“I trust on the right side,” says he. “I am for the Parliament,” says I, stoutly. “Aye, and Sir Nicholas is a staunch King and Church man,” he says. “Well, well--so you differed on that point, eh?” “Something like it,” says I. “He would have had me go into garrison at Pomfret Castle under Sir Jarvis Cutler.” “A man must never give up his principles,” says he. “You stood by yours, of course, Dick?” “As you see,” says I, feeling somewhat important, and being foolishly willing to parade it. “I fear the old knight will disinherit thee, Dick,” says he, regarding me closely. “Even as he did me some seven years ago because I dared to contradict him on some trifling matter. ’Tis a touchy old cock, and can ill bide opposition from any man.” “Faith,” says I, “Can he bide it from a woman? He is like to have it in plenty if I know aught,” I says, the memory of my little scene with Mistress Alison still fresh in my mind. “Oh!” says he. “Is he so? And how may that be, Dick?” “He has sent for Alison French,” says I, draining my cup. “Our cousin Alison, eh?” says he, still curious. “Aye, he had always a tender spot in his heart for the lass.” “Will he preserve it?” says I. “She has the sharpest tongue that e’er I heard.” He looked at me with interest. “I ha’nt seen her this two year,” says he. “She bade fair to be a fine woman.” “Fine enough,” says I. “But preserve me from her tongue--’tis keen as a newly-whetted sword.” “You seem to bear some lively recollection on’t,” says he, looking at me with amusement. “Well, well--I seem to have come home to some strange news. But thou art not off, man--sit out another jug of ale with me.” “I must be gone,” says I. “I am riding south.” “And I am for my old ruin of a house,” he answers. “I have not set eyes on’t this two year, Dick. I must see to it, I doubt--and then for the wars.” “Belike we shall meet there,” says I, and shakes him by the hand and goes out to my horse. As I rode away from the inn I saw him come to the door and gaze after me. He threw me a wave of his hand as I turned the corner. II.