第6章

WithhiswhiphebegantotraceaplanoftheScottishbattleuponthedust，andNigelwithknittedbrowswastryinghardtomusterhissmallstockofbrainsandtoprofitbythelecture，whentheirconversationwasinterruptedbyastrangenewarrival。

Itwasaverystoutlittleman，wheezyandpurplewithhaste，whoscuddeddowntherampartasifhewereblownbythewind，hisgrizzledhairflyingandhislongblackgownfloatingbehindhim。

Hewascladinthedressofarespectablecitizen，ablackjerkintrimmedwithsable，ablack-velvetbeaverhatandawhitefeather。

AtthesightofChandoshegaveacryofjoyandquickenedhispacesothatwhenhedidatlastreachhimhecouldonlystandgaspingandwavinghishands。

“Giveyourselftime，goodMasterWintersole，giveyourselftime！”

saidChandosinasoothingvoice。

“Thepapers！”gaspedthelittleman。”Oh，myLordChandos，thepapers-“

“Whatofthepapers，myworthysir？”

“IswearbyourgoodpatronSaintLeonard，itisnofaultofmine！

Ihadlockedtheminmycoffer。Butthelockwasforcedandthecofferrifled。”

Ashadowofangerpassedoverthesoldier’skeenface。

“Hownow，MasterMayor？，Pullyourwitstogetheranddonotstandtherebabblinglikeathree-yearchild。Doyousaythatsomeonehathtakenthepapers？”

“Itissooth，fairsir！，ThriceIhavebeenMayorofthetown，andfifteenyearsburgessandjurat，butneveroncehasanypublicmattergoneawrythroughme。OnlylastmonththerecameanorderfromWindsoronaTuesdayforaFridaybanquet，athousandsoles，fourthousandplaice，twothousandmackerel，fivehundredcrabs，athousandlobsters，fivethousandwhiting-“

“Idoubtnot，MasterMayor，thatyouareanexcellentfishmonger;

butthematterconcernsthepapersIgaveintoyourkeeping。

Wherearethey？”

“Taken，fairsir-gone！”

“Andwhohathdaredtotakethem？”

“Alas！，Iknownot。ItwasbutforaslongasyouwouldsayanangelusthatIleftthechamber，andwhenIcamebacktherewasthecoffer，brokenandempty，uponmytable。”

“Doyoususpectnoone？”

“Therewasavarletwhohathcomewiththelastfewdaysintomyemploy。Heisnottobefound，andIhavesenthorsemenalongboththeUdimoreroadandthattoRye，thattheymayseizehim。

BythehelpofSaintLeonardtheycanscarcemisshim，foronecantellhimabow-shotoffbyhishair。”

“Isitred？”askedChandoseagerly。”Isitfox-red，andthemanasmallmanpockedwithsun-spots，andveryquickinhismovements？”

“Itisthemanhimself。”

Chandosshookhisclenchedhandwithannoyance，andthensetoffswiftlydownthestreet。

“ItisPetertheRedFerretoncemore！”saidhe。”IknewhimofoldinFrance，wherehehasdoneusmoreharmthanacompanyofmen-at-arms。HespeaksEnglishashespeaksFrench，andheisofsuchdaringandcunningthatnothingissecretfromhim。InallFrancethereisnomoredangerousman，forthoughheisagentlemanofbloodandcoat-armorhetakesthepartofaspy，becauseithaththemoredangerandthereforethemorehonor。”

“But，myfairlord，“criedtheMayor，ashehurriedalong，keepingpacewiththelongstridesofthesoldier，“Iknewthatyouwarnedmetotakeallcareofthepapers;butsurelytherewasnomatterofgreatimportinit？，ItwasbuttosaywhatstoresweretobesentafteryoutoCalais？”

“Isthatnoteverything？”criedChandosimpatiently。”Canyounotsee，ohfoolishMasterWintersole，thattheFrenchsuspectweareabouttomakesomeattemptandthattheyhavesentPetertheRedFerret，astheyhavesenthimmanytimesbefore，togettidingsofwhitherwearebound？，NowthatheknowsthatthestoresareforCalais，thentheFrenchnearCalaiswilltakehiswarning，andsotheKing’swholeplancometonothing。”

“Thenhewillflybywater。Wecanstophimyet。Hehasnotanhour’sstart。”

“ItmaybethataboatawaitshimatRyeorHythe;butitismorelikethathehasallreadytodepartfromhere。Ah，seeyonder！

I’llwarrantthattheRedFerretisonboard！”

Chandoshadhaltedinfrontofhisinn，andnowhepointeddowntotheouterharbor，whichlaytwomilesoffacrossthegreenplain。

Itwasconnectedbyalongwindingcanalwiththeinnerdockatthebaseofthehill，uponwhichthetownwasbuilt。Betweenthetwohornsformedbytheshortcurvingpiersasmallschoonerwasrunningouttosea，dippingandrisingbeforeasharpsoutherlybreeze。

“ItisnoWinchelseaboat，“saidtheMayor。”Sheislongerandbroaderinthebeamthanours。”

“Horses！，bringhorses！”criedChandos。”Come，Nigel，letusgofurtherintothematter。”

Abusycrowdofvarlets，archers，andmen-at-armsswarmedroundthegatewayofthe“SignoftheBroomPod，“singing，shouting，andjostlinginroughgood-fellowship。ThesightofthetallthinfigureofChandosbroughtorderamongstthem，andafewminuteslaterthehorseswerereadyandsaddled。Abreakneckridedownasteepdeclivity，andthenagallopoftwomilesoverthesedgyplaincarriedthemtotheouterharbor。Adozenvesselswerelyingthere，readytostartforBordeauxorRochelle，andthequaywasthickwithsailors，laborersandtownsmenandheapedwithwine-barrelsandwool-packs。

“Whoiswardenhere？”askedChandos，springingfromhishorse。

“Badding！，WhereisCockBadding？，Baddingiswarden！”shoutedthecrowd。

Amomentlaterashortswarthyman，bull-neckedanddeep-chested，pushedthroughthepeople。Hewascladinroughrussetwoolwithascarletclothtiedroundhisblackcurlyhead。Hissleeveswererolleduptohisshoulders，andhisbrownarms，allstainedwithgreaseandtar，wereliketwothickgnarledbranchesfromanoakenstump。Hissavagebrownfacewasfierceandfrowning，andwassplitfromchintotemplewiththelongwhitewaleofanill-healedwound。

“Hownow，gentles，willyouneverwaityourturn？”herumbledinadeepangryvoice。”CanyounotseethatwearewarpingtheRoseofGuienneintomidstreamfortheebb-tide？，Isthisatimetobreakinuponus？，Yourgoodswillgoaboardindueseason，I

promiseyou;soridebackintothetownandfindsuchpleasureasyoumay，whileIandmymatesdoourworkwithoutletorhindrance。”

“ItisthegentleChandos！”criedsomeoneinthecrowd。”ItisthegoodSirJohn。”

Theroughharbor-masterchangedhisgruffnesstosmilesinaninstant。”Nay，SirJohn，whatwouldyou？，IprayyoutoholdmeexcusedifIwasshortofspeech，butweport-wardensaresoreplaguedwithfoolishyounglordlings，whogetbetwixtusandourworkandblameusbecausewedonotturnanebb-tideintoaflood，orasouthwindintoanorth。IprayyoutotellmehowIcanserveyou。”

“Thatboat！”saidChandos，pointingtothealreadydistantsailrisingandfallingonthewaves。”Whatisit？”

CockBaddingshadedhiskeeneyeswithhisstrongbrowshand。

“Shehasbutjustgoneout，“saidhe。”SheisLaPucelle，asmallwine-sloopfromGascony，home-boundandladenwithbarrel-staves。”

“Iprayyoudidanymanjoinherattheverylast？”

“Nay，Iknownot。Isawnoone。”

“ButIknow，“criedaseamaninthecrowd。”Iwasstandingatthewharf-sideandwasnighknockedintothewaterbyalittleredheadedfellow，whobreathedasthoughhehadrunfromthetown。

EreIhadtimetogivehimacuffhehadjumpedaboard，theropeswerecastoff，andhernosewasseaward。”

InafewwordsChandosmadeallcleartoBadding，thecrowdpressingeagerlyround。

“Aye，aye！”criedaseaman，“thegoodSirJohnisright。Seehowshepoints。ItisPicardyandnotGasconythatshewillfetchthisjourneyinspiteofherwine-staves。”

“Thenwemustlayheraboard！”criedCockBadding。”Come，lads，hereismyownMarieRosereadytocastoff。Who’sforatripwithafightattheendofit？”

