Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/95

 earl or churl. Hardcastle scowled on the lad, and said: I am neither earl nor churl, but a man of mine own hand, and I take thy bidding, goodman, for this night, but as to thereafter we will look to it; but as to thy youngling, I will look to him at once and teach him a little manners. And therewith he went up to Osberne and smote him a cheek-slap from behind. Surly John laughed, and made a mow at him, and said: Ho! young wolfslayer, feelest thou that? Now is come the end of thy mastery! But neither for slap nor for gibe did Osberne flinch one whit, or change countenance. Then Hardcastle said: Hah! is that the lad who slew the wolves ye ran from, John? He will be a useful lad about the house. John held his peace and reddened somewhat, and Hardcastle said: Now show me where to bestow this fighting gear of mine; for meseems I shall not want it yet awhile in this meek and friendly house. Quoth Osberne over his shoulder: Things boded will happen, and also things unboded. Hardcastle scowled again, but this time smote him not, for he was busy doing off his hauberk, which Stephen took from him presently, along with his other armour and weapons, and hung them upon the pins at the other end of the hall. Then he came back and stood before Hardcastle as if waiting some commandment, but the warrior said: Who is this big lubber here, and what is his name? What does the fool want? Said Stephen: I want to serve thee, noble sir, and my name is Stephen the Eater; but I can swallow most things better