owled on the lad, and said: "I am neither earl nor churl, but a man
of mine own hand, and I take thy bidding, goodman, for this night, but
as to thereafter we will look to it; but as to they youngling, I will
look to him at once and teach him a little manners." And therewith he
went up to Osberne and smote him a cheek-slap from behind. Surly John
laughed, and made a mow at him, and said: "Ho! young wolf-slayer,
feelest thou that? Now is come the end of they mastery!" But neither
for slap nor for gibe did Osberne flinch one whit, or change
countenance.

Then Hardcastle said: "Hah! Is that the lad who slew the wolves ye ran
from, John? He will be a useful lad about the house." John held his
peace and reddened somewhat, and Hardcastle said: "Now show me where
to bestow this fighting-gear of mine; for meseems I shall not want it
yet awhile in this meek and friendly house." Quoth Osberne over his
shoulder: "Things boded will happen, and also things unboded."
Hardcastle scowled again, but this time smote him not, for he was busy
doing off his hawberk, which Stephen took from him presently, along
with his other armour and weapons, and hung them upon the pins at the
other end of the hall. Then he came back and stood before Hardcastle
as if waiting some commandment, but the warrior said: "What is this
big lubber here, and what is his name? What does the fool want?" Said
Stephen: "I want to serve thee, noble sir, and my name is Stephen the
Eater, but I can swallow most things better than hard words."
Hardcastle lifted up his right foot to kick his backside, but Stephen
deftly thrust out his right foot and gave the man a shove on his
breast, so that he tripped him and down went Hardcastle bundling. He
picked himself up in a mighty rage, and would have fallen on Stephen;
but he saw that the Eater had a broad and big knife in his girdle, so
he forbore, being now all unarmed; and Stephen said: "Our floor is
somewhat slippery for dancing, fair sir."

But therewith arose Osberne, and came before the guest, and louted to
him and said: "Noble sir, I pray thee pardon our man Stephen, for thou
seest how clumsy a man he is, and he knoweth not where to bestow his
long legs; he is ever in everyone's way." And as he spake the smiles
were all over his face, and he louted low again. Stephen stared
astonished at him and drew back, and as for Hardcastle, the wrath ran
off him, and he looked on Osberne and said: "Nay, thou art not so
unmannerly