第5章

"Bertradehashadyournameuponhertonguemanytimessinceherreturn。

Shewillbegladindeedtoreceiveyou，asisherfather。Shehastoldusofyourvaliantespousalofhercause，andthethanksofherbrothersandmotherawaityou，RogerdeConde。

"ShealsotoldusofyourstrangelikenesstoPrinceEdward，butuntilI

sawyou，Icouldnotbelievetwomencouldbebornofdifferentmothersandyetbesoidentical。Come，wewillseekoutmydaughterandhermother。"

DeMontfortledtheyoungmantoasmallchamberwheretheyweregreetedbyPrincessEleanor，hiswife，andbyBertradedeMontfort。ThegirlwasfranklygladtoseehimoncemoreandlaughinglychidehimbecausehehadallowedanothertousurphisprerogativeandrescueherfromPeterofColfax。

"Andtothink，"shecried，"thatitshouldhavebeenNormanofTornwhofulfilledyourdutiesforyou。ButhedidnotcaptureSirPeter’shead，myfriend；thatisstillatlargetobebroughttomeuponagoldendish。"

"Ihavenotforgotten，LadyBertrade，"saidRogerdeConde。"PeterofColfaxwillreturn。"

Thegirlglancedathimquickly。

"TheverywordsoftheOutlawofTorn，"shesaid。"Howmanymenbeye，RogerdeConde？Withraisedvisor，youcouldpassintheKing’scourtfortheKing’sson；andinmanner，andform，andswordsmanship，andyourvisorlowered，youmighteasilybehangedforNormanofTorn。"

"AndwhichwoulditpleaseyemostthatIbe？"helaughed。

"Neither，"sheanswered，"Ibesatisfiedwithmyfriend，RogerdeConde。"

"SoyelikenottheDevilofTorn？"heasked。

"Hehasdonemeagreatservice，andIbeundermonstrousobligationstohim，buthebe，nathless，theOutlawofTornandIthedaughterofanearlandaking’ssister。"

"Amostunbridgeablegulfindeed，"commentedRogerdeConde，drily。"Notevengratitudecouldleadaking’sniecetoreceiveNormanofTornonafootingofequality。"

"Hehasmyfriendship，always，"saidthegirl，"butIdoubtmeifNormanofTornbethemantoimposeuponit。"

"Onecannevertell，"saidRogerdeConde，"whatmanneroffoolamanmaybe。Whenaman’sheadbefilledwithaprettyface，whatroombethereforreason？"

"Soonthouwiltbeacourtier，ifthoukeeplongatthisturningofprettycompliments，"saidthegirlcoldly；"andIlikenotcourtiers，northeirempty，hypocriticalchatter。"

Themanlaughed。

"IfIturnedacompliment，Ididnotknowit，"hesaid。"WhatIthink，I

say。Itmaynotbeacourtlyspeechoritmay。Iknownothingofcourtsandcareless，butbeitmanormaidtowhomIspeak，IsaywhatisinmymindorIsaynothing。Ididnot，insomanywords，saythatyouarebeautiful，butIthinkitnevertheless，andyecannotbeangrywithmypooreyesiftheydeceivemeintobelievingthatnofairerwomanbreathestheairofEngland。Norcanyouchidemysinfulbrainthatitgladlybelieveswhatmineeyestellit。No，youmaynotbeangrysolongasIdonottellyouallthis。"

BertradedeMontfortdidnotknowhowtoanswersoridiculousasophistry；

and，truthtotell，shewasmorethanpleasedtohearfromthelipsofRogerdeCondewhatboredheronthetonguesofothermen。

DeCondewastheguestoftheEarlofLeicesterforseveraldays，andbeforehisvisitwasterminated，theyoungmanhadsowonhiswayintothegoodgracesofthefamilythattheywereloathtoseehimleave。

Althoughdeniedthesocietyofsuchasthesethroughouthisentirelife，yetitseemedthathefellasnaturallyintothewaysoftheirkindasthoughhehadalwaysbeenamongthem。Hisstarvedsoul，gropingthroughthedarknessoftheemptypast，yearnedtowardthefeastingandthelightoffriendship，andurgedhimtoturnhisbackupontheoldlife，andremaineverwiththesepeople，forSimondeMontforthadofferedtheyoungmanapositionoftrustandhonorinhisretinue。

"Whyrefusedyoutheofferofmyfather？"saidBertradetohimashewascometobidherfarewell。"SimondeMontfortisasgreatamaninEnglandastheKinghimself，andyourfuturewereassureddidyouattachyourselftohisperson。ButwhatamIsaying！DidRogerdeCondenotwishtobeelsewhere，hehadacceptedand，ashedidnotaccept，itisproofpositivethathedoesnotwishtobideamongtheDeMontforts。"

"Iwouldgivemysoultothedevil，"saidNormanofTorn，"woulditbuymetherighttoremaineveratthefeetofBertradeMontfort。"

Heraisedherhandtohislipsinfarewellashestartedtospeak，butsomething——wasitanalmostimperceptiblepressureofherlittlefingers，aquickeningofherbreathoraswayingofherbodytowardhim？——causedhimtopauseandraisehiseyestohers。

Foraninstanttheystoodthus，theeyesofthemansinkingdeepintotheeyesofthemaid，andthenhersclosedandwithalittlesighthatwashalfgasp，sheswayedtowardhim，andtheDevilofTornfoldedtheKing’snieceinhismightyarmsandhislipsplacedthesealofagreatloveuponthosethatwereupturnedtohim。

Thetouchofthosepurelipsbroughtthemantohimself。

"Ah，Bertrade，myBertrade，"hecried，"whatisthisthingthatIhavedone！Forgiveme，andletthegreatnessandthepurityofmyloveforyoupleadinextenuationofmyact。"

