AfriendlySquireatNigel’selbowwhisperedthenamesofthefamouswarriorsbeneath。”YouareyoungLoringofTilford，theSquireofChandos，areyounot？”saidhe。”MynameisDelves，andIcomefromDoddingtoninCheshire。IamtheSquireofSirJamesAudley，yonderround-backedmanwiththedarkfaceandclose-
　　croppedbeard，whohaththeSaracenheadasacrestabovehim。”
　　“Ihaveheardofhimasamanofgreatvalor，“saidNigel，gazingathimwithinterest。
　　“Indeed，youmaywellsayso，MasterLoring。HeisthebravestknightinEngland，andinChristendomalso，asIbelieve。Nomanhathdonesuchdeedsofvalor。”
　　Nigellookedathisnewacquaintancewithhopeinhiseyes。”Youspeakasitbecomesyoutospeakwhenyouupholdyourownmaster，“
　　saidhe。”Forthesamereason，MasterDelves，andinnospiritofill-willtoyou，itbehoovesmetotellyouthatheisnottobecomparedinnameorfamewiththenobleknightonwhomIwait。
　　Shouldyouholdotherwise，thensurelywecandebatethematterinwhateverwayortimemaypleaseyoubest。”
　　Delvessmiledgood-humoredly。”Nay，benotsohot，“saidhe。
　　“Hadyouupheldanyotherknight，saveperhapsSirWalterManny，I
　　hadtakenyouatyourword，andyourmasterorminewouldhavehadplaceforanewSquire。ButindeeditisonlytruththatnoknightissecondtoChandos，norwouldIdrawmyswordtolowerhisprideofplace。Ha，SirJames’cupislow！，Imustseetoit！”Hedartedoff，aflagonofGasconyinhishand。”TheKinghathhadgoodnewsto-night，“hecontinuedwhenhereturned。”I
　　havenotseenhiminsomerryamindsincethenightwhenwetooktheFrenchmenandhelaidhispearlchapletupontheheadofdeRibeaumont。Seehowhelaughs，andthePrincealso。Thatlaughbodessomeonelittlegood，orIamthemoremistaken。Haveacare！，SirJohn’splateisempty。”
　　ItwasNigel’sturntodartaway;buteverintheintervalshereturnedtothecornerwhencehecouldlookdownthehallandlistentothewordsoftheolderSquire。Delveswasashort，thick-setmanpastmiddleage，weather-beatenandscarred，witharoughmannerandbearingwhichshowedthathewasmoreathiseaseinatentthanahall。Buttenyearsofservicehadtaughthimmuch，andNigellistenedeagerlytohistalk。
　　“IndeedtheKinghathsomegoodtidings，“hecontinued。”Seenow，hehaswhisperedittoChandosandtoManny。MannyspreadsitontoSirReginaldCobham，andhetoRobertKnolles，eachsmilingliketheDeviloverafriar。”
　　“WhichisSirRobertKnolles？”askedNigelwithinterest。”Ihaveheardmuchofhimandhisdeeds。”
　　“Heisthetallhard-facedmaninyellowsilk，hewiththehairlesscheeksandthesplitlip。Heislittleolderthanyourself，andhisfatherwasacobblerinChester，yethehasalreadywonthegoldenspurs。Seehowhedabshisgreathandinthedishandhandsforththegobbets。Heismoreusedtoacamp-kettlethanasilverplate。ThebigmanwiththeblackbeardisSirBartholomewBerghersh，whosebrotheristheAbbotofBeaulieu。Haste，haste！fortheboar’sheadiscomeandtheplate’stobecleaned。”
　　Thetablemannersofourancestorsatthisperiodwouldhavefurnishedtothemoderneyethestrangestmixtureofluxuryandofbarbarism。Forkswerestillunknown，andthecourtesyfingers，theindexandthemiddleofthelefthand，tooktheirplace。Touseanyotherswasaccountedtheworstofmanners。Acrowdofdogslayamongtherushesgrowlingateachotherandquarrelingoverthegnawedboneswhichwerethrowntothembythefeasters。
　　Asliceofcoarsebreadservedusuallyasaplate，buttheKing’sownhightablewasprovidedwithsilverplatters，whichwerewipedbytheSquireorpageaftereachcourse。Ontheotherhandthetable-linenwascostly，andthecourses，servedwithapompanddignitynowunknown，comprisedsuchavarietyofdishesandsuchcomplexmarvelsofcookeryasnomodernbanquetcouldshow。
　　Besidesallourdomesticanimalsandeverykindofgame，suchstrangedelicaciesashedgehogs，bustards，porpoises，squirrels，bitternsandcraneslentvarietytothefeast。
　　Eachnewcourse，heraldedbyaflourishofsilvertrumpets，wasborneinbyliveriedservantswalkingtwoandtwo，withrubicundmarshalsstruttinginfrontandbehind，bearingwhitewandsintheirhands，notonlyasbadgesoftheiroffice，butalsoasweaponswithwhichtorepelanyimpertinentinroaduponthedishesinthejourneyfromthekitchentothehall。Boar’sheads，enarmedandendoredwithgilttusksandflamingmouths，werefollowedbywondrouspastiesmoldedtotheshapeofships，castlesandotherdeviceswithsugarseamenorsoldierswholosttheirownbodiesintheirfruitlessdefenseagainstthehungryattack。
　　Finallycamethegreatnef，asilvervesseluponwheelsladenwithfruitandsweetmeatswhichrolledwithitslusciouscargodownthelineofguests。FlagonsofGascony，ofRhinewine，ofCanaryandofRochellewereheldinreadinessbytheattendants;buttheage，thoughluxurious，wasnotdrunken，andthesoberhabitsoftheNormanhadhappilyprevailedoverthelicenseofthoseSaxonbanquetswherenoguestmightwalkfromthetablewithoutasluruponhishost。Honorandhardihoodgoillwithashakinghandorablurredeye。
　　Whilstwine，fruitandspiceswerehandedroundthehightablesthesquireshadbeenservedinturnatthefartherendofthehall。MeanwhileroundtheKingtherehadgatheredagroupofstatesmenandsoldiers，talkingeagerlyamongthemselves。TheEarlofStafford，theEarlofWarwick，theEarlofArundel，LordBeauchampandLordNevillewereassembledatthebackofhischair，withLordPercyandLordMowbrayateitherside。Thelittlegroupblazedwithgoldenchainsandjeweledchaplets，flamecoloredpaltocksandpurpletunics。
　　OfasuddentheKingsaidsomethingoverhisshouldertoSirWilliamdePakyngtontheherald，whoadvancedandstoodbytheroyalchair。Hewasatallandnoble-featuredman，withlonggrizzledbeardwhichrippleddowntothegold-linkedbeltgirdlinghismany-coloredtabard。Onhisheadhehadplacedtheheraldicbarret-capwhichbespokehisdignity，andheslowlyraisedhiswhitewandhighintheair，whileagreathushfelluponthehall。
　　“MylordsofEngland，“saidhe，“knightbannerets，knights，squires，andallothersherepresentofgentlebirthandcoat-armor，knowthatyourdreadandsovereignlord，Edward，KingofEnglandandofFrance，bidsmegiveyougreetingandcommandsyoutocomehitherthathemayhavespeechwithyou。”
　　InaninstantthetablesweredesertedandthewholecompanyhadclusteredinfrontoftheKing’schair。Thosewhohadsatoneithersideofhimcrowdedinwardsothathistalldarkfigureupreareditselfamidthedensecircleofhisguests。
　　Withaflushuponhisolivecheeksandwithpridesmolderinginhisdarkeyes，helookedroundhimattheeagerfacesofthemenwhohadbeenhiscomradesfromSluysandCadsandtoCrecyandCalais。Theycaughtfirefromthatwarlikegleaminhismasterfulgaze，andasuddenwild，fierceshoutpealeduptothevaultedceiling，asoldierlythanksforwhatwaspassedandapromiseforwhatwastocome。TheKing’steethgleamedinaquicksmile，andhislargewhitehandplayedwiththejeweleddaggerinhisbelt。
　　“BythesplendorofGod！”saidheinaloudclearvoice，“Ihavelittledoubtthatyouwillrejoicewithmethisnight，forsuchtidingshavecometomyearsasmaywellbringjoytoeveryoneofyou。YouknowwellthatourshipshavesufferedgreatscathefromtheSpaniards，whoformanyyearshaveslainwithoutgraceorruthallofmypeoplewhohavefallenintotheircruelhands。OflatetheyhavesenttheirshipsintoFlanders，andthirtygreatcogsandgalleyslienowatSluyswell-filledwitharchersandmen-at-armsandreadyinallwaysforbattle。Ihaveitto-dayfromasurehandthat，havingtakentheirmerchandiseaboard，theseshipswillsailuponthenextSundayandwillmaketheirwaythroughourNarrowSea。Wehaveforagreattimebeenlong-sufferingtothesepeople，forwhichtheyhavedoneusmanycontrariesanddespites，growingevermorearrogantaswegrowmorepatient。Itisinmymindthereforethatwehieusto-morrowtoWinchelsea，wherewehavetwentyships，andmakereadytosallyoutuponthemastheypass。MayGodandSaintGeorgedefendtheright！”
