boys is more than I bargained for, and over and above to hinder this
wiseacre Ashton from ruining himself, or being ruined by _le Borgne
Basque_! What brought him here? I thought he was safe in Castile
with the Free Companions. I would let the oaf take his course, for
a wilful wrong-headed fool, but that it would scarce be doing good
service to Sir Reginald."

The Knights had nearly finished their meal, and the Squires having
served them with wine, returned to their own table, now freshly
supplied with meat, which the yeomen in their turn carved for them.
Gaston kept Leonard under his own eye till the party broke up.

On the way to the tent, he began to take him to task. "A proper
commencement! Did you take the Prince's pavilion for one of your
own island hostels, where men may freely brawl and use their fists
without fear of aught save the parish constable?"

"What business had he to tread on my foot?" growled Leonard.

"What business had your foot there? Was not your office, as I told
you, to stand ready to hand me whatever I might call for?"

"I was speaking a few words to another gentleman."

"The fewer words you speak to _le Borgne Basque_ the better, unless
you think it is Sir Reginald's pleasure that you should be instructed
in all the dicing and drinking in this camp, and unless you wish that
the crowns with which your father stored your pouch should jingle in
his pockets. It is well for you the Knight marked you not."