a man known and honored from end to end of Europe! Nigel gazed at
him as one who sees a vision. The archers stood back abashed,
while the monks crowded closer to stare at the famous soldier of
the French wars. The Abbot abated his tone, and a smile came to
his angry face.

"We are indeed men of peace, Sir John, and little skilled in
warlike blazonry," said he; "yet stout as are our Abbey walls,
they are not so thick that the fame of your exploits has not
passed through them and reached our ears. If it be your pleasure
to take an interest in this young and misguided Squire, it is not
for us to thwart your kind intention or to withhold such grace as
you request. I am glad indeed that he hath one who can set him so
fair an example for a friend."

"I thank you for your courtesy, good father Abbot," said Chandos
carelessly. "This young Squire has, however, a better friend than
myself, one who is kinder to those he loves and more terrible to
those he hates. It is from him I bear a message."

"I pray you, fair and honored sir," said Nigel, "that you will
tell me what is the message that you bear."

"The message, mon ami, is that your friend comes into these parts
and would have a night's lodging at the manor house of Tilford for
the love and respect that he bears your family."

"Nay, he is most welcome," said Nigel, "and yet I hope that he is
one who can relish a soldier's fare and sleep under a humble roof,
for indeed we can but give our best, poor as it is."