cattle ye have brought. Selden, a link here at the door!"

And Sir Daniel strode forth into the village street, and, by the

red glow of a torch, inspected his new troops. He was an unpopular

neighbour and an unpopular master; but as a leader in war he was

well-beloved by those who rode behind his pennant. His dash, his

proved courage, his forethought for the soldiers' comfort, even his

rough gibes, were all to the taste of the bold blades in jack and

salet.

"Nay, by the rood!" he cried, "what poor dogs are these? Here be

some as crooked as a bow, and some as lean as a spear. Friends, ye

shall ride in the front of the battle; I can spare you, friends.

Mark me this old villain on the piebald! A two-year mutton riding

on a hog would look more soldierly! Ha! Clipsby, are ye there,

old rat? Y' are a man I could lose with a good heart; ye shall go

in front of all, with a bull's eye painted on your jack, to be the

better butt for archery; sirrah, ye shall show me the way."

"I will show you any way, Sir Daniel, but the way to change sides,"

returned Clipsby, sturdily.

Sir Daniel laughed a guffaw.

"Why, well said!" he cried. "Hast a shrewd tongue in thy mouth, go

to! I will forgive you for that merry word. Selden, see them fed,

both man and brute."

The knight re-entered the inn.

"Now, friend Dick," he said, "fall to. Here is good ale and bacon.

Eat, while that I read."

Sir Daniel opened the packet, and as he read his brow darkened.

When he had done he sat a little, musing. Then he looked sharply

at his ward.

"Dick," said he, "Y' have seen this penny rhyme?"

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