Now，Nigel，youngandinexperienced，allNature’saidwillnothelpyouagainstthemixedcraftandstrengthofsuchawarrior。
ThedaywillcomewhenneitherMannynorevenChandoscouldsweepyoufromyoursaddle;butnow，evenhadyousomelesscumbrousarmor，yourchanceweresmall。Yourdownfallisnear;butasyouseethefamousblackchevronsonagoldengroundyourgallantheartwhichneverknewfearisonlyfilledwithjoyandamazementatthehonordoneyou。Yourdownfallisnear，andyetinyourwildestdreamsyouwouldneverguesshowstrangeyourdownfallistobe。
Againwithadullthunderofhoofsthehorsesgallopoverthesoftwater-meadow。Againwithaclashofmetalthetworidersmeet。
ItisNigelnow，takencleaninthefaceofhishelmetwiththebluntedspear，whofliesbackwardoffhishorseandfallsclangingonthegrass。
Butgoodheavens！whatisthis？，Mannyhasthrownuphishandsinhorrorandthelancehasdroppedfromhisnervelessfingers。Fromallsides，withcriesofdismay，withoathsandshoutsandejaculationstothesaints，thehorsemenridewildlyin。Waseversodreadful，sosudden，socomplete，anendtoagentlepassageatarms？，Surelytheireyesmustbeatfault？，Somewizard’strickhasbeenplayeduponthemtodeceivetheirsenses。Butno，itwasonlytooclear。Thereonthegreenswardlaythetrunkofthestrickencavalier，andthere，agooddozenyardsbeyond，layhishelmetedhead。
“BytheVirgin！”criedMannywildly，ashejumpedfromhishorse，“Iwouldgivemylastgoldpiecethattheworkofthiseveningshouldbeundone！，Howcameit？，Whatdoesitmean？，Hither，myLordBishop，forsurelyitsmacksofwitchcraftandtheDevil。”
WithawhitefacetheBishophadsprungdownbesidetheprostratebody，pushingthroughtheknotofhorrifiedknightsandsquires。
“IfearthatthelastofficesoftheHolyChurchcometoolate，“
saidheinaquiveringvoice。”Mostunfortunateyoungman！，Howsuddenanend！，Inmediovitae，astheHolyBookhasit-onemomentintheprideofhisyouth，thenexthisheadtornfromhisbody。NowGodandhissaintshavemercyuponmeandguardmefromevil！”
ThelastprayerwasshotoutoftheBishopwithanenergyandearnestnessunusualinhisorisons。ItwascausedbythesuddenoutcryofoneoftheSquireswho，havingliftedthehelmetfromtheground，castitdownagainwithascreamofhorror。
“Itisempty！”hecried。”Itweighsaslightasafeather。”
“’ForeGod，itistrue！”criedManny，layinghishandonit。
“Thereisnooneinit。WithwhathaveIfought，fatherBishop？
Isitofthisworldorofthenext？”
TheBishophadclamberedonhishorsethebettertoconsiderthepoint。”Ifthefoulfiendisabroad，“saidhe，“myplaceisoveryonderbytheKing’sside。Certesthatsulphur-coloredhorsehathaverydevilishlook。IcouldhaveswornthatIsawbothsmokeandflamefromitsnostrils。Thebeastisfittobearasuitofarmorwhichridesandfightsandyethathnomanwithinit。”
“Nay，nottoofast，fatherBishop，“saidoneoftheknights。”Itmaybeallthatyousayandyetcomefromahumanworkshop。WhenImadeacampaigninSouthGermanyIhaveseenatNurembergacunningfigure，devisedbyanarmorer，whichcouldbothrideandwieldasword。Ifthisbesuchaone-“
“Ithankyouallforyourverygentlecourtesy，“saidaboomingvoicefromthefigureupontheground。
AtthewordseventhevaliantMannysprangintohissaddle。Somerodemadlyawayfromthehorridtrunk。Afewoftheboldestlingered。
“Mostofall，“saidthevoice，“wouldIthankthemostnobleknight，SirWalterManny，thatheshoulddeigntolayasidehisgreatnessandcondescendtodoadeedofarmsuponsohumbleaSquire。”
“’ForeGod！”saidManny，“ifthisbetheDevil，thentheDevilhathaverycourtlytongue。Iwillhavehimoutofhisarmor，ifheblastme！”
SosayinghesprangoncemorefromhishorseandplunginghishanddowntheslitinthecollapsedgorgetheclosedittightlyuponafistfulofNigel’syellowcurls。Thegroanthatcameforthwasenoughtoconvincehimthatitwasindeedamanwholurkedwithin。
AtthesametimehiseyesfellupontheholeinthemailcorseletwhichhadservedtheSquireasavizor，andheburstintodeep-chestedmirth。TheKing，thePrinceandChandos，whohadwatchedthescenefromadistance，toomuchamusedbyittoexplainorinterfere，rodeupwearywithlaughter，nowthatallwasdiscovered。
“Lethimout！”saidtheKing，withhishandtohisside。”Iprayyoutounlacehimandlethimout！，Ihavesharedinmanyaspear-running，butneverhaveIbeennearerfallingfrommyhorsethanasIwatchedthisone。Ifearedthefallhadstruckhimsenseless，sincehelaysostill。”
Nigelhadindeedlainwithallthebreathshakenfromhisbody，andashewasunawarethathishelmethadbeencarriedoff，hehadnotunderstoodeitherthealarmortheamusementthathehadcaused。Nowfreedfromthegreathauberkinwhichhehadbeenshutlikeapeainapod，hestoodblinkinginthelight，blushingdeeplywithshamethattheshiftstowhichhispovertyhadreducedhimshouldbeexposedtoalltheselaughingcourtiers。ItwastheKingwhobroughthimcomfort。
“Youhaveshownthatyoucanuseyourfather’sweapons，“saidhe，“andyouhaveprovedalsothatyouaretheworthybearerofhisnameandhisarms，foryouhavewithinyouthatspiritforwhichhewasfamous。ButIwotthatneitherhenoryouwouldsufferatrainofhungrymentostarvebeforeyourdoor;soleadon，Iprayyou，andifthemeatbeasgoodasthisgracebeforeit，thenitwillbeafeastindeed。”
X。HOWTHEKINGGREETEDHISSENESCHALOFCALAIS
ItwouldhavefaredillwiththegoodnameofTilfordManorhouseandwiththehousekeepingoftheagedDameErmyntrudehadtheKing’swholeretinue，withhisouterandinnermarshal，hisjusticiar，hischamberlainandhisguard，allgatheredundertheoneroof。ButbytheforesightandthegentlemanagementofChandosthiscalamitywasavoided，sothatsomewerequarteredatthegreatAbbeyandotherspassedontoenjoythehospitalityofSirRogerFitzAlanatFarnhamCastle。OnlytheKinghimself，thePrince，Manny，Chandos，SirHubertdeBurgh，theBishopandtwoorthreemoreremainedbehindastheguestsoftheLorings。
Butsmallaswasthepartyandhumblethesurroundings，theKinginnowayrelaxedthatloveofceremony，ofelaborateformandofbrilliantcoloringwhichwasoneofhischaracteristics。Thesumpter-muleswereunpacked，squiresranhitherandthither，bathssmokedinthebed-chambers，silksandsatinswereunfolded，goldchainsgleamedandclinked，sothatwhenatlast，tothelongblastoftwocourttrumpeters，thecompanytooktheirseatsattheboard，itwasthebrightest，fairestscenewhichthoseoldblackraftershadeverspanned。
ThegreatinfluxofforeignknightswhohadcomeintheirsplendorfromallpartsofChristendomtotakepartintheopeningoftheRoundTowerofWindsorsixyearsbefore，andtotrytheirluckandtheirskillatthetournamentconnectedwithit，haddeeplymodifiedtheEnglishfashionsofdress。Theoldtunic，over-tunicandcyclasweretoosadandsimpleforthenewfashions，sonowstrangeandbrilliantcote-hardies，pourpoints，courtepies，paltocks，hanselinesandmanyotherwondrousgarments，parti-coloredordiapered，withlooped，embroideredorescallopededges，flamedandglitteredroundtheKing。Hehimself，inblackvelvetandgold，formedadarkrichcentertothefineryaroundhim。OnhisrightsatthePrince，onhislefttheBishop，whileDameErmyntrudemarshaledtheforcesofthehouseholdoutside，alertandwatchful，pouringinherdishesandherflagonsattherightmoment，rallyinghertiredservants，encouragingthevan，hurryingtherear，hasteningupherreserves，thetappingofheroakstickheardeverywherethepressurewasthegreatest。
