By St. Paul! most worthy mayor, my old friend is a perilous man,
and I rede you that you compose your difference with him on such
terms as you may."
"The clams and scallops shall be ready within the hour," the
mayor answered. "I had asked Sir Oliver Buttesthorn to do my
humble board the honor to partake at it of the dainty upon which
we take some little pride, but in sooth this alarm of pirates
hath cast such a shadow on my wits that I am like one distrait.
But I trust, Sir Nigel, that you will also partake of none-meat
with me?"
"I have overmuch to do," Sir Nigel answered, "for we must be
aboard, horse and man, as early as we may. How many do you
muster, Sir Oliver?"
"Three and forty. The forty are drunk, and the three are but
indifferent sober. I have them all safe upon the ship."
"They had best find their wits again, for I shall have work for
every man of them ere the sun set. It is my intention, if it
seems good to you, to try a venture against these Norman and
Genoese rovers."
"They carry caviare and certain very noble spices from the Levant
aboard of ships from Genoa," quoth Sir Oliver.
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