flesh-pots and the cake-board, and thou shalt see my dream come true
presently to thy gain.'

Quoth another voice: 'Kettel hath had out that share of his dream
already belike, if the saw sayeth sooth about cooks. All ye have
been away, so belike he hath done as Rafe's dog when Rafe ran away
from the slain buck.'

He laughed therewith, and Kettel with him, and a third voice joined
the laughter. The young man also laughed and said: 'Here I bring
the venison which my kinsman desired; but as ye see I have brought it
over-late: but take it, Kettel. When cometh my father from the
stithy?'

Quoth Kettel: 'My lord hath been hard at it shaping the Yule-tide
sword, and doth not lightly leave such work, as ye wot, but he will
be here presently, for he has sent to bid us dight for supper
straightway.'

Said the young man: 'Where are there lords in the dale, Kettel, or
hast thou made some thyself, that thou must be always throwing them
in my teeth?'

'Son of the Alderman,' said Kettel, 'ye call me Kettel, which is no
name of mine, so why should I not call thee lord, which is no dignity
of thine, since it goes well over my tongue from old use and wont?
But here comes my mate of the kettle, and the women and lads. Sit
down by the hearth away from their hurry, and I will fetch thee the
hand-water.'