ll say next he knows every one of the Seven Worthies," cried another
boy, for Stephen was becoming a popular character.

"And all the paladins to boot. Come on, little Rowley!" was the cry.

"I tell you my brother is page to the comptroller of the household, and
my mother dwells beside the Gate House, and I know every man of them,"
insisted Rowley, waxing hot. "As for that Forest savage fellow's uncle
being captain of the guard, 'tis more like that he is my lord's fool,
Quipsome Hal!"

Whereat there was a cry, in which were blended exultation at the hit,
and vituperation of the hitter. Stephen flew forward to avenge the
insult, but a big bell was beginning to ring, a whole wave of black
gowns rushed to obey it, sweeping little Rowley away with them; and
Stephen found himself left alone with his brother and the two lads who
had been invited to Saint Elizabeth's, and who now repaired thither with
them.

The supper party in the refectory was a small one, and the rule of the
foundation limited the meal to one dish and a pittance, but the dish was
of savoury eels, and the Warden's good nature had added to it some cates
and comfits in consideration of his youthful guests.

After some conversation with the elder Wykehamist, the Warden called
Ambrose and put him through an examination on his attainments, which
proved so satis factory, that it ended in an invitation to the brothers
to fill two of the empty scholarships of the college of the dear Saint
Elizabeth. It was a good offer, and one that Ambrose would fain have
accepted, but Stephen had no mind for the cloister or for learning.

The Warden had no doubt that he could be apprenticed in the city of
Winchester, since the brother at home had in keeping a sum sufficient
for the fee. Though the trade of "capping" had fallen off, there were
still good substantial burgesses who would be willing to receive an
active lad of good parentage, some being themselves of gentle blood.
Stephen, however, would not brook the idea. "Out upon you, Ambrose!"
said he, "to desire to bind your own brother to base mechanical arts."

"'Tis what Nurse Joan held to be best for us both," said Ambrose.

"Joan! Yea, like a woman, who deems a man safest when he is a tailor,
or a perfumer. An you be minded to stay here with a black gown and a
shaven crown, I shall on with Spring and come to preferment. Maybe
thou'lt next hear of me when I have got some fat canonry for thee."

"Nay, I quit