camaradas, and for my part I
heartily rejoice thereat. A braver heart than thine never beat under
steel corselet, or truer hand wielded a sharp sword."

"I thank you, Sir Christopher, for your good opinion," said the
soldier, "but I have seen little service since we parted among the
Turbans, of whom somehow your wine sets me a thinking, at all to my
mind. As for fighting these naked savages, who have nothing but
children's bows and stone hatchets, while our men-at-arms are clad in
bullet-proof steel from head to heel, methinks there is little manhood
required therefor, and for what I have done in that way, I confess
myself somewhat ashamed."

"It doth please me to hear thee speak thus, Philip," replied the
knight. True valor is ever joined with generosity, and despises to
take advantage of superior strength to crush the weaker. But fear not
that I have any service of the kind for thee. I came not among these
innocent natives to bring a sword, but the olive branch of peace. I
would see them peaceful, and united, and happy, not broken into
hostile clans, and delighting in murdering one another."

"I spoke not," said the soldier, "as desiring to make terms with you,
Sir Christopher, well knowing that you would ask nothing which an
honest man would be unwilling to perform, and am only too happy to
enter your service."

"So be it, Philip," said the knight. "Henceforth be here thy home."

"Truly," exclaimed the soldier, stretching out his legs with a sigh of
relief, "there is some difference between lying in a prison, or even
talking with Master Spikeman in the bushes, as I did but just now, and
being with good wine and noble gentlemen."

"Didst meet on thy way that most puritanical of Puritans, the praying,
cheating, canting, hypocritical, long-faced Master Spikeman?" cried
Arundel. "I wonder what new mischief he hath now on foot, for it is
his meat?"

"Master Miles Arundel," said the knight, "thy language is too
intemperate to be excused even by thy youth. Check the bitterness of
thine expression, and know that he who rules his own spirit is greater
than he who wins a kingdom."

A flash of haughty resentment lighted up the eyes of the young man at
the reproof, but as he saw that no offence was designed, he answered:

"I expect never to win a kingdom, but as for this villain--"

"Peace, I entreat thee, my young friend," interrupted Sir Christopher.
"I am curious to hear of Philip's treatment in his confinement, i