Shelookedupintohisfaceinsurprise，andthenplacingherstrongwhitehandsuponhisshoulders，shewhispered：

"See，Roger，Iamnotangry。Itisnotwrongthatwelove；tellmeitisnot，Roger。"

"Youmustnotsaythatyouloveme，Bertrade。Iamacoward，acravenpoltroon；but，God，howIloveyou。"

"But，"saidthegirl，"Idolove——"

"Stop，"hecried，"notyet，notyet。DonotsayittillIcomeagain。Youknownothingofme，youdonotknowevenwhoIbe；butwhennextIcome，I

promisethatyeshallknowasmuchofmeasImyselfknow，andthen，Bertrade，myBertrade，ifyoucanthensay，’Iloveyou’nopoweronearth，orinheavenabove，orhellbelowshallkeepyoufrombeingmine！"

"Iwillwait，Roger，forIbelieveinyouandtrustyou。Idonotunderstand，butIknowthatyoumusthavesomegoodreason，thoughitallseemsverystrangetome。IfI，aDeMontfort，amwillingtoacknowledgemyloveforanyman，therecanbenoreasonwhyIshouldnotdoso，unless，"andshestartedatthesuddenthought，wide-eyedandpaling，"unlesstherebeanotherwoman，a——a——wife？"

"Thereisnootherwoman，Bertrade，"saidNormanofTorn。"Ihavenowife；

norwithinthelimitsofmymemoryhavemylipseverbeforetouchedthelipsofanother，forIdonotremembermymother。"

Shesighedahappylittlesighofrelief，andlaughinglightly，said：

"Itissomeoldwoman’sbugaboothatyouarehalingoutofadarkcornerofyourimaginationtofrightenyourselfwith。Idonotfear，sinceIknowthatyoumustbeallgood。Therebenolineofviceordeceptionuponyourfaceandyouareverybrave。Sobraveandnobleaman，Roger，hasaheartofpuregold。"

"Don’t，"hesaid，bitterly。"Icannotendureit。WaituntilIcomeagainandthen，ohmyflowerofallEngland，ifyouhaveitinyourhearttospeakasyouarespeakingnow，thesunofmyhappinesswillbeatzenith。

Then，butnotbefore，shallIspeaktotheEarl，thyfather。Farewell，Bertrade，inafewdaysIreturn。"

"IfyouwouldspeaktotheEarlonsuchasubject，youinsolentyoungpuppy，youmaysaveyourbreath，"thunderedanangryvoice，andSimondeMontfortstrode，scowling，intotheroom。

Thegirlpaled，butnotfromfearofherfather，forthefightingbloodoftheDeMontfortswasasstronginherasinhersire。Shefacedhimwithasbraveandresoluteafaceasdidtheyoungman，whoturnedslowly，fixingDeMontfortwithlevelgaze。

"IheardenoughofyourwordsasIwaspassingthroughthecorridor，"

continuedthelatter，"toreadilyguesswhathadgonebefore。Soitisforthisthatyouhavewormedyoursneakingwayintomyhome？AndthoughtyouthatSimondeMontfortwouldthrowhisdaughterattheheadofthefirstpassingrogue？Whobeye，butanamelessrascal？Foraughtweknow，somelowbornlackey。Getyehence，andbeonlythankfulthatIdonotaidyouwiththetoeofmybootwhereitwoulddothemostgood。"

"Stop！"criedthegirl。"Stop，father，hastforgotthatbutforRogerdeCondeyemighthaveseenyourdaughteracorpseerenow，or，worse，herselfbefouledanddishonored？"

"Idonotforget，"repliedtheEarl，"and。itisbecauseIrememberthatmyswordremainsinitsscabbard。ThefellowhasbeenamplyrepaidbythefriendshipofDeMontfort，butnowthisactofperfidyhaswipedcleanthescore。An’youwouldgoinpeace，sirrah，goquickly，ereIlosemytemper。"

"Therehasbeensomemisunderstandingonyourpart，MyLord，"spokeNormanofTorn，quietlyandwithoutapparentangerorexcitement。"Yourdaughterhasnottoldmethatshelovesme，nordidIcontemplateaskingyouforherhand。WhennextIcome，firstshallIseeherandifshewillhaveme，MyLord，IshallcometoyoutotellyouthatIshallwedher。Norm——RogerdeCondeaskspermissionofnomantodowhathewoulddo。"

SimondeMontfortwasfairlyburstingwithragebuthemanagedtocontrolhimselftosay，"MydaughterwedswhomIselect，andevennowIhavepracticallyclosednegotiationsforherbetrothaltoPrincePhilip，nephewofKingLouisofFrance。Andasforyou，sir，IwouldasliefseeherthewifeoftheOutlawofTorn。He，atleast，haswealthandpower，andanamethatbeknownoutsidehisownarmor。Butenoughofthis；getyougone，norletmeseeyourfaceagainwithinthewallsofLeicester’scastle。"

"Youareright，MyLord，itwerefoolishandidleforustobequarrelingwithwords，"saidtheoutlaw。"Farewell，MyLady。IshallreturnasI

promised，andyourwordshallbelaw。"AndwithaprofoundbowtoDeMontfort，NormanofTornlefttheapartment，andinafewminuteswasridingthroughthecourtyardofthecastletowardthemainportals。

Ashepassedbeneathawindowinthecastlewall，avoicecalledtohimfromabove，anddrawinginhishorse，helookedupintotheeyesofBertradedeMontfort。

"Takethis，RogerdeConde，"shewhispered，droppingatinyparceltohim，"andwearitever，formysake。Wemaynevermeetagain，fortheEarlmyfather，isamightyman，noteasilyturnedfromhisdecisions；thereforeI

shallsaytoyou，RogerdeConde，whatyouforbidmysaying。Iloveyou，andbeyeprinceorscullion，youmayhaveme，ifyoucanfindthemeanstotakeme。"

