But, lord, I will do my best to find
her for thee; as thou art a king's son and no ill master, I deem."
"Do that," quoth Ralph, "and I in turn will do what more I may for thee
besides making thee free." And therewith he rode forward that he might
get out of earshot, for Bull's tongue seemed like to be long.
And presently he heard laughter behind him, as the carle began jesting
and talking with the chapman lads.
CHAPTER 23
Of the Town of Cheaping Knowe
Now when it was evening they pitched their camp down in the plain
fields amidst tall elmtrees, and had their banners still
flying over the tents to warn all comers of what they were.
But the next morning the chapmen and their folk were up betimes
to rummage their loads, and to array their wares for the market;
and they gat not to the road before mid-morning. Meantime
of their riding Ralph had more talk with Bull, who said to him:
"Fair lord, I rede thee when thou art in the market of Cheaping Knowe,
bid master Clement bring thee to the thrall-merchant, and trust me
that if such a fair image as that we were speaking of hath passed
through his hands within these three months, he will remember it;
and then thou shalt have at least some tale of what hath befallen
her but a little while ago."
That seemed good rede to Ralph, and when they went on their way
he rode beside Clement, and asked him many things concerning
Cheaping Knowe; and at last about the thrall-market therein.
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