosem, Lord de Mucident, + Sir Perducas d'Albret, the Souldich de la Trane, and others. Further back + are knights from Quercy, Limousin, Saintonge, Poitou, and Aquitaine, with + the valiant Sir Guiscard d'Angle. That is he in the rose-colored doublet + with the ermine.” + </p> + <p> + “And the knights upon this side?” + </p> + <p> + “They are all Englishmen, some of the household and others who like + yourself, are captains of companies. There is Lord Neville, Sir Stephen + Cossington, and Sir Matthew Gourney, with Sir Walter Huet, Sir Thomas + Banaster, and Sir Thomas Felton, who is the brother of the high steward. + Mark well the man with the high nose and flaxen beard who hath placed his + hand upon the shoulder of the dark hard-faced cavalier in the rust-stained + jupon.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, by St. Paul!” observed Sir Nigel, “they both bear the print of their + armor upon their cotes-hardies. Methinks they are men who breathe freer in + a camp than a court.” + </p> + <p> + “There are many of us who do that, Nigel,” said Chandos, “and the head of + the court is, I dare warrant, among them. But of these two men the one is + Sir Hugh Calverley, and the other is Sir Robert Knolles.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel and Sir Oliver craned their necks to have the clearer view of + these famous warriors, the one a chosen leader of free companies, the + other a man who by his fierce valor and energy had raised himself from the + lowest ranks until he was second only to Chandos himself in the esteem of + the army. + </p> + <p> + “He hath no light hand in war, hath Sir Robert,” said Chandos. “If he + passes through a country you may tell it for some years to come. I have + heard that in the north it is still the use to call a house which hath but + the two gable ends left, without walls or roof, a Knolles' mitre.” + </p> + <p> + “I have often heard of him,” said Nigel, “and I have hoped to be so far + honored as to run a course with him. But hark, Sir John, what is amiss + with the prince?” + </p> + <p> + Whilst Chandos had been conversing with the two knights a continuous + stream of suitors had been ushered in, adventurers seeking to sell their + swords and merchants clamoring over some grievance, a ship detained for + the carriage of troops, or a tun of sweet wine which had the bottom + knocked out by a troop of thirsty archers. A few words from the prince + disposed of each case, and, if the applicant liked not the judgment, a + quick glance from the prince's dark eyes sent him to the door with the + grievance all gone out of him. The younger ruler had sat listlessly upon + his stool with the two puppet monarchs enthroned behind him, but of a + sudden a dark shadow passed over his face, and he sprang to his feet in + one of those gusts of passion which were the single blot upon his noble + and generous character. + </p> + <p> + “How now, Don Martin de la Carra?” he cried. “How now, sirrah? What + message do you bring to us from our brother of Navarre?” + </p> + <p> + The new-comer to whom this abrupt query had been addressed was a tall and + exceedingly handsome cavalier who had just been ushered into the + apartment. His swarthy cheek and raven black hair spoke of the fiery + south, and he wore his long black cloak swathed across his chest and over + his shoulders in a graceful sweeping fashion, which was neither English + nor French. With stately steps and many profound bows, he advanced to the + foot of the dais before replying to the prince's question. + </p> + <p> + “My powerful and illustrious master,” he began, “Charles, King of Navarre, + Earl of Evreux, Count of Champagne, who also writeth himself Overlord of + Bearn, hereby sends his love and greetings to his dear cousin Edward, the + Prince of Wales, Governor of Aquitaine, Grand Commander of——” + </p> + <p> + “Tush! tush! Don Martin!” interrupted the prince, who had been beating the + ground with his foot impatiently during this stately preamble. “We already + know our cousin's titles and style, and, certes, we know our own. To the + point, man, and at once. Are the passes open to us, or does your master go + back from his word pledged to me at Libourne no later than last + Michaelmas?” + </p> + <p> + “It would ill become my gracious master, sire, to go back from promise + given. He does but ask some delay and certain conditions and hostages——” + </p> + <p> + “Conditions! Hostages! Is he speaking to the Prince of England, or is it + to the bourgeois provost of some half-captured town! Conditions, quotha? + He may find much to mend in his own condition ere long. The passes are, + then, closed to us?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, sire——” + </p> + <p> + “They are open, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, sire, if you would but——” + </p> + <p> + “Enough, enough, Don Martin,” cried the prince. “It is a sorry sight to + see so true a knight pleading in so false a cause. We know the doings of + our cousin Charles. We know that while with the right hand he takes our + fifty thousand crowns for the holding of the passes open, he hath his left + outstretched to Henry of Trastamare, or to the King of France, all ready + to take as many more for the keeping them closed. I know our good Charles, + and, by my blessed name-saint the Confessor, he shall learn that I know + him. He sets his kingdom up to the best bidder, like some scullion farrier + selling a glandered horse. He is——” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” cried Don Martin, “I cannot stand there to hear such words of + my master. Did they come from other lips, I should know better how to + answer them.” + </p> + <p> + Don Pedro frowned and curled his lip, but the prince smiled and nodded his + approbation. + </p> + <p> + “Your bearing and your words, Don Martin, are such I should have looked + for in you,” he remarked. “You will tell the king, your master, that he + hath been paid his price and that if he holds to his promise he hath my + word for it that no scath shall come to his people, nor to their houses or + gear. If, however, we have not his leave, I shall come close at the heels + of this message without his leave, and bearing a key with me which shall + open all that he may close.” He stooped and whispered to Sir Robert + Knolles and Sir Huge Calverley, who smiled as men well pleased, and + hastened from the room. + </p> + <p> + “Our cousin Charles has had experience of our friendship,” the prince + continued, “and now, by the Saints! he shall feel a touch of our + displeasure. I send now a message to our cousin Charles which his whole + kingdom may read. Let him take heed lest worse befall him. Where is my + Lord Chandos? Ha, Sir John, I commend this worthy knight to your care. You + will see that he hath refection, and such a purse of gold as may defray + his charges, for indeed it is great honor to any court to have within it + so noble and gentle a cavalier. How say you, sire?” he asked, turning to + the Spanish refugee, while the herald of Navarre was conducted from the + chamber by the old warrior. + </p> + <p> + “It is not our custom in Spain to reward pertness in a messenger,” Don + Pedro answered, patting the head of his greyhound. “Yet we have all heard + the lengths to which your royal generosity runs.” + </p> + <p> + “In sooth, yes,” cried the King of Majorca. + </p> + <p> + “Who should know it better than we?” said Don Pedro bitterly, “since we + have had to fly to you in our trouble as to the natural protector of all + who are weak.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, as brothers to a brother,” cried the prince, with sparkling + eyes. “We doubt not, with the help of God, to see you very soon restored + to those thrones from which you have been so traitorously thrust.” + </p> + <p> + “When that happy day comes,” said Pedro, “then Spain shall be to you as + Aquitaine, and, be your project what it may, you may ever count on every + troop and every ship over which flies the banner of Castile.” + </p> + <p> + “And,” added the other, “upon every aid which the wealth and power of + Majorca can bestow.” + </p> + <p> + “Touching the hundred thousand crowns in which I stand your debtor,” + continued Pedro carelessly, “it can no doubt——” + </p> + <p> + “Not a word, sire, not a word!” cried the prince. “It is not now when you + are in grief that I would vex your mind with such base and sordid matters. + I have said once and forever that I am yours with every bow-string of my + army and every florin in my coffers.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! here is indeed a mirror of chivalry,” said Don Pedro. “I think, Sir + Fernando, since the prince's bounty is stretched so far, that we may make + further use of his gracious goodness to the extent of fifty thousand + crowns. Good Sir William Felton, here, will doubtless settle the matter + with you.” + </p> + <p> + The stout old English counsellor looked somewhat blank at this prompt + acceptance of his master's bounty. + </p> + <p> + “If it please you, sire,” he said, “the public funds are at their lowest, + seeing that I have paid twelve thousand men of the companies, and the new + taxes—the hearth-tax and the wine-tax—not yet come in. If you + could wait until the promised help from England comes——” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, my sweet cousin,” cried Don Pedro. “Had we known that your own + coffers were so low, or that this sorry sum could have weighed one way or + the other, we had been loth indeed——” + </p> + <p> + “Enough, sire, enough!” said the prince, flushing with vexation. “If the + public funds be, indeed, so backward, Sir William, there is still, I + trust, my own private credit, which hath never been drawn upon for my own + uses, but is now ready in the cause of a friend in adversity. Go, raise + this money upon our own jewels, if nought else may serve, and see that it + be paid over to Don Fernando.” + </p> + <p> + “In security I offer——” cried Don Pedro. + </p> + <p> + “Tush! tush!” said the prince. “I am not a Lombard, sire. Your kingly + pledge is my security, without bond or seal. But I have tidings for you, + my lords and lieges, that our brother of Lancaster is on his way for our + capital with four hundred lances and as many archers to aid us in our + venture. When he hath come, and when our fair consort is recovered in her + health, which I trust by the grace of God may be ere many weeks be past, + we shall then join the army at Dax, and set our banners to the breeze once + more.” + </p> + <p> + A buzz of joy at the prospect of immediate action rose up from the group + of warriors. The prince smiled at the martial ardor which shone upon every + face around him. + </p> + <p> + “It will hearten you to know,” he continued, “that I have sure advices + that this Henry is a very valiant leader, and that he has it in his power + to make such a stand against us as promises to give us much honor and + pleasure. Of his own people he hath brought together, as I learn, some + fifty thousand, with twelve thousand of the French free companies, who + are, as you know very valiant and expert men-at-arms. It is certain also, + that the brave and worthy Bertrand de Guesclin hath ridden into France to + the Duke of Anjou, and purposes to take back with him great levies from + Picardy and Brittany. We hold Bertrand in high esteem, for he has oft + before been at great pains to furnish us with an honorable encounter. What + think you of it, my worthy Captal? He took you at Cocherel, and, by my + soul! you will have the chance now to pay that score.” + </p> + <p> + The Gascon warrior winced a little at the allusion, nor were his + countrymen around him better pleased, for on the only occasion when they + had encountered the arms of France without English aid they had met with a + heavy defeat. + </p> + <p> + “There are some who say, sire,” said the burly De Clisson, “that the score + is already overpaid, for that without Gascon help Bertrand had not been + taken at Auray, nor had King John been overborne at Poictiers.” + </p> + <p> + “By heaven! but this is too much,” cried an English nobleman. “Methinks + that Gascony is too small a cock to crow so lustily.” + </p> + <p> + “The smaller cock, my Lord Audley, may have the longer spur,” remarked the + Captal de Buch. + </p> + <p> + “May have its comb clipped if it make over-much noise,” broke in an + Englishman. + </p> + <p> + “By our Lady of Rocamadour!” cried the Lord of Mucident, “this is more + than I can abide. Sir John Charnell, you shall answer to me for those + words!” + </p> + <p> + “Freely, my lord, and when you will,” returned the Englishman carelessly. + </p> + <p> + “My Lord de Clisson,” cried Lord Audley, “you look somewhat fixedly in + my direction. By God's soul! I should be right glad to go further into the + matter with you.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, my Lord of Pommers,” said Sir Nigel, pushing his way to the + front, “it is in my mind that we might break a lance in gentle and + honorable debate over the question.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment a dozen challenges flashed backwards and forwards at this + sudden bursting of the cloud which had lowered so long between the knights + of the two nations. Furious and gesticulating the Gascons, white and cold + and sneering the English, while the prince with a half smile glanced from + one party to the other, like a man who loved to dwell upon a fiery scene, + and yet dreaded least the mischief go so far that he might find it beyond + his control. + </p> + <p> + “Friends, friends!” he cried at last, “this quarrel must go no further. + The man shall answer to me, be he Gascon or English, who carries it beyond + this room. I have overmuch need for your swords that you should turn them + upon each other. Sir John Charnell, Lord Audley, you do not doubt the + courage of our friends of Gascony?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, sire,” Lord Audley answered. “I have seen them fight too often not + to know that they are very hardy and valiant gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + “And so say I,” quoth the other Englishman; “but, certes, there is no fear + of our forgetting it while they have a tongue in their heads.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Sir John,” said the prince reprovingly, “all peoples have their own + use and customs. There are some who might call us cold and dull and + silent. But you hear, my lords of Gascony, that these gentlemen had no + thought to throw a slur upon your honor or your valor, so let all anger + fade from your mind. Clisson, Captal, De Pommers, I have your word?” + </p> + <p> + “We are your subjects, sire,” said the Gascon barons, though with no very + good grace. “Your words are our law.” + </p> + <p> + “Then shall we bury all cause of unkindness in a flagon of Malvoisie,” + said the prince, cheerily. “Ho, there! the doors of the banquet-hall! I + have been over long from my sweet spouse but I shall be back with you + anon. Let the sewers serve and the minstrels play, while we drain a cup to + the brave days that are before us in the south!” He turned away, + accompanied by the two monarchs, while the rest of the company, with many + a compressed lip and menacing eye, filed slowly through the side-door to + the great chamber in which the royal tables were set forth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. HOW ALLEYNE WON HIS PLACE IN AN HONORABLE GUILD. + </h2> + <p> + Whilst the prince's council was sitting, Alleyne and Ford had remained in + the outer hall, where they were soon surrounded by a noisy group of young + Englishmen of their own rank, all eager to hear the latest news from + England. + </p> + <p> + “How is it with the old man at Windsor?” asked one. + </p> + <p> + “And how with the good Queen Philippa?” + </p> + <p> + “And how with Dame Alice Perrers?” cried a third. + </p> + <p> + “The devil take your tongue, Wat!” shouted a tall young man, seizing the + last speaker by the collar and giving him an admonitory shake. “The prince + would take your head off for those words.” + </p> + <p> + “By God's coif! Wat would miss it but little,” said another. “It is as + empty as a beggar's wallet.” + </p> + <p> + “As empty as an English squire, coz,” cried the first speaker. “What a + devil has become of the maitre-des-tables and his sewers? They have not + put forth the trestles yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Mon Dieu! if a man could eat himself into knighthood, Humphrey, you had + been a banneret at the least,” observed another, amid a burst of laughter. + </p> + <p> + “And if you could drink yourself in, old leather-head, you had been first + baron of the realm,” cried the aggrieved Humphrey. “But how of England, my + lads of Loring?” + </p> + <p> + “I take it,” said Ford, “that it is much as it was when you were there + last, save that perchance there is a little less noise there.” + </p> + <p> + “And why less noise, young Solomon?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that is for your wit to discover.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardieu! here is a paladin come over, with the Hampshire mud still + sticking to his shoes. He means that the noise is less for our being out + of the country.” + </p> + <p> + “They are very quick in these parts,” said Ford, turning to Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “How are we to take this, sir?” asked the ruffling squire. + </p> + <p> + “You may take it as it comes,” said Ford carelessly. + </p> + <p> + “Here is pertness!” cried the other. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I honor your truthfulness,” said Ford. + </p> + <p> + “Stint it, Humphrey,” said the tall squire, with a burst of laughter. “You + will have little credit from this gentleman, I perceive. Tongues are sharp + in Hampshire, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And swords?” + </p> + <p> + “Hum! we may prove that. In two days' time is the vepres du tournoi, when + we may see if your lance is as quick as your wit.” + </p> + <p> + “All very well, Roger Harcomb,” cried a burly, bull-necked young man, + whose square shoulders and massive limbs told of exceptional personal + strength. “You pass too lightly over the matter. We are not to be so + easily overcrowed. The Lord Loring hath given his proofs; but we know + nothing of his squires, save that one of them hath a railing tongue. And + how of you, young sir?” bringing his heavy hand down on Alleyne's + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “And what of me, young sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Ma foi! this is my lady's page come over. Your cheek will be browner and + your hand harder ere you see your mother again.” + </p> + <p> + “If my hand is not hard, it is ready.” + </p> + <p> + “Ready? Ready for what? For the hem of my lady's train?” + </p> + <p> + “Ready to chastise insolence, sir,” cried Alleyne with flashing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Sweet little coz!” answered the burly squire. “Such a dainty color! Such + a mellow voice! Eyes of a bashful maid, and hair like a three years' babe! + Voila!” He passed his thick fingers roughly through the youth's crisp + golden curls. + </p> + <p> + “You seek to force a quarrel, sir,” said the young man, white with anger. + </p> + <p> + “And what then?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you do it like a country boor, and not like a gentle squire. Hast + been ill bred and as ill taught. I serve a master who could show you how + such things should be done.” + </p> + <p> + “And how would he do it, O pink of squires?” + </p> + <p> + “He would neither be loud nor would he be unmannerly, but rather more + gentle than is his wont. He would say, 'Sir, I should take it as an honor + to do some small deed of arms against you, not for mine own glory or + advancement, but rather for the fame of my lady and for the upholding of + chivalry.' Then he would draw his glove, thus, and throw it on the ground; + or, if he had cause to think that he had to deal with a churl, he might + throw it in his face—as I do now!” + </p> + <p> + A buzz of excitement went up from the knot of squires as Alleyne, his + gentle nature turned by this causeless attack into fiery resolution, + dashed his glove with all his strength into the sneering face of his + antagonist. From all parts of the hall squires and pages came running, + until a dense, swaying crowd surrounded the disputants. + </p> + <p> + “Your life for this!” said the bully, with a face which was distorted with + rage. + </p> + <p> + “If you can take it,” returned Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “Good lad!” whispered Ford. “Stick to it close as wax.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall see justice,” cried Norbury, Sir Oliver's silent attendant. + </p> + <p> + “You brought it upon yourself, John Tranter,” said the tall squire, who + had been addressed as Roger Harcomb. “You must ever plague the new-comers. + But it were shame if this went further. The lad hath shown a proper + spirit.” + </p> + <p> + “But a blow! a blow!” cried several of the older squires. “There must be a + finish to this.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay; Tranter first laid hand upon his head,” said Harcomb. “How say you, + Tranter? The matter may rest where it stands?” + </p> + <p> + “My name is known in these parts,” said Tranter, proudly, “I can let pass + what might leave a stain upon another. Let him pick up his glove and say + that he has done amiss.” + </p> + <p> + “I would see him in the claws of the devil first,” whispered Ford. + </p> + <p> + “You hear, young sir?” said the peacemaker. “Our friend will overlook the + matter if you do but say that you have acted in heat and haste.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot say that,” answered Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “It is our custom, young sir, when new squires come amongst us from + England, to test them in some such way. Bethink you that if a man have a + destrier or a new lance he will ever try it in time of peace, lest in days + of need it may fail him. How much more then is it proper to test those who + are our comrades in arms.” + </p> + <p> + “I would draw out if it may honorably be done,” murmured Norbury in + Alleyne's ear. “The man is a noted swordsman and far above your strength.” + </p> + <p> + Edricson came, however, of that sturdy Saxon blood which is very slowly + heated, but once up not easily to be cooled. The hint of danger which + Norbury threw out was the one thing needed to harden his resolution. + </p> + <p> + “I came here at the back of my master,” he said, “and I looked on every + man here as an Englishman and a friend. This gentleman hath shown me a + rough welcome, and if I have answered him in the same spirit he has but + himself to thank. I will pick the glove up; but, certes, I shall abide + what I have done unless he first crave my pardon for what he hath said and + done.” + </p> + <p> + Tranter shrugged his shoulders. “You have done what you could to save him, + Harcomb,” said he. “We had best settle at once.” + </p> + <p> + “So say I,” cried Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “The council will not break up until the banquet,” remarked a gray-haired + squire. “You have a clear two hours.” + </p> + <p> + “And the place?” + </p> + <p> + “The tilting-yard is empty at this hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay; it must not be within the grounds of the court, or it may go hard + with all concerned if it come to the ears of the prince.” + </p> + <p> + “But there is a quiet spot near the river,” said one youth. “We have but + to pass through the abbey grounds, along the armory wall, past the church + of St. Remi, and so down the Rue des Apotres.” + </p> + <p> + “En avant, then!” cried Tranter shortly, and the whole assembly flocked + out into the open air, save only those whom the special orders of their + masters held to their posts. These unfortunates crowded to the small + casements, and craned their necks after the throng as far as they could + catch a glimpse of them. + </p> + <p> + Close to the banks of the Garonne there lay a little tract of green sward, + with the high wall of a prior's garden upon one side and an orchard with a + thick bristle of leafless apple-trees upon the other. The river ran deep + and swift up to the steep bank; but there were few boats upon it, and the + ships were moored far out in the centre of the stream. Here the two + combatants drew their swords and threw off their doublets, for neither had + any defensive armor. The duello with its stately etiquette had not yet + come into vogue, but rough and sudden encounters were as common as they + must ever be when hot-headed youth goes abroad with a weapon strapped to + its waist. In such combats, as well as in the more formal sports of the + tilting-yard, Tranter had won a name for strength and dexterity which had + caused Norbury to utter his well-meant warning. On the other hand, Alleyne + had used his weapons in constant exercise and practice on every day for + many months, and being by nature quick of eye and prompt of hand, he might + pass now as no mean swordsman. A strangely opposed pair they appeared as + they approached each other: Tranter dark and stout and stiff, with hairy + chest and corded arms, Alleyne a model of comeliness and grace, with his + golden hair and his skin as fair as a woman's. An unequal fight it seemed + to most; but there were a few, and they the most experienced, who saw + something in the youth's steady gray eye and wary step which left the + issue open to doubt. + </p> + <p> + “Hold, sirs, hold!” cried Norbury, ere a blow had been struck. “This + gentleman hath a two-handed sword, a good foot longer than that of our + friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Take mine, Alleyne,” said Ford. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, friends,” he answered, “I understand the weight and balance of mine + own. To work, sir, for our lord may need us at the abbey!” + </p> + <p> + Tranter's great sword was indeed a mighty vantage in his favor. He stood + with his feet close together, his knees bent outwards, ready for a dash + inwards or a spring out. The weapon he held straight up in front of him + with blade erect, so that he might either bring it down with a swinging + blow, or by a turn of the heavy blade he might guard his own head and + body. A further protection lay in the broad and powerful guard which + crossed the hilt, and which was furnished with a deep and narrow notch, in + which an expert swordsman might catch his foeman's blade, and by a quick + turn of his wrist might snap it across. Alleyne, on the other hand, must + trust for his defence to his quick eye and active foot—for his + sword, though keen as a whetstone could make it, was of a light and + graceful build with a narrow, sloping pommel and a tapering steel. + </p> + <p> + Tranter well knew his advantage and lost no time in putting it to use. As + his opponent walked towards him he suddenly bounded forward and sent in a + whistling cut which would have severed the other in twain had he not + sprung lightly back from it. So close was it that the point ripped a gash + in the jutting edge of his linen cyclas. Quick as a panther, Alleyne + sprang in with a thrust, but Tranter, who was as active as he was strong, + had already recovered himself and turned it aside with a movement of his + heavy blade. Again he whizzed in a blow which made the spectators hold + their breath, and again Alleyne very quickly and swiftly slipped from + under it, and sent back two lightning thrusts which the other could scarce + parry. So close were they to each other that Alleyne had no time to spring + back from the next cut, which beat down his sword and grazed his forehead, + sending the blood streaming into his eyes and down his cheeks. He sprang + out beyond sword sweep, and the pair stood breathing heavily, while the + crowd of young squires buzzed their applause. + </p> + <p> + “Bravely struck on both sides!” cried Roger Harcomb. “You have both won + honor from this meeting, and it would be sin and shame to let it go + further.” + </p> + <p> + “You have done enough, Edricson,” said Norbury. + </p> + <p> + “You have carried yourself well,” cried several of the older squires. + </p> + <p> + “For my part, I have no wish to slay this young man,” said Tranter, wiping + his heated brow. + </p> + <p> + “Does this gentleman crave my pardon for having used me despitefully?” + asked Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, not I.” + </p> + <p> + “Then stand on your guard, sir!” With a clatter and dash the two blades + met once more, Alleyne pressing in so as to keep within the full sweep of + the heavy blade, while Tranter as continually sprang back to have space + for one of his fatal cuts. A three-parts-parried blow drew blood from + Alleyne's left shoulder, but at the same moment he wounded Tranter + slightly upon the thigh. Next instant, however, his blade had slipped into + the fatal notch, there was a sharp cracking sound with a tinkling upon the + ground, and he found a splintered piece of steel fifteen inches long was + all that remained to him of his weapon. + </p> + <p> + “Your life is in my hands!” cried Tranter, with a bitter smile. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, he makes submission!” broke in several squires. + </p> + <p> + “Another sword!” cried Ford. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, sir,” said Harcomb, “that is not the custom.” + </p> + <p> + “Throw down your hilt, Edricson,” cried Norbury. + </p> + <p> + “Never!” said Alleyne. “Do you crave my pardon, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “You are mad to ask it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then on guard again!” cried the young squire, and sprang in with a fire + and a fury which more than made up for the shortness of his weapon. It had + not escaped him that his opponent was breathing in short, hoarse gasps, + like a man who is dizzy with fatigue. Now was the time for the purer + living and the more agile limb to show their value. Back and back gave + Tranter, ever seeking time for a last cut. On and on came Alleyne, his + jagged point now at his foeman's face, now at his throat, now at his + chest, still stabbing and thrusting to pass the line of steel which + covered him. Yet his experienced foeman knew well that such efforts could + not be long sustained. Let him relax for one instant, and his death-blow + had come. Relax he must! Flesh and blood could not stand the strain. + Already the thrusts were less fierce, the foot less ready, although there + was no abatement of the spirit in the steady gray eyes. Tranter, cunning + and wary from years of fighting, knew that his chance had come. He brushed + aside the frail weapon which was opposed to him, whirled up his great + blade, sprang back to get the fairer sweep—and vanished into the + waters of the Garonne. + </p> + <p> + So intent had the squires, both combatants and spectators, been on the + matter in hand, that all thought of the steep bank and swift still stream + had gone from their minds. It was not until Tranter, giving back before + the other's fiery rush, was upon the very brink, that a general cry warned + him of his danger. That last spring, which he hoped would have brought the + fight to a bloody end, carried him clear of the edge, and he found himself + in an instant eight feet deep in the ice-cold stream. Once and twice his + gasping face and clutching fingers broke up through the still green water, + sweeping outwards in the swirl of the current. In vain were sword-sheaths, + apple-branches and belts linked together thrown out to him by his + companions. Alleyne had dropped his shattered sword and was standing, + trembling in every limb, with his rage all changed in an instant to pity. + For the third time the drowning man came to the surface, his hands full of + green slimy water-plants, his eyes turned in despair to the shore. Their + glance fell upon Alleyne, and he could not withstand the mute appeal which + he read in them. In an instant he, too, was in the Garonne, striking out + with powerful strokes for his late foeman. + </p> + <p> + Yet the current was swift and strong, and, good swimmer as he was, it was + no easy task which Alleyne had set himself. To clutch at Tranter and to + seize him by the hair was the work of a few seconds, but to hold his head + above water and to make their way out of the current was another matter. + For a hundred strokes he did not seem to gain an inch. Then at last, amid + a shout of joy and praise from the bank, they slowly drew clear into more + stagnant water, at the instant that a rope, made of a dozen sword-belts + linked together by the buckles, was thrown by Ford into their very hands. + Three pulls from eager arms, and the two combatants, dripping and pale, + were dragged up the bank, and lay panting upon the grass. + </p> + <p> + John Tranter was the first to come to himself, for although he had been + longer in the water, he had done nothing during that fierce battle with + the current. He staggered to his feet and looked down upon his rescuer, + who had raised himself upon his elbow, and was smiling faintly at the buzz + of congratulation and of praise which broke from the squires around him. + </p> + <p> + “I am much beholden to you, sir,” said Tranter, though in no very friendly + voice. “Certes, I should have been in the river now but for you, for I was + born in Warwickshire, which is but a dry county, and there are few who + swim in those parts.” + </p> + <p> + “I ask no thanks,” Alleyne answered shortly. “Give me your hand to rise, + Ford.” + </p> + <p> + “The river has been my enemy,” said Tranter, “but it hath been a good + friend to you, for it has saved your life this day.” + </p> + <p> + “That is as it may be,” returned Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “But all is now well over,” quoth Harcomb, “and no scath come of it, which + is more than I had at one time hoped for. Our young friend here hath very + fairly and honestly earned his right to be craftsman of the Honorable + Guild of the Squires of Bordeaux. Here is your doublet, Tranter.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas for my poor sword which lies at the bottom of the Garonne!” said the + squire. + </p> + <p> + “Here is your pourpoint, Edricson,” cried Norbury. “Throw it over your + shoulders, that you may have at least one dry garment.” + </p> + <p> + “And now away back to the abbey!” said several. + </p> + <p> + “One moment, sirs,” cried Alleyne, who was leaning on Ford's shoulder, + with the broken sword, which he had picked up, still clutched in his right + hand. “My ears may be somewhat dulled by the water, and perchance what has + been said has escaped me, but I have not yet heard this gentleman crave + pardon for the insults which he put upon me in the hall.” + </p> + <p> + “What! do you still pursue the quarrel?” asked Tranter. + </p> + <p> + “And why not, sir? I am slow to take up such things, but once afoot I + shall follow it while I have life or breath.” + </p> + <p> + “Ma foi! you have not too much of either, for you are as white as marble,” + said Harcomb bluntly. “Take my rede, sir, and let it drop, for you have + come very well out from it.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Alleyne, “this quarrel is none of my making; but, now that I + am here, I swear to you that I shall never leave this spot until I have + that which I have come for: so ask my pardon, sir, or choose another + glaive and to it again.” + </p> + <p> + The young squire was deadly white from his exertions, both on the land and + in the water. Soaking and stained, with a smear of blood on his white + shoulder and another on his brow, there was still in his whole pose and + set of face the trace of an inflexible resolution. His opponent's duller + and more material mind quailed before the fire and intensity of a higher + spiritual nature. + </p> + <p> + “I had not thought that you had taken it so amiss,” said he awkwardly. “It + was but such a jest as we play upon each other, and, if you must have it + so, I am sorry for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I am sorry too,” quoth Alleyne warmly, “and here is my hand upon + it.” + </p> + <p> + “And the none-meat horn has blown three times,” quoth Harcomb, as they all + streamed in chattering groups from the ground. “I know not what the + prince's maitre-de-cuisine will say or think. By my troth! master Ford, + your friend here is in need of a cup of wine, for he hath drunk deeply of + Garonne water. I had not thought from his fair face that he had stood to + this matter so shrewdly.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith,” said Ford, “this air of Bordeaux hath turned our turtle-dove into + a game-cock. A milder or more courteous youth never came out of + Hampshire.” + </p> + <p> + “His master also, as I understand, is a very mild and courteous + gentleman,” remarked Harcomb; “yet I do not think that they are either of + them men with whom it is very safe to trifle.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. HOW AGOSTINO PISANO RISKED HIS HEAD. + </h2> + <p> + Even the squires' table at the Abbey of St. Andrew's at Bordeaux was on a + very sumptuous scale while the prince held his court there. Here first, + after the meagre fare of Beaulieu and the stinted board of the Lady + Loring, Alleyne learned the lengths to which luxury and refinement might + be pushed. Roasted peacocks, with the feathers all carefully replaced, so + that the bird lay upon the dish even as it had strutted in life, boars' + heads with the tusks gilded and the mouth lined with silver foil, jellies + in the shape of the Twelve Apostles, and a great pasty which formed an + exact model of the king's new castle at Windsor—these were a few of + the strange dishes which faced him. An archer had brought him a change of + clothes from the cog, and he had already, with the elasticity of youth, + shaken off the troubles and fatigues of the morning. A page from the inner + banqueting-hall had come with word that their master intended to drink + wine at the lodgings of the Lord Chandos that night, and that he desired + his squires to sleep at the hotel of the “Half Moon” on the Rue des + Apotres. Thither then they both set out in the twilight after the long + course of juggling tricks and glee-singing with which the principal meal + was concluded. + </p> + <p> + A thin rain was falling as the two youths, with their cloaks over their + heads, made their way on foot through the streets of the old town, leaving + their horses in the royal stables. An occasional oil lamp at the corner of + a street, or in the portico of some wealthy burgher, threw a faint glimmer + over the shining cobblestones, and the varied motley crowd who, in spite + of the weather, ebbed and flowed along every highway. In those scattered + circles of dim radiance might be seen the whole busy panorama of life in a + wealthy and martial city. Here passed the round-faced burgher, swollen + with prosperity, his sweeping dark-clothed gaberdine, flat velvet cap, + broad leather belt and dangling pouch all speaking of comfort and of + wealth. Behind him his serving wench, her blue whimple over her head, and + one hand thrust forth to bear the lanthorn which threw a golden bar of + light along her master's path. Behind them a group of swaggering, + half-drunken Yorkshire dalesmen, speaking a dialect which their own + southland countrymen could scarce comprehend, their jerkins marked with + the pelican, which showed that they had come over in the train of the + north-country Stapletons. The burgher glanced back at their fierce faces + and quickened his step, while the girl pulled her whimple closer round + her, for there was a meaning in their wild eyes, as they stared at the + purse and the maiden, which men of all tongues could understand. Then came archers of the guard, +shrill-voiced women of the camp, English pages with their fair skins and +blue wondering eyes, dark-robed friars, lounging men-at-arms, swarthy +loud-tongued Gascon serving-men, seamen from the river, rude peasants +of the Medoc, and becloaked and befeathered squires of the court, all +jostling and pushing in an ever-changing, many-colored stream, while +English, French, Welsh, Basque, and the varied dialects of Gascony and +Guienne filled the air with their babel. From time to time the throng +would be burst asunder and a lady's horse-litter would trot past towards +the abbey, or there would come a knot of torch-bearing archers walking +in front of Gascon baron or English knight, as he sought his lodgings after +the palace revels. Clatter of hoofs, clinking of weapons, shouts from the +drunken brawlers, and high laughter of women, they all rose up, like +the mist from a marsh, out of the crowded streets of the dim-lit city. + </p> + <p> + One couple out of the moving throng especially engaged the attention of + the two young squires, the more so as they were going in their own + direction and immediately in front of them. They consisted of a man and a + girl, the former very tall with rounded shoulders, a limp of one foot, and + a large flat object covered with dark cloth under his arm. His companion + was young and straight, with a quick, elastic step and graceful bearing, + though so swathed in a black mantle that little could be seen of her face + save a flash of dark eyes and a curve of raven hair. The tall man leaned + heavily upon her to take the weight off his tender foot, while he held his + burden betwixt himself and the wall, cuddling it jealously to his side, + and thrusting forward his young companion to act as a buttress whenever + the pressure of the crowd threatened to bear him away. The evident anxiety + of the man, the appearance of his attendant, and the joint care with which + they defended their concealed possession, excited the interest of the two + young Englishmen who walked within hand-touch of them. + </p> + <p> + “Courage, child!” they heard the tall man exclaim in strange hybrid + French. “If we can win another sixty paces we are safe.” + </p> + <p> + “Hold it safe, father,” the other answered, in the same soft, mincing + dialect. “We have no cause for fear.” + </p> + <p> + “Verily, they are heathens and barbarians,” cried the man; “mad, howling, + drunken barbarians! Forty more paces, Tita mia, and I swear to the holy + Eloi, patron of all learned craftsmen, that I will never set foot over my + door again until the whole swarm are safely hived in their camp of Dax, or + wherever else they curse with their presence. Twenty more paces, my + treasure! Ah, my God! how they push and brawl! Get in their way, Tita mia! + Put your little elbow bravely out! Set your shoulders squarely against + them, girl! Why should you give way to these mad islanders? Ah, cospetto! + we are ruined and destroyed!” + </p> + <p> + The crowd had thickened in front, so that the lame man and the girl had + come to a stand. Several half-drunken English archers, attracted, as the + squires had been, by their singular appearance, were facing towards them, + and peering at them through the dim light. + </p> + <p> + “By the three kings!” cried one, “here is an old dotard shrew to have so + goodly a crutch! Use the leg that God hath given you, man, and do not bear + so heavily upon the wench.” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty devils fly away with him!” shouted another. “What, how, man! are + brave archers to go maidless while an old man uses one as a + walking-staff?” + </p> + <p> + “Come with me, my honey-bird!” cried a third, plucking at the girl's + mantle. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, with me, my heart's desire!” said the first. “By St. George! our + life is short, and we should be merry while we may. May I never see + Chester Bridge again, if she is not a right winsome lass!” + </p> + <p> + “What hath the old toad under his arm?” cried one of the others. “He hugs + it to him as the devil hugged the pardoner.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us see, old bag of bones; let us see what it is that you have under + your arm!” They crowded in upon him, while he, ignorant of their language, + could but clutch the girl with one hand and the parcel with the other, + looking wildly about in search of help. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, lads, nay!” cried Ford, pushing back the nearest archer. “This is + but scurvy conduct. Keep your hands off, or it will be the worse for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep your tongue still, or it will be the worse for you,” shouted the + most drunken of the archers. “Who are you to spoil sport?” + </p> + <p> + “A raw squire, new landed,” said another. “By St. Thomas of Kent! we are + at the beck of our master, but we are not to be ordered by every babe + whose mother hath sent him as far as Aquitaine.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, gentlemen,” cried the girl in broken French, “for dear Christ's sake + stand by us, and do not let these terrible men do us an injury.” + </p> + <p> + “Have no fears, lady,” Alleyne answered. “We shall see that all is well + with you. Take your hand from the girl's wrist, you north-country rogue!” + </p> + <p> + “Hold to her, Wat!” said a great black-bearded man-at-arms, whose steel + breast-plate glimmered in the dusk. “Keep your hands from your bodkins, + you two, for that was my trade before you were born, and, by God's soul! I + will drive a handful of steel through you if you move a finger.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” said Alleyne suddenly, as he spied in the lamp-light a shock + of blazing red hair which fringed a steel cap high above the heads of the + crowd. “Here is John, and Aylward, too! Help us, comrades, for there is + wrong being done to this maid and to the old man.” + </p> + <p> + “Hola, mon petit,” said the old bowman, pushing his way through the crowd, + with the huge forester at his heels. “What is all this, then? By the twang + of string! I think that you will have some work upon your hands if you are + to right all the wrongs that you may see upon this side of the water. It + is not to be thought that a troop of bowmen, with the wine buzzing in + their ears, will be as soft-spoken as so many young clerks in an orchard. + When you have been a year with the Company you will think less of such + matters. But what is amiss here? The provost-marshal with his archers is + coming this way, and some of you may find yourselves in the stretch-neck, + if you take not heed.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, it is old Sam Aylward of the White Company!” shouted the + man-at-arms. “Why, Samkin, what hath come upon thee? I can call to mind + the day when you were as roaring a blade as ever called himself a free + companion. By my soul! from Limoges to Navarre, who was there who would + kiss a wench or cut a throat as readily as bowman Aylward of Hawkwood's + company?” + </p> + <p> + “Like enough, Peter,” said Aylward, “and, by my hilt! I may not have + changed so much. But it was ever a fair loose and a clear mark with me. + The wench must be willing, or the man must be standing up against me, + else, by these ten finger bones! either were safe enough for me.” + </p> + <p> + A glance at Aylward's resolute face, and at the huge shoulders of Hordle + John, had convinced the archers that there was little to be got by + violence. The girl and the old man began to shuffle on in the crowd + without their tormentors venturing to stop them. Ford and Alleyne followed + slowly behind them, but Aylward caught the latter by the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! camarade,” said he, “I hear that you have done great things + at the Abbey to-day, but I pray you to have a care, for it was I who + brought you into the Company, and it would be a black day for me if aught + were to befall you.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Aylward, I will have a care.” + </p> + <p> + “Thrust not forward into danger too much, mon petit. In a little time your + wrist will be stronger and your cut more shrewd. There will be some of us + at the 'Rose de Guienne' to-night, which is two doors from the hotel of + the 'Half Moon,' so if you would drain a cup with a few simple archers you + will be right welcome.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne promised to be there if his duties would allow, and then, slipping + through the crowd, he rejoined Ford, who was standing in talk with the two + strangers, who had now reached their own doorstep. + </p> + <p> + “Brave young signor,” cried the tall man, throwing his arms round Alleyne, + “how can we thank you enough for taking our parts against those horrible + drunken barbarians. What should we have done without you? My Tita would + have been dragged away, and my head would have been shivered into a + thousand fragments.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I scarce think that they would have mishandled you so,” said Alleyne + in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho!” cried he with a high crowing laugh, “it is not the head upon my + shoulders that I think of. Cospetto! no. It is the head under my arm which + you have preserved.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the signori would deign to come under our roof, father,” said the + maiden. “If we bide here, who knows that some fresh tumult may not break + out.” + </p> + <p> + “Well said, Tita! Well said, my girl! I pray you, sirs, to honor my + unworthy roof so far. A light, Giacomo! There are five steps up. Now two + more. So! Here we are at last in safety. Corpo di Bacco! I would not have + given ten maravedi for my head when those children of the devil were + pushing us against the wall. Tita mia, you have been a brave girl, and it + was better that you should be pulled and pushed than that my head should + be broken.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes indeed, father,” said she earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “But those English! Ach! Take a Goth, a Hun, and a Vandal, mix them + together and add a Barbary rover; then take this creature and make him + drunk—and you have an Englishman. My God! were ever such people + upon earth! What place is free from them? I hear that they swarm in Italy + even as they swarm here. Everywhere you will find them, except in heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear father,” cried Tita, still supporting the angry old man, as he + limped up the curved oaken stair. “You must not forget that these good + signori who have preserved us are also English.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, yes. My pardon, sirs! Come into my rooms here. There are some who + might find some pleasure in these paintings, but I learn the art of war is + the only art which is held in honor in your island.” + </p> + <p> + The low-roofed, oak-panelled room into which he conducted them was + brilliantly lit by four scented oil lamps. Against the walls, upon the + table, on the floor, and in every part of the chamber were great sheets of + glass painted in the most brilliant colors. Ford and Edricson gazed around + them in amazement, for never had they seen such magnificent works of art. + </p> + <p> + “You like them then,” the lame artist cried, in answer to the look of + pleasure and of surprise in their faces. “There are then some of you who + have a taste for such trifling.” + </p> + <p> + “I could not have believed it,” exclaimed Alleyne. “What color! What + outlines! See to this martyrdom of the holy Stephen, Ford. Could you not + yourself pick up one of these stones which lie to the hand of the wicked + murtherers?” + </p> + <p> + “And see this stag, Alleyne, with the cross betwixt its horns. By my + faith! I have never seen a better one at the Forest of Bere.” + </p> + <p> + “And the green of this grass—how bright and clear! Why all the + painting that I have seen is but child's play beside this. This worthy + gentleman must be one of those great painters of whom I have oft heard + brother Bartholomew speak in the old days at Beaulieu.” + </p> + <p> + The dark mobile face of the artist shone with pleasure at the unaffected + delight of the two young Englishmen. His daughter had thrown off her + mantle and disclosed a face of the finest and most delicate Italian + beauty, which soon drew Ford's eyes from the pictures in front of him. + Alleyne, however, continued with little cries of admiration and of + wonderment to turn from the walls to the table and yet again to the walls. + </p> + <p> + “What think you of this, young sir?” asked the painter, tearing off the + cloth which concealed the flat object which he had borne beneath his arm. + It was a leaf-shaped sheet of glass bearing upon it a face with a halo + round it, so delicately outlined, and of so perfect a tint, that it might + have been indeed a human face which gazed with sad and thoughtful eyes + upon the young squire. He clapped his hands, with that thrill of joy which + true art will ever give to a true artist. + </p> + <p> + “It is great!” he cried. “It is wonderful! But I marvel, sir, that you + should have risked a work of such beauty and value by bearing it at night + through so unruly a crowd.” + </p> + <p> + “I have indeed been rash,” said the artist. “Some wine, Tita, from the + Florence flask! Had it not been for you, I tremble to think of what might + have come of it. See to the skin tint: it is not to be replaced, for paint + as you will, it is not once in a hundred times that it is not either + burned too brown in the furnace or else the color will not hold, and you + get but a sickly white. There you can see the very veins and the throb of + the blood. Yes, diavolo! if it had broken, my heart would have broken + too. It is for the choir window in the church of St. Remi, and we had + gone, my little helper and I, to see if it was indeed of the size for the + stonework. Night had fallen ere we finished, and what could we do save + carry it home as best we might? But you, young sir, you speak as if you + too knew something of the art.” + </p> + <p> + “So little that I scarce dare speak of it in your presence,” Alleyne + answered. “I have been cloister-bred, and it was no very great matter to + handle the brush better than my brother novices.” + </p> + <p> + “There are pigments, brush, and paper,” said the old artist. “I do not + give you glass, for that is another matter, and takes much skill in the + mixing of colors. Now I pray you to show me a touch of your art. I thank + you, Tita! The Venetian glasses, cara mia, and fill them to the brim. A + seat, signor!” + </p> + <p> + While Ford, in his English-French, was conversing with Tita in her Italian-French, + the old man was carefully examining his precious head to see that + no scratch had been left upon its surface. When he glanced up again, + Alleyne had, with a few bold strokes of the brush, tinted in a woman's + face and neck upon the white sheet in front of him. + </p> + <p> + “Diavolo!” exclaimed the old artist, standing with his head on one side, + “you have power; yes, cospetto! you have power, it is the face of an + angel!” + </p> + <p> + “It is the face of the Lady Maude Loring!” cried Ford, even more + astonished. + </p> + <p> + “Why, on my faith, it is not unlike her!” said Alleyne, in some confusion. