Besides, we have his cousins, and it is well that
they should carry back news that, in spite of the troublous times, we
can yet be merry on suitable occasions.
"The cost will not be very great. The meat can scarcely be counted,
seeing that we have as many cattle on the moor as can pick up a living
there. Moreover, our neighbours all gave us a helping hand, to repair
the hold after it was sacked last year, and 'tis but right that we
should hold some sort of gathering, and this will do for the two
purposes."
The last argument had more weight with John Forster than the former
ones. Once having consented, he took as much interest in it as did his
wife; and dug up the pot in which he stowed away any sums that
remained, at the end of each year, over and above the expenses of the
hold; and provided all that was required, without stinting.
Three days after the gathering, the Armstrongs returned home, and
Oswald rode with Roger to Alnwick. The next three months passed quietly
and uneventfully. Snow was lying deep on the Cheviots, and until spring
there was little chance of the Scotch making a foray.
Oswald worked hard in the hall, where the knights kept themselves in
exercise, practised with the young squires, and superintended the
drilling and practice of the men-at-arms, of whom the number at the
castle had been much increased; for none doubted that in the spring the
Scots would, after Henry's invasion, pay a return visit to England, and
that the northern counties would need a very strong force to hold them
in check.
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