THE EMBARKATION. 43

that I should be more than human did IJ uot. some-
what envy you your gaiety.’

‘Be gay, good Walter,’

Walter shock his head. —

‘Vain would be the effort,’ he replied, sadly; <I
can only pray to God and Holy Katherine to grant
that I may return with a lighter heart.’

‘As for me, continued Guy, ‘I am ever gay—-gay
as the laik; gay in the morning, gay at eve. It is my
nature so to bee My mother is a Frenchwoman—a
kinswoman of the Lord of Joinville-—and scaice
knows what sadnees is. I inherit her spirit; and I
doubt not that, if I am slain by the wanes I shall
die laughing.’

With this conversation they reacheil the quay, just
as Earl Patrick was stepping on board his ship, the
‘Hilda,’ which, if less graceful and elegant than the
vessels of modern times, was imposing to look upon
Adorned with painting and gilding, it had armovial
bearings and badges embroidered on various paris;
banners of gay and brilliant colours floated from the
masts; and the sails of azure and purple shone with
work of gold. Armour elittered on deck; and martial
music was not wanting to give variety to the display.

Meanwhile, amidst the bustle and shouts of the
crew, the ports of the vessel were opened to allow
the horses of the armed pilgrims to enter; and, as
the ports were under water when the vessel was at
sea, they were caulked and stopped up as close as a
tun of wine. This operation over, and all the adven-
turers embarked, the skipper raised his hand for
sileice.