`` He is no friend to me , or to Odo my hound either . '' ' `` No matter , '' said De Aquila . `` Let him never know thou canst tell one letter from its fellow , and '' -- here he jerked us in the ribs with his scabbard -- `` watch him , both of ye . There be devils in Africa , as I have heard , but by the Saints , there be greater devils in Pevensey ! '' And that was all he would say . ` It chanced , some small while afterwards , a Norman man-at-arms would wed a Saxon wench of the Manor , and Gilbert -LRB- we had watched him well since De Aquila spoke -RRB- doubted whether her folk were free or slave . Since De Aquila would give them a field of good land , if she were free , the matter came up at the justice in Great Hall before De Aquila . First the wench 's father spoke ; then her mother ; then all together , till the hall rang and the hounds bayed . De Aquila held up his hands . `` Write her free , '' he called to Gilbert by the fireplace . `` A ' God 's name write her free , before she deafens me ! Yes , yes , '' he said to the wench that was on her knees at him ; `` thou art Cerdic 's sister , and own cousin to the Lady of Mercia , if thou wilt be silent . In fifty years there will be neither Norman nor Saxon , but all English , '' said he , `` and these are the men that do our work ! '' He clapped the man-at-arms that was Jehan 's nephew on the shoulder , and kissed the wench , and fretted with his feet among the rushes to show it was finished . -LRB- The Great Hall is always bitter cold . -RRB- I stood at his side ; Hugh was behind Gilbert in the fireplace making to play with wise rough Odo . He signed to De Aquila , who bade Gilbert measure the new field for the new couple . Out then runs our Gilbert between man and maid , his beads clashing at his waist , and the Hall being empty , we three sit by the fire . ` Said Hugh , leaning down to the hearthstones , `` I saw this stone move under Gilbert 's foot when Odo snuffed at it . Look ! ''
De Aquila digged in the ashes with his sword ; the stone tilted ; beneath it lay a parchment folden , and the writing atop was : `` Words spoken against the King by our Lord of XXXXX -- the second part . ''
Africa Aquila Cerdic English Norman Odo Pevensey Saints fire years