Therewasarushfortheboat;butthestoutlittleseamanpickedhismen。”Goback，Jerry！，Yourheartisgood，butyouareoverfatforthework。You，Luke，andyou，Thomas，andthetwoDeedes，andWilliamofSandgate。Youwillworktheboat。Andnowweneedafewmenoftheirhands。Doyoucome，littlesir？”

“Iprayyou，mydearlord，toletmego！”criedNigel。

“Yes，Nigel，youcango，andIwillbringyourgearovertoCalaisthisnight。”

“Iwilljoinyouthere，fairsir，andwiththehelpofSaintPaulIwillbringthisRedFerretwithme。”

“Aboard，aboard！，Timepasses！”criedBaddingimpatiently，whilealreadyhisseamenwerehaulingonthelineandraisingthemainsail。”Nowthen，sirrah！，whoareyou？，Itwas，Aylward，whohadfollowedNigelandwaspushinghiswayaboard。

“WheremymastergoesIgoalso，“criedAylward，“sostandclear，master-shipman，oryoumaycomebyahurt。”

“BySaintLeonard！，archer，“saidCockBadding，“hadImoretimeI

wouldgiveyoualessonereIleaveland。Standbackandgiveplacetoothers！”

“Nay，standbackandgiveplacetome！”criedAylward，andseizingBaddingroundthewaistheslunghimintothedock。

Therewasacryofangerfromthecrowd，forBaddingwastheheroofalltheCinquePortsandhadneveryetmethismatchinmanhood。Theepitaphstilllingersinwhichitwassaidthathe“couldneverrestuntilhehadfoughtenhisfill。”，When，therefore，swimminglikeaduck，hereachedaropeandpulledhimselfhandoverhanduptothequay，allstoodaghasttoseewhatfellfatewouldbefallthisboldstranger。ButBaddinglaughedloudly，dashingthesaltwaterfromhiseyesandhair。

“Youhavefairlywonyourplace，archer，“saidhe。”Youaretheverymanforourwork。WhereisBlackSimonofNorwich？”

Atalldarkyoungmanwithalong，stern，leanfacecameforward。

“Iamwithyou，Cock，“saidhe，“andIthankyouformyplace。”

“Youcancome，HughBaddlesmere，andyou，HalMasters，andyou，DiconofRye。Thatisenough。Nowoff，inGod’sname，oritwillbenighterewecancomeupwiththem！”

Alreadythehead-sailsandthemain-sailhadbeenraised，whileahundredwillinghandspoledherofffromthewharf。Nowthewindcaughther;heelingover，andquiveringwitheagernesslikeanunleashedhoundsheflewthroughtheopeningandoutintotheChannel。Shewasafamouslittleschooner，theMarieRoseofWinchelsea，andunderherdaringownerCockBadding，halftraderandhalfpirate，hadbroughtbackintoportmanyarichcargotakeninmid-Channel，andpaidforinbloodratherthanmoney。

Smallasshewas，hergreatspeedandthefiercecharacterofhermasterhadmadeheranameofterroralongtheFrenchcoast，andmanyabulkyEastlanderorFlemingashepassedthenarrowseashadscannedthedistantKentishshore，fearinglestthatill-omenedpurplesailwithagoldChristopheruponitshouldshootoutsuddenlyfromthedimgraycliffs。Nowshewasclearoftheland，withthewindonherlarboardquarter，everyinchofcanvasset，andherhighsharpbowssmotheredinfoam，asshedugthroughthewaves。

CockBaddingtrodthedeckwithheaderectandjauntybearing，glancingupattheswellingsailsandthenaheadatthelittletiltedwhitetriangle，whichstoodoutclearandhardagainstthebrightbluesky。BehindwasthelowlandoftheCambermarshes，withthebluffsofRyeandWinchelsea，andthelineofcliffsbehindthem。OnthelarboardbowrosethegreatwhitewallsofFolkestoneandofDover，andfaronthedistantsky-linethegrayshimmerofthoseFrenchcliffsforwhichthefugitivesweremaking。

“BySaintPaul！”criedNigel，lookingwitheagereyesoverthetossingwaters，“itseemstome，MasterBadding，thatalreadywedrawinuponthem。”

Themastermeasuredthedistancewithhiskeensteadygaze，andthenlookedupatthesinkingsun。”Wehavestillfourhoursofdaylight，“saidhe;“butifwedonotlayheraboarderedarknessfallsshewillsaveherself，forthenightsareasblackasawolf’smouth，andifshealterhercourseIknownothowwemayfollowher。”

“Unless，indeed，youmightguesstowhichportshewasboundandreachitbeforeher。”

“Wellthoughtof，littlemaster！”criedBadding。”IfthenewsbefortheFrenchoutsideCalais，thenAmbleteusewouldbenearesttoSaintOmer。Butmysweetingsailsthreepacestothatlubber’stwo，andifthewindholdsweshallhavetimeandtospare。Hownow，archer？，Youdonotseemsoeageraswhenyoumadeyourwayaboardthisboatbyslingingmeintothesea。”

Aylwardsatontheupturnedkeelofaskiffwhichlayuponthedeck。Hegroanedsadlyandheldhis，greenfacebetweenhistwohands。”Iwouldgladlyslingyouintotheseaoncemore，mastershipman，“saidhe，“ifbysodoingIcouldgetoffthismostaccursedvesselofthine。Orifyouwouldwishtohaveyourturn，thenIwouldthankyouifyouwouldlendmeahandovertheside，forindeedIambutauselessweightuponyourdeck。LittledidI

thinkthatSamkinAylwardcouldbeturnedintoaweaklingbyanhourofsaltwater。AlasthedaythatevermyfootwanderedfromthegoodredheatherofCrooksbury！”

CockBaddinglaughedloudandlong。”Nay，takeitnottoheart，archer，“hecried;“forbettermenthanyouorIhavegroaneduponthisdeck。ThePrincehimselfwithtenofhischosenknightscrossedwithmeonce，andelevensadderfacesIneversaw。YetwithinamonththeyhadshownatCrecythattheywerenoweaklings，asyouwilldoalso，Idareswear，whenthetimecomes。

Keepthatthickheadofthinedownupontheplanks，andallwillbewellanon。Butweraiseher，weraiseherwitheveryblastofthewind！”

Itwasindeedevident，eventotheinexperiencedeyesofNigel，thattheMarieRosewasclosinginswiftlyuponthestranger。Shewasaheavy，bluff-bowed，broad-sternedvesselwhichlaboredclumsilythroughtheseas。Theswift，fiercelittleWinchelseaboatswoopingandhissingthroughthewatersbehindherwaslikesomekeenhawkwhizzingdownwindatthebackofaflappingheavy-bodiedduck。HalfanhourbeforeLaPucellehadbeenadistantpatchofcanvas。Nowtheycouldseetheblackhull，andsoonthecutofhersailsandthelinesofherbulwarks。Therewereatleastadozenmenuponherdeck，andthetwinkleofweaponsfromamongstthemshowedthattheywerepreparingtoresist。CockBaddingbegantomusterhisownforces。

Hehadacrewofsevenrough，hardymariners，whohadbeenathisbackinmanyaskirmish。Theywerearmedwithshortswords，butCockBaddingcarriedaweaponpeculiartohimself，atwenty-poundblacksmith’shammer，thememoryofwhich，as“Badding’scracker，“

stilllingersintheCinquePorts。ThenthereweretheeagerNigel，themelancholyAylward，BlackSimonwhowasatriedswordsman，andthreearchers，Baddlesmere，MastersandDiconofRye，allveteransoftheFrenchWar。Thenumbersinthetwovesselsmightbeaboutequal;butBaddingasheglancedattheboldharshfaceswhichlookedtohimforordershadlittlefearfortheresult。

Glancinground，however，hesawsomethingwhichwasmoredangeroustohisplansthantheresistanceoftheenemy。Thewind，whichhadbecomemorefitfulandfeebler，nowfellsuddenlyaway，untilthesailshunglimpandstraightabovethem。Abeltofcalmlayalongthehorizon，andthewavesaroundhadsmootheddownintoalongoilyswellonwhichthetwolittlevesselsroseandfell。

ThegreatboomoftheMarieRoserattledandjarredwitheverylurch，andthehighthinprowpointedskywardoneinstantandseawardthenextinawaythatdrewfreshgroansfromtheunhappyAylward。InvainCockBaddingpulledonhissheetsandtriedhardtohusbandeverylittlewanderinggustwhichruffledforaninstantthesleekrollers。TheFrenchmasterwasasadroitasailor，andhisboomswungroundalsoaseachbreathofwindcameupfromastern。

