Much people was gathered about the gate to see the merchants enter
with banners displayed; and Ralph deemed many of the folk fair,
such as were goodly clad; for many had but foul clouts to cover
their nakedness, and seemed needy and hunger-pinched. Withal there
were many warriors amongst the throng, and most of these bore
a token on their sleeves, to wit, a sword reddened with blood.
And Clement, speaking softly in Ralph's ear, did him to wit that this
was the token of the lord who had gotten the castle in those days,
and was tyrant of the town; and how that he had so many men-at-arms
ready to do his bidding that none in the town was safe from him
if he deemed it more for his pleasure and profit to rob or maim,
or torment or slay, than to suffer them to live peaceably.
"But with us chapmen," said Clement, "he will not meddle, lest there
be an end of chaffer in the town; and verily the market is good."
Thus they rode through the streets into the market place,
which was wide and great, and the best houses of the town
were therein, and so came to the hostel of the Merchants,
called the Fleece, which was a big house, and goodly enough.
The next morning Clement and the other chapmen went up into the Castle,
bearing with them gifts out of their wares for the lord, and Clement
bade Ralph keep close till he came back, and especially to keep his
war-caught thrall, Bull Shockhead, safe at home, lest he be taken from him,
and to clothe him in the guise of the chapman lads, and to dock his hair;
and even so Ralph did, though Bull were loath thereto.
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