Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/134

 man's heart in thy lad's body, and that thou hast slain a mighty man of war, a man deft in all prowess. Wherefore some of the folk have spoken of thee to be captain of our company; and I tell thee that I shall presently call for the word of the whole Mote, and if they yea-say it, then must thou needs go as captain of these, will thou nill thou.

Osberne was as red as fire in the face by then the Lawman was done, and he said: Master, I pray thee consider my youth, and how I have had no schooling herein, and know nought of ordering men or arraying a battle. All this is nought like defending life and livelihood against a robber when there was none to serve at a pinch, and using one's mother-wit in dealing with it. The captain of the East Cheapers smiled upon him kindly and said: My son, he who can use his mother-wit to any purpose when the edges be aloft hath learned the more part of battle-craft. Withal it is but a few hours agone that I saw thee handling the men of thine household like to a ripe man. Fear not, my son, but that thou shalt do well enough; and moreover I promise that I will learn thee the craft all I may. And know that if thou deny this, then shalt thou take the heart out of these good fellows, who be eager enough to help the good town and be no mannikins, I warrant them. Nay-say it not, my lad, nay-say it not.

Now was Osberne's heart thumping against his ribs, what for sudden wonder, what for the hope