　　Asecondshout，farlouderandfiercerthanthefirst，camelikeathunderclapaftertheKing’swords。Itwasthebayofafiercepacktotheirtrustedhuntsman。
　　Edwardlaughedagainashelookedroundatthegleamingeyes，thewavingarmsandtheflushedjoyfulfacesofhisliegemen。”WhohathfoughtagainsttheseSpaniards？”heasked。”Isthereanyoneherewhocantelluswhatmannerofmentheybe？”
　　Adozenhandswentupintotheair;buttheKingturnedtotheEarlofSuffolkathiselbow。
　　“Youhavefoughtthem，Thomas？”saidhe。
　　“Yes，sire，Iwasinthegreatsea-fighteightyearsagoattheIslandofGuernsey，whenLordLewisofSpainheldtheseaagainsttheEarlofPembroke。”
　　“Howfoundyouthem，Thomas？”
　　“Veryexcellentpeople，sire，andnomancouldaskforbetter。OneveryshiptheyhaveahundredcrossbowmenofGenoa，thebestintheworld，andtheirspearmenalsoareveryhardymen。Theywouldthrowgreatcantlesofironfromthetopsofthemasts，andmanyofourpeoplemettheirdeaththroughit。IfwecanbartheirwayintheNarrowSea，thentherewillbemuchhopeofhonorforallofus。”
　　“Yourwordsareverywelcome，Thomas，“saidtheKing，“andImakenodoubtthattheywillshowthemselvestobeveryworthyofwhatweprepareforthem。ToyouIgiveaship，thatyoumayhavethehandlingofit。Youalso，mydearson，shallhaveaship，thatevermorehonormaybethine。”
　　“Ithankyou，myfairandsweetfather，“saidthePrince，withjoyflushinghishandsomeboyishface。
　　“Theleadingshipshallbemine。Butyoushallhaveone，WalterManny，andyou，Stafford，andyou，Arundel，andyou，Audley，andyou，SirThomasHolland，andyou，Brocas，andyou，Berkeley，andyou，Reginald。TherestshallbeawardedatWinchelsea，whitherwesailto-morrow。Nay，John，whydoyouplucksoatmysleeve？”
　　Chandoswasleaningforward，withananxiousface。”Surely，myhonoredlord，Ihavenotservedyousolongandsofaithfullythatyoushouldforgetmenow。Istherethennoshipforme？”
　　TheKingsmiled，butshookhishead。”Nay，John，haveInotgivenyoutwohundredarchersandahundredmen-at-armstotakewithyouintoBrittany？，ItrustthatyourshipswillbelyinginSaintMaloBayeretheSpaniardsareabreastofWinchelsea。Whatmorewouldyouhave，oldwar-dog？，Wouldstbeintwobattlesatonce？”
　　“Iwouldbeatyourside，myliege，whenthelionbannerisinthewindoncemore。Ihaveeverbeenthere。Whyshouldyoucastmenow？，Iasklittle，dearlord-agalley，abalinger，evenapinnace，sothatImayonlybethere。”
　　“Nay，John，youshallcome。Icannotfinditinmyhearttosayyounay。Iwillfindyouplaceinmyownship，thatyoumayindeedbebymyside。”
　　ChandosstoopedandkissedtheKing’shand。”MySquire？”heasked。
　　TheKing’sbrowsknottedintoafrown。”Nay，lethimgotoBrittanywiththeothers，“saidheharshly。”Iwonder，John，thatyoushouldbringbacktomymemorythisyouthwhosepertnessistoofreshthatIshouldforgetit。ButsomeonemustgotoBrittanyinyourstead，forthematterpressesandourpeoplearehardputtoittoholdtheirown。”，Hecasthiseyesovertheassembly，andtheyresteduponthesternfeaturesofSirRobertKnolles。
　　“SirRobert，“hesaid，“thoughyouareyounginyearsyouarealreadyoldinwar，andIhaveheardthatyouareasprudentincouncilasyouarevaliantinthefield。ToyouIcommitthechargeofthisventuretoBrittanyinplaceofSirJohnChandos，whowillfollowthitherwhenourworkhasbeendoneuponthewaters。ThreeshipslieinCalaisportandthreehundredmenarereadytoyourhand。SirJohnwilltellyouwhatourmindisinthematter。Andnow，myfriendsandgoodcomrades，youwillhasteyoueachtohisownquarters，andyouwillmakeswiftlysuchpreparationsasareneedful，for，asGodismyaid，IwillsailwithyoutoWinchelseato-morrow！”
　　BeckoningtoChandos，Mannyandafewofhischosenleaders，theKingledthemawaytoaninnerchamber，wheretheymightdiscusstheplansforthefuture。Atthesametimetheassemblybrokeup，theknightsinsilenceanddignity，thesquiresinmirthandnoise，butalljoyfulatheartforthethoughtofthegreatdayswhichlaybeforethem。
　　XVII。THESPANIARDSONTHESEA
　　DayhadnotyetdawnedwhenNigelwasinthechamberofChandospreparinghimforhisdepartureandlisteningtothelastcheerywordsofadviceanddirectionfromhisnoblemaster。Thatsamemorning，beforethesunwashalf-wayuptheheaven，theKing’sgreatnefPhilippa，bearingwithinitthemostofthosepresentathisbanquetthenightbefore，setitshugesail，adornedwiththelionsandthelilies，andturneditsbrazenbeakforEngland。
　　Behinditwentfivesmallercogscrammedwithsquires，archersandmen-at-arms。
　　Nigelandhiscompanionslinedtherampartsofthecastleandwavedtheircapsasthebluff，burlyvessels，withdrumsbeatingandtrumpetsclanging，ahundredknightlypennonsstreamingfromtheirdecksandtheredcrossofEnglandoverall，rolledslowlyouttotheopensea。Thenwhentheyhadwatchedthemuntiltheywerehulldowntheyturned，withheartsheavyatbeingleftbehind，tomakereadyfortheirownmoredistantventure。
　　Ittookthemfourdaysofhardworkeretheirpreparationswerecomplete，formanyweretheneedsofasmallforcesailingtoastrangecountry。Threeshipshadbeenlefttothem，thecogThomasofRomney，theGraceDieuofHythe，andtheBasiliskofSouthampton，intoeachofwhichonehundredmenwerestowed，besidesthethirtyseamenwhoformedthecrew。Intheholdwerefortyhorses，amongstthemPommers，muchweariedbyhislongidleness，andhomesickfortheslopesofSurreywherehisgreatlimbsmightfindtheworkhecraved。Thenthefoodandthewater，thebow-stavesandthesheavesofarrows，thehorseshoes，thenails，thehammers，theknives，theaxes，theropes，thevatsofhay，thegreenfodderandascoreofotherthingswerepackedaboard。AlwaysbythesideoftheshipsstoodthesternyoungknightSirRobert，checking，testing，watchingandcontrolling，sayinglittle，forhewasamanoffewwords，butwithhiseyes，hishands，andifneedbehisheavy，dog-whip，wherevertheywerewanted。
　　TheseamenoftheBasilisk，beingfromafreeport，hadtheoldfeudagainstthemenoftheCinquePorts，whowerelookeduponbytheothermarinersofEnglandasbeingundulyfavoredbytheKing。
　　AshipoftheWestCountrycouldscarcemeetwithonefromtheNarrowSeaswithoutbloodflowing。Hencesprangsuddenbroilsonthequayside，whenwithyellandblowtheThomasesandGraceDieus，SaintLeonardontheirlipsandmurderintheirhearts，wouldfallupontheBasilisks。Thenamidthewhirlofcudgelsandtheclashofkniveswouldspringthetigerfigureoftheyoungleader，lashingmercilesslytorightandleftlikeatameramonghiswolves，untilhehadbeatenthemhowlingbacktotheirwork。
　　Uponthemorningofthefourthdayallwasready，andtheropesbeingcastoffthethreelittleshipswerewarpeddowntheharborbytheirownpinnacesuntiltheywereswallowedupintheswirlingfoldsofaChannelmist。
　　Thoughsmallinnumbers，itwasnomeanforcewhichEdwardhaddispatchedtosuccorthehard-pressedEnglishgarrisonsinBrittany。Therewasscarceamanamongthemwhowasnotanoldsoldier，andtheirleadersweremenofnoteincouncilandinwar。
　　KnollesflewhisflagoftheblackravenaboardtheBasilisk。
　　WithhimwereNigelandhisownSquireJohnHawthorn。Ofhishundredmen，fortywereYorkshireDalesmenandfortyweremenofLincoln，allnotedarchers，witholdWatofCarlisle，agrizzledveteranofborderwarfare，toleadthem。
　　AlreadyAylwardbyhisskillandstrengthhadwonhiswaytoanunder-officershipamongstthem，andsharedwithLongNedWiddington，ahugeNorthCountryman，thereputationofcomingnexttofamousWatCarlisleinallthatmakesanarcher。Themen-
　　at-armstoowerewar-hardenedsoldiers，withBlackSimonofNorwich，thesamewhohadsailedfromWinchelsea，toleadthem。