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! a portrait! So much the better. Young man, I am Agostino Pisano, the + son of Andrea Pisano, and I say again that you have power. Further, I say, + that, if you will stay with me, I will teach you all the secrets of the + glass-stainers' mystery: the pigments and their thickening, which will + fuse into the glass and which will not, the furnace and the glazing—every + trick and method you shall know.” + </p> + <p> + “I would be right glad to study under such a master,” said Alleyne; “but I + am sworn to follow my lord whilst this war lasts.” + </p> + <p> + “War! war!” cried the old Italian. “Ever this talk of war. And the men + that you hold to be great—what are they? Have I not heard their + names? Soldiers, butchers, destroyers! Ah, per Bacco! we have men in Italy + who are in very truth great. You pull down, you despoil; but they build + up, they restore. Ah, if you could but see my own dear Pisa, the Duomo, + the cloisters of Campo Santo, the high Campanile, with the mellow throb of + her bells upon the warm Italian air! Those are the works of great men. And + I have seen them with my own eyes, these very eyes which look upon you. I + have seen Andrea Orcagna, Taddeo Gaddi, Giottino, Stefano, Simone Memmi—men + whose very colors I am not worthy to mix. And I have seen the aged Giotto, + and he in turn was pupil to Cimabue, before whom there was no art in + Italy, for the Greeks were brought to paint the chapel of the Gondi at + Florence. Ah, signori, there are the real great men whose names will be + held in honor when your soldiers are shown to have been the enemies of + humankind.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, sir,” said Ford, “there is something to say for the soldiers also, + for, unless they be defended, how are all these gentlemen whom you have + mentioned to preserve the pictures which they have painted?” + </p> + <p> + “And all these!” said Alleyne. “Have you indeed done them all?—and + where are they to go?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, signor, they are all from my hand. Some are, as you see, upon one + sheet, and some are in many pieces which may fasten together. There are + some who do but paint upon the glass, and then, by placing another sheet + of glass upon the top and fastening it, they keep the air from their + painting. Yet I hold that the true art of my craft lies as much in the + furnace as in the brush. See this rose window, which is from the model of + the Church of the Holy Trinity at Vendome, and this other of the 'Finding + of the Grail,' which is for the apse of the Abbey church. Time was when + none but my countrymen could do these things; but there is Clement of + Chartres and others in France who are very worthy workmen. But, ah! there + is that ever shrieking brazen tongue which will not let us forget for one + short hour that it is the arm of the savage, and not the hand of the + master, which rules over the world.” + </p> + <p> + A stern, clear bugle call had sounded close at hand to summon some + following together for the night. + </p> + <p> + “It is a sign to us as well,” said Ford. “I would fain stay here forever + amid all these beautiful things—” staring hard at the blushing Tita + as he spoke—“but we must be back at our lord's hostel ere he reach + it.” Amid renewed thanks and with promises to come again, the two squires + bade their leave of the old Italian glass-stainer and his daughter. The + streets were clearer now, and the rain had stopped, so they made their way + quickly from the Rue du Roi, in which their new friends dwelt, to the Rue + des Apotres, where the hostel of the “Half Moon” was situated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. HOW THE BOWMEN HELD WASSAIL AT THE “ROSE DE GUIENNE.” + </h2> + <p> + “Mon Dieu! Alleyne, saw you ever so lovely a face?” cried Ford as they + hurried along together. “So pure, so peaceful, and so beautiful!” + </p> + <p> + “In sooth, yes. And the hue of the skin the most perfect that ever I saw. + Marked you also how the hair curled round the brow? It was wonder fine.” + </p> + <p> + “Those eyes, too!” cried Ford. “How clear and how tender—simple, and + yet so full of thought!” + </p> + <p> + “If there was a weakness it was in the chin,” said Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “Nay. I saw none.” + </p> + <p> + “It was well curved, it is true.” + </p> + <p> + “Most daintily so.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet——” + </p> + <p> + “What then, Alleyne? Wouldst find flaw in the sun?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, bethink you, Ford, would not more power and expression have been + put into the face by a long and noble beard?” + </p> + <p> + “Holy Virgin!” cried Ford, “the man is mad. A beard on the face of little + Tita!” + </p> + <p> + “Tita! Who spoke of Tita?” + </p> + <p> + “Who spoke of aught else?” + </p> + <p> + “It was the picture of St. Remi, man, of which I have been discoursing.” + </p> + <p> + “You are indeed,” cried Ford, laughing, “a Goth, Hun, and Vandal, with all + the other hard names which the old man called us. How could you think so + much of a smear of pigments, when there was such a picture painted by the + good God himself in the very room with you? But who is this?” + </p> + <p> + “If it please you, sirs,” said an archer, running across to them, “Aylward + and others would be right glad to see you. They are within here. He bade + me say to you that the Lord Loring will not need your service to-night, as + he sleeps with the Lord Chandos.” + </p> + <p> + “By my faith!” said Ford, “we do not need a guide to lead us to their + presence.” As he spoke there came a roar of singing from the tavern upon + the right, with shouts of laughter and stamping of feet. Passing under a + low door, and down a stone-flagged passage, they found themselves in a + long narrow hall lit up by a pair of blazing torches, one at either end. + Trusses of straw had been thrown down along the walls, and reclining on + them were some twenty or thirty archers, all of the Company, their steel + caps and jacks thrown off, their tunics open and their great limbs + sprawling upon the clay floor. At every man's elbow stood his leathern + blackjack of beer, while at the further end a hogshead with its end + knocked in promised an abundant supply for the future. Behind the + hogshead, on a half circle of kegs, boxes, and rude settles, sat Aylward, + John, Black Simon and three or four other leading men of the archers, + together with Goodwin Hawtayne, the master-shipman, who had left his + yellow cog in the river to have a last rouse with his friends of the + Company. Ford and Alleyne took their seats between Aylward and Black + Simon, without their entrance checking in any degree the hubbub which was + going on. + </p> + <p> + “Ale, mes camarades?” cried the bowman, “or shall it be wine? Nay, but ye + must have the one or the other. Here, Jacques, thou limb of the devil, + bring a bottrine of the oldest vernage, and see that you do not shake it. + Hast heard the news?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” cried both the squires. + </p> + <p> + “That we are to have a brave tourney.” + </p> + <p> + “A tourney?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, lads. For the Captal du Buch hath sworn that he will find five + knights from this side of the water who will ride over any five Englishmen + who ever threw leg over saddle; and Chandos hath taken up the challenge, + and the prince hath promised a golden vase for the man who carries himself + best, and all the court is in a buzz over it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should the knights have all the sport?” growled Hordle John. “Could + they not set up five archers for the honor of Aquitaine and of Gascony?” + </p> + <p> + “Or five men-at-arms,” said Black Simon. + </p> + <p> + “But who are the English knights?” asked Hawtayne. + </p> + <p> + “There are three hundred and forty-one in the town,” said Aylward, “and I + hear that three hundred and forty cartels and defiances have already been + sent in, the only one missing being Sir John Ravensholme, who is in his + bed with the sweating sickness, and cannot set foot to ground.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard of it from one of the archers of the guard,” cried a bowman + from among the straw; “I hear that the prince wished to break a lance, but + that Chandos would not hear of it, for the game is likely to be a rough + one.” + </p> + <p> + “Then there is Chandos.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, the prince would not permit it. He is to be marshal of the lists, + with Sir William Felton and the Duc d'Armagnac. The English will be the + Lord Audley, Sir Thomas Percy, Sir Thomas Wake, Sir William Beauchamp, and + our own very good lord and leader.” + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah for him, and God be with him!” cried several. “It is honor to draw + string in his service.” + </p> + <p> + “So you may well say,” said Aylward. “By my ten finger-bones! if you march + behind the pennon of the five roses you are like to see all that a good + bowman would wish to see. Ha! yes, mes garcons, you laugh, but, by my + hilt! you may not laugh when you find yourselves where he will take you, + for you can never tell what strange vow he may not have sworn to. I see + that he has a patch over his eye, even as he had at Poictiers. There will + come bloodshed of that patch, or I am the more mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “How chanced it at Poictiers, good Master Aylward?” asked one of the young + archers, leaning upon his elbows, with his eyes fixed respectfully upon + the old bowman's rugged face. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Aylward, tell us of it,” cried Hordle John. + </p> + <p> + “Here is to old Samkin Aylward!” shouted several at the further end of the + room, waving their blackjacks in the air. + </p> + <p> + “Ask him!” said Aylward modestly, nodding towards Black Simon. “He saw + more than I did. And yet, by the holy nails! there was not very much that + I did not see either.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, yes,” said Simon, shaking his head, “it was a great day. I never hope + to see such another. There were some fine archers who drew their last + shaft that day. We shall never see better men, Aylward.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! no. There was little Robby Withstaff, and Andrew Salblaster, + and Wat Alspaye, who broke the neck of the German. Mon Dieu! what men they + were! Take them how you would, at long butts or short, hoyles, rounds, or + rovers, better bowmen never twirled a shaft over their thumb-nails.” + </p> + <p> + “But the fight, Aylward, the fight!” cried several impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Let me fill my jack first, boys, for it is a thirsty tale. It was at the + first fall of the leaf that the prince set forth, and he passed through + Auvergne, and Berry, and Anjou, and Touraine. In Auvergne the maids are + kind, but the wines are sour. In Berry it is the women that are sour, but + the wines are rich. Anjou, however, is a very good land for bowmen, for + wine and women are all that heart could wish. In Touraine I got nothing + save a broken pate, but at Vierzon I had a great good fortune, for I had a + golden pyx from the minster, for which I afterwards got nine Genoan janes + from the goldsmith in the Rue Mont Olive. From thence we went to Bourges, + where I had a tunic of flame-colored silk and a very fine pair of shoes + with tassels of silk and drops of silver.” + </p> + <p> + “From a stall, Aylward?” asked one of the young archers. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, from a man's feet, lad. I had reason to think that he might not need + them again, seeing that a thirty-inch shaft had feathered in his back.” + </p> + <p> + “And what then, Aylward?” + </p> + <p> + “On we went, coz, some six thousand of us, until we came to Issodun, and + there again a very great thing befell.” + </p> + <p> + “A battle, Aylward?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay; a greater thing than that. There is little to be gained out of + a battle, unless one have the fortune to win a ransom. At Issodun I and + three Welshmen came upon a house which all others had passed, and we had + the profit of it to ourselves. For myself, I had a fine feather-bed—a + thing which you will not see in a long day's journey in England. You have + seen it, Alleyne, and you, John. You will bear me out that it is a noble + bed. We put it on a sutler's mule, and bore it after the army. It was on + my mind that I would lay it by until I came to start house of mine own, + and I have it now in a very safe place near Lyndhurst.” + </p> + <p> + “And what then, master-bowman?” asked Hawtayne. “By St. Christopher! it is + indeed a fair and goodly life which you have chosen, for you gather up the + spoil as a Warsash man gathers lobsters, without grace or favor from any + man.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, master-shipman,” said another of the older archers. “It is + an old bowyer's rede that the second feather of a fenny goose is better + than the pinion of a tame one. Draw on old lad, for I have come between + you and the clout.” + </p> + <p> + “On we went then,” said Aylward, after a long pull at his blackjack. + “There were some six thousand of us, with the prince and his knights, and + the feather-bed upon a sutler's mule in the centre. We made great havoc in + Touraine, until we came into Romorantin, where I chanced upon a gold chain + and two bracelets of jasper, which were stolen from me the same day by a + black-eyed wench from the Ardennes. Mon Dieu! there are some folk who have + no fear of Domesday in them, and no sign of grace in their souls, for ever + clutching and clawing at another man's chattels.” + </p> + <p> + “But the battle, Aylward, the battle!” cried several, amid a burst of + laughter. + </p> + <p> + “I come to it, my young war-pups. Well, then, the King of France had + followed us with fifty thousand men, and he made great haste to catch us, + but when he had us he scarce knew what to do with us, for we were so drawn + up among hedges and vineyards that they could not come nigh us, save by + one lane. On both sides were archers, men-at-arms and knights behind, and + in the centre the baggage, with my feather-bed upon a sutler's mule. Three + hundred chosen knights came straight for it, and, indeed, they were very + brave men, but such a drift of arrows met them that few came back. Then + came the Germans, and they also fought very bravely, so that one or two + broke through the archers and came as far as the feather-bed, but all to + no purpose. Then out rides our own little hothead with the patch over his + eye, and my Lord Audley with his four Cheshire squires, and a few others + of like kidney, and after them went the prince and Chandos, and then the + whole throng of us, with axe and sword, for we had shot away our arrows. + Ma foi! it was a foolish thing, for we came forth from the hedges, and + there was naught to guard the baggage had they ridden round behind us. But + all went well with us, and the king was taken, and little Robby Withstaff + and I fell in with a wain with twelve firkins of wine for the king's own + table, and, by my hilt! if you ask me what happened after that, I cannot + answer you, nor can little Robby Withstaff either.” + </p> + <p> + “And next day?” + </p> + <p> + “By my faith! we did not tarry long, but we hied back to Bordeaux, where + we came in safety with the King of France and also the feather-bed. I sold + my spoil, mes garcons, for as many gold-pieces as I could hold in my + hufken, and for seven days I lit twelve wax candles upon the altar of St. + Andrew; for if you forget the blessed when things are well with you, they + are very likely to forget you when you have need of them. I have a score + of one hundred and nineteen pounds of wax against the holy Andrew, and, as + he was a very just man, I doubt not that I shall have full weigh and + measure when I have most need of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, master Aylward,” cried a young fresh-faced archer at the further + end of the room, “what was this great battle about?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you jack-fool, what would it be about save who should wear the crown + of France?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought that mayhap it might be as to who should have this feather-bed + of thine.” + </p> + <p> + “If I come down to you, Silas, I may lay my belt across your shoulders,” + Aylward answered, amid a general shout of laughter. “But it is time young + chickens went to roost when they dare cackle against their elders. It is + late, Simon.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, let us have another song.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is Arnold of Sowley will troll as good a stave as any man in the + Company.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, we have one here who is second to none,” said Hawtayne, laying his + hand upon big John's shoulder. “I have heard him on the cog with a voice + like the wave upon the shore. I pray you, friend, to give us 'The Bells of + Milton,' or, if you will, 'The Franklin's Maid.'” + </p> + <p> + Hordle John drew the back of his hand across his mouth, fixed his eyes + upon the corner of the ceiling, and bellowed forth, in a voice which made + the torches flicker, the southland ballad for which he had been asked:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The franklin he hath gone to roam, + The franklin's maid she bides at home, + But she is cold and coy and staid, + And who may win the franklin's maid? + + There came a knight of high renown + In bassinet and ciclatoun; + On bended knee full long he prayed, + He might not win the franklin's maid. + + There came a squire so debonair + His dress was rich, his words were fair, + He sweetly sang, he deftly played: + He could not win the franklin's maid. + + There came a mercer wonder-fine + With velvet cap and gaberdine; + For all his ships, for all his trade + He could not buy the franklin's maid. + + There came an archer bold and true, + With bracer guard and stave of yew; + His purse was light, his jerkin frayed; + Haro, alas! the franklin's maid! + + Oh, some have laughed and some have cried + And some have scoured the country-side! + But off they ride through wood and glade, + The bowman and the franklin's maid. +</pre> + <p> + A roar of delight from his audience, with stamping of feet and beating of + blackjacks against the ground, showed how thoroughly the song was to their + taste, while John modestly retired into a quart pot, which he drained in + four giant gulps. “I sang that ditty in Hordle ale-house ere I ever + thought to be an archer myself,” quoth he. + </p> + <p> + “Fill up your stoups!” cried Black Simon, thrusting his own goblet into + the open hogshead in front of him. “Here is a last cup to the White + Company, and every brave boy who walks behind the roses of Loring!” + </p> + <p> + “To the wood, the flax, and the gander's wing!” said an old gray-headed + archer on the right. + </p> + <p> + “To a gentle loose, and the King of Spain for a mark at fourteen score!” + cried another. + </p> + <p> + “To a bloody war!” shouted a fourth. “Many to go and few to come!” + </p> + <p> + “With the most gold to the best steel!” added a fifth. + </p> + <p> + “And a last cup to the maids of our heart!” cried Aylward. “A steady hand + and a true eye, boys; so let two quarts be a bowman's portion.” With shout + and jest and snatch of song they streamed from the room, and all was + peaceful once more in the “Rose de Guienne.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. HOW ENGLAND HELD THE LISTS AT BORDEAUX. + </h2> + <p> + So used were the good burghers of Bordeaux to martial display and knightly + sport, that an ordinary joust or tournament was an everyday matter with + them. The fame and brilliancy of the prince's court had drawn the + knights-errant and pursuivants-of-arms from every part of Europe. In the + long lists by the Garonne on the landward side of the northern gate there + had been many a strange combat, when the Teutonic knight, fresh from the + conquest of the Prussian heathen, ran a course against the knight of + Calatrava, hardened by continual struggle against the Moors, or cavaliers + from Portugal broke a lance with Scandinavian warriors from the further + shore of the great Northern Ocean. Here fluttered many an outland pennon, + bearing symbol and blazonry from the banks of the Danube, the wilds of + Lithuania and the mountain strongholds of Hungary; for chivalry was of no + clime and of no race, nor was any land so wild that the fame and name of + the prince had not sounded through it from border to border. + </p> + <p> + Great, however, was the excitement through town and district when it was + learned that on the third Wednesday in Advent there would be held a + passage-at-arms in which five knights of England would hold the lists + against all comers. The great concourse of noblemen and famous soldiers, + the national character of the contest, and the fact that this was a last + trial of arms before what promised to be an arduous and bloody war, all + united to make the event one of the most notable and brilliant that + Bordeaux had ever seen. On the eve of the contest the peasants flocked in + from the whole district of the Medoc, and the fields beyond the walls were + whitened with the tents of those who could find no warmer lodging. From + the distant camp of Dax, too, and from Blaye, Bourge, Libourne, St. + Emilion, Castillon, St. Macaire, Cardillac, Ryons, and all the cluster of + flourishing towns which look upon Bordeaux as their mother, there thronged + an unceasing stream of horsemen and of footmen, all converging upon the + great city. By the morning of the day on which the courses were to be run, + not less than eighty people had assembled round the lists and along the + low grassy ridge which looks down upon the scene of the encounter. + </p> + <p> + It was, as may well be imagined, no easy matter among so many noted + cavaliers to choose out five on either side who should have precedence + over their fellows. A score of secondary combats had nearly arisen from + the rivalries and bad blood created by the selection, and it was only the + influence of the prince and the efforts of the older barons which kept the + peace among so many eager and fiery soldiers. Not till the day before the + courses were the shields finally hung out for the inspection of the ladies + and the heralds, so that all men might know the names of the champions and + have the opportunity to prefer any charge against them, should there be + stain upon them which should disqualify them from taking part in so noble + and honorable a ceremony. + </p> + <p> + Sir Hugh Calverley and Sir Robert Knolles had not yet returned from their + raid into the marches of the Navarre, so that the English party were + deprived of two of their most famous lances. Yet there remained so many + good names that Chandos and Felton, to whom the selection had been + referred, had many an earnest consultation, in which every feat of arms + and failure or success of each candidate was weighed and balanced against + the rival claims of his companions. Lord Audley of Cheshire, the hero of + Poictiers, and Loring of Hampshire, who was held to be the second lance in + the army, were easily fixed upon. Then, of the younger men, Sir Thomas + Percy of Northumberland, Sir Thomas Wake of Yorkshire, and Sir William + Beauchamp of Gloucestershire, were finally selected to uphold the honor of + England. On the other side were the veteran Captal de Buch and the brawny + Olivier de Clisson, with the free companion Sir Perducas d'Albret, the + valiant Lord of Mucident, and Sigismond von Altenstadt, of the Teutonic + Order. The older soldiers among the English shook their heads as they + looked upon the escutcheons of these famous warriors, for they were all + men who had spent their lives upon the saddle, and bravery and strength + can avail little against experience and wisdom of war. + </p> + <p> + “By my faith! Sir John,” said the prince as he rode through the winding + streets on his way to the list, “I should have been glad to have + splintered a lance to-day. You have seen me hold a spear since I had + strength to lift one, and should know best whether I do not merit a place + among this honorable company.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no better seat and no truer lance, sire,” said Chandos; “but, if + I may say so without fear of offence, it were not fitting that you should + join in this debate.” + </p> + <p> + “And why, Sir John?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, sire, it is not for you to take part with Gascons against + English, or with English against Gascons, seeing that you are lord of + both. We are not too well loved by the Gascons now, and it is but the + golden link of your princely coronet which holds us together. If that be + snapped I know not what would follow.” + </p> + <p> + “Snapped, Sir John!” cried the prince, with an angry sparkle in his dark + eyes. “What manner of talk is this? You speak as though the allegiance of + our people were a thing which might be thrown off or on like a falcon's + jessel.” + </p> + <p> + “With a sorry hack one uses whip and spur, sire,” said Chandos; “but with + a horse of blood and spirit a good cavalier is gentle and soothing, + coaxing rather than forcing. These folk are strange people, and you must + hold their love, even as you have it now, for you will get from their + kindness what all the pennons in your army could not wring from them.” + </p> + <p> + “You are over-grave to-day, John,” the prince answered. “We may keep such + questions for our council-chamber. But how now, my brothers of Spain, and + of Majorca, what think you of this challenge?” + </p> + <p> + “I look to see some handsome joisting,” said Don Pedro, who rode with the + King of Majorca upon the right of the prince, while Chandos was on the + left. “By St. James of Compostella! but these burghers would bear some + taxing. See to the broadcloth and velvet that the rogues bear upon their + backs! By my troth! if they were my subjects they would be glad enough to + wear falding and leather ere I had done with them. But mayhap it is best + to let the wool grow long ere you clip it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is our pride,” the prince answered coldly, “that we rule over freemen + and not slaves.” + </p> + <p> + “Every man to his own humor,” said Pedro carelessly. “Carajo! there is a + sweet face at yonder window! Don Fernando, I pray you to mark the house, + and to have the maid brought to us at the abbey.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, brother, nay!” cried the prince impatiently. “I have had occasion to + tell you more than once that things are not ordered in this way in + Aquitaine.” + </p> + <p> + “A thousand pardons, dear friend,” the Spaniard answered quickly, for a + flush of anger had sprung to the dark cheek of the English prince. “You + make my exile so like a home that I forget at times that I am not in very + truth back in Castile. Every land hath indeed its ways and manners; but I + promise you, Edward, that when you are my guest in Toledo or Madrid you + shall not yearn in vain for any commoner's daughter on whom you may deign + to cast your eye.” + </p> + <p> + “Your talk, sire,” said the prince still more coldly, “is not such as I + love to hear from your lips. I have no taste for such amours as you speak + of, and I have sworn that my name shall be coupled with that of no woman + save my ever dear wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Ever the mirror of true chivalry!” exclaimed Pedro, while James of + Majorca, frightened at the stern countenance of their all-powerful + protector, plucked hard at the mantle of his brother exile. + </p> + <p> + “Have a care, cousin,” he whispered; “for the sake of the Virgin have a + care, for you have angered him.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw! fear not,” the other answered in the same low tone. “If I miss one + stoop I will strike him on the next. Mark me else. Fair cousin,” he + continued, turning to the prince, “these be rare men-at-arms and lusty + bowmen. It would be hard indeed to match them.” + </p> + <p> + “They have journeyed far, sire, but they have never yet found their + match.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor ever will, I doubt not. I feel myself to be back upon my throne when + I look at them. But tell me, dear coz, what shall we do next, when we have + driven this bastard Henry from the kingdom which he hath filched?” + </p> + <p> + “We shall then compel the King of Aragon to place our good friend and + brother James of Majorca upon the throne.” + </p> + <p> + “Noble and generous prince!” cried the little monarch. + </p> + <p> + “That done,” said King Pedro, glancing out of the corners of his eyes at + the young conqueror, “we shall unite the forces of England, of Aquitaine, + of Spain and of Majorca. It would be shame to us if we did not do some + great deed with such forces ready to our hand.” + </p> + <p> + “You say truly, brother,” cried the prince, his eyes kindling at the + thought. “Methinks that we could not do anything more pleasing to Our Lady + than to drive the heathen Moors out of the country.” + </p> + <p> + “I am with you, Edward, as true as hilt to blade. But, by St. James! we + shall not let these Moors make mock at us from over the sea. We must take + ship and thrust them from Africa.” + </p> + <p> + “By heaven, yes!” cried the prince. “And it is the dream of my heart that + our English pennons shall wave upon the Mount of Olives, and the lions and + lilies float over the holy city.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not, dear coz? Your bowmen have cleared a path to Paris, and why + not to Jerusalem? Once there, your arms might rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, there is more to be done,” cried the prince, carried away by the + ambitious dream. “There is still the city of Constantine to be taken, and + war to be waged against the Soldan of Damascus. And beyond him again there + is tribute to be levied from the Cham of Tartary and from the kingdom of + Cathay. Ha! John, what say you? Can we not go as far eastward as Richard + of the Lion Heart?” + </p> + <p> + “Old John will bide at home, sire,” said the rugged soldier. “By my soul! + as long as I am seneschal of Aquitaine I will find enough to do in + guarding the marches which you have entrusted to me. It would be a blithe + day for the King of France when he heard that the seas lay between him and + us.” + </p> + <p> + “By my soul! John,” said the prince, “I have never known you turn laggard + before.” + </p> + <p> + “The babbling hound, sire, is not always the first at the mort,” the old + knight answered. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my true-heart! I have tried you too often not to know. But, by my + soul! I have not seen so dense a throng since the day that we brought King + John down Cheapside.” + </p> + <p> + It was indeed an enormous crowd which covered the whole vast plain from + the line of vineyards to the river bank. From the northern gate the prince + and his companions looked down at a dark sea of heads, brightened here and + there by the colored hoods of the women, or by the sparkling head-pieces + of archers and men-at-arms. In the centre of this vast assemblage the + lists seemed but a narrow strip of green marked out with banners and + streamers, while a gleam of white with a flutter of pennons at either end + showed where the marquees were pitched which served as the dressing-rooms + of the combatants. A path had been staked off from the city gate to the + stands which had been erected for the court and the nobility. Down this, + amid the shouts of the enormous multitude, the prince cantered with his + two attendant kings, his high officers of state, and his long train of + lords and ladies, courtiers, counsellors, and soldiers, with toss of plume + and flash of jewel, sheen of silk and glint of gold—as rich and + gallant a show as heart could wish. The head of the cavalcade had reached + the lists ere the rear had come clear of the city gate, for the fairest + and the bravest had assembled from all the broad lands which are watered + by the Dordogne and the Garonne. Here rode dark-browed cavaliers from the + sunny south, fiery soldiers from Gascony, graceful courtiers of Limousin + or Saintonge, and gallant young Englishmen from beyond the seas. Here too + were the beautiful brunettes of the Gironde, with eyes which out-flashed + their jewels, while beside them rode their blonde sisters of England, + clear cut and aquiline, swathed in swans'-down and in ermine, for the air + was biting though the sun was bright. Slowly the long and glittering train + wound into the lists, until every horse had been tethered by the varlets + in waiting, and every lord and lady seated in the long stands which + stretched, rich in tapestry and velvet and blazoned arms, on either side + of the centre of the arena. + </p> + <p> + The holders of the lists occupied the end which was nearest to the city + gate. There, in front of their respective pavilions, flew the martlets of + Audley, the roses of Loring, the scarlet bars of Wake, the lion of the + Percies and the silver wings of the Beauchamps, each supported by a squire + clad in hanging green stuff to represent so many Tritons, and bearing a + huge conch-shell in their left hands. Behind the tents the great + war-horses, armed at all points, champed and reared, while their masters + sat at the doors of their pavilions, with their helmets upon their knees, + chatting as to the order of the day's doings. The English archers and + men-at-arms had mustered at that end of the lists, but the vast majority + of the spectators were in favor of the attacking party, for the English + had declined in popularity ever since the bitter dispute as to the + disposal of the royal captive after the battle of Poictiers. Hence the + applause was by no means general when the herald-at-arms proclaimed, after + a flourish of trumpets, the names and styles of the knights who were + prepared, for the honor of their country and for the love of their ladies, + to hold the field against all who might do them the favor to run a course + with them. On the other hand, a deafening burst of cheering greeted the + rival herald, who, advancing from the other end of the lists, rolled forth + the well-known titles of the five famous warriors who had accepted the + defiance. + </p> + <p> + “Faith, John,” said the prince, “it sounds as though you were right. Ha! + my grace D'Armagnac, it seems that our friends on this side will not + grieve if our English champions lose the day.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so, sire,” the Gascon nobleman answered. “I have little doubt + that in Smithfield or at Windsor an English crowd would favor their own + countrymen.” + </p> + <p> + “By my faith! that's easily seen,” said the prince, laughing, “for a few + score English archers at yonder end are bellowing as though they would + out-shout the mighty multitude. I fear that they will have little to shout + over this tourney, for my gold vase has small prospect of crossing the + water. What are the conditions, John?” + </p> + <p> + “They are to tilt singly not less than three courses, sire, and the + victory to rest with that party which shall have won the greater number of + courses, each pair continuing till one or other have the vantage. He who + carries himself best of the victors hath the prize, and he who is judged + best of the other party hath a jewelled clasp. Shall I order that the + nakirs sound, sire?” + </p> + <p> + The prince nodded, and the trumpets rang out, while the champions rode + forth one after the other, each meeting his opponent in the centre of the + lists. Sir William Beauchamp went down before the practiced lance of the + Captal de Buch. Sir Thomas Percy won the vantage over the Lord of + Mucident, and the Lord Audley struck Sir Perducas d'Albret from the + saddle. The burly De Clisson, however, restored the hopes of the attackers + by beating to the ground Sir Thomas Wake of Yorkshire. So far, there was + little to choose betwixt challengers and challenged. + </p> + <p> + “By Saint James of Santiago!” cried Don Pedro, with a tinge of color upon + his pale cheeks, “win who will, this has been a most notable contest.” + </p> + <p> + “Who comes next for England, John?” asked the prince in a voice which + quivered with excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Sir Nigel Loring of Hampshire, sire.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! he is a man of good courage, and skilled in the use of all weapons.” + </p> + <p> + “He is indeed, sire. But his eyes, like my own, are the worse for wars. + Yet he can tilt or play his part at hand-strokes as merrily as ever. It + was he, sire, who won the golden crown which Queen Philippa, your royal + mother, gave to be jousted for by all the knights of England after the + harrying of Calais. I have heard that at Twynham Castle there is a buffet + which groans beneath the weight of his prizes.” + </p> + <p> + “I pray that my vase may join them,” said the prince. “But here is the + cavalier of Germany, and by my soul! he looks like a man of great valor + and hardiness. Let them run their full three courses, for the issue is + over-great to hang upon one.” + </p> + <p> + As the prince spoke, amid a loud flourish of trumpets and the shouting of + the Gascon party, the last of the assailants rode gallantly into the + lists. He was a man of great size, clad in black armor without blazonry or + ornament of any kind, for all worldly display was forbidden by the rules + of the military brotherhood to which he belonged. No plume or nobloy + fluttered from his plain tilting salade, and even his lance was devoid of + the customary banderole. A white mantle fluttered behind him, upon the + left side of which was marked the broad black cross picked out with silver + which was the well-known badge of the Teutonic Order. Mounted upon a horse + as large, as black, and as forbidding as himself, he cantered slowly + forward, with none of those prancings and gambades with which a cavalier + was accustomed to show his command over his charger. Gravely and sternly + he inclined his head to the prince, and took his place at the further end + of the arena. + </p> + <p> + He had scarce done so before Sir Nigel rode out from the holders' + enclosure, and galloping at full speed down the lists, drew his charger up + before the prince's stand with a jerk which threw it back upon its + haunches. With white armor, blazoned shield, and plume of ostrich-feathers + from his helmet, he carried himself in so jaunty and joyous a fashion, + with tossing pennon and curveting charger, that a shout of applause ran + the full circle of the arena. With the air of a man who hastes to a joyous + festival, he waved his lance in salute, and reining the pawing horse round + without permitting its fore-feet to touch the ground, he hastened back to + his station. + </p> + <p> + A great hush fell over the huge multitude as the two last champions faced + each other. A double issue seemed to rest upon their contest, for their + personal fame was at stake as well as their party's honor. Both were + famous warriors, but as their exploits had been performed in widely + sundered countries, they had never before been able to cross lances. A + course between such men would have been enough in itself to cause the + keenest interest, apart from its being the crisis which would decide who + should be the victors of the day. For a moment they waited—the + German sombre and collected, Sir Nigel quivering in every fibre with + eagerness and fiery resolution. Then, amid a long-drawn breath from the + spectators, the glove fell from the marshal's hand, and the two steel-clad + horsemen met like a thunderclap in front of the royal stand. The German, + though he reeled for an instant before the thrust of the Englishman, + struck his opponent so fairly upon the vizor that the laces burst, the + plumed helmet flew to pieces, and Sir Nigel galloped on down the lists + with his bald head shimmering in the sunshine. A thousand waving scarves + and tossing caps announced that the first bout had fallen to the popular + party. + </p> + <p> + The Hampshire knight was not a man to be disheartened by a reverse. He + spurred back to the pavilion, and was out in a few instants with another + helmet. The second course was so equal that the keenest judges could not + discern any vantage. Each struck fire from the other's shield, and each + endured the jarring shock as though welded to the horse beneath him. In + the final bout, however, Sir Nigel struck his opponent with so true an aim + that the point of the lance caught between the bars of his vizor and tore + the front of his helmet out, while the German, aiming somewhat low, and + half stunned by the shock, had the misfortune to strike his adversary upon + the thigh, a breach of the rules of the tilting-yard, by which he not only + sacrificed his chances of success, but would also have forfeited his horse + and his armor, had the English knight chosen to claim them. A roar of + applause from the English soldiers, with an ominous silence from the vast + crowd who pressed round the barriers, announced that the balance of + victory lay with the holders. Already the ten champions had assembled in + front of the prince to receive his award, when a harsh bugle call from the + further end of the lists drew all eyes to a new and unexpected arrival. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. HOW A CHAMPION CAME FORTH FROM THE EAST. + </h2> + <p> + The Bordeaux lists were, as has already been explained, situated upon the + plain near the river upon those great occasions when the tilting-ground in + front of the Abbey of St. Andrew's was deemed to be too small to contain + the crowd. On the eastern side of this plain the country-side sloped + upwards, thick with vines in summer, but now ridged with the brown bare + enclosures. Over the gently rising plain curved the white road which leads + inland, usually flecked with travellers, but now with scarce a living form + upon it, so completely had the lists drained all the district of its + inhabitants. Strange it was to see such a vast concourse of people, and + then to look upon that broad, white, empty highway which wound away, bleak + and deserted, until it narrowed itself to a bare streak against the + distant uplands. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after the contest had begun, any one looking from the lists along + this road might have remarked, far away in the extreme distance, two + brilliant and sparkling points which glittered and twinkled in the bright + shimmer of the winter sun. Within an hour these had become clearer and + nearer, until they might be seen to come from the reflection from the + head-pieces of two horsemen who were riding at the top of their speed in + the direction of Bordeaux. Another half-hour had brought them so close + that every point of their bearing and equipment could be discerned. The + first was a knight in full armor, mounted upon a brown horse with a white + blaze upon breast and forehead. He was a short man of great breadth of + shoulder, with vizor closed, and no blazonry upon his simple white surcoat + or plain black shield. The other, who was evidently his squire and + attendant, was unarmed save for the helmet upon his head, but bore in his + right hand a very long and heavy oaken spear which belonged to his master. + In his left hand the squire held not only the reins of his own horse but + those of a great black war-horse, fully harnessed, which trotted along at + his side. Thus the three horses and their two riders rode swiftly to the + lists, and it was the blare of the trumpet sounded by the squire as his + lord rode into the arena which had broken in upon the prize-giving and + drawn away the attention and interest of the spectators. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, John!” cried the prince, craning his neck, “who is this cavalier, and + what is it that he desires?” + </p> + <p> + “On my word, sire,” replied Chandos, with the utmost surprise upon his + face, “it is my opinion that he is a Frenchman.” + </p> + <p> + “A Frenchman!” repeated Don Pedro. “And how can you tell that, my Lord + Chandos, when he has neither coat-armor, crest, or blazonry?” + </p> + <p> + “By his armor, sire, which is rounder at elbow and at shoulder than any of + Bordeaux or of England. Italian he might be were his bassinet more sloped, + but I will swear that those plates were welded betwixt this and Rhine. + Here comes his squire, however, and we shall hear what strange fortune + hath brought him over the marches.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the attendant cantered up the grassy enclosure, and pulling up + his steed in front of the royal stand, blew a second fanfare upon his + bugle. He was a raw-boned, swarthy-cheeked man, with black bristling beard + and a swaggering bearing. + </p> + <p> + Having sounded his call, he thrust the bugle into his belt, and, pushing + his way betwixt the groups of English and of Gascon knights, he reined up + within a spear's length of the royal party. + </p> + <p> + “I come,” he shouted in a hoarse, thick voice, with a strong Breton + accent, “as squire and herald from my master, who is a very valiant + pursuivant-of-arms, and a liegeman to the great and powerful monarch, + Charles, king of the French. My master has heard that there is jousting + here, and prospect of honorable advancement, so he has come to ask that + some English cavalier will vouchsafe for the love of his lady to run a + course with sharpened lances with him, or to meet him with sword, mace, + battle-axe, or dagger. He bade me say, however, that he would fight only + with a true Englishman, and not with any mongrel who is neither English + nor French, but speaks with the tongue of the one, and fights under the + banner of the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir!” cried De Clisson, with a voice of thunder, while his countrymen + clapped their hands to their swords. The squire, however, took no notice + of their angry faces, but continued with his master's message. + </p> + <p> + “He is now ready, sire,” he said, “albeit his destrier has travelled many + miles this day, and fast, for we were in fear lest we come too late for + the jousting.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye have indeed come too late,” said the prince, “seeing that the prize is + about to be awarded; yet I doubt not that one of these gentlemen will run + a course for the sake of honor with this cavalier of France.” + </p> + <p> + “And as to the prize, sire,” quoth Sir Nigel, “I am sure that I speak for + all when I say this French knight hath our leave to bear it away with him + if he can fairly win it.” + </p> + <p> + “Bear word of this to your master,” said the prince, “and ask him which of + these five Englishmen he would desire to meet. But stay; your master bears + no coat-armor, and we have not yet heard his name.” + </p> + <p> + “My master, sire, is under vow to the Virgin neither to reveal his name + nor to open his vizor until he is back upon French ground once more.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet what assurance have we,” said the prince, “that this is not some + varlet masquerading in his master's harness, or some caitiff knight, the + very touch of whose lance might bring infamy upon an honorable gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not so, sire,” cried the squire earnestly. “There is no man upon + earth who would demean himself by breaking a lance with my master.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak out boldly, squire,” the prince answered; “but unless I have + some further assurance of your master's noble birth and gentle name I + cannot match the choicest lances of my court against him.” + </p> + <p> + “You refuse, sire?” + </p> + <p> + “I do refuse.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, sire, I was bidden to ask you from my master whether you would + consent if Sir John Chandos, upon hearing my master's name, should assure + you that he was indeed a man with whom you might yourself cross swords + without indignity.” + </p> + <p> + “I ask no better,” said the prince. + </p> + <p> + “Then I must ask, Lord Chandos, that you will step forth. I have your + pledge that the name shall remain ever a secret, and that you will neither + say nor write one word which might betray it. The name is——” + He stooped down from his horse and whispered something into the old + knight's ear which made him start with surprise, and stare with much + curiosity at the distant Knight, who was sitting his charger at the + further end of the arena. + </p> + <p> + “Is this indeed sooth?” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “It is, my lord, and I swear it by St. Ives of Brittany.” + </p> + <p> + “I might have known it,” said Chandos, twisting his moustache, and still + looking thoughtfully at the cavalier. + </p> + <p> + “What then, Sir John?” asked the prince. + </p> + <p> + “Sire, this is a knight whom it is indeed great honor to meet, and I would + that your grace would grant me leave to send my squire for my harness, for + I would dearly love to run a course with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, Sir John, you have gained as much honor as one man can bear, + and it were hard if you could not rest now. But I pray you, squire, to + tell your master that he is very welcome to our court, and that wines and + spices will be served him, if he would refresh himself before jousting.” + </p> + <p> + “My master will not drink,” said the squire. + </p> + <p> + “Let him then name the gentleman with whom he would break a spear.” + </p> + <p> + “He would contend with these five knights, each to choose such weapons as + suit him best.” + </p> + <p> + “I perceive,” said the prince, “that your master is a man of great heart + and high of enterprise. But the sun already is low in the west, and there + will scarce be light for these courses. I pray you, gentlemen, to take + your places, that we may see whether this stranger's deeds are as bold as + his words.” + </p> + <p> + The unknown knight had sat like a statue of steel, looking neither to the + right nor to the left during these preliminaries. He had changed from the + horse upon which he had ridden, and bestrode the black charger which his + squire had led beside him. His immense breadth, his stern composed + appearance, and the mode in which he handled his shield and his lance, + were enough in themselves to convince the thousands of critical spectators + that he was a dangerous opponent. Aylward, who stood in the front row of + the archers with Simon, big John, and others of the Company, had been + criticising the proceedings from the commencement with the ease and + freedom of a man who had spent his life under arms and had learned in a + hard school to know at a glance the points of a horse and his rider. He + stared now at the stranger with a wrinkled brow and the air of a man who + is striving to stir his memory. + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! I have seen the thick body of him before to-day. Yet I cannot + call to mind where it could have been. At Nogent belike, or was it at + Auray? Mark me, lads, this man will prove to be one of the best lances of + France, and there are no better in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “It is but child's play, this poking game,” said John. “I would fain try + my hand at it, for, by the black rood! I think that it might be amended.” + </p> + <p> + “What then would you do, John?” asked several. + </p> + <p> + “There are many things which might be done,” said the forester + thoughtfully. “Methinks that I would begin by breaking my spear.” + </p> + <p> + “So they all strive to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but not upon another man's shield. I would break it over my own + knee.” + </p> + <p> + “And what the better for that, old beef and bones?” asked Black Simon. + </p> + <p> + “So I would turn what is but a lady's bodkin of a weapon into a very + handsome club.” + </p> + <p> + “And then, John?” + </p> + <p> + “Then I would take the other's spear into my arm or my leg, or where it + pleased him best to put it, and I would dash out his brains with my club.” + </p> + <p> + “By my ten finger-bones! old John,” said Aylward, “I would give my + feather-bed to see you at a spear-running. This is a most courtly and + gentle sport which you have devised.” + </p> + <p> + “So it seems to me,” said John seriously. “Or, again, one might seize the + other round the middle, pluck him off his horse and bear him to the + pavilion, there to hold him to ransom.