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。