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Rh 'I take it,' said Ford, 'that it is much as it was when you were there last, save that perchance there is a little less noise there.'

'And why less noise, young Solomon?'

'Ah, that is for your wit to discover.'

'Pardieu! here is a paladin come over, with the Hampshire mud still sticking to his shoes. He means that the noise is less for our being out of the country.'

'They are very quick in these parts,' said Ford turning to Alleyne.

'How are we to take this, sir?' asked the ruffling squire.

'You may take it as it comes,' said Ford carelessly.

'Here is pertness!' cried the other.

'Sir, I honour your truthfulness,' said Ford. 'Stint it, Humphrey,' said the tall squire, with a burst of laughter. 'You will have little credit from this gentleman, I perceive. Tongues are sharp in Hampshire, sir.'

'And swords?'

'Hum! we may prove that. In two days' time is the vêpres du tournoi, when we may see if your lance is as quick as your wit.'

'All very well, Roger Harcomb,' cried a burly bull-necked young man, whose square shoulders and massive limbs told of exceptional personal strength. 'You pass too lightly over the matter. We are not to be so easily overcrowed. The Lord Loring hath given his proofs: but we know nothing of his squires, save that one of them hath a railing tongue. And how of you, young sir?' bringing his heavy hand down on Alleyne's shoulder.

'And what of me, young sir?'

'Ma foi! this is my lady's page come over. Your cheek will be browner and your hand harder ere you see your mother again.'

'If my hand is not hard, it is ready.' 'Ready? Ready for what? For the hem of my lady's train?'