was in hand for the King, which fully bore out his words.

"And thou thinkst Kit can rule the lads!" said the alderman, scarce
willingly.

"One of them at least can rule himself," said Tibble. "They have both
been far more discreet since the fright they got on Ill May day; and, as
for Stephen, he hath seemed to me to have no eyes nor thought save for
his work of late."

"I have marked him," said the master, "and have marvelled what ailed the
lad. His merry temper hath left him. I never hear him singing to keep
time with his hammer, nor keeping the court in a roar with his gibes. I
trust he is not running after the new doctrine of the hawkers and
pedlars. His brother was inclined that way."

"There be worse folk than they, your worship," protested Tib, but he did
not pursue their defence, only adding, "but 'tis not that which ails
young Stephen. I would it were!" he sighed to himself, inaudibly.

"Well," said the good-natured alderman, "it may be he misseth his
brother. The boys will care for this raree-show more than thou or I,
Tib! We've seen enough of them in our day, though verily they say this
is to surpass all that ever were beheld!"

The question of who was to go had not been hitherto decided, and Giles
and Stephen were both so excited at being chosen that all low spirits
and moodiness were dispelled, and the work which went on almost all
night was merrily got through. The Dragon court was in a perpetual
commotion with knights, squires, and grooms, coming in with orders for
new armour, or for old to be furbished, and the tent-makers, lorimers,
mercers, and tailors had their hands equally full. These lengthening
mornings heard the hammer ringing at sunrise, and in the final rush,
Smallbones never went to bed at all. He said he should make it up in
the waggon on the way to Dover. Some hinted that he preferred the clang
of his hammer to the good advice his Bet lavished on him at every
leisure moment to forewarn him against French wine-pots.

The alderman might be content with the party he sent forth, for Kit had
hardly his equal in size, strength, and good humour. Giles had
developed into a tall, comely young man, who had got rid of his country
slouch, and whose tall figure, light locks, and ruddy cheeks looked well
in the new suit which gratified his love of finery, sober-hued as it
needs must be. Stephen was still bound to the old prentice garb, though
it could not conceal his good mien, the br