Atlasteventhesefitfulpuffsdiedfinallyaway，andacloudlessskyoverhungaglassysea。ThesunwasalmostuponthehorizonbehindDungenessPoint，andthewholewesternheavenwasbrightwiththegloryofthesunset，whichblendedseaandskyinoneblazeofruddylight。Likerollersofmoltengold，thelongswellheavedupChannelfromthegreatoceanbeyond。Inthemidstoftheimmensebeautyandpeaceofnaturethetwolittledarkspeckswiththewhitesailandthepurpleroseandfell，sosmalluponthevastshiningbosomofthewaters，andyetsochargedwithalltheunrestandthepassionoflife……

Theexperiencedeyeoftheseamantoldhimthatitwashopelesstoexpectabreezebeforenightfall。HelookedacrossattheFrenchman，whichlaylessthanaquarterofamileahead，andshookhisgnarledlistatthelineofheadswhichcouldbeseenlookingbackoverherstern。Oneofthemwavedawhitekerchiefinderision，andCockBaddingsworeabitteroathatthesight。

“BySaintLeonardofWinchelsea，“hecried，“Iwillrubmysideupagainstheryet！，Outwiththeskiff，lads，andtwoofyoutotheoars。Makefastthelinetothemast，Will。Doyougointheboat，Hugh，andI’llmakethesecond。Nowifwebendourbackstoitwemayhavethemyeterenightcoverthem。”

Thelittleskiffwasswiftlyloweredoverthesideandtheslackendofthecablefastenedtotheafterthwart。CockBaddingandhiscomradespulledasiftheywouldsnaptheiroars，andthelittlevesselbeganslowlytolurchforwardovertherollers。ButthenextmomentalargerskiffhadsplashedoverthesideoftheFrenchman，andnolessthanfourseamenwerehardatworkunderherbows。IftheMarieRoseadvancedayardtheFrenchmanwasgoingtwo。AgainCockBaddingravedandshookhisfist。Heclamberedaboard，hisfacewetwithsweatanddarkwithanger。

“Cursethem！，theyhavehadthebestofus！”hecried。”Icandonomore。SirJohnhaslosthispapers，forindeednowthatnightisathandIcanseenowayinwhichwecangainthem。”

Nigelhadleanedagainstthebulwarkduringtheseevents，watchingwithkeenattentionthedoingsofthesailors，andprayingalternatelytoSaintPaul，SaintGeorge，andSaintThomasforaslantofwindwhichwouldputthemalongsidetheirenemy。Hewassilent;buthishotheartwassimmeringwithinhim。Hisspirithadrisenevenabovethediscomfortofthesea，andhismindwastooabsorbedinhismissiontohaveathoughtforthatwhichhadlaidAylwardflatuponthedeck。HehadneverdoubtedthatCockBaddinginonewayoranotherwouldaccomplishhisend，butwhenheheardhisspeechofdespairheboundedoffthebulwarkandstoodbeforetheseamanwithhisfaceflushedandallhissoulafire。

“BySaintPaul！，master-shipman，“hecried，“weshouldneverholdupourheadsinhonorifwedidnotgofurtherintothematter！

Letusdosomesmalldeedthisnightuponthewater，orletusneverseelandagain，forindeedwecouldnotwishfairerprospectofwinninghonorableadvancement。”

“Withyourleave，littlemaster，youspeaklikeafool，“saidthegruffseaman。”Youandallyourkindareaschildrenwhenoncethebluewaterisbeneathyou。Canyounotseethatthereisnowind，andthattheFrenchmancanwarpherasswiftlyaswe？，Whatthenwouldyoudo？”

Nigelpointedtotheboatwhichtowedastern。”Letusventureforthinher，“saidhe，“andletustakethisshipordieworshipfulintheattempt。”

Hisboldandfierywordsfoundtheirechointhebraveroughheartsaroundhim。Therewasadeep-chestedshoutfrombotharchersandseamen。EvenAylwardsatup，withawansmileuponhisgreenface。

ButCockBaddingshookhishead。”IhavenevermetthemanwhocouldleadwhereIwouldnotfollow，“saidhe;“butbySaintLeonard！，thisisamadbusiness，andIshouldbeafoolifIweretoriskmymenandmyship。Bethinkyou，littlemaster，thattheskiffcanholdonlyfive，thoughyouloadhertothewater’sedge。

Ifthereisamanyonder，therearefourteen，andyouhavetoclimbtheirsidefromtheboat。Whatchancewouldyouhave？，Yourboatstoveandyouinthewater-thereistheendofit。Nomanofminegoesonsuchafool’serrand，andsoIswear！”

“Then，MasterBadding，Imustcravetheloanofyourskiff，forbySaintPaul！，thegoodLordChandos’papersarenottobesolightlylost。Ifnooneelsewillcome，thenIwillgoalone。”

Theshipmansmiledatthewords;butthesmilediedawayfromhislipswhenNigel，withfeaturessetlikeivoryandeyesashardassteel，pulledontheropesoastobringtheskiffunderthecounter。Itwasveryclearthathewoulddoevenashesaid。AtthesametimeAylwardraisedhisbulkyformfromthedeck，leanedforamomentagainstthebulwarks，andthentotteredafttohismaster’sside。

“Hereisonethatwillgowithyou，“saidhe，“orhewouldneverdareshowhisfacetothegirlsofTilfordagain。Come，archers，letusleavethesesaltherringsintheirpickletubandtryourluckoutonthewater。”

Thethreearchersatoncerangedthemselvesonthesamesideastheircomrade。Theywerebronzed，beardedmen，shortinstature，asweremostEnglishmenofthatday，buthardy，strongandskilledwiththeirweapons。Eachdrewhisstringfromitswaterproofcaseandbentthehugearcofhiswar-bowashefitteditintothenocks。

“Now，master，weareatyourback，“saidtheyastheypulledandtightenedtheirsword-belts。

ButalreadyCockBaddinghadbeencarriedawaybythehotlustofbattleandhadthrownasideeveryfearanddoubtwhichhadcloudedhim。Toseeafightandnottobeinitwasmorethanhecouldbear。

“Nay，haveityourownway！”hecried，“andmaySaintLeonardhelpus，foramadderventureIhaveneverseen！，Andyetitmaybeworththetrial。Butifitbedoneletmehavethehandlingofit，littlemaster，foryouknownomoreofaboatthanIdoofawar-horse。Theskiffcanbearfiveandnotamanmore。Now，whowillcome？”

Theyhadallcaughtfire，andtherewasnotonewhowouldbeleftout。

Baddingpickeduphishammer。”Iwillcomemyself，“saidhe，“andyoualso，littlemaster，sinceitisyourhotheadthathasplannedit。ThenthereisBlackSimon，thebestswordoftheCinquePorts。Twoarcherscanpullontheoars，anditmaybethattheycanpickofftwoorthreeoftheseFrenchmenbeforeweclosewiththem。HughBaddlesmere，andyou，DiconofRye-intotheboatwithyou！”

“What？，“criedAylward。”AmItobeleftbehind？，I，whoamtheSquire’sownman？，Illfarethebowmanwhocomesbetwixtmeandyonderboat！”

“Nay，Aylward，“saidhismaster，“Iorderthatyoustay，forindeedyouareasickman。”

“ButnowthatthewaveshavesunkIammyselfagain。Nay，fairsir，Ipraythatyouwillnotleavemebehind。”

“Youmustneedstakethespaceofabetterman;forwhatdoyouknowofthehandlingofaboat？”saidBaddingshortly。”Nomorefool’stalk，Iprayyou，forthenightwillsoonfall。Standaside！”

AylwardlookedhardattheFrenchboat。”IcouldswimtentimesupanddownFrenshampond，“saidhe，“anditwillbestrangeifI

cannotgoasfarasthat。Bythesefinger-bones，SamkinAylwardmaybethereassoonasyou！”

Thelittleboatwithitsfiveoccupantspushedofffromthesideoftheschooner，anddippingandrising，madeitsslowwaytowardtheFrenchman。Baddingandonearcherhadsingleoars，thesecondarcherwasintheprow，whileBlackSimonandNigelhuddledintothesternwiththewaterlappingandhissingattheirveryelbows。

AshoutofdefiancerosefromtheFrenchmen，andtheystoodinalinealongthesideoftheirvesselshakingtheirfistsandwavingtheirweapons。AlreadythesunwaslevelwithDungeness，andthegrayofeveningwasblurringskyandwaterintoonedimhaze。A

greatsilencehungoverthebroadexpanseofnature，andnosoundbrokeitsavethedipandsplashoftheoarsandtheslowdeepsurgeoftheboatupontheswell。BehindthemtheircomradesoftheMarieRosestoodmotionlessandsilent，watchingtheirprogresswitheagereyes。