"Wait，mylady，untilIreturn，thenshallyoudecide，andifyebeofthesamemindastoday，neverfearbutthatIshalltakeye。Again，farewell。"

Andwithabravesmilethathidasadheart，NormanofTornpassedoutofthecastleyard。

WhenheundidtheparcelwhichBertradehadtossedtohim，hefoundthatitcontainedabeautifullywroughtringsetwithasingleopal。

TheOutlawofTornraisedthelittlecirclettohislips，andthenslippedituponthethirdfingerofhislefthand。

CHAPTERXII

NormanofTorndidnotreturntothecastleofLeicester"inafewdays，"

norformanymonths。FornewscametohimthatBertradedeMontforthadbeenpostedofftoFranceinchargeofhermother。

Fromnowon，theforcesofTornwereemployedinrepeatedattacksonroyalistbarons，encroachingeverandeversouthwarduntilevenBerkshireandSurreyandSussexfelttheweightoftheironhandoftheoutlaw。

NearlyayearhadelapsedsincethatdaywhenhehadheldthefairformofBertradedeMontfortinhisarms，andinallthattimehehadheardnowordfromher。

HewouldhavefollowedhertoFrancebutforthefactthat，afterhehadpartedfromherandtheintoxicationofherimmediatepresencehadlefthisbraincleartothinkrationally，hehadrealizedthefutilityofhishopes，andhehadseenthatthepressingofhissuitcouldmeanonlysufferingandmortificationforthewomanheloved。

Hisbetterjudgmenttoldhimthatshe，onherpart，whenfreedfromthesubtlespellwovenbythenearnessandthenewnessofafirstlove，woulddoubtlessbegladtoforgetthewordsshehadspokenintheheatofadivinepassion。Hewouldwait，then，untilfatethrewthemtogether，andshouldthateverchance，whileshewasstillfree，hewouldletherknowthatRogerdeCondeandtheOutlawofTornwereoneandthesame。

Ifshewantsmethen，hethought，butshewillnot。Noitisimpossible。

ItisbetterthatshemarryherFrenchprincethantolive，dishonored，thewifeofacommonhighwayman；forthoughshemightlovemeatfirst，thebitternessandlonelinessofherlifewouldturnherlovetohate。

AstheoutlawwassittingonedayinthelittlecottageofFatherClaude，thepriestrevertedtothesubjectofmanypastconversations；theunsettledstateofcivilconditionsintherealm，andthestandwhichNormanofTornwouldtakewhenopenhostilitiesbetweenKingandbaronweredeclared。

"ItwouldseemthatHenry，"saidthepriest，"byhiscontinuedbreachesofboththespiritandletteroftheOxfordStatutes，isbuturgingthebaronstoresorttoarms；andthefactthathevirtuallyforcedPrinceEdwardtotakeuparmsagainstHumphreydeBohunlastfall，andtocarrytheravagesofwarthroughouttheWelshborderprovinces，convincesmethathebe，bythistime，wellequippedtoresistDeMontfortandhisassociates。"

"Ifthatbethecase，"saidNormanofTorn，"weshallhavewarandfightinginrealearnesteremanymonths。"

"AndunderwhichstandarddoesMyLordNormanexpecttofight？"askedFatherClaude。

"Undertheblackfalcon’swing，"laughedheofTorn。

"Thoubeindeedaclose-mouthedman，myson，"saidthepriest，smiling。

"Suchanattributehelpethmakeagreatstatesman。Withthysoldierlyqualitiesinaddition，mydearboy，therebeagreatfuturefortheeinthepathsofhonestmen。Dostrememberourpasttalk？"

"Yes，father，well；andoftenhaveIthoughton’t。IhaveonemoredutytoperformhereinEnglandandthen，itmaybe，thatIshallactonthysuggestion，butonlyononecondition。"

"Whatbethat，myson？"

"ThatwheresoereIgo，thoumustgoalso。Thoubemybestfriend；intruth，myfather；noneotherhaveIeverknown，forthelittleoldmanofTorn，eventhoughIbetheproductofhisloins，whichImuchmistrust，benofathertome。"

Thepriestsatlookingintentlyattheyoungmanformanyminutesbeforehespoke。

Withoutthecottage，aswarthyfigureskulkedbeneathoneofthewindows，listeningtosuchfragmentsoftheconversationwithinascametohisattentiveears。ItwasSpizo，theSpaniard。Hecrouchedentirelyconcealedbyagreatlilacbush，whichmanytimesbeforehadhidhistraitorousform。

Atlengththepriestspoke。

"NormanofTorn，"hesaid，"solongasthouremaininEngland，pittingthygreathostagainstthePlantagenetKingandthenoblesandbaronsofhisrealm，thoubebutservingasthecats-pawofanother。Thyselfhastsaidanhundredtimesthatthouknowstnotthereasonforthyhatredagainstthem。Thoubetoostrongamantosothrowthylifeuselesslyawaytosatisfythecholerofanother。

"TherebethatofwhichIdarenotspeaktotheeyetandonlymayIguessanddreamofwhatIthink，nordoIknowwhetherImusthopethatitbefalseortrue，butnow，ifever，thetimehathcomeforthequestiontobesettled。Thouhastnottoldmeinsomanywords，butIbeanoldmanandversedinreadingtruebetweenthelines，andsoIknowthatthoulovestBertradedeMontfort。Nay，donotdenyit。Andnow，whatIwouldsaybethis。InallEnglandtherelivesnomorehonorablemanthanSimondeMontfort，nornonewhocouldmoretrulydecideuponthyfutureandthypast。ThoumaynotunderstandofwhatIhint，butthouknowthatthoumaytrustme，NormanofTorn。"

