Thus humbly he walked slowly up the hall, while his men-at-arms stood about the door.

When he had come to where the Prior sat, he knelt upon one knee.

"Save and keep thee, Sir Prior," said he, "I am come to keep my day." Then the first word that the Prior said to him was "Hast thou brought my money ?" "Alas! I have not so much as one penny upon my body," said the Knight; whereat the Prior's eyes sparkled.
"Now, thou art a shrewd debtor, I wot," said he.

Then, "Sir Sheriff, I drink to thee." But still the Knight kneeled upon the hard stones, so the Prior turned to him again.

"What wouldst thou have ?" quoth he sharply.
At these words, a slow red mounted into the Knight's cheeks; but still he knelt.