TheywerenearenoughnowtohaveagoodlookattheFrenchmen。

Onewasabigswarthymanwithalongblackbeard。Hehadaredcapandanaxoverhisshoulder。Thereweretenotherhardy-lookingfellows，allofthemwellarmed，andtherewerethreewhoseemedtobeboys。

“Shallwetryashaftuponthem？”askedHughBaddlesmere。”Theyarewellwithinourbowshot。”

“Onlyoneofyoucanshootatatime，foryouhavenofooting，“

saidBadding。”Withonefootintheprowandoneoverthethwartyouwillgetyourstance。Dowhatyoumay，andthenwewillcloseinuponthem。”

Thearcherbalancedhimselfintherollingboatwiththedeftnessofamanwhohasbeentraineduponthesea，forhewasbornandbredintheCinquePorts。Carefullyhenockedhisarrow，stronglyhedrewit，steadilyheloosedit，buttheboatswoopedattheinstant，anditburieditselfinthewaves。Thesecondpassedoverthelittleship，andthethirdstruckinherblackside。

Theninquicksuccessionsoquickthattwoshaftswereoftenintheairatthesameinstant-hedischargedadozenarrows，mostofwhichjustclearedthebulwarksanddroppeduponthedeck。

TherewasacryontheFrenchman，andtheheadsvanishedfromtheside。

“Enough！”criedBadding。”Oneisdown，anditmaybetwo。Closein，closein，inGod’sname，beforetheyrally！”

Heandtheotherbenttotheiroars;butatthesameinstanttherewasasharpzipintheairandahardclearsoundlikeastonestrikingawall。Baddlesmereclappedhishandtohishead，groanedandfellforwardoutoftheboat，leavingaswirlofblooduponthesurface。Amomentlaterthesamefiercehissendedinaloudwoodencrash，andashort，thickcrossbow-boltwasburieddeepinthesideoftheirboat。

“Closein，closein！”roaredBadding，tuggingathisoar。”SaintGeorgeforEngland！，SaintLeonardforWinchelsea！，Closein！”

Butagainthatfatalcrossbowtwanged。DiconofRyefellbackwithashaftthroughhisshoulder。”Godhelpme，Icannomore！”

saidhe。

Baddingseizedtheoarfromhishand;butitwasonlytosweeptheboat’sheadroundandpullherbacktotheMarieRose。Theattackhadfailed。

“Whatnow，master-shipman？”criedNigel。”Whathasbefallentostopus？，Surelythematterdoesnotendhere？”

“Twodownoutoffive，“saidBadding，“andtwelveattheleastagainstus。Theoddsaretoolong，littlemaster。Letusatleastgoback，filluponcemore，andraiseamanteletagainstthebolts，fortheyhaveanarbalistwhichshootsbothstraightandhard。Butwhatwedowemustdoquickly，forthedarknessfallsapace。”

TheirrepulsehadbeenhailedbywildyellsofdelightfromtheFrenchmen，whodancedwithjoyandwavedtheirweaponsmadlyovertheirheads。ButbeforetheirrejoicingshadfinishedtheysawthelittleboatcreepingoutoncemorefromtheshadowoftheMarieRose，agreatwoodenscreeninherbowstoprotectherfromthearrows。Withoutapauseshecamestraightandfastforherenemy。Thewoundedarcherhadbeenputonboard，andAylwardwouldhavehadhisplacehadNigelbeenabletoseehimuponthedeck。Thethirdarcher，HalMasters，hadsprungin，andoneoftheseamen，WatFinnisofHythe。Withtheirheartshardenedtoconquerortodie，thefiveranalongsidetheFrenchmanandspranguponherdeck。Atthesameinstantagreatironweightcrashedthroughthebottomoftheirskiff，andtheirfeethadhardlyleftherbeforeshewasgone。Therewasnohopeandnoescapesavevictory。

Thecrossbowmanstoodunderthemast，histerribleweaponathisshoulder，thesteelstringstretchedtaut，theheavyboltshininguponthenut。Onelifeatleasthewouldclaimoutofthislittleband。Justforoneinstanttoolongdidhedwelluponhisaim，shiftingfromtheseamantoCockBadding，whoseformidableappearanceshowedhimtobethebetterprize。InthatsecondoftimeHalMasters’stringtwangedandhislongarrowspedthroughthearbalister’sthroat。Hedroppedonthedeck，withbloodandcursespouringfromhismouth。

AmomentlaterNigel’sswordandBadding’shammerhadeachclaimedavictimanddrivenbacktherushofassailants。Thefiveweresafeuponthedeck，butitwashardforthemtokeepafootingthere。TheFrenchseamen，BretonsandNormans，werestout，powerfulfellows，armedwithaxesandswords，fiercefightersandbravemen。Theyswarmedroundthelittleband，attackingthemfromallsides。BlackSimonfelledtheblack-beardedFrenchCaptain，andatthesameinstantwascutovertheheadandlaywithhisscalpopenuponthedeck。TheseamanWatofHythewaskilledbyacrashingblowfromanax。Nigelwasstruckdown，butwasupagainlikeaflash，anddrovehisswordthroughthemanwhohadfelledhim。

ButBadding，Mastersthearcherandhehadbeenhustledbacktothebulwarkandwerebarelyholdingtheirownfromminutetominuteagainstthefiercecrowdwhoassailedthem，whenanarrowcomingapparentlyfromtheseastrucktheforemostFrenchmantotheheart。AmomentlateraboatdashedupalongsideandfourmoremenfromtheMarieRosescrambledontotheblood-staineddeck。WithonefiercerushtheremainingFrenchmenwerestruckdownorwereseizedbytheirassailants。Nineprostratemenuponthedeckshowedhowfiercehadbeentheattack，howdesperatetheresistance。

Baddingleanedpantinguponhisblood-clottedhammer。”BySaintLeonard！”hecried，“Ithoughtthatthislittlemasterhadbeenthedeathofusall。Godwotyouwerebutjustintime，andhowyoucameIknownot。Thisarcherhashadahandinit，bythelookofhim。”

Aylward，stillpalefromhisseasicknessanddrippingfromheadtofootwithwater，hadbeenthefirstmanintherescueparty。

Nigellookedathiminamazement。”Isoughtyouaboardtheship，Aylward，butIcouldnotlayeyesonyou，“saidhe。

“ItwasbecauseIwasinthewater，fairsir，andbymyhilt！，itsuitsmystomachbetterthanbeingonit，“heanswered。”WhenyoufirstsetforthIswambehindyou，forIsawthattheFrenchman’sboathungbyarope，andIthoughtthatwhileyoukepthiminplayImightgainit。Ihadreacheditwhenyouweredrivenback，soI

hidbehinditinthewaterandsaidmyprayersasIhavenotsaidthemformanyaday。Thenyoucameagain，andnoonehadaneyeforme，soIclamberedintoit，cuttherope，tooktheoarswhichIfoundthereandbroughtherbackformoremen。”

“BySaintPaul！，youhaveactedverywiselyandwell，“saidNigel，“andIthinkthatofallofusitisyouwhohavewonmosthonorthisday。ButofallthesemendeadandaliveIseenonewhoresemblesthatRedFerretwhommyLordChandoshasdescribedandwhohasworkedsuchdespiteuponusinthepast：ItwouldindeedbeanevilchanceifhehasinspiteofallourpainsmadehiswaytoFranceinsomeotherboat。”

“Thatweshallsoonfindout，“saidBadding。”Comewithmeandwewillsearchtheshipfromtrucktokeelereheescapesus。”

Therewasascuttleatthebaseofthemastwhichleddownintothebodyofthevessel，andtheEnglishmenwereapproachingthiswhenastrangesightbroughtthemtoastand。Aroundbrazenheadhadappearedinthesquaredarkopening。Aninstantafterwardapairofshiningshouldersfollowed。Thenslowlythewholefigureofamanincompleteplate-armoremergedonthedeck。Inhisgauntletedhandhecarriedaheavysteelmace。Withthisupliftedhemovedtowardhisenemies，silentsavefortheponderousclankofhisfootfall。Itwasaninhuman，machine-likefigure，menacingandterrible，devoidofallexpression，slow-moving，inexorableandawesome。

