' So, lord, I ask thee
wilt thou lend me the sword and give me the loaf, that I may help both thee,
and the Burg, and me?"
The captain looked at him closely and sharply, while the carle
faced him with open simple eyes, and at last he said:
"Well, carle, thou wert about to name thyself this young
knight's serving-man; be thou even so whiles he abideth in the Burg;
and when he leaveth the Burg then come back to me here any day
before noon, and may be I shall then put a sword in thy fist
and horse between thy thighs. But," (and he wagged his head
threateningly at Roger) "see that thou art at the Flower de
Luce when thou art called for."
Roger held his peace and seemed somewhat abashed at this word,
and the captain turned to Ralph and said courteously: "Young knight,
if thou art seeking adventures, thou shalt find them in our host;
and if thou be but half as wise as thou seemest bold, thou wilt
not fail to gain honour and wealth both, in the service of the Burg;
for we be overmuch beset with foemen that we should not welcome any
wight and wary warrior, though he be an alien of blood and land.
If thou thinkest well of this, then send me thy man here and give me
word of thy mind, and I shall lead thee to the chiefs of the Port,
and make the way easy for thee."
Ralph thanked him and rode through the gate into the street,
and Roger still went beside his stirrup.
Presently Ralph turned to Roger and spake to him somewhat sourly,
and said: "Thou hadst one lie in thy mouth and didst swallow it;
but how shall I know that another did not come out thence?
Withal thou must needs be my fellow here, will I, nill I;
for thou it was that didst put that word into the captain's
mouth that thou shouldst serve me while I abide in the Burg.
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