Publisher's Synopsis
Sir Daniel and his men lay in and about Kettley that night, warmly quartered and well patrolled. Butthe Knight of Tunstall was one who never rested from money-getting; and even now, when he wason the brink of an adventure which should make or mar him, he was up an hour after midnight tosqueeze poor neighbours. He was one who trafficked greatly in disputed inheritances; it was his wayto buy out the most unlikely claimant, and then, by the favour he curried with great lords about theking, procure unjust decisions in his favour; or, if that was too roundabout, to seize the disputedmanor by force of arms, and rely on his influence and Sir Oliver's cunning in the law to hold whathe had snatched. Kettley was one such place; it had come very lately into his clutches; he still metwith opposition from the tenants; and it was to overawe discontent that he had led his troops thatway.By two in the morning, Sir Daniel sat in the inn room, close by the fireside, for it was cold at thathour among the fens of Kettley. By his elbow stood a pottle of spiced ale. He had taken off hisvisored headpiece, and sat with his bald head and thin, dark visage resting on one hand, wrappedwarmly in a sanguine-coloured cloak. At the lower end of the room about a dozen of his men stoodsentry over the door or lay asleep on benches; and somewhat nearer hand, a young lad, apparently oftwelve or thirteen, was stretched in a mantle on the floor. The host of the Sun stood before thegreat man."Now, mark me, mine host," Sir Daniel said, "follow but mine orders, and I shall be your good lordever. I must have good men for head boroughs, and I will have Adam-a-More high constable; see toit narrowly. If other men be chosen, it shall avail you nothing; rather it shall be found to your sorecost. 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 toWalsingham upon compulsion. Nay, bully knight, I love not the rogue Walsinghams; they were aspoor as thieves, bully knight. Give me a great lord like you. Nay; ask me among the neighbours, Iam stout for Brackley.""It may be," said Sir Daniel, dryly. "Ye shall then pay twice."The innkeeper made a horrid grimace; but this was a piece of bad luck that might readily befall atenant in these unruly times, and he was perhaps glad to make his peace so easily."Bring up yon fellow, Selden!" cried the knight
