propping the quiver straight with stones and a
bit of wood. Then, having studied all things with his eyes, Dick shot
upward, but softly. Making a gentle curve, the arrow turned in the air
as it drew near the quiver, and fell into its mouth, striking it flat.

"Ill done," grumbled Dick; "had I shot well, it should have been pinned
to earth. Well, yon shadow baulked me, and it might have been worse."

Then he unstrung his bow, and slipped it into its case.

Now, at length, the silence was broken, and in good earnest. Men,
especially those of Dunwich, screamed and shouted, hurling up their
caps. Jack Green, for all jealousy was forgotten at the sight of this
wondrous skill, ran to Dick, clasped him in his arms, and, dragging the
badge from off his breast, tried to pin it to his rough doublet. The
young Prince came and clapped him on the shoulder, saying:

"Be my man! Be my man!"

But Dick only growled, "Paws off! What have I done that I have not done
a score of times before with no fine folk to watch me? I shot to please
my master and for the honour of Suffolk, not for you, and because some
dogs keep their tails too tightly curled."

"A sulky fellow," said the Prince, "but, by heaven, I like him!"

Then the King pushed his horse through the throng, and all fell back
before his Grace.

"Richard Archer," he said, "never has such marksmanship as yours
been seen in England since we sat upon the throne, nor shall it go
unrewarded. The twenty angels that you said you would stake last night
shall be paid to you by the treasurer of our household. Moreover, here
is a gift from Edward of England, the friend of archers, that you may be
pleased to wear," and taking his velvet cap from off his head, the King
unpinned from it a golden arrow of which the barbed head was cut from a
ruby, and gave it to him.

"I thank you, Sire," said Dick, his pale skin flushing with pride and
pleasure. "I'll wear it while I live, and may the sight of it mean death
to many of your enemies."

"Without doubt it will, and that ere long, Richard, for know you that
soon we sail again for France, whence the tempest held us back, and it
is my pleasure that you sail with us. Therefore I name you one of our
fletchers, with place about our person in our bodyguard of archers. Jack
Green will show you your quarters, and instruct you in your duties, and
soon you shall match your skill against his again, but next time with
Frenchmen for your targets."

"Si