BehindtheKing，cladinhisbest，butlookingdrabandsorryamidthebrilliantcostumesroundhim，Nigelhimself，regardlessofanachingbodyandatwistedknee，waiteduponhisroyalguests，whothrewmanyamerryjestathimovertheirshouldersastheystillchuckledattheadventureofthebridge。
“Bytherood！”saidKingEdward，leaningback，withachickenbonehelddaintilybetweenthecourtesyfingersofhislefthand，“theplayistoogoodforthiscountrystage。YoumusttoWindsorwithme，Nigel，andbringwithyouthisgreatsuitofharnessinwhichyoulurk。Thereyoushallholdthelistswithyoureyesinyourmidriff，andunlesssomeonecleaveyoutothewaistIseenothowanyharmcanbefallyou。NeverhaveIseensosmallanutinsogreatashell。”
ThePrince，lookingbackwithlaughingeyes，sawbyNigel’sflushedandembarrassedfacethathispovertyhungheavilyuponhim。”Nay，“saidhekindly，“suchaworkmanissurelyworthyofbettertools。”
“Anditisforhismastertoseethathehasthem，“addedtheKing。”Thecourtarmorerwilllooktoitthatthenexttimeyourhelmetiscarriedaway，Nigel，yourheadshallbeinsideit。”
Nigel，redtotherootsofhisflaxenhair，stammeredoutsomewordsofthanks。
JohnChandos，however，hadafreshsuggestion，andhecockedaroguisheyeashemadeit：“Surely，myliege，yourbountyislittleneededinthiscase。Itistheancientlawofarmsthatiftwocavaliersstarttojoust，andoneeitherbymaladdressormisadventurefailtomeettheshock，thenhisarmsbecomethepropertyofhimwhostillholdsthelists。Thisbeingso，methinks，SirHubertdeBurgh，thatthefinehauberkofMilanandthehelmetofBordeauxsteelinwhichyourodetoTilfordshouldremainwithouryounghostassomesmallremembranceofyourvisit。”
Thesuggestionraisedageneralchorusofapprovalandlaughter，inwhichalljoined，saveonlySirHuberthimself，who，flushedwithanger，fixedhisbalefuleyesuponChandos’mischievousandsmilingface。
“IsaidthatIdidnotplaythatfoolishgame，andIknownothingofitslaws，“saidhe;“butyouknowwell，John，thatifyouwouldhaveaboutwithsharpenedspearorsword，wheretworidetotheground，andonlyoneawayfromit，youhavenotfartogotofindit。”
“Nay，nay，wouldyouridetotheground？，Surelyyouhadbestwalk，Hubert，“saidChandos。”OnyourfeetIknowwellthatI
shouldnotseeyourbackaswehaveseenitto-day。Saywhatyouwill，yourhorsehasplayedyoufalse，andIclaimyoursuitofharnessforNigelLoring。”
“Yourtongueisoverlong，John，andIamwearyofitsendlessclack！”saidSirHubert，hisyellowmustachebristlingfromascarletface。”Ifyouclaimmyharness，doyouyourselfcomeandtakeit。Ifthereisamoonintheskyyoumaytrythisverynightwhentheboardiscleared。”
“Nay，fairsirs，“criedtheKing，smilingfromonetotheother，“thismattermustbefollowednofurther。DoyoufillabumperofGascony，John，andyoualso，Hubert。Nowpledgeeachother，I
prayyou，asgoodandloyalcomradeswhowouldscorntofightsaveinyourKing’squarrel。Wecanspareneitherofyouwhilethereissomuchworkforbraveheartsoverthesea。Astothismatteroftheharness，JohnChandosspeakstrulywhereitconcernsajoustinthelists，butweholdthatsuchalawisscarcebindinginthis，whichwasbutawaysidepassageandagentletrialofarms。Ontheotherhand，inthecaseofyourSquire，MasterManny，therecanbenodoubtthathissuitisforfeit。”
“Itisagrievoushearingforhim，myliege，“saidWalterManny;
“forheisapoormanandhathbeenatsorepainstofithimselfforthewars。Yetwhatyousayshallbedone，fairsire。So，ifyouwillcometomeinthemorning，SquireLoring，JohnWiddicombe’ssuitwillbehandedovertoyou。”
“ThenwiththeKing’sleave，Iwillhanditbacktohim，“saidNigel，troubledandstammering;“forindeedIhadratherneverridetothewarsthantakefromabravemanhisonlysuitofplate。”
“Therespokeyourfather’sspirit！”criedtheKing。”Bytherood！
Nigel，Ilikeyoufullwell。Letthematterbideinmyhands。
ButImarvelmuchthatSirAymerytheLombardhathnotcometousyetfromWindsor。”
>FromthemomentofhisarrivalatTilford，againandagainKingEdwardhadaskedmosteagerlywhetherSirAymeryhadcome，andwhethertherewasanynewsofhim，sothatthecourtiersglancedateachotherinwonder。ForAymerywasknowntoallofthemasafamousmercenaryofItaly，latelyappointedGovernorofCalais，andthissuddenandurgentsummonsfromtheKingmightwellmeansomerenewalofthewarwithFrance，whichwasthedearestwishofeverysoldier。TwicetheKinghadstoppedhismealandsatwithsidelonghead;hiswine-cupinhishand，listeningattentivelywhensomesoundliketheclatterofhoofswasheardfromoutside;
butthethirdtimetherecouldbenomistake。Thetrampandjingleofthehorsesbrokeloudupontheear，andendedinhoarsevoicescallingoutofthedarkness，whichwereansweredbythearcherspostedassentrieswithoutthedoor。
“Sometravelerhasindeedarrived，myliege，“saidNigel。”Whatisyourroyalwill？”
“ItcanbebutAymery，“theKinganswered，“foritwasonlytohimthatIleftthemessagethatheshouldfollowmehither。Bidhimcomein，Iprayyou，andmakehimverywelcomeatyourboard。”
Nigelcastopenthedoor，pluckingatorchfromitsbracketashedidso。Halfadozenmen-at-armssatontheirhorsesoutside，butonehaddismounted，ashort，squat，swarthymanwitharatfaceandquick，restlessbrowneyeswhichpeeredeagerlypastNigelintotheredglareofthewell-lithall。
“IamSirAymeryofPavia，“hewhispered。”ForGod’ssake，tellme！istheKingwithin？”
“Heisattable，fairsir，andhebidsyoutoenter。”
“Onemoment，youngman，onemoment，andasecretwordinyourear。
WotyouwhyitisthattheKinghassentforme？”
Nigelreadterrorinthedarkcunningeyeswhichglancedinsidelongfashionintohis。”Nay，Iknownot。”
“IwouldIknew-IwouldIwassureereIsoughthispresence。”
“Youhavebuttocrossthethreshold，fairsir，anddoubtlessyouwilllearnfromtheKing’sownlips。”
SirAymeryseemedtogatherhimselfasonewhobracesforaspringintoice-coldwater。Thenhecrossedwithaquickstridefromthedarknessintothelight。TheKingstoodupandheldouthishandwithasmileuponhislonghandsomeface，andyetitseemedtotheItalianthatitwasthelipswhichsmiledbutnottheeyes。
“Welcome！”criedEdward。”WelcometoourworthyandfaithfulSeneschalofCalais！，Come，sitherebeforemeattheboard，forI
havesentforyouthatImayhearyournewsfromoverthesea，andthankyouforthecarethatyouhavetakenofthatwhichisasdeartomeaswifeorchild。SetaplaceforSirAymerythere，andgivehimfoodanddrink，forhehasriddenfastandfarinourserviceto-day。”
ThroughoutthelongfeastwhichtheskilloftheLadyErmyntrudehadarranged，EdwardchattedlightlywiththeItalianaswellaswiththebaronsnearhim。Finally，whenthelastdishwasremovedandthegravy-soakedroundsofcoarsebreadwhichservedasplateshadbeencasttothedogs，thewine-flagonswerepassedround;andoldWeathercotetheminstrelenteredtimidlywithhisharpinthehopethathemightbeallowedtoplaybeforetheKing’smajesty。
