"I like it greatly, sir, but shall like still more the time when
I can buckle on armour and take a share of the fighting with
the infidels. I would fain, sir, offer to you my deep and humble
thanks for the great kindness you have shown me in procuring me
the appointment of page to the grand master."

The knight smiled kindly. "There are the less thanks due, lad,
inasmuch as I did it not for you, but for the dear friend who wrote
to me on your behalf. However, I trust that you will do credit to
my nomination by your conduct here."

"There is a letter from our grand prior which I have brought to
you," Sir Guy said. "He commended the lad to me warmly, and seems
to be greatly pleased with his conduct."

D'Aubusson cut the silken string that bound the missive together,
and read the letter.

"He does indeed speak warmly," he said, as he laid it down on the
table.

"He tells me that the lad, young as he was, had been well trained
when he came, and that he worked with great diligence during
the five months he was in the House, and displayed such skill and
strength for his age, as to surprise his preceptors, who prophesied
that he would turn out a stout swordsman, and would be a credit
to the Order."

"He is well furnished with garments both for ordinary and state