JEXCEPT when in training for a main,
Van Eyck's champion game-cock held his
court in an apartment builded for him and
adapted to his Majesty's special wants.
None found favour in his master's eyes, nor
forsooth in the eyes of Mistress Peggy, who
failed in admiring and respectful homage
to old Lightening. Worshipful attendance
upon this pampered hero of many bloody
victories, together with honest admiration
for the daughter of his host, was looked
upon as the surest way of gaining Master
Van Eyck's personal approval and the first
step in advancing from favoured customer
to friend.
UT was here that Peggy surrendered to
her lover. And here it was that after a
proper and reasonable time spent in the
sweet dalliance due to such occasions, she
mixed for him this most delightful of all
drinks in order that he might face with
proper spirit her bluff old father's tempo
rary ire at the loss of his daughter. Just as
the right proportions of bitters, root wine,
and mellowest of old whiskey had been put