hout, and
amongst them Roger and the Sage; but Stephen and Richard both were
amongst their men doing what was needful. All men arose when Ralph
entered; but he looked around, and could see nought of his gossip
amongst them. Then he sat down by Clement and asked if he had any
fresh tidings; and Clement did him to wit that there had come in a
carle from out of Upmeads, who had told them by sure tokens that the
foe were come into the Upmeads-land at noon that day, and between then
and sunset had skirmished with Nicholas and them that were holding the
High House, but had gotten nought thereby. This man, said Clement,
being both bold and of good sleight had mingled with the foe; and had
heard the talk of them, and he said that they had no inkling of the
Shepherds or the Dry Tree coming against them; but they looked to have
aid from their own folk from the lands of Higham; wherefore they made a
mock of the defence of the Upmeads' men; and said that since, when they
were all joined together in Upmeads, they might enter where they would
without the loss of a half-score men, therefore they would risk nought
now; nor would they burn either the High House or the other steadings,
since, said they, they were minded to keep them sound and whole for
their own.

These tidings seemed good to Ralph; so he took a cup of wine and
pledged the company, and said: "My masters, such of you as list to
sleep long to-night had best be abed presently, for I warn you that the
trumpets will blow for departure before the sun riseth to-morrow; and
he that faileth to see to-morrow's battle will be sorry for his lack
all his life long."

When he had thus spoken they all cried hail to him, and anon arose and
went their ways. Then Ralph bade Clement come with him that he might
visit the quarters of his men-at-arms, and see that all the leaders
knew of the muster, and of the order of departing on the morrow; and
Clement arose and went with him.

As they were on the way Ralph asked Clement what ailed his gossip
Katherine that she had not come to meet him already; and Clement
laughed and said: "Nought, nought; she is somewhat shamefaced to meet
thee first amongst a many folk, and she not able belike to refrain her
kisses and caresses to thee. Fear not, she is in her bower-aloft, and
we shall find her there when we come back from our errand; fear not!
she will not sleep till she hath had her arms about thee." "Good is
that," said Ralph; "I had looke