Men of Iron

The brawl between Myles and Walter Blunt is interrupted by Sir James, who orders the boys to report to his office. Sir James asks for Blunt’s version of the events, but Myles interjects when Blunt accuses him of attempting to undermine the bachelors. Sir James orders Myles to be silent until it is his turn to speak, but Myles persists, claiming he cannot sit idle as someone slanders him. The older man threatens to throw Myles into the dungeon if he interrupts again, which compels him to wait and listen. When Blunt finishes his account, Sir James asks why he would order Myles to stay when he, Sir James, had given the squires leave to go swimming. Blunt is reminded by Sir James that his authority as head bachelor has limits, the most important of which is that he must not supersede an order given by their commander without consulting him. Sir James tries to get Myles and Blunt to shake hands, but Myles refuses. Blunt is allowed to leave.

Sir James asks why Myles is so adamant in his refusal to comply with the customary duties of servitude. Myles explains that it is undignified, but defers to Sir James; should Sir James himself command that Myles must accept the duties dictated by the bachelors, he will do so.