At their head rode a very large and solemn man with a long chin and a drooping lip.

He wore a fur tippet round his neck and a heavy gold chain over it, with a medallion which dangled in front of him.
"Welcome, most puissant and noble lord," he cried, doffing his bonnet to Black Simon.

"I have heard of your lordship's valiant deeds, and in sooth they might be expected from your lordship's face and bearing.

Is there any small matter in which I may oblige you ?" "Since you ask me," said the man-at-arms, "I would take it kindly if you could spare a link or two of the chain which hangs round your neck." "What, the corporation chain!" cried the other in horror.

"The ancient chain of the township of Lepe! This is but a sorry jest, Sir Nigel." "What the plague did you ask me for then ?" said Simon.