vice, against the Welsh, than spending his time in idleness, here.
He has been too long used to a life on horseback to rest contented to
be cooped up in a castle. Besides, there will be a good opportunity of
distinguishing himself, and of learning something of a warfare even
wilder, and more savage, than that in these northern marches."

"I should like much to have him with me, my lord. Methinks that he has
the making of a right good knight; and, young as he is, I am sure that
his head is better than mine, and I should not be too proud to take
counsel of him, if needs be."

"That is settled then, Alwyn. Choose your men, and set off tomorrow
morning. Ralph Peyton, your lieutenant, shall take the command of the
garrison until you return."

Oswald was delighted when his uncle told him of the mission with which
he was charged, and that he himself was to accompany him.

"You are to have the choice of the men-at-arms, Uncle?"

"Yes, Oswald. I know what you are going to say. You would like to have
that mad monk of yours, as one of them."

"That should I, Uncle. You have no stouter man-at-arms in all your
band, and he has proved that he can be discreet when he chooses, and
did me good service in my last expedition."

"Very well, lad, we will take him. I will send one of the men over, at
once, for him to join us on the road tomorrow. I shall choose young and
active fellows, of whom we have plenty. I have never fought against the
Welsh; but they are light footed, and agile, and their country is full
of hills and swamps. The older men would do as good service here, were
the castle besieged in our absence; of which, however, there is but
slight chance; but for work against the Welsh, they would be of little
use."

Hotspur himself spoke to Oswald, that evening.

"Here is a missive to give to Sir Edmund Mortimer. I have commended you
to him, telling him that, though young, there is not one of my squires
in whom I could more implicitly trust; and that you had carried out a
delicate mission for me, with rare discretion and courage. Your uncle,
as an old retainer, and a good fighter, and the captain of my garrison,
goes in command of the men-at-arms, and in regular fighting one could
need no better officer; but in such warfare as that against the Welsh
is like to be, yours will be the better head to plan, and as my squire
you will represent me. I have specially commended you to him, as one
always to be depended upon."

"I am