man; and, blushing again, she made haste to give me some of the provision
she had made for her journey.

So I ate and drank, she waiting on me very gently; but now, being weary
of painful writing, and hearing the call to the refectory, and the
brethren trampling thither, I must break off, for, if I be late, they
will sconce me of my ale. Alas! it is to these little cares of creature
comforts that I am come, who have seen the face of so many a war, and
lived and fought on rat's flesh at Compiegne.




CHAPTER IV--IN WHAT COMPANY NORMAN LESLIE ENTERED CHINON; AND HOW HE
DEMEANED HIMSELF TO TAKE SERVICE


Not seemly, was it, that I should expect these kind people, even though
they were of my own country, to do more for me than they had already
done. So, when I had eaten and drunk, I made my obeisance as if I would
be trudging towards Chinon, adding many thanks, as well I might.

"Nay, countryman," said the man, "for all that I can see, you may as well
bide a while with us; for, indeed, with leave of my graceless maid, I
think we may even end our wild-goose chase here and get us back to the
town."

Seeing me marvel, perhaps, that any should have ridden some four miles or
five, and yet speak of returning, he looked at the girl, who was playing
with the jackanapes, and who smiled at him as he spoke. "You must know,"