becoming a misnomer.

Kenneth felt drawn more towards him, deeming him a penitent
that had seen at last the error of his ways. And thus things
prevailed until the almost triumphal entry into the city of
Worcester on the twenty-third of August.




CHAPTER IV

AT THE SIGN OF THE MITRE


For a week after the coming of the King to Worcester, Crispin's
relations with Kenneth steadily improved. By an evil chance,
however, there befell on the eve of the battle that which
renewed with heightened intensity the enmity which the lad had
fostered for him, but which lately he had almost overcome.

The scene of this happening - leastways of that which led to it
- was The Mitre Inn, in the High Street of Worcester.

In the common-room one day sat as merry a company of carousers
as ever gladdened the soul of an old tantivy boy. Youthful
ensigns of Lesley's Scottish horse - caring never a fig for the
Solemn League and Covenant - rubbed shoulders with beribboned
Cavaliers of Lord Talbot's company; gay young lairds of
Pitscottie's Highlanders, unmindful of the Kirk's harsh