　　WithhisheartfilledwithhatredfortheFrenchwhohadslainallwhoweredeartohim，hefollowedlikeabloodhoundoverlandandseatoanyspotwherehemightgluthisvengeance。Suchalsowerethemenwhosailedintheotherships，CheshiremenfromtheWelshbordersinthecogThomas，andCumberlandmen，usedtoScottishwarfare，intheGraceDieu。
　　SirJamesAstleyhunghisshieldofcinquefoilermineoverthequarteroftheThomas。LordThomasPercy，acadetofAlnwick，famousalreadyforthehighspiritofthathousewhichforageswasthebaruponthelandwardgateofEngland，showedhisbluelionrampantasleaderoftheGraceDieu。SuchwasthegoodlycompanySaint-Malobound，whowarpedfromCalaisHarbortoplungeintothethickreekofaChannelmist。
　　Aslightbreezeblewfromtheeastward，andthehighended，round-bodiedcraftrolledslowlydowntheChannel。Themistrosealittleattimes，sothattheyhadsightofeachotherdippingandrisinguponasleek，oilysea，butagainitwouldsinkdown，settlingoverthetop，shroudingthegreatyard，andfinallyfrothingoverthedeckuntileventhewateralongsidehadvanishedfromtheirviewandtheywereafloatonalittleraftinanoceanofvapor。Athincoldrainwasfalling，andthearcherswerecrowdedundertheshelteroftheoverhangingpoopandforecastle，wheresomespentthehoursatdice，someinsleep，andmanyintrimmingtheirarrowsorpolishingtheirweapons。
　　Atthefartherend，seatedonabarrelasathroneofhonor，withtraysandboxesoffeathersaroundhim，wasBartholomewthebowyerandFletcher，afat，bald-headedman，whosetaskitwastoseethateveryman’stacklewasasitshouldbe，andwhohadtheprivilegeofsellingsuchextrasastheymightneed。Agroupofarcherswiththeirstavesandquiversfiledbeforehimwithcomplaintsorrequests，whilehalfadozenoftheseniorsgatheredathisbackandlistenedwithgrinningfacestohiscommentsandrebukes。
　　“Canstnotstringit？”hewassayingtoayoungbowman。”Thensurelythestringisovershortorthestaveoverlong。Itcouldnotbychancebethefaultofthyownbabyarmsmorefittodrawonthyhosenthantodressawarbow。Thoulazylurdan，thusisitstrung！”Heseizedthestavebythecenterinhisrighthand，leanedtheendontheinsideofhisrightfoot，andthen，pullingtheuppernockdownwiththelefthand，slidtheeyeofthestringeasilyintoplace。”NowIpraytheetounstringitagain，“
　　handingittothebowman。
　　Theyouthwithaneffortdidso，buthewastooslowindisengaginghisfingers，andthestringslidingdownwithasnapfromtheuppernockcaughtandpinchedthemsorelyagainstthestave。Aroaroflaughter，liketheclapofawave，sweptdownthedeckasthelucklessbowmandancedandwrunghishand。
　　“Servetheewellright，thouredelessfool！”growledtheoldbowyer。”Sofineabowiswastedinsuchhands。Hownow，Samkin？
　　Icanteachyoulittleofyourtrade，Itrow。Hereisabowdressedasitshouldbe;butitwould，asyousay，bethebetterforawhitebandtomarkthetruenockingpointinthecenterofthisredwrappingofsilk。LeaveitandIwilltendtoitanon。
　　Andyou，Wat？，Afreshheadonyonderstele？，Lord，thatamanshouldcarryfourtradesunderonehat，andbebowyer，fletcher，stringerandheadmaker！，Fourmen’sworkforoldBartholomewandoneman’spay！”
　　“Nay，saynomoreaboutthat，“growledanoldwizenedbowman，withabrown-parchmentskinandlittlebeadyeyes。”Itisbetterinthesedaystomendabowthantobendone。YouwhoneverlookedaFrenchmaninthefaceareprickedoffforninepenceaday，andI，whohavefoughtfivestrickenfields，canearnbutfourpence。”
　　“Itisinmymind，JohnofTuxford，thatyouhavelookedinthefacemorepotsofmeadthanFrenchmen，“saidtheoldbowyer。”I
　　amswinkingfromdawntonight，whileyouareguzzlinginanalestake。Hownow，youngster？，Overbowed？，Putyourbowinthetiller。Itdrawsatsixtypounds-notapennyweighttoomuchforamanofyourinches。Laymorebodytoit，lad，anditwillcometoyou。Ifyourbowbenotstiff，howcanyouhopeforatwenty-
　　scoreflight。Feathers？，Aye，plentyandofthebest。Here，peacockatagroateach。Surelyadandyarcherlikeyou，TomBeverley，withgoldearringsinyourears，wouldhavenofeatheringbutpeacocks？”
　　“Sotheshaftflystraight，Icarenotofthefeather，“saidthebowman，atallyoungYorkshireman，countingoutpenniesonthepalmofhishornyhand。
　　“Graygoose-feathersarebutafarthing。Theseontheleftareahalfpenny，fortheyareofthewildgoose，andthesecondfeatherofafennygooseisworthmorethanthepinionofatameone。
　　Theseinthebrasstrayaredroppedfeathers，andadroppedfeatherisbetterthanapluckedone。Buyascoreofthese，lad，andcutthemsaddle-backedorswine-backed，theoneforadeadshaftandtheotherforasmoothflyer，andnomaninthecompanywillswingabetter-fletchedquiveroverhisshoulder。”
　　ItchancedthattheopinionofthebowyeronthisandotherpointsdifferedfromthatofLongNedofWiddington，asurlystraw-beardedYorkshireman，whohadlistenedwithasneeringfacetohiscounsel。Nowhebrokeinsuddenlyuponthebowyer’stalk。
　　“Youwoulddobettertosellbowsthantotrytoteachothershowtousethem，“saidhe;“forindeed，Bartholomew，thatheadofthinehasnomoresensewithinitthanithashairswithout。IfyouhaddrawnstringforasmanymonthsasIhaveyearsyouwouldknowthatastraight-cutfeatherfliessmootherthanaswine-
　　backed，andpityitisthattheseyoungbowmenhavenonetoteachthembetter！”
　　Thisattackuponhisprofessionalknowledgetouchedtheoldbowyerontheraw。Hisfatfacebecamesuffusedwithbloodandhiseyesglaredwithfuryasheturneduponthearcher。”Youseven-footbarreloflies！”hecried。”All-hallowsbemyaid，andIwillteachyoutoopenyourslabbingmouthagainstme！，Pluckforthyourswordandstandoutonyonderdeck，thatwemayseewhoisthemanofustwain。MayInevertwirlashaftovermythumbnailifIdonotputBartholomew’smarkuponyourthickhead！”
　　Ascoreofroughvoicesjoinedatonceinthequarrel，someupholdingthebowyerandotherstakingthepartoftheNorthCountryman。Ared-headedDalesmansnatchedupasword，butwasfelledbyablowfromthefistofhisneighbor。Instantly，withabuzzlikeaswarmofangryhornets，thebowmenwereoutonthedeck;butereablowwasstruckKnolleswasamongstthemwithgranitefaceandeyesoffire。
　　“Standapart，Isay！，IwillwarrantyouenoughfightingtocoolyourbloodereyouseeEnglandoncemore。Loring，Hawthorn，cutanymandownwhoraiseshishand。Haveyouaughttosay，youfox-hairedrascal？”Hethrusthisfacewithintwoinchesofthatoftheredmanwhohadfirstseizedhissword。Thefellowshrankback，cowed，fromhisfierceeyes。”Nowstintyournoise，allofyou，andstretchyourlongears。Trumpeter，blowoncemore！”
　　Abuglecallhadbeensoundedeveryquarterofanhoursoastokeepintouchwiththeothertwovesselswhowereinvisibleinthefog。Nowthehighclearnoterangoutoncemore，thecallofafiercesea-creaturetoitsmates，butnoanswercamebackfromthethickwallwhichpentthemin。Againandagaintheycalled，andagainandagainwithbatedbreaththeywaitedforananswer。
　　“WhereistheShipman？”askedKnolles。”Whatisyourname，fellow？，Doyoudarecallyourselfmaster-mariner？”
　　“MynameisNatDennis，fairsir，“saidthegray-beardedoldseaman。”ItisthirtyyearssincefirstIshowedmycartelandblewtrumpetforacrewatthewater-gateofSouthampton。Ifanymanmaycallhimselfmaster-mariner，itissurelyI。”
　　“Whereareourtwoships？”
　　“Nay，sir，whocansayinthisfog？”
　　“Fellow，itwasyourplacetoholdthemtogether。”
　　“IhavebuttheeyesGodgaveme，fairsir，andtheycannotseethroughacloud。”
　　“Haditbeenfair，I，whoamasoldier，couldhavekeptthemincompany。Sinceitwasfoul，welookedtoyou，whoarecalledamariner，todoso。Youhavenotdoneit。Youhavelosttwoofmyshipseretheventureisbegun。”
　　“Nay，fairsir，Iprayyoutoconsider-“
　　“Enoughwords！”saidKnollessternly。”Wordswillnotgivemebackmytwohundredmen。UnlessIfindthembeforeIcometoSaint-Malo，IswearbySaintWilfridofRiponthatitwillbeanevildayforyou！，Enough！，Goforthanddowhatyoumay！”
