obleman in
the neighbourhood, who had a post at court. He therefore thought he
should oblige his patron, by showing his respect for the military; but
treated our knight with the most boorish insolence; and refused to admit
him into his house, until he had surrendered all his weapons of offence
to the constable. Sir Launcelot and his squire being found the
aggressors, the justice insisted upon making out their mittimus, if they
did not find bail immediately; and could hardly be prevailed upon to
agree that they should remain at the house of the constable, who, being a
publican, undertook to keep them in safe custody, until the knight could
write to his steward. Meanwhile he was bound over to the peace; and the
serjeant with his drummer were told they had a good action against him
for assault and battery, either by information or indictment.

"They were not, however, so fond of the law as the justice seemed to be.
Their sentiments had taken a turn in favour of Sir Launcelot, during the
course of his examination, by which it appeared that he was really a
gentleman of fashion and fortune; and they resolved to compromise the
affair without the intervention of his worship. Accordingly, the
serjeant repaired to the constable's house, where the knight was lodged;
and humbled himself before his honour, protesting with many oaths, that,
if he had known his quality, he would have beaten the drummer's brains
about his ears, for presuming to give his honour or his horse the least
disturbance; thof the fellow, he believed, was sufficiently punished in
being a cripple for life.

"Sir Launcelot admitted of his apologies; and taking compassion on the
fellow who had suffered so severely for his folly, resolved to provide
for his maintenance. Upon the representation of the parties to the
justice, the warrant was next day discharged; and the knight returned to
his own house, attended by the serjeant and the drummer mounted on
horseback, the recruits being left to the corporal's charge.

"The halberdier found the good effects of Sir Launcelot's liberality; and
his companion being rendered unfit for his majesty's service, by the
heels of Gilbert, is now entertained at Greavesbury Hall, where he will
probably remain for life.

"As for Crabshaw, his master gave him to understand, that if he did not
think him pretty well chastised for his presumption and flight, by the
discipline he had undergone in the last two adventures, he would tur