WILLIAM FITZ-OSBERT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 60, 11 March 1871, Page 3

WILLIAM FITZ-OSBERT.

A STORY OF LONDON LIFE IN THE DAYS OF KICHARD CCEUR DE LION. From the Family Friend. At this point of the convei'sation Walrick took clown one of the pots suspended at the shop door, and tapped it as if to ascertain its soundness. The proprietor came forth instantly, followed by the corpulent citizen Wickles. "A good pot," said Walrick approvingly. "All excellent pots," said Tapper surveying his wares with admiration. "I will give thee " > "Thou shalt have it cheap," interrupted Tapper. / "Well, I'll give thee twopence to hang it up again," said Walrick. "That will be more profit to me." "True, I seek to mend thy profits." "They need mending sorely enough. Who's fool are thou?" "Whose maker of pots and pans art thou?" "My neighbours'." "Then lam my neighbors' fool. Thou makest empty pots for thy neighbours, and I make empty folly for mine. What news of the young Crusader, Sir Hugh de Dauedred?" "None for aught Iknow," replied Tapper, carelessly. "Who speaks of Sir Hugh?" said Wickles, shuffling up to Walrick. "Thy humble serving-man does," replied Walrick, with mock reverence. "I know Sir Hugh, very well," said Wickles, drawing himself up, and assuming profound dignity of manner. For remainder of news see Fourth page.

"Aye! then thou art the very man I want to see," said Walrick. " How so ? " asked Wickles, almost startled out of his dignity. "If thou art acquainted with Sir Hugh, thou canst direct me to him. I bear a message of great import." "Hast thou not heard of his mysterious fate?" interrupted Tapper. "I have heard that he suddenly disappeared; but if our good citizen here knows him so well he must know more than most people, for the knowledge of the last three days must be the extent of his acquaintance. I will off to the Sheriff, and demand his arrest." "Stay, stay!" gasped Wickles, clutching at Walrick's garment. "Thoa hast made a mistake. I meant not that I knew Sir Hugh further than having seen him, aud " "Our good neighbour hath boasted too much," said Tapper, with a smile, for he knew the weakness of his friend. Wickles turned round testily, aud repudiated all idea of boasting, and as Walrick slyly took the little man's part, matters were soon amicably arranged, and Wickles, with much unnecessary flourish, gave the main fact of his meeting with Sir Hugh in Cornhill. Walrick confessed his connection with the house of Danedred, and promised on his own responsibility the most splendid rewards from the Lady of Danedred if they would help him to discover the whereabouts of Sir Hugh. Then they held a solenm council in the street.