　　Forfivehourswithalightbreezebehindthemtheylurchedthroughtheheavyfog，thecoldrainstillmattingtheirbeardsandshiningontheirfaces。Sometimestheycouldseeacircleoftossingwaterforabowshotorsoineachdirection，andthenthewreathswouldcrawlinuponthemoncemoreandbankthemthicklyround。Theyhadlongceasedtoblowthetrumpetfortheirmissingcomrades，buthadhopeswhenclearweathercametofindthemstillinsight。Bytheshipman’sreckoningtheywerenowaboutmidwaybetweenthetwoshores。
　　Nigelwasleaningagainstthebulwarks，histhoughtsawayinthedingleatCosfordandoutontheheather-cladslopesofHindhead，whensomethingstruckhisear。Itwasathinclearclangofmetal，pealingouthighabovethedullmurmurofthesea，thecreakoftheboomandtheflapofthesail。Helistened，andagainitwasbornetohisear。
　　“Hark，mylord！”saidhetoSirRobert。”Istherenotasoundinthefog？，“
　　Theybothlistenedtogetherwithsidelongheads。Thenitrangclearlyforthoncemore，butthistimeinanotherdirection。Ithadbeenonthebow;nowitwasonthequarter。Againitsounded，andagain。Nowithadmovedtotheotherbow;nowbacktothequarteragain;nowitwasnear;andnowsofarthatitwasbutafainttinkleontheear。Bythistimeeverymanonboard，seamen，archersandmen-at-arms，werecrowdingthesidesofthevessel。
　　Allroundthemtherewerenoisesinthedarkness，andyetthewalloffoglaywetagainsttheirveryfaces。Andthenoisesweresuchaswerestrangetotheirears，alwaysthesamehighmusicalclashing。
　　Theoldshipmanshookhisheadandcrossedhimself。
　　“InthirtyyearsuponthewatersIhaveneverheardthelike，“
　　saidhe。”TheDeviliseverlooseinafog。WellishenamedthePrinceofDarkness。”
　　Awaveofpanicpassedoverthevessel，andtheseroughandhardymenwhofearednomortalfoeshookwithterrorattheshadowsoftheirownminds。Theystaredintothecloudwithblanchedfacesandfixedeyes，asthougheachinstantsomefearsomeshapemightbreakinuponthem。Andastheystaredtherecameagustofwind。
　　Foramomentthefog-bankroseandacircleofoceanlaybeforethem。
　　Itwascoveredwithvessels。Onallsidestheylaythickuponitssurface。Theywerehugecaracks，high-endedandportly，withredsidesandbulwarkscarvedandcrustedwithgold。EachhadonegreatsailsetandwasdrivingdownchannelonthesamecourseattheBasilisk。Theirdeckswerethickwithmen，andfromtheirhighpoopscametheweirdclashingwhichfilledtheair。Foronemomenttheylaythere，thiswondrousfleet，surgingslowlyforward，framedingrayvapor。Thenextthecloudsclosedinandtheyhadvanishedfromview。Therewasalonghush，andthenabuzzofexcitedvoices。
　　“TheSpaniards！”criedadozenbowmenandsailors。
　　“Ishouldhaveknownit，“saidtheshipman。”IcalltomindontheBiscayCoasthowtheywouldclashtheircymbalsafterthefashionoftheheathenMoorwithwhomtheyfight;butwhatwouldyouhavemedo，fairsir？，Ifthefogriseswearealldeadmen。”
　　“Therewerethirtyshipsattheleast，“saidKnolles，withamoodybrow。”IfwehaveseenthemItrowthattheyhavealsoseenus。
　　Theywilllayusaboard。”
　　“Nay，fairsir，itisinmymindthatour，shipislighterandfasterthantheirs。Ifthefogholdanotherhourweshouldbethroughthem。”
　　“Standtoyourarms！”yelledKnolles。”Standtoyourarms-！
　　Theyareonus！”
　　TheBasiliskhadindeedbeenspiedfromtheSpanishAdmiral’sshipbeforethefogcloseddown。Withsolightabreeze，andsuchafog，hecouldnothopetofindherundersail。ButbyanevilchancenotabowshotfromthegreatSpanishcarackwasalowgalley，thinandswift，withoarswhichcouldspeedheragainstwindortide。ShealsohadseentheBasiliskanditwastoherthattheSpanishleadershoutedhisorders。Forafewminutesshehuntedthroughthefog，andthensprangoutofitlikealeanandstealthybeastuponitsprey。ItwasthesightofthelongdarkshadowglidingafterthemwhichhadbroughtthatwildshoutofalarmfromthelipsoftheEnglishknight。Inanotherinstantthestarboardoarsofthegalleyhadbeenshipped，thesidesofthetwovesselsgratedtogether，andastreamofswarthy，red-cappedSpaniardswereswarmingupthesidesoftheBasiliskanddroppedwithyellsoftriumphuponherdeck。
　　Foramomentitseemedasifthevesselwascapturedwithoutablowbeingstruck，forthemenoftheEnglishshiphadrunwildlyinalldirectionstolookfortheirarms。Scoresofarchersmightbeseenundertheshadowoftheforecastleandthepoopbendingtheirbowstavestostringthemwiththecordsfromtheirwaterproofcases。Otherswerescramblingoversaddles，barrelsandcasesinwildsearchoftheirquivers。Eachashecameuponhisarrowspulledoutafewtolendtohislessfortunatecomrades。Inmadhastethemen-at-armsalsowerefeelingandgraspinginthedarkcorners，pickingupsteelcapswhichwouldnotfitthem，hurlingthemdownonthedeck，andsnatchingeagerlyatanyswordsorspearsthatcametheirway。
　　ThecenteroftheshipwasheldbytheSpaniards;andhavingslainallwhostoodbeforethem，theywerepressinguptoeitherendbeforetheyweremadetounderstandthatitwasnofatsheepbutamostfierceoldwolfwhichtheyhadtakenbytheears。
　　Ifthelessonwaslate，itwasthemorethorough。Attackedonbothsidesandhopelesslyoutnumbered，theSpaniards，whohadneverdoubtedthatthislittlecraftwasamerchant-ship，werecutofftothelastman。Itwasnofight，butabutchery。Invainthesurvivorsranscreamingprayerstothesaintsandthrewthemselvesdownintothegalleyalongside。ItalsohadbeenriddledwitharrowsfromthepoopoftheBasilisk，andboththecrewonthedeckandthegalley-slavesintheoutriggersateithersidelaydeadinrowsundertheoverwhelmingshowerfromabove。
　　>Fromstemtoruddereveryfootofherwasfurredwitharrows。Itwasbutafloatingcoffinpiledwithdeadanddyingmen，whichwallowedinthewavesbehindthemastheBasilisklurchedonwardandleftherinthefog。
　　IntheirfirstrushontotheBasilisk，theSpaniardshadseizedsixofthecrewandfourunarmedarchers。Theirthroatshadbeencutandtheirbodiestossedoverboard。NowtheSpaniardswholitteredthedeck，woundedanddead，werethrustoverthesideinthesamefashion。Onerandownintotheholdandhadtobehuntedandkilledsquealingundertheblowslikearatinthedarkness。
　　Withinhalfanhournosignwasleftofthisgrimmeetinginthefogsaveforthecrimsonsplashesuponbulwarksanddeck。Thearchers，flushedandmerry，wereunstringingtheirbowsoncemore，forinspiteofthewatergluethedampairtookthestrengthfromthecords。Somewerehuntingaboutforarrowswhichmighthavestuckinboard，andsometyingupsmallinjuriesreceivedinthescuffle。ButananxiousshadowstilllingereduponthefaceofSirRobert，andhepeeredfixedlyabouthimthroughthefog。
　　“Goamongthearchers，Hawthorne，“saidhetohisSquire。”Chargethemontheirlivestomakenosound！，Youalso，Loring。Gototheafterguardandsaythesametothem。Wearelostifoneofthesegreatshipsshouldspyus。”
　　Foranhourwithbatedbreaththeystolethroughthefleet，stillhearingthecymbalsclashingallroundthem，forinthiswaytheSpaniardsheldthemselvestogether。Oncethewildmusiccamefromabovetheirveryprow，andsowarnedthemtochangetheircourse。
　　Oncealsoahugevesselloomedforaninstantupontheirquarter，buttheyturnedtwopointsawayfromher，andsheblurredandvanished。Soonthecymbalswerebutadistanttinkling，andatlasttheydiedgraduallyaway。
　　“Itisnonetoosoon，“saidtheoldshipman，pointingtoayellowishtintinthehazeabovethem。”Seeyonder！，Itisthesunwhichwinsthrough。Itwillbehereanon。Ah！，saidInotso？”
　　Asicklysun，nolargerandfardimmerthanthemoon，hadindeedshownitsface，withcloud-wreathssmokingacrossit。Astheylookedupitwaxedlargerandbrighterbeforetheireyes-ayellowhalospreadroundit，oneraybrokethrough，andthenafunnelofgoldenlightpoureddownuponthem，wideningswiftlyatthebase。Aminutelatertheyweresailingonaclearblueseawithanazurecloud-fleckedskyabovetheirheads，andsuchascenebeneathitaseachofthemwouldcarryinhismemorywhilememoryremained。
