who never rested from money-getting; and even now, when he was on

the brink of an adventure which should make or mar him, he was up

an hour after midnight to squeeze poor neighbours. He was one who

trafficked greatly in disputed inheritances; it was his way to buy

out the most unlikely claimant, and then, by the favour he curried

with great lords about the king, procure unjust decisions in his

favour; or, if that was too roundabout, to seize the disputed manor

by force of arms, and rely on his influence and Sir Oliver's

cunning in the law to hold what he had snatched. Kettley was one

such place; it had come very lately into his clutches; he still met

with opposition from the tenants; and it was to overawe discontent

that he had led his troops that way.

By two in the morning, Sir Daniel sat in the inn room, close by the

fireside, for it was cold at that hour among the fens of Kettley.

By his elbow stood a pottle of spiced ale. He had taken off his

visored headpiece, and sat with his bald head and thin, dark visage

resting on one hand, wrapped warmly in a sanguine-coloured cloak.

At the lower end of the room about a dozen of his men stood sentry

over the door or lay asleep on benches; and somewhat nearer hand, a

young lad, apparently of twelve or thirteen, was stretched in a

mantle on the floor. The host of the Sun stood before the great

man.

"Now, mark me, mine host," Sir Daniel said, "follow but mine

orders, and I shall be your good lord ever. I must have good men

for head boroughs, and I will have Adam-a-More high constable; see

to it narrowly. If other men be chosen, it shall avail you

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