her
broken, at Homildon.

"Moreover, the border Scots and we are at peace now, as we have not
been so long as memories run; seeing that we have fought side by side
against the King of England, and have suffered the same misfortune in
defeat; therefore, I can hang up my sword.

"But for you there may be more fighting. From what I know of the old
earl, I am sure that he will never forgive Hotspur's death; and
although, at present, he is reinstated in his estates, there can be no
doubt that the king will strike further blows against the power of the
Percys. Northumberland is a valiant soldier, tenacious in his purposes,
and lasting in his hatreds. Had it not been that he was utterly broken
by the news that we brought him, he would assuredly have marched down
with his army, and tried to join Glendower and Mortimer; and at least
have died fighting, the end that he would best like. I doubt not that
we shall see his banner raised again, ere long."

"I hope not, Father. The undertaking would be desperate."

"However that may be, Oswald, as I can no longer render service for the
feu, I wish to hand it over to you. 'Tis but a nominal change, but I
should like to see the estate yours. I and my fathers have held our
own, and were content to do so, adding somewhat to our means by such
plunder as we could carry off from Scotland; but you have greatly
advanced the family, and as a deputy warden of the marches, it is as
well that Yardhope should be added to your holding. I should be glad,
too, to have you known as Sir Oswald Forster of Yardhope, and not as
Sir Oswald Forster of Stoubes; and in time, if things go well with you,
I charge you to build a castle here, in place of this hold; which has
been good enough for plain men like myself and my father, but which is
no fit residence for the estate you now hold.

"I don't mean to say that I wish you always to live here, for, maybe,
Stoubes is a more pleasant abode, standing in a fair country, and with
the climate somewhat less hard than this; but I should like you to come
up here, at times, and to be known as Forster of Yardhope."

"I will carry out your wishes, Father; but it would please me more for
things to remain as they have been."

"My plan is best, lad. I shall be seneschal here for you, and little
will be changed; save that you will ride at the head of the retainers,
instead of myself. 'Tis not meet that I should hold the feu, when I can
no longer render due service.