e to the
thrall-merchant, and trust me that if such a fair image as that we were
speaking of hath passed through his hands within these three months, he
will remember it; and then thou shalt have at least some tale of what
hath befallen her but a little while ago."

That seemed good rede to Ralph, and when they went on their way he rode
beside Clement, and asked him many things concerning Cheaping Knowe;
and at last about the thrall-market therein. And Clement said that,
though he dealt not in such wares, he had often seen them sold, and
knew the master of that market. And when Ralph asked if the said
master would answer questions concerning the selling of men and of
women, Clement smiled and said: "Yea, yea, he will answer; for as he
lives by selling thralls, and every time a thrall is sold by him he
maketh some gain by it, it is to his profit that they change masters as
often as may be; and when thou askest of the woman whom thou art
seeking, he will be deeming that there will be some new chaffer ahead.
I will bring thee to him, and thou shalt ask him of what thou wilt, and
belike he will tell thee quietly over the wine-cup."

Therewith was Ralph well content, and he grew eager to enter into the
town.

They came to the gates a little before sunset, after they had passed
through much fair country; but nigh to the walls it was bare of trees
and thickets, whereas, said Clement, they had been cut down lest they
should serve as cover to strong-thieves or folk assailing the town.
The walls were strong and tall, and a great castle stood high up on a
hill, about which the town was builded; so that if the town were taken
there would yet be another town within it to be taken also. But the
town within, save for the said castle, was scarce so fairly builded as
the worst of the towns which Ralph had seen erst, though there were a
many houses therein.

Much people was gathered about the gate to see the merchants enter with
banners displayed; and Ralph deemed many of the folk fair, such as were
goodly clad; for many had but foul clouts to cover their nakedness, and
seemed needy and hunger-pinched. Withal there were many warriors
amongst the throng, and most of these bore a token on their sleeves, to
wit, a sword reddened with blood. And Clement, speaking softly in
Ralph's ear, did him to wit that this was the token of the lord who had
gotten the castle in those days, and was tyrant of the town; and how
that he had so many m