They found her afterwards by
her own hearthstone, thrust through by a Frenchman's bill. My
second sister, my brother's wife, and her two children, they
were but ash-heaps in the smoking ruins of their house. I will
not say that we have not wrought great scath upon France, but
women and children have been safe from us. And so, old friend,
my heart is hot within me, and I long to hear the old battle-cry
again, and, by God's truth! if Sir Nigel unfurls his pennon,
here is one who will be right glad to feel the saddle-flaps under
his knees."
"We have seen good work together, old war-dog," quoth Aylward;
"and, by my hilt! we may hope to see more ere we die. But we are
more like to hawk at the Spanish woodcock than at the French
heron, though certes it is rumored that Du Guesclin with all the
best lances of France have taken service under the lions and
towers of Castile. But, comrade, it is in my mind that there is
some small matter of dispute still open between us."
"'Fore God, it is sooth!" cried the other; "I had forgot it.
The provost-marshal and his men tore us apart when last we met.
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