ButEdwardhadother，sportafoot。
“Iprayyou，Nigel，tosendouttheservants，sothatwemaybealone。Iwouldhavetwomen-at-armsateverydoorlestwebedisturbedinourdebate，foritisamatterofprivacy。Andnow，SirAymery，thesenoblelordsaswellasI，yourmaster，wouldfainhearfromyourownlipshowallgoesforwardinFrance。”
TheItalian’sfacewascalm;buthelookedrestlesslyfromonetoanotheralongthelineofhislisteners。
“SofarasIknow，myliege，allisquietontheFrenchmarches，“
saidhe。
“Youhavenotheardthenthattheyhavemusteredorgatheredtoaheadwiththeintentionofbreakingthetruceandmakingsomeattemptuponourdominions？”
“Nay，sire，Ihaveheardnothingofit。”
“Yousetmymindmuchatease，Aymery，“saidtheKing;“forifnothinghascometoyourears，thensurelyitcannotbe。ItwassaidthatthewildKnightdeChargnyhadcomedowntoSt。Omerwithhiseyesuponmypreciousjewelandhismailedhandsreadytograspit。”
“Nay，sire，lethimcome。Hewillfindthejewelsafeinitsstrongbox，withagoodlyguardoverit。”
“Youaretheguardovermyjewel，Aymery。”
“Yes，sire，Iamtheguard。”
“AndyouareafaithfulguardandonewhomIcantrust，areyounot？，YouwouldnotbarterawaythatwhichissodeartomewhenI
havechosenyououtofallmyarmytoholditforme？”
“Nay，sire，whatreasonscantherebeforsuchquestions？，Theytouchmyhonorverynearly。YouknowthatIwouldpartwithCalaisonlywhenIpartedwithmysoul。”
“ThenyouknownothingofdeChargny’sattempt？”
“Nothingsire。”
“Liarandvillain！”yelledtheKing，springingtohisfeetanddashinghisfistuponthetableuntiltheglassesrattledagain。
“Seizehim，archers！，Seizehimthisinstant！，Standclosebyeitherelbow，lesthedohimselfamischief！，Nowdoyoudaretotellmetomyface，youperjuredLombard，thatyouknownothingofdeChargnyandhisplans？”
“AsGodismywitnessIknownothingofhim！”Theman’slipswerewhite，andhespokeinathin，sighing，reedyvoice，hiseyeswincingawayfromthefellgazeoftheangryKing。
Edwardlaughedbitterly，anddrewapaperfromhisbreast。”Youarethejudgesinthiscase，you，myfairson，andyou，Chandos，andyou，Manny，andyou，SirHubert，andyoualso，myLordBishop。
BymysovereignpowerImakeyouacourtthatyoumaydealjusticeuponthisman，forbyGod’seyesIwillnotstirfromthisroomuntilIhavesiftedthemattertothebottom。AndfirstIwouldreadyouthisletter。ItissuperscribedtoSirAymeryofPavia，nommeLeLombard，ChateaudeCalais。Isnotthatyournameandstyle，yourogue？”
“Itismyname，sire;butnosuchletterhascometome。”
“Elsehadyourvillainyneverbeendisclosed。Itissigned`IsidoredeChargny’。WhatsaysmyenemydeChargnytomytrustedservant？，Listen！，`Wecouldnotcomewiththelastmoon，forwehavenotgatheredsufficientstrength，norhavewebeenabletocollectthetwentythousandcrownswhichareyourprice。Butwiththenextturnofthemooninthedarkesthourwewillcomeandyouwillbepaidyourmoneyatthesmallposterngatewiththerowan-bushbesideit。’，Well，rogue，whatsayyounow？”
“Itisaforgery！”gaspedtheItalian。
“Iprayyouthatyouwillletmeseeit，sire，“saidChandos。”DeChargnywasmyprisoner，andsomanyletterspassederehisransomwaspaidthathisscriptiswell-knowntome。Yes，yes，Iwillswearthatthisisindeedhis。IfmysalvationwereatstakeI
couldswearit。”
“IfitwereindeedwrittenbydeChargnyitwastodishonorme，“
criedSirAymery。
“Nay，nay！”saidtheyoungPrince。”WeallknowdeChargnyandhavefoughtagainsthim。Manyfaultshehas，aboasterandabrawler，butabravermanandoneofgreaterheartandhigherofenterprisedoesnotridebeneaththeliliesofFrance。Suchamanwouldneverstooptowritealetterforthesakeofputtingdishonorupononeofknightlyrank。I，forone，willneverbelieveit。”
AgruffmurmurfromtheothersshowedthattheywereofonemindwiththePrince。Thelightofthetorchesfromthewallsbeatuponthelineofsternfacesatthehightable。Theyhadsatlikeflint，andtheItalianshrankfromtheirinexorableeyes。Helookedswiftlyround，butarmedmenchokedeveryentrance。Theshadowofdeathhadfallenathwarthissoul。
“Thisletter，“saidtheKing，“wasgivenbydeChargnytooneDomBeauvais，apriestofSt。Omer，tocarryintoCalais。Thesaidpriest，smellingareward，broughtittoonewhoismyfaithfulservant，andsoitcametome。StraightwayIsentforthismanthatheshouldcometome。MeanwhilethepriesthasreturnedsothatdeChargnymaythinkthathismessageisindeeddelivered。”
“Iknownothingofit，“saidtheItaliandoggedly，lickinghisdrylips。
AdarkflushmountedtotheKing’sforehead，andhiseyesweregorgedwithhiswrath。”Nomoreofthis，forGod’sdignity！”hecried。”HadwethisfellowattheTower，afewturnsoftherackwouldtearaconfessionfromhiscravensoul。Butwhyshouldweneedhiswordforhisownguilt？，Youhaveseen，mylords，youhaveheard！，Howsayyou，fairson？，Isthemanguilty？”
“Sire，heisguilty。”
“Andyou，John？，Andyou，Walter？，Andyou，Hubert？，Andyou，myLordBishop？，Youareallofonemind，then。Heisguiltyofthebetrayalofhistrust。Andthepunishment？”
“Itcanonlybedeath，“saidthePrince，andeachinturntheothersnoddedtheiragreement。
“AymeryofPavia，youhaveheardyourdoom，“saidEdward，leaninghischinuponhishandandgloomingatthecoweringItalian。
“Stepforward，youarcheratthedoor，youwiththeblackbeard。
Drawyoursword！，Nay，youwhite-facedrogue，Iwouldnotdishonorthisroof-treebyyourblood。Itisyourheels，notyourhead，thatwewant。Hackoffthesegoldenspursofknighthoodwithyoursword，archer！，’TwasIwhogavethem，andIwhotakethemback。
Ha！，theyflyacrossthehall，andwiththemeverybondbetwixtyouandtheworshipfulorderwhosesignandbadgetheyare！，Nowleadhimoutontheheathafarfromthehousewherehiscarrioncanbestlie，andhewhisschemingheadfromhisbodyasawarningtoallsuchtraitors！”
TheItalian，whohadslippedfromhischairtohisknees，utteredacryofdespair，asanarcherseizedhimbyeithershoulder。
Writhingoutoftheirgrip，hethrewhimselfuponthefloorandclutchedattheKing’sfeet。
“Spareme，mymostdreadlord，spareme，Ibeseechyou！，InthenameofChrist’spassion，Iimploreyourgraceandpardon！
Bethinkyou，mygoodanddearlord，howmanyyearsIhaveservedunderyourbannersandhowmanyservicesIhaverendered。WasitnotIwhofoundthefordupontheSeinetwodaysbeforethegreatbattle？，WasitnotIalsowhomarshaledtheattackattheintakingofCalais？，IhaveawifeandfourchildreninItaly，greatKing;anditwasthethoughtofthemwhichledmetofallfrommyduty，forthismoneywouldhaveallowedmetoleavethewarsandtoseethemonceagain。Mercy，myliege，mercy，I
implore！”
TheEnglisharearoughrace，butnotacruelone。TheKingsatwithafaceofdoom;buttheotherslookedaskanceandfidgetedintheirseats。
“Indeed，myfairliege，“saidChandos，“Iprayyouthatyouwillabatesomewhatofyouranger。”
Edwardshookhisheadcurtly。”Besilent，John。ItshallbeasI
havesaid。”
“Iprayyou，mydearandhonoredliege，nottoactwithovermuchhasteinthematter，“saidManny。”Bindhimandholdhimuntilthemorning，forothercounselsmayprevail。”
