"I thank you, Sire," said Dick, his pale skin flushing with pride and
pleasure. "I'll wear it while I live, and may the sight of it mean death
to many of your enemies."
"Without doubt it will, and that ere long, Richard, for know you that
soon we sail again for France, whence the tempest held us back, and it
is my pleasure that you sail with us. Therefore I name you one of our
fletchers, with place about our person in our bodyguard of archers. Jack
Green will show you your quarters, and instruct you in your duties, and
soon you shall match your skill against his again, but next time with
Frenchmen for your targets."
"Sire," said Dick, very slowly, "take back your arrow, for I cannot do
as you will."
"Why, man? Are you a Frenchman?" asked the King, angrily, for he was not
wont to have his favours thus refused.
"My mother never told me so, Sire, although I don't know for certain who
my father may have been. Still, I think not, since I hate the sight
of that breed as a farmer's dog hates rats. But, Sire, I have a good
master, and do not wish to change him for one who, saving your presence,
may prove a worse, since King's favour on Monday has been known to mean
King's halter on Tuesday. Did you not promise to whip me round your
walls last night unless I shot as well as I thought I could, and now do
you not change your face and give me golden arrows?"
At these bold words a roar of laughter went up from all who heard them,
in which the King himself joined heartily enough.
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