AsuddenwaveofterrorpassedovertheEnglishseamen。Oneofthemtriedtopassandgetbehindthebrazenman，buthewaspinnedagainstthesidebyaquickmovementandhisbrainsdashedoutbyasmashingblowfromtheheavymace。Wildpanicseizedtheothers，andtheyrushedbacktotheboat。Aylwardstrunganarrow，buthisbowstringwasdampandtheshaftrangloudlyupontheshiningbreast-plateandglancedoffintothesea。Mastersstruckthebrazenheadwithasword，butthebladesnappedwithoutinjuringthehelmet，andaninstantlaterthebowmanwasstretchedsenselessonthedeck。Theseamenshrankfromthisterriblesilentcreatureandhuddledinthestern，allthefightgoneoutofthem。

Againheraisedhismaceandwasadvancingonthehelplesscrowdwherethebravewereencumberedandhamperedbytheweaklings，whenNigelshookhimselfclearandboundedforwardintotheopen，hisswordinhishandandasmileofwelcomeuponhislips。

Thesunhadset，andonelongmauvegashacrossthewesternChannelwasclosingswiftlyintothedullgraysofearlynight。

Above，afewstarsbegantofaintlytwinkle;yetthetwilightwasstillbrightenoughforanobservertoseeeverydetailofthescene：theMarieRose，dippingandrisingonthelongrollersastern;thebroadFrenchboatwithitswhitedeckblotchedwithbloodandlitteredwithbodies;thegroupofmeninthestern，sometryingtoadvanceandsomeseekingtoescape-allaconfused，disorderly，strugglingrabble。

Thenbetwixtthemandthemastthetwofigures：thearmedshiningmanofmetal，withhandupraised，watchful，silent，motionless，andNigel，bareheadedandcrouching，withquickfoot，eagereyesandfearlesshappyface，movingthiswayandthat，inandout，hisswordflashinglikeagleamoflightashesoughtatallpointsforsomeopeninginthebrazenshellbeforehim。

Itwascleartothemaninarmorthatifhecouldbutpenhisantagonistinacornerhewouldbeathimdownwithoutfail。Butitwasnottobedone。Theunhamperedmanhadtheadvantageofspeed。Withafewquickstepshecouldalwaysglidetoeithersideandescapetheclumsyrush。AylwardandBaddinghadsprungouttoNigel’sassistance;butheshoutedtothemtostandback，withsuchauthorityandangerinhisvoicethattheirweaponsdroppedtotheirsides。Withstaringeyesandsetfeaturestheystoodwatchingthatunequalfight。

OnceitseemedthatallwasoverwiththeSquire，forinspringingbackfromhisenemyhetrippedoveroneofthebodieswhichstrewedthedeckandfellflatuponhisback，butwithaswiftwriggleheescapedtheheavyblowwhichthundereddownuponhim，andspringingtohisfeethebitdeeplyintotheFrenchman’shelmetwithasweepingcutinreturn。Againthemacefell，andthistimeNigelhadnotquiteclearedhimself。Hisswordwasbeatendownandtheblowfellpartlyuponhisleftshoulder。Hestaggered，andoncemoretheironclubwhirledupwardtodashhimtotheground。

Quickasaflashitpassedthroughhismindthathecouldnotleapbeyonditsreach。Buthemightgetwithinit。Inaninstanthehaddroppedhissword，andspringinginhehadseizedthebrazenmanroundthewaist。Themacewasshortenedandthehandlejobbeddownonceuponthebareflaxenhead。’Then，withasonorousclang，andayellofdelightfromthespectators，Nigelwithonemightywrenchtorehisenemyfromthedeckandhurledhimdownuponhisback。Hisownheadwaswhirlingandhefeltthathissenseswereslippingaway，butalreadyhishunting-knifewasoutandpointingthroughtheslitinthebrazenhelmet。

“Giveyourselfup，fairsir！”saidhe。

“Nevertofishermenandtoarchers！，Iamagentlemanofcoat-

armor。Killme！”

“Ialsoamagentlemanofcoat-armor。Ipromiseyouquarter。”

“Then，sir，Isurrendermyselftoyou。”

Thedaggertinkleddownuponthedeck。Seamenandarchersranforward，tofindNigelhalfsenselessuponhisface。Theydrewhimoff，andafewdeftblowsstruckoffthehelmetofhisenemy。

Ahead，sharp-featured，freckledandfoxy-red，discloseditselfbeneathit。Nigelraisedhimselfonhiselbowforaninstant。

“YouaretheRedFerret？”saidhe。

“Somyenemiescallme，“saidtheFrenchman，withasmile。”I

rejoice，sir，thatIhavefallentosovaliantandhonorableagentleman。”

“Ithankyou，fairsir，“saidNigelfeebly。”IalsorejoicethatIhaveencounteredsodebonairaperson，andIshalleverbearinmindthepleasurewhichIhavehadfromourmeeting。”

Sosaying，helaidhisbleedingheaduponhisenemy’sbrazenfrontandsankintoadeadfaint。

XV。HOWTHEREDFERRETCAMETOCOSFORD

Theoldchroniclerinhis“GestesduSieurNigel“hasbewailedhisbrokennarrative，whichrosefromthefactthatoutofthirty-oneyearsofwarfarenolessthansevenwerespentbyhisheroatonetimeoranotherintherecoveryfromhiswoundsorfromthoseillnesseswhicharosefromprivationandfatigue。Hereattheverythresholdofhiscareer，ontheeveofagreatenterprise，thisveryfatebefellhim。

Stretcheduponacouchinalow-roofedandill-furnishedchamber，whichlooksdownfromunderthemachicolatedcornerturretupontheinnercourtoftheCastleofCalais，helayhalf-unconsciousandimpotent，whilegreatdeedsweredoingunderhiswindow。

Woundedinthreeplaces，andwithhisheadsplinteredbythesharppommeloftheFerret’smace，hehoveredbetwixtlifeanddeath，hisshatteredbodydrawinghimdownward，hisyouthfulspiritpluckinghimup。

Asinsomestrangedreamhewasawareofthatdeedofarmswithinthecourtyardbelow。Dimlyitcamebacktohismemoryafterwardsthesuddenstartledshout，thecrashofmetal，theslammingofgreatgates，theroarofmanyvoices，theclang，clang，clang，asoffiftylustysmithsupontheiranvils，andthenatlastthedwindlingofthehubbub，thelowgroansandsuddenshrillcriestothesaints，themeasuredmurmurofmanyvoices，theheavyclankingofarmoredfeet。

Sometimeinthatfellstrugglehemusthavedrawnhisweakenedbodyasfarasthenarrowwindow，andhangingtotheironbarshavelookeddownonthewildscenebeneathhim。Intheredglareoftorchesheldfromwindowsandfromroofhesawtherushandswirlofmenbelow，theruddylightshiningbackfromglowingbrassandgleamingsteel。Asawildvisionitcametohimafterward，thebeautyandthesplendor，theflyinglambrequins，thejeweledcrests，theblazonryandrichnessofsurcoatandofshield，wheresableandgules，argentandvair，ineverypatternofsaltire，bendorchevron，glowedbeneathhimlikeadriftofmany-coloredblossoms，tossing，sinking，stoopingintoshadow，springingintolight。Thereglaredtheblood-redgulesofChandos，andhesawthetallfigureofhismaster，athunderboltofwar，raginginthevan。TheretoowerethethreeblackchevronsonthegoldenshieldwhichmarkedthenobleManny。ThatstrongswordsmanmustsurelybetheroyalEdwardhimself，sinceonlyheandtheblack-armoredswift-footedyouthathissideweremarkedbynosymbolofheraldry。”Manny！，Manny！，GeorgeforEngland！”rosethedeep-throatedbay，andeverthegallantcounter-cry：“AChargny！，AChargny！，SaintDenisforFrance！”

thunderedamidtheclashandthuddingofthebattle。

SuchwasthevaguewhirlingmemorystilllingeringinNigel’smindwhenatlastthemistsclearedawayfromitandhefoundhimselfweakbutclearonthelowcouchinthecornerturret。Besidehim，crushinglavenderbetwixthisroughfingersandstrewingitoverfloorandsheets，wasAylwardthearcher。Hislongbowleanedatthefootofthebed，andhissteelcapwasbalancedonthetopofit，whilehehimself，sittinginhisshirtsleeves，fannedoffthefliesandscatteredthefragrantherbsoverhishelplessmaster。

“Bymyhilt！”hecriedwithasuddenshout，everytoothinhisheadgleamingwithjoy，“IthanktheVirginandallthesaintsforthisblessedsight！，IhadnotdaredtogobacktoTilfordhadI

lostyou。Threeweekshaveyoulainthereandbabbledlikeababe，butnowIseeinyoureyesthatyouareyourownmanagain。”

