The Armourer's Apprentice — page 9: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

7 ~). Y o> or. pw led the bow as easily as if it were a child’s toy one.” _ “Hark ye, my boy,” said the prince. “Let me si he hit the mark, using that bow, and I will promise you my protection. ome, to it at once.” | _ Stephen made no reply, but, taking the bow and a cloth shaft, stepped up to the looting-ground, raised and pulled the bow ith the greatest ease, one short pause of a second to take aim, and then the arrow sped on the wings of the wind and buried itself Close by the side of the other shaft. And now all the people shouted, even De Courcy and George Wynyard applauding amongst the loudest, for had not the prince noticed Stephen, and therefore noone dare grumble? St “Dis bravely done, and Richard Plan- ‘tagenet will keep his word. In token thereof, and as a means to remind me, Should I even in the cares of the state, or in the heat of battle, forget my word, ‘take this gemel ring, and never part with ‘it, save in a case of the greatest danger; then send it to me with what request you ‘wil, and I give you my royal word, if it be mm? py power, I will grant it. Come hither, ‘pretty maiden,” he continued, as he turned _to Alice, . “ Wear the wreath, and keep the Temembrance of the one who gave it thee _eyer fresh in thy heart, even when the roses are faded. He is worthy of thee. Now, Master Smith, my horse hath cast a shoe. Hast thou a smithy handy where thou canst show thy skill ?” _ “Thave, your highness, I have asmithy yonder. My armour shop is at the foot of Lonc on-bridge—that wonderful structure ' ¢ which the good Peter Colechurch is build- ing - or the good of the city.” . pe Abt I know it well—thy armour is famous. Thou shalt hear from us anon. Now lead the way to the smithy.” The prince was now joined by his retinue of armed men and attendants with their Horses and dogs, for Richard had been hunt- ing, and they all marched to the smithy, followed by the people. On 2 of the knights in attendance on the brince dropped a little behind so as to speak to Lord de Courcy, | _“ Algernon!” he whispered, as he leaned Over his saddlebow so as to be nearer the young mat ear. ‘“ Algernon, whois that * Tknow not; some base-born cur, uncle, with whom J will be equal in spite of Prince duchard. I hate him, uncle!” A dark scowl came over the grim features of the knight as he made answer. _ Right; buf mark me, he is no base-born hurl, I have only known one person who, at that lad’s age, could have pulled that bow. You see this scar?” Here he pointed x A 8 acar which disfigured his right cheek. . > + A : * - 7 wy a . i> ys ; ~~ L 4 eS * . 5 she. 4 . 1 7¥ 2 ff dj : 2 : hd °C aes ela ce | PROLOGUE. : a , | + Zz “He gave me that, I was revenged, but not enough. I have sworn revenge whose veins hold one drop of Bidulph de Boischene.” against all in is blood. If my suspicions be true, I will yet have another victim as sure as I am called By this time they had arrived at the smithy, and old {gon Arm, assisted by Stephen, soon shod the prince’s horse in a manner which called forth even that Warrior's admiration. Then, as the prince mounted, Stephen wine as & stirrup cup. “What age art thou ?” demanded the rince, “ About seventeen, your highness,” replied the youth. “Thou art a brave boy, and stalwart, though somewhat short for thy age. But time will change that. Wouldst thou like to follow me to the wars ?” “Aye, marry, my lord—that should I!” cried Stephen, eagerly. “What say you, Master Smith—shall I take the boy? I will see to his future.” “Your highness, if I had my own will in the matter I should say take the boy and a good riddance, for I like not bo not in my power.” “How so?” ys; but itis stepped forward and proffered him a cup of “When hisfatherdiedhemademepromisa that I would not part with the lad until he I must keep was twenty-one years of age. my word to the dead.” “Be it so. Meanwhile, Will o’ the Bow, see that the youth keeps up his martial spirits, and you, Master Smith, treat the boy kindly. When he is twenty-one he will hear more from us. Gentlemen, forward !” And the cavalcade rode off, leaving Stephen lost in wonder and amazement, little thinking that in that day he had made both powerful friends and foe. CHAPTER I, THR APPRENTICE COMES OF AGE—THE | KINGS WARRANT. OUR years had passed, not quickly for F Stephen Sternhold, for, although Iron Arm had ceased to annoy him as he used to do, yet he had quietly shown greater dislike than ever to the youth, But Alice, in spite of all her father’s remonstrances, had confessed her love to Stephen, and they were engaged. Of Prince Richard, Stephen had seen ’ scarcely anything, but now and then the © arm-bearers and squires of the royal prince had sought out the armourer’s igs ee m.£, ordered both weapons and coats o of great value, and these welcome vispfeng (EO) mm \e 0)(0)(6) <S (El)