Methinks he would make a cheery companion, and
one I could take to, heartily; and indeed, during the long winters,
'tis no slight thing to have one merry fellow, who can keep one alive,
and of whose mettle and skill you are well assured."
"So let it be, then, Robert. You have tried him, and yours should be
the advantage. But for the month he shall remain here, under Malcolm's
eye."
Oswald went down with the man, who was Baird's right hand in the hold.
"What will be my duties?" he asked.
"To keep your arms and armour ready for service."
"That will be an easy task, methinks; for I see that instead of being
polished and bright, as were ours at Dunbar, the others keep their
steel caps and back pieces painted a sombre colour."
The other nodded.
"Yes, our arms are for use and not for show; and when we ride by
moonlight, we care not to have our presence shown, miles away, by the
glint of the moon on our armour.
"You will do your turn of keeping watch and ward. Just at present there
will be a good deal of that, for we have been stirring up a wasps'
nest, and mayhap they may come and try to sting. When you are off duty,
you will be your own master, save that you had best be within sound of
the warder's horn.
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