Page 50 - A Knight of the White Cross

accustomed at the House in London. Some of the lads were fighting with
blunted swords, others were swinging heavy bars of iron, climbing ropes,

or vaulting on to the back of a wooden horse. All paused as the official
entered with his charge.

"This is your new comrade, boys," he said -- "Master Gervaise Tresham, a
member of the English langue. Be good comrades to him. By the reports I

hear I am sure that you will find him a worthy companion."

The pages had been prepared to like the newcomer, for it was well known
that he owed his appointment to the bailiff of Auvergne, who was the most
popular of the officials of the Order, and who was already regarded as the

grand master. His appearance confirmed their anticipation. His fair
complexion and nut brown hair tinged with gold, cut somewhat short, but

with a natural wave, contrasted with their darker locks and faces bronzed
by the sun. There was an honest and frank look in his grey eyes, and an
expression of good temper on his face, though the square chin and firm lips

spoke of earnestness and resolution of purpose. The official took him round
the circle and presented him first to the knights and then to each of his

comrades.

"You may as well join them in their exercises. In that way you will sooner

become at home with them."

Gervaise at once laid down his mantle, removed his doublet, and then
joined the others. There was but one half hour remaining before they broke
off to go to dinner, which was at half past ten, but the time sufficed to show

the young pages that this English lad was the equal of all -- except two or
three of the oldest -- both in strength and in knowledge of arms. He could

climb the rope with any of them, could vault on to the wooden horse with a
heavy cuirass and backpiece on him, and held his own in a bout with
swords against Conrad von Berghoff, who was considered the best

swordplayer among them. As soon as the exercises were over all proceeded
to the bath, and then to dinner. The meal was a simple one, but Gervaise

enjoyed it thoroughly, for the table was loaded with an abundance of fruits
of kinds altogether novel to him, and which he found delicious.