“Nay，Ihavespoken。Leadhimout！”
ButthetremblingmanclungtotheKing’skneesinsuchafashionthatthearcherscouldnotdisengagehisconvulsivegrip。”Listentomeamoment，Iimploreyou！，Givemebutoneminutetopleadwithyou，andthendowhatyouwill。”
TheKingleanedbackinhischair。”Speakandhavedone，“saidhe。
“Youmustspareme，mynobleliege。ForyourownsakeIsaythatyoumustspareme，forIcansetyouinthewayofsuchaknightlyadventureaswillgladdenyourheart。Bethinkyou，sire，thatthisdeChargnyandhiscomradesknownothingoftheirplanshavinggoneawry。IfIdobutsendthemamessagetheywillsurelycometotheposterngate。Then，ifwehaveplacedourbushmentwithskillweshallhavesuchacaptureandsucharansomaswillfillyourcoffers。Heandhiscomradesshouldbeworthagoodhundredthousandcrowns。”
EdwardspurnedtheItalianawayfromhimwithhisfootuntilhesprawledamongtherushes，butevenashelaytherelikeawoundedsnakehisdarkeyesneverlefttheKing’sface。
“Youdoubletraitor！，YouwouldsellCalaistodeChargny，andtheninturnyouwouldselldeChargnytome。HowdareyousupposethatIoranynobleknighthadsuchahuckster’ssoulastothinkonlyofransomswherehonoristobewon？，CouldIoranytruemanbesocaitiffandsothrall？，Youhavesealedyourowndoom。Leadhimout！”
“Oneinstant，Iprayyou，myfairandmostsweetlord，“criedthePrince。”Assuageyourwrathyetalittlewhile，forthisman’srededeservesperhapsmorethoughtthanwehavegivenit。Hehasturnedyournoblesoulsickwithhistalkofransoms;butlookatit，Iprayyou，fromthesideofhonor，andwherecouldwefindsuchhopeofworshipfullywinningworship？，Iprayyoutoletmeputmybodyinthisadventure，foritisonefromwhich，ifrightlyhandled，muchadvancementistobegained。”
Edwardlookedwithsparklingeyesatthenobleyouthathisside。
“Neverwashoundmorekeenonthetrackofastrickenhartthanyouonthehopeofhonor，fairson，“saidhe。”Howdoyouconceivethematterinyourmind？”
“DeChargnyandhismenwillbesuchasareworthgoingfartomeet，forhewillhavethepickofFranceunderhisbannerthatnight。Ifwedidasthismansaysandawaitedhimwiththesamenumberoflances，thenIcannotthinkthatthereisanyspotinChristendomwhereonewouldratherbethaninCalaisthatnight。”
“Bytherood，fairson，youareright！”criedtheKing，hisfaceshiningwiththethought。”Nowwhichofyou，JohnChandosorWalterManny，willtakethethingincharge？”Helookedmischievouslyfromonetotheotherlikeamasterwhodanglesabonebetwixttwofierceoldhounds。Alltheyhadtosaywasintheirburning，longingeyes。”Nay，John，youmustnottakeitamiss;butitisWalter’sturn，andheshallhaveit。”
“Shallwenotallgounderyourbanner，sire，orthatofthePrince？”
“Nay，itisnotfittingthattheroyalbannersofEnglandshouldbeadvancedinsosmallanadventure。Andyet，ifyouhavespaceinyourranksfortwomorecavaliers，boththePrinceandIwouldridewithyouthatnight。”
Theyoungmanstoopedandkissedhisfather’shand。
“Takethismaninyourcharge，Walter，anddowithhimasyouwill。Guardwelllesthebetrayusonceagain。Takehimfrommysight，forhisbreathpoisonstheroom。Andnow，Nigel，ifthatworthygraybeardofthinewouldfaintwanghisharporsingtous-butwhatinGod’snamewouldyouhave？”
Hehadturned，tofindhisyounghostuponhiskneeandhisflaxenheadbentinentreaty。
“Whatisit，man？，Whatdoyoucrave？”
“Aboon，fairliege！”
“Well，well，amItohavenopeaceto-night，withatraitorkneelingtomeinfront，andatruemanonhiskneesbehind？，Outwithit，Nigel。Whatwouldyouhave？”
“TocomewithyoutoCalais。”
“Bytherood！，yourrequestisfairenough，seeingthatourplotishatchedbeneathyourveryroof。Howsayyou，Walter？，Willyoutakehim，armorandall？”askedKingEdward。
“Sayratherwillyoutakeme？”saidChandos。”Wetwoarerivalsinhonor，Walter，butIamverysurethatyouwouldnotholdmeback。”
“Nay，John，IwillbeproudtohavethebestlanceinChristendombeneathmybanner。”
“AndItofollowsoknightlyaleader。ButNigelLoringismySquire，andsohecomeswithusalso。”
“Thenthatissettled，“saidtheKing，“andnowthereisnoneedforhurry，sincetherecanbenomoveuntilthemoonhaschanged。
SoIprayyoutopasstheflagononceagain，andtodrinkwithmetothegoodknightsofFrance。MaytheybeofgreatheartandhighofenterprisewhenweallmeetoncemorewithinthecastlewallofCalais！”
XI。INTHEHALLOFTHEKNIGHTOFDUPLIN
TheKinghadcomeandhadgone。TilfordManorhousestoodoncemoredarkandsilent，butjoyandcontentmentreignedwithinitswalls。Inonenighteverytroublehadfallenawaylikesomedarkcurtainwhichhadshutoutthesun。AprincelysumofmoneyhadcomefromtheKing’streasurer，giveninsuchfashionthattherecouldbenorefusal。Withabagofgoldpiecesathissaddle-bowNigelrodeoncemoreintoGuildford，andnotabeggaronthewaywhohadnotcausetoblesshisname。
Therehehadgonefirsttothegoldsmithandhadboughtbackcupandsalverandbracelet，mourningwiththemerchantovertheevilchancethatgoldandgold-workhadforcertainreasonswhichonlythoseinthetradecouldfullyunderstandgoneupinvalueduringthelastweek，sothatalreadyfiftygoldpieceshadtobepaidmorethanthepricewhichNigelhadreceived。InvainthefaithfulAylwardfrettedandfumedandmutteredaprayerthatthedaywouldcomewhenhemightfeatherashaftinthemerchant’sportlypaunch。Themoneyhadtobepaid。
ThenceNigelhurriedtoWatthearmorer’sandthereheboughtthatverysuitforwhichhehadyearnedsoshortatimebefore。Thenandtherehetrieditoninthebooth，Watandhisboywalkingroundhimwithspannerandwrench，fixingboltsandtwistingrivets。
“Howisthat，myfairsir？”criedthearmorerashedrewthebassinetovertheheadandfastenedittothecamailwhichextendedtotheshoulders。”IswearbyTubalCainthatitfitsyouastheshellfitsthecrab！，AfinersuitnevercamefromItalyorSpain。”
Nigelstoodinfrontofaburnishedshieldwhichservedasamirror，andheturnedthiswayandthat，preeninghimselflikealittleshiningbird。Hissmoothbreastplate，hiswondrousjointswiththeirdeftprotectionbythedisksatkneeandelbowandshoulder，thebeautifullyflexiblegauntletsandsollerets，theshirtofmailandtheclose-fittinggreave-plateswereallthingsofjoyandofbeautyinhiseyes。Hesprangabouttheshoptoshowhislightness，andthenrunningoutheplacedhishandonthepommelandvaultedintoPommers’saddle，whileWatandhisboyapplaudedinthedoorway。
ThenspringingoffandrunningintotheshopagainheclankeddownuponhiskneesbeforetheimageoftheVirginuponthesmithywall。Therefromhisheartheprayedthatnoshadoworstainshouldcomeuponhissoulorhishonorwhilstthesearmsincasedhisbody，andthathemightbestrengthenedtousethemfornobleandgodlyends。Astrangeturnthistoareligionofpeace，andyetformanyacenturytheswordandthefaithhadupheldeachotherandinadarkenedworldthebestidealofthesoldierhadturnedinsomedimgropingfashiontowardthelight。“BenedictusdominusdeusmeusquidocetmanusmeasadPraeliumetdigitosmeosadbellum！”Therespokethesouloftheknightlysoldier。
