United States or Denmark ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"So keep the door well, for I am worn out with hunting," and so fell asleep. Ailward shuffled into his harness, and went to the door. The wine was heady; the sun was hot. In a few minutes he was asleep likewise. Hereward slept, who can tell how long? But at last there was a bustle, a heavy fall; and waking with a start, he sprang up.
We catch a glimpse of a trial of the time in the story of a certain Ailward, whose neighbour had refused to pay a debt which he owed him. Ailward took the law into his own hands, and broke into the house of his debtor, who had gone to the tavern and had left his door fastened with the lock hanging down outside, and his children playing within.
A few odds and ends were gathered a bundle of skins, gowns, linen, and an iron tool, and were laid by Ailward's side; and the next day, with the bundle hung about his neck, he was taken before the sheriff and the knights, who were then holding a Shire Court. The matter was thought doubtful; judgment was delayed, and Ailward was made fast in Bedford jail for a month, till the next county court.
Ten days afterwards an English doctor and a lieutenant of the 17th Lancers came to us, bringing a mule laden with medical appliances and food. The English medico, Dr. Ailward, succeeded, moreover, in getting through our lines without my express permission. Next morning I accompanied an ambulance train to transport the wounded British to the charge of the British agent at Delagoa Bay.
None such that I know of," quoth Priest Ailward, a graceless fellow who had taken Leofric's place. "If that were the law, it would be but few honest men that would die in their beds. Let us drink, and drive girls' fancies out of our heads." So they drank again; and Hereward fell asleep once more. "It is thy turn to watch, Priest," said Gwenoch to Ailward.
He saw Ailward lying dead across the gate, and above him a crowd of fierce faces, some of which he knew too well.
Perhaps Ailward had won ill-fame as a creditor, or even, it may be, a money-lender in the village, for his neighbours clearly bore him little goodwill. The crowd readily consented.
Ailward carried off as security for his debt the lock, a gimlet, and some tools, and a whetstone which hung from the roof. As he sauntered home, however, his furious neighbour overtook him, having heard from the children what had been done.
Word Of The Day