lesser quarrels to one like me, who has not yet seen so much good fighting
as yourself, and enjoy yourself in pleasant company at home, as I should
surely do in your place."

The Princess shuddered and turned pale; then looked at Hereward and smiled
her thanks. Ironhook laughed a savage laugh.

Hereward's jest being translated into Cornish for the benefit of the
company, was highly approved by all; and good humor being restored, every
man got drunk save Hereward, who found the mead too sweet and sickening.

After which those who could go to bed went to bed, not as in England,
[Footnote: Cornwall was not then considered part of England.] among the
rushes on the floor, but in the bunks or berths of wattle which stood two
or three tiers high along the wall.

The next morning as Hereward went out to wash his face and hands in the
brook below (he being the only man in the house who did so), Martin
Lightfoot followed him.

"What is it, Martin? Hast thou had too much of that sweet mead last night
that thou must come out to cool thy head too?"

"I came out for two reasons,--first, to see fair play, in case that
Ironhook should come to wash his ugly visage, and find you on all fours
over the brook--you understand? And next, to tell you what I heard last
night among the maids."

"And what did you hear?"