"To think that thus ends all that once was gallant talk of fighting
under Talbot's banner," sighed Stephen, thoughtful for a moment.
"However, there's a good deal to come first."

"Yea, and what next?" said the elder brother.

"On to uncle Hal. I ever looked most to him. He will purvey me to
a page's place in some noble household, and get thee a clerk's or
scholar's place in my Lord of York's house. Mayhap there will be
room for us both there, for my Lord of York hath a goodly following
of armed men."

"Which way lies the road to London?"

"We must back into the town and ask, as well as fill our stomachs
and our wallets," said Ambrose. "Talk of their rule! The
entertaining of strangers is better understood at Silkstede than at
Hyde."

"Tush! A grudged crust sticks in the gullet," returned Stephen.
"Come on, Ambrose, I marked the sign of the White Hart by the
market-place. There will be a welcome there for foresters."

They returned on their steps past the dilapidated buildings of the
old Jewry, and presently saw the market in full activity; but the
sounds and sights of busy life where they were utter strangers, gave
Ambrose a sense of loneliness and desertion, and his heart sank as
the bolder Stephen threaded the way in the direction of a broad
entry over which stood a slender-bodied hart with gold hoofs, horns,
collar, and chain.