tle, while Alwyn was being entertained by
the captain of his men-at-arms. All rose to their feet when Sir Edmund
entered, but he waved his hand to them, to be seated.

"Finish your meal," he said, "and afterwards, if you will muster in the
courtyard, I will inspect you, and see what stout Northumberland men
Lord Percy has sent me."

He then went up to the top of the keep with Oswald, pointed out the
distant hills, and told him what valleys and villages lay among them,
and the direction in which such roads as there were ran. By the time
they had descended, Percy's men were drawn up in the courtyard.

"This is my uncle, Captain Alwyn Forster," Oswald said, "of whom Lord
Percy has written to you."

"I am glad to see so stout a soldier here," the knight said, holding
out his hand to Alwyn; "and I am grateful to Lord Percy for sending, in
answer to my request, one in whom he has such perfect confidence; and I
specially thank you for having willingly relinquished so important a
post, to head so small a following."

"I was glad to come, Sir Edmund, for I had rested so long, at Alnwick,
that I longed for some brisk action, and fell gladly into my lord's
view, when he requested me to come hither. I can answer for my men, for
they are all picked, by myself, from among the stoutest of Sir Henry's
following."

"That I can well believe," the knight said, as he looked at the twenty
troopers. "Tall, strong men all; and as brave as they are strong, I
doubt not. I shall be glad to have so stout a band to ride behind me,
if these Welshmen break out.

"You are all accustomed to border warfare, but this differs a good deal
from that in Northumberland. While the northern forays are mostly made
by horsemen, it is rare that your Welshman adventures himself on
horseback. But they are as active as your wild ponies, and as swift;
and, if the trouble increases, they will give you plenty to do.

"I learn from your lord's letter that you will be, as usual, under pay
from him while you are with me. I shall pay you as much more. 'Tis meet
that, if you render me service, I should see that you are comfortable,
and well contented."

There was a murmur of satisfaction among the men and, after
recommending them to the care of the captain of the garrison, and
bidding Alwyn speak in the name of his men, fearlessly, for anything
that should be lacking, Sir Edmund left the courtyard.

The seneschal of the castle, Sir John Wyncliffe, requested Oswa