"Yea，evenwithmylifeandhonor，myfather，"repliedtheoutlaw。

"Thenpromiseme，thatwiththeoldmanofTornalone，thouwiltcomehitherwhenIbidsttheeandmeetSimondeMontfort，andabidebyhisdecisionshouldmysurmisesconcerningtheebecorrect。HewillbethebestjudgeofanyinEngland，savetwowhomustnowremainnameless。"

"Iwillcome，Father，butitmustbesoonforonthefourthdayweridesouth。"

"Itshallbebythethirdday，ornotatall，"repliedFatherClaude，andNormanofTorn，risingtoleave，wonderedatthemovingleavesofthelilacbushwithoutthewindow，fortherewasnobreeze。

Spizo，theSpaniard，reachedTornseveralminutesbeforetheoutlawchiefandhadalreadypouredhistaleintotheearsofthelittle，grim，gray，oldman。

Asthepriest’swordsweredetailedtohimtheoldmanofTornpaledinanger。

"ThefoolpriestwillupsetthewholeworktowhichIhavedevotedneartwentyyears，"hemuttered，"ifIfindnotthemeanstoquiethishalf-wittongue。Betweenpriestandpetticoat，itbeallbutruinednow。Wellthen，somuchthesoonermustIact，andIknownotbutthatnowbeasgoodatimeasany。IfwecomenearenoughtotheKing’smenonthistripsouth，thegibbetshallhaveitsown，andaPlantagenetdogshalltastethefruitsofhisowntyranny，"thenglancingupandrealizingthatSpizo，theSpaniard，hadbeenalistener，theoldman，scowling，cried：

"WhatsaidI，sirrah？Whatdidsthear？"

"Naught，MyLord；thoudidstbutmutterincoherently"，repliedtheSpaniard。

Theoldmaneyedhimclosely。

"AndidImore，Spizo，thouheardstnaughtbutmuttering，remember。"

"Yes，MyLord。"

Anhourlater，theoldmanofTorndismountedbeforethecottageofFatherClaudeandentered。

"Iamhonored，"saidthepriest，rising。

"Priest，"criedtheoldman，comingimmediatelytothepoint，"NormanofTorntellsmethatthouwishhimandmeandLeicestertomeethere。Iknownotwhatthypurposemaybe，butfortheboy’ssake，carrynotoutthydesignasyet。Imaynottelltheemyreasons，butitbebestthatthismeetingtakeplaceafterwereturnfromthesouth。"

TheoldmanhadneverspokensofairlytoFatherClaudebefore，andsothelatterwasquitedeceivedandpromisedtoletthematterrestuntillater。

Afewdaysafter，inthesummerof1263，NormanofTornrodeattheheadofhisarmyofoutlawsthroughthecountyofEssex，downtowardLondontown。

Onethousandfightingmentherewere，withsquiresandotherservants，andfivehundredsumpterbeaststotransporttheirtentsandotherimpedimenta，andbringbacktheloot。

Butasmallforceofailingmen-at-arms，andservantshadbeenlefttoguardthecastleofTornundertheabledirectionofPetertheHermit。

Atthecolumn’sheadrodeNormanofTornandthelittlegrim，gray，oldman；andbehindthem，ninecompaniesofknights，followedbythecatapultdetachment；thencamethesumpterbeasts。HorsantheDane，withhiscompany，formedtherearguard。Threehundredyardsinadvanceofthecolumnrodetenmentoguardagainstsurpriseandambuscades。

Thepennons，andthebannersandthebugles；andtheloudrattlingofsword，andlanceandarmorandiron-shodhoofcarriedtotheeyeandearampleassurancethatthisgreatcavalcadeofironmenwasbentuponnopeacefulmission。

AllhiscaptainsrodetodaywithNormanofTorn。Besidethosewhomwehavemet，therewasDonPiedroCastroyPensiloofSpain；BaronofCobarthofGermany，andSirJohnMandecoteofEngland。Liketheirleader，eachofthesefiercewarriorscarriedagreatpriceuponhishead，andthestoryofthelifeofanyonewouldfillalargevolumewithromance，war，intrigue，treachery，braveryanddeath。

Towardnoononeday，inthemidstofabeautifulvalleyofEssex，theycameuponapartyoftenknightsescortingtwoyoungwomen。Themeetingwasataturnintheroad，sothatthetwopartieswereuponeachotherbeforethetenknightshadanopportunitytoescapewiththeirfairwards。

"Whatthedevilbethis，"criedoneoftheknights，asthemainbodyoftheoutlawhordecameintoview，"theKing’sarmyoroneofhisforeignlegions？"

"ItbeNormanofTornandhisfightingmen，"repliedtheoutlaw。

Thefacesoftheknightsblanched，fortheyweretenagainstathousand，andthereweretwowomenwiththem。

"Whobeye？"saidtheoutlaw。

"IamRicharddeTanyofEssex，"saidtheoldestknight，hewhohadfirstspoken，"andthesebemydaughterandherfriend，MarydeStutevill。WeareuponourwayfromLondontomycastle。Whatwouldyouofus？Nameyourprice，ifitcanbepaidwithhonor，itshallbepaid；onlyletusgoourwayinpeace。WecannothopetoresisttheDevilofTorn，forwebebuttenlances。Ifyemusthaveblood，atleastletthewomengounharmed。"

"MyLadyMaryisanoldfriend，"saidtheoutlaw。"Icalledatherfather’shomebutlittlemorethanayearsince。Weareneighbors，andtheladycantellyouthatwomenaresaferatthehandsofNormanofTornthantheymightbeintheKing’spalace。"

"Rightheis，"spokeupLadyMary，"NormanofTornaccordedmymother，mysister，andmyselftheutmostrespect；thoughIcannotsayasmuchforhistreatmentofmyfather，"sheadded，halfsmiling。

"Ihavenoquarrelwithyou，RicharddeTany，"saidNormanofTorn。"Rideon。"

