as cannot read." He looked slyly at
me.

'"Then read it," said I, "and show thy learning." He was a vain little
man, and he gave it us after much mouthing.

'"The charm, which I think is from Virgilius the Sorcerer, says: 'When
thou art once dead, and Minos' (which is a heathen judge) 'has doomed
thee, neither cunning, nor speechcraft, nor good works will restore
thee!' A terrible thing! It denies any mercy to a man's soul!"

'"Does it serve?" said the pilgrim, plucking at Hugh's cloak. "Oh, man
of the King's blood, does it cover me?"

'Hugh was of Earl Godwin's blood, and all Sussex knew it, though no
Saxon dared call him kingly in a Norman's hearing. There can be but one
King.

'"It serves," said Hugh. "But the day will be long and hot. Better rest
here. We go forward now."

'"No, I will keep with thee, my kinsman," he answered like a child. He
was indeed childish through great age.

'The line had not moved a bowshot when De Aquila's great horn blew for a
halt, and soon young Fulke--our false Fulke's son--yes, the imp that
lit the straw in Pevensey Castle [See 'Old Men at Pevensey' in PUCK OF
POOK'S HILL.]--came thundering up a woodway.

'"Uncle," said he (though he was a man grown, he called me Uncle),
"those young Norman fools who shot at you this morn are saying that
your beaters cried treason against the King. It has come to Harry's long
ears, and he bids you give account of it. There are heavy fines in his
eye, but I am with you to the hilt, Uncle!" 'When the boy had fled back,
Hugh said to me: "It was Rahere's witless man that cried, ''Ware Red
William's arrow!' I heard him, and so did the Clerk of Netherfield."

'"Then Rahere must answer to the King for his man," said I. "Keep him by
you till I send," and I hastened down.

'The King was with De Aquila in the Grand Stand above Welansford down in
the valley yonder. His Court--knights and dames--lay glittering on the
edge of the glade. I made my homage, and Henry took it coldly. '"How
came your beaters to shout threats against me?" said he.

'"The tale has grown," I answered. "One old witless man cried out,
''Ware Red William's arrow,' when the young knights shot at our line. We
had two beaters hit."

'"I will do justice on that man," he answered. "Who is his master?"

'"He's Rahere's man," said I.

'"Rahere's?" said Henry. "Has my fool a fool?"

'I heard the bells jingle at the back of the stand, and a red leg waved
over it; then a black one.