“Ihaveindeedhadsomesmallhurt，“saidNigelfeebly;“butitisshameandsorrowthatIshouldliehereifthereisworkformyhands。Whithergoyou，archer？“

“TotellthegoodSirJohnthatyouaremending。”

“Nay，bidewithmealittlelonger，Aylward。Icancalltomindallthathaspassed。Therewasabickeringofsmallboats，wastherenot，andIchanceduponamostworthypersonandexchangedhandstrokeswithhim？，Hewasmyprisoner，washenot？”

“Hewas，fairsir。”

“Andwhereishenow？”

“Belowinthecastle。”

AsmilestoleoverNigel’spaleface。”IknowwhatIwilldowithhim，“saidhe。

“Iprayyoutorest，fairsir，“saidAylwardanxiously。”TheKing’sownleechsawyouthismorning，andhesaidthatifthebandagewastornfromyourheadyouwouldsurelydie。”

“Nay，goodarcher，Iwillnotmove。Buttellmewhatbefellupontheboat？”

“Thereislittletotell，fairsir。HadthisFerretnotbeenhisownsquireandtakensolongatimetodonhisharnessitislikelythattheywouldhavehadthebetterofus。Hedidnotreachthebattletillhiscomradeswereontheirbacks。HimwetooktotheMarieRose，becausehewasyourman。Theotherswereofnoworth，sowethrewthemintothesea。”

“Thequickandthedead？”

“Everymanofthem。”

“Itwasanevildeed。”

Aylwardshruggedhisshoulders。”Itriedtosaveoneboy，“saidhe;“butCockBaddingwouldnothaveit，andhehadBlackSimonandtheothersathisback。`ItisthecustomoftheNarrowSeas，’saidthey：`Todayforthem;to-morrowforus。’-Thentheytorehimfromhisholdandcasthimscreamingovertheside。Bymyhilt！，Ihavenolovefortheseaanditscustoms，soIcarenotifIneversetfootonitagainwhenithasoncebornemebacktoEngland。”

“Nay，therearegreathappeningsuponthesea，andmanyworthypeopletobefounduponships，“saidNigel。”Inallparts，ifonegoesfarenoughuponthewater，onewouldfindthosewhomitwouldbejoytomeet。IfonecrossesovertheNarrowSea，aswehavedone，wecomeontheFrenchwhoaresoneedfultous;forhowelsewouldwewinworship？，Orifyougosouth，thenintimeonemayhopetocometothelandoftheunbelievers，wherethereisfineskirmishingandmuchhonorforhimwhowillventurehisperson。

Bethinkyou，archer，howfairalifeitmustbewhenonecanrideforthinsearchofadvancementwithsomehopeoffindingmanydebonaircavaliersuponthesamequest，andthenifonebeoverborneonehasdiedforthefaith，andthegatesofHeavenareopenbeforeyou。Soalsotheseatothenorthisahelptohimwhoseekshonor，foritleadstothecountryoftheEastlandersandtothosepartswheretheheathenstilldwellwhoturntheirfacesfromtheblessedGospel。Therealsoamanmightfindsomesmalldeedstodo，andbySaintPaul！，Aylward，iftheFrenchholdthetruceandthegoodSirJohnpermitsus，Iwouldfaingodownintothoseparts。Theseaisagoodfriendtothecavalier，forittakeshimwherehemayfulfilhisvows。”

Aylwardshookhishead，forhismemoriesweretoorecent;buthesaidnothing，becauseatthisinstantthedooropenedandChandosentered。WithjoyinhisfacehesteppedforwardtothecouchandtookNigel’shandinhis。ThenhewhisperedawordinAylward’sear，whohurriedfromtheroom。

“Pardieu！，thisisagoodsight，“saidtheknight。”Itrustthatyouwillsoonbeonyourfeetagain。”

“Icraveyourpardon，myhonoredlord，thatIhavebeenabsentfromyourside，“saidNigel。

“Intruthmyheartwassoreforyou，Nigel;foryouhavemissedsuchanightascomesseldominanyman’slife。Allwentevenaswehadplanned。Theposterngatewasopened，andapartymadetheirwayin;butweawaitedthem，andallweretakenorslain。

ButthegreaterpartoftheFrenchhadremainedwithoutupontheplainofNieullet，sowetookhorseandwentoutagainstthem。

Whenwedrewnearthemtheyweresurprised，buttheymadegoodcheeramongthemselves，callingouttoeachother：`Ifweflyweloseall。Itisbettertofighton，inthehopesthatthedaymaybeours。’，Thiswasheardbyourpeopleinthevan，whocriedouttothem：`BySaintGeorge！，youspeaktruth。Evilbefallhimwhothinksofflying！’，Sotheyheldtheirgroundlikeworthypeopleforthespaceofanhour，andthereweremanytherewhomitisalwaysgoodtomeet：SirGeoffreyhimself，andSirPepindeWerre，withSirJohndeLandas，oldBallieuloftheYellowTooth，andhisbrotherHectortheLeopard。ButaboveallSirEustacedeRibeaumontwasatgreatpainstomeetusworthily，andhewasathandstrokeswiththeKingforalongtime。Then，whenwehadslainortakenthem，alltheprisonerswerebroughttoafeastwhichwasreadyforthem，andtheknightsofEnglandwaiteduponthematthetableandmadegoodcheerwiththem。Andallthis，Nigel，weowetoyou。”

TheSquireflushedwithpleasureatthewords。”Nay，mosthonoredlord，itwasbutasmallthingwhichIhavebeenabletodo。ButIthankGodandourLadythatIhavedonesomeservice，sinceithaspleasedyoutotakemewithyoutothewars。Shoulditchance-“

ButthewordswerecutshortuponNigel’slips，andhelaybackwithamazedeyesstaringfromhispallidface。Thedoorofhislittlechamberhadopened，andwhowasthis，thetallstatelymanwiththenoblepresence，thehighforehead，thelonghandsomeface，thedark，broodingeyes-whobutthenobleEdwardofEngland？”

“Ha，mylittlecockofTilfordBridge，Istillbearyouinmind，“

saidhe。”RightgladIwastohearthatyouhadfoundyourwitsagain，andItrustthatIhavenothelpedtomakeyoutakeleaveofthemoncemore。”

Nigel’sstareofastonishmenthadbroughtasmiletotheKing’slips。NowtheSquirestammeredforthsomehaltingwordsofgratitudeatthehonordonetohim。

“Nay，notaword，“saidtheKing。”ButinsoothitisajoytomyhearttoseethesonofmyoldcomradeEustaceLoringcarryhimselfsobravely。Hadthisboatgotbeforeuswithnewsofourcoming，thenallourlaborhadbeeninvain，andnoFrenchmanventuredtoCalaisthatnight。ButaboveallIthankyouforthatyouhavedeliveredintomyhandsonewhomIhadvowedtopunishinthathehascausedusmorescathebyfoulermeansthananylivingman。TwicehaveIswornthatPetertheRedFerretshallhang，forallhisnoblebloodandcoat-armor，ifeverheshouldfallintomyhands。Nowatlasthistimehascome;butIwouldnotputhimtodeathuntilyou，whohadtakenhim，couldbetheretoseeitdone。

Nay，thankmenot，forIcoulddonoless，seeingthatitistoyouthatIowehim。”

ButitwasnotthankswhichNigelwastryingtoutter。Itwashardtoframehiswords，andyettheymustbesaid。”Sire，“hemurmured，“itillbecomesmetocrossyourroyalwill-“

ThedarkPlantagenetwrathgatheredupontheKing’shighbrowandgloomedinhisfiercedeep-seteyes。”ByGod’sdignity！，nomanhasevercrossedityetandlivedunscathed。Hownow，youngsir，whatmeansuchwords，towhichwearelittlewont？，Haveacare，forthisisnolightthingwhichyouventure。”

“Sire，“saidNigel，“inallmattersinwhichIamafreemanIameveryourfaithfulliege，butsomethingstherearewhichmaynotbedone。”

“How？”criedtheKing。”Inspiteofmywill？”

“Inspiteofyourwill，sire，“saidNigel，sittinguponhiscouch，withwhitefaceandblazingeyes。

“BytheVirgin！”theangryKingthundered，“wearecometoaprettypass！，Youhavebeenheldtoolongathome，youngman。Theoverstabledhorsewillkick。Theunweatheredhawkwillflyatcheck。Seetoit，MasterChandos！，Heisthinetobreak，andI

holdyoutoitthatyoubreakhim。AndwhatisitthatEdwardofEnglandmaynotdo，MasterLoring？”