Thenextday，ayoungmanhailedthewatchuponthewallsofthecastleofRicharddeTany，tellinghimtobearwordtoJoandeTanythatRogerdeConde，afriendofherguestLadyMarydeStutevill，waswithout。

Inafewmoments，thegreatdrawbridgesankslowlyintoplaceandNormanofTorntrottedintothecourtyard。

HewasescortedtoanapartmentwhereMarydeStutevillandJoandeTanywerewaitingtoreceivehim。MarydeStutevillgreetedhimasanoldfriend，andthedaughterofdeTanywasnolesscordialinwelcomingherfriend’sfriendtothehospitalityofherfather’scastle。

"AreallyouroldfriendsandneighborscomeafteryoutoEssex，"criedJoandeTany，laughingly，addressingMary。"TodayitisRogerdeConde，yesterdayitwastheOutlawofTorn。MethinksDerbywillsoonbedepopulatedunlessyoureturnquicklytoyourhome。"

"IratherthinkitbefornewsofanotherthatweowethisvisitfromRogerdeConde，"saidMary，smiling。"ForIhaveheardtales，andIseeagreatringuponthegentleman’shand——aringwhichIhaveseenbefore。"

NormanofTornmadenoattempttodenythereasonforhisvisit，butaskedbluntlyifsheheardaughtofBertradedeMontfort。

"ThricewithintheyearhaveIreceivedmissivesfromher，"repliedMary。

"InthefirsttwoshespokeonlyofRogerdeConde，wonderingwhyhedidnotcometoFranceafterher；butinthelastshementionsnothisname，butspeaksofherapproachingmarriagewithPrincePhilip。"

BothgirlswerewatchingthecountenanceofRogerdeCondenarrowly，butnosignofthesorrowwhichfilledhisheartshoweditselfuponhisface。

"Iguessitbebetterso，"hesaidquietly。"ThedaughterofaDeMontfortcouldscarcelybehappywithanamelessadventurer，"headded，alittlebitterly。

"Youwrongher，myfriend，"saidMarydeStutevill。"Shelovedyouand，unlessIknownotthefriendofmychildhoodaswellasIknowmyself，shelovesyouyet；butBertradedeMontfortisaproudwomanandwhatcanyouexpectwhenshehearsnowordfromyouforayear？Thoughtyouthatshewouldseekyououtandimploreyoutorescueherfromtheallianceherfatherhasmadeforher？"

"Youdonotunderstand，"heanswered，"andImaynottellyou；butIaskthatyoubelievemewhenIsaythatitwasforherownpeaceofmind，forherownhappiness，thatIdidnotfollowhertoFrance。But，letustalkofotherthings。ThesorrowismineandIwouldnotforceituponothers。

Icaredonlytoknowthatsheiswell，and，Ihope，happy。Itwillneverbegiventometomakeheroranyotherwomanso。IwouldthatIhadnevercomeintoherlife，butIdidnotknowwhatIwasdoing；andthespellofherbeautyandgoodnesswasstronguponme，sothatIwasweakandcouldnotresistwhatIhadneverknownbeforeinallmylife-love。"

"Youcouldnotwellbeblamed，"saidJoandeTany，generously。"BertradedeMontfortisallandevenmorethanyouhavesaid；itbeabenedictionsimplytohaveknownher。"

Asshespoke，NormanofTornlookeduponhercriticallyforthefirsttime，andhesawthatJoandeTanywasbeautiful，andthatwhenshespoke，herfacelightedwithahundredlittlechangingexpressionsofintelligenceandcharacterthatcastaspelloffascinationabouther。Yes，JoandeTanywasgoodtolookupon，andNormanofTorncarriedawoundedheartinhisbreastthatlongedforsurceasefromitssufferings——forahealingbalmuponitshurtsandbruises。

Andsoitcametopassthat，formanydays，theOutlawofTornwasadailyvisitoratthecastleofRicharddeTany，andtheacquaintancebetweenthemanandthetwogirlsripenedintoadeepfriendship，andwithoneofthem，itthreatenedevenmore。

NormanofTorn，inhisignoranceofthewaysofwomen，sawonlyfriendshipinthelittleactsofJoandeTany。Hislifehadbeenahardandlonelyone。TheonlyrayofbrilliantandwarmingsunshinethathadenteredithadbeenhisloveforBertradedeMontfortandhersforhim。

Hiseverythoughtwasloyaltothewomanwhomheknewwasnotforhim，buthelongedforthecompanionshipofhisownkindandsowelcomedthefriendshipofsuchasJoandeTanyandherfairguest。Hedidnotdreamthateitherlookeduponhimwithanywarmersentimentthanthesweetfriendlinesswhichwasasnewtohimaslove——howcouldhemarkthelinebetweenorforeseetheterriblepriceofhisignorance！

MarydeStutevillsawandshethoughtthemanbutfickleandshallowinmattersoftheheart——manytherewere，sheknew，whowerethus。Shemighthavewarnedhimhadsheknownthetruth，butinstead，sheletthingsdriftexceptforasinglewordofwarningtoJoandeTany。

"Becarefulofthyheart，Joan，"shesaid，"lestitbegettingawayfromtheeintothekeepingofonewhoseemstolovenolessquicklythanheforgets。"

ThedaughterofDeTanyflushed。

"Iamquitecapableofsafeguardingmyownheart，MarydeStutevill，"sherepliedwarmly。"Ifthoucovetthismanthyself，why，butsayso。Donotthinkthoughthat，becausethyheartglowsinhispresence，mineisequallysusceptible。"

ItwasMary’sturnnowtoshowoffense，andasharpretortwasonhertonguewhensuddenlysherealizedthefollyofsuchauselessquarrel。

