n, both in defence of my own life, and because I think that
such deeds should not go unpunished, not hesitate to name him to you,
and if proof be wanting to defy him to open combat."

"I regret, Sir Walter, that your scruples should hinder you from at once
denouncing him; but seeing how grave a matter it is to charge a knight
with so foul a crime, I will not lay stress upon you; but be assured
that should any repetition of the attempt be made I shall take the
matter in hand, and will see that this caitiff knight receives his
desserts."

A short time afterwards Walter accompanied the prince in an excursion
which he made with a portion of the army, sweeping the French provinces
as far as the river Somme. Upon their way back they passed through the
village of Pres, hard by which stood a small castle. It was situated
some forty miles from Calais, and standing upon rising ground, it
commanded a very extensive view over the country.

"What say you, Sir Walter?" the prince said to the young knight who was
riding near him. "That castle would make a good advanced post, and
a messenger riding in could bring news of any large movements of the
enemy." Walter assented. "Then, Sir Walter, I name you chatelain. I
shall be sorry to lose your good company; but the post is one of peril,
and I know that you are ever longing to distinguish yourself. Take forty
men-at-arms and sixty archers. With that force you may make shift to
resist any attack until help reaches you from camp. You may be sure that
I shall not be slack in spurring to your rescue should you be assailed."

Walter received the proposal with delight. He was weary of the monotony
of life in New Town, and this post in which vigilance and activity would
be required was just to his taste; so, taking the force named by the
prince, with a store of provision, he drew off from the column and
entered the castle.

CHAPTER XV: THE SIEGE OF A FORTALICE

Walter's first step on assuming the command was to examine thoroughly
into the capabilities of defence of the place, to see that the well was
in good order, and the supply of water ample, and to send out a foraging
party, which, driving in a number of beasts and some cart-loads of
forage, would supply his garrison for some time. The castle he found
was less strong than it looked. The walls were lightly built, and were
incapable of withstanding any heavy battering. The moat was dry, and
the flanking towers badly placed, and aff