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” cried Simon, amid a roar of laughter from all the archers round. + “By Thomas of Kent! we shall make a camp-marshal of thee, and thou shalt + draw up rules for our jousting. But, John, who is it that you would uphold + in this knightly and pleasing fashion?” + </p> + <p> + “What mean you?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, John, so strong and strange a tilter must fight for the brightness + of his lady's eyes or the curve of her eyelash, even as Sir Nigel does for + the Lady Loring.” + </p> + <p> + “I know not about that,” said the big archer, scratching his head in + perplexity. “Since Mary hath played me false, I can scarce fight for her.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet any woman will serve.” + </p> + <p> + “There is my mother then,” said John. “She was at much pains at my + upbringing, and, by my soul! I will uphold the curve of her eyelashes, for + it tickleth my very heart-root to think of her. But who is here?” + </p> + <p> + “It is Sir William Beauchamp. He is a valiant man, but I fear that he is + scarce firm enough upon the saddle to bear the thrust of such a tilter as + this stranger promises to be.” + </p> + <p> + Aylward's words were speedily justified, for even as he spoke the two + knights met in the centre of the lists. Beauchamp struck his opponent a + shrewd blow upon the helmet, but was met with so frightful a thrust that + he whirled out of his saddle and rolled over and over upon the ground. Sir + Thomas Percy met with little better success, for his shield was split, his + vambrace torn and he himself wounded slightly in the side. Lord Audley and + the unknown knight struck each other fairly upon the helmet; but, while + the stranger sat as firm and rigid as ever upon his charger, the + Englishman was bent back to his horse's cropper by the weight of the blow, + and had galloped half-way down the lists ere he could recover himself. Sir + Thomas Wake was beaten to the ground with a battle-axe—that being + the weapon which he had selected—and had to be carried to his + pavilion. These rapid successes, gained one after the other over four + celebrated warriors, worked the crowd up to a pitch of wonder and + admiration. Thunders of applause from the English soldiers, as well as + from the citizens and peasants, showed how far the love of brave and + knightly deeds could rise above the rivalries of race. + </p> + <p> + “By my soul! John,” cried the prince, with his cheek flushed and his eyes + shining, “this is a man of good courage and great hardiness. I could not + have thought that there was any single arm upon earth which could have + overthrown these four champions.” + </p> + <p> + “He is indeed, as I have said, sire, a knight from whom much honor is to + be gained. But the lower edge of the sun is wet, and it will be beneath + the sea ere long.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is Sir Nigel Loring, on foot and with his sword,” said the prince. + “I have heard that he is a fine swordsman.” + </p> + <p> + “The finest in your army, sire,” Chandos answered. “Yet I doubt not that + he will need all his skill this day.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the two combatants advanced from either end in full armor + with their two-handed swords sloping over their shoulders. The stranger + walked heavily and with a measured stride, while the English knight + advanced as briskly as though there was no iron shell to weigh down the + freedom of his limbs. At four paces distance they stopped, eyed each other + for a moment, and then in an instant fell to work with a clatter and clang + as though two sturdy smiths were busy upon their anvils. Up and down went + the long, shining blades, round and round they circled in curves of + glimmering light, crossing, meeting, disengaging, with flash of sparks at + every parry. Here and there bounded Sir Nigel, his head erect, his jaunty + plume fluttering in the air, while his dark opponent sent in crashing blow + upon blow, following fiercely up with cut and with thrust, but never once + getting past the practised blade of the skilled swordsman. The crowd + roared with delight as Sir Nigel would stoop his head to avoid a blow, or + by some slight movement of his body allow some terrible thrust to glance + harmlessly past him. Suddenly, however, his time came. The Frenchman, + whirling up his sword, showed for an instant a chink betwixt his shoulder + piece and the rerebrace which guarded his upper arm. In dashed Sir Nigel, + and out again so swiftly that the eye could not follow the quick play of + his blade, but a trickle of blood from the stranger's shoulder, and a + rapidly widening red smudge upon his white surcoat, showed where the + thrust had taken effect. The wound was, however, but a slight one, and the + Frenchman was about to renew his onset, when, at a sign from the prince, + Chandos threw down his baton, and the marshals of the lists struck up the + weapons and brought the contest to an end. + </p> + <p> + “It were time to check it,” said the prince, smiling, “for Sir Nigel is + too good a man for me to lose, and, by the five holy wounds! if one of + those cuts came home I should have fears for our champion. What think you, + Pedro?” + </p> + <p> + “I think, Edward, that the little man was very well able to take care of + himself. For my part, I should wish to see so well matched a pair fight on + while a drop of blood remained in their veins.” + </p> + <p> + “We must have speech with him. Such a man must not go from my court + without rest or sup. Bring him hither, Chandos, and, certes, if the Lord + Loring hath resigned his claim upon this goblet, it is right and proper + that this cavalier should carry it to France with him as a sign of the + prowess that he has shown this day.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the knight-errant, who had remounted his warhorse, galloped + forward to the royal stand, with a silken kerchief bound round his wounded + arm. The setting sun cast a ruddy glare upon his burnished arms, and sent + his long black shadow streaming behind him up the level clearing. Pulling + up his steed, he slightly inclined his head, and sat in the stern and + composed fashion with which he had borne himself throughout, heedless of + the applauding shouts and the flutter of kerchiefs from the long lines of + brave men and of fair women who were looking down upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Sir knight,” said the prince, “we have all marvelled this day at this + great skill and valor with which God has been pleased to endow you. I + would fain that you should tarry at our court, for a time at least, until + your hurt is healed and your horses rested.” + </p> + <p> + “My hurt is nothing, sire, nor are my horses weary,” returned the stranger + in a deep, stern voice. + </p> + <p> + “Will you not at least hie back to Bordeaux with us, that you may drain a + cup of muscadine and sup at our table?” + </p> + <p> + “I will neither drink your wine nor sit at your table,” returned the + other. “I bear no love for you or for your race, and there is nought that + I wish at your hands until the day when I see the last sail which bears + you back to your island vanishing away against the western sky.” + </p> + <p> + “These are bitter words, sir knight,” said Prince Edward, with an angry + frown. + </p> + <p> + “And they come from a bitter heart,” answered the unknown knight. “How + long is it since there has been peace in my hapless country? Where are the + steadings, and orchards, and vineyards, which made France fair? Where are + the cities which made her great? From Providence to Burgundy we are beset + by every prowling hireling in Christendom, who rend and tear the country + which you have left too weak to guard her own marches. Is it not a by-word + that a man may ride all day in that unhappy land without seeing thatch + upon roof or hearing the crow of cock? Does not one fair kingdom content + you, that you should strive so for this other one which has no love for + you? Pardieu! a true Frenchman's words may well be bitter, for bitter is + his lot and bitter his thoughts as he rides through his thrice unhappy + country.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir knight,” said the prince, “you speak like a brave man, and our cousin + of France is happy in having a cavalier who is so fit to uphold his cause + either with tongue or with sword. But if you think such evil of us, how + comes it that you have trusted yourselves to us without warranty or + safe-conduct?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I knew that you would be here, sire. Had the man who sits upon + your right been ruler of this land, I had indeed thought twice before I + looked to him for aught that was knightly or generous.” With a soldierly + salute, he wheeled round his horse, and, galloping down the lists, + disappeared amid the dense crowd of footmen and of horsemen who were + streaming away from the scene of the tournament. + </p> + <p> + “The insolent villain!” cried Pedro, glaring furiously after him. “I have + seen a man's tongue torn from his jaws for less. Would it not be well even + now, Edward, to send horsemen to hale him back? Bethink you that it may be + one of the royal house of France, or at least some knight whose loss would + be a heavy blow to his master. Sir William Felton, you are well mounted, + gallop after the caitiff, I pray you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so, Sir William,” said the prince, “and give him this purse of a + hundred nobles as a sign of the respect which I bear for him; for, by St. + George! he has served his master this day even as I would wish liegeman of + mine to serve me.” So saying, the prince turned his back upon the King of + Spain, and springing upon his horse, rode slowly homewards to the Abbey of + Saint Andrew's. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. HOW SIR NIGEL WROTE TO TWYNHAM CASTLE. + </h2> + <p> + On the morning after the jousting, when Alleyne Edricson went, as was his + custom, into his master's chamber to wait upon him in his dressing and to + curl his hair, he found him already up and very busily at work. He sat at + a table by the window, a deer-hound on one side of him and a lurcher on + the other, his feet tucked away under the trestle on which he sat, and his + tongue in his cheek, with the air of a man who is much perplexed. A sheet + of vellum lay upon the board in front of him, and he held a pen in his + hand, with which he had been scribbling in a rude schoolboy hand. So many + were the blots, however, and so numerous the scratches and erasures, that + he had at last given it up in despair, and sat with his single uncovered + eye cocked upwards at the ceiling, as one who waits upon inspiration. + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul!” he cried, as Alleyne entered, “you are the man who will + stand by me in this matter. I have been in sore need of you, Alleyne.” + </p> + <p> + “God be with you, my fair lord!” the squire answered. “I trust that you + have taken no hurt from all that you have gone through yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay; I feel the fresher for it, Alleyne. It has eased my joints, which + were somewhat stiff from these years of peace. I trust, Alleyne, that thou + didst very carefully note and mark the bearing and carriage of this knight + of France; for it is time, now when you are young, that you should see all + that is best, and mould your own actions in accordance. This was a man + from whom much honor might be gained, and I have seldom met any one for + whom I have conceived so much love and esteem. Could I but learn his name, + I should send you to him with my cartel, that we might have further + occasion to watch his goodly feats of arms.” + </p> + <p> + “It is said, my fair lord, that none know his name save only the Lord + Chandos, and that he is under vow not to speak it. So ran the gossip at + the squires' table.” + </p> + <p> + “Be he who he might, he was a very hardy gentleman. But I have a task + here, Alleyne, which is harder to me than aught that was set before me + yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “Can I help you, my lord?” + </p> + <p> + “That indeed you can. I have been writing my greetings to my sweet wife; + for I hear that a messenger goes from the prince to Southampton within the + week, and he would gladly take a packet for me. I pray you, Alleyne, to + cast your eyes upon what I have written, and see it they are such words as + my lady will understand. My fingers, as you can see, are more used to iron + and leather than to the drawing of strokes and turning of letters. What + then? Is there aught amiss, that you should stare so?” + </p> + <p> + “It is this first word, my lord. In what tongue were you pleased to + write?” + </p> + <p> + “In English; for my lady talks it more than she doth French. + </p> + <p> + “Yet this is no English word, my sweet lord. Here are four t's and never a + letter betwixt them.” + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul! it seemed strange to my eye when I wrote it,” said Sir + Nigel. “They bristle up together like a clump of lances. We must break + their ranks and set them farther apart. The word is 'that.' Now I will + read it to you, Alleyne, and you shall write it out fair; for we leave + Bordeaux this day, and it would be great joy to me to think that the Lady + Loring had word from me.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne sat down as ordered, with a pen in his hand and a fresh sheet of + parchment before him, while Sir Nigel slowly spelled out his letter, + running his forefinger on from word to word. + </p> + <p> + “That my heart is with thee, my dear sweeting, is what thine own heart + will assure thee of. All is well with us here, save that Pepin hath the + mange on his back, and Pommers hath scarce yet got clear of his stiffness + from being four days on ship-board, and the more so because the sea was + very high, and we were like to founder on account of a hole in her side, + which was made by a stone cast at us by certain sea-rovers, who may the + saints have in their keeping, for they have gone from amongst us, as has + young Terlake, and two-score mariners and archers, who would be the more + welcome here as there is like to be a very fine war, with much honor and + all hopes of advancement, for which I go to gather my Company together, + who are now at Montaubon, where they pillage and destroy; yet I hope that, + by God's help, I may be able to show that I am their master, even as, my + sweet lady, I am thy servant.” + </p> + <p> + “How of that, Alleyne?” continued Sir Nigel, blinking at his squire, with + an expression of some pride upon his face. “Have I not told her all that + hath befallen us?” + </p> + <p> + “You have said much, my fair lord; and yet, if I may say so, it is + somewhat crowded together, so that my Lady Loring can, mayhap, scarce + follow it. Were it in shorter periods——” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it boots me not how you marshal them, as long as they are all there + at the muster. Let my lady have the words, and she will place them in such + order as pleases her best. But I would have you add what it would please + her to know.” + </p> + <p> + “That will I,” said Alleyne, blithely, and bent to the task. + </p> + <p> + “My fair lady and mistress,” he wrote, “God hath had us in His keeping, + and my lord is well and in good cheer. He hath won much honor at the + jousting before the prince, when he alone was able to make it good against + a very valiant man from France. Touching the moneys, there is enough and + to spare until we reach Montaubon. Herewith, my fair lady, I send my humble + regards, entreating you that you will give the same to your daughter, the + Lady Maude. May the holy saints have you both in their keeping is ever the + prayer of thy servant, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “ALLEYNE EDRICSON.” + </pre> + <p> + “That is very fairly set forth,” said Sir Nigel, nodding his bald head as + each sentence was read to him. “And for thyself, Alleyne, if there be any + dear friend to whom you would fain give greeting, I can send it for thee + within this packet.” + </p> + <p> + “There is none,” said Alleyne, sadly. + </p> + <p> + “Have you no kinsfolk, then?” + </p> + <p> + “None, save my brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! I had forgotten that there was ill blood betwixt you. But are there + none in all England who love thee?” + </p> + <p> + “None that I dare say so.” + </p> + <p> + “And none whom you love?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I will not say that,” said Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel shook his head and laughed softly to himself, “I see how it is + with you,” he said. “Have I not noted your frequent sighs and vacant eye? + Is she fair?” + </p> + <p> + “She is indeed,” cried Alleyne from his heart, all tingling at this sudden + turn of the talk. + </p> + <p> + “And good?” + </p> + <p> + “As an angel.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet she loves you not?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I cannot say that she loves another.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have hopes?” + </p> + <p> + “I could not live else.” + </p> + <p> + “Then must you strive to be worthy of her love. Be brave and pure, + fearless to the strong and humble to the weak; and so, whether this love + prosper or no, you will have fitted yourself to be honored by a maiden's + love, which is, in sooth, the highest guerdon which a true knight can hope + for.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, my lord, I do so strive,” said Alleyne; “but she is so sweet, so + dainty, and of so noble a spirit, that I fear me that I shall never be + worthy of her.” + </p> + <p> + “By thinking so you become worthy. Is she then of noble birth?” + </p> + <p> + “She is, my lord,” faltered Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “Of a knightly house?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Have a care, Alleyne, have a care!” said Sir Nigel, kindly. “The higher + the steed the greater the fall. Hawk not at that which may be beyond thy + flight.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, I know little of the ways and usages of the world,” cried + Alleyne, “but I would fain ask your rede upon the matter. You have known + my father and my kin: is not my family one of good standing and repute?” + </p> + <p> + “Beyond all question.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet you warn me that I must not place my love too high.” + </p> + <p> + “Were Minstead yours, Alleyne, then, by St. Paul! I cannot think that any + family in the land would not be proud to take you among them, seeing that + you come of so old a strain. But while the Socman lives——Ha, + by my soul! if this is not Sir Oliver's step I am the more mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, a heavy footfall was heard without, and the portly knight + flung open the door and strode into the room. + </p> + <p> + “Why, my little coz,” said he, “I have come across to tell you that I live + above the barber's in the Rue de la Tour, and that there is a venison + pasty in the oven and two flasks of the right vintage on the table. By St. + James! a blind man might find the place, for one has but to get in the + wind from it, and follow the savory smell. Put on your cloak, then, and + come, for Sir Walter Hewett and Sir Robert Briquet, with one or two + others, are awaiting us.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Oliver, I cannot be with you, for I must to Montaubon this day.” + </p> + <p> + “To Montaubon? But I have heard that your Company is to come with my forty + Winchester rascals to Dax.” + </p> + <p> + “If you will take charge of them, Oliver. For I will go to Montaubon with + none save my two squires and two archers. Then, when I have found the rest + of my Company I shall lead them to Dax. We set forth this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I must back to my pasty,” said Sir Oliver. “You will find us at Dax, + I doubt not, unless the prince throw me into prison, for he is very wroth + against me.” + </p> + <p> + “And why, Oliver?” + </p> + <p> + “Pardieu! because I have sent my cartel, gauntlet, and defiance to Sir + John Chandos and to Sir William Felton.” + </p> + <p> + “To Chandos? In God's name, Oliver, why have you done this?” + </p> + <p> + “Because he and the other have used me despitefully.” + </p> + <p> + “And how?” + </p> + <p> + “Because they have passed me over in choosing those who should joust for + England. Yourself and Audley I could pass, coz, for you are mature men; + but who are Wake, and Percy, and Beauchamp? By my soul! I was prodding for + my food into a camp-kettle when they were howling for their pap. Is a man + of my weight and substance to be thrown aside for the first three + half-grown lads who have learned the trick of the tilt-yard? But hark ye, + coz, I think of sending my cartel also to the prince.” + </p> + <p> + “Oliver! Oliver! You are mad!” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, i' faith! I care not a denier whether he be prince or no. By Saint + James! I see that your squire's eyes are starting from his head like a + trussed crab. Well, friend, we are all three men of Hampshire, and not + lightly to be jeered at.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he jeered at you than?” + </p> + <p> + “Pardieu! yes, 'Old Sir Oliver's heart is still stout,' said one of his + court. 'Else had it been out of keeping with the rest of him,' quoth the + prince. 'And his arm is strong,' said another. 'So is the backbone of his + horse,' quoth the prince. This very day I will send him my cartel and + defiance.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, my dear Oliver,” said Sir Nigel, laying his hand upon his angry + friend's arm. “There is naught in this, for it was but saying that you + were a strong and robust man, who had need of a good destrier. And as to + Chandos and Felton, bethink you that if when you yourself were young the + older lances had ever been preferred, how would you then have had the + chance to earn the good name and fame which you now bear? You do not ride + as light as you did, Oliver, and I ride lighter by the weight of my hair, + but it would be an ill thing if in the evening of our lives we showed that + our hearts were less true and loyal than of old. If such a knight as Sir + Oliver Buttesthorn may turn against his own prince for the sake of a light + word, then where are we to look for steadfast faith and constancy?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my dear little coz, it is easy to sit in the sunshine and preach to + the man in the shadow. Yet you could ever win me over to your side with + that soft voice of yours. Let us think no more of it then. But, holy + Mother! I had forgot the pasty, and it will be as scorched as Judas + Iscariot! Come, Nigel, lest the foul fiend get the better of me again.” + </p> + <p> + “For one hour, then; for we march at mid-day. Tell Aylward, Alleyne, that + he is to come with me to Montaubon, and to choose one archer for his + comrade. The rest will to Dax when the prince starts, which will be before + the feast of the Epiphany. Have Pommers ready at mid-day with my sycamore + lance, and place my harness on the sumpter mule.” + </p> + <p> + With these brief directions, the two old soldiers strode off together, + while Alleyne hastened to get all in order for their journey. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. HOW THE THREE COMRADES GAINED A MIGHTY TREASURE + </h2> + <p> + It was a bright, crisp winter's day when the little party set off from + Bordeaux on their journey to Montaubon, where the missing half of their + Company had last been heard of. Sir Nigel and Ford had ridden on in + advance, the knight upon his hackney, while his great war-horse trotted + beside his squire. Two hours later Alleyne Edricson followed; for he had + the tavern reckoning to settle, and many other duties which fell to him as + squire of the body. With him came Aylward and Hordle John, armed as of + old, but mounted for their journey upon a pair of clumsy Landes horses, + heavy-headed and shambling, but of great endurance, and capable of jogging + along all day, even when between the knees of the huge archer, who turned + the scale at two hundred and seventy pounds. They took with them the + sumpter mules, which carried in panniers the wardrobe and table furniture + of Sir Nigel; for the knight, though neither fop nor epicure, was very + dainty in small matters, and loved, however bare the board or hard the + life, that his napery should still be white and his spoon of silver. + </p> + <p> + There had been frost during the night, and the white hard road rang loud + under their horses' irons as they spurred through the east gate of the + town, along the same broad highway which the unknown French champion had + traversed on the day of the jousts. The three rode abreast, Alleyne + Edricson with his eyes cast down and his mind distrait, for his thoughts + were busy with the conversation which he had had with Sir Nigel in the + morning. Had he done well to say so much, or had he not done better to + have said more? What would the knight have said had he confessed to his + love for the Lady Maude? Would he cast him off in disgrace, or might he + chide him as having abused the shelter of his roof? It had been ready upon + his tongue to tell him all when Sir Oliver had broken in upon them. + Perchance Sir Nigel, with his love of all the dying usages of chivalry, + might have contrived some strange ordeal or feat of arms by which his love + should be put to the test. Alleyne smiled as he wondered what fantastic + and wondrous deed would be exacted from him. Whatever it was, he was ready + for it, whether it were to hold the lists in the court of the King of + Tartary, to carry a cartel to the Sultan of Baghdad, or to serve a term + against the wild heathen of Prussia. Sir Nigel had said that his birth was + high enough for any lady, if his fortune could but be amended. Often had + Alleyne curled his lip at the beggarly craving for land or for gold which + blinded man to the higher and more lasting issues of life. Now it seemed + as though it were only by this same land and gold that he might hope to + reach his heart's desire. But then, again, the Socman of Minstead was no + friend to the Constable of Twynham Castle. It might happen that, should he + amass riches by some happy fortune of war, this feud might hold the two + families aloof. Even if Maude loved him, he knew her too well to think + that she would wed him without the blessing of her father. Dark and murky + was it all, but hope mounts high in youth, and it ever fluttered over all + the turmoil of his thoughts like a white plume amid the shock of horsemen. + </p> + <p> + If Alleyne Edricson had enough to ponder over as he rode through the bare + plains of Guienne, his two companions were more busy with the present and + less thoughtful of the future. Aylward rode for half a mile with his chin + upon his shoulder, looking back at a white kerchief which fluttered out of + the gable window of a high house which peeped over the corner of the + battlements. When at last a dip of the road hid it from his view, he + cocked his steel cap, shrugged his broad shoulders, and rode on with + laughter in his eyes, and his weather-beaten face all ashine with pleasant + memories. John also rode in silence, but his eyes wandered slowly from one + side of the road to the other, and he stared and pondered and nodded his + head like a traveller who makes his notes and saves them up for the + re-telling. + </p> + <p> + “By the rood!” he broke out suddenly, slapping his thigh with his great + red hand, “I knew that there was something a-missing, but I could not + bring to my mind what it was.” + </p> + <p> + “What was it then?” asked Alleyne, coming with a start out of his reverie. + </p> + <p> + “Why, it is the hedgerows,” roared John, with a shout of laughter. “The + country is all scraped as clear as a friar's poll. But indeed I cannot + think much of the folk in these parts. Why do they not get to work and dig + up these long rows of black and crooked stumps which I see on every hand? + A franklin of Hampshire would think shame to have such litter upon his + soil.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou foolish old John!” quoth Aylward. “You should know better, since I + have heard that the monks of Beaulieu could squeeze a good cup of wine + from their own grapes. Know then that if these rows were dug up the wealth + of the country would be gone, and mayhap there would be dry throats and + gaping mouths in England, for in three months' time these black roots will + blossom and shoot and burgeon, and from them will come many a good + ship-load of Medoc and Gascony which will cross the narrow seas. But see + the church in the hollow, and the folk who cluster in the churchyard! By + my hilt! it is a burial, and there is a passing bell!” He pulled off his + steel cap as he spoke and crossed himself, with a muttered prayer for the + repose of the dead. + </p> + <p> + “There too,” remarked Alleyne, as they rode on again, “that which seems to + the eye to be dead is still full of the sap of life, even as the vines + were. Thus God hath written Himself and His laws very broadly on all that + is around us, if our poor dull eyes and duller souls could but read what + He hath set before us.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! mon petit,” cried the bowman, “you take me back to the days when you + were new fledged, as sweet a little chick as ever pecked his way out of a + monkish egg. I had feared that in gaining our debonair young man-at-arms + we had lost our soft-spoken clerk. In truth, I have noted much change in + you since we came from Twynham Castle.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely it would be strange else, seeing that I have lived in a world so + new to me. Yet I trust that there are many things in which I have not + changed. If I have turned to serve an earthly master, and to carry arms + for an earthly king, it would be an ill thing if I were to lose all + thought of the great high King and Master of all, whose humble and + unworthy servant I was ere ever I left Beaulieu. You, John, are also from + the cloisters, but I trow that you do not feel that you have deserted the + old service in taking on the new.” + </p> + <p> + “I am a slow-witted man,” said John, “and, in sooth, when I try to think + about such matters it casts a gloom upon me. Yet I do not look upon myself + as a worse man in an archer's jerkin than I was in a white cowl, if that + be what you mean.” + </p> + <p> + “You have but changed from one white company to the other,” quoth Aylward. + “But, by these ten finger-bones! it is a passing strange thing to me to + think that it was but in the last fall of the leaf that we walked from + Lyndhurst together, he so gentle and maidenly, and you, John, like a great + red-limbed overgrown moon-calf; and now here you are as sprack a squire + and as lusty an archer as ever passed down the highway from Bordeaux, + while I am still the same old Samkin Aylward, with never a change, save + that I have a few more sins on my soul and a few less crowns in my pouch. + But I have never yet heard, John, what the reason was why you should come + out of Beaulieu.” + </p> + <p> + “There were seven reasons,” said John thoughtfully. “The first of them was + that they threw me out.” + </p> + <p> + “Ma foi! camarade, to the devil with the other six! That is enough for me + and for thee also. I can see that they are very wise and discreet folk at + Beaulieu. Ah! mon ange, what have you in the pipkin?” + </p> + <p> + “It is milk, worthy sir,” answered the peasant-maid, who stood by the door + of a cottage with a jug in her hand. “Would it please you, gentles, that I + should bring you out three horns of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, ma petite, but here is a two-sous piece for thy kindly tongue and + for the sight of thy pretty face. Ma foi! but she has a bonne mine. I have + a mind to bide and speak with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, Aylward,” cried Alleyne. “Sir Nigel will await us, and he in + haste.” + </p> + <p> + “True, true, camarade! Adieu, ma cherie! mon coeur est toujours a toi. Her + mother is a well-grown woman also. See where she digs by the wayside. Ma + foi! the riper fruit is ever the sweeter. Bon jour, ma belle dame! God + have you in his keeping! Said Sir Nigel where he would await us?” + </p> + <p> + “At Marmande or Aiguillon. He said that we could not pass him, seeing that + there is but the one road.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, and it is a road that I know as I know the Midhurst parish butts,” + quoth the bowman. “Thirty times have I journeyed it, forward and backward, + and, by the twang of string! I am wont to come back this way more laden + than I went. I have carried all that I had into France in a wallet, and it + hath taken four sumpter-mules to carry it back again. God's benison on the + man who first turned his hand to the making of war! But there, down in the + dingle, is the church of Cardillac, and you may see the inn where three + poplars grow beyond the village. Let us on, for a stoup of wine would + hearten us upon our way.” + </p> + <p> + The highway had lain through the swelling vineyard country, which + stretched away to the north and east in gentle curves, with many a peeping + spire and feudal tower, and cluster of village houses, all clear cut and + hard in the bright wintry air. To their right stretched the blue Garonne, + running swiftly seawards, with boats and barges dotted over its broad + bosom. On the other side lay a strip of vineyard, and beyond it the + desolate and sandy region of the Landes, all tangled with faded gorse and + heath and broom, stretching away in unbroken gloom to the blue hills which + lay low upon the furthest sky-line. Behind them might still be seen the + broad estuary of the Gironde, with the high towers of Saint Andre and + Saint Remi shooting up from the plain. In front, amid radiating lines of + poplars, lay the riverside townlet of Cardillac—gray walls, white + houses, and a feather of blue smoke. + </p> + <p> + “This is the 'Mouton d'Or,'” said Aylward, as they pulled up their horses + at a whitewashed straggling hostel. “What ho there!” he continued, beating + upon the door with the hilt of his sword. “Tapster, ostler, varlet, hark + hither, and a wannion on your lazy limbs! Ha! Michel, as red in the nose + as ever! Three jacks of the wine of the country, Michel—for the air + bites shrewdly. I pray you, Alleyne, to take note of this door, for I have + a tale concerning it.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, friend,” said Alleyne to the portly red-faced inn-keeper, “has a + knight and a squire passed this way within the hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, sir, it would be two hours back. Was he a small man, weak in the + eyes, with a want of hair, and speaks very quiet when he is most to be + feared?” + </p> + <p> + “The same,” the squire answered. “But I marvel how you should know how he + speaks when he is in wrath, for he is very gentle-minded with those who + are beneath him.” + </p> + <p> + “Praise to the saints! it was not I who angered him,” said the fat Michel. + </p> + <p> + “Who, then?” + </p> + <p> + “It was young Sieur de Crespigny of Saintonge, who chanced to be here, and + made game of the Englishman, seeing that he was but a small man and hath a + face which is full of peace. But indeed this good knight was a very quiet + and patient man, for he saw that the Sieur de Crespigny was still young + and spoke from an empty head, so he sat his horse and quaffed his wine, + even as you are doing now, all heedless of the clacking tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “And what then, Michel?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, messieurs, it chanced that the Sieur de Crespigny, having said this + and that, for the laughter of the varlets, cried out at last about the + glove that the knight wore in his coif, asking if it was the custom in + England for a man to wear a great archer's glove in his cap. Pardieu! I + have never seen a man get off his horse as quick as did that stranger + Englishman. Ere the words were past the other's lips he was beside him, + his face nigh touching, and his breath hot upon his cheeks. 'I think, + young sir,' quoth he softly, looking into the other's eyes, 'that now that + I am nearer you will very clearly see that the glove is not an archer's + glove.' 'Perchance not,' said the Sieur de Crespigny with a twitching lip. + 'Nor is it large, but very small,' quoth the Englishman. 'Less large than + I had thought,' said the other, looking down, for the knight's gaze was + heavy upon his eyelids. 'And in every way such a glove as might be worn by + the fairest and sweetest lady in England,' quoth the Englishman. 'It may + be so,' said the Sieur de Crespigny, turning his face from him. 'I am + myself weak in the eyes, and have often taken one thing for another,' + quoth the knight, as he sprang back into his saddle and rode off, leaving + the Sieur de Crespigny biting his nails before the door. Ha! by the five + wounds, many men of war have drunk my wine, but never one was more to my + fancy than this little Englishman.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! he is our master, Michel,” quoth Aylward, “and such men as we + do not serve under a laggart. But here are four deniers, Michel, and God + be with you! En avant, camarades! for we have a long road before us.” + </p> + <p> + At a brisk trot the three friends left Cardillac and its wine-house behind + them, riding without a halt past St. Macaire, and on by ferry over the + river Dorpt. At the further side the road winds through La Reolle, + Bazaille, and Marmande, with the sunlit river still gleaming upon the + right, and the bare poplars bristling up upon either side. John and + Alleyne rode silent on either side, but every inn, farm-steading, or + castle brought back to Aylward some remembrance of love, foray, or + plunder, with which to beguile the way. + </p> + <p> + “There is the smoke from Bazas, on the further side of Garonne,” quoth he. + “There were three sisters yonder, the daughters of a farrier, and, by + these ten finger-bones! a man might ride for a long June day and never set + eyes upon such maidens. There was Marie, tall and grave, and Blanche + petite and gay, and the dark Agnes, with eyes that went through you like a + waxed arrow. I lingered there as long as four days, and was betrothed to + them all; for it seemed shame to set one above her sisters, and might make + ill blood in the family. Yet, for all my care, things were not merry in + the house, and I thought it well to come away. There, too, is the mill of + Le Souris. Old Pierre Le Caron, who owned it, was a right good comrade, + and had ever a seat and a crust for a weary archer. He was a man who + wrought hard at all that he turned his hand to; but he heated himself in + grinding bones to mix with his flour, and so through over-diligence he + brought a fever upon himself and died.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, Aylward,” said Alleyne, “what was amiss with the door of yonder + inn that you should ask me to observe it.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardieu! yes, I had well-nigh forgot. What saw you on yonder door?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw a square hole, through which doubtless the host may peep when he is + not too sure of those who knock.” + </p> + <p> + “And saw you naught else?” + </p> + <p> + “I marked that beneath this hole there was a deep cut in the door, as + though a great nail had been driven in.” + </p> + <p> + “And naught else?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Had you looked more closely you might have seen that there was a stain + upon the wood. The first time that I ever heard my comrade Black Simon + laugh was in front of that door. I heard him once again when he slew a + French squire with his teeth, he being unarmed and the Frenchman having a + dagger.” + </p> + <p> + “And why did Simon laugh in front of the inn-door!” asked John. + </p> + <p> + “Simon is a hard and perilous man when he hath the bitter drop in him; + and, by my hilt! he was born for war, for there is little sweetness or + rest in him. This inn, the 'Mouton d'Or,' was kept in the old days by one + Francois Gourval, who had a hard fist and a harder heart. It was said that + many and many an archer coming from the wars had been served with wine + with simples in it, until he slept, and had then been stripped of all by + this Gourval. Then on the morrow, if he made complaint, this wicked + Gourval would throw him out upon the road or beat him, for he was a very + lusty man, and had many stout varlets in his service. This chanced to come + to Simon's ears when we were at Bordeaux together, and he would have it + that we should ride to Cardillac with a good hempen cord, and give this + Gourval such a scourging as he merited. Forth we rode then, but when we + came to the 'Mouton d'Or,' Gourval had had word of our coming and its + purpose, so that the door was barred, nor was there any way into the + house. 'Let us in, good Master Gourval!' cried Simon, and 'Let us in, good + Master Gourval!' cried I, but no word could we get through the hole in the + door, save that he would draw an arrow upon us unless we went on our way. + 'Well, Master Gourval,' quoth Simon at last, 'this is but a sorry welcome, + seeing that we have ridden so far just to shake you by the hand.' 'Canst + shake me by the hand without coming in,' said Gourval. 'And how that?' + asked Simon. 'By passing in your hand through the hole,' said he. 'Nay, my + hand is wounded,' quoth Simon, 'and of such a size that I cannot pass it + in.' 'That need not hinder,' said Gourval, who was hot to be rid of us, + 'pass in your left hand.' 'But I have something for thee, Gourval,' said + Simon. 'What then?' he asked. 'There was an English archer who slept here + last week of the name of Hugh of Nutbourne.' 'We have had many rogues + here,' said Gourval. 'His conscience hath been heavy within him because he + owes you a debt of fourteen deniers, having drunk wine for which he hath + never paid. For the easing of his soul, he asked me to pay the money to + you as I passed.' Now this Gourval was very greedy for money, so he thrust + forth his hand for the fourteen deniers, but Simon had his dagger ready + and he pinned his hand to the door. 'I have paid the Englishman's debt, + Gourval!' quoth he, and so rode away, laughing so that he could scarce sit + his horse, leaving mine host still nailed to his door. Such is the story + of the hole which you have marked, and of the smudge upon the wood. I have + heard that from that time English archers have been better treated in the + auberge of Cardillac. But what have we here by the wayside?” + </p> + <p> + “It appears to be a very holy man,” said Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “And, by the rood! he hath some strange wares,” cried John. “What are + these bits of stone, and of wood, and rusted nails, which are set out in + front of him?” + </p> + <p> + The man whom they had remarked sat with his back against a cherry-tree, + and his legs shooting out in front of him, like one who is greatly at his + ease. Across his thighs was a wooden board, and scattered over it all + manner of slips of wood and knobs of brick and stone, each laid separate + from the other, as a huckster places his wares. He was dressed in a long + gray gown, and wore a broad hat of the same color, much weather-stained, + with three scallop-shells dangling from the brim. As they approached, the + travellers observed that he was advanced in years, and that his eyes were + upturned and yellow. + </p> + <p> + “Dear knights and gentlemen,” he cried in a high crackling voice, “worthy + Christian cavaliers, will ye ride past and leave an aged pilgrim to die of + hunger? The sight hast been burned from mine eyes by the sands of the Holy + Land, and I have had neither crust of bread nor cup of wine these two days + past.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! father,” said Aylward, looking keenly at him, “it is a marvel + to me that thy girdle should have so goodly a span and clip thee so + closely, if you have in sooth had so little to place within it.” + </p> + <p> + “Kind stranger,” answered the pilgrim, “you have unwittingly spoken words + which are very grievous to me to listen to. Yet I should be loth to blame + you, for I doubt not that what you said was not meant to sadden me, nor to + bring my sore affliction back to my mind. It ill becomes me to prate too + much of what I have endured for the faith, and yet, since you have + observed it, I must tell you that this thickness and roundness of the + waist is caused by a dropsy brought on by over-haste in journeying from + the house of Pilate to the Mount of Olives.” + </p> + <p> + “There, Aylward,” said Alleyne, with a reddened cheek, “let that curb your + blunt tongue. How could you bring a fresh pang to this holy man, who hath + endured so much and hath journeyed as far as Christ's own blessed tomb?” + </p> + <p> + “May the foul fiend strike me dumb!” cried the bowman in hot repentance; + but both the palmer and Alleyne threw up their hands to stop him. + </p> + <p> + “I forgive thee from my heart, dear brother,” piped the blind man. “But, + oh, these wild words of thine are worse to mine ears than aught which you + could say of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Not another word shall I speak,” said Aylward; “but here is a franc for + thee and I crave thy blessing.” + </p> + <p> + “And here is another,” said Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “And another,” cried Hordle John. + </p> + <p> + But the blind palmer would have none of their alms. “Foolish, foolish + pride!” he cried, beating upon his chest with his large brown hand. + “Foolish, foolish pride! How long then will it be ere I can scourge it + forth? Am I then never to conquer it? Oh, strong, strong are the ties of + flesh, and hard it is to subdue the spirit! I come, friends, of a noble + house, and I cannot bring myself to touch this money, even though it be to + save me from the grave.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! father,” said Alleyne, “how then can we be of help to thee?” + </p> + <p> + “I had sat down here to die,” quoth the palmer; “but for many years I have + carried in my wallet these precious things which you see set forth now + before me. It were sin, thought I, that my secret should perish with me. I + shall therefore sell these things to the first worthy passers-by, and from + them I shall have money enough to take me to the shrine of Our Lady at + Rocamadour, where I hope to lay these old bones.” + </p> + <p> + “What are these treasures, then, father?” asked Hordle John. “I can but + see an old rusty nail, with bits of stone and slips of wood.” + </p> + <p> + “My friend,” answered the palmer, “not all the money that is in this + country could pay a just price for these wares of mine. This nail,” he + continued, pulling off his hat and turning up his sightless orbs, “is one + of those wherewith man's salvation was secured. I had it, together with + this piece of the true rood, from the five-and-twentieth descendant of + Joseph of Arimathea, who still lives in Jerusalem alive and well, though + latterly much afflicted by boils. Aye, you may well cross yourselves, and + I beg that you will not breathe upon it or touch it with your fingers.” + </p> + <p> + “And the wood and stone, holy father?” asked Alleyne, with bated breath, + as he stared awe-struck at his precious relics. + </p> + <p> + “This cantle of wood is from the true cross, this other from Noah his ark, + and the third is from the door-post of the temple of the wise King + Solomon. This stone was thrown at the sainted Stephen, and the other two + are from the Tower of Babel. Here, too, is part of Aaron's rod, and a lock + of hair from Elisha the prophet.” + </p> + <p> + “But, father,” quoth Alleyne, “the holy Elisha was bald, which brought + down upon him the revilements of the wicked children.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very true that he had not much hair,” said the palmer quickly, “and + it is this which makes this relic so exceeding precious. Take now your + choice of these, my worthy gentlemen, and pay such a price as your + consciences will suffer you to offer; for I am not a chapman nor a + huckster, and I would never part with them, did I not know that I am very + near to my reward.” + </p> + <p> + “Aylward,” said Alleyne excitedly, “this is such a chance as few folk have + twice in one life. The nail I must have, and I will give it to the abbey + of Beaulieu, so that all the folk in England may go thither to wonder and + to pray.” + </p> + <p> + “And I will have the stone from the temple,” cried Hordle John. “What + would not my old mother give to have it hung over her bed?” + </p> + <p> + “And I will have Aaron's rod,” quoth Aylward. “I have but five florins in + the world, and here are four of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Here are three more,” said John. + </p> + <p> + “And here are five more,” added Alleyne. “Holy father, I hand you twelve + florins, which is all that we can give, though we well know how poor a pay + it is for the wondrous things which you sell us.” + </p> + <p> + “Down, pride, down!” cried the pilgrim, still beating upon his chest. “Can + I not bend myself then to take this sorry sum which is offered me for that + which has cost me the labors of a life. Give me the dross! Here are the + precious relics, and, oh, I pray you that you will handle them softly and + with reverence, else had I rather left my unworthy bones here by the + wayside.” + </p> + <p> + With doffed caps and eager hands, the comrades took their new and precious + possessions, and pressed onwards upon their journey, leaving the aged + palmer still seated under the cherry-tree. They rode in silence, each with + his treasure in his hand, glancing at it from time to time, and scarce + able to believe that chance had made them sole owners of relics of such + holiness and worth that every abbey and church in Christendom would have + bid eagerly for their possession. So they journeyed, full of this good + fortune, until opposite the town of Le Mas, where John's horse cast a + shoe, and they were glad to find a wayside smith who might set the matter + to rights. To him Aylward narrated the good hap which had befallen them; + but the smith, when his eyes lit upon the relics, leaned up against his + anvil and laughed, with his hand to his side, until the tears hopped down + his sooty cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Why, masters,” quoth he, “this man is a coquillart, or seller of false + relics, and was here in the smithy not two hours ago. This nail that he + hath sold you was taken from my nail-box, and as to the wood and the + stones, you will see a heap of both outside from which he hath filled his + scrip.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” cried Alleyne, “this was a holy man who had journeyed to + Jerusalem, and acquired a dropsy by running from the house of Pilate to + the Mount of Olives.” + </p> + <p> + “I know not about that,” said the smith; “but I know that a man with a + gray palmer's hat and gown was here no very long time ago, and that he sat + on yonder stump and ate a cold pullet and drank a flask of wine. Then he + begged from me one of my nails, and filling his scrip with stones, he went + upon his way. Look at these nails, and see if they are not the same as + that which he has sold you.” + </p> + <p> + “Now may God save us!” cried Alleyne, all aghast. “Is there no end then to + the wickedness of humankind? He so humble, so aged, so loth to take our + money—and yet a villain and a cheat. Whom can we trust or believe + in?” + </p> + <p> + “I will after him,” said Aylward, flinging himself into the saddle. “Come, + Alleyne, we may catch him ere John's horse be shod.” + </p> + <p> + Away they galloped together, and ere long they saw the old gray palmer + walking slowly along in front of them. He turned, however, at the sound of + their hoofs, and it was clear that his blindness was a cheat like all the + rest of him, for he ran swiftly through a field and so into a wood, where + none could follow him. They hurled their relics after him, and so rode + back to the blacksmith's the poorer both in pocket and in faith. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. HOW ROGER CLUB-FOOT WAS PASSED INTO PARADISE. + </h2> + <p> + It was evening before the three comrades came into Aiguillon. There they + found Sir Nigel Loring and Ford safely lodged at the sign of the “Baton + Rouge,” where they supped on good fare and slept between lavender-scented + sheets. It chanced, however, that a knight of Poitou, Sir Gaston + d'Estelle, was staying there on his way back from Lithuania, where he had + served a term with the Teutonic knights under the land-master of the + presbytery of Marienberg. He and Sir Nigel sat late in high converse as to + bushments, outfalls, and the intaking of cities, with many tales of + warlike men and valiant deeds. Then their talk turned to minstrelsy, and + the stranger knight drew forth a cittern, upon which he played the + minne-lieder of the north, singing the while in a high cracked voice of + Hildebrand and Brunhild and Siegfried, and all the strength and beauty of + the land of Almain. To this Sir Nigel answered with the romances of Sir + Eglamour, and of Sir Isumbras, and so through the long winter night they + sat by the crackling wood-fire answering each other's songs until the + crowing cocks joined in their concert. Yet, with scarce an hour of rest, + Sir Nigel was as blithe and bright as ever as they set forth after + breakfast upon their way. + </p> + <p> + “This Sir Gaston is a very worthy man,” said he to his squires as they + rode from the “Baton Rouge.” “He hath a very strong desire to advance + himself, and would have entered upon some small knightly debate with me, + had he not chanced to have his arm-bone broken by the kick of a horse. I + have conceived a great love for him, and I have promised him that when his + bone is mended I will exchange thrusts with him. But we must keep to this + road upon the left.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my fair lord,” quoth Aylward. “The road to Montaubon is over the + river, and so through Quercy and the Agenois.” + </p> + <p> + “True, my good Aylward; but I have learned from this worthy knight, who + hath come over the French marches, that there is a company of Englishmen + who are burning and plundering in the country round Villefranche. I have + little doubt, from what he says, that they are those whom we seek.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! it is like enough,” said Aylward. “By all accounts they had + been so long at Montaubon, that there would be little there worth the + taking. Then as they have already been in the south, they would come north + to the country of the Aveyron.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall follow the Lot until we come to Cahors, and then cross the + marches into Villefranche,” said Sir Nigel. “By St. Paul! as we are but a + small band, it is very likely that we may have some very honorable and + pleasing adventure, for I hear that there is little peace upon the French + border.” + </p> + <p> + All morning they rode down a broad and winding road, barred with the + shadows of poplars. Sir Nigel rode in front with his squires, while the + two archers followed behind with the sumpter mule between them. They had + left Aiguillon and the Garonne far to the south, and rode now by the + tranquil Lot, which curves blue and placid through a gently rolling + country. Alleyne could not but mark that, whereas in Guienne there had + been many townlets and few castles, there were now many castles and few + houses. On either hand gray walls and square grim keeps peeped out at + every few miles from amid the forests while the few villages which they + passed were all ringed round with rude walls, which spoke of the constant + fear and sudden foray of a wild frontier land. Twice during the morning + there came bands of horsemen swooping down upon them from the black + gateways of wayside strongholds, with short, stern questions as to whence + they came and what their errand. Bands of armed men clanked along the + highway, and the few lines of laden mules which carried the merchandise of + the trader were guarded by armed varlets, or by archers hired for the + service. + </p> + <p> + “The peace of Bretigny hath not made much change in these parts,” quoth + Sir Nigel, “for the country is overrun with free companions and masterless + men. Yonder towers, between the wood and the hill, mark the town of + Cahors, and beyond it is the land of France. But here is a man by the + wayside, and as he hath two horses and a squire I make little doubt that + he is a knight. I pray you, Alleyne, to give him greeting from me, and to + ask him for his titles and coat-armor. It may be that I can relieve him of + some vow, or perchance he hath a lady whom he would wish to advance.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my fair lord,” said Alleyne, “these are not horses and a squire, but + mules and a varlet. The man is a mercer, for he hath a great bundle beside + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, God's blessing on your honest English voice!” cried the stranger, + pricking up his ears at the sound of Alleyne's words. “Never have I heard + music that was so sweet to mine ear. Come, Watkin lad, throw the bales + over Laura's back! My heart was nigh broke, for it seemed that I had left + all that was English behind me, and that I would never set eyes upon + Norwich market square again.” He was a tall, lusty, middle-aged man with a + ruddy face, a brown forked beard shot with gray, and a broad Flanders hat + set at the back of his head. His servant, as tall as himself, but gaunt + and raw-boned, had swung the bales on the back of one mule, while the + merchant mounted upon the other and rode to join the party. It was easy to + see, as he approached, from the quality of his dress and the richness of + his trappings, that he was a man of some wealth and position. + </p> + <p> + “Sir knight,” said he, “my name is David Micheldene, and I am a burgher + and alderman of the good town of Norwich, where I live five doors from the + church of Our Lady, as all men know on the banks of Yare. I have here my + bales of cloth which I carry to Cahors—woe worth the day that ever I + started on such an errand! I crave your gracious protection upon the way + for me, my servant, and my mercery; for I have already had many perilous + passages, and have now learned that Roger Club-foot, the robber-knight of + Quercy, is out upon the road in front of me. I hereby agree to give you + one rose-noble if you bring me safe to the inn of the 'Angel' in Cahors, + the same to be repaid to me or my heirs if any harm come to me or my + goods.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul!” answered Sir Nigel, “I should be a sorry knight if I ask + pay for standing by a countryman in a strange land. You may ride with me + and welcome, Master Micheldene, and your varlet may follow with my + archers.” + </p> + <p> + “God's benison upon thy bounty!” cried the stranger. “Should you come to + Norwich you may have cause to remember that you have been of service to + Alderman Micheldene. It is not very far to Cahors, for surely I see the + cathedral towers against the sky-line; but I have heard much of this Roger + Clubfoot, and the more I hear the less do I wish to look upon his face. + Oh, but I am sick and weary of it all, and I would give half that I am + worth to see my good dame sitting in peace beside me, and to hear the + bells of Norwich town.” + </p> + <p> + “Your words are strange to me,” quoth Sir Nigel, “for you have the + appearance of a stout man, and I see that you wear a sword by your side.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet it is not my trade,” answered the merchant. “I doubt not that if I + set you down in my shop at Norwich you might scarce tell fustian from + falding, and know little difference between the velvet of Genoa and the + three-piled cloth of Bruges. There you might well turn to me for help. But + here on a lone roadside, with thick woods and robber-knights, I turn to + you, for it is the business to which you have been reared.” + </p> + <p> + “There is sooth in what you say, Master Micheldene,” said Sir Nigel, “and + I trust that we may come upon this Roger Clubfoot, for I have heard that + he is a very stout and skilful soldier, and a man from whom much honor is + to be gained.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a bloody robber,” said the trader, curtly, “and I wish I saw him + kicking at the end of a halter.” + </p> + <p> + “It is such men as he,” Sir Nigel remarked, “who give the true knight + honorable deeds to do, whereby he may advance himself.” + </p> + <p> + “It is such men as he,” retorted Micheldene, “who are like rats in a + wheat-rick or moths in a woolfels, a harm and a hindrance to all peaceful + and honest men.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet, if the dangers of the road weigh so heavily upon you, master + alderman, it is a great marvel to me that you should venture so far from + home.” + </p> + <p> + “And sometimes, sir knight, it is a marvel to myself. But I am a man who + may grutch and grumble, but when I have set my face to do a thing I will + not turn my back upon it until it be done. There is one, Francois Villet, + at Cahors, who will send me wine-casks for my cloth-bales, so to Cahors I + will go, though all the robber-knights of Christendom were to line the + roads like yonder poplars.” + </p> + <p> + “Stoutly spoken, master alderman! But how have you fared hitherto?” + </p> + <p> + “As a lamb fares in a land of wolves. Five times we have had to beg and + pray ere we could pass. Twice I have paid toll to the wardens of the road. + Three times we have had to draw, and once at La Reolle we stood over our + wool-bales, Watkin and I, and we laid about us for as long as a man might + chant a litany, slaying one rogue and wounding two others. By God's coif! + we are men of peace, but we are free English burghers, not to be + mishandled either in our country or abroad. Neither lord, baron, knight, + or commoner shall have as much as a strike of flax of mine whilst I have + strength to wag this sword.” + </p> + <p> + “And a passing strange sword it is,” quoth Sir Nigel. “What make you, + Alleyne, of these black lines which are drawn across the sheath?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell what they are, my fair lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor can I,” said Ford. + </p> + <p> + The merchant chuckled to himself. “It was a thought of mine own,” said he; + “for the sword was made by Thomas Wilson, the armorer, who is betrothed to + my second daughter Margery. Know then that the sheath is one cloth-yard, + in length, marked off according to feet and inches to serve me as a + measuring wand. It is also of the exact weight of two pounds, so that I + may use it in the balance.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul!” quoth Sir Nigel, “it is very clear to me that the sword + is like thyself, good alderman, apt either for war or for peace. But I + doubt not that even in England you have had much to suffer from the hands + of robbers and outlaws.” + </p> + <p> + “It was only last Lammastide, sir knight, that I was left for dead near + Reading as I journeyed to Winchester fair. Yet I had the rogues up at the + court of pie-powder, and they will harm no more peaceful traders.” + </p> + <p> + “You travel much then!” + </p> + <p> + “To Winchester, Linn mart, Bristol fair, Stourbridge, and Bartholomew's in + London Town. The rest of the year you may ever find me five doors from the + church of Our Lady, where I would from my heart that I was at this moment, + for there is no air like Norwich air, and no water like the Yare, nor can + all the wines of France compare with the beer of old Sam Yelverton who + keeps the 'Dun Cow.' But, out and alack, here is an evil fruit which hangs + upon this chestnut-tree!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke they had ridden round a curve of the road and come upon a + great tree which shot one strong brown branch across their path. From the + centre of this branch there hung a man, with his head at a horrid slant to + his body and his toes just touching the ground. He was naked save for a + linen under shirt and pair of woollen drawers. Beside him on a green bank + there sat a small man with a solemn face, and a great bundle of papers of + all colors thrusting forth from the scrip which lay beside him. He was + very richly dressed, with furred robes, a scarlet hood, and wide hanging + sleeves lined with flame-colored silk. A great gold chain hung round his + neck, and rings glittered from every finger of his hands. On his lap he + had a little pile of gold and of silver, which he was dropping, coin by + coin, into a plump pouch which hung from his girdle. + </p> + <p> + “May the saints be with you, good travellers!” he shouted, as the party + rode up. “May the four Evangelists watch over you! May the twelve Apostles + bear you up! May the blessed army of martyrs direct your feet and lead you + to eternal bliss!” + </p> + <p> + “Gramercy for these good wishes!” said Sir Nigel. “But I perceive, master + alderman, that this man who hangs here is, by mark of foot, the very + robber-knight of whom we have spoken. But there is a cartel pinned upon + his breast, and I pray you, Alleyne, to read it to me.” + </p> + <p> + The dead robber swung slowly to and fro in the wintry wind, a fixed smile + upon his swarthy face, and his bulging eyes still glaring down the highway + of which he had so long been the terror; on a sheet of parchment upon his + breast was printed in rude characters; + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ROGER PIED-BOT. + + Par l'ordre du Senechal de + Castelnau, et de l'Echevin de + Cahors, servantes fideles du + tres vaillant et tres puissant + Edouard, Prince de Galles et + d'Aquitaine. + Ne touchez pas, + Ne coutez pas, + Ne depechez pas. +</pre> + <p> + “He took a sorry time in dying,” said the man who sat beside him. “He + could stretch one toe to the ground and bear himself up, so that I + thought he would never have done. Now at last, however, he is safely in + paradise, and so I may jog on upon my earthly way.” He mounted, as he + spoke, a white mule which had been grazing by the wayside, all gay with + fustian of gold and silver bells, and rode onward with Sir Nigel's party. + </p> + <p> + “How know you then that he is in paradise?” asked Sir Nigel. “All things + are possible to God, but, certes, without a miracle, I should scarce + expect to find the soul of Roger Clubfoot amongst the just.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that he is there because I have just passed him in there,” + answered the stranger, rubbing his bejewelled hands together in placid + satisfaction. “It is my holy mission to be a sompnour or pardoner. I am + the unworthy servant and delegate of him who holds the keys. A contrite + heart and ten nobles to holy mother Church may stave off perdition; but he + hath a pardon of the first degree, with a twenty-five livre benison, so + that I doubt if he will so much as feel a twinge of purgatory. I came up + even as the seneschal's archers were tying him up, and I gave him my + fore-word that I would bide with him until he had passed. There were two + leaden crowns among the silver, but I would not for that stand in the way + of his salvation.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul!” said Sir Nigel, “if you have indeed this power to open + and to shut the gates of hope, then indeed you stand high above mankind. + But if you do but claim to have it, and yet have it not, then it seems to + me, master clerk, that you may yourself find the gate barred when you + shall ask admittance.” + </p> + <p> + “Small of faith! Small of faith!” cried the sompnour. “Ah, Sir Didymus yet + walks upon earth! And yet no words of doubt can bring anger to mine heart, + or a bitter word to my lip, for am I not a poor unworthy worker in the + cause of gentleness and peace? Of all these pardons which I bear every one + is stamped and signed by our holy father, the prop and centre of + Christendom.” + </p> + <p> + “Which of them?” asked Sir Nigel. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” cried the pardoner, shaking a jewelled forefinger. “Thou wouldst + be deep in the secrets of mother Church? Know then that I have both in my + scrip. Those who hold with Urban shall have Urban's pardon, while I have + Clement's for the Clementist—or he who is in doubt may have both, so + that come what may he shall be secure. I pray you that you will buy one, + for war is bloody work, and the end is sudden with little time for thought + or shrift. Or you, sir, for you seem to me to be a man who would do ill to + trust to your own merits.” This to the alderman of Norwich, who had + listened to him with a frowning brow and a sneering lip. + </p> + <p> + “When I sell my cloth,” quoth he, “he who buys may weigh and feel and + handle. These goods which you sell are not to be seen, nor is there any + proof that you hold them. Certes, if mortal man might control God's mercy, + it would be one of a lofty and God-like life, and not one who is decked + out with rings and chains and silks, like a pleasure-wench at a kermesse. + </p> + <p> + “Thou wicked and shameless man!” cried the clerk. “Dost thou dare to raise + thy voice against the unworthy servant of mother Church?” + </p> + <p> + “Unworthy enough!” quoth David Micheldene. “I would have you to know, + clerk, that I am a free English burgher, and that I dare say my mind to + our father the Pope himself, let alone such a lacquey's lacquey as you!” + </p> + <p> + “Base-born and foul-mouthed knave!” cried the sompnour. “You prate of holy + things, to which your hog's mind can never rise. Keep silence, lest I call + a curse upon you!” + </p> + <p> + “Silence yourself!” roared the other. “Foul bird! we found thee by the + gallows like a carrion-crow. A fine life thou hast of it with thy silks + and thy baubles, cozening the last few shillings from the pouches of dying + men. A fig for thy curse! Bide here, if you will take my rede, for we will + make England too hot for such as you, when Master Wicliff has the ordering + of it. Thou vile thief! it is you, and such as you, who bring an evil name + upon the many churchmen who lead a pure and a holy life. Thou outside the + door of heaven! Art more like to be inside the door of hell.” + </p> + <p> + At this crowning insult the sompnour, with a face ashen with rage, raised + up a quivering hand and began pouring Latin imprecations upon the angry + alderman. The latter, however, was not a man to be quelled by words, for + he caught up his ell-measure sword-sheath and belabored the cursing clerk + with it. The latter, unable to escape from the shower of blows, set spurs + to his mule and rode for his life, with his enemy thundering behind him. + At sight of his master's sudden departure, the varlet Watkin set off after + him, with the pack-mule beside him, so that the four clattered away down + the road together, until they swept round a curve and their babble was but + a drone in the distance. Sir Nigel and Alleyne gazed in astonishment at + one another, while Ford burst out a-laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Pardieu!” said the knight, “this David Micheldene must be one of those + Lollards about whom Father Christopher of the priory had so much to say. + Yet he seemed to be no bad man from what I have seen of him.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard that Wicliff hath many followers in Norwich,” answered + Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul! I have no great love for them,” quoth Sir Nigel. “I am a man + who am slow to change; and, if you take away from me the faith that I have + been taught, it would be long ere I could learn one to set in its place. + It is but a chip here and a chip there, yet it may bring the tree down in + time. Yet, on the other hand, I cannot but think it shame that a man + should turn God's mercy on and off, as a cellarman doth wine with a + spigot.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor is it,” said Alleyne, “part of the teachings of that mother Church of + which he had so much to say. There was sooth in what the alderman said of + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, by St. Paul! they may settle it betwixt them,” quoth Sir Nigel. + “For me, I serve God, the king and my lady; and so long as I can keep the + path of honor I am well content. My creed shall ever be that of Chandos: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Fais ce que dois—adviegne que peut, + C'est commande au chevalier.” + </pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. HOW THE COMRADES CAME OVER THE MARCHES OF FRANCE + </h2> + <p> + After passing Cahors, the party branched away from the main road, and + leaving the river to the north of them, followed a smaller track which + wound over a vast and desolate plain. This path led them amid marshes and + woods, until it brought them out into a glade with a broad stream swirling + swiftly down the centre of it. Through this the horses splashed their way, + and on the farther shore Sir Nigel announced to them that they were now + within the borders of the land of France. For some miles they still + followed the same lonely track, which led them through a dense wood, and + then widening out, curved down to an open rolling country, such as they + had traversed between Aiguillon and Cahors. + </p> + <p> + If it were grim and desolate upon the English border, however, what can + describe the hideous barrenness of this ten times harried tract of France? + The whole face of the country was scarred and disfigured, mottled over + with the black blotches of burned farm-steadings, and the gray, gaunt + gable-ends of what had been chateaux. Broken fences, crumbling walls, + vineyards littered with stones, the shattered arches of bridges—look + where you might, the signs of ruin and rapine met the eye. Here and there + only, on the farthest sky-line, the gnarled turrets of a castle, or the + graceful pinnacles of church or of monastery showed where the forces of + the sword or of the spirit had preserved some small islet of security in + this universal flood of misery. Moodily and in silence the little party + rode along the narrow and irregular track, their hearts weighed down by + this far-stretching land of despair. It was indeed a stricken and a + blighted country, and a man might have ridden from Auvergne in the north + to the marches of Foix, nor ever seen a smiling village or a thriving + homestead. + </p> + <p> + From time to time as they advanced they saw strange lean figures scraping + and scratching amid the weeds and thistles, who, on sight of the band of + horsemen, threw up their arms and dived in among the brushwood, as shy and + as swift as wild animals. More than once, however, they came on families + by the wayside, who were too weak from hunger and disease to fly, so that + they could but sit like hares on a tussock, with panting chests and terror + in their eyes. So gaunt were these poor folk, so worn and spent—with + bent and knotted frames, and sullen, hopeless, mutinous faces—that + it made the young Englishman heart-sick to look upon them. Indeed, it + seemed as though all hope and light had gone so far from them that it was + not to be brought back; for when Sir Nigel threw down a handful of silver + among them there came no softening of their lined faces, but they clutched + greedily at the coins, peering questioningly at him, and champing with + their animal jaws. Here and there amid the brushwood the travellers saw + the rude bundle of sticks which served them as a home—more like a + fowl's nest than the dwelling-place of man. Yet why should they build and + strive, when the first adventurer who passed would set torch to their + thatch, and when their own feudal lord would wring from them with blows + and curses the last fruits of their toil? They sat at the lowest depth of + human misery, and hugged a bitter comfort to their souls as they realized + that they could go no lower. Yet they had still the human gift of speech, + and would take council among themselves in their brushwood hovels, glaring + with bleared eyes and pointing with thin fingers at the great widespread + chateaux which ate like a cancer into the life of the country-side. When + such men, who are beyond hope and fear, begin in their dim minds to see + the source of their woes, it may be an evil time for those who have wronged + them. The weak man becomes strong when he has nothing, for then only can + he feel the wild, mad thrill of despair. High and strong the chateaux, + lowly and weak the brushwood hut; but God help the seigneur and his lady + when the men of the brushwood set their hands to the work of revenge! + </p> + <p> + Through such country did the party ride for eight or it might be nine + miles, until the sun began to slope down in the west and their shadows to + stream down the road in front of them. Wary and careful they must be, with + watchful eyes to the right and the left, for this was no man's land, and + their only passports were those which hung from their belts. Frenchmen and + Englishmen, Gascon and Provencal, Brabanter, Tardvenu, Scorcher, Flayer, + and Free Companion, wandered and struggled over the whole of this accursed + district. So bare and cheerless was the outlook, and so few and poor the + dwellings, that Sir Nigel began to have fears as to whether he might find + food and quarters for his little troop. It was a relief to him, therefore, + when their narrow track opened out upon a larger road, and they saw some + little way down it a square white house with a great bunch of holly hung + out at the end of a stick from one of the upper windows. + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul!” said he, “I am right glad; for I had feared that we might + have neither provant nor herbergage. Ride on, Alleyne, and tell this + inn-keeper that an English knight with his party will lodge with him this + night.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne set spurs to his horse and reached the inn door a long bow-shot + before his companions. Neither varlet nor ostler could be seen, so he + pushed open the door and called loudly for the landlord. Three times he + shouted, but, receiving no reply, he opened an inner door and advanced + into the chief guest-room of the hostel. + </p> + <p> + A very cheerful wood-fire was sputtering and cracking in an open grate at + the further end of the apartment. At one side of this fire, in a + high-backed oak chair, sat a lady, her face turned towards the door. The + firelight played over her features, and Alleyne thought that he had never + seen such queenly power, such dignity and strength, upon a woman's face. + She might have been five-and-thirty years of age, with aquiline nose, firm + yet sensitive mouth, dark curving brows, and deep-set eyes which shone and + sparkled with a shifting brilliancy. Beautiful as she was, it was not her + beauty which impressed itself upon the beholder; it was her strength, her + power, the sense of wisdom which hung over the broad white brow, the + decision which lay in the square jaw and delicately moulded chin. A + chaplet of pearls sparkled amid her black hair, with a gauze of silver + network flowing back from it over her shoulders; a black mantle was + swathed round her, and she leaned back in her chair as one who is fresh + from a journey. + </p> + <p> + In the opposite corner there sat a very burly and broad-shouldered man, + clad in a black jerkin trimmed with sable, with a black velvet cap with + curling white feather cocked upon the side of his head. A flask of red + wine stood at his elbow, and he seemed to be very much at his ease, for + his feet were stuck up on a stool, and between his thighs he held a dish + full of nuts. These he cracked between his strong white teeth and chewed + in a leisurely way, casting the shells into the blaze. As Alleyne gazed in + at him he turned his face half round and cocked an eye at him over his + shoulder. It seemed to the young Englishman that he had never seen so + hideous a face, for the eyes were of the lightest green, the nose was + broken and driven inwards, while the whole countenance was seared and + puckered with wounds. The voice, too, when he spoke, was as deep and as + fierce as the growl of a beast of prey. + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” said he, “I know not who you may be, and I am not much + inclined to bestir myself, but if it were not that I am bent upon taking + my ease, I swear, by the sword of Joshua! that I would lay my dog-whip + across your shoulders for daring to fill the air with these discordant + bellowings.” + </p> + <p> + Taken aback at this ungentle speech, and scarce knowing how to answer it + fitly in the presence of the lady, Alleyne stood with his hand upon the + handle of the door, while Sir Nigel and his companions dismounted. At the + sound of these fresh voices, and of the tongue in which they spoke, the + stranger crashed his dish of nuts down upon the floor, and began himself + to call for the landlord until the whole house re-echoed with his + roarings. With an ashen face the white-aproned host came running at his + call, his hands shaking and his very hair bristling with apprehension. + “For the sake of God, sirs,” he whispered as he passed, “speak him fair + and do not rouse him! For the love of the Virgin, be mild with him!” + </p> + <p> + “Who is this, then?” asked Sir Nigel. + </p> + <p> + Alleyne was about to explain, when a fresh roar from the stranger + interrupted him. + </p> + <p> + “Thou villain inn-keeper,” he shouted, “did I not ask you when I brought + my lady here whether your inn was clean?” + </p> + <p> + “You did, sire.” + </p> + <p> + “Did I not very particularly ask you whether there were any vermin in it?” + </p> + <p> + “You did, sire.” + </p> + <p> + “And you answered me?” + </p> + <p> + “That there were not, sire.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet ere I have been here an hour I find Englishmen crawling about + within it. Where are we to be free from this pestilent race? Can a + Frenchman upon French land not sit down in a French auberge without having + his ears pained by the clack of their hideous talk? Send them packing, + inn-keeper, or it may be the worse for them and for you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, sire, I will!” cried the frightened host, and bustled from the + room, while the soft, soothing voice of the woman was heard remonstrating + with her furious companion. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, gentlemen, you had best go,” said mine host. “It is but six miles + to Villefranche, where there are very good quarters at the sign of the + 'Lion Rouge.'” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered Sir Nigel, “I cannot go until I have seen more of this + person, for he appears to be a man from whom much is to be hoped. What is + his name and title?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not for my lips to name it unless by his desire. But I beg and pray + you, gentlemen, that you will go from my house, for I know not what may + come of it if his rage should gain the mastery of him.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul!” lisped Sir Nigel, “this is certainly a man whom it is + worth journeying far to know. Go tell him that a humble knight of England + would make his further honorable acquaintance, not from any presumption, + pride, or ill-will, but for the advancement of chivalry and the glory of + our ladies. Give him greeting from Sir Nigel Loring, and say that the + glove which I bear in my cap belongs to the most peerless and lovely of + her sex, whom I am now ready to uphold against any lady whose claim he + might be desirous of advancing.” + </p> + <p> + The landlord was hesitating whether to carry this message or no, when the + door of the inner room was flung open, and the stranger bounded out like a + panther from its den, his hair bristling and his deformed face convulsed + with anger. + </p> + <p> + “Still here!” he snarled. “Dogs of England, must ye be lashed hence? + Tiphaine, my sword!” He turned to seize his weapon, but as he did so his + gaze fell upon the blazonry of sir Nigel's shield, and he stood staring, + while the fire in his strange green eyes softened into a sly and humorous + twinkle. + </p> + <p> + “Mort Dieu!” cried he, “it is my little swordsman of Bordeaux. I should + remember that coat-armor, seeing that it is but three days since I looked + upon it in the lists by Garonne. Ah! Sir Nigel, Sir Nigel! you owe me a + return for this,” and he touched his right arm, which was girt round just + under the shoulder with a silken kerchief. + </p> + <p> + But the surprise of the stranger at the sight of Sir Nigel was as nothing + compared with the astonishment and the delight which shone upon the face + of the knight of Hampshire as he looked upon the strange face of the + Frenchman. Twice he opened his mouth and twice he peered again, as though + to assure himself that his eyes had not played him a trick. + </p> + <p> + “Bertrand!” he gasped at last. “Bertrand du Guesclin!” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Ives!” shouted the French soldier, with a hoarse roar of + laughter, “it is well that I should ride with my vizor down, for he that + has once seen my face does not need to be told my name. It is indeed I, + Sir Nigel, and here is my hand! I give you my word that there are but + three Englishmen in this world whom I would touch save with the sharp edge + of the sword: the prince is one, Chandos the second, and you the third; + for I have heard much that is good of you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am growing aged, and am somewhat spent in the wars,” quoth Sir Nigel; + “but I can lay by my sword now with an easy mind, for I can say that I + have crossed swords with him who hath the bravest heart and the strongest + arm of all this great kingdom of France. I have longed for it, I have + dreamed of it, and now I can scarce bring my mind to understand that this + great honor hath indeed been mine.” + </p> + <p> + “By the Virgin of Rennes! you have given me cause to be very certain of + it,” said Du Guesclin, with a gleam of his broad white teeth. + </p> + <p> + “And perhaps, most honored sir, it would please you to continue the + debate. Perhaps you would condescend to go farther into the matter. God He + knows that I am unworthy of such honor, yet I can show my four-and-sixty + quarterings, and I have been present at some bickerings and scufflings + during these twenty years.” + </p> + <p> + “Your fame is very well known to me, and I shall ask my lady to enter your + name upon my tablets,” said Sir Bertrand. “There are many who wish to + advance themselves, and who bide their turn, for I refuse no man who comes + on such an errand. At present it may not be, for mine arm is stiff from + this small touch, and I would fain do you full honor when we cross swords + again. Come in with me, and let your squires come also, that my sweet + spouse, the Lady Tiphaine, may say that she hath seen so famed and gentle + a knight.” + </p> + <p> + Into the chamber they went in all peace and concord, where the Lady + Tiphaine sat like queen on throne for each in turn to be presented to her. + Sooth to say, the stout heart of Sir Nigel, which cared little for the + wrath of her lion-like spouse, was somewhat shaken by the calm, cold face + of this stately dame, for twenty years of camp-life had left him more at + ease in the lists than in a lady's boudoir. He bethought him, too, as he + looked at her set lips and deep-set questioning eyes, that he had heard + strange tales of this same Lady Tiphaine du Guesclin. Was it not she who + was said to lay hands upon the sick and raise them from their couches when + the leeches had spent their last nostrums? Had she not forecast the + future, and were there not times when in the loneliness of her chamber she + was heard to hold converse with some being upon whom mortal eye never + rested—some dark familiar who passed where doors were barred and + windows high? Sir Nigel sunk his eye and marked a cross on the side of his + leg as he greeted this dangerous dame, and yet ere five minutes had passed + he was hers, and not he only but his two young squires as well. The mind + had gone out of them, and they could but look at this woman and listen to + the words which fell from her lips—words which thrilled through + their nerves and stirred their souls like the battle-call of a bugle. + </p> + <p> + Often in peaceful after-days was Alleyne to think of that scene of the + wayside inn of Auvergne. The shadows of evening had fallen, and the + corners of the long, low, wood-panelled room were draped in darkness. The + sputtering wood fire threw out a circle of red flickering light which + played over the little group of wayfarers, and showed up every line and + shadow upon their faces. Sir Nigel sat with elbows upon knees, and chin + upon hands, his patch still covering one eye, but his other shining like a + star, while the ruddy light gleamed upon his smooth white head. Ford was + seated at his left, his lips parted, his eyes staring, and a fleck of deep + color on either cheek, his limbs all rigid as one who fears to move. On + the other side the famous French captain leaned back in his chair, a + litter of nut-shells upon his lap, his huge head half buried in a cushion, + while his eyes wandered with an amused gleam from his dame to the staring, + enraptured Englishmen. Then, last of all, that pale clear-cut face, that + sweet clear voice, with its high thrilling talk of the deathlessness of + glory, of the worthlessness of life, of the pain of ignoble joys, and of + the joy which lies in all pains which lead to a noble end. Still, as the + shadows deepened, she spoke of valor and virtue, of loyalty, honor, and + fame, and still they sat drinking in her words while the fire burned down + and the red ash turned to gray. + </p> + <p> + “By the sainted Ives!” cried Du Guesclin at last, “it is time that we + spoke of what we are to do this night, for I cannot think that in this + wayside auberge there are fit quarters for an honorable company.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel gave a long sigh as he came back from the dreams of chivalry and + hardihood into which this strange woman's words had wafted him. “I care + not where I sleep,” said he; “but these are indeed somewhat rude lodgings + for this fair lady.” + </p> + <p> + “What contents my lord contents me,” quoth she. “I perceive, Sir Nigel, + that you are under vow,” she added, glancing at his covered eye. + </p> + <p> + “It is my purpose to attempt some small deed,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “And the glove—is it your lady's?” + </p> + <p> + “It is indeed my sweet wife's.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is doubtless proud of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Say rather I of her,” quoth he quickly. “God He knows that I am not + worthy to be her humble servant. It is easy, lady, for a man to ride forth + in the light of day, and do his devoir when all men have eyes for him. But + in a woman's heart there is a strength and truth which asks no praise, and + can but be known to him whose treasure it is.” + </p> + <p> + The Lady Tiphaine smiled across at her husband. “You have often told me, + Bertrand, that there were very gentle knights amongst the English,” quoth + she. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, aye,” said he moodily. “But to horse, Sir Nigel, you and yours and + we shall seek the chateau of Sir Tristram de Rochefort, which is two miles + on this side of Villefranche. He is Seneschal of Auvergne, and mine old + war companion.” + </p> + <p> + “Certes, he would have a welcome for you,” quoth Sir Nigel; “but indeed he + might look askance at one who comes without permit over the marches.” + </p> + <p> + “By the Virgin! when he learns that you have come to draw away these + rascals he will be very blithe to look upon your face. Inn-keeper, here + are ten gold pieces. What is over and above your reckoning you may take + off from your charges to the next needy knight who comes this way. Come + then, for it grows late and the horses are stamping in the roadway.” + </p> + <p> + The Lady Tiphaine and her spouse sprang upon their steeds without setting + feet to stirrup, and away they jingled down the white moonlit highway, + with Sir Nigel at the lady's bridle-arm, and Ford a spear's length behind + them. Alleyne had lingered for an instant in the passage, and as he did so + there came a wild outcry from a chamber upon the left, and out there ran + Aylward and John, laughing together like two schoolboys who are bent upon + a prank. At sight of Alleyne they slunk past him with somewhat of a + shame-faced air, and springing upon their horses galloped after their + party. The hubbub within the chamber did not cease, however, but rather + increased, with yells of: “A moi, mes amis! A moi, camarades! A moi, + l'honorable champion de l'Eveque de Montaubon! A la recousse de l'eglise + sainte!” So shrill was the outcry that both the inn-keeper and Alleyne, + with every varlet within hearing, rushed wildly to the scene of the + uproar. + </p> + <p> + It was indeed a singular scene which met their eyes. The room was a long + and lofty one, stone floored and bare, with a fire at the further end upon + which a great pot was boiling. A deal table ran down the centre, with a + wooden wine-pitcher upon it and two horn cups. Some way from it was a + smaller table with a single beaker and a broken wine-bottle. From the + heavy wooden rafters which formed the roof there hung rows of hooks which + held up sides of bacon, joints of smoked beef, and strings of onions for + winter use. In the very centre of all these, upon the largest hook of all, + there hung a fat little red-faced man with enormous whiskers, kicking + madly in the air and clawing at rafters, hams, and all else that was + within hand-grasp. The huge steel hook had been passed through the collar + of his leather jerkin, and there he hung like a fish on a line, writhing, + twisting, and screaming, but utterly unable to free himself from his + extraordinary position. It was not until Alleyne and the landlord had + mounted on the table that they were able to lift him down, when he sank + gasping with rage into a seat, and rolled his eyes round in every + direction. + </p> + <p> + “Has he gone?” quoth he. + </p> + <p> + “Gone? Who?” + </p> + <p> + “He, the man with the red head, the giant man.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Alleyne, “he hath gone.” + </p> + <p> + “And comes not back?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “The better for him!” cried the little man, with a long sigh of relief. + “Mon Dieu! What! am I not the champion of the Bishop of Montaubon? Ah, + could I have descended, could I have come down, ere he fled! Then you + would have seen. You would have beheld a spectacle then. There would have + been one rascal the less upon earth. Ma foi, yes!” + </p> + <p> + “Good master Pelligny,” said the landlord, “these gentlemen have not gone + very fast, and I have a horse in the stable at your disposal, for I would + rather have such bloody doings as you threaten outside the four walls of + mine auberge.” + </p> + <p> + “I hurt my leg and cannot ride,” quoth the bishop's champion. “I strained + a sinew on the day that I slew the three men at Castelnau.” + </p> + <p> + “God save you, master Pelligny!” cried the landlord. “It must be an + awesome thing to have so much blood upon one's soul. And yet I do not wish + to see so valiant a man mishandled, and so I will, for friendship's sake, + ride after this Englishman and bring him back to you.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall not stir,” cried the champion, seizing the inn-keeper in a + convulsive grasp. “I have a love for you, Gaston, and I would not bring + your house into ill repute, nor do such scath to these walls and chattels + as must befall if two such men as this Englishman and I fall to work + here.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, think not of me!” cried the inn-keeper. “What are my walls when set + against the honor of Francois Poursuivant d'Amour Pelligny, champion of + the Bishop of Montaubon. My horse, Andre!” + </p> + <p> + “By the saints, no! Gaston, I will not have it! You have said truly that + it is an awesome thing to have such rough work upon one's soul. I am but a + rude soldier, yet I have a mind. Mon Dieu! I reflect, I weigh, I balance. + Shall I not meet this man again? Shall I not bear him in mind? Shall I not + know him by his great paws and his red head? Ma foi, yes!” + </p> + <p> + “And may I ask, sir,” said Alleyne, “why it is that you call yourself + champion of the Bishop of Montaubon?” + </p> + <p> + “You may ask aught which it is becoming to me to answer. The bishop hath + need of a champion, because, if any cause be set to test of combat, it + would scarce become his office to go down into the lists with leather and + shield and cudgel to exchange blows with any varlet. He looks around him + then for some tried fighting man, some honest smiter who can give a blow + or take one. It is not for me to say how far he hath succeeded, but it is + sooth that he who thinks that he hath but to do with the Bishop of + Montaubon, finds himself face to face with Francois Poursuivant d'Amour + Pelligny.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment there was a clatter of hoofs upon the road, and a varlet by + the door cried out that one of the Englishmen was coming back. The + champion looked wildly about for some corner of safety, and was clambering + up towards the window, when Ford's voice sounded from without, calling + upon Alleyne to hasten, or he might scarce find his way. Bidding adieu to + landlord and to champion, therefore, he set off at a gallop, and soon + overtook the two archers. + </p> + <p> + “A pretty thing this, John,” said he. “Thou wilt have holy Church upon you + if you hang her champions upon iron hooks in an inn kitchen.” + </p> + <p> + “It was done without thinking,” he answered apologetically, while Aylward + burst into a shout of laughter. + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! mon petit,” said he, “you would have laughed also could you + have seen it. For this man was so swollen with pride that he would neither + drink with us, nor sit at the same table with us, nor as much as answer a + question, but must needs talk to the varlet all the time that it was well + there was peace, and that he had slain more Englishmen than there were + tags to his doublet. Our good old John could scarce lay his tongue to + French enough to answer him, so he must needs reach out his great hand to + him and place him very gently where you saw him. But we must on, for I can + scarce hear their hoofs upon the road.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that I can see them yet,” said Ford, peering down the moonlit + road. + </p> + <p> + “Pardieu! yes. Now they ride forth from the shadow. And yonder dark clump + is the Castle of Villefranche. En avant camarades! or Sir Nigel may reach + the gates before us. But hark, mes amis, what sound is that?” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the hoarse blast of a horn was heard from some woods upon the + right. An answering call rung forth upon their left, and hard upon it two + others from behind them. + </p> + <p> + “They are the horns of swine-herds,” quoth Aylward. “Though why they blow + them so late I cannot tell.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us on, then,” said Ford, and the whole party, setting their spurs to + their horses, soon found themselves at the Castle of Villefranche, where + the drawbridge had already been lowered and the portcullis raised in + response to the summons of Du Guesclin. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. HOW THE BLESSED HOUR OF SIGHT CAME TO THE LADY TIPHAINE. + </h2> + <p> + Sir Tristram de Rochefort, Seneschal of Auvergne and Lord of Villefranche, + was a fierce and renowned soldier who had grown gray in the English wars. + As lord of the marches and guardian of an exposed country-side, there was + little rest for him even in times of so-called peace, and his whole life + was spent in raids and outfalls upon the Brabanters, late-comers, flayers, + free companions, and roving archers who wandered over his province. At + times he would come back in triumph, and a dozen corpses swinging from the + summit of his keep would warn evil-doers that there was still a law in the + land. At others his ventures were not so happy, and he and his troop would + spur it over the drawbridge with clatter of hoofs hard at their heels and + whistle of arrows about their ears. Hard he was of hand and harder of + heart, hated by his foes, and yet not loved by those whom he protected, + for twice he had been taken prisoner, and twice his ransom had been wrung + by dint of blows and tortures out of the starving peasants and ruined + farmers. Wolves or watch-dogs, it was hard to say from which the sheep had + most to fear. + </p> + <p> + The Castle of Villefranche was harsh and stern as its master. A broad + moat, a high outer wall turreted at the corners, with a great black keep + towering above all—so it lay before them in the moonlight. By the + light of two flambeaux, protruded through the narrow slit-shaped openings + at either side of the ponderous gate, they caught a glimpse of the glitter + of fierce eyes and of the gleam of the weapons of the guard. The sight of + the two-headed eagle of Du Guesclin, however, was a passport into any + fortalice in France, and ere they had passed the gate the old border + knight came running forwards with hands out-thrown to greet his famous + countryman. Nor was he less glad to see Sir Nigel, when the Englishman's + errand was explained to him, for these archers had been a sore thorn in + his side and had routed two expeditions which he had sent against them. A + happy day it would be for the Seneschal of Auvergne when they should learn + that the last yew bow was over the marches. + </p> + <p> + The material for a feast was ever at hand in days when, if there was grim + want in the cottage, there was at least rude plenty in the castle. Within + an hour the guests were seated around a board which creaked under the + great pasties and joints of meat, varied by those more dainty dishes in + which the French excelled, the spiced ortolan and the truffled + beccaficoes. The Lady Rochefort, a bright and laughter-loving dame, sat + upon the left of her warlike spouse, with Lady Tiphaine upon the right. + Beneath sat Du Guesclin and Sir Nigel, with Sir Amory Monticourt, of the + order of the Hospitallers, and Sir Otto Harnit, a wandering knight from + the kingdom of Bohemia. These with Alleyne and Ford, four French squires, + and the castle chaplain, made the company who sat together that night and + made good cheer in the Castle of Villefranche. The great fire crackled in + the grate, the hooded hawks slept upon their perches, the rough + deer-hounds with expectant eyes crouched upon the tiled floor; close at + the elbows of the guests stood the dapper little lilac-coated pages; the + laugh and jest circled round and all was harmony and comfort. Little they + recked of the brushwood men who crouched in their rags along the fringe of + the forest and looked with wild and haggard eyes at the rich, warm glow + which shot a golden bar of light from the high arched windows of the + castle. + </p> + <p> + Supper over, the tables dormant were cleared away as by magic and trestles + and bancals arranged around the blazing fire, for there was a bitter nip + in the air. The Lady Tiphaine had sunk back in her cushioned chair, and + her long dark lashes drooped low over her sparkling eyes. Alleyne, + glancing at her, noted that her breath came quick and short, and that her + cheeks had blanched to a lily white. Du Guesclin eyed her keenly from time + to time, and passed his broad brown fingers through his crisp, curly black + hair with the air of a man who is perplexed in his mind. + </p> + <p> + “These folk here,” said the knight of Bohemia, “they do not seem too well + fed.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, canaille!” cried the Lord of Villefranche. “You would scarce credit + it, and yet it is sooth that when I was taken at Poictiers it was all that + my wife and foster-brother could do to raise the money from them for my + ransom. The sulky dogs would rather have three twists of a rack, or the + thumbikins for an hour, than pay out a denier for their own feudal father + and liege lord. Yet there is not one of them but hath an old stocking full + of gold pieces hid away in a snug corner.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do they not buy food then?” asked Sir Nigel. “By St. Paul! it seemed + to me their bones were breaking through their skin.” + </p> + <p> + “It is their grutching and grumbling which makes them thin. We have a + saying here, Sir Nigel, that if you pummel Jacques Bonhomme he will pat + you, but if you pat him he will pummel you. Doubtless you find it so in + England.” + </p> + <p> + “Ma foi, no!” said Sir Nigel. “I have two Englishmen of this class in my + train, who are at this instant, I make little doubt, as full of your wine + as any cask in your cellar. He who pummelled them might come by such a pat + as he would be likely to remember.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot understand it,” quoth the seneschal, “for the English knights + and nobles whom I have met were not men to brook the insolence of the base + born.” + </p> + <p> + “Perchance, my fair lord, the poor folk are sweeter and of a better + countenance in England,” laughed the Lady Rochefort. “Mon Dieu! you cannot + conceive to yourself how ugly they are! Without hair, without teeth, all + twisted and bent; for me, I cannot think how the good God ever came to + make such people. I cannot bear it, I, and so my trusty Raoul goes ever + before me with a cudgel to drive them from my path.