Sothearmorwastrusseduponthearmorer’smuleandwentbackwiththemtoTilford，whereNigelputitononcemoreforthepleasureoftheLadyErmyntrude，whoclappedherskinnyhandsandshedtearsofmingledpainandjoy-painthatsheshouldlosehim，joythatheshouldgosobravelytothewars。Astoherownfuture，ithadbeenmadeeasyforher，sinceitwasarrangedthatastewardshouldlooktotheTilfordestatewhilstshehadatherdisposalasuiteofroomsinroyalWindsor，wherewithothervenerabledamesofherownageandstandingshecouldspendthetwilightofherdaysdiscussinglong-forgottenscandalsandwhisperingsadthingsaboutthegrandfathersandthegrandmothersoftheyoungcourtiersallaroundthem。ThereNigelmightleaveherwithaneasymindwhenheturnedhisfacetoFrance。
ButtherewasonemorevisittobepaidandonemorefarewelltobespokenereNigelcouldleavethemoorlandswherehehaddwelledsolong。Thateveninghedonnedhisbrightesttunic，darkpurplevelvetofGenoa，withtrimmingofminiver，hishatwiththesnow-whitefeathercurlingroundthefront，andhisbeltofembossedsilverroundhisloins。MountedonlordlyPommers，withhishawkuponwristandhisswordbyhisside，neverdidfaireryounggallantoronemoremodestinmindsetforthuponsuchanerrand。ItwasbuttheoldKnightofDuplintowhomhewouldsayfarewell;buttheKnightofDuplinhadtwodaughters，EdithandMary，andEdithwasthefairestmaidinalltheheather-country。
SirJohnButtesthorn，theKnightofDuplin，wassocalledbecausehehadbeenpresentatthatstrangebattle，someeighteenyearsbefore，whenthefullpowerofScotlandhadbeenforamomentbeatentothegroundbyahandfulofadventurersandmercenaries，marchingunderthebannerofnonation，butfightingintheirownprivatequarrel。Theirexploitfillsnopagesofhistory，foritistotheinterestofnonationtorecordit，andyettherumorandfameofthegreatfightbulkedlargeinthosetimes，foritwasonthatdaywhentheflowerofScotlandwasleftdeaduponthefield，thattheworldfirstunderstoodthatanewforcehadariseninwar，andthattheEnglisharcher，withhisrobustcourageandhisskillwiththeweaponwhichhehadwieldedfromhisboyhood，wasapowerwithwhicheventhemailedchivalryofEuropehadseriouslytoreckon。
SirJohnafterhisreturnfromScotlandhadbecometheKing’sownheadhuntsman，famousthroughallEnglandforhisknowledgeofvenery，untilatlast，gettingoverheavyforhishorses，hehadsettledinmodestcomfortintotheoldhouseofCosfordupontheeasternslopeoftheHindheadhill。Here，ashisfacegrewredderandhisbeardmorewhite，hespenttheeveningofhisdays，amidhawksandhounds，aflagonofspicedwineeverathiselbow，andhisswollenfootpercheduponastoolbeforehim。ThereitwasthatmanyanoldcomradebrokehisjourneyashepasseddowntheruderoadwhichledfromLondontoPortsmouth，andthitheralsocametheyounggallantsofthecountrytohearthestoutknight’stalesofoldwars，ortolearn，fromhimthatloreoftheforestandthechasewhichnonecouldteachsowellashe。
Butsoothtosay，whatevertheoldknightmightthink，itwasnotmerelyhisoldtalesandolderwinewhichdrewtheyoungmentoCosford，butratherthefairfaceofhisyoungerdaughter，orthestrongsoulandwisecounseloftheelder。Neverhadtwomoredifferentbranchessprungfromthesametrunk。Bothweretallandofaqueenlygracefulfigure。Butthereallresemblancebeganandended。
Edithwasyellowastheripecorn，blue-eyed，winning，mischievous，withachatteringtongue，amerrylaugh，andasmilewhichadozenofyounggallants，NigelofTilfordattheirhead，couldshareequallyamongstthem。Likeayoungkittensheplayedwithallthingsthatshefoundinlife，and。sometherewerewhothoughtthatalreadytheclawscouldbefeltamidthepattingofhervelvettouch。
Marywasdarkasnight，grave-featured，plain-visaged，withsteadybrowneyeslookingbravelyattheworldfromunderastrongblackarchofbrows。Nonecouldcallherbeautiful，andwhenherfairsistercastherarmroundherandplacedhercheekagainsthers，aswasherhabitwhencompanywasthere，thefairnessoftheoneandtheplainnessoftheotherleapedvisiblytotheeyesofall，eachtheclearerforthathardcontrast。Andyet，hereandthere，therewasonewho，lookingatherstrange，strongface，andatthepassinggleamsfardowninherdarkeyes，feltthatthissilentwomanwithherproudbearingandherqueenlygracehadinhersomethingofstrength，ofreserveandofmysterywhichwasmoretothemthanallthedaintyglitterofhersister。
SuchweretheladiesofCosfordtowardwhomNigelLoringrodethatnightwithdoubletofGenoanvelvetandthenewwhitefeatherinhiscap。
HehadriddenoverThursleyRidgepastthatoldstonewhereindaysgonebyattheplaceofThorthewildSaxonsworshipedtheirwar-god。NigellookedatitwithawaryeyeandspurredPommersonwardashepassedit，forstillitwassaidthatwildfiresdancedrounditonthemoonlessnights，andtheywhohadearsforsuchthingscouldhearthescreamandsobofthosewhoseliveshadbeenrippedfromthemthatthefiendmightbehonored。Thor’sstone，Thor’sjumps，Thor’spunch-bowl-thewholecountry-sidewasonegrimmonumenttotheGodofBattles，thoughthepiousmonkshadchangedhisuncouthnameforthatoftheDevilhisfather，sothatitwastheDevil’sjumpsandtheDevil’spunch-bowlofwhichtheyspoke。Nigelglancedbackattheoldgrayboulder，andhefeltforaninstantashudderpassthroughhisstoutheart。Wasitthechilloftheeveningair，orwasitthatsomeinnervoicehadwhisperedtohimofthedaywhenhealsomightlieboundonsucharockandhavesuchablood-stainedpagancrewhowlingaroundhim。
Aninstantlatertherockandhisvaguefearandallthingselsehadpassedfromhismind，forthere，downtheyellowsandypath，thesettingsungleamingonhergoldenhair，herlithefigurebendingandswayingwitheveryheaveofthecanteringhorse，wasnoneotherthanthesamefairEdith，whosefacehadcomesooftenbetwixthimandhissleep。Hisbloodrushedhottohisfaceatthesight，forfearlessofallelse，hisspiritwasattractedandyetdauntedbythedelicatemysteryofwoman。TohispureandknightlysoulnotEdithalone，buteverywoman，sathighandaloof，enthronedandexalted，withathousandmysticexcellenciesandvirtueswhichraisedherfarabovetherudeworldofman。
Therewasjoyincontactwiththem;andyettherewasfear，fearlesthisownunworthiness，hisuntrainedtongueorrougherwaysshouldinsomewaybreakrudelyuponthisdelicateandtenderthing。Suchwashisthoughtasthewhitehorsecanteredtowardhim;butamomentlaterhisvaguedoubtsweresetatrestbythefrankvoiceoftheyounggirl，whowavedherwhipinmerrygreeting。
“Hailandwellmet，Nigel！”shecried。”Whitherawaythisevening？，SureIamthatitisnottoseeyourfriendsofCosford，forwhendidyoueverdonsobraveadoubletforus？，Come，Nigel，hername，thatImayhateherforever。”
“Nay，Edith，“saidtheyoungSquire，laughingbackatthelaughinggirl。”IwasindeedcomingtoCosford。”
“Thenweshallridebacktogether，forIwillgonofarther。HowthinkyouthatIamlooking？”
Nigel’sanswerwasinhiseyesasheglancedatthefairflushedface，thegoldenhair，thesparklingeyesandthedaintilygracefulfiguresetoffinascarlet-and-blackriding-dress。”Youareasfairasever，Edith。”