　　Theywereinmid-channel。ThewhiteandgreencoastsofPicardyandofKentlayclearuponeithersideofthem。Thewidechannelstretchedinfront，deepeningfromthelightbluebeneaththeirprowtopurpleonthefarsky-line。Behindthemwasthatthickbankofcloudfromwhichtheyhadjustburst。Itlaylikeagraywallfromeasttowest，andthroughitwerebreakingthehighshadowyformsoftheshipsofSpain。Fourofthemhadalreadyemerged，theirredbodies，gildedsidesandpaintedsailsshininggloriouslyintheeveningsun。Everyinstantafreshgoldenspotgrewoutofthefog，whichblazedlikeastarforaninstant，andthensurgedforwardtoshowitselfasthebrazenbeakofthegreatredvesselwhichboreit。Lookingback，thewholebankofcloudwasbrokenbythewidespreadlineofnobleshipswhichwereburstingthroughit。TheBasilisklayamileormoreinfrontofthemandtwomilesclearoftheirwing。Fivemilesfartheroff，inthedirectionoftheFrenchcoast，twoothersmallshipswererunningdownChannel。AcryofjoyfromRobertKnollesandaheartyprayerofgratitudetothesaintsfromtheoldshipmanhailedthemastheirmissingcomrades，thecogThomasandtheGraceDieu。
　　Butfairaswastheviewoftheirlostfriends，andwondroustheappearanceoftheSpanishships，itwasnotonthosethattheeyesofthemenoftheBasiliskwerechieflybent。Agreatersightlaybeforethem-asightwhichbroughtthemclusteringtotheforecastlewitheagereyesandpointingfingers。TheEnglishfleetwascomingforthfromtheWinchelseaCoast。AlreadybeforethefogliftedafastgalleasshadbroughtthenewsdownChannelthattheSpanishwereonthesea，andtheKing’sfleetwasunderway。Nowtheirlongarrayofsails，gaywiththecoatsandcolorsofthetownswhichhadfurnishedthem，laybrightagainsttheKentishcoastfromDungenessPointtoRye。NineandtwentyshipsweretherefromSouthampton，Shoreham，Winchelsea，Hastings，Rye，Hythe，Romney，Folkestone，Deal，DoverandSandwich。Withtheirgreatsailssluedroundtocatchthewindtheyranout，whilsttheSpanish，likethegallantfoesthattheyhaveeverbeen，turnedtheirheadslandwardtomeetthem。Withflauntingbannersandpaintedsails，blaringtrumpetsandclashingcymbals，thetwoglitteringfleets，dippingandrisingonthelongChannelswell，drewslowlytogether。
　　KingEdwardhadbeenlyingalldayinhisgreatshipthePhilippa，amileoutfromtheCamberSands，waitingforthecomingoftheSpaniards。AbovethehugesailwhichboretheroyalarmsflewtheredcrossofEngland。Alongthebulwarkswereshowntheshieldsoffortyknights，theflowerofEnglishchivalry，andasmanypennonsfloatedfromthedeck。Thehighendsoftheshipglitteredwiththeweaponsofthemen-at-arms，andthewaistwascrammedwiththearchers。Fromtimetotimeacrashofnakersandblareoftrumpetsburstfromtheroyalship，andwasansweredbyhergreatneighbors，theLiononwhichtheBlackPrinceflewhisflag，theChristopherwiththeEarlofSuffolk，theSalleduRoiofRobertofNamur，andtheGraceMarieofSirThomasHolland。
　　FartherofflaytheWhiteSwan，bearingthearmsofMowbray，thePalmerofDeal，flyingtheBlackHeadofAudley，andtheKentishmanundertheLordBeauchamp。Therestlay，anchoredbutready，atthemouthofWinchelseaCreek。
　　TheKingsatuponakegintheforepartofhisship，withlittleJohnofRichmond，whowasnomorethanaschoolboy，percheduponhisknee。Edwardwascladintheblackvelvetjacketwhichwashisfavoritegarb，andworeasmallbrown-beaverhatwithawhiteplumeattheside。Arichcloakoffurturnedupwithminiverdroopedfromhisshoulders。Behindhimwereascoreofhisknights，brilliantinsilksandsarcenets，someseatedonanupturnedboatandsomeswingingtheirlegsfromthebulwark。
　　InfrontstoodJohnChandosinaparty-coloredjupon，onefootraisedupontheanchor-stock，pickingatthestringsofhisguitarandsingingasongwhichhehadlearnedatMarienburgwhenlasthehelpedtheTeutonicknightsagainsttheheathen。TheKing，hisknights，andeventhearchersinthewaistbelowthem，laughedatthemerryliltandjoinedlustilyinthechorus，whilethemenoftheneighboringshipsleanedoverthesidetohearkentothedeepchantrollingoverthewaters。
　　Buttherecameasuddeninterruptiontothesong。Asharp，harshshoutcamedownfromthelookoutstationedinthecirculartopattheendofthemast。”Ispyasail-twosails！”hecried。
　　JohnBuncetheKing’sshipmanshadedhiseyesandstaredatthelongfog-bankwhichshroudedthenorthernchannel。Chandos，withhisfingersoverthestringsofhisguitar，theKing，theknights，allgazedinthesamedirection。Twosmalldarkshapeshadburstforth，andthenaftersomeminutesathird。
　　“SurelytheyaretheSpaniards？”saidtheKing。
　　“Nay，sire，“theseamananswered，“theSpaniardsaregreatershipsandarepaintedred。Iknownotwhatthesemaybe。”
　　“ButIcouldhazardaguess！”criedChandos。”SurelytheyarethethreeshipswithmyownmenontheirwaytoBrittany。”
　　“Youhavehitit，John，“saidtheKing。”Butlook，Iprayyou！
　　WhatinthenameoftheVirginisthat？”
　　Fourbrilliantstarsofflashinglighthadshoneoutfromdifferentpointsofthecloud-bank。Theneatinstantasmanytallshipshadswoopedforthintothesunshine。AfierceshoutrangfromtheKing’sship，andwastakenupalldowntheline，untilthewholecoastfromDungenesstoWinchelseaechoedthewarlikegreeting。TheKingsprangupwithajoyousface。
　　“Thegameisafoot，myfriends！”saidhe。”Dress，John！，Dress，Walter！，Quickallofyou！，Squires，bringtheharness！，Leteachtendtohimself，forthetimeisshort。”
　　Astrangesightitwastoseethesefortynoblestearingofftheirclothesandlitteringthedeckwithvelvetsandsatins，whilstthesquireofeach，asbusyasanostlerbeforearace，stoopedandpulledandstrainedandriveted，fasteningthebassinets，thelegpieces，thefrontandthebackplates，untilthesilkencourtierhadbecomethemanofsteel。Whentheirworkwasfinished，therestoodasterngroupofwarriorswherethelightdandieshadsungandjestedroundSirJohn’sguitar。Belowinorderlysilencethearchersweremusteringundertheirofficersandtakingtheirallottedstations。Adozenhadswarmeduptotheirhazardouspostinthelittletowerinthetops。
　　“Bringwine，Nicholas！”criedtheKing。”Gentlemen，ereyoucloseyourvisorsIprayyoutotakealastrousewithme。Youwillbedryenough，Ipromiseyou，beforeyourlipsarefreeoncemore。
　　Towhatshallwedrink，John？”
　　“TothemenofSpain，“saidChandos，hissharpfacepeeringlikeagauntbirdthroughthegapinhishelmet。”Maytheirheartsbestoutandtheirspiritshighthisday！”
　　“Wellsaid，John！”criedtheKing，andtheknightslaughedjoyouslyastheydrank。”Now，fairsirs，leteachtohispost！，I
　　amwardenhereontheforecastle。Doyou，John，takechargeoftheafterguard。Walter，James，William，Fitzallan，Goldesborough，Reginald-youwillstaywithme！，John，youmaypickwhomyouwillandtheotherswillbidewiththearchers。Nowbearstraightatthecenter，master-shipman。Ereyondersunsetswewillbringaredshipbackasagifttoourladies，orneverlookuponalady’sfaceagain。”
　　Theartofsailingintoawindhadnotyetbeeninvented，norwasthereanyfore-and-aftcanvas，saveforsmallheadsailswithwhichavesselcouldbeturned。HencetheEnglishfleethadtotakealongslantdownchanneltomeettheirenemies;butastheSpaniardscomingbeforethewindwereequallyanxioustoengagetherewasthelessdelay。Withstatelypompanddignity，thetwogreatfleetsapproached。
　　Itchancedthatonefinecarackhadoutstrippeditsconsortsandcamesweepingalong，allredandgold，withafringeoftwinklingsteel，agoodhalf-milebeforethefleet。Edwardlookedatherwithakindlingeye，forindeedshewasanoblesightwiththebluewatercreamingunderhergildedprow。
