as his father pressed hard on his foot; "it was all in your ear,
for as he lay on your breast, his voice grew so faint, that I could
hear little through my helmet."

"Nay, Master Ashton," said John Ingram, pressing forward, "if I
remember right, you had thrown off your helmet, saying it was as
hot as a copper cauldron; and besides, our good Knight, when he
said those words touching Master Arthur, raised himself up
somewhat, and spoke out louder, as if that we might all hear and
bear witness."

"No witness beyond your own train, Sir Eustace?" said Clarenham.

"None," said Eustace, "excepting one whose word even you will scarcely
dare to dispute, Sir Bertrand du Guesclin."

"I dispute no man's word, Sir Eustace," said Fulk; "I only say that
until the claim which you allege be proved in the King's Court, I am
the lawful guardian of the lands and person of the heir of Lynwood.
The Lord Chancellor Wykeham may weigh the credit to be attached to
the witness of this highly respectable Esquire, or this long-eared
man-at-arms, or may send beyond seas for the testimony of Du Guesclin:
in the meantime, I assume my office. Come here, boy."

"I will not come to you, Lord Fulk," said Arthur; "or when I do, it
shall be sword in hand to ask for an account for the tears you have
made my sweet mother shed."

"Bred up in the same folly!" said Fulk. "Once more, Sir Eustace,
will you yield him to me, or must I use force?"