The Young Castellan

A Castellan is a person in charge of a castle, and that is what young Roy Royland has become, while his father, Sir Granby, is away defending his king, for there is a move afoot in the country of England to do away with the monarchy. In the castle most ofthe defenses have not been used for many years so old Ben Martlet sets about restoring them, andbegins to teach young Roy the arts of self-defense.hy, you're as strong as a horse." "Well, I am, Master Roy," said the man, with a grim smile of pride. "But I have got a bit thin, sir." "Not a bit thinner." "Well, I aren't enjoyed my vittles since the master went, sir. You can't contradick that." "No, and don't want to; but you did eat a four or five pound eel that you'd no right to catch." "That I didn't, sir. I give it to poor old Jenk to make a pie. I never tasted it." "Then you may catch as many as you like, Ben, without asking." "Thank you, sir; but I don't want to go eeling now. Here, let's have all this fighting-tackle so as you can see your face in it. But I say, my lad, do 'ee, now do 'ee, alter your mind; leave being statesman to them soft, smooth kind o' fellows like Master Pawson." "I don't see why one couldn't be a statesman and a soldier too," said the boy. "I don't know nothing about that sort, sir; but I do know how to handle a sword or to load a gun. I do say, though, as you're g