　　“Thisisamostworthyanddebonairvessel，MasterBunce，“saidhetotheshipmanbesidehim。”Iwouldfainhaveatiltwithher。I
　　prayyoutoholdusstraightthatwemaybearherdown。”
　　“IfIholdherstraight，thenoneorothermustsink，anditmaybeboth，“theseamananswered。
　　“IdoubtnotthatwiththehelpofourLadyweshalldoourpart，“
　　saidtheKing。”Holdherstraight，master-shipman，asIhavetoldyou。”
　　Nowthetwovesselswerewithinarrowflight，andtheboltsfromthecrossbowmenpatteredupontheEnglishship。Theseshortthickdevil’sdartswereeverywherehumminglikegreatwaspsthroughtheair，crashingagainstthebulwarks，beatinguponthedeck，ringingloudly。onthearmoroftheknights，orwithasoftmuffledthudsinkingtothesocketinavictim。
　　ThebowmenalongeithersideofthePhilippahadstoodmotionlesswaitingfortheirorders，butnowtherewasasharpshoutfromtheirleader，andeverystringtwangedtogether。Theairwasfulloftheirharping，togetherwiththeswishofthearrows，thelong-drawnkeeningofthebowmenandtheshortdeepbarkoftheunder-officers。”Steady，steady！，Loosesteady！，Shootwhollytogether！，Twelvescorepaces！，Tenscore！，Noweight！，Shootwhollytogether！”Theirgruffshoutsbrokethroughthehighshrillcrylikethedeeproarofawavethroughthehowlofthewind。
　　AsthetwogreatshipshurtledtogethertheSpaniardturnedawayafewpointssothattheblowshouldbeaglancingone。Nonethelessitwasterrific。AdozenmeninthetopsofthecarackwerebalancingahugestonewiththeintentionofdroppingitoverontheEnglishdeck。Withascreamofhorrortheysawthemastcrackingbeneaththem。Overitwent，slowlyatfirst，thenfaster，untilwithacrashitcamedownonitsside，sendingthemflyinglikestonesfromaslingfaroutintothesea。Aswathofcrushedbodieslayacrossthedeckwherethemasthadfallen。ButtheEnglishshiphadnotescapedunscathed。Hermastheld，itistrue，butthemightyshocknotonlystretchedeverymanflatuponthedeck，buthadshakenascoreofthosewholinedhersidesintothesea。Onebowmanwashurledfromthetop，andhisbodyfellwithadreadfulcrashattheverysideoftheprostrateKingupontheforecastle。Manywerethrowndownwithbrokenarmsandlegsfromthehighcastlesateitherendintothewaistoftheship。
　　Worstofall，theseamshadbeenopenedbythecrashandthewaterwasgushinginatadozenplaces。
　　Buttheseweremenofexperienceandofdiscipline，menwhohadalreadyfoughttogetherbyseaandbyland，sothateachknewhisplaceandhisduty。Thosewhocouldstaggeredtotheirfeetandhelpedupascoreormoreofknightswhowererollingandclashinginthescuppersunabletorisefortheweightoftheirarmor。Thebowmenformedupasbefore。Theseamenrantothegapingseamswithoakumandwithtar。IntenminutesorderhadbeenrestoredandthePhilippa，thoughshakenandweakened，wasreadyforbattleoncemore。TheKingwasglaringroundhimlikeawoundedboar。
　　“Grapplemyshipwiththat，“hecried，pointingtothecrippledSpaniard，“forIwouldhavepossessionofher！”
　　Butalreadythebreezehadcarriedthempastit，andadozenSpanishshipswerebearingdownfulluponthem。
　　“Wecannotwinbacktoher，lestweshowourflanktotheseothers，“saidtheshipman。
　　“Lethergo，herway！”criedtheknights。”Youshallhavebetterthanher。”
　　“BySaintGeorge！youspeakthetruth，“saidtheKing，forsheisourswhenwehavetimetotakeher。Thesealsoseemveryworthyshipswhicharedrawinguptous，andIprayyou，master-shipman，thatyouwillhaveatiltwiththenearest。”
　　Agreatcarackwaswithinabowshotofthemandcrossingtheirbows。Buncelookedupathismast，andhesawthatalreadyitwasshakenanddrooping。Anotherblowanditwouldbeoverthesideandhisshipahelplessloguponthewater。Hejammedhishelmroundtherefore，andranhisshipalongsidetheSpaniard，throwingouthishooksandironchainsashedidso。
　　They，nolesseager，grappledthePhilippabothforeandaft，andthetwovessels，linkedtightlytogether，surgedslowlyoverthelongbluerollers。Overtheirbulwarkshungacloudofmenlockedtogetherinadesperatestruggle，sometimessurgingforwardontothedeckoftheSpaniard，sometimesrecoilingbackontotheKing’sship，reelingthiswayandthat，withtheswordsflickeringlikesilverflamesabovethem，whilethelong-drawncryofrageandagonyswelleduplikeawolf’showltothecalmblueheavenabovethem。
　　ButnowshipaftershipoftheEnglishhadcomeup，eachthrowingitsironoverthenearestSpaniardandstrivingtoboardherhighredsides。TwentyshipsweredriftinginfurioussinglecombatafterthemannerofthePhilippa，untilthewholesurfaceoftheseawascoveredwithasuccessionofthesedesperateduels。Thedismastedcarack，whichtheKing’sshiphadleftbehindit，hadbeencarriedbytheEarlofSuffolk’sChristopher，andthewaterwasdottedwiththeheadsofhercrew。AnEnglishshiphadbeensunkbyahugestonedischargedfromanengine，andhermenalsowerestrugglinginthewaves，nonehavingleisuretolendthemahand。AsecondEnglishshipwascaughtbetweentwooftheSpanishvesselsandoverwhelmedbyarushofboarderssothatnotamanofherwasleftalive。Ontheotherhand，MowbrayandAudleyhadeachtakenthecarackswhichwereopposedtothem，andthebattleinthecenter，afterswayingthiswayandthat，wasturningnowinfavoroftheIslanders。
　　TheBlackPrince，withtheLion，theGraceMarieandfourothershipshadsweptroundtoturntheSpanishflank;butthemovementwasseen，andtheSpaniardshadtenshipswithwhichtomeetit，oneofthemtheirgreatcaracktheSt。IagodiCompostella。TothisshipthePrincehadattachedhislittlecogandstrovedesperatelytoboardher，buthersidewassohighandthedefensesodesperatethathismencouldnevergetbeyondherbulwarksbutwerehurleddownagainandagainwithaclangandclashtothedeckbeneath。Hersidebristledwithcrossbowmen，whoshotstraightdownontothepackedwaistoftheLion，sothatthedeadlaythereinheaps。Butthemostdangerousofallwasaswarthyblack-beardedgiantinthetops，whocrouchedsothatnonecouldseehim，butrising-everynowandthenwithahugelumpofironbetweenhishands，hurleditdownwithsuchforcethatnothingwouldstopit。Againandagaintheseponderousboltscrashedthroughthedeckandhurtleddownintothebottomoftheship，startingtheplanksandshatteringallthatcameintheirway。
　　ThePrince，cladinthatdarkarmorwhichgavehimhisname，wasdirectingtheattackfromthepoopwhentheshipmanrushedwildlyuptohimwithfearonhisface。
　　“Sire！”hecried。”Theshipmaynotstandagainsttheseblows。A
　　fewmorewillsinkher！，Alreadythewaterfloodsinboard。”
　　ThePrincelookedup，andashedidsotheshaggybeardshowedoncemoreandtwobrawnyarmssweptdownward。Agreatslug，whizzingdown，beatagapingholeinthedeck，andfellrendingandrivingintotheholdbelow。Themaster-marinertorehisgrizzledhair。
　　“Anotherleak！”hecried。”IpraytoSaintLeonardtobearusupthisday！，Twentyofmyshipmenarebailingwithbuckets，butthewaterrisesonthemfast。Thevesselmaynotfloatanotherhour。”
　　ThePrincehadsnatchedacrossbowfromoneofhisattendantsandleveleditattheSpaniard’stops。Attheveryinstantwhentheseamanstooderectwithafreshbarinhishands，thebolttookhimfullintheface，andhisbodyfellforwardovertheparapet，hangingthereheaddownward。AhowlofexultationburstfromtheEnglishatthesight，answeredbyawildroarofangerfromtheSpaniards。AseamanhadrunfromtheLion’sholdandwhisperedintheearoftheshipman。HeturnedanashenfaceuponthePrince。
　　“ItisevenasIsay，sire。Theshipissinkingbeneathourfeet！”hecried。
　　“Themoreneedthatweshouldgainanother，“saidhe。”SirHenryStokes，SirThomasStourton，William，JohnofClifton，here。liesourroad！，Advancemybanner，ThomasdeMohun！，On，andthedayisours！”
