Come, archers, let us leave these salt herrings in their pickle
tub and try our luck out on the water."

The three archers at once ranged themselves on the same
side as their comrade. They were bronzed, bearded men,
short in stature, as were most Englishmen of that day, but
hardy, strong and skilled with their weapons. Each drew
his string from its waterproof case and bent the huge arc
of his war-bow as he fitted it into the nocks.
" Now, master, we are at your back," said they as they
pulled and tightened their sword-belts.
But already Cock Badding had been carried away by the



Nigel Chased the Red Ferret 173

hot lust of battle and had thrown aside every fear and doubt
which had clouded him. To see a fight and not to be in it
was more than he could bear.
" Nay, have it your own way ! " he cried, " and may Saint
Leonard help us, for a madder venture I have never seen !
And yet it may be worth the trial. But if it be done let me
have the handling of it, little master, for you know no more
of a boat than I do of a war-horse. The skiff can bear five
and not a man more. Now, who will come ? "

They had all caught fire, and there was not one who would
be left out.