“Oh，coldofspeech！，Surelyyouwerebredforthecloisters，andnotforalady’sbower，Nigel。HadIaskedsuchaquestionfromyoungSirGeorgeBrocasortheSquireofFernhurst，hewouldhaveravedfromheretoCosford。Theyarebothmoretomytastethanyouare，Nigel。”
“Itistheworseforme，Edith，“saidNigelruefully。
“Nay，butyoumustnotloseheart。”
“HaveInotalreadylostit？”saidhe。
“Thatisbetter，“shecried，laughing。”Youcanbequickenoughwhenyouchoose，MasterMalapert。ButyouaremorefittospeakofhighandwearymatterswithmysisterMary。ShewillhavenoneoftheprattleandcourtesyofSirGeorge，andyetIlovethemwell。Buttellme，Nigel，whydoyoucometoCosfordtonight？”
“Tobidyoufarewell。”
“Mealone？”
“Nay，Edith，youandyoursisterMaryandthegoodknightyourfather。”
“SirGeorgewouldhavesaidthathehadcomeformealone。Indeedyouarebutapoorcourtierbesidehim。Butisittrue，Nigel，thatyougotoFrance？”
“Yes，Edith。”
“ItwassorumoredaftertheKinghadbeentoTilford。ThestorygoesthattheKinggoestoFranceandyouinhistrain。Isthattrue？”
“Yes，Edith，itistrue。”
“Tellme，then，towhatpartyougo，andwhen？”
“That，alas！，Imaynotsay。”
“Oh，insooth！”Shetossedherfairheadandrodeonwardinsilence，withcompressedlipsandangryeyes。
Nigelglancedatherinsurpriseanddismay。”Surely，Edith，“
saidheatlast，“youhaveovermuchregardformyhonorthatyoushouldwishmetobreakthewordthatIhavegiven？”
“Yourhonorbelongstoyou，andmylikingsbelongtome，“saidshe。”Youholdfasttotheone，andIwilldothesamebytheother。”
TheyrodeinsilencethroughThursleyvillage。Thenathoughtcametohermindandinaninstantherangerwasforgottenandshewashotonanewscent。
“WhatwouldyoudoifIwereinjured，Nigel？，Ihaveheardmyfathersaythatsmallasyouarethereisnomaninthesepartscouldstandagainstyou。WouldyoubemychampionifIsufferedwrong？”
“SurelyIoranymanofgentlebloodwouldbethechampionofanywomanwhohadsufferedwrong。”
“YouoranyandIorany-whatsortofspeechisthat？，Isitacompliment，thinkyou，tobemixedwithadroveinthatfashion？
Myquestionwasofyouandme。IfIwerewrongedwouldyoubemyman？”
“Trymeandsee，Edith！”
“ThenIwilldoso，Nigel。EitherSirGeorgeBrocasortheSquireofFernhurstwouldgladlydowhatIask，andyetIamofamind，Nigel，toturntoyou。”
“Iprayyoutotellmewhatitis。”
“YouknowPauldelaFosseofShalford？”
“Youmeanthesmallmanwiththetwistedback？”
“Heisnosmallerthanyourself，Nigel，andastohisbacktherearemanyfolkthatIknowwhowouldbegladtohavehisface。”
“Nay，Iamnojudgeofthat，andIspokeoutofnodiscourtesy。
Whatoftheman？”
“Hehasfloutedme，Nigel，andIwouldhaverevenge。”
“What-onthatpoortwistedcreature？”
“Itellyouthathehasfloutedme！”
“Buthow？”
“Ishouldhavethoughtthatatruecavalierwouldhaveflowntomyaid，withoutenallthesequestions。ButIwilltellyou，sinceI
needsmust。Knowthenthathewasoneofthosewhocamearoundmeandprofessedtobemyown。Then，merelybecausehethoughtthattherewereotherswhowereasdeartomeashimselfheleftme，andnowhepayscourttoMaudeTwynham，thelittlefreckle-facedhussyinhisvillage。”
“Buthowhasthishurtyou，sincehewasnomanofthine？”
“Hewasoneofmymen，washenot？，Andhehasmadegameofmetohiswench。Hehastoldherthingsaboutme。Hehasmademefoolishinhereyes。Yes，yes，IcanreaditinhersaffronfaceandinherwateryeyeswhenwemeetatthechurchdooronSundays。
Shesmiles-yes，smilesatme！，Nigel，gotohim！，Donotslayhim，norevenwoundhim，butlayhisfaceopenwiththyriding-
whip，andthencomebacktomeandtellmehowIcanserveyou。”
Nigel’sfacewashaggardwiththestrifewithin，fordesireranhotineveryvein，andyetreasonshrankwithhorror。”BySaintPaul！，Edith，“hecried，“Iseenohonornoradvancementofanysortinthisthingwhichyouhaveaskedmetodo。Isitformetostrikeonewhoisnobetterthanacripple？，FormymanhoodI
couldnotdosuchadeed，andIprayyou，dearlady，thatyouwillsetmesomeothertask。”
Hereyesflashedathimincontempt。”Andyouareaman-at-arms！”
shecried，laughinginbitterscorn。”Youareafraidofalittlemanwhocanscarcewalk。Yes，yes，saywhatyouwill，Ishalleverbelievethatyouhaveheardofhisskillatfenceandofhisgreatspirit，andthatyourhearthasfailedyou！，Youareright，Nigel。Heisindeedaperilousman。HadyoudonewhatIaskedhewouldhaveslainyou，andsoyouhaveshownyourwisdom。”
Nigelflushedandwincedunderthewords，buthesaidnomore，forhismindwasfightinghardwithinhim，strivingtokeepthathighimageofwomanwhichseemedforamomenttototterontheedgeofafall。Togetherinsilence，sidebyside，thelittlemanandthestatelywoman，theyellowchargerandthewhitejennet，passedupthesandywindingtrackwiththegorseandthebrackenhead-highoneitherside。Soonapathbranchedoffthroughagatewaymarkedwiththeboar-headsoftheButtesthorns，andtherewasthelowwidespreadhouseheavilytimbered，loudwiththebarkingofdogs。
TheruddyKnightlimpedforthwithoutstretchedhandandroaringvoice，“Whathow，Nigel！，Goodwelcomeandallhail！，Ihadthoughtthatyouhadgivenoverpoorfriendslikeus，nowthattheKinghadmadesomuchofyou。Thehorses，varlets，ormycrutchwillbeacrossyou！，Hush，Lydiard！，Down，Pelamon！，Icanscarcehearmyvoiceforyouryelping。Mary，acupofwineforyoungSquireLoring！”
Shestoodframedinthedoorway，tall，mystic，silent，withstrange，wistfulfaceanddeepsoulshininginherdark，questioningeyes。Nigelkissedthehandthatsheheldout，andallhisfaithinwomanandhisreverencecamebacktohimashelookedather。HersisterhadslippedbehindherandherfairelfishfacesmiledherforgivenessofNigeloverMary’sshoulder。
TheKnightofDuplinleanedhisweightupontheyoungman’sarmandlimpedhiswayacrossthegreathigh-roofedhalltohiscapaciousoakenchair。”Come，come，thestool，Edith！”hecried。
“AsGodismyhelp，thatgirl’smindswarmswithgallantsasagranarywithrats。Well，Nigel，Ihearstrangetalesofyourspear-runningatTilfordandofthevisitoftheKing。Howseemedhe？，AndmyoldfriendChandos-manyhappyhoursinthewoodlandshavewehadtogether-andMannytoo，hewaseveraboldandahardrider-whatnewsofthemall？”
NigeltoldtotheoldKnightallthathadoccurred，sayinglittleofhisownsuccessandmuchofhisownfailure，yettheeyesofthedarkwomanburnedthebrighterasshesatathertapestryandlistened。
SirJohnfollowedthestorywitharunningfireofoaths，prayers，thumpswithhisgreatfistandflourishesofhiscrutch。”Well，well，lad，youcouldscarceexpecttoholdyoursaddleagainstManny，andyouhavecarriedyourselfwell。Weareproudofyou，Nigel，foryouareourownman，rearedintheheathercountry。
ButindeedItakeshamethatyouarenotmoreskilledinthemysteryofthewoods，seeingthatIhavehadtheteachingofyou，andthatnooneinbroadEnglandismymasteratthecraft。I
prayyoutofillyourcupagainwhilstImakeuseofthelittletimethatislefttous。”