　　Byadesperatescrambleadozenmen，thePrinceattheirbead，gainedafootingontheedgeoftheSpaniard’sdeck。Someslashedfuriouslytoclearaspace，othershungover，clutchingtherailwithonehandandpullinguptheircomradesfrombelow。Everyinstantthattheycouldholdtheirowntheirstrengthincreased，tilltwentyhadbecomethirtyandthirtyforty，whenofasuddenthenewcomers，stillreachingforthtotheircomradesbelow，sawthedeckbeneaththemreelandvanishinaswirlingsheetoffoam。
　　ThePrince’sshiphadfoundered。
　　AyellwentupfromtheSpaniardsastheyturnedfuriouslyuponthesmallbandwhohadreachedtheirdeck。AlreadythePrinceandhismenhadcarriedthepoop，andfromthathighstationtheybeatbacktheirswarmingenemies。Butcrossbowdartspeltedandthuddedamongtheirrankstillathirdoftheirnumberwerestretchedupontheplanks。Linedacrossthedecktheycouldhardlykeepanunbrokenfronttotheleaping，surgingcrowdwhopresseduponthem。Anotherrush，oranotherafterthat，mustassuredlybreakthem，forthesedarkmenofSpain，hardenedbyanendlessstrugglewiththeMoors，werefierceandstubbornfighters。Butharktothissuddenroaruponthefarthersideofthem，“SaintGeorge！，SaintGeorge！，AKnollestotherescue！”AsmallcrafthadrunalongsideandsixtymenhadswarmedonthedeckoftheSt。Iago。Caughtbetweentwofires，theSpaniardswaveredandbroke。Thefightbecameamassacre。DownfromthepoopsprangthePrince’smen。Upfromthewaistrushedthenew-corners。
　　Therewerefivedreadfulminutesofblowsandscreamsandprayerswithstrugglingfiguresclingingtothebulwarksandsullensplashesintothewaterbelow。Thenitwasover，andacrowdofweary，overstrainedmenleanedpantingupontheirweapons，orlaybreathlessandexhausteduponthedeckofthecapturedcarack。
　　ThePrincehadpulleduphisvisorandloweredhisbeaver。Hesmiledproudlyashegazedaroundhimandwipedhisstreamingface。”Whereistheshipman？，heasked。”Lethimleadusagainstanothership。”
　　“Nay，sire，theshipmanandallhismenhavestinkintheLion，“
　　saidThomasdeMohun，ayoungknightoftheWestCountry，whocarriedthestandard。”Wehavelostourshipandthehalfofourfollowing。Ifearthatwecanfightnomore。”
　　“Itmattersthelesssincethedayisalreadyours，“saidthePrince，lookingoverthesea。”Mynoblefather’sroyalbannerfliesuponyonderSpaniard。Mowbray，Audley，Suffolk，Beauchamp，Namur，Tracey，Stafford，Arundel，eachhashisflagoverascarletcarack，evenasminefloatsoverthis。See，yondersquadronisalreadyfarbeyondourreach。Butsurelyweowethankstoyouwhocameatsoperilousamomenttoouraid。YourfaceIhaveseen，andyourcoat-armoralso，youngsir，thoughIcannotlaymytonguetoyourname。LetmeknowthatImaythankyou。”
　　HehadturnedtoNigel，whostoodflushedandjoyousattheheadoftheboardersfromtheBasilisk。
　　“IambutaSquire，sire，andcanclaimnothanks，forthereisnothingthatIhavedone。Hereisourleader。”
　　ThePrince’seyesfellupontheshieldchargedwiththeBlackRavenandthesternyoungfaceofhimwhoboreit。”SirRobertKnolles，“saidhe，“IhadthoughtyouwereonyourwaytoBrittany。”
　　“Iwasso，sire，whenIhadthefortunetoseethisbattleasI
　　passed。”
　　ThePrincelaughed。”Itwouldindeedbetoasktoomuch，Robert，thatyoushouldkeeponyourcoursewhenmuchhonorwastobegatheredsoclosetoyou。ButnowIprayyouthatyouwillcomebackwithustoWinchelsea，forwellIknowthatmyfatherwouldfainthankyouforwhatyouhavedonethisday。”
　　ButRobertKnollesshookhishead。”Ihaveyourfather’scommand，sire，andwithouthisorderImaynotgoagainstit。Ourpeoplearehard-pressedinBrittany，anditisnotformetolingerontheway。Iprayyou，sire，ifyoumustneedsmentionmetotheKing，tocravehispardonthatIshouldhavebrokenmyjourneythus。”
　　“Youareright，Robert。God-speedyouonyourway！，AndIwouldthatIweresailingunderyourbanner，forIseeclearlythatyouwilltakeyourpeoplewheretheymayworshipfullywinworship。
　　PerchanceIalsomaybeinBrittanybeforetheyearispast。”
　　ThePrinceturnedtothetaskofgatheringhiswearypeopletogether，andtheBasiliskspassedoverthesideoncemoreanddroppeddownontotheirownlittleship。TheypoledherofffromthecapturedSpaniardandsettheirsailwiththeirprowforthesouth。Faraheadofthemweretheirtwoconsorts，beatingtowardstheminthehopeofgivinghelp，whiledownChannelwereascoreofSpanishshipswithafewoftheEnglishvesselshangingupontheirskirts。Thesunlaylowonthewater，anditslevelbeamsgloweduponthescarletandgoldoffourteengreatcaracks，eachflyingthecrossofSaintGeorge，andtoweringhighabovetheclusterofEnglishshipswhich，withbravewavingofflagsandblaringofmusic，weremovingslowlytowardstheKentishcoast。
　　XVIII。HOWBLACKSIMONCLAIMEDFORFEITFROMTHEKINGOFSARK
　　Foradayandahalfthesmallfleetmadegoodprogress，butonthesecondmorning，aftersightingCapedelaHague，therecameabrisklandwindwhichblewthemouttosea。Itgrewintoasquallwithrainandfogsothattheyweretwomoredaysbeatingback。
　　Nextmorningtheyfoundthemselvesinadangerousrockstuddedseawithasmallislandupontheirstarboardquarter。Itwasgirdledwithhighgranitecliffsofareddishhue，andslopesofbrightgreengrasslandlayabovethem。Asecondsmallerislandlaybesideit。Dennistheshipmanshookhisheadashelooked。
　　“ThatisBrechou，“saidhe，“andthelargeroneistheIslandofSark。IfeverIbecastaway，IpraythesaintsthatImaynotbeuponyondercoast！”
　　Knollesgazedacrossatit。”Yousaywell，master-shipman，“saidhe。”Itdoesappeartobearockyandperilousspot。”
　　“Nay，itistherockyheartsofthosewhodwelluponitthatIhadinmymind，“theoldsailoranswered。”Wearewellsafeinthreegoodlyvessels，buthadwebeenhereinasmallcraftImakenodoubtthattheywouldhavealreadyhadtheirboatsoutagainstus。”
　　“Whothenarethesepeople，andhowdotheyliveuponsosmallandwindsweptanisland？”askedthesoldier。
　　“Theydonotlivefromtheisland，fairsir，butfromwhattheycangatherupontheseaaroundit。Theyarebrokenfolkfromallcountries，justice-fliers，prison-breakers，reavers，escapedbondsmen，murderersandstaff-strikerswhohavemadetheirwaytothisoutlandplaceandholditagainstallcomers。Thereisoneherewhocouldtellyouofthemandoftheirways，forhewaslongtimeprisoneramongstthem。”，TheseamanpointedtoBlackSimon，thedarkmanfromNorwich，whowasleaningagainstthesidelostinmoodythoughtandstaringwithabroodingeyeatthedistantshore。
　　“Hownow，fellow？”askedKnolles。”WhatisthisIhear？，Isitindeedsooththatyouhavebeenacaptiveuponthisisland？”
　　“Itistrue，fairsir。ForeightmonthsIhavebeenservanttothemanwhomtheycalltheirKing。HisnameisLaMuette，andhecomesfromJerseynoristhereunderGod’sskyamanwhomIhavemoredesiretosee。”
　　“Hashethenmishandledyou？”
　　BlackSimongaveawrysmileandpulledoffhisjerkin。Hisleansinewybackwaswaledandpuckeredwithwhitescars。”Hehaslefthissignofhanduponme，“saidhe。”Hesworethathewouldbreakmetohiswill，andthushetriedtodoit。ButmostIdesiretoseehimbecausehehathlostawagertomeandIwouldfainbepaid。”
　　“Thisisastrangesaying，“saidKnolles。”Whatisthiswager，andwhyshouldhepayyou？”
　　“Itisbutasmallmatter，“Simonanswered;“butIamapoormanandthepaymentwouldbewelcome。ShouldithavechancedthatwestoppedatthisislandIshouldhavecravedyourleavethatIgoashoreandaskforthatwhichIhavefairlywon。”
　　SirRobertKnolleslaughed。”Thisbusinessticklethmyfancy，“
　　saidhe。”Astostoppingattheisland，thisshipmantellsmethatwemustneedswaitadayandanight，forthatwehavestrainedourplanks。Butifyoushouldgoashore，howwillyoubesurethatyouwillbefreetodepart，orthatyouwillseethisKingofwhomyouspeak？”
　　BlackSimon’sdarkfacewasshiningwithafiercejoy。”Fairsir，Iwilleverbeyourdebtorifyouwillletmego。Concerningwhatyouask，IknowthisislandevenasIknowthestreetsofNorwich，asyoumaywellbelieveseeingthatitisbutasmallplaceandI
