CHAPTER VI
THE MASTER-PLAYER

E had trim, straight legs, this stranger, and a slen-
der, lithe body in a tawny silken jerkin. Square-
shouldered, too, was he, and over one shoulder hung a
plum-colored cloak bordered with gold braid. His long
hose were the color of his cloak, and his shoes were russet
leather, with rosettes of plum, and such high heels as Nick
had never seen before. His bonnet was of tawny velvet,
with a chain twisted round it, fastened by a jeweled brooch
through which was thrust a curly cock-feather. A fine
white Holland-linen shirt peeped through his jerkin at the
throat, with a broad lace collar; and his short hair curled
erisply all over his head. He had a little pointed beard,
and the ends of his mustache were twisted so that they
stood up fiercely on either side of his sharp nose. At his
side was a long Italian poniard in a sheath of russet leather
and silver filigree, and he had a reckless, high and mighty

fling about his stride that strangely took the eye.

Nick stood, all taken by surprise, and stared.
The stranger seemed to like it, but scowled nevertheless.
8 33