InsteadsheputherarmsaboutJoanandkissedher。

"Idonotlovehim，"shesaid，"andIbegladthatyoudonot，forIknowthatBertradedoes，andthatbutashortyearsince，hesworeundyingloveforher。Letusforgetthatwehavespokenonthesubject。"

ItwasatthistimethattheKing’ssoldierswereharassingthelandsoftherebelbarons，andtakingaheavytollinrevengefortheirstingingdefeatatRochesterearlierintheyear，sothatitwasscarcelysafeforsmallpartiestoventureupontheroadwayslesttheyfallintothehandsofthemercenariesofHenryIII。

Notevenwerethewivesanddaughtersofthebaronsexemptfromtheattacksoftheroyalists；anditwasnouncommonoccurrencetofindthemsufferingimprisonment，andsomethingworse，atthehandsoftheKing’ssupporters。

Andinthemidstofthesealarms，itenteredthewillfulheadofJoandeTanythatshewishedtoridetoLondontownandvisittheshopsofthemerchants。

WhileLondonitselfwassolidlyforthebaronsandagainsttheKing’sparty，theroadbetweenthecastleofRicharddeTanyandthecityofLondonwasbesetwithmanydangers。

"Why，"criedthegirl’smotherinexasperation，"betweenrobbersandroyalistsandtheOutlawofTorn，youwouldnotbesafeifyouhadanarmytoescortyou。"

"Butthen，asIhavenoarmy，"retortedthelaughinggirl，"ifyoureasonbyyourownlogic，Ishallbeindeedquitesafe。"

AndwhenRogerdeCondeattemptedtodissuadeher，shetauntedhimwithbeingafraidofmeetingwiththeDevilofTorn，andtoldhimthathemightremainathomeandlockhimselfsafelyinhermother’spantry。

Andso，asJoandeTanywasaspoiledchild，theysetoutupontheroadtoLondon；thetwogirlswithadozenservantsandknights；andRogerdeCondewasoftheparty。

Atthesametimeagrim，gray，oldmandispatchedamessengerfromtheoutlaw’scamp；aswarthyfellow，disguisedasapriest，whoseordersweretoproceedtoLondon，andwhenhesawthepartyofJoandeTany，withRogerdeConde，enterthecity，hewastodelivertheletterheboretothecaptainofthegate。

Thelettercontainedthisbriefmessage：

"ThetallknightingraywithclosedhelmisNormanofTorn，"andwasunsigned。

AllwentwellandJoanwaslaughingmerrilyatthefearsofthosewhohadattemptedtodissuadeherwhen，atacrossroad，theydiscoveredtwopartiesofarmedmenapproachingfromoppositedirections。Theleaderofthenearerpartyspurredforwardtointerceptthelittleband，and，reininginbeforethem，criedbrusquely，"Whobeye？"

"ApartyonapeacefulmissiontotheshopsofLondon，"repliedNormanofTorn。

"Iaskednotyourmission，"criedthefellow。"Iasked，whobeye？

Answer，andbequickaboutit。"

"IbeRogerdeConde，gentlemanofFrance，andthesebemysistersandservants，"liedtheoutlaw，"andwereitnotthattheladiesbewithme，youranswerwouldbecouchedinsteel，asyoudeserveforyourboorishinsolence。"

"Therebeplentyofroomandtimeforthatevennow，youdogofaFrenchcoward，"criedtheofficer，couchinghislanceashespoke。

JoandeTanywassittingherhorsewhereshecouldseethefaceofRogerdeConde，anditfilledherheartwithprideandcourageasshesawandunderstoodthelittlesmileofsatisfactionthattouchedhislipsasheheardtheman’schallengeandloweredthepointofhisownspear。

Wheelingtheirhorsestowardoneanother，thetwocombatants，whoweresomeninetyfeetapart，chargedatfulltilt。Astheycametogethertheimpactwassogreatthatbothhorseswerenearlyoverturnedandthetwopowerfulwarlancesweresplinteredintoahundredfragmentsaseachstrucktheexactcenterofhisopponent’sshield。Then，wheelingtheirhorsesandthrowingawaythebuttsoftheirnowuselesslances，DeCondeandtheofficeradvancedwithdrawnswords。

ThefellowmadeamostviciousreturnassaultuponDeConde，attemptingtoridehimdowninonemadrush，buthisthrustpassedharmlesslyfromthetipoftheoutlaw’ssword，andastheofficerwheeledbacktorenewthebattle，theysettleddowntofiercecombat，theirhorseswheelingandturningshouldertoshoulder。

Thetwogirlssatrigidintheirsaddleswatchingtheencounter，theeyesofJoandeTanyalightwiththefireofbattleasshefollowedeverymoveofthewondrousswordplayofRogerdeConde。

Hehadnoteventakentheprecautiontolowerhisvisor，andthegrimandhaughtysmilethatplayeduponhislipsspokelouderthanmanywordstheuttercontemptinwhichheheldtheswordofhisadversary。AndasJoandeTanywatched，shesawthesmilesuddenlyfreezetoacold，hardline，andtheeyesofthemannarrowtomereslits，andherwoman’sintuitionreadthedeathwarrantoftheKing’sofficereretheswordoftheoutlawburieditselfinhisheart。

Theothermembersofthetwobodiesofroyalistsoldiershadsatspellboundastheywatchedthebattle，butnow，astheirleader’scorpserolledfromthesaddle，theyspurredfuriouslyinuponDeCondeandhislittleparty。

TheBaron’smenputupanoblefight，buttheoddswereheavyandevenwiththemightyarmofNormanofTornupontheirsidetheoutcomewasapparentfromthefirst。

Fiveswordswereflashingabouttheoutlaw，buthisbladewasequaltothethrustandoneafteranotherofhisassailantscrumpledupintheirsaddlesashisleapingpointfoundtheirvitals。