　　uponitfornearayear。ShouldIlandafterdark，IcouldwinmywaytotheKing’shouse，andifhebenotdeadordistraughtwithdrinkIcouldhavespeechwithhimalone，forIknowhiswaysandhishoursandhowhemaybefound。IwouldaskonlythatAylwardthearchermaygowithme，thatImayhaveonefriendatmysideifthingsshouldchancetogoawry。”
　　Knollesthoughtawhile。”Itismuchthatyouask，“saidhe，“forbyGod’struthIreckonthatyouandthisfriendofyoursaretwoofmymenwhomIwouldbeleastreadytolose。IhaveseenyoubothatgripswiththeSpaniardsandIknowyou。ButItrustyou，andifwemustindeedstopatthisaccursedplace，thenyoumaydoasyouwill。Ifyouhavedeceivedme，orifthisisatrickbywhichyoudesigntoleaveme，thenGodbeyourfriendwhennextwemeet，formanwillbeofsmallavail！”
　　ItprovedthatnotonlytheseamshadtobecalkedbutthatthecogThomaswasoutoffreshwater。TheshipsmooredthereforeneartheIsleofBrechou，wherespringsweretobefound。Therewerenopeopleuponthislittlepatch，butoveronthefartherislandmanyfigurescouldbeseenwatchingthem，andthetwinkleofsteelfromamongthemshowedthattheywerearmedmen。Oneboathadventuredforthandtakenagoodlookatthem，buthadhurriedbackwiththewarningthattheyweretoostrongtobetouched。
　　BlackSimonfoundAylwardseatedunderthepoopwithhisback，againstBartholomewthebowyer。Hewaswhistlingmerrilyashecarvedagirl’sfaceuponthehornofhisbow。
　　“Myfriend，“saidSimon，“willyoucomeashoreto-night-forI
　　haveneedofyourhelp？”
　　Aylwardcrowedlustily。”WillIcome，Simon？，Bymyhilt，Ishallberightgladtoputmyfootonthegoodbrownearthoncemore。
　　AllmylifeIhavetrodit，andyetIwouldneverhavelearneditsworthhadInotjourneyedinthesecursedships。Wewillgoonshoretogether，Simon，andwewillseekoutthewomen，iftherebeanythere，foritseemsalongyearsinceIheardtheirgentlevoices，andmyeyesarewearyofsuchfacesasBartholomew’sorthine。”
　　Simon’sgrimfeaturesrelaxedintoasmile。”Theonlyfacethatyouwillseeashore，Samkin，willbringyousmallcomfort，“saidhe，“andIwarnyouthatthisisnoeasyerrand，butonewhichmaybeneithersweetnorfair，forifthesepeopletakeusourendwillbeacruelone。”
　　“Bymyhilt，“saidAylward，“Iamwithyou，gossip，whereveryoumaygo！，Saynomore，therefore，forIamwearyoflivinglikeaconyinahole，andIshallberightgladtostandbyyouinyourventure。”
　　Thatnight，twohoursafterdark，asmallboatputforthfromtheBasilisk。ItcontainedSimon，Aylwardandtwoseamen。Thesoldierscarriedtheirswords，andBlackSimonboreabrownbiscuit-bagoverhisshoulder。Underhisdirectiontherowersskirtedthedangeroussurfwhichbeatagainstthecliffsuntiltheycametoaspotwhereanoutlyingreefformedabreakwater。
　　Withinwasabeltofcalmwaterandashallowcoverwithaslopingbeach。Heretheboatwasdraggedupandtheseamenwereorderedtowait，whileSimonandAylwardstartedontheirerrand。
　　Withtheassuredairofamanwhoknowsexactlywhereheisandwhitherheisgoing，theman-at-armsbegantoclamberupanarrowfern-linedcleftamongtherocks。Itwasnoeasyascentinthedarkness，butSimonclimbedonlikeanolddoghotuponascent，andthepantingAylwardstruggledafterasbesthemight。Atlasttheywereatthesummitandthearcherthrewhimselfdownuponthegrass。
　　“Nay，Simon，Ihavenotenoughbreathtoblowoutacandle，“saidhe。”Stintyourhasteforaminute，sincewehavealongnightbeforeus。Surelythismanisafriendindeed，ifyouhastensotoseehim。”
　　“Suchafriend，“Simonanswered，“thatIhaveoftendreamedofournextmeeting。Nowbeforethatmoonhassetitwillhavecome。”
　　“HaditbeenawenchIcouldhaveunderstoodit，“saidAylward。
　　“Bythesetenfinger-bones，ifMaryofthemillorlittleKateofComptonhadwaitedmeonthebrowofthiscliff，Ishouldhavecomeupitandneverknownitwasthere。ButsurelyIseehousesandhearvoicesoveryonderintheshadow？”
　　“Itistheirtown，“whisperedSimon。”Thereareahundredasbloody-mindedcutthroatsasaretobefoundinChristendombeneaththoseroofs。Harktothat！”
　　Afierceburstoflaughtercameoutofthedarkness，followedbyalongcryofpain。
　　“All-hallowsbewithus！”criedAylward。”Whatisthat？”
　　“Aslikeasnotsomepoordevilhasfallenintotheirclutches，evenasIdid。Comethisway，Samkin，forthereisapeat-cuttingwherewemayhide。Aye，hereitis，butdeeperandbroaderthanofold。Nowfollowmeclose，forifwekeepwithinitweshallfindourselvesastonecastofftheKing’shouse。”
　　Togethertheycreptalongthedarkcutting。SuddenlySimonseizedAylwardbytheshoulderandpushedhimintotheshadowofthebank。Crouchinginthedarkness，theyheardfootstepsandvoicesuponthefarthersideofthetrench。Twomensaunteredalongitandstoppedalmostattheveryspotwherethecomradeswerelying。
　　Aylwardcouldseetheirdarkfiguresoutlinedagainstthestarrysky。
　　“Whyshouldyouscold，Jacques，“saidoneofthem，speakingastrangehalf-French，half-Englishlingo。”Lediablet’emporteforagrumblingrascal。YouwonawomanandIgotnothing。Whatmorewouldyouhave？”
　　“Youwillhaveyourchanceoffthenextship，mongarcon，butmineispassed。Awoman，itistrue-anoldpeasantoutofthefields，withafaceasyellowasakite’sclaw。ButGaston，whothrewanineagainstmyeight，gotasfairalittleNormandylassaseveryoureyeshaveseen。Cursethedice，Isay！，Andastomywoman，IwillsellhertoyouforafirkinofGascony：’
　　“Ihavenowinetospare，butIwillgiveyouakegofapples，“
　　saidtheother。”IhaditoutofthePeterandPaul，theFalmouthboatthatstruckinCreuxBay。”
　　“Well，wellyourapplesmaybetheworseforkeeping，butsoisoldMarie，andwecancryquitsonthat。Comeroundanddrinkacupoverthebargain。”
　　Theyshuffledonwardinthedarkness。
　　“Heardyoueversuchvillainy？”criedAylward，breathingfierceandhard。”Didyouhearthem，Simon？，Awomanforakegofapples！，Andmyheart’srootissadfortheotherone，thegirlofNormandy。Surelywecanlandto-morrowandburnallthesewater-
　　ratsoutoftheirnest。”
　　“Nay，SirRobertwillnotwastetimeorstrengtherehereachBrittany。”
　　“SureIamthatifmylittlemasterSquireLoringhadthehandlingofit，everywomanonthisislandwouldbefreeereanotherdayhadpassed。”
　　“Idoubtitnot，“saidSimon。”Heisonewhomakesanidolofwoman，afterthemannerofthosecrazyknighterrants。ButSirRobertisatruesoldierandhathonlyhispurposeinview。”
　　“Simon，“saidAylward，“thelightisnotovergoodandtheplaceiscrampedforsword-play，butifyouwillstepoutintotheopenI
　　willteachyouwhethermymasterisatruesoldierornot。”
　　“Tut，man！youareasfoolishyourself，“saidSimon。”Herewearewithourworkinhand，andyetyoumustneedsfalloutwithmeonourwaytoit。Isaynothingagainstyourmastersavethathehaththewayofhisfellowswhofollowdreamsandfancies。ButKnolleslooksneithertorightnorleftandwalksforwardtohismark。Now，letuson，forthetimepasses。”
　　“Simon，yourwordsareneithergoodnorfair。Whenwearebackonshipboardwewillspeakfurtherofthismatter。Nowleadon，I
　　prayyou，andletusseesomemoreofthisten-devilisland。”
　　ForhalfamileSimonledthewayuntiltheycametoalargehousewhichstoodbyitself。Peeringatitfromtheedgeofthecutting，Aylwardcouldseethatitwasmadefromthewreckageofmanyvessels，forateachcorneraprowwasthrustout。Lightsblazedwithin，andtherecamethesoundofastrongvoicesingingagaysongwhichwastakenupbyadozenothersinthechorus。
　　“Alliswell，lad！”whisperedSimoningreatdelight。”ThatisthevoiceoftheKing。Itistheverysongheusedtosing。’LesdeuxfillesdePierre。’，’ForeGod，mybacktinglesattheverysoundofit。Herewewillwaituntilhiscompanytaketheirleave。”
　　Hourafterhourtheycrouchedinthepeat-cutting，listeningtothenoisysongsoftherevelerswithin，someFrench，someEnglish，andallgrowingfoulerandlessarticulateasthenightworeon。