hostelry until he had seen his kinsman, Le Balafré, also left the
apartment.

Within a short time Ludovic Lesly, or Le Balafré (as he was generally
known), a robust hard-featured soldier upwards of six feet high, was
announced.

Quentin greeted his uncle, and the following day the as taken before
Lord Crawford, the commander of the Scottish Archers, the king's
bodyguard, and enrolled in that honourable corps as esquire to Le
Balafré.


_II.--The Scottish Archer_


Quentin, accompanying his uncle into the presence-chamber of Louis XI.,
started so suddenly that he almost dropped his weapon when he recognised
in the King of France the merchant, Maître Pierre. No less astonished
was he when the king, whose quick eye had at once discovered him, walked
straight to the place where he was posted, and addressing Le Balafré,
said: "Your kinsman is a fair youth, though fiery. We love to cherish
such spirits, and mean to make more than ever we did of the brave men
who are around us."

A boar-hunt, wherein the life of Louis was saved from imminent danger by
the courage and dexterity of Quentin Durward, brought the young Scot
still further into royal favour: "Thou hast begun thy wood-craft well,"
said the king; "and Maître Pierre owes thee as good an entertainment as
he gave thee in the village yonder. I like thee, and will do thee good.