When I came off the galley at Hythe, this very day, I down on my bones, and I kissed the good brown earth, as I kiss thee now, ma belle, for it was eight long years since I had seen it.

The very smell of it seemed life to me.

But where are my six rascals?
Hola, there! En avant!" At the order, six men, dressed as common drudges, marched solemnly into the room, each bearing a huge bundle upon his head.

They formed in military line, while the soldier stood in front of them with stern eyes, checking off their several packages.
"Number one--a French feather-bed with the two counter-panes of white sendall," said he.
"Here, worthy sir," answered the first of the bearers, laying a great package down in the corner.
"Number two--seven ells of red Turkey cloth and nine ells of cloth of gold.

Put it down by the other.