we shall meet again , where ye shall have more need of ale than masses . '' `` The saints so grant it , Master Dick ! '' returned the other . `` But here comes Sir Oliver . An he were as quick with the long-bow as with the pen , he would be a brave man-at-arms . '' Sir Oliver gave Dick a sealed packet , with this superscription : `` To my ryght worchypful master , Sir Daniel Brackley , knyght , be thys delyvered in haste . '' And Dick , putting it in the bosom of his jacket , gave the word and set forth westward up the village . BOOK I -- THE TWO LADS CHAPTER I -- AT THE SIGN OF THE SUN IN KETTLEY Sir Daniel and his men lay in and about Kettley that night , warmly quartered and well patrolled . But the Knight of Tunstall was one who never rested from money-getting ; and even now , when he was on the brink of an adventure which should make or mar him , he was up an hour after midnight to squeeze poor neighbours . He was one who trafficked greatly in disputed inheritances ; it was his way to buy out the most unlikely claimant , and then , by the favour he curried with great lords about the king , procure unjust decisions in his favour ; or , if that was too roundabout , to seize the disputed manor by force of arms , and rely on his influence and Sir Oliver 's cunning in the law to hold what he had snatched . Kettley was one such place ; it had come very lately into his clutches ; he still met with opposition from the tenants ; and it was to overawe discontent that he had led his troops that way . By two in the morning , Sir Daniel sat in the inn room , close by the fireside , for it was cold at that hour among the fens of Kettley . By his elbow stood a pottle of spiced ale . He had taken off his visored headpiece , and sat with his bald head and thin , dark visage resting on one hand , wrapped warmly in a sanguine-coloured cloak . At the lower end of the room about a dozen of his men stood sentry over the door or lay asleep on benches ; and somewhat nearer hand , a young lad , apparently of twelve or thirteen , was stretched in a mantle on the floor . The host of the Sun stood before the great man . `` Now , mark me , mine host , '' Sir Daniel said , `` follow but mine orders , and I shall be your good lord ever . I must have good men for head boroughs , and I will have Adam-a-More high constable ; see to it narrowly . If other men be chosen , it shall avail you nothing ; rather it shall be found to your sore cost . For those that have paid rent to Walsingham I shall take good measure -- you among the rest , mine host . ''
`` Good knight , '' said the host , `` I will swear upon the cross of Holywood I did but pay to XXXXX upon compulsion .
Adam-a-More Brackley Dick Sun Walsingham hour inheritances man-at-arms money-getting superscription