"Who are you, fellows, to stand covered when your Emperor passes?"
"E' God, he is no Emperor of mine. I am an Englishman," said the archer, defiantly; but he nevertheless removed his steel cap and stood uncovered, as did Conrad.
The Emperor paused before them, and the procession behind him came to an instant stand. Rodolph with difficulty repressed a smile as he looked down upon his former followers. The officer was about to lay hold of the archer for his truculent reply and his disrespectful behaviour, but Rodolph held up his hand and the other fell back.
"I think," said Rodolph, doubtfully, "I have seen you before."
"In truth, my Lord—that is, your Majesty," replied Surrey, scratching his bare, perplexed head, while he held his steel cap upturned under his other arm, "I am less certain that I ever met your Lordship—again I mean, your Majesty,—before."
"It may be I am mistaken, but you seem to me a silent man, not prone to talk, especially of the affairs of others, and I take you to be an archer from the packet of arrows on your back. I have need of a skilful, modest man, and I possess a regiment of archers awaiting your instruction. Having hoped to meet you again I gave certain commands concerning you, one of which is that my treasurer fill with gold your head piece, which you hold so awkwardly and invitingly; so, see to it that they give you good measure; if they do not, make complaint to me when I return. Still, I give you fair choice, and should you prefer to ride with me for several days to come, you shall have your wish, if you but give it utterance."
A rueful grimace came over the archer's face at the mention of horsemanship.
"I am well content, my Majesty—I mean your Lord—I will give the regiment the instruction they perhaps need, your Majesty."
"This is the skilful fellow I told you of. Take charge of him and see that he has no cause to be dissatisfied with his change of position."
To Conrad, Baron von Brunfels spoke: