nd with all speed to sweep out with all force the
pirates that infest our Norman seas. In great pride they are gathered in
Guernsey to defy my power. Take men, take ships, all that thou wilt
need, and delay not thy journey, for certain monks and islanders are
hard set with famine. See me again to-morrow. Vicomte, good youth,
farewell."

So Duke William returned to his archers.

* * * * *

We had but just left the duke's presence, and were even considering
whether I should return with mine uncle to St. Sauveur or tarry there at
Valognes, if I could find a lodging, when none other than Samson
d'Anville, that had been placed in command of the expedition, came after
us, and would have me to be his guest until, all preparations having
been made in a week's time, we should sail from Barfleur.

"Come now, little soldier," said he, "and we on this expedition will be
true brothers-in-arms."

With that he wound his arm into mine, and I noted that, though he called
me "little soldier," I was almost a head taller than he.

So at his bidding, for he would take no denial, I took a hearty and
reverent leave of the vicomte, who assured me that when this matter were
over he would welcome me in his retinue for the French war, and linked
arm-in-arm with Samson, returned to the camp.

Now I had time to see more closely what manner of man this d'Anville
was. I have said he was short and stout, but I should have said that in
so small a frame one seldom saw such activity and strength. Like some
pollard oak, he seemed all knotted with muscle and vigour. He went
bearded and wore his hair unshaven, and thus amid those Norman lords,
shorn back and front, he looked wild and unkempt.

But the merry easy smile that lived in his black eyes was enough to show
me that, though a great warrior, and terrible in battle, he would be a
sweet comrade in time of peace. This was that Samson d'Anville that so
swiftly broke down the arrogance of Geoffroy, and for this and other
noble deeds was given that estate hard by the Vale, which his sons hold
yet.

And so it came to pass that within a week of my arriving, by great good
luck and marvellous dispatch in preparation, the order was given that we
should sail for Guernsey.

CHAPTER XVII.

Of the journey of our ships to relieve the Brethren of the Vale, and how
we fought a great battle with the _Moors_ outside the _Bay of
L'Ancresse_.

As I remember, children,