o
say. Then he hands it back to John, and says: "Let our man Stephen lay
his hammer on the blade tomorrow once or twice, and thy knife shall be
as good as ever it was." All wondered, but Hardcastle not much,
whereas by this time he could not see very straight out of his eyes.
So he bids lead him to bed, and the goodman took him by the hand and
brought him to the guest-chamber, and himself lies down in an ingle of
the hall. So all lay down, and there was rest in the house all night
long; save for the goodman, who slept but little, and that with dreams
of the cutting of throats and firing of roofs.

Chapter XVI. Hardcastle Would Seize Wethermel

When it was morning, and folk were afoot in the house, Hardcastle lay
long abed; but when the first meal was on the board, and they were
gathered in hall, he came thereto, and sat down and ate without a word
and was by seeming as surly as John. But when the boards were taken
up, and the women at least, though not the others, I deem, were
looking that he should call for his horses and depart, he leaned back
in his high-seat and spake slowly and lazily: "This stead of Wethermel
is much to my mind; it is a plenteous house and good land, and more
plenteous it might be made were I to cast a dyke and wall round about,
and have in here a sort of good fellows who should do my bidding, so
that we might help ourselves to what we lacked where plenty was to be
had. I will think of this hereafter, but at this present, and till
winter is done and spring is come, I will say no more of that. And to
you folk, even to the big lubber yonder, I will say this, that ye,
women and all, shall be free of meat and drink and bed if ye will but
be brisk about doing my will, and will serve me featly; but if not,
then shall ye pack and be off, and have no worse harm of me. Have ye
heard and will ye obey?"

The women were pale and trembled, and the goodman quaked exceedingly,
while Surly John stood by grinning. Osberne smiled pleasantly but
spake not. He was girt with the sword Boardcleaver and clad in
scarlet. As for Stephen, he stood before Hardcastle with a face
seeming solemn, save that he squinted fearfully, looking all down
along his long nose.

Now came forth the goodman and knelt before the ruffler, and said:
"Lord, we will even do thy will: but mightest thou tell us where ye
got licence and title to take all our wealth from us and make us thy
thralls?" The warrior laughed: "It is fairly asked,