NigelfacedtheKingwithafaceasgrimashisown。”YoumaynotputtodeaththeRedFerret。”

“Pardieu！，Andwhy？”

“Becauseheisnotthinetoslay，sire。Becauseheismine。

BecauseIpromisedhimhislife，anditisnotforyou，Kingthoughyoube，toconstrainamanofgentlebloodtobreakhisplightedwordandlosehishonor。”

ChandoslaidhissoothinghanduponhisSquire’sshoulder。

“Excusehim，sire;heisweakfromhiswounds，“saidhe。”Perhapswehavestayedoverlong，fortheleechhasorderedrepose。”

ButtheangryKingwasnoteasilytobeappeased。”Iamnotwonttobesobrowbeat，“saidhehotly。”ThisisyourSquire，MasterJohn。Howcomesitthatyoucanstandthereandlistentohisperttalk，andsaynowordtochidehim？，Isthishowyouguideyourhousehold？，HaveyounottaughthimthateverypromisegivenissubjecttotheKing’sconsent，andthatwithhimonlyliethespringsoflifeanddeath？，Ifheissick，youatleastarehale。

Whystandyouthereinsilence？”

“Myliege，“saidChandosgravely，“Ihaveservedyouforoverascoreofyears，andhaveshedmybloodthroughasmanywoundsinyourcause，sothatyoushouldnottakemywordsamiss。ButindeedIshouldfeelmyselftobenotruemanifIdidnottellyouthatmySquireNigel，thoughperchancehehasspokenmorebluntlythanbecomeshim，isnonethelessrightinthismatter，andthatyouarewrong。Forbethinkyou，sire-“

“Enough！”criedtheKing，morefuriousthanever。”Likemaster，likeman，andImighthaveknownwhyitisthatthissaucySquiredarestobandywordswithhissovereignlord。Hedoesbutgiveoutwhathehathtakenin。John，John，yougrowoverbold。ButthisItellyou，andyoualso，youngman，thatasGodismyhelp，erethesunhassetthisnighttheRedFerretwillhangasawarningtoallspiesandtraitorsfromthehighesttowerofCalais，thateveryshipupontheNarrowSeas，andeverymanfortenmilesroundmayseehimasheswingsandknowhowheavyisthehandoftheEnglishKing。Doyoubearitinmind，lestyoualsomayfeelitsweight！”Withaglarelikeanangrylionhewalkedfromtheroom，andtheiron-clampeddoorclangedloudlybehindhim。

ChandosandNigellookedruefullyateachother。ThentheknightpattedhisSquireuponhisbandagedhead。

“Youhavecarriedyourselfrightwell，Nigel。Icouldnotwishforbetter。Fearnot。Allwillbewell。”

“Myfairandhonoredlord，“criedNigel，“Iamheavyatheart，forindeedIcoulddonoother，andyetIhavebroughttroubleuponyou。”

“Nay，thecloudswillsoonpass。IfhedoesindeedslaythisFrenchman，youhavedoneallthatlaywithinyourpower，andyourmindmayresteasy。”

“IpraythatitwillresteasyinParadise，“saidNigel;“foratthehourthatIhearthatIamdishonoredandmyprisonerslainI

tearthisbandagefrommyheadandsoendallthings。Iwillnotlivewhenoncemywordisbroken。”

“Nay，fairson，youtakethisthingtooheavily，“saidChandos，withagraveface。”Whenamanhasdoneallhemaythereremainsnodishonor;buttheKinghathakindheartforallhishothead，anditmaybethatifIseehimIwillprevailuponhim。Bethinkyouhowhesworetohangthesixburghersofthisverytown，andyethepardonedthem。Sokeepahighheart，fairson，andIwillcomewithgoodnewsereevening。”

Forthreehours，asthesinkingsuntracedtheshadowhigherandeverhigheruponthechamberwall，Nigeltossedfeverishlyuponhiscouch，hisearsstrainingforthefootfallofAylwardorofChandos，bringingnewsofthefateoftheprisoner。Atlastthedoorflewopen，andtherebeforehimstoodtheonemanwhomheleastexpected，andyetwouldmostgladlyhaveseen。ItwastheRedFerrethimself，freeandjoyous。

Withswiftfurtivestepshewasacrosstheroomandonhiskneesbesidethecouch，kissingthependenthand。”Youhavesavedme，mostnoblesir！”hecried。”Thegallowswasfixedandtheropeslung，whenthegoodLordChandostoldtheKingthatyouwoulddiebyyourownhandifIwereslain。`Cursethismule-headedSquire！’hecried。`InGod’snamelethimhavehisprisoner，andlethimdowhathewillwithhimsolongashetroublesmenomore！’，SohereIhavecome，fairsir，toaskyouwhatIshalldo。”

“Iprayyoutositbesidemeandbeatyourease，“saidNigel。

“InafewwordsIwilltellyouwhatIwouldhaveyoudo。YourarmorIwillkeep，thatImayhavesomeremembranceofmygoodfortuneinmeetingsovaliantagentleman。Weareofasize，andImakelittledoubtthatIcanwearit。OfransomIwouldaskathousandcrowns。”

“Nay，nay！”criedtheFerret。”Itwouldbeasadthingifamanofmypositionwasworthlessthanfivethousand。”

“Athousandwillsuffice，fairsir，topaymychargesforthewar。

Youwillnotagainplaythespy，nordousharmuntilthetruceisbroken。”

“ThatIwillswear。”

“Andlastlythereisajourneythatyoushallmake。”

TheFrenchman’sfacelengthened。”WhereyouorderImustgo，“

saidhe;“butIprayyouthatitisnottotheHolyLand。”

“Nay，“saidNigel;“butitistoalandwhichisholytome。YouwillmakeyourwaybacktoSouthampton。”

“Iknowitwell。Ihelpedtoburnitdownsomeyearsago。”

“Iredeyoutosaynothingofthatmatterwhenyougetthere。YouwillthenjourneyasthoughtoLondonuntilyoucometoafairtownnamedGuildford。”

“Ihaveheardofit。TheKinghathahuntthere。”

“Thesame。YouwillthenaskforahousenamedCosford，twoleaguesfromthetownonthesideofalonghill。”

“Iwillbearitinmind。”

“AtCosfordyouwillseeagoodknightnamedSirJohnButtesthorn，andyouwillasktohavespeechwithhisdaughter，theLadyMary。”

“Iwilldoso;andwhatshallIsaytotheLadyMary，wholivesatCosfordontheslopeofalonghilltwoleaguesfromthefairtownofGuildford？”

“SayonlythatIsentmygreeting，andthatSaintCatharinehasbeenmyfriend-onlythatandnothingmore。Andnowleaveme，I

prayyou，formyheadiswearyandIwouldfainhavesleep。”

ThusitcameaboutthatamonthlaterontheeveoftheFeastofSaintMatthew，theLadyMary，asshewalkedfrontCosfordgates，metwithastrangehorseman，richlyclad，aserving-manbehindhim，lookingshrewdlyabouthimwithquickblueeyes，whichtwinkledfromaredandfreckledface。Atsightofherhedoffedhishatandreinedhishorse。

“ThishouseshouldbeCosford，“saidhe。”AreyoubychancetheLadyMarywhodwellsthere？”

Theladybowedherprouddarkhead。

“Then，“saidhe，“SquireNigelLoringsendsyougreetingandtellsyouthatSaintCatharinehasbeenhisfriend。”，Thenturningtohisservanthecried：“Heh，Raoul，ourtaskisdone！，Yourmasterisafreemanoncemore。Come，lad，come，thenearestporttoFrance！，Hola！，Hola！，Hola！”Andsowithoutawordmorethetwo，masterandman，setspurstotheirhorsesandgallopedlikemadmendownthelongslopeofHindhead，untilasshelookedafterthemtheywerebuttwodarkdotsinthedistance，waist-highinthelingandthebracken。

Sheturnedbacktothehouse，asmileuponherface。Nigelhadsenthergreeting。AFrenchmanhadbroughtit。Hisbringingithadmadehimafreeman。AndSaintCatherinehadbeenNigel’sfriend。Itwasathershrinethathehadswornthatthreedeedsshouldbedoneereheshouldseteyesuponheragain。IntheprivacyofherroomtheLadyMarysankuponherprie-dieuandpouredforththethanksofherhearttotheVirginthatonedeedwasaccomplished;butevenasshedidsoherjoywasovercastbythethoughtofthosetwootherswhichlaybeforehim。

