obeys my orders, and has made himself well liked by the men,
and I willingly trust Eustace with him, since the boy is of
a grave clerkly sort of turn, and under my own eye; but it is
for you to do as you will with your son."

"Is he of honourable birth?" asked Sir Philip.

"At least he bears coat armour," answered Reginald. "His shield
is _gules_, a wolf _passant_, _or_, and I have heard strange tales
of his father, Beranger d'Aubricour, the Black Wolf of the Pyrenees,
as he was called, one of the robber noblesse of the Navarrese
border; but I have little time for such matters, and they do not
dwell in my mind. If I find a man does his duty in my service, I
care not whence he comes, nor what his forefathers may have been.
I listen to no such idle tales; but I thought it best to warn you
that I answer not for all the comrades your son may find in my
troop."

"Many thanks, noble Sir Reginald; under such care as yours he
cannot fail to prosper; I am secure of his welfare in your hands.
One word more, Sir Reginald, I pray you. You are all-powerful
with Prince Edward. My poor boy's advancement is in your hand.
One word in his favour to the Prince--a hint of the following I
could send his pennon--"

"Sir Philip," said Reginald, "you overrate my influence, and
underrate the Prince's judgment, if you imagine aught save personal
merit would weigh with him. Your son shall have every opportunity
of deserving his notice, but whether it be favourable or not must
depend on himself. If you desire more, you must not seek it of me."