Saint George for England | Page 8

he might otherwise earn a living and rise to be a
respected citizen. But Bertha hath notions. You have not taken a wife to
yourself, Master Geoffrey, or you would know that women oft have
fancies which wander widely from hard facts, and she says she would
have him brought up as a man-at-arms, so that he may do valiant deeds,
and win back some day the title and honour of his family."
Geoffrey Ward laughed. "Trust a woman for being romantic," he said.
"However, Master Fletcher, you need not for the present trouble about
the child's calling, even should its mother die. At any rate, whether he
follows your trade, or whether the blood in his veins leads him to take
to martial deeds, the knowledge of arms may well be of use to him, and
I promise you that such skill as I have I will teach him when he grows
old enough to wield sword and battle-axe. As you know I may, without
boasting, say that he could scarce have a better master, seeing that I
have for three years carried away the prize for the best sword- player at
the sports. Methinks the boy will grow up into a strong and stalwart
man, for he is truly a splendid lad. As to archery, he need not go far to
learn it, since your apprentice, Will Parker, last year won the prize as
the best marksman in the city bounds. Trust me, if his tastes lie that
way we will between us turn him out a rare man-at-arms. But I must
stand gossiping no longer; the rumours that we are likely ere long to

have war with France, have rarely bettered my trade. Since the wars in
Scotland men's arms have rusted somewhat, and my two men are hard
at work mending armour and fitting swords to hilts, and forging
pike-heads. You see I am a citizen though I dwell outside the bounds,
because house rent is cheaper and I get my charcoal without paying the
city dues. So I can work somewhat lower than those in the walls, and I
have good custom from many in Kent, who know that my arms are of
as good temper as those turned out by any craftsman in the city."
Giles Fletcher's anticipations as to the result of his guest's illness turned
out to be well founded. The fever abated, but left her prostrate in
strength. For a few weeks she lingered; but she seemed to have little
hold of life, and to care not whether she lived or died. So, gradually she
faded away.
"I know you will take care of my boy as if he were your own, Bertha,"
she said one day; "and you and your husband will be far better
protectors for him than I should have been had I lived. Teach him to be
honest and true. It were better, methinks, that he grew up thinking you
his father and mother, for otherwise he may grow discontented with his
lot; but this I leave with you, and you must speak or keep silent
according as you see his disposition and mind. If he is content to settle
down to a peaceful life here, say nought to him which would unsettle
his mind; but if Walter turn out to have an adventurous disposition,
then tell him as much as you think fit of his history, not encouraging
him to hope to recover his father's lands and mine, for that can never be,
seeing that before that time can come they would have been enjoyed for
many years by others; but that he may learn to bear himself bravely and
gently as becomes one of good blood."
A few days later Lady Alice breathed her last, and at her own request
was buried quietly and without pomp, as if she had been a child of the
bowman, a plain stone, with the name "Dame Alice Somers", marking
the grave.
The boy grew and throve until at fourteen years old there was no
stronger or sturdier lad of his age within the city bounds. Giles had
caused him to be taught to read and write, accomplishments which
were common among the citizens, although they were until long
afterwards rare among the warlike barons. The greater part of his time,
however, was spent in sports with lads of his own age in Moorfields

beyond the walls. The war with France was now raging, and, as was
natural, the boys in their games imitated the doings of their elders, and
mimic battles, ofttimes growing into earnest, were fought between the
lads of the different wards. Walter Fletcher, as he was known among
his play-fellows, had by his strength and courage won for himself the
proud position of captain of the boys