AndstraightwaytheoldKnightbeganalongandwearylectureuponthetimesofgraceandwheneachbeastandbirdwasseasonable，withmanyanecdotes，illustrations，warningsandexceptions，drawnfromhisowngreatexperience。Hespokealsooftheseveralranksandgradesofthechase：howthehare，hartandboarmustevertakeprecedenceoverthebuck，thedoe，thefox，themartenandtheroe，evenasaknightbanneretdoesoveraknight，whiletheseinturnareofahigherclasstothebadger，thewildcatortheotter，whoarebutthecommonpopulaceoftheworldofbeasts。Ofblood-stainsalsohespoke-howtheskilledhuntermayseeataglanceifbloodbedarkandfrothy，whichmeansamortalhurt，orthinandclear，whichmeansthatthearrowhasstruckabone。
“Bysuchsigns，“saidhe，“youwillsurelyknowwhethertolayonthehoundsandcastdowntheblinkswhichhinderthestrickendeerinitsflight。ButaboveallIprayyou，Nigel，tohaveacareintheuseofthetermsofthecraft，lestyoushouldmakesomeblunderattable，sothatthosewhoarewisermayhavethelaughofyou，andwewholoveyoumaybeshamed。”
“Nay，SirJohn，“saidNigel。”IthinkthatafteryourteachingI
canholdmyplacewiththeothers。”
TheoldKnightshookhiswhiteheaddoubtfully。”Thereissomuchtobelearnedthatthereisnoonewhocanbesaidtoknowall，“
saidhe。”Forexample，Nigel，itissooththatforeverycollectionofbeastsoftheforest，andforeverygatheringofbirdsoftheair，thereistheirownprivatenamesothatnonemaybeconfusedwithanother。”
“Iknowit，fairsir。”
“Youknowit，Nigel，butyoudonotknoweachseparatename，elseareyouawisermanthanIhadthoughtyou。Intruth-nonecansaythattheyknowall，thoughIhavemyselfpickedoffeighty，andsixforawageratcourt，anditissaidthatthechiefhuntsmanoftheDukeofBurgundyhascountedoverahundred-butitisinmymindthathemayhavefoundthemashewent，fortherewasnonetosayhimnay。Answermenow，lad，howwouldyousayifyousawtenbadgerstogetherintheforest？”
“Aceteofbadgers，fairsir。”
“Good，Nigel-good，bymyfaith！，AndifyouwalkinWoolmerForestandseeaswarmoffoxes，howwouldyoucallit？”
“Askulkoffoxes。”
“Andiftheybelions？”
“Nay，fairsir，IamnotliketomeetseverallionsinWoolmerForest。”
“Aye，lad，butthereareotherforestsbesidesWoolmer，andotherlandsbesidesEngland，andwhocantellhowfarafieldsuchaknighterrantasNigelofTilfordmaygo，whenheseesworshiptobewon？，WewillsaythatyouwereinthedesertsofNubia，andthatafterwardatthecourtofthegreatSultanyouwishedtosaythatyouhadseenseverallions，whichisthefirstbeastofthechase，beingthekingofallanimals。Howthenwouldyousayit？”
Nigelscratchedhishead。”Surely，fairsir，IwouldbecontenttosaythatIhadseenanumberoflions，ifindeedIcouldsayaughtaftersowondrousanadventure。”
“Nay，Nigel，ahuntsmanwouldhavesaidthathehadseenaprideoflions，andsoprovedthatheknewthelanguageofthechase。
Nowhaditbeenboarsinsteadoflions？”
“Onesaysasingularofboars。”
“Andiftheybeswine？”
“Surelyitisaherdofswine。”
“Nay，nay，lad，itisindeedsadtoseehowlittleyouknow。Yourhands，Nigel，werealwaysbetterthanyourhead。Nomanofgentlebirthwouldspeakofaherdofswine;thatisthepeasantspeech。
Ifyoudrivethemitisaherd。Ifyouhuntthemitisother。
Whatcallyouthem，then，Edith？”
“Nay，Iknownot，“saidthegirllistlessly。Acrumplednotebroughtinbyavarletwasclinchedinherrighthandandherblueeyeslookedafarintothedeepshadowsoftheroof。
“Butyoucantellus，Mary？”
“Surely，sweetsir，onetalksofasounderofswine。”
TheoldKnightlaughedexultantly。”Hereisapupilwhoneverbringsmeshame！”hecried。”Beitlore-ofchivalryorheraldryorwoodcraftorwhatyouwill，IcanalwaysturntoMary。Manyamancansheputtotheblush。”
“Myselfamongthem，“saidNigel。
“Ah，lad，youareaSolomontosomeofthem。Harkye！，onlylastweekthatjack-fool，theyoungLordofBrocas，washeretalkingofhavingseenacoveyofpheasantsinthewood。OnesuchspeechwouldhavebeentheruinofayoungSquireatthecourt。Howwouldyouhavesaidit，Nigel？”
“Surely，fairsir，itshouldbeanyeofpheasants。”
“Good，Nigel-anyeofpheasants，evenasitisagaggleofgeeseorabadlingofducks，afallofwoodcockorawispofsnipe。Butacoveyofpheasants！，Whatsortoftalkisthat？，Imadehimsitevenwhereyouaresitting，Nigel，andIsawthebottomoftwopotsofRhenishereIlethimup。EventhenIfearthathehadnogreatprofitfromhislesson，forhewascastinghisfoolisheyesatEdithwhenheshouldhavebeenturninghisearstoherfather。
Butwhereisthewench？”
“Shehathgoneforth，father。”
“Sheeverdothgoforthwhenthereisachanceoflearningaughtthatisusefulindoors。Butsupperwillsoonbeready，andthereisaboar’shamfreshfromtheforestwithwhichIwouldaskyourhelp，Nigel，andasideofvenisonfromtheKing’sownchase。Thetinemenandverderershavenotforgottenmeyet，andmylarderiseverfull。Blowthreemootsonthehorn，Mary，thatthevarletsmaysetthetable，forthegrowingshadowandmylooseningbeltwarnmethatitistime。”
XII。HOWNIGELFOUGHTTHETWISTEDMANOFSHALFORD
Inthedaysofwhichyoureadallclasses，saveperhapstheverypoor，faredbetterinmeatandindrinkthantheyhaveeverdonesince。Thecountrywascoveredwithwoodlands-therewereseventyseparateforestsinEnglandalone，someofthemcoveringhalfashire。Withintheseforeststhegreatbeastsofthechasewerestrictlypreserved，butthesmallergame，thehares，therabbits，thebirds，whichswarmedroundthecoverts，foundtheirwayreadilyintothepoorman’spot。Alewasverycheap，andcheaperstillwasthemeadwhicheverypeasantcouldmakeforhimselfoutofthewildhoneyinthetree-trunks。Thereweremanytea-likedrinksalso，whichwerebrewedbythepooratnoexpense：
mallowtea，tansytea，andothersthesecretofwhichhaspassed。
Amidthericherclassestherewasrudeprofusion，greatjointseveronthesideboard，hugepies，beastsofthefieldandbeastsofthechase，withaleandroughFrenchorRhenishwinestowashthemdown。Buttheveryrichhadattainedtoahighpitchofluxuryintheirfood，andcookerywasascienceinwhichtheornamentationofthedishwasalmostasimportantasthedressingofthefood。Itwasgilded，itwassilvered，itwaspainted，itwassurroundedwithflame。Fromtheboarandthepeacockdowntosuchstrangefoodastheporpoiseandthehedgehog，everydishhaditsownsettinganditsownsauce，verystrangeandverycomplex，withflavoringsofdates，currants，cloves，vinegar，sugarandhoney，ofcinnamon，groundginger，sandalwood，saffron，brawnandpines。ItwastheNormantraditiontoeatinmoderation，buttohaveagreatprofusionofthebestandofthemostdelicatefromwhichtochoose。Fromthemcamethiscomplexcookery，sounliketherudeandoftengluttonoussimplicityoftheoldTeutonicstock。
SirJohnButtesthornwasofthatmiddleclasswhofaredintheoldfashion，andhisgreatoaksupper-tablegroanedbeneaththegenerouspasties，themightyjointsandthe，greatflagons。Belowwerethehousehold，aboveonaraiseddaisthefamilytable，withplaceseverreadyforthosefrequentguestswhodroppedinfromthehighroadoutside。Suchaonehadjustcome，anoldpriest，journeyingfromtheAbbeyofChertseytothePrioryofSaintJohnatMidhurst。Hepassedoftenthatway，andneverwithoutbreakinghisjourneyatthehospitableboardofCosford。
