Yet all the fee simple of Tilford would scarce suffice
for one suit of plate.
Chandos, with his quick wit and knowledge of the world, had
guessed the cause of this sudden change. "If you fight under my
banner it is for me to find the weapons," said he. "Nay, I will
not be denied."
But Nigel shook his head sadly. "It may not be. The Lady
Ermyntrude would sell this old house and every acre round it, ere
she would permit me to accept this gracious bounty which you
offer. Yet I do not despair, for only last week I won for myself
a noble war-horse for which I paid not a penny, so perchance a
suit of armor may also come my way."
"And how won you the horse?"
"It was given me by the monks of Waverley."
"This is wonderful. Pardieu! I should have expected, from what I
had seen, that they would have given you little save their
malediction."
"They had no use for the horse, and they gave it to me."
"Then we have only to find some one who has no use for a suit of
armor and will give it to you. Yet I trust that you will think
better of it and let me, since that good lady proves that I am
your kinsman, fit you for the wars."
"I thank you, noble sir, and if I should turn to anyone it would
indeed be to you; but there are other ways which I would try
first. But I pray you, good Sir John, to tell me of some of your
noble spear-runnings against the French, for the whole land rings
with the tale of your deeds and I have heard that in one morning
three champions have fallen before your lance.
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