"Not I, most worthy sir," cried the carrier, shrinking away from
the fierce eyes of the bowman.

"I say yes, dog! By the three kings! I have seen a man gasp out
his last breath for less. Had you gone through the pain and
unease that I have done to earn these things you would be at more
care. I swear by my ten finger-bones that there is not one of
them that hath not cost its weight in French blood! Four--an
incense-boat, a ewer of silver, a gold buckle and a cope worked
in pearls. I found them, camarades, at the Church of St. Denis
in the harrying of Narbonne, and I took them away with me lest
they fall into the hands of the wicked. Five--a cloak of fur
turned up with minever, a gold goblet with stand and cover, and a
box of rose-colored sugar. See that you lay them together.
Six--a box of monies, three pounds of Limousine gold-work, a pair
of boots, silver tagged, and, lastly, a store of naping linen.
So, the tally is complete! Here is a groat apiece, and you may go."

"Go whither, worthy sir?" asked one of the carriers.

"Whither? To the devil if ye will. What is it to me? Now, ma
belle, to supper. A pair of cold capons, a mortress of brawn, or
what you will, with a flask or two of the right Gascony. I have
crowns in my pouch, my sweet, and I mean to spend them. Bring in
wine while the food is dressing. Buvons my brave lads; you shall
each empty a stoup with me."

Here was an offer which the company in an English inn at that or
any other date are slow to refuse. The flagons were re-gathered
and came back with the white foam dripping over their edges. Two