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet they have souls, fair lady, they have souls!” murmured the chaplain, + a white-haired man with a weary, patient face. + </p> + <p> + “So I have heard you tell them,” said the lord of the castle; “and for + myself, father, though I am a true son of holy Church, yet I think that + you were better employed in saying your mass and in teaching the children + of my men-at-arms, than in going over the country-side to put ideas in + these folks' heads which would never have been there but for you. I have + heard that you have said to them that their souls are as good as ours, and + that it is likely that in another life they may stand as high as the + oldest blood of Auvergne. For my part, I believe that there are so many + worthy knights and gallant gentlemen in heaven who know how such things + should be arranged, that there is little fear that we shall find ourselves + mixed up with base roturiers and swine-herds. Tell your beads, father, and + con your psalter, but do not come between me and those whom the king has + given to me!” + </p> + <p> + “God help them!” cried the old priest. “A higher King than yours has given + them to me, and I tell you here in your own castle hall, Sir Tristram de + Rochefort, that you have sinned deeply in your dealings with these poor + folk, and that the hour will come, and may even now be at hand, when God's + hand will be heavy upon you for what you have done.” He rose as he spoke, + and walked slowly from the room. + </p> + <p> + “Pest take him!” cried the French knight. “Now, what is a man to do with a + priest, Sir Bertrand?—for one can neither fight him like a man nor + coax him like a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Sir Bertrand knows, the naughty one!” cried the Lady Rochefort. “Have + we not all heard how he went to Avignon and squeezed fifty thousand crowns + out of the Pope.” + </p> + <p> + “Ma foi!” said Sir Nigel, looking with a mixture of horror and admiration + at Du Guesclin. “Did not your heart sink within you? Were you not smitten + with fears? Have you not felt a curse hang over you?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not observed it,” said the Frenchman carelessly. “But by Saint + Ives! Tristram, this chaplain of yours seems to me to be a worthy man, and + you should give heed to his words, for though I care nothing for the curse + of a bad pope, it would be a grief to me to have aught but a blessing from + a good priest.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark to that, my fair lord,” cried the Lady Rochefort. “Take heed, I pray + thee, for I do not wish to have a blight cast over me, nor a palsy of the + limbs. I remember that once before you angered Father Stephen, and my + tire-woman said that I lost more hair in seven days than ever before in a + month.” + </p> + <p> + “If that be sign of sin, then, by Saint Paul! I have much upon my soul,” + said Sir Nigel, amid a general laugh. “But in very truth, Sir Tristram, if + I may venture a word of counsel, I should advise that you make your peace + with this good man.” + </p> + <p> + “He shall have four silver candlesticks,” said the seneschal moodily. “And + yet I would that he would leave the folk alone. You cannot conceive in + your mind how stubborn and brainless they are. Mules and pigs are full of + reason beside them. God He knows that I have had great patience with them. + It was but last week that, having to raise some money, I called up to the + castle Jean Goubert, who, as all men know, has a casketful of gold pieces + hidden away in some hollow tree. I give you my word that I did not so much + as lay a stripe upon his fool's back, but after speaking with him, and + telling him how needful the money was to me, I left him for the night to + think over the matter in my dungeon. What think you that the dog did? Why, + in the morning we found that he had made a rope from strips of his + leathern jerkin, and had hung himself to the bar of the window.” + </p> + <p> + “For me, I cannot conceive such wickedness!” cried the lady. + </p> + <p> + “And there was Gertrude Le Boeuf, as fair a maiden as eye could see, but + as bad and bitter as the rest of them. When young Amory de Valance was + here last Lammastide he looked kindly upon the girl, and even spoke of + taking her into his service. What does she do, with her dog of a father? + Why, they tie themselves together and leap into the Linden Pool, where the + water is five spears'-lengths deep. I give you my word that it was a great + grief to young Amory, and it was days ere he could cast it from his mind. + But how can one serve people who are so foolish and so ungrateful?” + </p> + <p> + Whilst the Seneschal of Villefranche had been detailing the evil doings of + his tenants, Alleyne had been unable to take his eyes from the face of + Lady Tiphaine. She had lain back in her chair, with drooping eyelids and + bloodless face, so that he had feared at first her journey had weighed + heavily upon her, and that the strength was ebbing out of her. Of a + sudden, however, there came a change, for a dash of bright color flickered + up on to either cheek, and her lids were slowly raised again upon eyes + which sparkled with such lustre as Alleyne had never seen in human eyes + before, while their gaze was fixed intently, not on the company, but on + the dark tapestry which draped the wall. So transformed and so ethereal + was her expression, that Alleyne, in his loftiest dream of archangel or of + seraph, had never pictured so sweet, so womanly, and yet so wise a face. + Glancing at Du Guesclin, Alleyne saw that he also was watching his wife + closely, and from the twitching of his features, and the beads upon his + brick-colored brow, it was easy to see that he was deeply agitated by the + change which he marked in her. + </p> + <p> + “How is it with you, lady?” he asked at last, in a tremulous voice. + </p> + <p> + Her eyes remained fixed intently upon the wall, and there was a long pause + ere she answered him. Her voice, too, which had been so clear and ringing, + was now low and muffled as that of one who speaks from a distance. + </p> + <p> + “All is very well with me, Bertrand,” said she. “The blessed hour of sight + has come round to me again.” + </p> + <p> + “I could see it come! I could see it come!” he exclaimed, passing his + fingers through his hair with the same perplexed expression as before. + </p> + <p> + “This is untoward, Sir Tristram,” he said at last. “And I scarce know in + what words to make it clear to you, and to your fair wife, and to Sir + Nigel Loring, and to these other stranger knights. My tongue is a blunt + one, and fitter to shout word of command than to clear up such a matter as + this, of which I can myself understand little. This, however, I know, that + my wife is come of a very sainted race, whom God hath in His wisdom + endowed with wondrous powers, so that Tiphaine Raquenel was known + throughout Brittany ere ever I first saw her at Dinan. Yet these powers + are ever used for good, and they are the gift of God and not of the devil, + which is the difference betwixt white magic and black.” + </p> + <p> + “Perchance it would be as well that we should send for Father Stephen,” + said Sir Tristram. + </p> + <p> + “It would be best that he should come,” cried the Hospitaller. + </p> + <p> + “And bring with him a flask of holy water,” added the knight of Bohemia. + </p> + <p> + “Not so, gentlemen,” answered Sir Bertrand. “It is not needful that this + priest should be called, and it is in my mind that in asking for this ye + cast some slight shadow or slur upon the good name of my wife, as though + it were still doubtful whether her power came to her from above or below. + If ye have indeed such a doubt I pray that you will say so, that we may + discuss the matter in a fitting way.” + </p> + <p> + “For myself,” said Sir Nigel, “I have heard such words fall from the lips + of this lady that I am of the opinion that there is no woman, save only + one, who can be in any way compared to her in beauty and in goodness. + Should any gentleman think otherwise, I should deem it great honor to run + a small course with him, or debate the matter in whatever way might be + most pleasing to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it would ill become me to cast a slur upon a lady who is both my + guest and the wife of my comrade-in-arms,” said the Seneschal of + Villefranche. “I have perceived also that on her mantle there is marked a + silver cross, which is surely sign enough that there is nought of evil in + these strange powers which you say that she possesses.” + </p> + <p> + This argument of the seneschal's appealed so powerfully to the Bohemian + and to the Hospitaller that they at once intimated that their objections + had been entirely overcome, while even the Lady Rochefort, who had sat + shivering and crossing herself, ceased to cast glances at the door, and + allowed her fears to turn to curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Among the gifts which have been vouchsafed to my wife,” said Du Guesclin, + “there is the wondrous one of seeing into the future; but it comes very + seldom upon her, and goes as quickly, for none can command it. The blessed + hour of sight, as she hath named it, has come but twice since I have known + her, and I can vouch for it that all that she hath told me was true, for + on the evening of the Battle of Auray she said that the morrow would be an + ill day for me and for Charles of Blois. Ere the sun had sunk again he was + dead, and I the prisoner of Sir John Chandos. Yet it is not every question + that she can answer, but only those——” + </p> + <p> + “Bertrand, Bertrand!” cried the lady in the same muttering far-away + voice, “the blessed hour passes. Use it, Bertrand, while you may.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, my sweet. Tell me, then, what fortune comes upon me?” + </p> + <p> + “Danger, Bertrand—deadly, pressing danger—which creeps upon + you and you know it not.” + </p> + <p> + The French soldier burst into a thunderous laugh, and his green eyes + twinkled with amusement. “At what time during these twenty years would not + that have been a true word?” he cried. “Danger is in the air that I + breathe. But is this so very close, Tiphaine?” + </p> + <p> + “Here—now—close upon you!” The words came out in broken, + strenuous speech, while the lady's fair face was writhed and drawn like + that of one who looks upon a horror which strikes the words from her + lips. Du Guesclin gazed round the tapestried room, at the screens, the + tables, the abace, the credence, the buffet with its silver salver, and + the half-circle of friendly, wondering faces. There was an utter + stillness, save for the sharp breathing of the Lady Tiphaine and for the + gentle soughing of the wind outside, which wafted to their ears the + distant call upon a swine-herd's horn. + </p> + <p> + “The danger may bide,” said he, shrugging his broad shoulders. “And now, + Tiphaine, tell us what will come of this war in Spain.” + </p> + <p> + “I can see little,” she answered, straining her eyes and puckering her + brow, as one who would fain clear her sight. “There are mountains, and dry + plains, and flash of arms and shouting of battle-cries. Yet it is + whispered to me that by failure you will succeed.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! Sir Nigel, how like you that?” quoth Bertrand, shaking his head. “It + is like mead and vinegar, half sweet, half sour. And is there no question + which you would ask my lady?” + </p> + <p> + “Certes there is. I would fain know, fair lady, how all things are at + Twynham Castle, and above all how my sweet lady employs herself.” + </p> + <p> + “To answer this I would fain lay hand upon one whose thoughts turn + strongly to this castle which you have named. Nay, my Lord Loring, it is + whispered to me that there is another here who hath thought more deeply of + it than you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thought more of mine own home?” cried Sir Nigel. “Lady, I fear that in + this matter at least you are mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, Sir Nigel. Come hither, young man, young English squire with the + gray eyes! Now give me your hand, and place it here across my brow, that I + may see that which you have seen. What is this that rises before me? Mist, + mist, rolling mist with a square black tower above it. See it shreds out, + it thins, it rises, and there lies a castle in green plain, with the sea + beneath it, and a great church within a bow-shot. There are two rivers + which run through the meadows, and between them lie the tents of the + besiegers.” + </p> + <p> + “The besiegers!” cried Alleyne, Ford, and Sir Nigel, all three in a + breath. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, truly, and they press hard upon the castle, for they are an + exceeding multitude and full of courage. See how they storm and rage + against the gate, while some rear ladders, and others, line after line, + sweep the walls with their arrows. There are many leaders who shout and + beckon, and one, a tall man with a golden beard, who stands before the + gate stamping his foot and hallooing them on, as a pricker doth the + hounds. But those in the castle fight bravely. There is a woman, two + women, who stand upon the walls, and give heart to the men-at-arms. They + shower down arrows, darts and great stones. Ah! they have struck down the + tall leader, and the others give back. The mist thickens and I can see no + more.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul!” said Sir Nigel, “I do not think that there can be any + such doings at Christchurch, and I am very easy of the fortalice so long + as my sweet wife hangs the key of the outer bailey at the head of her bed. + Yet I will not deny that you have pictured the castle as well as I could + have done myself, and I am full of wonderment at all that I have heard and + seen.” + </p> + <p> + “I would, Lady Tiphaine,” cried the Lady Rochefort, “that you would use + your power to tell me what hath befallen my golden bracelet which I wore + when hawking upon the second Sunday of Advent, and have never set eyes + upon since.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, lady,” said du Guesclin, “it does not befit so great and wondrous a + power to pry and search and play the varlet even to the beautiful + chatelaine of Villefranche. Ask a worthy question, and, with the blessing + of God, you shall have a worthy answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I would fain ask,” cried one of the French squires, “as to which may + hope to conquer in these wars betwixt the English and ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Both will conquer and each will hold its own,” answered the Lady + Tiphaine. + </p> + <p> + “Then we shall still hold Gascony and Guienne?” cried Sir Nigel. + </p> + <p> + The lady shook her head. “French land, French blood, French speech,” she + answered. “They are French, and France shall have them.” + </p> + <p> + “But not Bordeaux?” cried Sir Nigel excitedly. + </p> + <p> + “Bordeaux also is for France.” + </p> + <p> + “But Calais?” + </p> + <p> + “Calais too.” + </p> + <p> + “Woe worth me then, and ill hail to these evil words! If Bordeaux and + Calais be gone, then what is left for England?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems indeed that there are evil times coming upon your country,” said + Du Guesclin. “In our fondest hopes we never thought to hold Bordeaux. By + Saint Ives! this news hath warmed the heart within me. Our dear country + will then be very great in the future, Tiphaine?” + </p> + <p> + “Great, and rich, and beautiful,” she cried. “Far down the course of time + I can see her still leading the nations, a wayward queen among the + peoples, great in war, but greater in peace, quick in thought, deft in + action, with her people's will for her sole monarch, from the sands of + Calais to the blue seas of the south.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” cried Du Guesclin, with his eyes flashing in triumph, “you hear her, + Sir Nigel?—and she never yet said word which was not sooth.” + </p> + <p> + The English knight shook his head moodily. “What of my own poor country?” + said he. “I fear, lady, that what you have said bodes but small good for + her.” + </p> + <p> + The lady sat with parted lips, and her breath came quick and fast. “My + God!” she cried, “what is this that is shown me? Whence come they, these + peoples, these lordly nations, these mighty countries which rise up before + me? I look beyond, and others rise, and yet others, far and farther to the + shores of the uttermost waters. They crowd! They swarm! The world is given + to them, and it resounds with the clang of their hammers and the ringing + of their church bells. They call them many names, and they rule them this + way or that but they are all English, for I can hear the voices of the + people. On I go, and onwards over seas where man hath never yet sailed, + and I see a great land under new stars and a stranger sky, and still the + land is England. Where have her children not gone? What have they not + done? Her banner is planted on ice. Her banner is scorched in the sun. She + lies athwart the lands, and her shadow is over the seas. Bertrand, + Bertrand! we are undone for the buds of her bud are even as our choicest + flower!” Her voice rose into a wild cry, and throwing up her arms she sank + back white and nerveless into the deep oaken chair. + </p> + <p> + “It is over,” said Du Guesclin moodily, as he raised her drooping head + with his strong brown hand. “Wine for the lady, squire! The blessed hour + of sight hath passed.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. HOW THE BRUSHWOOD MEN CAME TO THE CHATEAU OF VILLEFRANCHE. + </h2> + <p> + It was late ere Alleyne Edricson, having carried Sir Nigel the goblet of + spiced wine which it was his custom to drink after the curling of his + hair, was able at last to seek his chamber. It was a stone-flagged room + upon the second floor, with a bed in a recess for him, and two smaller + pallets on the other side, on which Aylward and Hordle John were already + snoring. Alleyne had knelt down to his evening orisons, when there came a + tap at his door, and Ford entered with a small lamp in his hand. His face + was deadly pale, and his hand shook until the shadows flickered up and + down the wall. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Ford?” cried Alleyne, springing to his feet. + </p> + <p> + “I can scarce tell you,” said he, sitting down on the side of the couch, + and resting his chin upon his hand. “I know not what to say or what to + think.” + </p> + <p> + “Has aught befallen you, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, or I have been slave to my own fancy. I tell you, lad, that I am all + undone, like a fretted bow-string. Hark hither, Alleyne! it cannot be that + you have forgotten little Tita, the daughter of the old glass-stainer at + Bordeaux?” + </p> + <p> + “I remember her well.” + </p> + <p> + “She and I, Alleyne, broke the lucky groat together ere we parted, and she + wears my ring upon her finger. 'Caro mio,' quoth she when last we parted, + 'I shall be near thee in the wars, and thy danger will be my danger.' + Alleyne, as God is my help, as I came up the stairs this night I saw her + stand before me, her face in tears, her hands out as though in warning—I + saw it, Alleyne, even as I see those two archers upon their couches. Our + very finger-tips seemed to meet, ere she thinned away like a mist in the + sunshine.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not give overmuch thought to it,” answered Alleyne. “Our minds + will play us strange pranks, and bethink you that these words of the Lady + Tiphaine Du Guesclin have wrought upon us and shaken us.” + </p> + <p> + Ford shook his head. “I saw little Tita as clearly as though I were back + at the Rue des Apotres at Bordeaux,” said he. “But the hour is late, + and I must go.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you sleep, then?” + </p> + <p> + “In the chamber above you. May the saints be with us all!” He rose from + the couch and left the chamber, while Alleyne could hear his feet sounding + upon the winding stair. The young squire walked across to the window and + gazed out at the moonlit landscape, his mind absorbed by the thought of + the Lady Tiphaine, and of the strange words that she had spoken as to what + was going forward at Castle Twynham. Leaning his elbows upon the + stonework, he was deeply plunged in reverie, when in a moment his thoughts + were brought back to Villefranche and to the scene before him. + </p> + <p> + The window at which he stood was in the second floor of that portion of + the castle which was nearest to the keep. In front lay the broad moat, + with the moon lying upon its surface, now clear and round, now drawn + lengthwise as the breeze stirred the waters. Beyond, the plain sloped down + to a thick wood, while further to the left a second wood shut out the + view. Between the two an open glade stretched, silvered in the moonshine, + with the river curving across the lower end of it. + </p> + <p> + As he gazed, he saw of a sudden a man steal forth from the wood into the + open clearing. He walked with his head sunk, his shoulders curved, and his + knees bent, as one who strives hard to remain unseen. Ten paces from the + fringe of trees he glanced around, and waving his hand he crouched down, + and was lost to sight among a belt of furze-bushes. After him there came a + second man, and after him a third, a fourth, and a fifth stealing across + the narrow open space and darting into the shelter of the brushwood. + Nine-and-seventy Alleyne counted of these dark figures flitting across the + line of the moonlight. Many bore huge burdens upon their backs, though + what it was that they carried he could not tell at the distance. Out of + the one wood and into the other they passed, all with the same crouching, + furtive gait, until the black bristle of trees had swallowed up the last + of them. + </p> + <p> + For a moment Alleyne stood in the window, still staring down at the silent + forest, uncertain as to what he should think of these midnight walkers. + Then he bethought him that there was one beside him who was fitter to + judge on such a matter. His fingers had scarce rested upon Aylward's + shoulder ere the bowman was on his feet, with his hand outstretched to his + sword. + </p> + <p> + “Qui va?” he cried. “Hola! mon petit. By my hilt! I thought there had been + a camisade. What then, mon gar.?” + </p> + <p> + “Come hither by the window, Aylward,” said Alleyne. “I have seen + four-score men pass from yonder shaw across the glade, and nigh every man + of them had a great burden on his back. What think you of it?” + </p> + <p> + “I think nothing of it, mon camarade! There are as many masterless folk in + this country as there are rabbits on Cowdray Down, and there are many who + show their faces by night but would dance in a hempen collar if they + stirred forth in the day. On all the French marches are droves of + outcasts, reivers, spoilers, and draw-latches, of whom I judge that these + are some, though I marvel that they should dare to come so nigh to the + castle of the seneschal. All seems very quiet now,” he added, peering out + of the window. + </p> + <p> + “They are in the further wood,” said Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “And there they may bide. Back to rest, mon petit; for, by my hilt! each + day now will bring its own work. Yet it would be well to shoot the bolt in + yonder door when one is in strange quarters. So!” He threw himself down + upon his pallet and in an instant was fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + It might have been about three o'clock in the morning when Alleyne was + aroused from a troubled sleep by a low cry or exclamation. He listened, + but, as he heard no more, he set it down as the challenge of the guard + upon the walls, and dropped off to sleep once more. A few minutes later he + was disturbed by a gentle creaking of his own door, as though some one + were pushing cautiously against it, and immediately afterwards he heard + the soft thud of cautious footsteps upon the stair which led to the room + above, followed by a confused noise and a muffled groan. Alleyne sat up on + his couch with all his nerves in a tingle, uncertain whether these sounds + might come from a simple cause—some sick archer and visiting leech + perhaps—or whether they might have a more sinister meaning. But what + danger could threaten them here in this strong castle, under the care of + famous warriors, with high walls and a broad moat around them? Who was + there that could injure them? He had well-nigh persuaded himself that his + fears were a foolish fancy, when his eyes fell upon that which sent the + blood cold to his heart and left him gasping, with hands clutching at the + counterpane. + </p> + <p> + Right in front of him was the broad window of the chamber, with the moon + shining brightly through it. For an instant something had obscured the + light, and now a head was bobbing up and down outside, the face looking in + at him, and swinging slowly from one side of the window to the other. Even + in that dim light there could be no mistaking those features. Drawn, + distorted and blood-stained, they were still those of the young + fellow-squire who had sat so recently upon his own couch. With a cry of + horror Alleyne sprang from his bed and rushed to the casement, while the + two archers, aroused by the sound, seized their weapons and stared about + them in bewilderment. One glance was enough to show Edricson that his + fears were but too true. Foully murdered, with a score of wounds upon him + and a rope round his neck, his poor friend had been cast from the upper + window and swung slowly in the night wind, his body rasping against the + wall and his disfigured face upon a level with the casement. + </p> + <p> + “My God!” cried Alleyne, shaking in every limb. “What has come upon us? + What devil's deed is this?” + </p> + <p> + “Here is flint and steel,” said John stolidly. “The lamp, Aylward! This + moonshine softens a man's heart. Now we may use the eyes which God hath + given us.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt!” cried Aylward, as the yellow flame flickered up, “it is + indeed young master Ford, and I think that this seneschal is a black + villain, who dare not face us in the day but would murther us in our + sleep. By the twang of string! if I do not soak a goose's feather with his + heart's blood, it will be no fault of Samkin Aylward of the White + Company.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Aylward, think of the men whom I saw yesternight,” said Alleyne. “It + may not be the seneschal. It may be that others have come into the castle. + I must to Sir Nigel ere it be too late. Let me go, Aylward, for my place + is by his side.” + </p> + <p> + “One moment, mon gar. Put that steel head-piece on the end of my + yew-stave. So! I will put it first through the door; for it is ill to come + out when you can neither see nor guard yourself. Now, camarades, out + swords and stand ready! Hola, by my hilt! it is time that we were + stirring!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, a sudden shouting broke forth in the castle, with the scream + of a woman and the rush of many feet. Then came the sharp clink of + clashing steel, and a roar like that of an angry lion—“Notre Dame Du + Guesclin! St. Ives! St. Ives!” The bow-man pulled back the bolt of the + door, and thrust out the headpiece at the end of the bow. A clash, the + clatter of the steel-cap upon the ground, and, ere the man who struck + could heave up for another blow, the archer had passed his sword through + his body. “On, camarades, on!” he cried; and, breaking fiercely past two + men who threw themselves in his way, he sped down the broad corridor in + the direction of the shouting. + </p> + <p> + A sharp turning, and then a second one, brought them to the head of a + short stair, from which they looked straight down upon the scene of the + uproar. A square oak-floored hall lay beneath them, from which opened the + doors of the principal guest-chambers. This hall was as light as day, for + torches burned in numerous sconces upon the walls, throwing strange + shadows from the tusked or antlered heads which ornamented them. At the + very foot of the stair, close to the open door of their chamber, lay the + seneschal and his wife: she with her head shorn from her shoulders, he + thrust through with a sharpened stake, which still protruded from either + side of his body. Three servants of the castle lay dead beside them, all + torn and draggled, as though a pack of wolves had been upon them. In front + of the central guest-chamber stood Du Guesclin and Sir Nigel, half-clad + and unarmored, with the mad joy of battle gleaming in their eyes. Their + heads were thrown back, their lips compressed, their blood-stained swords + poised over their right shoulders, and their left feet thrown out. Three + dead men lay huddled together in front of them: while a fourth, with the + blood squirting from a severed vessel, lay back with updrawn knees, + breathing in wheezy gasps. Further back—all panting together, like + the wind in a tree—there stood a group of fierce, wild creatures, + bare-armed and bare-legged, gaunt, unshaven, with deep-set murderous eyes + and wild beast faces. With their flashing teeth, their bristling hair, + their mad leapings and screamings, they seemed to Alleyne more like fiends + from the pit than men of flesh and blood. Even as he looked, they broke + into a hoarse yell and dashed once more upon the two knights, hurling + themselves madly upon their sword-points; clutching, scrambling, biting, + tearing, careless of wounds if they could but drag the two soldiers to + earth. Sir Nigel was thrown down by the sheer weight of them, and Sir + Bertrand with his thunderous war-cry was swinging round his heavy sword to + clear a space for him to rise, when the whistle of two long English + arrows, and the rush of the squire and the two English archers down the + stairs, turned the tide of the combat. The assailants gave back, the + knights rushed forward, and in a very few moments the hall was cleared, + and Hordle John had hurled the last of the wild men down the steep steps + which led from the end of it. + </p> + <p> + “Do not follow them,” cried Du Guesclin. “We are lost if we scatter. For + myself I care not a denier, though it is a poor thing to meet one's end at + the hands of such scum; but I have my dear lady here, who must by no means + be risked. We have breathing-space now, and I would ask you, Sir Nigel, + what it is that you would counsel?” + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul!” answered Sir Nigel, “I can by no means understand what hath + befallen us, save that I have been woken up by your battle-cry, and, + rushing forth, found myself in the midst of this small bickering. Harrow + and alas for the lady and the seneschal! What dogs are they who have done + this bloody deed?” + </p> + <p> + “They are the Jacks, the men of the brushwood. They have the castle, + though I know not how it hath come to pass. Look from this window into the + bailey.” + </p> + <p> + “By heaven!” cried Sir Nigel, “it is as bright as day with the torches. + The gates stand open, and there are three thousand of them within the + walls. See how they rush and scream and wave! What is it that they thrust + out through the postern door? My God! it is a man-at-arms, and they pluck + him limb from limb like hounds on a wolf. Now another, and yet another. + They hold the whole castle, for I see their faces at the windows. See, + there are some with great bundles on their backs.” + </p> + <p> + “It is dried wood from the forest. They pile them against the walls and + set them in a blaze. Who is this who tries to check them? By St. Ives! it + is the good priest who spake for them in the hall. He kneels, he prays, he + implores! What! villains, would ye raise hands against those who have + befriended you? Ah, the butcher has struck him! He is down! They stamp him + under their feet! They tear off his gown and wave it in the air! See now, + how the flames lick up the walls! Are there none left to rally round us? + With a hundred men we might hold our own.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, for my Company!” cried Sir Nigel. “But where is Ford, Alleyne?” + </p> + <p> + “He is foully murdered, my fair lord.” + </p> + <p> + “The saints receive him! May he rest in peace! But here come some at last + who may give us counsel, for amid these passages it is ill to stir without + a guide.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, a French squire and the Bohemian knight came rushing down the + steps, the latter bleeding from a slash across his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “All is lost!” he cried. “The castle is taken and on fire, the seneschal + is slain, and there is nought left for us.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary,” quoth Sir Nigel, “there is much left to us, for there + is a very honorable contention before us, and a fair lady for whom to give + our lives. There are many ways in which a man might die, but none better + than this.” + </p> + <p> + “You can tell us, Godfrey,” said Du Guesclin to the French squire: “how + came these men into the castle, and what succors can we count upon? By St. + Ives! if we come not quickly to some counsel we shall be burned like young + rooks in a nest.” + </p> + <p> + The squire, a dark, slender stripling, spoke firmly and quickly, as one + who was trained to swift action. “There is a passage under the earth into + the castle,” said he, “and through it some of the Jacks made their way, + casting open the gates for the others. They have had help from within the + walls, and the men-at-arms were heavy with wine: they must have been slain + in their beds, for these devils crept from room to room with soft step and + ready knife. Sir Amory the Hospitaller was struck down with an axe as he + rushed before us from his sleeping-chamber. Save only ourselves, I do not + think that there are any left alive.” + </p> + <p> + “What, then, would you counsel?” + </p> + <p> + “That we make for the keep. It is unused, save in time of war, and the key + hangs from my poor lord and master's belt.” + </p> + <p> + “There are two keys there.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the larger. Once there, we might hold the narrow stair; and at + least, as the walls are of a greater thickness, it would be longer ere + they could burn them. Could we but carry the lady across the bailey, all + might be well with us.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay; the lady hath seen something of the work of war,” said Tiphaine + coming forth, as white, as grave, and as unmoved as ever. “I would not be + a hamper to you, my dear spouse and gallant friend. Rest assured of this, + that if all else fail I have always a safeguard here”—drawing a + small silver-hilted poniard from her bosom—“which sets me beyond the + fear of these vile and blood-stained wretches.” + </p> + <p> + “Tiphaine,” cried Du Guesclin, “I have always loved you; and now, by Our + Lady of Rennes! I love you more than ever. Did I not know that your hand + will be as ready as your words I would myself turn my last blow upon you, + ere you should fall into their hands. Lead on, Godfrey! A new golden pyx + will shine in the minster of Dinan if we come safely through with it.” + </p> + <p> + The attention of the insurgents had been drawn away from murder to + plunder, and all over the castle might be heard their cries and whoops of + delight as they dragged forth the rich tapestries, the silver flagons, and + the carved furniture. Down in the courtyard half-clad wretches, their bare + limbs all mottled with blood-stains, strutted about with plumed helmets + upon their heads, or with the Lady Rochefort's silken gowns girt round + their loins and trailing on the ground behind them. Casks of choice wine + had been rolled out from the cellars, and starving peasants squatted, + goblet in hand, draining off vintages which De Rochefort had set aside for + noble and royal guests. Others, with slabs of bacon and joints of dried + meat upon the ends of their pikes, held them up to the blaze or tore at + them ravenously with their teeth. Yet all order had not been lost amongst + them, for some hundreds of the better armed stood together in a silent + group, leaning upon their rude weapons and looking up at the fire, which + had spread so rapidly as to involve one whole side of the castle. Already + Alleyne could hear the crackling and roaring of the flames, while the air + was heavy with heat and full of the pungent whiff of burning wood. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. HOW FIVE MEN HELD THE KEEP OF VILLEFRANCHE + </h2> + <p> + Under the guidance of the French squire the party passed down two narrow + corridors. The first was empty, but at the head of the second stood a + peasant sentry, who started off at the sight of them, yelling loudly to + his comrades. “Stop him, or we are undone!” cried Du Guesclin, and had + started to run, when Aylward's great war-bow twanged like a harp-string, + and the man fell forward upon his face, with twitching limbs and clutching + fingers. Within five paces of where he lay a narrow and little-used door + led out into the bailey. From beyond it came such a Babel of hooting and + screaming, horrible oaths and yet more horrible laughter, that the + stoutest heart might have shrunk from casting down the frail barrier which + faced them. + </p> + <p> + “Make straight for the keep!” said Du Guesclin, in a sharp, stern whisper. + “The two archers in front, the lady in the centre, a squire on either + side, while we three knights shall bide behind and beat back those who + press upon us. So! Now open the door, and God have us in his holy + keeping!” + </p> + <p> + For a few moments it seemed that their object would be attained without + danger, so swift and so silent had been their movements. They were + half-way across the bailey ere the frantic, howling peasants made a + movement to stop them. The few who threw themselves in their way were + overpowered or brushed aside, while the pursuers were beaten back by the + ready weapons of the three cavaliers. Unscathed they fought their way to + the door of the keep, and faced round upon the swarming mob, while the + squire thrust the great key into the lock. + </p> + <p> + “My God!” he cried, “it is the wrong key.” + </p> + <p> + “The wrong key!” + </p> + <p> + “Dolt, fool that I am! This is the key of the castle gate; the other opens + the keep. I must back for it!” He turned, with some wild intention of + retracing his steps, but at the instant a great jagged rock, hurled by a + brawny peasant, struck him full upon the ear, and he dropped senseless to + the ground. + </p> + <p> + “This is key enough for me!” quoth Hordle John, picking up the huge stone, + and hurling it against the door with all the strength of his enormous + body. The lock shivered, the wood smashed, the stone flew into five + pieces, but the iron clamps still held the door in its position. Bending + down, he thrust his great fingers under it, and with a heave raised the + whole mass of wood and iron from its hinges. For a moment it tottered and + swayed, and then, falling outward, buried him in its ruin, while his + comrades rushed into the dark archway which led to safety. + </p> + <p> + “Up the steps, Tiphaine!” cried Du Guesclin. “Now round, friends, and beat + them back!” The mob of peasants had surged in upon their heels, but the + two trustiest blades in Europe gleamed upon that narrow stair, and four of + their number dropped upon the threshold. The others gave back, and + gathered in a half circle round the open door, gnashing their teeth and + shaking their clenched hands at the defenders. The body of the French + squire had been dragged out by them and hacked to pieces. Three or four + others had pulled John from under the door, when he suddenly bounded to + his feet, and clutching one in either hand dashed them together with such + force that they fell senseless across each other upon the ground. With a + kick and a blow he freed himself from two others who clung to him, and in + a moment he was within the portal with his comrades. + </p> + <p> + Yet their position was a desperate one. The peasants from far and near had + been assembled for this deed of vengeance, and not less than six thousand + were within or around the walls of the Chateau of Villefranche. Ill armed + and half starved, they were still desperate men, to whom danger had lost + all fears: for what was death that they should shun it to cling to such a + life as theirs? The castle was theirs, and the roaring flames were + spurting through the windows and flickering high above the turrets on two + sides of the quadrangle. From either side they were sweeping down from + room to room and from bastion to bastion in the direction of the keep. + Faced by an army, and girt in by fire, were six men and one woman; but + some of them were men so trained to danger and so wise in war that even + now the combat was less unequal than it seemed. Courage and resource were + penned in by desperation and numbers, while the great yellow sheets of + flame threw their lurid glare over the scene of death. + </p> + <p> + “There is but space for two upon a step to give free play to our + sword-arms,” said Du Guesclin. “Do you stand with me, Nigel, upon the + lowest. France and England will fight together this night. Sir Otto, I + pray you to stand behind us with this young squire. The archers may go + higher yet and shoot over our heads. I would that we had our harness, + Nigel.” + </p> + <p> + “Often have I heard my dear Sir John Chandos say that a knight should + never, even when a guest, be parted from it. Yet it will be more honor to + us if we come well out of it. We have a vantage, since we see them against + the light and they can scarce see us. It seems to me that they muster for + an onslaught.” + </p> + <p> + “If we can but keep them in play,” said the Bohemian, “it is likely that + these flames may bring us succor if there be any true men in the country.” + </p> + <p> + “Bethink you, my fair lord,” said Alleyne to Sir Nigel, “that we have + never injured these men, nor have we cause of quarrel against them. Would + it not be well, if but for the lady's sake, to speak them fair and see if + we may not come to honorable terms with them?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, by St. Paul!” cried Sir Nigel. “It does not accord with mine + honor, nor shall it ever be said that I, a knight of England, was ready to + hold parley with men who have slain a fair lady and a holy priest.” + </p> + <p> + “As well hold parley with a pack of ravening wolves,” said the French + captain. “Ha! Notre Dame Du Guesclin! Saint Ives! Saint Ives!” + </p> + <p> + As he thundered forth his war-cry, the Jacks who had been gathering before + the black arch of the gateway rushed in madly in a desperate effort to + carry the staircase. Their leaders were a small man, dark in the face, + with his beard done up in two plaits, and another larger man, very bowed + in the shoulders, with a huge club studded with sharp nails in his hand. + The first had not taken three steps ere an arrow from Aylward's bow struck + him full in the chest, and he fell coughing and spluttering across the + threshold. The other rushed onwards, and breaking between Du Guesclin and + Sir Nigel he dashed out the brains of the Bohemian with a single blow of + his clumsy weapon. With three swords through him he still struggled on, + and had almost won his way through them ere he fell dead upon the stair. + Close at his heels came a hundred furious peasants, who flung themselves + again and again against the five swords which confronted them. It was cut + and parry and stab as quick as eye could see or hand act. The door was + piled with bodies, and the stone floor was slippery with blood. The deep + shout of Du Guesclin, the hard, hissing breath of the pressing multitude, + the clatter of steel, the thud of falling bodies, and the screams of the + stricken, made up such a medley as came often in after years to break upon + Alleyne's sleep. Slowly and sullenly at last the throng drew off, with + many a fierce backward glance, while eleven of their number lay huddled in + front of the stair which they had failed to win. + </p> + <p> + “The dogs have had enough,” said Du Guesclin. + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul! there appear to be some very worthy and valiant persons + among them,” observed Sir Nigel. “They are men from whom, had they been of + better birth, much honor and advancement might be gained. Even as it is, + it is a great pleasure to have seen them. But what is this that they are + bringing forward?” + </p> + <p> + “It is as I feared,” growled Du Guesclin. “They will burn us out, since + they cannot win their way past us. Shoot straight and hard, archers; for, + by St. Ives! our good swords are of little use to us.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, a dozen men rushed forward, each screening himself behind a + huge fardel of brushwood. Hurling their burdens in one vast heap within + the portal, they threw burning torches upon the top of it. The wood had + been soaked in oil, for in an instant it was ablaze, and a long, hissing, + yellow flame licked over the heads of the defenders, and drove them + further up to the first floor of the keep. They had scarce reached it, + however, ere they found that the wooden joists and planks of the flooring + were already on fire. Dry and worm-eaten, a spark upon them became a + smoulder, and a smoulder a blaze. A choking smoke filled the air, and the + five could scarce grope their way to the staircase which led up to the + very summit of the square tower. + </p> + <p> + Strange was the scene which met their eyes from this eminence. Beneath + them on every side stretched the long sweep of peaceful country, rolling + plain, and tangled wood, all softened and mellowed in the silver + moonshine. No light, nor movement, nor any sign of human aid could be + seen, but far away the hoarse clangor of a heavy bell rose and fell upon + the wintry air. Beneath and around them blazed the huge fire, roaring and + crackling on every side of the bailey, and even as they looked the two + corner turrets fell in with a deafening crash, and the whole castle was + but a shapeless mass, spouting flames and smoke from every window and + embrasure. The great black tower upon which they stood rose like a last + island of refuge amid this sea of fire but the ominous crackling and + roaring below showed that it would not be long ere it was engulfed also in + the common ruin. At their very feet was the square courtyard, crowded with + the howling and dancing peasants, their fierce faces upturned, their + clenched hands waving, all drunk with bloodshed and with vengeance. A yell + of execration and a scream of hideous laughter burst from the vast throng, + as they saw the faces of the last survivors of their enemies peering down + at them from the height of the keep. They still piled the brushwood round + the base of the tower, and gambolled hand in hand around the blaze, + screaming out the doggerel lines which had long been the watchword of the + Jacquerie: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Cessez, cessez, gens d'armes et pietons, + De piller et manger le bonhomme + Qui de longtemps Jacques Bonhomme + Se nomme. +</pre> + <p> + Their thin, shrill voices rose high above the roar of the flames and the + crash of the masonry, like the yelping of a pack of wolves who see their + quarry before them and know that they have well-nigh run him down. + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt!” said Aylward to John, “it is in my mind that we shall not + see Spain this journey. It is a great joy to me that I have placed my + feather-bed and other things of price with that worthy woman at Lyndhurst, + who will now have the use of them. I have thirteen arrows yet, and if one + of them fly unfleshed, then, by the twang of string! I shall deserve my + doom. First at him who flaunts with my lady's silken frock. Clap in the + clout, by God! though a hand's-breadth lower than I had meant. Now for the + rogue with the head upon his pike. Ha! to the inch, John. When my eye is + true, I am better at rovers than at long-butts or hoyles. A good shoot for + you also, John! The villain hath fallen forward into the fire. But I pray + you, John, to loose gently, and not to pluck with the drawing-hand, for it + is a trick that hath marred many a fine bowman.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst the two archers were keeping up a brisk fire upon the mob beneath + them, Du Guesclin and his lady were consulting with Sir Nigel upon their + desperate situation. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a strange end for one who has seen so many stricken fields,” said + the French chieftain. “For me one death is as another, but it is the + thought of my sweet lady which goes to my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Bertrand, I fear it as little as you,” said she. “Had I my dearest + wish, it would be that we should go together.” + </p> + <p> + “Well answered, fair lady!” cried Sir Nigel. “And very sure I am that my + own sweet wife would have said the same. If the end be now come, I have + had great good fortune in having lived in times when so much glory was to + be won, and in knowing so many valiant gentlemen and knights. But why do + you pluck my sleeve, Alleyne?” + </p> + <p> + “If it please you, my fair lord, there are in this corner two great tubes + of iron, with many heavy balls, which may perchance be those bombards and + shot of which I have heard.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Ives! it is true,” cried Sir Bertrand, striding across to the + recess where the ungainly, funnel-shaped, thick-ribbed engines were + standing. “Bombards they are, and of good size. We may shoot down upon + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Shoot with them, quotha?” cried Aylward in high disdain, for pressing + danger is the great leveller of classes. “How is a man to take aim with + these fool's toys, and how can he hope to do scath with them?” + </p> + <p> + “I will show you,” answered Sir Nigel; “for here is the great box of + powder, and if you will raise it for me, John, I will show you how it may + be used. Come hither, where the folk are thickest round the fire. Now, + Aylward, crane thy neck and see what would have been deemed an old wife's + tale when we first turned our faces to the wars. Throw back the lid, John, + and drop the box into the fire!” + </p> + <p> + A deafening roar, a fluff of bluish light, and the great square tower + rocked and trembled from its very foundations, swaying this way and that + like a reed in the wind. Amazed and dizzy, the defenders, clutching at the + cracking parapets for support, saw great stones, burning beams of wood, + and mangled bodies hurtling past them through the air. When they staggered + to their feet once more, the whole keep had settled down upon one side, so + that they could scarce keep their footing upon the sloping platform. + Gazing over the edge, they looked down upon the horrible destruction which + had been caused by the explosion. For forty yards round the portal the + ground was black with writhing, screaming figures, who struggled up and + hurled themselves down again, tossing this way and that, sightless, + scorched, with fire bursting from their tattered clothing. Beyond this + circle of death their comrades, bewildered and amazed, cowered away from + this black tower and from these invincible men, who were most to be + dreaded when hope was furthest from their hearts. + </p> + <p> + “A sally, Du Guesclin, a sally!” cried Sir Nigel. “By Saint Paul! they are + in two minds, and a bold rush may turn them.” He drew his sword as he + spoke and darted down the winding stairs, closely followed by his four + comrades. Ere he was at the first floor, however, he threw up his arms and + stopped. “Mon Dieu!” he said, “we are lost men!” + </p> + <p> + “What then?” cried those behind him. + </p> + <p> + “The wall hath fallen in, the stair is blocked, and the fire still rages + below. By Saint Paul! friends, we have fought a very honorable fight, and + may say in all humbleness that we have done our devoir, but I think that + we may now go back to the Lady Tiphaine and say our orisons, for we have + played our parts in this world, and it is time that we made ready for + another.” + </p> + <p> + The narrow pass was blocked by huge stones littered in wild confusion over + each other, with the blue choking smoke reeking up through the crevices. + The explosion had blown in the wall and cut off the only path by which + they could descend. Pent in, a hundred feet from earth, with a furnace + raging under them and a ravening multitude all round who thirsted for + their blood, it seemed indeed as though no men had ever come through such + peril with their lives. Slowly they made their way back to the summit, but + as they came out upon it the Lady Tiphaine darted forward and caught her + husband by the wrist. + </p> + <p> + “Bertrand,” said she, “hush and listen! I have heard the voices of men all + singing together in a strange tongue.” + </p> + <p> + Breathless they stood and silent, but no sound came up to them, save the + roar of the flames and the clamor of their enemies. + </p> + <p> + “It cannot be, lady,” said Du Guesclin. “This night hath over wrought you, + and your senses play you false. What men are there in this country who + would sing in a strange tongue?” + </p> + <p> + “Hola!” yelled Aylward, leaping suddenly into the air with waving hands + and joyous face. “I thought I heard it ere we went down, and now I hear it + again. We are saved, comrades! By these ten finger-bones, we are saved! It + is the marching song of the White Company. Hush!” + </p> + <p> + With upraised forefinger and slanting head, he stood listening. Suddenly + there came swelling up a deep-voiced, rollicking chorus from somewhere out + of the darkness. Never did choice or dainty ditty of Provence or Languedoc + sound more sweetly in the ears than did the rough-tongued Saxon to the six + who strained their ears from the blazing keep: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + We'll drink all together + To the gray goose feather + And the land where the gray goose flew. +</pre> + <p> + “Ha, by my hilt!” shouted Aylward, “it is the dear old bow song of the + Company. Here come two hundred as tight lads as ever twirled a shaft over + their thumbnails. Hark to the dogs, how lustily they sing!” + </p> + <p> + Nearer and clearer, swelling up out of the night, came the gay marching + lilt: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + What of the bow? + The bow was made in England. + Of true wood, of yew wood, + The wood of English bows; + For men who are free + Love the old yew-tree + And the land where the yew tree grows. + + What of the men? + The men were bred in England, + The bowmen, the yeomen, + The lads of the dale and fell, + Here's to you and to you, + To the hearts that are true, + And the land where the true hearts dwell. +</pre> + <p> + “They sing very joyfully,” said Du Guesclin, “as though they were going to + a festival.” + </p> + <p> + “It is their wont when there is work to be done.