XVI。HOWTHEKING’SCOURTFEASTEDINCALAISCASTLE

ItwasabrightsunshinymorningwhenNigelfoundhimselfatlastabletoleavehisturretchamberandtowalkupontherampartofthecastle。Therewasabrisknorthernwind，heavyandwetwiththesaltofthesea，andhefelt，asheturnedhisfacetoit，freshlifeandstrengthsurginginhisbloodandbracinghislimbs。HetookhishandfromAylward’ssupportingarmandstoodwithhiscapoff，leaningontherampartandbreathinginthecoolstrongair。Faroffuponthedistantsky-line，halfhiddenbytheheaveofthewaves，wasthelowwhitefringeofcliffswhichskirtedEngland。BetweenhimandthemlaythebroadblueChannel，seamedandfleckedwithflashingfoam，forasharpseawasrunningandthefewshipsinsightwerelaboringheavily。Nigel’seyestraversedthewide-spreadview，rejoicinginthechangefromthegraywallofhiscrampedchamber。Finallytheysettleduponastrangeobjectathisveryfeet。

Itwasalongtrumpet-shapedengineofleatherandironboltedintoarudewoodenstandandfittedwithwheels。Besideitlayaheapofmetalslugsandlumpsofstone。Theendofthemachinewasraisedandpointedoverthebattlement。BehinditstoodanironboxwhichNigelopened。Itwasfilledwithablackcoarsepowder，likegrittycharcoal。

“BySaintPaul！”saidhe，passinghishandsovertheengine，“I

haveheardmentalkofthesethings，butneverbeforehaveIseenone。Itisnoneotherthanoneofthosewondrousnew-madebombards。”

“Insooth，itisevenasyousay，“Aylwardanswered，lookingatitwithcontemptanddislikeinhisface。”Ihaveseenthemhereupontheramparts，andhavealsoexchangedabuffetortwowithhimwhohadchargeofthem。Hewasjack-foolenoughtothinkthatwiththisleatherpipehecouldoutshootthebestarcherinChristendom。Ilenthimacuffontheearthatlaidhimacrosshisfoolishengine。”

“Itisafearsomething，“saidNigel，whohadstoopedtoexamineit。”Weliveinstrangetimeswhensuchthingscanbemade。Itisloosedbyfire，isitnot，whichspringsfromtheblackdust？”

“Bymyhilt！，fairsir，Iknownot。AndyetIcalltomindthaterewefelloutthisfoolishbombardmandidsaysomethingofthematter。Thefire-dustiswithinandsoalsoistheball。Thenyoutakemoredustfromthisironboxandplaceitintheholeatthefartherend-so。Itisnowready。Ihaveneverseenonefired，butIwotthatthisonecouldbefirednow。”

“Itmakesastrangesound，archer，doesitnot？”saidNigelwistfully。

“SoIhaveheard，fairsir-evenasthebowtwangs，soitalsohasasoundwhenyoulooseit。”

“Thereisnoonetohear，sincewearealoneupontherampart，norcanitdoscathe，sinceitpointstosea。IprayyoutolooseitandIwilllistentothesound。”，Hebentoverthebombardwithanattentiveear，whileAylward，stoopinghisearnestbrownfaceoverthetouch-hole，scrapedawaydiligentlywithaflintandsteel。A

momentlaterbothheandNigelwereseatedsomedistanceoffuponthegroundwhileamidtheroarofthedischargeandthethickcloudofsmoketheyhadavisionofthelongblacksnakelikeengineshootingbackupontherecoil。Foraminuteormoretheywerestruckmotionlesswithastonishmentwhilethereverberationsdiedawayandthesmokewreathscurledslowlyuptotheblueheavens。

“Goodlack！”criedNigelatlast，pickinghimselfupandlookingroundhim。”Goodlack，andHeavenbemyaid！，IthanktheVirginthatallstandsasitdidbefore。Ithoughtthatthecastlehadfallen。”

“Suchabull’sbellowIhaveneverheard，“criedAylward，rubbinghisinjuredlimbs。”OnecouldhearitfromFrenshamPondtoGuildfordCastle。Iwouldnottouchoneagain-notforahideofthebestlandinPuttenham！”

“Itmayfareillwithyourownhide，archer，ifyoudo，“saidanangryvoicebehindthem。Chandoshadsteppedfromtheopendoorofthecornerturretandstoodlookingatthemwithaharshgaze。

Presently，asthematterwasmadecleartohimhisfacerelaxedintoasmile。

“Hastentothewarden，archer，andtellhimhowitbefell。Youwillhavethecastleandthetowninarms。IknownotwhattheKingmaythinkofsosuddenanalarm。Andyou，Nigel，howinthenameofthesaintscameyoutoplaythechildlikethis？”

“Iknewnotitspower，fairlord。”

“Bymysoul，Nigel，Ithinkthatnoneofusknowitspower。Icanseethedaywhenallthatwedelightin，thesplendorandgloryofwar，mayallgodownbeforethatwhichbeatsthroughtheplateofsteelaseasilyastheleathernjacket。Ihavebestrodemywarhorseinmyarmorandhavelookeddownatthesooty，smokybombardmanbesideme，andIhavethoughtthatperhapsIwasthelastoftheoldandhethefirstofthenew;thattherewouldcomeatimewhenheandhisengineswouldsweepyouandmeandtherestofusfromthefield。”

“Butnotyet，Itrust，honoredsir？”

“No，notyet，Nigel。Youarestillintimetowinyourspursevenasyourfathersdid。Howisyourstrength？”

“Iamreadyforanytask，mygoodandhonoredlord。”

“Itiswell，forworkawaitsus-goodwork，pressingwork，workofperilandofhonor。Youreyesshineandyourfaceflushes，Nigel。IlivemyownyouthoveragainasIlookatyou。KnowthenthatthoughthereistrucewiththeFrenchhere，thereisnottruceinBrittanywherethehousesofBloisandofMontfortstillstruggleforthedukedom。HalfBrittanyfightsforone，andhalffortheother。TheFrenchhavetakenupthecauseofBlois，andweofMontfort，anditissuchawarthatmanyagreatleader，suchasSirWalterManny，hasfirstearnedhisnamethere。Oflatethewarhasgoneagainstus，andthebloodyhandsoftheRohans，ofGaptoothBeaumanoir，ofOlivertheFlesherandothershavebeenheavyuponourpeople。Thelasttidingshavebeenofdisaster，andtheKing’ssoulisdarkwithwrathforthathisfriendandcomradeGillesdeSt。PolhasbeendonetodeathintheCastleofLaBrohiniere。Hewillsendsuccorstothecountry，andwegoattheirhead。Howlikeyouthat，Nigel？”

“Myhonoredlord，whatcouldIaskforbetter？”

“Thenhaveyourharnessready，forwestartwithintheweek。OurpathbylandisblockedbytheFrench，andwegobysea。ThisnighttheKinggivesabanqueterehereturnstoEngland，andyourplaceisbehindmychair。Beinmychamberthatyoumayhelpmetodress，andsowewilltothehalltogether。”

Withsatinandwithsamite，withvelvetandwithfur，thenobleChandoswasdressedfortheKing’sfeast，andNigeltoohaddonnedhisbestsilkjupon，facedwiththefivescarletroses，thathemightwaituponhim。InthegreathallofCalaisCastlethetableswereset，ahightableforthelords，asecondoneforthelessdistinguishedknights，andathirdatwhichthesquiresmightfeastwhentheirmasterswereseated。

NeverhadNigelinhissimplelifeatTilfordpicturedasceneofsuchpompandwondrousluxury。ThegrimgraywallswerecoveredfromceilingtofloorwithpricelesstapestryofArras，wherehart，houndsandhuntsmencircledthegreathallwithonelonglivingimageofthechase。Overtheprincipaltabledroopedalineofbanners，andbeneaththemrowsofemblazonedshieldsuponthewallcarriedthearmsofthehighnoblemenwhosatbeneath。

TheredlightofcressetsandoftorchesburneduponthebadgesofthegreatcaptainsofEngland。Thelionsandliliesshoneoverthehighdorseretchairinthecenter，andthesameaugustdevicemarkedwiththecadencylabelindicatedtheseatofthePrince，whileglowingtorightandtoleftwerethelonglinesofnobleinsignia，honoredinpeaceandterribleinwar。ThereshonethegoldandsableofManny，theengrailedcrossofSuffolk，theredchevronofStafford，thescarletandgoldofAudley，thebluelionrampantofthePercies，thesilverswallowsofArundel，theredroebuckoftheMontacutes，thestarofthedeVeres，thesilverscallopsofRussell，thepurplelionofdeLacy，andtheblackcrossesofClinton。