and you, as second, will of
course be captain under me. Now I want to explain to you exactly what
I propose to do, and to arrange with you as to your share in the
business."

The young smith listened attentively to Walter's explanation, and, when
he had done, exclaimed admiringly: "Why, Walter, you seem to be made for
a general. How did it all come to you, lad? I should never have thought
of such a scheme."

"I talked it over with my master," Walter said, "and the idea is his as
much as mine. I wonder if it will do."

"It is sure to do," the smith said enthusiastically. "The castle is as
good as taken."

The next day all London poured out to the scene of the sports, and the
greatest admiration and wonder were expressed at the castle, which had
risen, as if by magic, in the night. It was built at one end of the
lists, which had been purposely placed in a hollow, so that a great
number of people besides those in the pavilions could obtain a view
from the surrounding slopes. The castle was substantially built of heavy
timber painted gray, and looked at a little distance as if constructed
of stone. A flag floated from the central tower, and the building looked
so formidable that the general opinion was freely expressed that the
task of the assailants, whoever they might be--for at present this was
unknown--was quite impossible. At ten o'clock the king and his court
arrived. After they had taken their places the two bands, headed by
their leaders, advanced from the lower end of the lists, and drew up
in front of the royal pavilion. The leaders took their places in front.
Behind them stood ten chosen followers, all of whom, as well as their
chiefs, were encased in full armour. Behind, on one side, were 100
apprentices, on the other 100 esquires, all attired as men-at-arms. The
court party were led by Clarence Aylmer, son of the Earl of Pembroke.
His companions were all young men of noble family, aspirants for the
order of knighthood. They were, for the most part, somewhat older than
the apprentices, but as the latter consisted chiefly of young men nearly
out of their term the difference was not great. Walter's armour was a
suit which the armourer had constructed a year previously for a young
knight who had died before the armour could be delivered. Walter had
wondered more than once why Geoffrey did not endeavour to sell it
elsewhere, for, although not so decorated and inlaid as many of the
suits of Milan armour, it was