"Against a knight, and for shopkeepers!" "Sir knight," replied Folko, calmly, "the barons of Montfaucon have ever used their swords as they chose, without the interference of another; and as I have received this good custom, so do I wish to hand it on.

If you agree not to this, so speak it freely out.

But I forbid every rude word against the men of Hamburgh, since I have declared them to be my friends." Biorn cast down his haughty eyes, and their fire faded away.

In a low voice he said, "Proceed, noble baron.

You are right, and I am wrong." Then Folko stretched out his hand to him across the table, and resumed his narration: "Amongst all my beloved Hamburghers the dearest to me are two men of marvellous experience--a father and son.