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul!” quoth Sir Nigel, “it is in my mind that they come too + late, for I cannot see how we are to come down from this tower.” + </p> + <p> + “There they come, the hearts of gold!” cried Aylward. “See, they move out + from the shadow. Now they cross the meadow. They are on the further side + of the moat. Hola camarades, hola! Johnston, Eccles, Cooke, Harward, + Bligh! Would ye see a fair lady and two gallant knights done foully to + death?” + </p> + <p> + “Who is there?” shouted a deep voice from below. “Who is this who speaks + with an English tongue?” + </p> + <p> + “It is I, old lad. It is Sam Aylward of the Company; and here is your + captain, Sir Nigel Loring, and four others, all laid out to be grilled + like an Easterling's herrings.” + </p> + <p> + “Curse me if I did not think that it was the style of speech of old Samkin + Aylward,” said the voice, amid a buzz from the ranks. “Wherever there are + knocks going there is Sammy in the heart of it. But who are these + ill-faced rogues who block the path? To your kennels, canaille! What! you + dare look us in the eyes? Out swords, lads, and give them the flat of + them! Waste not your shafts upon such runagate knaves.” + </p> + <p> + There was little fight left in the peasants, however, still dazed by the + explosion, amazed at their own losses and disheartened by the arrival of + the disciplined archers. In a very few minutes they were in full flight + for their brushwood homes, leaving the morning sun to rise upon a + blackened and blood-stained ruin, where it had left the night before the + magnificent castle of the Seneschal of Auvergne. Already the white lines + in the east were deepening into pink as the archers gathered round the + keep and took counsel how to rescue the survivors. + </p> + <p> + “Had we a rope,” said Alleyne, “there is one side which is not yet on + fire, down which we might slip.” + </p> + <p> + “But how to get a rope?” + </p> + <p> + “It is an old trick,” quoth Aylward. “Hola! Johnston, cast me up a rope, + even as you did at Maupertuis in the war time.” + </p> + <p> + The grizzled archer thus addressed took several lengths of rope from his + comrades, and knotting them firmly together, he stretched them out in the + long shadow which the rising sun threw from the frowning keep. Then he + fixed the yew-stave of his bow upon end and measured the long, thin, black + line which it threw upon the turf. + </p> + <p> + “A six-foot stave throws a twelve-foot shadow,” he muttered. “The keep + throws a shadow of sixty paces. Thirty paces of rope will be enow and to + spare. Another strand, Watkin! Now pull at the end that all may be safe. + So! It is ready for them.” + </p> + <p> + “But how are they to reach it?” asked the young archer beside him. + </p> + <p> + “Watch and see, young fool's-head,” growled the old bowman. He took a long + string from his pouch and fastened one end to an arrow. + </p> + <p> + “All ready, Samkin?” + </p> + <p> + “Ready, camarade.” + </p> + <p> + “Close to your hand then.” With an easy pull he sent the shaft flickering + gently up, falling upon the stonework within a foot of where Aylward was + standing. The other end was secured to the rope, so that in a minute a + good strong cord was dangling from the only sound side of the blazing and + shattered tower. The Lady Tiphaine was lowered with a noose drawn fast + under the arms, and the other five slid swiftly down, amid the cheers and + joyous outcry of their rescuers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. HOW THE COMPANY TOOK COUNSEL ROUND THE FALLEN TREE. + </h2> + <p> + “Where is Sir Claude Latour?” asked Sir Nigel, as his feet touched ground. + </p> + <p> + “He is in camp, near Montpezat, two hours' march from here, my fair lord,” + said Johnston, the grizzled bowman who commanded the archers. + </p> + <p> + “Then we shall march thither, for I would fain have you all back at Dax in + time to be in the prince's vanguard.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” cried Alleyne, joyfully, “here are our chargers in the field, + and I see your harness amid the plunder which these rogues have left + behind them.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Ives! you speak sooth, young squire,” said Du Guesclin. “There + is my horse and my lady's jennet. The knaves led them from the stables, + but fled without them. Now, Nigel, it is great joy to me to have seen one + of whom I have often heard. Yet we must leave you now, for I must be with + the King of Spain ere your army crosses the mountains.” + </p> + <p> + “I had thought that you were in Spain with the valiant Henry of + Trastamare.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been there, but I came to France to raise succor for him. I shall + ride back, Nigel, with four thousand of the best lances of France at my + back, so that your prince may find he hath a task which is worthy of him. + God be with you, friend, and may we meet again in better times!” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think,” said Sir Nigel, as he stood by Alleyne's side looking + after the French knight and his lady, “that in all Christendom you will + meet with a more stout-hearted man or a fairer and sweeter dame. But your + face is pale and sad, Alleyne! Have you perchance met with some hurt + during the ruffle?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my fair lord, I was but thinking of my friend Ford, and how he sat + upon my couch no later than yesternight.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel shook his head sadly. “Two brave squires have I lost,” said he. + “I know not why the young shoots should be plucked, and an old weed left + standing, yet certes there must be some good reason, since God hath so + planned it. Did you not note, Alleyne, that the Lady Tiphaine did give us + warning last night that danger was coming upon us?” + </p> + <p> + “She did, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul! my mind misgives me as to what she saw at Twynham Castle. + And yet I cannot think that any Scottish or French rovers could land in + such force as to beleaguer the fortalice. Call the Company together, + Aylward; and let us on, for it will be shame to us if we are not at Dax + upon the trysting day.” + </p> + <p> + The archers had spread themselves over the ruins, but a blast upon a bugle + brought them all back to muster, with such booty as they could bear with + them stuffed into their pouches or slung over their shoulders. As they + formed into ranks, each man dropping silently into his place, Sir Nigel + ran a questioning eye over them, and a smile of pleasure played over his + face. Tall and sinewy, and brown, clear-eyed, hard-featured, with the + stern and prompt bearing of experienced soldiers, it would be hard indeed + for a leader to seek for a choicer following. Here and there in the ranks + were old soldiers of the French wars, grizzled and lean, with fierce, + puckered features and shaggy, bristling brows. The most, however, were + young and dandy archers, with fresh English faces, their beards combed + out, their hair curling from under their close steel hufkens, with gold or + jewelled earrings gleaming in their ears, while their gold-spangled + baldrics, their silken belts, and the chains which many of them wore round + their thick brown necks, all spoke of the brave times which they had had + as free companions. Each had a yew or hazel stave slung over his shoulder, + plain and serviceable with the older men, but gaudily painted and carved + at either end with the others. Steel caps, mail brigandines, white + surcoats with the red lion of St. George, and sword or battle-axe swinging + from their belts, completed this equipment, while in some cases the + murderous maule or five-foot mallet was hung across the bowstave, being + fastened to their leathern shoulder-belt by a hook in the centre of the + handle. Sir Nigel's heart beat high as he looked upon their free bearing + and fearless faces. + </p> + <p> + For two hours they marched through forest and marshland, along the left + bank of the river Aveyron; Sir Nigel riding behind his Company, with + Alleyne at his right hand, and Johnston, the old master bowman, walking by + his left stirrup. Ere they had reached their journey's end the knight had + learned all that he would know of his men, their doings and their + intentions. Once, as they marched, they saw upon the further bank of the + river a body of French men-at-arms, riding very swiftly in the direction + of Villefranche. + </p> + <p> + “It is the Seneschal of Toulouse, with his following,” said Johnston, + shading his eyes with his hand. “Had he been on this side of the water he + might have attempted something upon us.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that it would be well that we should cross,” said Sir Nigel. “It + were pity to balk this worthy seneschal, should he desire to try some + small feat of arms.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, there is no ford nearer than Tourville,” answered the old archer. + “He is on his way to Villefranche, and short will be the shrift of any + Jacks who come into his hands, for he is a man of short speech. It was he + and the Seneschal of Beaucaire who hung Peter Wilkins, of the Company, + last Lammastide; for which, by the black rood of Waltham! they shall hang + themselves, if ever they come into our power. But here are our comrades, + Sir Nigel, and here is our camp.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the forest pathway along which they marched opened out into a + green glade, which sloped down towards the river. High, leafless trees + girt it in on three sides, with a thick undergrowth of holly between their + trunks. At the farther end of this forest clearing there stood forty or + fifty huts, built very neatly from wood and clay, with the blue smoke + curling out from the roofs. A dozen tethered horses and mules grazed + around the encampment, while a number of archers lounged about: some + shooting at marks, while others built up great wooden fires in the open, + and hung their cooking kettles above them. At the sight of their returning + comrades there was a shout of welcome, and a horseman, who had been + exercising his charger behind the camp, came cantering down to them. He + was a dapper, brisk man, very richly clad, with a round, clean-shaven + face, and very bright black eyes, which danced and sparkled with + excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Sir Nigel!” he cried. “Sir Nigel Loring, at last! By my soul we have + awaited you this month past. Right welcome, Sir Nigel! You have had my + letter?” + </p> + <p> + “It was that which brought me here,” said Sir Nigel. “But indeed, Sir + Claude Latour, it is a great wonder to me that you did not yourself lead + these bowmen, for surely they could have found no better leader?” + </p> + <p> + “None, none, by the Virgin of L'Esparre!” he cried, speaking in the + strange, thick Gascon speech which turns every <i>v</i> into a <i>b</i>. + “But you know what these islanders of yours are, Sir Nigel. They will not + be led by any save their own blood and race. There is no persuading them. + Not even I, Claude Latour Seigneur of Montchateau, master of the high + justice, the middle and the low, could gain their favor. They must needs + hold a council and put their two hundred thick heads together, and then + there comes this fellow Aylward and another, as their spokesmen, to say + that they will disband unless an Englishman of good name be set over them. + There are many of them, as I understand, who come from some great forest + which lies in Hampi, or Hampti—I cannot lay my tongue to the name. + Your dwelling is in those parts, and so their thoughts turned to you as + their leader. But we had hoped that you would bring a hundred men with + you.” + </p> + <p> + “They are already at Dax, where we shall join them,” said Sir Nigel. “But + let the men break their fast, and we shall then take counsel what to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Come into my hut,” said Sir Claude. “It is but poor fare that I can lay + before you—milk, cheese, wine, and bacon—yet your squire and + yourself will doubtless excuse it. This is my house where the pennon flies + before the door—a small residence to contain the Lord of + Montchateau.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel sat silent and distrait at his meal, while Alleyne hearkened to + the clattering tongue of the Gascon, and to his talk of the glories of his + own estate, his successes in love, and his triumphs in war. + </p> + <p> + “And now that you are here, Sir Nigel,” he said at last, “I have many fine + ventures all ready for us. I have heard that Montpezat is of no great + strength, and that there are two hundred thousand crowns in the castle. At + Castelnau also there is a cobbler who is in my pay, and who will throw us + a rope any dark night from his house by the town wall. I promise you that + you shall thrust your arms elbow-deep among good silver pieces ere the + nights are moonless again; for on every hand of us are fair women, rich + wine, and good plunder, as much as heart could wish.” + </p> + <p> + “I have other plans,” answered Sir Nigel curtly; “for I have come hither + to lead these bowmen to the help of the prince, our master, who may have + sore need of them ere he set Pedro upon the throne of Spain. It is my + purpose to start this very day for Dax upon the Adour, where he hath now + pitched his camp.” + </p> + <p> + The face of the Gascon darkened, and his eyes flashed with resentment. + “For me,” he said, “I care little for this war, and I find the life which + I lead a very joyous and pleasant one. I will not go to Dax.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, think again, Sir Claude,” said Sir Nigel gently; “for you have ever + had the name of a true and loyal knight. Surely you will not hold back now + when your master hath need of you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not go to Dax,” the other shouted. + </p> + <p> + “But your devoir—your oath of fealty?” + </p> + <p> + “I say that I will not go.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Sir Claude, I must lead the Company without you.” + </p> + <p> + “If they will follow,” cried the Gascon with a sneer. “These are not hired + slaves, but free companions, who will do nothing save by their own good + wills. In very sooth, my Lord Loring, they are ill men to trifle with, and + it were easier to pluck a bone from a hungry bear than to lead a bowman + out of a land of plenty and of pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I pray you to gather them together,” said Sir Nigel, “and I will + tell them what is in my mind; for if I am their leader they must to Dax, + and if I am not then I know not what I am doing in Auvergne. Have my horse + ready, Alleyne; for, by St. Paul! come what may, I must be upon the + homeward road ere mid-day.” + </p> + <p> + A blast upon the bugle summoned the bowmen to counsel, and they gathered + in little knots and groups around a great fallen tree which lay athwart + the glade. Sir Nigel sprang lightly upon the trunk, and stood with + blinking eye and firm lips looking down at the ring of upturned warlike + faces. + </p> + <p> + “They tell me, bowmen,” said he, “that ye have grown so fond of ease and + plunder and high living that ye are not to be moved from this pleasant + country. But, by Saint Paul! I will believe no such thing of you, for I + can readily see that you are all very valiant men, who would scorn to live + here in peace when your prince hath so great a venture before him. Ye have + chosen me as a leader, and a leader I will be if ye come with me to Spain; + and I vow to you that my pennon of the five roses shall, if God give me + strength and life, be ever where there is most honor to be gained. But if + it be your wish to loll and loiter in these glades, bartering glory and + renown for vile gold and ill-gotten riches, then ye must find another + leader; for I have lived in honor, and in honor I trust that I shall die. + If there be forest men or Hampshire men amongst ye, I call upon them to + say whether they will follow the banner of Loring.” + </p> + <p> + “Here's a Romsey man for you!” cried a young bowman with a sprig of + evergreen set in his helmet. + </p> + <p> + “And a lad from Alresford!” shouted another. + </p> + <p> + “And from Milton!” + </p> + <p> + “And from Burley!” + </p> + <p> + “And from Lymington!” + </p> + <p> + “And a little one from Brockenhurst!” shouted a huge-limbed fellow who + sprawled beneath a tree. + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! lads,” cried Aylward, jumping upon the fallen trunk, “I think + that we could not look the girls in the eyes if we let the prince cross + the mountains and did not pull string to clear a path for him. It is very + well in time of peace to lead such a life as we have had together, but now + the war-banner is in the wind once more, and, by these ten finger-bones! + if he go alone, old Samkin Aylward will walk beside it.” + </p> + <p> + These words from a man as popular as Aylward decided many of the waverers, + and a shout of approval burst from his audience. + </p> + <p> + “Far be it from me,” said Sir Claude Latour suavely, “to persuade you + against this worthy archer, or against Sir Nigel Loring; yet we have been + together in many ventures, and perchance it may not be amiss if I say to + you what I think upon the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Peace for the little Gascon!” cried the archers. “Let every man have his + word. Shoot straight for the mark, lad, and fair play for all.” + </p> + <p> + “Bethink you, then,” said Sir Claude, “that you go under a hard rule, with + neither freedom nor pleasure—and for what? For sixpence a day, at + the most; while now you may walk across the country and stretch out either + hand to gather in whatever you have a mind for. What do we not hear of our + comrades who have gone with Sir John Hawkwood to Italy? In one night they + have held to ransom six hundred of the richest noblemen of Mantua. They + camp before a great city, and the base burghers come forth with the keys, + and then they make great spoil; or, if it please them better, they take so + many horse-loads of silver as a composition; and so they journey on from + state to state, rich and free and feared by all. Now, is not that the + proper life for a soldier?” + </p> + <p> + “The proper life for a robber!” roared Hordle John, in his thundering + voice. + </p> + <p> + “And yet there is much in what the Gascon says,” said a swarthy fellow in + a weather-stained doublet; “and I for one would rather prosper in Italy + than starve in Spain.” + </p> + <p> + “You were always a cur and a traitor, Mark Shaw,” cried Aylward. “By my + hilt! if you will stand forth and draw your sword I will warrant you that + you will see neither one nor the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Aylward,” said Sir Nigel, “we cannot mend the matter by broiling. + Sir Claude, I think that what you have said does you little honor, and if + my words aggrieve you I am ever ready to go deeper into the matter with + you. But you shall have such men as will follow you, and you may go where + you will, so that you come not with us. Let all who love their prince and + country stand fast, while those who think more of a well-lined purse step + forth upon the farther side.” + </p> + <p> + Thirteen bowmen, with hung heads and sheepish faces, stepped forward with + Mark Shaw and ranged themselves behind Sir Claude. Amid the hootings and + hissings of their comrades, they marched off together to the Gascon's hut, + while the main body broke up their meeting and set cheerily to work + packing their possessions, furbishing their weapons, and preparing for the + march which lay before them. Over the Tarn and the Garonne, through the + vast quagmires of Armagnac, past the swift-flowing Losse, and so down the + long valley of the Adour, there was many a long league to be crossed ere + they could join themselves to that dark war-cloud which was drifting + slowly southwards to the line of the snowy peaks, beyond which the banner + of England had never yet been seen. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. HOW THE ARMY MADE THE PASSAGE OF RONCESVALLES. + </h2> + <p> + The whole vast plain of Gascony and of Languedoc is an arid and profitless + expanse in winter save where the swift-flowing Adour and her snow-fed + tributaries, the Louts, the Oloron and the Pau, run down to the sea of + Biscay. South of the Adour the jagged line of mountains which fringe the + sky-line send out long granite claws, running down into the lowlands and + dividing them into “gaves” or stretches of valley. Hillocks grow into + hills, and hills into mountains, each range overlying its neighbor, until + they soar up in the giant chain which raises its spotless and untrodden + peaks, white and dazzling, against the pale blue wintry sky. + </p> + <p> + A quiet land is this—a land where the slow-moving Basque, with his + flat biretta-cap, his red sash and his hempen sandals, tills his scanty + farm or drives his lean flock to their hill-side pastures. It is the + country of the wolf and the isard, of the brown bear and the + mountain-goat, a land of bare rock and of rushing water. Yet here it was + that the will of a great prince had now assembled a gallant army; so that + from the Adour to the passes of Navarre the barren valleys and wind-swept + wastes were populous with soldiers and loud with the shouting of orders + and the neighing of horses. For the banners of war had been flung to the + wind once more, and over those glistening peaks was the highway along + which Honor pointed in an age when men had chosen her as their guide. + </p> + <p> + And now all was ready for the enterprise. From Dax to St. Jean + Pied-du-Port the country was mottled with the white tents of Gascons, + Aquitanians and English, all eager for the advance. From all sides the + free companions had trooped in, until not less than twelve thousand of + these veteran troops were cantoned along the frontiers of Navarre. From + England had arrived the prince's brother, the Duke of Lancaster, with four + hundred knights in his train and a strong company of archers. Above all, + an heir to the throne had been born in Bordeaux, and the prince might + leave his spouse with an easy mind, for all was well with mother and with + child. + </p> + <p> + The keys of the mountain passes still lay in the hands of the shifty and + ignoble Charles of Navarre, who had chaffered and bargained both with the + English and with the Spanish, taking money from the one side to hold them + open and from the other to keep them sealed. The mallet hand of Edward, + however, had shattered all the schemes and wiles of the plotter. Neither + entreaty nor courtly remonstrance came from the English prince; but Sir + Hugh Calverley passed silently over the border with his company, and the + blazing walls of the two cities of Miranda and Puenta de la Reyna warned + the unfaithful monarch that there were other metals besides gold, and that + he was dealing with a man to whom it was unsafe to lie. His price was + paid, his objections silenced, and the mountain gorges lay open to the + invaders. From the Feast of the Epiphany there was mustering and massing, + until, in the first week of February—three days after the White + Company joined the army—the word was given for a general advance + through the defile of Roncesvalles. At five in the cold winter's morning + the bugles were blowing in the hamlet of St. Jean Pied-du-Port, and by six + Sir Nigel's Company, three hundred strong, were on their way for the + defile, pushing swiftly in the dim light up the steep curving road; for it + was the prince's order that they should be the first to pass through, and + that they should remain on guard at the further end until the whole army + had emerged from the mountains. Day was already breaking in the east, and + the summits of the great peaks had turned rosy red, while the valleys + still lay in the shadow, when they found themselves with the cliffs on + either hand and the long, rugged pass stretching away before them. + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel rode his great black war-horse at the head of his archers, + dressed in full armor, with Black Simon bearing his banner behind him, + while Alleyne at his bridle-arm carried his blazoned shield and his + well-steeled ashen spear. A proud and happy man was the knight, and many a + time he turned in his saddle to look at the long column of bowmen who + swung swiftly along behind him. + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul! Alleyne,” said he, “this pass is a very perilous place, + and I would that the King of Navarre had held it against us, for it would + have been a very honorable venture had it fallen to us to win a passage. I + have heard the minstrels sing of one Sir Roland who was slain by the + infidels in these very parts.” + </p> + <p> + “If it please you, my fair lord,” said Black Simon, “I know something of + these parts, for I have twice served a term with the King of Navarre. + There is a hospice of monks yonder, where you may see the roof among the + trees, and there it was that Sir Roland was slain. The village upon the + left is Orbaiceta, and I know a house therein where the right wine of + Jurancon is to be bought, if it would please you to quaff a morning cup.” + </p> + <p> + “There is smoke yonder upon the right.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a village named Les Aldudes, and I know a hostel there also where + the wine is of the best. It is said that the inn-keeper hath a buried + treasure, and I doubt not, my fair lord, that if you grant me leave I + could prevail upon him to tell us where he hath hid it.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, Simon,” said Sir Nigel curtly, “I pray you to forget these free + companion tricks. Ha! Edricson, I see that you stare about you, and in + good sooth these mountains must seem wondrous indeed to one who hath but + seen Butser or the Portsdown hill.” + </p> + <p> + The broken and rugged road had wound along the crests of low hills, with + wooded ridges on either side of it over which peeped the loftier + mountains, the distant Peak of the South and the vast Altabisca, which + towered high above them and cast its black shadow from left to right + across the valley. From where they now stood they could look forward down + a long vista of beech woods and jagged rock-strewn wilderness, all white + with snow, to where the pass opened out upon the uplands beyond. Behind + them they could still catch a glimpse of the gray plains of Gascony, and + could see her rivers gleaming like coils of silver in the sunshine. As far + as eye could see from among the rocky gorges and the bristles of the pine + woods there came the quick twinkle and glitter of steel, while the wind + brought with it sudden distant bursts of martial music from the great host + which rolled by every road and by-path towards the narrow pass of + Roncesvalles. On the cliffs on either side might also be seen the flash of + arms and the waving of pennons where the force of Navarre looked down upon + the army of strangers who passed through their territories. + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul!” said Sir Nigel, blinking up at them, “I think that we + have much to hope for from these cavaliers, for they cluster very thickly + upon our flanks. Pass word to the men, Aylward, that they unsling their + bows, for I have no doubt that there are some very worthy gentlemen yonder + who may give us some opportunity for honorable advancement.” + </p> + <p> + “I hear that the prince hath the King of Navarre as hostage,” said + Alleyne, “and it is said that he hath sworn to put him to death if there + be any attack upon us.” + </p> + <p> + “It was not so that war was made when good King Edward first turned his + hand to it,” said Sir Nigel sadly. “Ah! Alleyne, I fear that you will + never live to see such things, for the minds of men are more set upon + money and gain than of old. By Saint Paul! it was a noble sight when two + great armies would draw together upon a certain day, and all who had a vow + would ride forth to discharge themselves of it. What noble spear-runnings + have I not seen, and even in an humble way had a part in, when cavaliers + would run a course for the easing of their souls and for the love of their + ladies! Never a bad word have I for the French, for, though I have ridden + twenty times up to their array, I have never yet failed to find some very + gentle and worthy knight or squire who was willing to do what he might to + enable me to attempt some small feat of arms. Then, when all cavaliers had + been satisfied, the two armies would come to hand-strokes, and fight right + merrily until one or other had the vantage. By Saint Paul! it was not our + wont in those days to pay gold for the opening of passes, nor would we + hold a king as hostage lest his people come to thrusts with us. In good + sooth, if the war is to be carried out in such a fashion, then it is grief + to me that I ever came away from Castle Twynham, for I would not have left + my sweet lady had I not thought that there were deeds of arms to be done.” + </p> + <p> + “But surely, my fair lord,” said Alleyne, “you have done some great feats + of arms since we left the Lady Loring.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot call any to mind,” answered Sir Nigel. + </p> + <p> + “There was the taking of the sea-rovers, and the holding of the keep + against the Jacks.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” said the knight, “these were not feats of arms, but mere + wayside ventures and the chances of travel. By Saint Paul! if it were not + that these hills are over-steep for Pommers, I would ride to these + cavaliers of Navarre and see if there were not some among them who would + help me to take this patch from mine eye. It is a sad sight to see this + very fine pass, which my own Company here could hold against an army, and + yet to ride through it with as little profit as though it were the lane + from my kennels to the Avon.” + </p> + <p> + All morning Sir Nigel rode in a very ill-humor, with his Company tramping + behind him. It was a toilsome march over broken ground and through snow, + which came often as high as the knee, yet ere the sun had begun to sink + they had reached the spot where the gorge opens out on to the uplands of + Navarre, and could see the towers of Pampeluna jutting up against the + southern sky-line. Here the Company were quartered in a scattered mountain + hamlet, and Alleyne spent the day looking down upon the swarming army + which poured with gleam of spears and flaunt of standards through the + narrow pass. + </p> + <p> + “Hola, mon gar.,” said Aylward, seating himself upon a boulder by his + side. “This is indeed a fine sight upon which it is good to look, and a + man might go far ere he would see so many brave men and fine horses. By my + hilt! our little lord is wroth because we have come peacefully through the + passes, but I will warrant him that we have fighting enow ere we turn our + faces northward again. It is said that there are four-score thousand men + behind the King of Spain, with Du Guesclin and all the best lances of + France, who have sworn to shed their heart's blood ere this Pedro come + again to the throne.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet our own army is a great one,” said Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, there are but seven-and-twenty thousand men. Chandos hath persuaded + the prince to leave many behind, and indeed I think that he is right, for + there is little food and less water in these parts for which we are bound. + A man without his meat or a horse without his fodder is like a wet + bow-string, fit for little. But voila, mon petit, here comes Chandos and + his company, and there is many a pensil and banderole among yonder + squadrons which show that the best blood of England is riding under his + banners.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst Aylward had been speaking, a strong column of archers had defiled + through the pass beneath them. They were followed by a banner-bearer who + held high the scarlet wedge upon a silver field which proclaimed the + presence of the famous warrior. He rode himself within a spear's-length of + his standard, clad from neck to foot in steel, but draped in the long + linen gown or parement which was destined to be the cause of his death. + His plumed helmet was carried behind him by his body-squire, and his head + was covered by a small purple cap, from under which his snow-white hair + curled downwards to his shoulders. With his long beak-like nose and his + single gleaming eye, which shone brightly from under a thick tuft of + grizzled brow, he seemed to Alleyne to have something of the look of some + fierce old bird of prey. For a moment he smiled, as his eye lit upon the + banner of the five roses waving from the hamlet; but his course lay for + Pampeluna, and he rode on after the archers. + </p> + <p> + Close at his heels came sixteen squires, all chosen from the highest + families, and behind them rode twelve hundred English knights, with gleam + of steel and tossing of plumes, their harness jingling, their long + straight swords clanking against their stirrup-irons, and the beat of + their chargers' hoofs like the low deep roar of the sea upon the shore. + Behind them marched six hundred Cheshire and Lancashire archers, bearing + the badge of the Audleys, followed by the famous Lord Audley himself, with + the four valiant squires, Dutton of Dutton, Delves of Doddington, + Fowlehurst of Crewe, and Hawkestone of Wainehill, who had all won such + glory at Poictiers. Two hundred heavily-armed cavalry rode behind the + Audley standard, while close at their heels came the Duke of Lancaster + with a glittering train, heralds tabarded with the royal arms riding three + deep upon cream-colored chargers in front of him. On either side of the + young prince rode the two seneschals of Aquitaine, Sir Guiscard d'Angle + and Sir Stephen Cossington, the one bearing the banner of the province and + the other that of Saint George. Away behind him as far as eye could reach + rolled the far-stretching, unbroken river of steel—rank after rank + and column after column, with waving of plumes, glitter of arms, tossing + of guidons, and flash and flutter of countless armorial devices. All day + Alleyne looked down upon the changing scene, and all day the old bowman + stood by his elbow, pointing out the crests of famous warriors and the + arms of noble houses. Here were the gold mullets of the Pakingtons, the + sable and ermine of the Mackworths, the scarlet bars of the Wakes, the + gold and blue of the Grosvenors, the cinque-foils of the Cliftons, the + annulets of the Musgraves, the silver pinions of the Beauchamps, the + crosses of the Molineaux, the bloody chevron of the Woodhouses, the red + and silver of the Worsleys, the swords of the Clarks, the boars'-heads of + the Lucies, the crescents of the Boyntons, and the wolf and dagger of the + Lipscombs. So through the sunny winter day the chivalry of England poured + down through the dark pass of Roncesvalles to the plains of Spain. + </p> + <p> + It was on a Monday that the Duke of Lancaster's division passed safely + through the Pyrenees. On the Tuesday there was a bitter frost, and the + ground rung like iron beneath the feet of the horses; yet ere evening the + prince himself, with the main battle of his army, had passed the gorge and + united with his vanguard at Pampeluna. With him rode the King of Majorca, + the hostage King of Navarre, and the fierce Don Pedro of Spain, whose pale + blue eyes gleamed with a sinister light as they rested once more upon the + distant peaks of the land which had disowned him. Under the royal banners + rode many a bold Gascon baron and many a hot-blooded islander. Here were + the high stewards of Aquitaine, of Saintonge, of La Rochelle, of Quercy, + of Limousin, of Agenois, of Poitou, and of Bigorre, with the banners and + musters of their provinces. Here also were the valiant Earl of Angus, Sir + Thomas Banaster with his garter over his greave, Sir Nele Loring, second + cousin to Sir Nigel, and a long column of Welsh footmen who marched under + the red banner of Merlin. From dawn to sundown the long train wound + through the pass, their breath reeking up upon the frosty air like the + steam from a cauldron. + </p> + <p> + The weather was less keen upon the Wednesday, and the rear-guard made good + their passage, with the bombards and the wagon-train. Free companions and + Gascons made up this portion of the army to the number of ten thousand + men. The fierce Sir Hugh Calverley, with his yellow mane, and the rugged + Sir Robert Knolles, with their war-hardened and veteran companies of + English bowmen, headed the long column; while behind them came the + turbulent bands of the Bastard of Breteuil, Nandon de Bagerant, one-eyed + Camus, Black Ortingo, La Nuit and others whose very names seem to smack of + hard hands and ruthless deeds. With them also were the pick of the Gascon + chivalry—the old Duc d'Armagnac, his nephew Lord d'Albret, brooding + and scowling over his wrongs, the giant Oliver de Clisson, the Captal de + Buch, pink of knighthood, the sprightly Sir Perducas d'Albret, the + red-bearded Lord d'Esparre, and a long train of needy and grasping border + nobles, with long pedigrees and short purses, who had come down from their + hill-side strongholds, all hungering for the spoils and the ransoms of + Spain. By the Thursday morning the whole army was encamped in the Vale of + Pampeluna, and the prince had called his council to meet him in the old + palace of the ancient city of Navarre. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. HOW THE COMPANY MADE SPORT IN THE VALE OF PAMPELUNA. + </h2> + <p> + Whilst the council was sitting in Pampeluna the White Company, having + encamped in a neighboring valley, close to the companies of La Nuit and of + Black Ortingo, were amusing themselves with sword-play, wrestling, and + shooting at the shields, which they had placed upon the hillside to serve + them as butts. The younger archers, with their coats of mail thrown aside, + their brown or flaxen hair tossing in the wind, and their jerkins turned + back to give free play to their brawny chests and arms, stood in lines, + each loosing his shaft in turn, while Johnston, Aylward, Black Simon, and + half-a-score of the elders lounged up and down with critical eyes, and a + word of rough praise or of curt censure for the marksmen. Behind stood + knots of Gascon and Brabant crossbowmen from the companies of Ortingo and + of La Nuit, leaning upon their unsightly weapons and watching the practice + of the Englishmen. + </p> + <p> + “A good shot, Hewett, a good shot!” said old Johnston to a young bowman, + who stood with his bow in his left hand, gazing with parted lips after his + flying shaft. “You see, she finds the ring, as I knew she would from the + moment that your string twanged.” + </p> + <p> + “Loose it easy, steady, and yet sharp,” said Aylward. “By my hilt! mon + gar., it is very well when you do but shoot at a shield, but when there is + a man behind the shield, and he rides at you with wave of sword and glint + of eyes from behind his vizor, you may find him a less easy mark.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a mark that I have found before now,” answered the young bowman. + </p> + <p> + “And shall again, camarade, I doubt not. But hola! Johnston, who is this + who holds his bow like a crow-keeper?” + </p> + <p> + “It is Silas Peterson, of Horsham. Do not wink with one eye and look with + the other, Silas, and do not hop and dance after you shoot, with your + tongue out, for that will not speed it upon its way. Stand straight and + firm, as God made you. Move not the bow arm, and steady with the drawing + hand!” + </p> + <p> + “I' faith,” said Black Simon, “I am a spearman myself, and am more fitted + for hand-strokes than for such work as this. Yet I have spent my days + among bowmen, and I have seen many a brave shaft sped. I will not say but + that we have some good marksmen here, and that this Company would be + accounted a fine body of archers at any time or place. Yet I do not see + any men who bend so strong a bow or shoot as true a shaft as those whom I + have known.” + </p> + <p> + “You say sooth,” said Johnston, turning his seamed and grizzled face upon + the man-at-arms. “See yonder,” he added, pointing to a bombard which lay + within the camp: “there is what hath done scath to good bowmanship, with + its filthy soot and foolish roaring mouth. I wonder that a true knight, + like our prince, should carry such a scurvy thing in his train. Robin, + thou red-headed lurden, how oft must I tell thee not to shoot straight + with a quarter-wind blowing across the mark?” + </p> + <p> + “By these ten finger-bones! there were some fine bowmen at the intaking of + Calais,” said Aylward. “I well remember that, on occasion of an outfall, a + Genoan raised his arm over his mantlet, and shook it at us, a hundred + paces from our line. There were twenty who loosed shafts at him, and when + the man was afterwards slain it was found that he had taken eighteen + through his forearm.” + </p> + <p> + “And I can call to mind,” remarked Johnston, “that when the great cog + 'Christopher,' which the French had taken from us, was moored two hundred + paces from the shore, two archers, little Robin Withstaff and Elias + Baddlesmere, in four shots each cut every strand of her hempen + anchor-cord, so that she well-nigh came upon the rocks.” + </p> + <p> + “Good shooting, i' faith rare shooting!” said Black Simon. “But I have + seen you, Johnston, and you, Samkin Aylward, and one or two others who are + still with us, shoot as well as the best. Was it not you, Johnston, who + took the fat ox at Finsbury butts against the pick of London town?” + </p> + <p> + A sunburnt and black-eyed Brabanter had stood near the old archers, + leaning upon a large crossbow and listening to their talk, which had been + carried on in that hybrid camp dialect which both nations could + understand. He was a squat, bull-necked man, clad in the iron helmet, mail + tunic, and woollen gambesson of his class. A jacket with hanging sleeves, + slashed with velvet at the neck and wrists, showed that he was a man of + some consideration, an under-officer, or file-leader of his company. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot think,” said he, “why you English should be so fond of your + six-foot stick. If it amuse you to bend it, well and good; but why should + I strain and pull, when my little moulinet will do all for me, and better + than I can do it for myself?” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen good shooting with the prod and with the latch,” said + Aylward, “but, by my hilt! camarade, with all respect to you and to your + bow, I think that is but a woman's weapon, which a woman can point and + loose as easily as a man.” + </p> + <p> + “I know not about that,” answered the Brabanter, “but this I know, that + though I have served for fourteen years, I have never yet seen an + Englishman do aught with the long-bow which I could not do better with my + arbalest. By the three kings! I would even go further, and say that I have + done things with my arbalest which no Englishman could do with his + long-bow.” + </p> + <p> + “Well said, mon gar.,” cried Aylward. “A good cock has ever a brave call. + Now, I have shot little of late, but there is Johnston here who will try a + round with you for the honor of the Company.” + </p> + <p> + “And I will lay a gallon of Jurancon wine upon the long-bow,” said Black + Simon, “though I had rather, for my own drinking, that it were a quart of + Twynham ale.” + </p> + <p> + “I take both your challenge and your wager,” said the man of Brabant, + throwing off his jacket and glancing keenly about him with his black, + twinkling eyes. “I cannot see any fitting mark, for I care not to waste a + bolt upon these shields, which a drunken boor could not miss at a village + kermesse.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a perilous man,” whispered an English man-at-arms, plucking at + Aylward's sleeve. “He is the best marksman of all the crossbow companies + and it was he who brought down the Constable de Bourbon at Brignais. I + fear that your man will come by little honor with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet I have seen Johnston shoot these twenty years, and I will not flinch + from it. How say you, old war-hound, will you not have a flight shot or + two with this springald?” + </p> + <p> + “Tut, tut, Aylward,” said the old bowman. “My day is past, and it is for + the younger ones to hold what we have gained. I take it unkindly of thee, + Samkin, that thou shouldst call all eyes thus upon a broken bowman who + could once shoot a fair shaft. Let me feel that bow, Wilkins! It is a + Scotch bow, I see, for the upper nock is without and the lower within. By + the black rood! it is a good piece of yew, well nocked, well strung, well + waxed, and very joyful to the feel. I think even now that I might hit any + large and goodly mark with a bow like this. Turn thy quiver to me, + Aylward. I love an ash arrow pierced with cornel-wood for a roving shaft.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! and so do I,” cried Aylward. “These three gander-winged + shafts are such.” + </p> + <p> + “So I see, comrade. It has been my wont to choose a saddle-backed feather + for a dead shaft, and a swine-backed for a smooth flier. I will take the + two of them. Ah! Samkin, lad, the eye grows dim and the hand less firm as + the years pass.” + </p> + <p> + “Come then, are you not ready?” said the Brabanter, who had watched with + ill-concealed impatience the slow and methodic movements of his + antagonist. + </p> + <p> + “I will venture a rover with you, or try long-butts or hoyles,” said old + Johnston. “To my mind the long-bow is a better weapon than the arbalest, + but it may be ill for me to prove it.” + </p> + <p> + “So I think,” quoth the other with a sneer. He drew his moulinet from his + girdle, and fixing it to the windlass, he drew back the powerful double + cord until it had clicked into the catch. Then from his quiver he drew a + short, thick quarrel, which he placed with the utmost care upon the + groove. Word had spread of what was going forward, and the rivals were + already surrounded, not only by the English archers of the Company, but by + hundreds of arbalestiers and men-at-arms from the bands of Ortingo and La + Nuit, to the latter of which the Brabanter belonged. + </p> + <p> + “There is a mark yonder on the hill,” said he; “mayhap you can discern + it.” + </p> + <p> + “I see something,” answered Johnston, shading his eyes with his hand; “but + it is a very long shoot.” + </p> + <p> + “A fair shoot—a fair shoot! Stand aside, Arnaud, lest you find a + bolt through your gizzard. Now, comrade, I take no flight shot, and I give + you the vantage of watching my shaft.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he raised his arbalest to his shoulder and was about to pull + the trigger, when a large gray stork flapped heavily into view skimming + over the brow of the hill, and then soaring up into the air to pass the + valley. Its shrill and piercing cries drew all eyes upon it, and, as it + came nearer, a dark spot which circled above it resolved itself into a + peregrine falcon, which hovered over its head, poising itself from time to + time, and watching its chance of closing with its clumsy quarry. Nearer + and nearer came the two birds, all absorbed in their own contest, the + stork wheeling upwards, the hawk still fluttering above it, until they + were not a hundred paces from the camp. The Brabanter raised his weapon to + the sky, and there came the short, deep twang of his powerful string. His + bolt struck the stork just where its wing meets the body, and the bird + whirled aloft in a last convulsive flutter before falling wounded and + flapping to the earth. A roar of applause burst from the crossbowmen; but + at the instant that the bolt struck its mark old Johnston, who had stood + listlessly with arrow on string, bent his bow and sped a shaft through the + body of the falcon. Whipping the other from his belt, he sent it skimming + some few feet from the earth with so true an aim that it struck and + transfixed the stork for the second time ere it could reach the ground. A + deep-chested shout of delight burst from the archers at the sight of this + double feat, and Aylward, dancing with joy, threw his arms round the old + marksman and embraced him with such vigor that their mail tunics clanged + again. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! camarade,” he cried, “you shall have a stoup with me for this! What + then, old dog, would not the hawk please thee, but thou must have the + stork as well. Oh, to my heart again!” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pretty piece of yew, and well strung,” said Johnston with a + twinkle in his deep-set gray eyes. “Even an old broken bowman might find + the clout with a bow like this.” + </p> + <p> + “You have done very well,” remarked the Brabanter in a surly voice. “But + it seems to me that you have not yet shown yourself to be a better + marksman than I, for I have struck that at which I aimed, and, by the + three kings! no man can do more.” + </p> + <p> + “It would ill beseem me to claim to be a better marksman,” answered + Johnston, “for I have heard great things of your skill. I did but wish to + show that the long-bow could do that which an arbalest could not do, for + you could not with your moulinet have your string ready to speed another + shaft ere the bird drop to the earth.” + </p> + <p> + “In that you have vantage,” said the crossbowman. “By Saint James! it is + now my turn to show you where my weapon has the better of you. I pray you + to draw a flight shaft with all your strength down the valley, that we may + see the length of your shoot.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a very strong prod of yours,” said Johnston, shaking his grizzled + head as he glanced at the thick arch and powerful strings of his rival's + arbalest. “I have little doubt that you can overshoot me, and yet I have + seen bowmen who could send a cloth-yard arrow further than you could speed + a quarrel.” + </p> + <p> + “So I have heard,” remarked the Brabanter; “and yet it is a strange thing + that these wondrous bowmen are never where I chance to be. Pace out the + distances with a wand at every five score, and do you, Arnaud, stand at + the fifth wand to carry back my bolts to me.” + </p> + <p> + A line was measured down the valley, and Johnston, drawing an arrow to the + very head, sent it whistling over the row of wands. + </p> + <p> + “Bravely drawn! A rare shoot!” shouted the bystanders. + </p> + <p> + “It is well up to the fourth mark.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! it is over it,” cried Aylward. “I can see where they have + stooped to gather up the shaft.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall hear anon,” said Johnston quietly, and presently a young archer + came running to say that the arrow had fallen twenty paces beyond the + fourth wand. + </p> + <p> + “Four hundred paces and a score,” cried Black Simon. “I' faith, it is a + very long flight. Yet wood and steel may do more than flesh and blood.” + </p> + <p> + The Brabanter stepped forward with a smile of conscious triumph, and + loosed the cord of his weapon. A shout burst from his comrades as they + watched the swift and lofty flight of the heavy bolt. + </p> + <p> + “Over the fourth!” groaned Aylward. “By my hilt! I think that it is well + up to the fifth.” + </p> + <p> + “It is over the fifth!” cried a Gascon loudly, and a comrade came running + with waving arms to say that the bolt had pitched eight paces beyond the + mark of the five hundred. + </p> + <p> + “Which weapon hath the vantage now?” cried the Brabanter, strutting + proudly about with shouldered arbalest, amid the applause of his + companions. + </p> + <p> + “You can overshoot me,” said Johnston gently. + </p> + <p> + “Or any other man who ever bent a long-bow,” cried his victorious + adversary. