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 nothing; rather it shall be found to

your sore cost. For those that have paid rent to Walsingham I shall take

good measure--you among the rest, mine host."

Good knight," said the host, "I will swear upon the cross of Holywood I

did but pay to Walsingham upon compulsion. Nay, bully knight, I love not

the rogue Walsinghams; they were as poor as thieves, bully knight. Give

me a great lord like you. Nay; ask me among the neighbours, I am stout

for Brackley."

"It may be," said Sir Daniel, dryly. "Ye shall then pay twice."

The innkeeper made a horrid grimace; but this was a piece of bad luck

that might readily befall a tenant in these unruly times, and he was

perhaps glad to make his peace so easily.

"Bring up yon fellow, Selden!" cried the knight.

And one of his retainers led up a poor, cringing old man, as pale as a

candle, and all shaking with the fen fever.

The Black Arrow