The two lads stopped, half turned, and then stood still, holding the
three buckets undecidedly.

In a moment all was uproar and confusion, for by this time every one
of the lads had arisen, some sitting on the edge of their beds, some
nearly, others quite dressed. A half-dozen of the Knights of the Rose
came over to where Myles stood, gathering in a body behind him and the
others followed, one after another.

The bachelors were hardly prepared for such prompt and vigorous action.

"What is to do?" cried one of them, who stood near the two lads with the
buckets. "Why fetch ye not the water?"

"Falworth says we shall not fetch it," answered one of the lads, a boy
by the name of Gosse.

"What mean ye by that, Falworth?" the young man called to Myles.

Myles's heart was beating thickly and heavily within him, but
nevertheless he spoke up boldly enough. "I mean," said he, "that from
henceforth ye shall fetch and carry for yourselves."

"Look'ee, Blunt," called the bachelor; "here is Falworth says they
squires will fetch no more water for us."

The head bachelor had heard all that had passed, and was even then
hastily slipping on his doublet and hose. "Now, then, Falworth," said he
at last, striding forward, "what is to do? Ye will fetch no more water,
eh? By 'r Lady, I will know the reason why."