“Welcomeagain，goodFatherAthanasius！”criedtheburlyKnight。
“Comesithereonmyrightandgivemethenewsofthecountry-side，forthereisneverascandalbutthepriestsarethefirsttoknowit。”
Thepriest，akindly，quietman，glancedatanemptyplaceuponthefarthersideofhishost。”MistressEdith？”saidhe。
“Aye，aye，whereisthehussy？”criedherfatherimpatiently。
“Mary，Ibegyoutohavethehornblownagain，thatshemayknowthatthesupperisonthetable。Whatcanthelittleowletdoabroadatthishourofthenight？”
Therewastroubleinthepriest’sgentleeyesashetouchedtheKnightuponthesleeve。”IhaveseenMistressEdithwithinthishour，“saidhe。”Ifearthatshewillhearnohornthatyoumayblow，forshemustbeatMilforderenow。”
“AtMilford？，Whatdoesshethere？”
“Iprayyou，goodSirJohn，toabateyourvoicesomewhat，forindeedthismatterisforourprivatediscourse，sinceittouchesthehonorofalady。”
“Herhonor？”SirJohn’sruddyfacehadturnedredderstill，ashestaredatthetroubledfeaturesofthepriest。”Herhonor，sayyou-thehonorofmydaughter？，Makegoodthosewords，orneversetyourfootoverthethresholdofCosfordagain！”
“ItrustthatIhavedonenowrong，SirJohn，butindeedImustsaywhatIhaveseen，elsewouldIbeafalsefriendandanunworthypriest。”
“Hasteman，haste！，WhatintheDevil’snamehaveyouseen？”
“Knowyoualittleman，partlymisshapen，namedPauldelaFosse？”
“Iknowhimwell。Heisamanofnoblefamilyandcoat-armour，beingtheyoungerbrotherofSirEustacedelaFosseofShalford。
TimewaswhenIhadthoughtthatImightcallhimson，fortherewasneveradaythathedidnotpasswithmygirls，butIfearthathiscrookedbackspedhimillinhiswooing。”
“Alas，SirJohn！，Itishismindthatismorecrookedthanhisback。Heisaperilousmanwithwomen，fortheDevilhathgivenhimsuchatongueandsuchaneyethathecharmsthemevenasthebasilisk。Marriagemaybeintheirmind，butneverinhis，sothatIcouldcountadozenandmorewhomhehasledtotheirundoing。Itishisprideandhisboastoverthewholecountryside。”
“Well，well，andwhatisthistomeormine？”
“Evennow，SirJohn，asIrodemymuleuptheroadImetthismanspeedingtowardhishome。Awomanrodebyhisside，andthoughherfacewashoodedIheardherlaughasshepassedme。ThatlaughIhaveheardbefore，anditwasunderthisveryroof，fromthelipsofMistressEdith。”
TheKnight’sknifedroppedfromhishand。ButthedebatehadbeensuchthatneitherMarynorNigelcouldfailtohaveheardit。Midtheroughlaughterandclatterofvoicesfrombelowthelittlegroupatthehightablehadaprivacyoftheirown。
“Fearnot，father，“saidthegirl-“indeed，thegoodFatherAthanasiushathfallenintoerror，andEdithwillbewithusanon。
Ihaveheardherspeakofthismanmanytimesoflate，andalwayswithbitterwords。”
“Itistrue，sir，“criedNigeleagerly。”ItwasonlythisveryeveningaswerodeoverThursleyMoorthatMistressEdithtoldmethatshecountedhimnotafly，andthatshewouldbegladifhewerebeatenforhisevildeeds。”
Butthewisepriestshookhissilverylocks。”Nay，thereiseverdangerwhenawomanspeakslikethat。Hothateistwinbrothertohotlove。Whyshouldshespeaksoiftherewerenotsomebondbetweenthem？”
“Andyet，“saidNigel，“whatcanhavechangedherthoughtsmthreeshorthours？，ShewashereinthehallwithussinceIcame。BySaintPaul，Iwillnotbelieveit！”
Mary’sfacedarkened。”Icalltomind，“saidshe，“thatanotewasbroughtherbyHannekinthestablevarletwhenyouweretalkingtous，fairsir，ofthetermsofthechase。Shereaditandwentforth。”
SirJohnsprangtohisfeet，butsankintohischairagainwithagroan。”WouldthatIweredead，“hecried，“ereIsawdishonorcomeuponmyhouse，andamsotiedwiththisaccursedfootthatI
canneitherexamineifitbetrue，noryetavengeit！，IfmysonOliverwerehere，thenallwouldbewell。SendmethisstablevarletthatImayquestionhim。”
“Iprayyou，fairandhonoredsir，“saidNigel，“thatyouwilltakemeforyoursonthisnight，thatImayhandlethismatterinthewaywhichseemsbest。OnjeopardyofmyhonorIwilldoallthatamanmay。”
“Nigel，Ithankyou。ThereisnomaninChristendomtowhomI
wouldsoonerturn。”
“ButIwouldleanyourmindinonematter，fairsir。Thisman，PauldelaFosse，ownsbroadacres，asIunderstand，andcomesofnobleblood。Thereisnoreasonifthingsbeaswefearthatheshouldnotmarryyourdaughter？”
“Nay，shecouldnotwishforbetter。”
“Itiswell。AndfirstIwouldquestionthisHannekin;butitshallbedoneinsuchafashionthatnoneshallknow，forindeeditisnotamatterforthegossipofservants。Butifyouwillshowmetheman，MistressMary，Iwilltakehimouttotendmyownhorse，andsoIshalllearnallthathehastotell。”
Nigelwasabsentforsometime，andwhenhereturnedtheshadowuponhisfacebroughtlittlehopetotheanxiousheartsatthehightable。”Ihavelockedhiminthestableloft，lesthetalktoomuch，“saidhe，“formyquestionsmusthaveshownhimwhencethewindblew。Itwasindeedfromthismanthatthenotecame，andhehadbroughtwithhimasparehorseforthelady。”
TheoldKnightgroaned，andhisfacesankuponhishands。
“Nay，fathertheywatchyou！”whisperedMary。”Forthehonorofourhouseletuskeepaboldfacetoall。”，Then，raisingheryoungclearvoice，sothatitsoundedthroughtheroom：“Ifyourideeastward，Nigel，Iwouldfaingowithyou，thatmysistermaynotcomebackalone。”
“Wewillridetogether，Mary，“saidNigel，rising;theninalowervoice：“Butwecannotgoalone，andifwetakeaservantallisknown。Iprayyoutostayathomeandleavethematterwithme。”
“Nay，Nigel，shemaysorelyneedawoman’said，andwhatwomanshoulditbesaveherownsister？，Icantakemytire-womanwithus。”
“Nay，Ishallridewithyoumyselfifyourimpatiencecankeepwithinthepowersofmymule，“saidtheoldpriest。
“Butitisnotyourroad，father？”
“Theonlyroadofatruepriestisthatwhichleadstothegoodofothers。Come，mychildren，andwewillgotogether。”
AndsoitwasthatstoutSirJohnButtesthorn，theagedKnightofDuplin，wasleftaloneathisownhightable，pretendingtoeat，pretendingtodrink，fidgetinginhisseat，tryinghardtoseemunconcernedwithhismindandbodyinafever，whilebelowhimhisvarletsandhandmaidslaughedandjested，clatteringtheircupsandclearingtheirtrenchers，allunconsciousofthedarkshadowwhichthrewitsgloomoverthelonelymanuponthedaisabove。
MeantimetheLadyMaryuponthewhitejennetwhichhersisterhadriddenonthesameevening，Nigelonhiswar-horse，andthepriestonthemule，clattereddowntherudewindingroadwhichledtoLondon。Thecountryoneithersidewasawildernessofheathermoorsandofmorassesfromwhichcamethestrangecryingofnight-fowl。Ahalf-moonshoneintheskybetweentheriftsofhurryingclouds。Theladyrodeinsilence，absorbedinthethoughtofthetaskbeforethem，thedangerandtheshame。
Nigelchattedinalowtonewiththepriest。Fromhimhelearnedmoreoftheevilnameofthismanwhomtheyfollowed。HishouseatShalfordwasadenofprofligacyandvice。Nowomancouldcrossthatthresholdanddepartunstained。Insomestrangefashion，inexplicableandyetcommon，theman，withallhisevilsoulandhistwistedbody，hadyetsomestrangefascinationforwomen，somemasteryoverthemwhichcompelledthemtohiswill。
