Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/99

 CHAPTER XVI. HARDCASTLE WOULD SEIZE WETHERMEL.

HEN it was morning, and folk were afoot in the house, Hardcastle lay long abed; but when the first meal was on the board, and they were gathered in hall, he came thereto, and sat down and ate without a word, and was by seeming as surly as John. But when the boards were taken up, and the women at least, though not the others I deem, were looking that he should call for his horses and depart, he leaned back in his high-seat and spake slowly and lazily: This stead of Wethermel is much to my mind; it is a plenteous house and good land, and more plenteous it might be made were I to cast a dyke and a wall round about, and have in here a sort of good fellows who should do my bidding, so that we might help ourselves to what we lacked where plenty was to be had. I will think of this hereafter, but at this present, and till winter is done and spring is come, I will say no more of that. And to you folk, even to the big lubber yonder, I will say this, that ye, women and all, shall be free of meat and drink and bed if ye will but be brisk about doing my will, and serve me featly; but if not, then shall ye pack and be off, and have no worse harm of me. Have ye heard, and will ye obey?

The women were pale and trembled, and the goodman quaked exceedingly, while Surly John