There would be no fear of any honest man coming to his end thereby; but now to bed, lad.

You can tell me all about it tomorrow; but we have a rare day's work before us, and the fire must be alight at daybreak." On his way back Walter had debated with himself whether to inform his master of what had happened.

He was, however, bent upon having an adventure on his own account, and it was a serious thing in those days for an apprentice lad to bring an accusation against a noble.

The city would not indeed allow even an apprentice to be overridden, and although Geoffrey Ward's forge stood beyond the city walls it was yet within the liberties, the city allowing its craftsmen to open shops just outside the gates, and to enjoy the same privileges as if dwelling actually within the walls.
On the following afternoon Walter asked leave to cease work an hour earlier than usual, as he wished to go across into the city.

The armourer was surprised, since this was the first time that such a thing had happened since the lad had worked for him.
"What are you up to, Walter ?--some mischief, I will be bound.