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, not so fast,” said a huge archer, whose mighty shoulders and red + head towered high above the throng of his comrades. “I must have a word + with you ere you crow so loudly. Where is my little popper? By sainted + Dick of Hampole! it will be a strange thing if I cannot outshoot that + thing of thine, which to my eyes is more like a rat-trap than a bow. Will + you try another flight, or do you stand by your last?” + </p> + <p> + “Five hundred and eight paces will serve my turn,” answered the Brabanter, + looking askance at this new opponent. + </p> + <p> + “Tut, John,” whispered Aylward, “you never were a marksman. Why must you + thrust your spoon into this dish?” + </p> + <p> + “Easy and slow, Aylward. There are very many things which I cannot do, but + there are also one or two which I have the trick of. It is in my mind that + I can beat this shoot, if my bow will but hold together.” + </p> + <p> + “Go on, old babe of the woods!” “Have at it, Hampshire!” cried the archers + laughing. + </p> + <p> + “By my soul! you may grin,” cried John. “But I learned how to make the + long shoot from old Hob Miller of Milford.” He took up a great black bow, + as he spoke, and sitting down upon the ground he placed his two feet on + either end of the stave. With an arrow fitted, he then pulled the string + towards him with both hands until the head of the shaft was level with the + wood. The great bow creaked and groaned and the cord vibrated with the + tension. + </p> + <p> + “Who is this fool's-head who stands in the way of my shoot?” said he, + craning up his neck from the ground. + </p> + <p> + “He stands on the further side of my mark,” answered the Brabanter, “so he + has little to fear from you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the saints assoil him!” cried John. “Though I think he is over-near + to be scathed.” As he spoke he raised his two feet, with the bow-stave + upon their soles, and his cord twanged with a deep rich hum which might be + heard across the valley. The measurer in the distance fell flat upon his + face, and then jumping up again, he began to run in the opposite + direction. + </p> + <p> + “Well shot, old lad! It is indeed over his head,” cried the bowmen. + </p> + <p> + “Mon Dieu!” exclaimed the Brabanter, “who ever saw such a shoot?” + </p> + <p> + “It is but a trick,” quoth John. “Many a time have I won a gallon of ale + by covering a mile in three flights down Wilverley Chase.” + </p> + <p> + “It fell a hundred and thirty paces beyond the fifth mark,” shouted an + archer in the distance. + </p> + <p> + “Six hundred and thirty paces! Mon Dieu! but that is a shoot! And yet it + says nothing for your weapon, mon gros camarade, for it was by turning + yourself into a crossbow that you did it.” + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! there is truth in that,” cried Aylward. “And now, friend, I + will myself show you a vantage of the long-bow. I pray you to speed a bolt + against yonder shield with all your force. It is an inch of elm with + bull's hide over it.” + </p> + <p> + “I scarce shot as many shafts at Brignais,” growled the man of Brabant; + “though I found a better mark there than a cantle of bull's hide. But what + is this, Englishman? The shield hangs not one hundred paces from me, and a + blind man could strike it.” He screwed up his string to the furthest + pitch, and shot his quarrel at the dangling shield. Aylward, who had drawn + an arrow from his quiver, carefully greased the head of it, and sped it at + the same mark. + </p> + <p> + “Run, Wilkins,” quoth he, “and fetch me the shield.” + </p> + <p> + Long were the faces of the Englishmen and broad the laugh of the + crossbowmen as the heavy mantlet was carried towards them, for there in + the centre was the thick Brabant bolt driven deeply into the wood, while + there was neither sign nor trace of the cloth-yard shaft. + </p> + <p> + “By the three kings!” cried the Brabanter, “this time at least there is no + gainsaying which is the better weapon, or which the truer hand that held + it. You have missed the shield, Englishman.” + </p> + <p> + “Tarry a bit! tarry a bit, mon gar.!” quoth Aylward, and turning round the + shield he showed a round clear hole in the wood at the back of it. “My + shaft has passed through it, camarade, and I trow the one which goes + through is more to be feared than that which bides on the way.” + </p> + <p> + The Brabanter stamped his foot with mortification, and was about to make + some angry reply, when Alleyne Edricson came riding up to the crowds of + archers. + </p> + <p> + “Sir Nigel will be here anon,” said he, “and it is his wish to speak with + the Company.” + </p> + <p> + In an instant order and method took the place of general confusion. Bows, + steel caps, and jacks were caught up from the grass. A long cordon cleared + the camp of all strangers, while the main body fell into four lines with + under-officers and file-leaders in front and on either flank. So they + stood, silent and motionless, when their leader came riding towards them, + his face shining and his whole small figure swelling with the news which + he bore. + </p> + <p> + “Great honor has been done to us, men,” cried he: “for, of all the army, + the prince has chosen us out that we should ride onwards into the lands of + Spain to spy upon our enemies. Yet, as there are many of us, and as the + service may not be to the liking of all, I pray that those will step + forward from the ranks who have the will to follow me.” + </p> + <p> + There was a rustle among the bowmen, but when Sir Nigel looked up at them + no man stood forward from his fellows, but the four lines of men stretched + unbroken as before. Sir Nigel blinked at them in amazement, and a look of + the deepest sorrow shadowed his face. + </p> + <p> + “That I should live to see the day!” he cried. “What! not one——” + </p> + <p> + “My fair lord,” whispered Alleyne, “they have all stepped forward.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, by Saint Paul! I see how it is with them. I could not think that they + would desert me. We start at dawn to-morrow, and ye are to have the horses + of Sir Robert Cheney's company. Be ready, I pray ye, at early cock-crow.” + </p> + <p> + A buzz of delight burst from the archers, as they broke their ranks and + ran hither and thither, whooping and cheering like boys who have news of a + holiday. Sir Nigel gazed after them with a smiling face, when a heavy hand + fell upon his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “What ho! my knight-errant of Twynham!” said a voice, “You are off to + Ebro, I hear; and, by the holy fish of Tobias! you must take me under your + banner.” + </p> + <p> + “What! Sir Oliver Buttesthorn!” cried Sir Nigel. “I had heard that you + were come into camp, and had hoped to see you. Glad and proud shall I be + to have you with me.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a most particular and weighty reason for wishing to go,” said the + sturdy knight. + </p> + <p> + “I can well believe it,” returned Sir Nigel; “I have met no man who is + quicker to follow where honor leads.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it is not for honor that I go, Nigel.” + </p> + <p> + “For what then?” + </p> + <p> + “For pullets.” + </p> + <p> + “Pullets?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, for the rascal vanguard have cleared every hen from the + country-side. It was this very morning that Norbury, my squire, lamed his + horse in riding round in quest of one, for we have a bag of truffles, and + nought to eat with them. Never have I seen such locusts as this vanguard + of ours. Not a pullet shall we see until we are in front of them; so I + shall leave my Winchester runagates to the care of the provost-marshal, + and I shall hie south with you, Nigel, with my truffles at my saddle-bow.” + </p> + <p> + “Oliver, Oliver, I know you over-well,” said Sir Nigel, shaking his head, + and the two old soldiers rode off together to their pavilion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. HOW SIR NIGEL HAWKED AT AN EAGLE. + </h2> + <p> + To the south of Pampeluna in the kingdom of Navarre there stretched a high + table-land, rising into bare, sterile hills, brown or gray in color, and + strewn with huge boulders of granite. On the Gascon side of the great + mountains there had been running streams, meadows, forests, and little + nestling villages. Here, on the contrary, were nothing but naked rocks, + poor pasture, and savage, stone-strewn wastes. Gloomy defiles or barrancas + intersected this wild country with mountain torrents dashing and foaming + between their rugged sides. The clatter of waters, the scream of the + eagle, and the howling of wolves the only sounds which broke upon the + silence in that dreary and inhospitable region. + </p> + <p> + Through this wild country it was that Sir Nigel and his Company pushed + their way, riding at times through vast defiles where the brown, gnarled + cliffs shot up on either side of them, and the sky was but a long winding + blue slit between the clustering lines of box which fringed the lips of + the precipices; or, again leading their horses along the narrow and rocky + paths worn by the muleteers upon the edges of the chasm, where under their + very elbows they could see the white streak which marked the <i>gave</i> + which foamed a thousand feet below them. So for two days they pushed their + way through the wild places of Navarre, past Fuente, over the rapid Ega, + through Estella, until upon a winter's evening the mountains fell away + from in front of them, and they saw the broad blue Ebro curving betwixt + its double line of homesteads and of villages. The fishers of Viana were + aroused that night by rough voices speaking in a strange tongue, and ere + morning Sir Nigel and his men had ferried the river and were safe upon the + land of Spain. + </p> + <p> + All the next day they lay in a pine wood near to the town of Logrono, + resting their horses and taking counsel as to what they should do. Sir + Nigel had with him Sir William Felton, Sir Oliver Buttesthorn, stout old + Sir Simon Burley, the Scotch knight-errant, the Earl of Angus, and Sir + Richard Causton, all accounted among the bravest knights in the army, + together with sixty veteran men-at-arms, and three hundred and twenty + archers. Spies had been sent out in the morning, and returned after + nightfall to say that the King of Spain was encamped some fourteen miles + off in the direction of Burgos, having with him twenty thousand horse and + forty-five thousand foot. + </p> + <p> + A dry-wood fire had been lit, and round this the leaders crouched, the + glare beating upon their rugged faces, while the hardy archers lounged and + chatted amid the tethered horses, while they munched their scanty + provisions. + </p> + <p> + “For my part,” said Sir Simon Burley, “I am of opinion that we have + already done that which we have come for. For do we not now know where the + king is, and how great a following he hath, which was the end of our + journey.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” answered Sir William Felton, “but I have come on this venture + because it is a long time since I have broken a spear in war, and, certes, + I shall not go back until I have run a course with some cavalier of Spain. + Let those go back who will, but I must see more of these Spaniards ere I + turn.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not leave you, Sir William,” returned Sir Simon Burley; “and yet, + as an old soldier and one who hath seen much of war, I cannot but think + that it is an ill thing for four hundred men to find themselves between an + army of sixty thousand on the one side and a broad river on the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” said Sir Richard Causton, “we cannot for the honor of England go + back without a blow struck.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor for the honor of Scotland either,” cried the Earl of Angus. “By Saint + Andrew! I wish that I may never set eyes upon the water of Leith again, if + I pluck my horse's bridle ere I have seen this camp of theirs.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul! you have spoken very well,” said Sir Nigel, “and I have + always heard that there were very worthy gentlemen among the Scots, and + fine skirmishing to be had upon their border. Bethink you, Sir Simon, that + we have this news from the lips of common spies, who can scarce tell us as + much of the enemy and of his forces as the prince would wish to hear.” + </p> + <p> + “You are the leader in this venture, Sir Nigel,” the other answered, “and + I do but ride under your banner.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet I would fain have your rede and counsel, Sir Simon. But, touching + what you say of the river, we can take heed that we shall not have it at + the back of us, for the prince hath now advanced to Salvatierra, and + thence to Vittoria, so that if we come upon their camp from the further + side we can make good our retreat.” + </p> + <p> + “What then would you propose?” asked Sir Simon, shaking his grizzled head + as one who is but half convinced. + </p> + <p> + “That we ride forward ere the news reach them that we have crossed the + river. In this way we may have sight of their army, and perchance even + find occasion for some small deed against them.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it, then,” said Sir Simon Burley; and the rest of the council + having approved, a scanty meal was hurriedly snatched, and the advance + resumed under the cover of the darkness. All night they led their horses, + stumbling and groping through wild defiles and rugged valleys, following + the guidance of a frightened peasant who was strapped by the wrist to + Black Simon's stirrup-leather. With the early dawn they found themselves + in a black ravine, with others sloping away from it on either side, and + the bare brown crags rising in long bleak terraces all round them. + </p> + <p> + “If it please you, fair lord,” said Black Simon, “this man hath misled us, + and since there is no tree upon which we may hang him, it might be well to + hurl him over yonder cliff.” + </p> + <p> + The peasant, reading the soldier's meaning in his fierce eyes and harsh + accents dropped upon his knees, screaming loudly for mercy. + </p> + <p> + “How comes it, dog?” asked Sir William Felton in Spanish. “Where is this + camp to which you swore that you would lead us?” + </p> + <p> + “By the sweet Virgin! By the blessed Mother of God!” cried the trembling + peasant, “I swear to you that in the darkness I have myself lost the + path.” + </p> + <p> + “Over the cliff with him!” shouted half a dozen voices; but ere the + archers could drag him from the rocks to which he clung Sir Nigel had + ridden up and called upon them to stop. + </p> + <p> + “How is this, sirs?” said he. “As long as the prince doth me the honor to + entrust this venture to me, it is for me only to give orders; and, by + Saint Paul! I shall be right blithe to go very deeply into the matter with + any one to whom my words may give offence. How say you, Sir William? Or + you, my Lord of Angus? Or you, Sir Richard?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, Nigel!” cried Sir William. “This base peasant is too small a + matter for old comrades to quarrel over. But he hath betrayed us, and + certes he hath merited a dog's death.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark ye, fellow,” said Sir Nigel. “We give you one more chance to find + the path. We are about to gain much honor, Sir William, in this + enterprise, and it would be a sorry thing if the first blood shed were + that of an unworthy boor. Let us say our morning orisons, and it may + chance that ere we finish he may strike upon the track.” + </p> + <p> + With bowed heads and steel caps in hand, the archers stood at their + horse's heads, while Sir Simon Burley repeated the Pater, the Ave, and the + Credo. Long did Alleyne bear the scene in mind—the knot of knights + in their dull leaden-hued armor, the ruddy visage of Sir Oliver, the + craggy features of the Scottish earl, the shining scalp of Sir Nigel, with + the dense ring of hard, bearded faces and the long brown heads of the + horses, all topped and circled by the beetling cliffs. Scarce had the last + deep “amen” broken from the Company, when, in an instant, there rose the + scream of a hundred bugles, with the deep rolling of drums and the + clashing of cymbals, all sounding together in one deafening uproar. + Knights and archers sprang to arms, convinced that some great host was + upon them; but the guide dropped upon his knees and thanked Heaven for its + mercies. + </p> + <p> + “We have found them, caballeros!” he cried. “This is their morning call. + If ye will but deign to follow me, I will set them before you ere a man + might tell his beads.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he scrambled down one of the narrow ravines, and, climbing + over a low ridge at the further end, he led them into a short valley with + a stream purling down the centre of it and a very thick growth of elder + and of box upon either side. Pushing their way through the dense + brushwood, they looked out upon a scene which made their hearts beat + harder and their breath come faster. + </p> + <p> + In front of them there lay a broad plain, watered by two winding streams + and covered with grass, stretching away to where, in the furthest + distance, the towers of Burgos bristled up against the light blue morning + sky. Over all this vast meadow there lay a great city of tents—thousands + upon thousands of them, laid out in streets and in squares like a + well-ordered town. High silken pavilions or colored marquees, shooting up + from among the crowd of meaner dwellings, marked where the great lords and + barons of Leon and Castile displayed their standards, while over the white + roofs, as far as eye could reach, the waving of ancients, pavons, pensils, + and banderoles, with flash of gold and glow of colors, proclaimed that all + the chivalry of Iberia were mustered in the plain beneath them. Far off, + in the centre of the camp, a huge palace of red and white silk, with the + royal arms of Castile waiving from the summit, announced that the gallant + Henry lay there in the midst of his warriors. + </p> + <p> + As the English adventurers, peeping out from behind their brushwood + screen, looked down upon this wondrous sight they could see that the vast + army in front of them was already afoot. The first pink light of the + rising sun glittered upon the steel caps and breastplates of dense masses + of slingers and of crossbowmen, who drilled and marched in the spaces + which had been left for their exercise. A thousand columns of smoke reeked + up into the pure morning air where the faggots were piled and the + camp-kettles already simmering. In the open plain clouds of light horse + galloped and swooped with swaying bodies and waving javelins, after the + fashion which the Spanish had adopted from their Moorish enemies. All + along by the sedgy banks of the rivers long lines of pages led their + masters' chargers down to water, while the knights themselves lounged in + gayly-dressed groups about the doors of their pavilions, or rode out, with + their falcons upon their wrists and their greyhounds behind them, in quest + of quail or of leveret. + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt! mon gar.!” whispered Aylward to Alleyne, as the young squire + stood with parted lips and wondering eyes, gazing down at the novel scene + before him, “we have been seeking them all night, but now that we have + found them I know not what we are to do with them.” + </p> + <p> + “You say sooth, Samkin,” quoth old Johnston. “I would that we were upon + the far side of Ebro again, for there is neither honor nor profit to be + gained here. What say you, Simon?” + </p> + <p> + “By the rood!” cried the fierce man-at-arms, “I will see the color of + their blood ere I turn my mare's head for the mountains. Am I a child, + that I should ride for three days and nought but words at the end of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well said, my sweet honeysuckle!” cried Hordle John. “I am with you, like + hilt to blade. Could I but lay hands upon one of those gay prancers + yonder, I doubt not that I should have ransom enough from him to buy my + mother a new cow.” + </p> + <p> + “A cow!” said Aylward. “Say rather ten acres and a homestead on the banks + of Avon.” + </p> + <p> + “Say you so? Then, by our Lady! here is for yonder one in the red jerkin!” + </p> + <p> + He was about to push recklessly forward into the open, when Sir Nigel + himself darted in front of him, with his hand upon his breast. + </p> + <p> + “Back!” said he. “Our time is not yet come, and we must lie here until + evening. Throw off your jacks and headpieces, least their eyes catch the + shine, and tether the horses among the rocks.” + </p> + <p> + The order was swiftly obeyed, and in ten minutes the archers were + stretched along by the side of the brook, munching the bread and the bacon + which they had brought in their bags, and craning their necks to watch the + ever-changing scene beneath them. Very quiet and still they lay, save for + a muttered jest or whispered order, for twice during the long morning they + heard bugle-calls from amid the hills on either side of them, which showed + that they had thrust themselves in between the outposts of the enemy. The + leaders sat amongst the box-wood, and took counsel together as to what + they should do; while from below there surged up the buzz of voices, the + shouting, the neighing of horses, and all the uproar of a great camp. + </p> + <p> + “What boots it to wait?” said Sir William Felton. “Let us ride down upon + their camp ere they discover us.” + </p> + <p> + “And so say I,” cried the Scottish earl; “for they do not know that there + is any enemy within thirty long leagues of them.” + </p> + <p> + “For my part,” said Sir Simon Burley, “I think that it is madness, for you + cannot hope to rout this great army; and where are you to go and what are + you to do when they have turned upon you? How say you, Sir Oliver + Buttesthorn?” + </p> + <p> + “By the apple of Eve!” cried the fat knight, “it appears to me that this + wind brings a very savory smell of garlic and of onions from their + cooking-kettles. I am in favor of riding down upon them at once, if my old + friend and comrade here is of the same mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Sir Nigel, “I have a plan by which we may attempt some small + deed upon them, and yet, by the help of God, may be able to draw off + again; which, as Sir Simon Burley hath said, would be scarce possible in + any other way.” + </p> + <p> + “How then, Sir Nigel?” asked several voices. + </p> + <p> + “We shall lie here all day; for amid this brushwood it is ill for them to + see us. Then when evening comes we shall sally out upon them and see if we + may not gain some honorable advancement from them.” + </p> + <p> + “But why then rather than now?” + </p> + <p> + “Because we shall have nightfall to cover us when we draw off, so that we + may make our way back through the mountains. I would station a score of + archers here in the pass, with all our pennons jutting forth from the + rocks, and as many nakirs and drums and bugles as we have with us, so that + those who follow us in the fading light may think that the whole army of + the prince is upon them, and fear to go further. What think you of my + plan, Sir Simon?” + </p> + <p> + “By my troth! I think very well of it,” cried the prudent old commander. + “If four hundred men must needs run a tilt against sixty thousand, I + cannot see how they can do it better or more safely.” + </p> + <p> + “And so say I,” cried Felton, heartily. “But I wish the day were over, for + it will be an ill thing for us if they chance to light upon us.” + </p> + <p> + The words were scarce out of his mouth when there came a clatter of loose + stones, the sharp clink of trotting hoofs, and a dark-faced cavalier, + mounted upon a white horse, burst through the bushes and rode swiftly down + the valley from the end which was farthest from the Spanish camp. Lightly + armed, with his vizor open and a hawk perched upon his left wrist, he + looked about him with the careless air of a man who is bent wholly upon + pleasure, and unconscious of the possibility of danger. Suddenly, however, + his eyes lit upon the fierce faces which glared out at him from the + brushwood. With a cry of terror, he thrust his spurs into his horse's + sides and dashed for the narrow opening of the gorge. For a moment it + seemed as though he would have reached it, for he had trampled over or + dashed aside the archers who threw themselves in his way; but Hordle John + seized him by the foot in his grasp of iron and dragged him from the + saddle, while two others caught the frightened horse. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho!” roared the great archer. “How many cows wilt buy my mother, if I + set thee free?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush that bull's bellowing!” cried Sir Nigel impatiently. “Bring the man + here. By St. Paul! it is not the first time that we have met; for, if I + mistake not, it is Don Diego Alvarez, who was once at the prince's court.” + </p> + <p> + “It is indeed I,” said the Spanish knight, speaking in the French tongue, + “and I pray you to pass your sword through my heart, for how can I live—I, + a caballero of Castile—after being dragged from my horse by the base + hands of a common archer?” + </p> + <p> + “Fret not for that,” answered Sir Nigel. “For, in sooth, had he not pulled + you down, a dozen cloth-yard shafts had crossed each other in your body.” + </p> + <p> + “By St. James! it were better so than to be polluted by his touch,” + answered the Spaniard, with his black eyes sparkling with rage and hatred. + “I trust that I am now the prisoner of some honorable knight or + gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “You are the prisoner of the man who took you, Sir Diego,” answered Sir + Nigel. “And I may tell you that better men than either you or I have found + themselves before now prisoners in the hands of archers of England.” + </p> + <p> + “What ransom, then, does he demand?” asked the Spaniard. + </p> + <p> + Big John scratched his red head and grinned in high delight when the + question was propounded to him. “Tell him,” said he, “that I shall have + ten cows and a bull too, if it be but a little one. Also a dress of blue + sendall for mother and a red one for Joan; with five acres of + pasture-land, two scythes, and a fine new grindstone. Likewise a small + house, with stalls for the cows, and thirty-six gallons of beer for the + thirsty weather.” + </p> + <p> + “Tut, tut!” cried Sir Nigel, laughing. “All these things may be had for + money; and I think, Don Diego, that five thousand crowns is not too much + for so renowned a knight.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be duly paid him.” + </p> + <p> + “For some days we must keep you with us; and I must crave leave also to + use your shield, your armor, and your horse.” + </p> + <p> + “My harness is yours by the law of arms,” said the Spaniard, gloomily. + </p> + <p> + “I do but ask the loan of it. I have need of it this day, but it shall be + duly returned to you. Set guards, Aylward, with arrow on string, at either + end of the pass; for it may happen that some other cavaliers may visit us + ere the time be come.” All day the little band of Englishmen lay in the + sheltered gorge, looking down upon the vast host of their unconscious + enemies. Shortly after mid-day, a great uproar of shouting and cheering + broke out in the camp, with mustering of men and calling of bugles. + Clambering up among the rocks, the companions saw a long rolling cloud of + dust along the whole eastern sky-line, with the glint of spears and the + flutter of pennons, which announced the approach of a large body of + cavalry. For a moment a wild hope came upon them that perhaps the prince + had moved more swiftly than had been planned, that he had crossed the + Ebro, and that this was his vanguard sweeping to the attack. + </p> + <p> + “Surely I see the red pile of Chandos at the head of yonder squadron!” + cried Sir Richard Causton, shading his eyes with his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” answered Sir Simon Burley, who had watched the approaching host + with a darkening face. “It is even as I feared. That is the double eagle + of Du Guesclin.” + </p> + <p> + “You say very truly,” cried the Earl of Angus. “These are the levies of + France, for I can see the ensigns of the Marshal d'Andreghen, with that of + the Lord of Antoing and of Briseuil, and of many another from Brittany and + Anjou.” + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul! I am very glad of it,” said Sir Nigel. “Of these Spaniards I + know nothing; but the French are very worthy gentlemen, and will do what + they can for our advancement.” + </p> + <p> + “There are at the least four thousand of them, and all men-at-arms,” cried + Sir William Felton. “See, there is Bertrand himself, beside his banner, + and there is King Henry, who rides to welcome him. Now they all turn and + come into the camp together.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the vast throng of Spaniards and of Frenchmen trooped across + the plain, with brandished arms and tossing banners. All day long the + sound of revelry and of rejoicing from the crowded camp swelled up to the + ears of the Englishmen, and they could see the soldiers of the two nations + throwing themselves into each other's arms and dancing hand-in-hand round + the blazing fires. The sun had sunk behind a cloud-bank in the west before + Sir Nigel at last gave word that the men should resume their arms and have + their horses ready. He had himself thrown off his armor, and had dressed + himself from head to foot in the harness of the captured Spaniard. + </p> + <p> + “Sir William,” said he, “it is my intention to attempt a small deed, and I + ask you therefore that you will lead this outfall upon the camp. For me, I + will ride into their camp with my squire and two archers. I pray you to + watch me, and to ride forth when I am come among the tents. You will leave + twenty men behind here, as we planned this morning, and you will ride back + here after you have ventured as far as seems good to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do as you order, Nigel; but what is it that you propose to do?” + </p> + <p> + “You will see anon, and indeed it is but a trifling matter. Alleyne, you + will come with me, and lead a spare horse by the bridle. I will have the + two archers who rode with us through France, for they are trusty men and + of stout heart. Let them ride behind us, and let them leave their bows + here among the bushes for it is not my wish that they should know that we + are Englishmen. Say no word to any whom we may meet, and, if any speak to + you, pass on as though you heard them not. Are you ready?” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready, my fair lord,” said Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “And I,” “And I,” cried Aylward and John. + </p> + <p> + “Then the rest I leave to your wisdom, Sir William; and if God sends us + fortune we shall meet you again in this gorge ere it be dark.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Sir Nigel mounted the white horse of the Spanish cavalier, and + rode quietly forth from his concealment with his three companions behind + him, Alleyne leading his master's own steed by the bridle. So many small + parties of French and Spanish horse were sweeping hither and thither that + the small band attracted little notice, and making its way at a gentle + trot across the plain, they came as far as the camp without challenge or + hindrance. On and on they pushed past the endless lines of tents, amid the + dense swarms of horsemen and of footmen, until the huge royal pavilion + stretched in front of them. They were close upon it when of a sudden there + broke out a wild hubbub from a distant portion of the camp, with screams + and war-cries and all the wild tumult of battle. At the sound soldiers + came rushing from their tents, knights shouted loudly for their squires, + and there was mad turmoil on every hand of bewildered men and plunging + horses. At the royal tent a crowd of gorgeously dressed servants ran + hither and thither in helpless panic for the guard of soldiers who were + stationed there had already ridden off in the direction of the alarm. A + man-at-arms on either side of the doorway were the sole protectors of the + royal dwelling. + </p> + <p> + “I have come for the king,” whispered Sir Nigel; “and, by Saint Paul! he + must back with us or I must bide here.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne and Aylward sprang from their horses, and flew at the two + sentries, who were disarmed and beaten down in an instant by so furious + and unexpected an attack. Sir Nigel dashed into the royal tent, and was + followed by Hordle John as soon as the horses had been secured. From + within came wild screamings and the clash of steel, and then the two + emerged once more, their swords and forearms reddened with blood, while + John bore over his shoulder the senseless body of a man whose gay surcoat, + adorned with the lions and towers of Castile, proclaimed him to belong to + the royal house. A crowd of white-faced sewers and pages swarmed at their + heels, those behind pushing forwards, while the foremost shrank back from + the fierce faces and reeking weapons of the adventurers. The senseless + body was thrown across the spare horse, the four sprang to their saddles, + and away they thundered with loose reins and busy spurs through the + swarming camp. + </p> + <p> + But confusion and disorder still reigned among the Spaniards for Sir + William Felton and his men had swept through half their camp, leaving a + long litter of the dead and the dying to mark their course. Uncertain who + were their attackers, and unable to tell their English enemies from their + newly-arrived Breton allies, the Spanish knights rode wildly hither and + thither in aimless fury. The mad turmoil, the mixture of races, and the + fading light, were all in favor of the four who alone knew their own + purpose among the vast uncertain multitude. Twice ere they reached open + ground they had to break their way through small bodies of horses, and + once there came a whistle of arrows and singing of stones about their + ears; but, still dashing onwards, they shot out from among the tents and + found their own comrades retreating for the mountains at no very great + distance from them. Another five minutes of wild galloping over the plain, + and they were all back in their gorge, while their pursuers fell back + before the rolling of drums and blare of trumpets, which seemed to + proclaim that the whole army of the prince was about to emerge from the + mountain passes. + </p> + <p> + “By my soul! Nigel,” cried Sir Oliver, waving a great boiled ham over his + head, “I have come by something which I may eat with my truffles! I had a + hard fight for it, for there were three of them with their mouths open and + the knives in their hands, all sitting agape round the table, when I + rushed in upon them. How say you, Sir William, will you not try the smack + of the famed Spanish swine, though we have but the brook water to wash it + down?” + </p> + <p> + “Later, Sir Oliver,” answered the old soldier, wiping his grimed face. “We + must further into the mountains ere we be in safety. But what have we + here, Nigel?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a prisoner whom I have taken, and in sooth, as he came from the + royal tent and wears the royal arms upon his jupon, I trust that he is the + King of Spain.” + </p> + <p> + “The King of Spain!” cried the companions, crowding round in amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Sir Nigel,” said Felton, peering at the prisoner through the + uncertain light, “I have twice seen Henry of Transtamare, and certes this + man in no way resembles him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, by the light of heaven! I will ride back for him,” cried Sir Nigel. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, the camp is in arms, and it would be rank madness. Who are you, + fellow?” he added in Spanish, “and how is it that you dare to wear the + arms of Castile?” + </p> + <p> + The prisoner was bent recovering the consciousness which had been squeezed + from him by the grip of Hordle John. “If it please you,” he answered, “I + and nine others are the body-squires of the king, and must ever wear his + arms, so as to shield him from even such perils as have threatened him + this night. The king is at the tent of the brave Du Guesclin, where he + will sup to night. But I am a caballero of Aragon, Don Sancho Penelosa, + and, though I be no king, I am yet ready to pay a fitting price for my + ransom.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul! I will not touch your gold,” cried Sir Nigel. “Go back to + your master and give him greeting from Sir Nigel Loring of Twynham Castle, + telling him that I had hoped to make his better acquaintance this night, + and that, if I have disordered his tent, it was but in my eagerness to + know so famed and courteous a knight. Spur on, comrades! for we must cover + many a league ere we can venture to light fire or to loosen girth. I had + hoped to ride without this patch to-night, but it seems that I must carry + it yet a little longer.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. HOW SIR NIGEL TOOK THE PATCH FROM HIS EYE. + </h2> + <p> + It was a cold, bleak morning in the beginning of March, and the mist was + drifting in dense rolling clouds through the passes of the Cantabrian + mountains. The Company, who had passed the night in a sheltered gully, + were already astir, some crowding round the blazing fires and others + romping or leaping over each other's backs for their limbs were chilled + and the air biting. Here and there, through the dense haze which + surrounded them, there loomed out huge pinnacles and jutting boulders of + rock: while high above the sea of vapor there towered up one gigantic + peak, with the pink glow of the early sunshine upon its snow-capped head. + The ground was wet, the rocks dripping, the grass and ever-greens + sparkling with beads of moisture; yet the camp was loud with laughter and + merriment, for a messenger had ridden in from the prince with words of + heart-stirring praise for what they had done, and with orders that they + should still abide in the forefront of the army. + </p> + <p> + Round one of the fires were clustered four or five of the leading men of + the archers, cleaning the rust from their weapons, and glancing + impatiently from time to time at a great pot which smoked over the blaze. + There was Aylward squatting cross-legged in his shirt, while he scrubbed + away at his chain-mail brigandine, whistling loudly the while. On one side + of him sat old Johnston, who was busy in trimming the feathers of some + arrows to his liking; and on the other Hordle John, who lay with his great + limbs all asprawl, and his headpiece balanced upon his uplifted foot. + Black Simon of Norwich crouched amid the rocks, crooning an Eastland + ballad to himself, while he whetted his sword upon a flat stone which lay + across his knees; while beside him sat Alleyne Edricson, and Norbury, the + silent squire of Sir Oliver, holding out their chilled hands towards the + crackling faggots. + </p> + <p> + “Cast on another culpon, John, and stir the broth with thy sword-sheath,” + growled Johnston, looking anxiously for the twentieth time at the reeking + pot. + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt!” cried Aylward, “now that John hath come by this great + ransom, he will scarce abide the fare of poor archer lads. How say you, + camarade? When you see Hordle once more, there will be no penny ale and + fat bacon, but Gascon wines and baked meats every day of the seven.” + </p> + <p> + “I know not about that,” said John, kicking his helmet up into the air and + catching it in his hand. “I do but know that whether the broth be ready or + no, I am about to dip this into it.” + </p> + <p> + “It simmers and it boils,” cried Johnston, pushing his hard-lined face + through the smoke. In an instant the pot had been plucked from the blaze, + and its contents had been scooped up in half a dozen steel head-pieces, + which were balanced betwixt their owners' knees, while, with spoon and + gobbet of bread, they devoured their morning meal. + </p> + <p> + “It is ill weather for bows,” remarked John at last, when, with a long + sigh, he drained the last drop from his helmet. “My strings are as limp as + a cow's tail this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “You should rub them with water glue,” quoth Johnston. “You remember, + Samkin, that it was wetter than this on the morning of Crecy, and yet I + cannot call to mind that there was aught amiss with our strings.” + </p> + <p> + “It is in my thoughts,” said Black Simon, still pensively grinding his + sword, “that we may have need of your strings ere sundown. I dreamed of + the red cow last night.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is this red cow, Simon?” asked Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “I know not, young sir; but I can only say that on the eve of Cadsand, and + on the eve of Crecy, and on the eve of Nogent, I dreamed of a red cow; and + now the dream has come upon me again, so I am now setting a very keen edge + to my blade.” + </p> + <p> + “Well said, old war-dog!” cried Aylward. “By my hilt! I pray that your + dream may come true, for the prince hath not set us out here to drink + broth or to gather whortle-berries. One more fight, and I am ready to hang + up my bow, marry a wife, and take to the fire corner. But how now, Robin? + Whom is it that you seek?” + </p> + <p> + “The Lord Loring craves your attendance in his tent,” said a young archer + to Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + The squire rose and proceeded to the pavilion, where he found the knight + seated upon a cushion, with his legs crossed in front of him and a broad + ribbon of parchment laid across his knees, over which he was poring with + frowning brows and pursed lips. + </p> + <p> + “It came this morning by the prince's messenger,” said he, “and was + brought from England by Sir John Fallislee, who is new come from Sussex. + What make you of this upon the outer side?” + </p> + <p> + “It is fairly and clearly written,” Alleyne answered, “and it signifies To + Sir Nigel Loring, Knight Constable of Twynham Castle, by the hand of + Christopher, the servant of God at the Priory of Christchurch.” + </p> + <p> + “So I read it,” said Sir Nigel. “Now I pray you to read what is set forth + within.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne turned to the letter, and, as his eyes rested upon it, his face + turned pale and a cry of surprise and grief burst from his lips. + </p> + <p> + “What then?” asked the knight, peering up at him anxiously. “There is + nought amiss with the Lady Mary or with the Lady Maude?” + </p> + <p> + “It is my brother—my poor unhappy brother!” cried Alleyne, with his + hand to his brow. “He is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul! I have never heard that he had shown so much love for you + that you should mourn him so.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet he was my brother—the only kith or kin that I had upon earth. + Mayhap he had cause to be bitter against me, for his land was given to the + abbey for my upbringing. Alas! alas! and I raised my staff against him + when last we met! He has been slain—and slain, I fear, amidst crime + and violence.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” said Sir Nigel. “Read on, I pray you.” + </p> + <p> + “'God be with thee, my honored lord, and have thee in his holy keeping. + The Lady Loring hath asked me to set down in writing what hath befallen at + Twynham, and all that concerns the death of thy ill neighbor the Socman of + Minstead. For when ye had left us, this evil man gathered around him all + outlaws, villeins, and masterless men, until they were come to such a + force that they slew and scattered the king's men who went against them. + Then, coming forth from the woods, they laid siege to thy castle, and for + two days they girt us in and shot hard against us, with such numbers as + were a marvel to see. Yet the Lady Loring held the place stoutly, and on + the second day the Socman was slain—by his own men, as some think—so + that we were delivered from their hands; for which praise be to all the + saints, and more especially to the holy Anselm, upon whose feast it came + to pass. The Lady Loring, and the Lady Maude, thy fair daughter, are in + good health; and so also am I, save for an imposthume of the toe-joint, + which hath been sent me for my sins. May all the saints preserve thee!'” + </p> + <p> + “It was the vision of the Lady Tiphaine,” said Sir Nigel, after a pause. + “Marked you not how she said that the leader was one with a yellow beard, + and how he fell before the gate. But how came it, Alleyne, that this + woman, to whom all things are as crystal, and who hath not said one word + which has not come to pass, was yet so led astray as to say that your + thoughts turned to Twynham Castle even more than my own?” + </p> + <p> + “My fair lord,” said Alleyne, with a flush on his weather-stained cheeks, + “the Lady Tiphaine may have spoken sooth when she said it; for Twynham + Castle is in my heart by day and in my dreams by night.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” cried Sir Nigel, with a sidelong glance. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my fair lord; for indeed I love your daughter, the Lady Maude; and, + unworthy as I am, I would give my heart's blood to serve her.” + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul! Edricson,” said the knight coldly, arching his eyebrows, + “you aim high in this matter. Our blood is very old.” + </p> + <p> + “And mine also is very old,” answered the squire. + </p> + <p> + “And the Lady Maude is our single child. All our name and lands centre + upon her.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! that I should say it, but I also am now the only Edricson.” + </p> + <p> + “And why have I not heard this from you before, Alleyne? In sooth, I think + that you have used me ill.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my fair lord, say not so; for I know not whether your daughter loves + me, and there is no pledge between us.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel pondered for a few moments, and then burst out a-laughing. “By + St. Paul!” said he, “I know not why I should mix in the matter; for I have + ever found that the Lady Maud was very well able to look to her own + affairs. Since first she could stamp her little foot, she hath ever been + able to get that for which she craved; and if she set her heart on thee, + Alleyne, and thou on her, I do not think that this Spanish king, with his + three-score thousand men, could hold you apart. Yet this I will say, that + I would see you a full knight ere you go to my daughter with words of + love. I have ever said that a brave lance should wed her; and, by my soul! + Edricson, if God spare you, I think that you will acquit yourself well. + But enough of such trifles, for we have our work before us, and it will be + time to speak of this matter when we see the white cliffs of England once + more. Go to Sir William Felton, I pray you, and ask him to come hither, + for it is time that we were marching. There is no pass at the further end + of the valley, and it is a perilous place should an enemy come upon us.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne delivered his message, and then wandered forth from the camp, for + his mind was all in a whirl with this unexpected news, and with his talk + with Sir Nigel. Sitting upon a rock, with his burning brow resting upon + his hands, he thought of his brother, of their quarrel, of the Lady Maude + in her bedraggled riding-dress, of the gray old castle, of the proud pale + face in the armory, and of the last fiery words with which she had sped + him on his way. Then he was but a penniless, monk-bred lad, unknown and + unfriended. Now he was himself Socman of Minstead, the head of an old + stock, and the lord of an estate which, if reduced from its former size, + was still ample to preserve the dignity of his family. Further, he had + become a man of experience, was counted brave among brave men, had won the + esteem and confidence of her father, and, above all, had been listened to + by him when he told him the secret of his love. As to the gaining of + knighthood, in such stirring times it was no great matter for a brave + squire of gentle birth to aspire to that honor. He would leave his bones + among these Spanish ravines, or he would do some deed which would call the + eyes of men upon him. + </p> + <p> + Alleyne was still seated on the rock, his griefs and his joys drifting + swiftly over his mind like the shadow of clouds upon a sunlit meadow, when + of a sudden he became conscious of a low, deep sound which came booming up + to him through the fog. Close behind him he could hear the murmur of the + bowmen, the occasional bursts of hoarse laughter, and the champing and + stamping of their horses. Behind it all, however, came that low-pitched, + deep-toned hum, which seemed to come from every quarter and to fill the + whole air. In the old monastic days he remembered to have heard such a + sound when he had walked out one windy night at Bucklershard, and had + listened to the long waves breaking upon the shingly shore. Here, however, + was neither wind nor sea, and yet the dull murmur rose ever louder and + stronger out of the heart of the rolling sea of vapor. He turned and ran + to the camp, shouting an alarm at the top of his voice. + </p> + <p> + It was but a hundred paces, and yet ere he had crossed it every bowman was + ready at his horse's head, and the group of knights were out and listening + intently to the ominous sound. + </p> + <p> + “It is a great body of horse,” said Sir William Felton, “and they are + riding very swiftly hitherwards.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet they must be from the prince's army,” remarked Sir Richard Causton, + “for they come from the north.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said the Earl of Angus, “it is not so certain; for the peasant with + whom we spoke last night said that it was rumored that Don Tello, the + Spanish king's brother, had ridden with six thousand chosen men to beat up + the prince's camp. It may be that on their backward road they have come + this way.” + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul!” cried Sir Nigel, “I think that it is even as you say, for + that same peasant had a sour face and a shifting eye, as one who bore us + little good will. I doubt not that he has brought these cavaliers upon + us.” + </p> + <p> + “But the mist covers us,” said Sir Simon Burley. “We have yet time to ride + through the further end of the pass.” + </p> + <p> + “Were we a troop of mountain goats we might do so,” answered Sir William + Felton, “but it is not to be passed by a company of horsemen. If these be + indeed Don Tello and his men, then we must bide where we are, and do what + we can to make them rue the day that they found us in their path.” + </p> + <p> + “Well spoken, William!” cried Sir Nigel, in high delight. “If there be so + many as has been said, then there will be much honor to be gained from + them and every hope of advancement. But the sound has ceased, and I fear + that they have gone some other way.” + </p> + <p> + “Or mayhap they have come to the mouth of the gorge, and are marshalling + their ranks. Hush and hearken! for they are no great way from us.” + </p> + <p> + The Company stood peering into the dense fog-wreath, amidst a silence so + profound that the dripping of the water from the rocks and the breathing + of the horses grew loud upon the ear. Suddenly from out the sea of mist + came the shrill sound of a neigh, followed by a long blast upon a bugle. + </p> + <p> + “It is a Spanish call, my fair lord,” said Black Simon. “It is used by + their prickers and huntsmen when the beast hath not fled, but is still in + its lair.” + </p> + <p> + “By my faith!” said Sir Nigel, smiling, “if they are in a humor for + venerie we may promise them some sport ere they sound the mort over us. + But there is a hill in the centre of the gorge on which we might take our + stand.” + </p> + <p> + “I marked it yester-night,” said Felton, “and no better spot could be + found for our purpose, for it is very steep at the back. It is but a + bow-shot to the left, and, indeed, I can see the shadow of it.” + </p> + <p> + The whole Company, leading their horses, passed across to the small hill + which loomed in front of them out of the mist. It was indeed admirably + designed for defence, for it sloped down in front, all jagged and + boulder-strewn, while it fell away in a sheer cliff of a hundred feet or + more. On the summit was a small uneven plateau, with a stretch across of a + hundred paces, and a depth of half as much again. + </p> + <p> + “Unloose the horses!” said Sir Nigel. “We have no space for them, and if + we hold our own we shall have horses and to spare when this day's work is + done. Nay, keep yours, my fair sirs, for we may have work for them. + Aylward, Johnston, let your men form a harrow on either side of the ridge. + Sir Oliver and you, my Lord Angus, I give you the right wing, and the left + to you, Sir Simon, and to you, Sir Richard Causton. I and Sir William + Felton will hold the centre with our men-at-arms. Now order the ranks, and + fling wide the banners, for our souls are God's and our bodies the king's, + and our swords for Saint George and for England!