ause and the
weal of the army. But in times of truce I can think of no better way in
which a day may be profitably spent. Why so silent, Nigel?"

"Indeed, fair sir, I was looking toward Josselin, which lies as I
understand beyond those woods. I see no sign of this debonair gentleman
and of his following. It would be indeed grievous pity if any cause came
to hold them back."

Hugh Calverly laughed at the words. "You need have no fear, young sir,"
said he. "Such a spirit lies in Robert de Beaumanoir that if he must
come alone he would ride against us none the less. I warrant that if
he were on a bed of death he would be borne here and die on the green
field."

"You say truly, Hugh," said Bambro'. "I know him and those who ride
behind him. Thirty stouter men or more skilled in arms are not to be
found in Christendom. It is in my mind that come what may there will be
much honor for all of us this day. Ever in my head I have a rhyme which
the wife of a Welsh archer gave me when I crossed her hand with a golden
bracelet after the intaking of Bergerac. She was of the old blood of
Merlin with the power of sight. Thus she said--

"'Twixt the oak-tree and the river
Knightly fame aid brave endeavor
Make an honored name forever.'

"Methinks I see the oak-tree, and yonder is the river. Surely this
should betide some good to us."

The huge German Squire betrayed some impatience during this speech of
his leader. Though his rank was subordinate, no man present had more
experience of warfare or was more famous as a fighter than he. He new
broke brusquely into the talk. "We should be better employed in ordering
our line and making our plans than in talking of the rhymes of Merlin or
such old wives' tales," said he. "It is to our own strong arms and good
weapons that we must trust this day. And first I would ask you, Sir
Richard, what is your will if perchance you should fall in the midst of
the fight?"

Bambro' turned to the others. "If such should be the case, fair sirs, I
desire that my Squire Croquart should command."

There was a pause while the knights looked with some chagrin at each
other. The silence was broken by Knolles.

"I will do what you say, Richard," said he, "though indeed it is bitter
that we who are knights should serve beneath a squire. Yet it is not for
us to fall out among ourselves now at this last moment, and I have ever
heard that Croquart is a very worthy and v