Such service demandeth rich reward. Name thy desire, and so it be within the

compass of my royal power, it is thine.'

This fantastic suggestion startled Hendon out of his reverie. He was about to

Thank the king and put the matter aside with saying he bad only done his duty

And desired no reward, but a wiser thought came into his head, and he asked

Leave to be silent a few moments and consider the gracious offer — an idea

Which the king gravely approved, remarking that it was best to be not too

Hasty with a thing of such great import.

Miles reflected during some moments, then said to himself, 'Yes, that is the

Thing to do — by any other means it were impossible to get at it — and certes,

this hour's experience has taught me 'twould be most wearing and

inconvenient to continue it as it is. Yes, I will propose it; 'twas a happy

accident that I did not throw the chance away.' Then he dropped upon one

knee and said:

'My poor service went not beyond the limit of a subject's simple duty, and

Therefore hath no merit; but since your majesty is pleased to hold it worthy

Some reward, I take heart of grace to make petition to this effect. Near four

Hundred years ago, as your grace knoweth, there being ill blood betwixt John,

King of England, and the king of France, it was decreed that two champions

Should fight together in the lists, and so settle the dispute by what is called the