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel had scarcely spoken when the mist seemed to thin in the valley, + and to shred away into long ragged clouds which trailed from the edges of + the cliffs. The gorge in which they had camped was a mere wedge-shaped + cleft among the hills, three-quarters of a mile deep, with the small + rugged rising upon which they stood at the further end, and the brown + crags walling it in on three sides. As the mist parted, and the sun broke + through, it gleamed and shimmered with dazzling brightness upon the armor + and headpieces of a vast body of horsemen who stretched across the + barranca from one cliff to the other, and extended backwards until their + rear guard were far out upon the plain beyond. Line after line, and rank + after rank, they choked the neck of the valley with a long vista of + tossing pennons, twinkling lances, waving plumes and streaming banderoles, + while the curvets and gambades of the chargers lent a constant motion and + shimmer to the glittering, many-colored mass. A yell of exultation, and a + forest of waving steel through the length and breadth of their column, + announced that they could at last see their entrapped enemies, while the + swelling notes of a hundred bugles and drums, mixed with the clash of + Moorish cymbals, broke forth into a proud peal of martial triumph. Strange + it was to these gallant and sparkling cavaliers of Spain to look upon this + handful of men upon the hill, the thin lines of bowmen, the knots of + knights and men-at-arms with armor rusted and discolored from long + service, and to learn that these were indeed the soldiers whose fame and + prowess had been the camp-fire talk of every army in Christendom. Very + still and silent they stood, leaning upon their bows, while their leaders + took counsel together in front of them. No clang of bugle rose from their + stern ranks, but in the centre waved the leopards of England, on the right + the ensign of their Company with the roses of Loring, and on the left, + over three score of Welsh bowmen, there floated the red banner of Merlin + with the boars'-heads of the Buttesthorns. Gravely and sedately they stood + beneath the morning sun waiting for the onslaught of their foemen. + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul!” said Sir Nigel, gazing with puckered eye down the valley, + “there appear to be some very worthy people among them. What is this + golden banner which waves upon the left?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the ensign of the Knights of Calatrava,” answered Felton. + </p> + <p> + “And the other upon the right?” + </p> + <p> + “It marks the Knights of Santiago, and I see by his flag that their + grand-master rides at their head. There too is the banner of Castile amid + yonder sparkling squadron which heads the main battle. There are six + thousand men-at-arms with ten squadrons of slingers as far as I may judge + their numbers.” + </p> + <p> + “There are Frenchmen among them, my fair lord,” remarked Black Simon. “I + can see the pennons of De Couvette, De Brieux, Saint Pol, and many others + who struck in against us for Charles of Blois.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said Sir William, “for I can also see them. There is much + Spanish blazonry also, if I could but read it. Don Diego, you know the + arms of your own land. Who are they who have done us this honor?” + </p> + <p> + The Spanish prisoner looked with exultant eyes upon the deep and serried + ranks of his countrymen. + </p> + <p> + “By Saint James!” said he, “if ye fall this day ye fall by no mean hands, + for the flower of the knighthood of Castile ride under the banner of Don + Tello, with the chivalry of Asturias, Toledo, Leon, Cordova, Galicia, and + Seville. I see the guidons of Albornez, Cacorla, Rodriguez, Tavora, with + the two great orders, and the knights of France and of Aragon. If you will + take my rede you will come to a composition with them, for they will give + you such terms as you have given me.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, by Saint Paul! it were pity if so many brave men were drawn + together, and no little deed of arms to come of it. Ha! William, they + advance upon us; and, by my soul! it is a sight that is worth coming over + the seas to see.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the two wings of the Spanish host, consisting of the Knights + of Calatrava on the one side and of Santiago upon the other, came swooping + swiftly down the valley, while the main body followed more slowly behind. + Five hundred paces from the English the two great bodies of horse crossed + each other, and, sweeping round in a curve, retired in feigned confusion + towards their centre. Often in bygone wars had the Moors tempted the + hot-blooded Spaniards from their places of strength by such pretended + flights, but there were men upon the hill to whom every ruse and trick of + war were as their daily trade and practice. Again and even nearer came the + rallying Spaniards, and again with cry of fear and stooping bodies they + swerved off to right and left, but the English still stood stolid and + observant among their rocks. The vanguard halted a long bow shot from the + hill, and with waving spears and vaunting shouts challenged their enemies + to come forth, while two cavaliers, pricking forward from the glittering + ranks, walked their horses slowly between the two arrays with targets + braced and lances in rest like the challengers in a tourney. + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul!” cried Sir Nigel, with his one eye glowing like an ember, + “these appear to be two very worthy and debonair gentlemen. I do not call + to mind when I have seen any people who seemed of so great a heart and so + high of enterprise. We have our horses, Sir William: shall we not relieve + them of any vow which they may have upon their souls?” + </p> + <p> + Felton's reply was to bound upon his charger, and to urge it down the + slope, while Sir Nigel followed not three spears'-lengths behind him. It + was a rugged course, rocky and uneven, yet the two knights, choosing their + men, dashed onwards at the top of their speed, while the gallant Spaniards + flew as swiftly to meet them. The one to whom Felton found himself opposed + was a tall stripling with a stag's head upon his shield, while Sir Nigel's + man was broad and squat with plain steel harness, and a pink and white + torse bound round his helmet. The first struck Felton on the target with + such force as to split it from side to side, but Sir William's lance + crashed through the camail which shielded the Spaniard's throat, and he + fell, screaming hoarsely, to the ground. Carried away by the heat and + madness of fight, the English knight never drew rein, but charged straight + on into the array of the knights of Calatrava. Long time the silent ranks + upon the hill could see a swirl and eddy deep down in the heart of the + Spanish column, with a circle of rearing chargers and flashing blades. + Here and there tossed the white plume of the English helmet, rising and + falling like the foam upon a wave, with the fierce gleam and sparkle ever + circling round it until at last it had sunk from view, and another brave + man had turned from war to peace. + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel, meanwhile, had found a foeman worthy of his steel for his + opponent was none other than Sebastian Gomez, the picked lance of the + monkish Knights of Santiago, who had won fame in a hundred bloody combats + with the Moors of Andalusia. So fierce was their meeting that their spears + shivered up to the very grasp, and the horses reared backwards until it + seemed that they must crash down upon their riders. Yet with consummate + horsemanship they both swung round in a long curvet, and then plucking out + their swords they lashed at each other like two lusty smiths hammering + upon an anvil. The chargers spun round each other, biting and striking, + while the two blades wheeled and whizzed and circled in gleams of dazzling + light. Cut, parry, and thrust followed so swiftly upon each other that the + eye could not follow them, until at last coming thigh to thigh, they cast + their arms around each other and rolled off their saddles to the ground. + The heavier Spaniard threw himself upon his enemy, and pinning him down + beneath him raised his sword to slay him, while a shout of triumph rose + from the ranks of his countrymen. But the fatal blow never fell, for even + as his arm quivered before descending, the Spaniard gave a shudder, and + stiffening himself rolled heavily over upon his side, with the blood + gushing from his armpit and from the slit of his vizor. Sir Nigel sprang + to his feet with his bloody dagger in his left hand and gazed down upon + his adversary, but that fatal and sudden stab in the vital spot, which the + Spaniard had exposed by raising his arm, had proved instantly mortal. The + Englishman leaped upon his horse and made for the hill, at the very + instant that a yell of rage from a thousand voices and the clang of a + score of bugles announced the Spanish onset. + </p> + <p> + But the islanders were ready and eager for the encounter. With feet firmly + planted, their sleeves rolled back to give free play to their muscles, + their long yellow bow-staves in their left hands, and their quivers slung + to the front, they had waited in the four-deep harrow formation which gave + strength to their array, and yet permitted every man to draw his arrow + freely without harm to those in front. Aylward and Johnston had been + engaged in throwing light tufts of grass into the air to gauge the wind + force, and a hoarse whisper passed down the ranks from the file-leaders to + the men, with scraps of advice and admonition. + </p> + <p> + “Do not shoot outside the fifteen-score paces,” cried Johnston. “We may + need all our shafts ere we have done with them.” + </p> + <p> + “Better to overshoot than to undershoot,” added Aylward. “Better to strike + the rear guard than to feather a shaft in the earth.” + </p> + <p> + “Loose quick and sharp when they come,” added another. “Let it be the eye + to the string, the string to the shaft, and the shaft to the mark. By Our + Lady! their banners advance, and we must hold our ground now if ever we + are to see Southampton Water again.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne, standing with his sword drawn amidst the archers, saw a long toss + and heave of the glittering squadrons. Then the front ranks began to surge + slowly forward, to trot, to canter, to gallop, and in an instant the whole + vast array was hurtling onward, line after line, the air full of the + thunder of their cries, the ground shaking with the beat of their hoofs, + the valley choked with the rushing torrent of steel, topped by the waving + plumes, the slanting spears and the fluttering banderoles. On they swept + over the level and up to the slope, ere they met the blinding storm of the + English arrows. Down went the whole ranks in a whirl of mad confusion, + horses plunging and kicking, bewildered men falling, rising, staggering on + or back, while ever new lines of horsemen came spurring through the gaps + and urged their chargers up the fatal slope. All around him Alleyne could + hear the stern, short orders of the master-bowmen, while the air was + filled with the keen twanging of the strings and the swish and patter of + the shafts. Right across the foot of the hill there had sprung up a long + wall of struggling horses and stricken men, which ever grew and heightened + as fresh squadrons poured on the attack. One young knight on a gray jennet + leaped over his fallen comrades and galloped swiftly up the hill, + shrieking loudly upon Saint James, ere he fell within a spear-length of + the English line, with the feathers of arrows thrusting out from every + crevice and joint of his armor. So for five long minutes the gallant + horsemen of Spain and of France strove ever and again to force a passage, + until the wailing note of a bugle called them back, and they rode slowly + out of bow-shot, leaving their best and their bravest in the ghastly, + blood-mottled heap behind them. + </p> + <p> + But there was little rest for the victors. Whilst the knights had charged + them in front the slingers had crept round upon either flank and had + gained a footing upon the cliffs and behind the outlying rocks. A storm of + stones broke suddenly upon the defenders, who, drawn up in lines upon the + exposed summit, offered a fair mark to their hidden foes. Johnston, the + old archer, was struck upon the temple and fell dead without a groan, + while fifteen of his bowmen and six of the men-at-arms were struck down at + the same moment. The others lay on their faces to avoid the deadly hail, + while at each side of the plateau a fringe of bowmen exchanged shots with + the slingers and crossbowmen among the rocks, aiming mainly at those who + had swarmed up the cliffs, and bursting into laughter and cheers when a + well-aimed shaft brought one of their opponents toppling down from his + lofty perch. + </p> + <p> + “I think, Nigel,” said Sir Oliver, striding across to the little knight, + “that we should all acquit ourselves better had we our none-meat, for the + sun is high in the heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Paul!” quoth Sir Nigel, plucking the patch from his eye, “I + think that I am now clear of my vow, for this Spanish knight was a person + from whom much honor might be won. Indeed, he was a very worthy gentleman, + of good courage, and great hardiness, and it grieves me that he should + have come by such a hurt. As to what you say of food, Oliver, it is not to + be thought of, for we have nothing with us upon the hill.” + </p> + <p> + “Nigel!” cried Sir Simon Burley, hurrying up with consternation upon his + face, “Aylward tells me that there are not ten-score arrows left in all + their sheaves. See! they are springing from their horses, and cutting + their sollerets that they may rush upon us. Might we not even now make a + retreat?” + </p> + <p> + “My soul will retreat from my body first!” cried the little knight. “Here + I am, and here I bide, while God gives me strength to lift a sword.” + </p> + <p> + “And so say I!” shouted Sir Oliver, throwing his mace high into the air + and catching it again by the handle. + </p> + <p> + “To your arms, men!” roared Sir Nigel. “Shoot while you may, and then out + sword, and let us live or die together!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. HOW THE WHITE COMPANY CAME TO BE DISBANDED. + </h2> + <p> + Then up rose from the hill in the rugged Cantabrian valley a sound such as + had not been heard in those parts before, nor was again, until the streams + which rippled amid the rocks had been frozen by over four hundred winters + and thawed by as many returning springs. Deep and full and strong it + thundered down the ravine, the fierce battle-call of a warrior race, the + last stern welcome to whoso should join with them in that world-old game + where the stake is death. Thrice it swelled forth and thrice it sank away, + echoing and reverberating amidst the crags. Then, with set faces, the + Company rose up among the storm of stones, and looked down upon the + thousands who sped swiftly up the slope against them. Horse and spear had + been set aside, but on foot, with sword and battle-axe, their broad + shields slung in front of them, the chivalry of Spain rushed to the + attack. + </p> + <p> + And now arose a struggle so fell, so long, so evenly sustained, that even + now the memory of it is handed down amongst the Cantabrian mountaineers + and the ill-omened knoll is still pointed out by fathers to their children + as the “Altura de los Inglesos,” where the men from across the sea fought + the great fight with the knights of the south. The last arrow was quickly + shot, nor could the slingers hurl their stones, so close were friend and + foe. From side to side stretched the thin line of the English, lightly + armed and quick-footed, while against it stormed and raged the pressing + throng of fiery Spaniards and of gallant Bretons. The clink of crossing + sword-blades, the dull thudding of heavy blows, the panting and gasping of + weary and wounded men, all rose together in a wild, long-drawn note, which + swelled upwards to the ears of the wondering peasants who looked down from + the edges of the cliffs upon the swaying turmoil of the battle beneath + them. Back and forward reeled the leopard banner, now borne up the slope + by the rush and weight of the onslaught, now pushing downwards again as + Sir Nigel, Burley, and Black Simon with their veteran men-at arms, flung + themselves madly into the fray. Alleyne, at his lord's right hand, found + himself swept hither and thither in the desperate struggle, exchanging + savage thrusts one instant with a Spanish cavalier, and the next torn away + by the whirl of men and dashed up against some new antagonist. To the + right Sir Oliver, Aylward, Hordle John, and the bowmen of the Company + fought furiously against the monkish Knights of Santiago, who were led up + the hill by their prior—a great, deep-chested man, who wore a brown + monastic habit over his suit of mail. Three archers he slew in three giant + strokes, but Sir Oliver flung his arms round him, and the two, staggering + and straining, reeled backwards and fell, locked in each other's grasp, + over the edge of the steep cliff which flanked the hill. In vain his + knights stormed and raved against the thin line which barred their path: + the sword of Aylward and the great axe of John gleamed in the forefront of + the battle and huge jagged pieces of rock, hurled by the strong arms of + the bowmen, crashed and hurtled amid their ranks. Slowly they gave back + down the hill, the archers still hanging upon their skirts, with a long + litter of writhing and twisted figures to mark the course which they had + taken. At the same instant the Welshmen upon the left, led on by the + Scotch earl, had charged out from among the rocks which sheltered them, + and by the fury of their outfall had driven the Spaniards in front of them + in headlong flight down the hill. In the centre only things seemed to be + going ill with the defenders. Black Simon was down—dying, as he + would wish to have died, like a grim old wolf in its lair with a ring of + his slain around him. Twice Sir Nigel had been overborne, and twice + Alleyne had fought over him until he had staggered to his feet once more. + Burley lay senseless, stunned by a blow from a mace, and half of the + men-at-arms lay littered upon the ground around him. Sir Nigel's shield + was broken, his crest shorn, his armor cut and smashed, and the vizor torn + from his helmet; yet he sprang hither and thither with light foot and + ready hand, engaging two Bretons and a Spaniard at the same instant—thrusting, + stooping, dashing in, springing out—while Alleyne still fought by + his side, stemming with a handful of men the fierce tide which surged up + against them. Yet it would have fared ill with them had not the archers + from either side closed in upon the flanks of the attackers, and pressed + them very slowly and foot by foot down the long slope, until they were on + the plain once more, where their fellows were already rallying for a fresh + assault. + </p> + <p> + But terrible indeed was the cost at which the last had been repelled. Of + the three hundred and seventy men who had held the crest, one hundred and + seventy-two were left standing, many of whom were sorely wounded and weak + from loss of blood. Sir Oliver Buttesthorn, Sir Richard Causton, Sir Simon + Burley, Black Simon, Johnston, a hundred and fifty archers, and + forty-seven men-at-arms had fallen, while the pitiless hail of stones was + already whizzing and piping once more about their ears, threatening every + instant to further reduce their numbers. + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel looked about him at his shattered ranks, and his face flushed + with a soldier's pride. + </p> + <p> + “By St. Paul!” he cried, “I have fought in many a little bickering, but + never one that I would be more loth to have missed than this. But you are + wounded, Alleyne?” + </p> + <p> + “It is nought,” answered his squire, stanching the blood which dripped + from a sword-cut across his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “These gentlemen of Spain seem to be most courteous and worthy people. I + see that they are already forming to continue this debate with us. Form up + the bowmen two deep instead of four. By my faith! some very brave men have + gone from among us. Aylward, you are a trusty soldier, for all that your + shoulder has never felt accolade, nor your heels worn the gold spurs. Do + you take charge of the right; I will hold the centre, and you, my Lord of + Angus, the left.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho! for Sir Samkin Aylward!” cried a rough voice among the archers, and a + roar of laughter greeted their new leader. + </p> + <p> + “By my hilt!” said the old bowman, “I never thought to lead a wing in a + stricken field. Stand close, camarades, for, by these finger-bones! we + must play the man this day.” + </p> + <p> + “Come hither, Alleyne,” said Sir Nigel, walking back to the edge of the + cliff which formed the rear of their position. “And you, Norbury,” he + continued, beckoning to the squire of Sir Oliver, “do you also come here.” + </p> + <p> + The two squires hurried across to him, and the three stood looking down + into the rocky ravine which lay a hundred and fifty feet beneath them. + </p> + <p> + “The prince must hear of how things are with us,” said the knight. + “Another onfall we may withstand, but they are many and we are few, so + that the time must come when we can no longer form line across the hill. + Yet if help were brought us we might hold the crest until it comes. See + yonder horses which stray among the rocks beneath us?” + </p> + <p> + “I see them, my fair lord.” + </p> + <p> + “And see yonder path which winds along the hill upon the further end of + the valley?” + </p> + <p> + “I see it.” + </p> + <p> + “Were you on those horses, and riding up yonder track, steep and rough as + it is, I think that ye might gain the valley beyond. Then on to the + prince, and tell him how we fare.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my fair lord, how can we hope to reach the horses?” asked Norbury. + </p> + <p> + “Ye cannot go round to them, for they would be upon ye ere ye could come + to them. Think ye that ye have heart enough to clamber down this cliff?” + </p> + <p> + “Had we but a rope.” + </p> + <p> + “There is one here. It is but one hundred feet long, and for the rest ye + must trust to God and to your fingers. Can you try it, Alleyne?” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart, my dear lord, but how can I leave you in such a + strait?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it is to serve me that ye go. And you, Norbury?” + </p> + <p> + The silent squire said nothing, but he took up the rope, and, having + examined it, he tied one end firmly round a projecting rock. Then he cast + off his breast-plate, thigh pieces, and greaves, while Alleyne followed + his example. + </p> + <p> + “Tell Chandos, or Calverley, or Knolles, should the prince have gone + forward,” cried Sir Nigel. “Now may God speed ye, for ye are brave and + worthy men.” + </p> + <p> + It was, indeed, a task which might make the heart of the bravest sink + within him. The thin cord dangling down the face of the brown cliff seemed + from above to reach little more than half-way down it. Beyond stretched + the rugged rock, wet and shining, with a green tuft here and there + thrusting out from it, but little sign of ridge or foothold. Far below the + jagged points of the boulders bristled up, dark and menacing. Norbury + tugged thrice with all his strength upon the cord, and then lowered + himself over the edge, while a hundred anxious faces peered over at him as + he slowly clambered downwards to the end of the rope. Twice he stretched + out his foot, and twice he failed to reach the point at which he aimed, + but even as he swung himself for a third effort a stone from a sling + buzzed like a wasp from amid the rocks and struck him full upon the side + of his head. His grasp relaxed, his feet slipped, and in an instant he was + a crushed and mangled corpse upon the sharp ridges beneath him. + </p> + <p> + “If I have no better fortune,” said Alleyne, leading Sir Nigel aside. “I + pray you, my dear lord, that you will give my humble service to the Lady + Maude, and say to her that I was ever her true servant and most unworthy + cavalier.” + </p> + <p> + The old knight said no word, but he put a hand on either shoulder, and + kissed his squire, with the tears shining in his eyes. Alleyne sprang to + the rope, and sliding swiftly down, soon found himself at its extremity. + From above it seemed as though rope and cliff were well-nigh touching, but + now, when swinging a hundred feet down, the squire found that he could + scarce reach the face of the rock with his foot, and that it was as smooth + as glass, with no resting-place where a mouse could stand. Some three feet + lower, however, his eye lit upon a long jagged crack which slanted + downwards, and this he must reach if he would save not only his own poor + life, but that of the eight-score men above him. Yet it were madness to + spring for that narrow slit with nought but the wet, smooth rock to cling + to. He swung for a moment, full of thought, and even as he hung there + another of the hellish stones sang through his curls, and struck a chip + from the face of the cliff. Up he clambered a few feet, drew up the loose + end after him, unslung his belt, held on with knee and with elbow while he + spliced the long, tough leathern belt to the end of the cord: then + lowering himself as far as he could go, he swung backwards and forwards + until his hand reached the crack, when he left the rope and clung to the + face of the cliff. Another stone struck him on the side, and he heard a + sound like a breaking stick, with a keen stabbing pain which shot through + his chest. Yet it was no time now to think of pain or ache. There was his + lord and his eight-score comrades, and they must be plucked from the jaws + of death. On he clambered, with his hand shuffling down the long sloping + crack, sometimes bearing all his weight upon his arms, at others finding + some small shelf or tuft on which to rest his foot. Would he never pass + over that fifty feet? He dared not look down and could but grope slowly + onwards, his face to the cliff, his fingers clutching, his feet scraping + and feeling for a support. Every vein and crack and mottling of that face + of rock remained forever stamped upon his memory. At last, however, his + foot came upon a broad resting-place and he ventured to cast a glance + downwards. Thank God! he had reached the highest of those fatal pinnacles + upon which his comrade had fallen. Quickly now he sprang from rock to rock + until his feet were on the ground, and he had his hand stretched out for + the horse's rein, when a sling-stone struck him on the head, and he + dropped senseless upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + An evil blow it was for Alleyne, but a worse one still for him who struck + it. The Spanish slinger, seeing the youth lie slain, and judging from his + dress that he was no common man, rushed forward to plunder him, knowing + well that the bowmen above him had expended their last shaft. He was still + three paces, however, from his victim's side when John upon the cliff + above plucked up a huge boulder, and, poising it for an instant, dropped + it with fatal aim upon the slinger beneath him. It struck upon his + shoulder, and hurled him, crushed and screaming, to the ground, while + Alleyne, recalled to his senses by these shrill cries in his very ear, + staggered on to his feet, and gazed wildly about him. His eyes fell upon + the horses, grazing upon the scanty pasture, and in an instant all had + come back to him—his mission, his comrades, the need for haste. He + was dizzy, sick, faint, but he must not die, and he must not tarry, for + his life meant many lives that day. In an instant he was in his saddle and + spurring down the valley. Loud rang the swift charger's hoofs over rock + and reef, while the fire flew from the stroke of iron, and the loose + stones showered up behind him. But his head was whirling round, the blood + was gushing from his brow, his temple, his mouth. Ever keener and sharper + was the deadly pain which shot like a red-hot arrow through his side. He + felt that his eye was glazing, his senses slipping from him, his grasp + upon the reins relaxing. Then with one mighty effort, he called up all his + strength for a single minute. Stooping down, he loosened the + stirrup-straps, bound his knees tightly to his saddle-flaps, twisted his + hands in the bridle, and then, putting the gallant horse's head for the + mountain path, he dashed the spurs in and fell forward fainting with his + face buried in the coarse, black mane. + </p> + <p> + Little could he ever remember of that wild ride. Half conscious, but ever + with the one thought beating in his mind, he goaded the horse onwards, + rushing swiftly down steep ravines over huge boulders, along the edges of + black abysses. Dim memories he had of beetling cliffs, of a group of huts + with wondering faces at the doors, of foaming, clattering water, and of a + bristle of mountain beeches. Once, ere he had ridden far, he heard behind + him three deep, sullen shouts, which told him that his comrades had set + their faces to the foe once more. Then all was blank, until he woke to + find kindly blue English eyes peering down upon him and to hear the + blessed sound of his country's speech. They were but a foraging party—a + hundred archers and as many men-at-arms—but their leader was Sir + Hugh Calverley, and he was not a man to bide idle when good blows were to + be had not three leagues from him. A scout was sent flying with a message + to the camp, and Sir Hugh, with his two hundred men, thundered off to the + rescue. With them went Alleyne, still bound to his saddle, still dripping + with blood, and swooning and recovering, and swooning once again. On they + rode, and on, until, at last, topping a ridge, they looked down upon the + fateful valley. Alas! and alas! for the sight that met their eyes. + </p> + <p> + There, beneath them, was the blood-bathed hill, and from the highest + pinnacle there flaunted the yellow and white banner with the lions and the + towers of the royal house of Castile. Up the long slope rushed ranks and + ranks of men exultant, shouting, with waving pennons and brandished arms. + Over the whole summit were dense throngs of knights, with no enemy that + could be seen to face them, save only that at one corner of the plateau an + eddy and swirl amid the crowded mass seemed to show that all resistance + was not yet at an end. At the sight a deep groan of rage and of despair + went up from the baffled rescuers, and, spurring on their horses, they + clattered down the long and winding path which led to the valley beneath. + </p> + <p> + But they were too late to avenge, as they had been too late to save. Long + ere they could gain the level ground, the Spaniards, seeing them riding + swiftly amid the rocks, and being ignorant of their numbers, drew off from + the captured hill, and, having secured their few prisoners, rode slowly in + a long column, with drum-beating and cymbal-clashing, out of the valley. + Their rear ranks were already passing out of sight ere the new-comers were + urging their panting, foaming horses up the slope which had been the scene + of that long drawn and bloody fight. + </p> + <p> + And a fearsome sight it was that met their eyes! Across the lower end lay + the dense heap of men and horses where the first arrow-storm had burst. + Above, the bodies of the dead and the dying—French, Spanish, and + Aragonese—lay thick and thicker, until they covered the whole ground + two and three deep in one dreadful tangle of slaughter. Above them lay the + Englishmen in their lines, even as they had stood, and higher yet upon the + plateau a wild medley of the dead of all nations, where the last deadly + grapple had left them. In the further corner, under the shadow of a great + rock, there crouched seven bowmen, with great John in the centre of them—all + wounded, weary, and in sorry case, but still unconquered, with their + blood-stained weapons waving and their voices ringing a welcome to their + countrymen. Alleyne rode across to John, while Sir Hugh Calverley followed + close behind him. + </p> + <p> + “By Saint George!” cried Sir Hugh, “I have never seen signs of so stern a + fight, and I am right glad that we have been in time to save you.” + </p> + <p> + “You have saved more than us,” said John, pointing to the banner which + leaned against the rock behind him. + </p> + <p> + “You have done nobly,” cried the old free companion, gazing with a + soldier's admiration at the huge frame and bold face of the archer. “But + why is it, my good fellow, that you sit upon this man.” + </p> + <p> + “By the rood! I had forgot him,” John answered, rising and dragging from + under him no less a person than the Spanish caballero, Don Diego Alvarez. + “This man, my fair lord, means to me a new house, ten cows, one bull—if + it be but a little one—a grindstone, and I know not what besides; so + that I thought it well to sit upon him, lest he should take a fancy to + leave me.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, John,” cried Alleyne faintly: “where is my dear lord, Sir Nigel + Loring?” + </p> + <p> + “He is dead, I fear. I saw them throw his body across a horse and ride + away with it, but I fear the life had gone from him.” + </p> + <p> + “Now woe worth me! And where is Aylward?” + </p> + <p> + “He sprang upon a riderless horse and rode after Sir Nigel to save him. I + saw them throng around him, and he is either taken or slain.” + </p> + <p> + “Blow the bugles!” cried Sir Hugh, with a scowling brow. “We must back to + camp, and ere three days I trust that we may see these Spaniards again. I + would fain have ye all in my company.” + </p> + <p> + “We are of the White Company, my fair lord,” said John. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, the White Company is here disbanded,” answered Sir Hugh solemnly, + looking round him at the lines of silent figures. “Look to the brave + squire, for I fear that he will never see the sun rise again.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. OF THE HOME-COMING TO HAMPSHIRE. + </h2> + <p> + It was a bright July morning four months after that fatal fight in the + Spanish barranca. A blue heaven stretched above, a green rolling plain + undulated below, intersected with hedge-rows and flecked with grazing + sheep. The sun was yet low in the heaven, and the red cows stood in the + long shadow of the elms, chewing the cud and gazing with great vacant eyes + at two horsemen who were spurring it down the long white road which dipped + and curved away back to where the towers and pinnacles beneath the + flat-topped hill marked the old town of Winchester. + </p> + <p> + Of the riders one was young, graceful, and fair, clad in plain doublet and + hosen of blue Brussels cloth, which served to show his active and + well-knit figure. A flat velvet cap was drawn forward to keep the glare + from his eyes, and he rode with lips compressed and anxious face, as one + who has much care upon his mind. Young as he was, and peaceful as was his + dress, the dainty golden spurs which twinkled upon his heels proclaimed + his knighthood, while a long seam upon his brow and a scar upon his temple + gave a manly grace to his refined and delicate countenance. His comrade + was a large, red-headed man upon a great black horse, with a huge canvas + bag slung from his saddle-bow, which jingled and clinked with every + movement of his steed. His broad, brown face was lighted up by a continual + smile, and he looked slowly from side to side with eyes which twinkled and + shone with delight. Well might John rejoice, for was he not back in his + native Hampshire, had he not Don Diego's five thousand crowns rasping + against his knee, and above all was he not himself squire now to Sir + Alleyne Edricson, the young Socman of Minstead lately knighted by the + sword of the Black Prince himself, and esteemed by the whole army as one + of the most rising of the soldiers of England. + </p> + <p> + For the last stand of the Company had been told throughout Christendom + wherever a brave deed of arms was loved, and honors had flowed in upon the + few who had survived it. For two months Alleyne had wavered betwixt death + and life, with a broken rib and a shattered head; yet youth and strength + and a cleanly life were all upon his side, and he awoke from his long + delirium to find that the war was over, that the Spaniards and their + allies had been crushed at Navaretta, and that the prince had himself + heard the tale of his ride for succor and had come in person to his + bedside to touch his shoulder with his sword and to insure that so brave + and true a man should die, if he could not live, within the order of + chivalry. The instant that he could set foot to ground Alleyne had started + in search of his lord, but no word could he hear of him, dead or alive, + and he had come home now sad-hearted, in the hope of raising money upon + his estates and so starting upon his quest once more. Landing at London, + he had hurried on with a mind full of care, for he had heard no word from + Hampshire since the short note which had announced his brother's death. + </p> + <p> + “By the rood!” cried John, looking around him exultantly, “where have we + seen since we left such noble cows, such fleecy sheep, grass so green, or + a man so drunk as yonder rogue who lies in the gap of the hedge?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, John,” Alleyne answered wearily, “it is well for you, but I never + thought that my home-coming would be so sad a one. My heart is heavy for + my dear lord and for Aylward, and I know not how I may break the news to + the Lady Mary and to the Lady Maude, if they have not yet had tidings of + it.” + </p> + <p> + John gave a groan which made the horses shy. “It is indeed a black + business,” said he. “But be not sad, for I shall give half these crowns to + my old mother, and half will I add to the money which you may have, and so + we shall buy that yellow cog wherein we sailed to Bordeaux, and in it we + shall go forth and seek Sir Nigel.” + </p> + <p> + Alleyne smiled, but shook his head. “Were he alive we should have had word + of him ere now,” said he. “But what is this town before us?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, it is Romsey!” cried John. “See the tower of the old gray church, + and the long stretch of the nunnery. But here sits a very holy man, and I + shall give him a crown for his prayers.” + </p> + <p> + Three large stones formed a rough cot by the roadside, and beside it, + basking in the sun, sat the hermit, with clay-colored face, dull eyes, and + long withered hands. With crossed ankles and sunken head, he sat as though + all his life had passed out of him, with the beads slipping slowly through + his thin, yellow fingers. Behind him lay the narrow cell, clay-floored and + damp, comfortless, profitless and sordid. Beyond it there lay amid the + trees the wattle-and-daub hut of a laborer, the door open, and the single + room exposed to the view. The man ruddy and yellow-haired, stood leaning + upon the spade wherewith he had been at work upon the garden patch. From + behind him came the ripple of a happy woman's laughter, and two young + urchins darted forth from the hut, bare-legged and towsy, while the + mother, stepping out, laid her hand upon her husband's arm and watched the + gambols of the children. The hermit frowned at the untoward noise which + broke upon his prayers, but his brow relaxed as he looked upon the broad + silver piece which John held out to him. + </p> + <p> + “There lies the image of our past and of our future,” cried Alleyne, as + they rode on upon their way. “Now, which is better, to till God's earth, + to have happy faces round one's knee, and to love and be loved, or to sit + forever moaning over one's own soul, like a mother over a sick babe?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not about that,” said John, “for it casts a great cloud over me + when I think of such matters. But I know that my crown was well spent, for + the man had the look of a very holy person. As to the other, there was + nought holy about him that I could see, and it would be cheaper for me to + pray for myself than to give a crown to one who spent his days in digging + for lettuces.” + </p> + <p> + Ere Alleyne could answer there swung round the curve of the road a lady's + carriage drawn by three horses abreast with a postilion upon the outer + one. Very fine and rich it was, with beams painted and gilt, wheels and + spokes carved in strange figures, and over all an arched cover of red and + white tapestry. Beneath its shade there sat a stout and elderly lady in a + pink cote-hardie, leaning back among a pile of cushions, and plucking out + her eyebrows with a small pair of silver tweezers. None could seem more + safe and secure and at her ease than this lady, yet here also was a symbol + of human life, for in an instant, even as Alleyne reined aside to let the + carriage pass, a wheel flew out from among its fellows, and over it all + toppled—carving, tapestry and gilt—in one wild heap, with the + horses plunging, the postilion shouting, and the lady screaming from + within. In an instant Alleyne and John were on foot, and had lifted her + forth all in a shake with fear, but little the worse for her mischance. + </p> + <p> + “Now woe worth me!” she cried, “and ill fall on Michael Easover of Romsey! + for I told him that the pin was loose, and yet he must needs gainsay me, + like the foolish daffe that he is.” + </p> + <p> + “I trust that you have taken no hurt, my fair lady,” said Alleyne, + conducting her to the bank, upon which John had already placed a cushion. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I have had no scath, though I have lost my silver tweezers. Now, + lack-a-day! did God ever put breath into such a fool as Michael Easover of + Romsey? But I am much beholden to you, gentle sirs. Soldiers ye are, as + one may readily see. I am myself a soldier's daughter,” she added, casting + a somewhat languishing glance at John, “and my heart ever goes out to a + brave man.” + </p> + <p> + “We are indeed fresh from Spain,” quoth Alleyne. + </p> + <p> + “From Spain, say you? Ah! it was an ill and sorry thing that so many + should throw away the lives that Heaven gave them. In sooth, it is bad for + those who fall, but worse for those who bide behind. I have but now bid + farewell to one who hath lost all in this cruel war.” + </p> + <p> + “And how that, lady?” + </p> + <p> + “She is a young damsel of these parts, and she goes now into a nunnery. + Alack! it is not a year since she was the fairest maid from Avon to + Itchen, and now it was more than I could abide to wait at Romsey Nunnery + to see her put the white veil upon her face, for she was made for a wife + and not for the cloister. Did you ever, gentle sir, hear of a body of men + called 'The White Company' over yonder?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely so,” cried both the comrades. + </p> + <p> + “Her father was the leader of it, and her lover served under him as + squire. News hath come that not one of the Company was left alive, and so, + poor lamb, she hath——” + </p> + <p> + “Lady!” cried Alleyne, with catching breath, “is it the Lady Maude Loring + of whom you speak?” + </p> + <p> + “It is, in sooth.” + </p> + <p> + “Maude! And in a nunnery! Did, then, the thought of her father's death so + move her?” + </p> + <p> + “Her father!” cried the lady, smiling. “Nay; Maude is a good daughter, but + I think it was this young golden-haired squire of whom I have heard who + has made her turn her back upon the world.” + </p> + <p> + “And I stand talking here!” cried Alleyne wildly. “Come, John, come!” + </p> + <p> + Rushing to his horse, he swung himself into the saddle, and was off down + the road in a rolling cloud of dust as fast as his good steed could bear + him. + </p> + <p> + Great had been the rejoicing amid the Romsey nuns when the Lady Maude + Loring had craved admission into their order—for was she not sole + child and heiress of the old knight, with farms and fiefs which she could + bring to the great nunnery? Long and earnest had been the talks of the + gaunt lady abbess, in which she had conjured the young novice to turn + forever from the world, and to rest her bruised heart under the broad and + peaceful shelter of the church. And now, when all was settled, and when + abbess and lady superior had had their will, it was but fitting that some + pomp and show should mark the glad occasion. Hence was it that the good + burghers of Romsey were all in the streets, that gay flags and flowers + brightened the path from the nunnery to the church, and that a long + procession wound up to the old arched door leading up the bride to these + spiritual nuptials. There was lay-sister Agatha with the high gold + crucifix, and the three incense-bearers, and the two-and-twenty garbed in + white, who cast flowers upon either side of them and sang sweetly the + while. Then, with four attendants, came the novice, her drooping head + wreathed with white blossoms, and, behind, the abbess and her council of + older nuns, who were already counting in their minds whether their own + bailiff could manage the farms of Twynham, or whether a reeve would be + needed beneath him, to draw the utmost from these new possessions which + this young novice was about to bring them. + </p> + <p> + But alas! for plots and plans when love and youth and nature, and above + all, fortune are arrayed against them. Who is this travel-stained youth + who dares to ride so madly through the lines of staring burghers? Why does + he fling himself from his horse and stare so strangely about him? See how + he has rushed through the incense-bearers, thrust aside lay-sister Agatha, + scattered the two-and-twenty damosels who sang so sweetly—and he + stands before the novice with his hands out-stretched, and his face + shining, and the light of love in his gray eyes. Her foot is on the very + lintel of the church, and yet he bars the way—and she, she thinks no + more of the wise words and holy rede of the lady abbess, but she hath + given a sobbing cry and hath fallen forward with his arms around her + drooping body and her wet cheek upon his breast. A sorry sight this for + the gaunt abbess, an ill lesson too for the stainless two-and-twenty who + have ever been taught that the way of nature is the way of sin. But Maude + and Alleyne care little for this. A dank, cold air comes out from the + black arch before them. Without, the sun shines bright and the birds are + singing amid the ivy on the drooping beeches. Their choice is made, and + they turn away hand-in-hand, with their backs to the darkness and their + faces to the light. + </p> + <p> + Very quiet was the wedding in the old priory church at Christchurch, where + Father Christopher read the service, and there were few to see save the + Lady Loring and John, and a dozen bowmen from the castle. The Lady of + Twynham had drooped and pined for weary months, so that her face was + harsher and less comely than before, yet she still hoped on, for her lord + had come through so many dangers that she could scarce believe that he + might be stricken down at last. It had been her wish to start for Spain + and to search for him, but Alleyne had persuaded her to let him go in her + place. There was much to look after, now that the lands of Minstead were + joined to those of Twynham, and Alleyne had promised her that if she would + but bide with his wife he would never come back to Hampshire again until + he had gained some news, good or ill, of her lord and lover. + </p> + <p> + The yellow cog had been engaged, with Goodwin Hawtayne in command, and a + month after the wedding Alleyne rode down to Bucklershard to see if she + had come round yet from Southampton. On the way he passed the fishing + village of Pitt's Deep, and marked that a little creyer or brig was + tacking off the land, as though about to anchor there. On his way back, as + he rode towards the village, he saw that she had indeed anchored, and that + many boats were round her, bearing cargo to the shore. + </p> + <p> + A bow-shot from Pitt's Deep there was an inn a little back from the road, + very large and wide-spread, with a great green bush hung upon a pole from + one of the upper windows. At this window he marked, as he rode up, that a + man was seated who appeared to be craning his neck in his direction. + Alleyne was still looking up at him, when a woman came rushing from the + open door of the inn, and made as though she would climb a tree, looking + back the while with a laughing face. Wondering what these doings might + mean, Alleyne tied his horse to a tree, and was walking amid the trunks + towards the inn, when there shot from the entrance a second woman who made + also for the trees. Close at her heels came a burly, brown-faced man, who + leaned against the door-post and laughed loudly with his hand to his side, + “Ah, mes belles!” he cried, “and is it thus you treat me? Ah, mes petites! + I swear by these finger-bones that I would not hurt a hair of your pretty + heads; but I have been among the black paynim, and, by my hilt! it does me + good to look at your English cheeks. Come, drink a stoup of muscadine with + me, mes anges, for my heart is warm to be among ye again.” + </p> + <p> + At the sight of the man Alleyne had stood staring, but at the sound of his + voice such a thrill of joy bubbled up in his heart that he had to bite his + lip to keep himself from shouting outright. But a deeper pleasure yet was + in store. Even as he looked, the window above was pushed outwards, and the + voice of the man whom he had seen there came out from it. “Aylward,” cried + the voice, “I have seen just now a very worthy person come down the road, + though my eyes could scarce discern whether he carried coat-armor. I pray + you to wait upon him and tell him that a very humble knight of England + abides here, so that if he be in need of advancement, or have any small + vow upon his soul, or desire to exalt his lady, I may help him to + accomplish it.” + </p> + <p> + Aylward at this order came shuffling forward amid the trees, and in an + instant the two men were clinging in each other's arms, laughing and + shouting and patting each other in their delight; while old Sir Nigel came + running with his sword, under the impression that some small bickering had + broken out, only to embrace and be embraced himself, until all three were + hoarse with their questions and outcries and congratulations. + </p> + <p> + On their journey home through the woods Alleyne learnt their wondrous + story: how, when Sir Nigel came to his senses, he with his fellow-captive + had been hurried to the coast, and conveyed by sea to their captor's + castle; how upon the way they had been taken by a Barbary rover, and how + they exchanged their light captivity for a seat on a galley bench and hard + labor at the pirate's oars; how, in the port at Barbary, Sir Nigel had + slain the Moorish captain, and had swum with Aylward to a small coaster + which they had taken, and so made their way to England with a rich cargo + to reward them for their toils. All this Alleyne listened to, until the + dark keep of Twynham towered above them in the gloaming, and they saw the + red sun lying athwart the rippling Avon. No need to speak of the glad + hearts at Twynham Castle that night, nor of the rich offerings from out + that Moorish cargo which found their way to the chapel of Father + Christopher. + </p> + <p> + Sir Nigel Loring lived for many years, full of honor and laden with every + blessing. He rode no more to the wars, but he found his way to every + jousting within thirty miles; and the Hampshire youth treasured it as the + highest honor when a word of praise fell from him as to their management + of their horses, or their breaking of their lances. So he lived and so he + died, the most revered and the happiest man in all his native shire. + </p> + <p> + For Sir Alleyne Edricson and for his beautiful bride the future had also + naught but what was good. Twice he fought in France, and came back each + time laden with honors. A high place at court was given to him, and he + spent many years at Windsor under the second Richard and the fourth Henry—where + he received the honor of the Garter, and won the name of being a brave + soldier, a true-hearted gentleman, and a great lover and patron of every + art and science which refines or ennobles life. + </p> + <p> + As to John, he took unto himself a village maid, and settled in Lyndhurst, + where his five thousand crowns made him the richest franklin for many + miles around. For many years he drank his ale every night at the “Pied + Merlin,” which was now kept by his friend Aylward, who had wedded the good + widow to whom he had committed his plunder. The strong men and the bowmen + of the country round used to drop in there of an evening to wrestle a fall + with John or to shoot a round with Aylward; but, though a silver shilling + was to be the prize of the victory, it has never been reported that any + man earned much money in that fashion. So they lived, these men, in their + own lusty, cheery fashion—rude and rough, but honest, kindly and + true. Let us thank God if we have outgrown their vices. Let us pray to God + that we may ever hold their virtues. The sky may darken, and the clouds + may gather, and again the day may come when Britain may have sore need of + her children, on whatever shore of the sea they be found. Shall they not + muster at her call? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The White Company, by Arthur Conan Doyle + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WHITE COMPANY *** + +***** This file should be named 903-h.htm or 903-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/0/903/ + +Produced by Charles Keller, Carlo Traverso, Tonya Allen, Samuel S. 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