"If you please," said John politely, "we go upon a Journey to the King,
and we seek shelter. Will you let us sleep in your stable, friend?"

"Sleep in my stable!" muttered the man, "a beggar with a band of outlaw
animals! A wolf and a bear! No, indeed. I have too much respect for
the safety of my cattle and for the King's laws."

He was about to shut the door in John's face. But the lad had a sudden
thought. He would try at this first place the value of the Hermit's
hint.

"Stay," he said, "one moment, friend." Fumbling in his breast, he drew
out the silver medal which he wore about his neck. "I was to show
this--" he began.

But he saw the man start, and, shading his lantern with his hands, peer
more closely at the object. Then he stared at John's face with wonder.

"In God's name!" exclaimed the man, "who are you who travel with this
strange company?"

John looked almost as surprised as he. "A poor pilgrim, on the King's
errand," he said. "We ask only a corner of your stable with a bed of
straw to lie on. Give us shelter, kind friend, and to-morrow speed us
on our way."

The man still stared at John as though he saw a fairy. But now he
threw the door wide open. "Enter," he said. "I cannot refuse you.
Enter my house. You shall have a bed and supper, fair boy; but what of