'Then it was you who brought the King's silk stocking to be washed! But were you not a great deal taller then than now?' 'What of that? Were not you a great deal shorter?' 'That is true,' murmured Raymond, struck by the justness of the remark. 'True as gold!' added the dwarf, with another chuckle. 'And so you want to go to London?' he continued suddenly. Raymond started. 'I have been thinking of it,' he said; 'but now----' 'Nonsense! You want to go now as much as before you went to the Brindled Cow, and I am the only person in the world that can help you do it.' 'But how did you know----' 'Pooh! I know everything. Weren't you thinking of me at the very moment you kissed her? There--no more words! Are you ready to start? Speak up.' But Raymond drew back, startled and mystified. Seeing this, the dwarf altered his tone, and from being abrupt and overbearing became friendly and familiar. 'Come, my dear boy,' he said, laying his great claw on Raymond's arm. 'Men must be men; we mustn't let ourselves be ordered about by a parcel of women. Would you let a few kisses and keepsakes stand in the way of your ambition? How many years has she waited for you? Let her wait twenty-four hours longer. Besides, if you don't go now you will never go at all. Rosamond--trust me--will like you none the less when she sees you the greatest man in England. Come, now. I can put in your hands a power before which the whole world bows: will you take it or not? I shan't offer it twice.' Now, Raymond had a secret suspicion that something was wrong in all this; for why should a stranger be so anxious to confer an inestimable boon upon him? And yet London was but seven miles off. He could get back that very night if need be. It would be a pity to lose this chance after having waited for it so long. It could do no harm; it was worth trying. 'I think I will,' passed through Raymond's mind. 'I knew you would!' exclaimed the dwarf at once, as if Raymond had spoken aloud. 'But we must lose no time, for you must be in London by five; that is the hour when the Seven Brethren assemble. So--off with your doublet!' 'Why must I take my doublet off?' 'To exchange with me. Mine is the same as yours--the only difference is in the lining. Try it.' 'But it's too small,' objected Raymond. 'It will fit whomsoever is lucky enough to get it,' said the dwarf, wagging his big head confidently. 'Let me help you--first this arm--then this--and there you are.' And there Raymond was, sure enough, as neatly fitted as if he had been to the Court tailor. 'And now, my dear Raymond,' continued the dwarf affably, 'I must trouble you to carry me across the ford. One--two--and there we are!' And before the astonished young man had time to remonstrate his new friend had sprang upon his shoulders, wound his long arms about his neck, and was urging him into the water.