I fear that mine would be of little use; but doubtless there are some smaller suits among my friends." "The simpler and lighter the better," Cuthbert said.

"I'd rather have a light coat of mail and a steel cap, than heavy armour and a helmet that would press me down and a visor through which I could scarcely see.

The lighter the better, for after all if my sword cannot keep my head, sooner or later the armour would fail to do so too." The armourer speedily arrived, and the knights and followers of the earl being called in and the case stated, there was soon found a coat of fine linked mail, which fitted Cuthbert well.

As to the steel cap, there was no difficulty whatever.
"You must have a plume at least," the earl said, and took some feathers from his own casque and fastened them in.

"Will you want a light sword and battle-axe ?" "No," Cuthbert said, "my arms are pretty well used to those of the men-at-arms.