And what of this White Company, archer ?" "Ah, sir, you speak of dogs," cried Aylward; "but there are a pack of lusty hounds who are ready for any quarry, if they have but a good huntsman to halloo them on.

Sir, we have been in the wars together, and I have seen many a brave following but never such a set of woodland boys as this.

They do but want you at their head, and who will bar the way to them!" "Pardieu!" said Sir Nigel, "if they are all like their messenger, they are indeed men of whom a leader may be proud.

Your name, good archer ?" "Sam Aylward, sir, of the Hundred of Easebourne and the Rape of Chichester." "And this giant behind you ?" "He is big John, of Hordle, a forest man, who hath now taken service in the Company." "A proper figure of a man at-arms," said the little knight.

"Why, man, you are no chicken, yet I warrant him the stronger man.