NearlyalloftheBaron’smenweredown，whenone，anoldservitor，spurredtothesideofJoandeTanyandMarydeStutevill。

"Come，myladies，"hecried，"quickandyoumayescape。Theybesobusywiththebattlethattheywillnevernotice。"

"TaketheLadyMary，John，"criedJoan，"IbroughtRogerdeCondetothispassagainsttheadviceofallandIremainwithhimtotheend。"

"But，MyLady——"criedJohn。

"Butnothing，sirrah！"sheinterruptedsharply。"Doasyouarebid。

FollowmyLadyMary，andseethatshecomestomyfather’scastleinsafety，"andraisingherridingwhip，shestruckMary’spalfreyacrosstherumpsothattheanimalnearlyunseatedhisfairriderasheleapedfranticallytoonesideandstartedmadlyuptheroaddownwhichtheyhadcome。

"Afterher，John，"commandedJoanperemptorily，andseethatyouturnnotbackuntilshebesafewithinthecastlewalls；thenyoumaybringaid。"

TheoldfellowhadbeenwonttoobeytheimperiouslittleLadyJoanfromherearliestchildhood，andthehabitwassostronguponhimthathewheeledhishorseandgallopedaftertheflyingpalfreyoftheLadyMarydeStutevill。

AsJoandeTanyturnedagaintotheencounterbeforeher，shesawfullytwentymensurroundingRogerdeConde，andwhilehewastakingheavytollofthosebeforehim，hecouldnotcopewiththemenwhoattackedhimfrombehind；andevenasshelooked，shesawabattleaxefallfulluponhishelm，andhissworddropfromhisnervelessfingersashislifelessbodyrolledfromthebackofSirMortimertothebattle-trampedclayofthehighroad。

Sheslidquicklyfromherpalfreyandranfearlesslytowardhisprostrateform，recklessofthetangledmassofsnorting，trampling，steel-cladhorses，andsurgingfighting-menthatsurroundedhim。AndwellitwasforNormanofTornthatthisbravegirlwastherethatday，forevenasshereachedhisside，theswordpointofoneofthesoldierswasathisthroatforthecoupdegrace。

Withacry，JoandeTanythrewherselfacrosstheoutlaw’sbody，shieldinghimasbestshecouldfromthethreateningsword。

Cursingloudly，thesoldiergraspedherroughlybythearmtodragherfromhisprey，butatthisjuncture，arichlyarmoredknightgallopedupanddrewreinbesidetheparty。

Thenewcomerwasamanofaboutforty-fiveorfifty；tall，handsome，black-mustachedandwiththehaughtyarroganceofpridemostoftenseenuponthefacesofthosewhohavebeenraisedbyunmeritedfavortopositionsofpowerandaffluence。

HewasJohndeFulm，EarlofBuckingham，aforeignerbybirthandforyearsoneoftheKing’sfavorites；thebitterestenemyofDeMontfortandthebarons。

"Whatnow？"hecried。"Whatgoesonhere？"

Thesoldiersfellback，andoneofthemreplied：

"ApartyoftheKing’senemiesattackedus，MyLordEarl，butweroutedthem，takingthesetwoprisoners。"

"Whobeye？"hesaid，turningtowardJoanwhowaskneelingbesideDeConde，andassheraisedherhead，"MyGod！ThedaughterofDeTany！anobleprizeindeedmymen。Andwhobetheknight？"

"Lookforyourself，MyLordEarl，"repliedthegirlremovingthehelm，whichshehadbeenunlacingfromthefallenman。

"Edward？"heejaculated。"Butno，itcannotbe，IdidbutyesterdayleaveEdwardinDover。"

"Iknownotwhohebe，"saidJoandeTany，"exceptthathebethemostmarvelousfighterandthebravestmanithaseverbeengivenmetosee。HecalledhimselfRogerdeConde，butIknownothingofhimotherthanthathelookslikeaprince，andfightslikeadevil。Ithinkhehasnoquarrelwitheitherside，MyLord，andso，asyoucertainlydonotmakewaronwomen，youwillletusgoourwayinpeaceaswewerewhenyoursoldierswantonlysetuponus。"

"ADeTany，madam，wereagreatandvaluablecaptureinthesetroubloustimes，"repliedtheEarl，"andthatalonewereenoughtonecessitatemykeepingyou；butabeautifulDeTanyisyetadifferentmatterandsoI

willgrantyouatleastonefavor。IwillnottakeyoutotheKing，butaprisoneryoushallbeinmineowncastleforIamalone，andneedthecheeringcompanyofafairandlovinglady。"

Thegirl’sheadwenthighasshelookedtheEarlfullintheeye。

"Thinkyou，JohndeFulm，EarlofBuckingham，thatyoubetalkingtosomecomelyscullerymaid？DoyouforgetthatmyhouseishonoredinEngland，eventhoughitdoesnotsharetheKing’sfavorswithhisforeignfavorites，andyouowerespecttoadaughterofaDeTany？"

"Allbefairinwar，mybeauty，"repliedtheEarl。"Egad，"hecontinued，"methinksallwouldbefairinhellweretheylikeuntoyou。IthasbeensomeyearssinceIhaveseenyouandIdidnotknowtheoldfoxRicharddeTanykeptsuchapackageasthishidinhisgrimyoldcastle。"

"Thenyourefusetoreleaseus？"saidJoandeTany。

"Letusnotputitthusharshly，"counteredtheEarl。"Ratherletussaythatitbesolateintheday，andthewaysobesetwithdangersthattheEarlofBuckinghamcouldnotbringhimselftoexposethebeautifuldaughterofhisoldfriendtotheperilsoftheroad，andso——"

"Letushaveanendtosuchfoolishness，"criedthegirl。"Imighthaveexpectednaughtbetterfromaturncoatforeignknavesuchasthee，whooncejoinedinthecouncilsofDeMontfort，andthenbetrayedhisfriendstocurryfavorwiththeKing。"

