noon
Ralph Holds Converse With Katherine His Gossip Ralph went straight from St. Austin 's to Clement 's house , and found much people about the door thereof , what of the townsmen , what of the men of his own host . He passed through these , and found Clement in his chamber , and with him a half score of such company as was without , and amongst them Roger and the Sage ; but Stephen and Richard both were amongst their men doing what was needful . All men arose when Ralph entered ; but he looked around , and could see nought of his gossip amongst them . Then he sat down by Clement and asked if he had any fresh tidings ; and Clement did him to wit that there had come in a carle from out of Upmeads , who had told them by sure tokens that the foe were come into the Upmeads-land at noon that day , and between then and sunset had skirmished with Nicholas and them that were holding the High House , but had gotten nought thereby . This man , said Clement , being both bold and of good sleight had mingled with the foe ; and had heard the talk of them , and he said that they had no inkling of the Shepherds or the Dry Tree coming against them ; but they looked to have aid from their own folk from the lands of Higham ; wherefore they made a mock of the defence of the Upmeads ' men ; and said that since , when they were all joined together in Upmeads , they might enter where they would without the loss of a half-score men , therefore they would risk nought now ; nor would they burn either the High House or the other steadings , since , said they , they were minded to keep them sound and whole for their own . These tidings seemed good to Ralph ; so he took a cup of wine and pledged the company , and said : `` My masters , such of you as list to sleep long to-night had best be abed presently , for I warn you that the trumpets will blow for departure before the sun riseth to-morrow ; and he that faileth to see to-morrow 's battle will be sorry for his lack all his life long . '' When he had thus spoken they all cried hail to him , and anon arose and went their ways .