Now, Perronel might do what she would with him—he cared not.
And what she did was to set forth with him for Hampshire, on a pair of stout mules with a strong serving-man behind them.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE SOLDIER
“Of a worthy London prentice
My purpose is to speak,
And tell his brave adventures
Done for his country’s sake.
Seek all the world about
And you shall hardly find
A man in valour to exceed
A prentice’ gallant mind.”
The Homes of a London Prentice.
Six more years had passed over the Dragon court, when, one fine summer evening, as the old walls rang with the merriment of the young boys at play, there entered through the gateway a tall, well-equipped, soldierly figure, which caught the eyes of the little armourer world in a moment. “Oh, that’s a real Milan helmet!” exclaimed the one lad.
“And oh, what a belt and buff coat!” cried another.
The subject of their admiration advanced muttering, “As if I’d not been away a week,” adding, “I pray you, pretty lads, doth Master Alderman Headley still dwell here?”
“Yea, sir, he is our grandfather,” said the elder boy, holding a lesser one by the shoulder as he spoke.
“Verily! And what may be your names?”