TheEarlpaledwithrage，andpressedforwardasthoughtostrikethegirl，butthinkingbetterofit，heturnedtooneofthesoldiers，saying：

"Bringtheprisonerwithyou。Ifthemanlivesbringhimalso。Iwouldlearnmoreofthisfellowwhomasqueradesinthecountenanceofacrownprince。"

Andturning，hespurredontowardstheneighboringcastleofarebelbaronwhichhadbeencapturedbytheroyalists，andwasnowusedasheadquartersbyDeFulm。

CHAPTERXIII

WhenNormanofTornregainedhissenses，hefoundhimselfinasmalltowerroominastrangecastle。Hisheadachedhorribly，andhefeltsickandsore；buthemanagedtocrawlfromthecotonwhichhelay，andbysteadyinghisswayingbodywithhandspressedagainstthewall，hewasabletoreachthedoor。Tohisdisappointment，hefoundthislockedfromwithoutand，inhisweakenedcondition，hemadenoattempttoforceit。

Hewasfullydressedandinarmor，ashehadbeenwhenstruckdown，buthishelmetwasgone，aswerealsohisswordanddagger。

Thedaywasdrawingtoacloseand，asduskfellandtheroomdarkened，hebecamemoreandmoreimpatient。Repeatedpoundinguponthedoorbroughtnoresponseandfinallyhegaveupindespair。Goingtothewindow，hesawthathisroomwassomethirtyfeetabovethestone-flaggedcourtyard，andalsothatitlookedatanangleuponotherwindowsintheoldcastlewherelightswerebeginningtoshow。Hesawmen-at-armsmovingabout，andoncehethoughthecaughtaglimpseofawoman’sfigure，buthewasnotsure。

HewonderedwhathadbecomeofJoandeTanyandMarydeStutevill。Hehopedthattheyhadescaped，andyet——no，Joancertainlyhadnot，fornowhedistinctlyrememberedthathiseyeshadmethersforaninstantjustbeforetheblowfelluponhim，andhethoughtofthefaithandconfidencethathehadreadinthatquickglance。Suchalookwouldnerveajackaltoattackadroveoflions，thoughttheoutlaw。Whatabeautifulcreatureshewas；andshehadstayedtherewithhimduringthefight。Herememberednow。MarydeStutevillhadnotbeenwithherashehadcaughtthatglimpseofher，no，shehadbeenallalone。Ah！Thatwasfriendshipindeed！

Whatelsewasitthattriedtoforceitswayabovethethresholdofhisbruisedandwaveringmemory？Words？Wordsoflove？Andlipspressedtohis？No，itmustbebutafigmentofhiswoundedbrain。

Whatwasthatwhichclickedagainsthisbreastplate？Hefelt，andfoundametalbaublelinkedtoameshofhissteelarmorbyastrandofsilkenhair。Hecarriedthelittlethingtothewindow，andinthewaninglightmadeitouttobeagoldenhairornamentsetwithpreciousstones，buthecouldnottellifthelittlestrandofsilkenhairwereblackorbrown。

Carefullyhedetachedthelittlething，and，windingthefilmytressaboutit，placeditwithinthebreastofhistunic。Hewasvaguelytroubledbyit，yetwhyhecouldscarcelyhavetold，himself。

Againturningtothewindow，hewatchedthelightedroomswithinhisvision，andpresentlyhisviewwasrewardedbythesightofaknightcomingwithinthescopeofthenarrowcasementofanearbychamber。

Fromhisapparel，hewasamanofposition，andhewasevidentlyinheateddiscussionwithsomeonewhomNormanofTorncouldnotsee。Theman，agreat，tallblack-hairedandmustachednobleman，waspoundinguponatabletoemphasizehiswords，andpresentlyhesprangupasthoughrushingtowardtheonetowhomhehadbeenspeaking。Hedisappearedfromthewatcher’sviewforamomentandthen，atthefarsideoftheapartment，NormanofTornsawhimagainjustasheroughlygraspedthefigureofawomanwhoevidentlywasattemptingtoescapehim。Assheturnedtofacehertormentor，allthedevilintheDevilofTornsurgedinhisachinghead，forthefacehesawwasthatofJoandeTany。

Withamutteredoath，theimprisonedmanturnedtohurlhimselfagainstthebolteddoor，buterehehadtakenasinglestep，thesoundofheavyfeetwithoutbroughthimtoastop，andthejingleofkeysasonewasfittedtothelockofthedoorsenthimglidingstealthilytothewallbesidethedoorway，wheretheinswingingdoorwouldconcealhim。

Asthedoorwaspushedback，aflickeringtorchlightedup，butdimly，theinterior，sothatuntilhehadreachedthecenteroftheroom，thevisitordidnotseethatthecotwasempty。

Hewasaman-at-arms，andathissidehungasword。ThatwasenoughfortheDevilofTorn——itwasaswordhecravedmost；and，erethefellowcouldassurehisslowwitsthatthecotwasempty，steelfingerscloseduponhisthroat，andhewentdownbeneaththegiantformoftheoutlaw。

Withoutothersoundthanthescuffingoftheirbodiesonthefloor，andtheclankingoftheirarmor，theyfought，theonetoreachthedaggerathisside，theothertocloseforeverthewindpipeofhisadversary。

Presently，theman-at-armsfoundwhathesought，and，aftertuggingwitheverdiminishingstrength，hefeltthebladeslipfromitssheath。Slowlyandfeeblyheraisedithighabovethebackofthemanontopofhim；withalastsupremeefforthedrovethepointdownward，butereitreacheditsgoal，therewasasharpsnappingsoundasofabrokenbone，thedaggerfellharmlesslyfromhisdeadhand，andhisheadrolledbackwarduponhisbrokenneck。