Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-11

over the Narrow Sea, as we have done,
we come on the French who are SO needful
to us; for how else would we win worship?
Or if you GO south, then in time one may
hope to come to the land of the unbe-
levers, where there is fine skirrnishing
and much honor for him who will venture
his person. Bethink you, archer, how
fair life it must be when one can ride
forth in search of advancement with some
hope of finding many debonair cavaliers
upon the same quest, and then if one be
overborne one has died for the faith,
and the gates of Heaven are open before
you. So also the sea to the north is a
help to him who seeks honor, for it leads
to the country of the East1anders and
to those parts where the heather still
dwell who turn their faces from the
blessed Gospel. There also man might
find some small deeds to do, and by Saint
PAUL. Awkward, if the French hold the
truce and the good Sir John permits us,
l would fain go down into those parts.
The sea is a good friend to the cavalier,
for it takes him where he may fulfil his
vows.
Awkward shook his head, for his mem
cries were too recent; but he said nothing,
because at this instant the door opened
and Chandos entered. With joy in his
face he stepped forward to the couch
and took Nigel's hand in his. Then he
whispered word in Aylward's ear,
who hurried from the room.
"Pardien' this is good sight" said
the knight. Il trust that you will soon
be on your feet again.
Il crave your pardon, my honored
lord, that have been absent from your
side" said Nigel.
In truth my heart was sore for you,
Nigel for you have missed such night
as comes seldom in any mans life. All
went even as we had planned. The
postern gate was opened, and a party
made their way in; but we awaited them,
and all were taken or slain. But the
greater part of the French had remained
without upon the plain of Nieullet, SO
we took horse and went out against them.
When we drew near them they were sur
prised, but they made good cheer among
themselves, calling out to each other: If
we fly we lose all. 1t is better to fight
on, in the hopes that the day may be
ours This was heard by our people in
the van, who cried out to them: By
Saint George! you speak truth. Evil be-
fall him who thinks of fying' So they
held their ground like worthy people
for the space of an hour, and there were
many there whom it is always good to
meet: Sir Godfrey himself, and Sir
Pepin de We're, with Sir John de Landas,
old Ballieul of the Yellow Tooth, and his
brother Hector the Leopard. But above
all Sir Eustace de Ribeaumont was at
great pains to meet us worthily, and he
was at handstrokes with the King for a
long time. Then, when we had slain or
taken them, all the prisoners were brought
to fest which was ready for them
and the knights of England waited upon
them at the table and made good cheer
with them. And all this, Nigel, we owe
to you.
The Squire flushed with pleasure at the
words. Nay, most honored lord, it was
but small thing which have been able
to do. But l thank God and our Lady
that have done some service, since it has
pleased you to take me with you to the
wars. Should it chance"
But the words were cut short upon