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"You see, dear heart," said he, "that they will not leave the old
dog in his kennel when the game is afoot. And what of this White
Company, archer?"
"Ah, sir, you speak of dogs," cried Aylward; "but there are a
pack of lusty hounds who are ready for any quarry, if they have
but a good huntsman to halloo them on. Sir, we have been in the
wars together, and I have seen many a brave following but never
such a set of woodland boys as this. They do but want you at
their head, and who will bar the way to them!"
"Pardieu!" said Sir Nigel, "if they are all like their messenger,
they are indeed men of whom a leader may be proud. Your name,
good archer?"
"Sam Aylward, sir, of the Hundred of Easebourne and the Rape of
Chichester."
"And this giant behind you?"
"He is big John, of Hordle, a forest man, who hath now taken
service in the Company."
"A proper figure of a man at-arms," said the little knight.
"Why, man, you are no chicken, yet I warrant him the stronger
man. See to that great stone from the coping which hath fallen
upon the bridge.


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