The leech poured some cordial from a vial into a small silver cup and held
it to the boy's lips. It was potent and nigh took his breath away; but when
he had drunk it he struggled to his feet, looking ashamed and confused when
he saw himself the centre of attention of so many knights of the court.

"What is thy name, good lad?" the prince asked.

"I am known as Walter Fletcher."

"You are a brave lad," the prince said, "and if you bear you as well as a
man as you did but now, I would wish no better to ride beside me in the day
of battle. Should the time ever come when you tire of the peaceable life
of a citizen and wish to take service in the wars, go to the Tower and ask
boldly for the Prince of Wales, and I will enroll you among my own
men-at-arms, and I promise you that you shall have your share of fighting
as stark as that of the assault of yon heap. Now, my lords, let us ride on;
I crave your pardon for having so long detained you."

Walter was some days before he could again cross London Bridge to inform
his friend Geoffrey of the honour which had befallen him of being addressed
by the Prince of Wales. During the interval he was forced to lie abed, and
he was soundly rated by Master Giles for again getting into mischief.
Geoffrey was far more sympathetic, and said "Well, Walter, although I would
not that Gaffer Giles heard me say so, I think you have had a piece of rare
good fortune. It may be that you may never have cause to recall the young
prince's promise to him; but should you some day decide to embrace the
calling of arms, you could wish for nothing better than to ride behind the
Prince of Wales. He is, by all accounts, of a most noble and generous
disposition, and is said, young as he is, to be already highly skilled in
arms. Men say that he will be a wise king and a gallant captain, such a one