第7章

CHAPTERXV

WhenwordofthedeathofJoandeTanyreachedTorn，nomancouldtellfromoutwardappearancethedepthofthesufferingwhichthesadintelligencewroughtonthemasterofTorn。

Allthattheywhofollowedhimknewwasthatcertainunusualorderswereissued，andthatthatsamenight，thetencompaniesrodesouthtowardEssexwithoutotherhaltthanfornecessaryfoodandwaterformanandbeast。

WhenthebodyofJoandeTanyrodeforthfromherfather’scastletothechurchatColchester，andagainasitwasbroughtbacktoitsfinalrestingplaceinthecastle’scrypt，athousandstrangeandsilentknights，blackdraped，uponhorsestrappedinblack，rodeslowlybehindthebier。

Silentlytheyhadcomeinthenightprecedingthefuneral，andassilently，theyslippedawaynorthwardintothefallingshadowsofthefollowingnight。

Nowordhadpassedbetweenthoseofthecastleandthegreattroopofsable-cladwarriors，butallwithinknewthatthemightyOutlawofTornhadcometopayhomagetothememoryofthedaughterofDeTany，andallbutthegrievingmotherwonderedatthestrangenessoftheact。

AsthehordeofTornapproachedtheirDerbystronghold，theiryoungleaderturnedthecommandovertoRedShandyanddismountedatthedoorofFatherClaude’scottage。

"Iamtired，Father，"saidtheoutlawashethrewhimselfuponhisaccustomedbench。"Naughtbutsorrowanddeathfollowinmyfootsteps。I

andallmyactsbeaccurst，anduponthoseIlove，theblightfalleth。"

"Alterthyways，myson；followmyadviceereitbetoolate。Seekoutanewandbetterlifeinanothercountryandcarvethyfutureintothesemblanceofgloryandhonor。"

"WouldthatImight，myfriend，"answeredNormanofTorn。"ButhastthouthoughtontheconsequenceswhichsurelywouldfollowshouldIthusremovebothheartandheadfromthethingthatIhavebuilt？

"WhatsupposethouwouldresultwereNormanofTorntoturnhisgreatbandofcut-throats，leaderless，uponEngland？Hastthoughton’t，Father？

"WouldstthoudrawasinglebreathinsecurityifthouknewEdwildtheSerfwereranginguncheckedthroughDerby？Edwild，whosefatherwastornlimbfromlimbupontherackbecausehewouldnotconfesstokillingabuckinthenewforest，abuckwhichfellbeforethearrowofanotherman；Edwild，whosemotherwasburnedforwitchcraftbyHolyChurch。

"AndHorsantheDane，Father。HowthinkestthouthesafetyoftheroadswouldbeforeitherrichorpooranIturnedHorsantheDanelooseuponye？

"AndPensilo，theSpanishDon！Agreatcaptain，butamanabsolutelywithoutbowelsofcompassion。Whenfirsthejoinedusandsawourmarkupontheforeheadsofourdead，wishingtoout-HerodHerod，hemarkedthelivingwhichfellintohishandswitharedhotiron，brandingagreatP

uponeachcheekandburningouttherighteyecompletely。Wouldstliketofeel，Father，thatDonPiedroCastroyPensilorangedfreethroughforestandhillofEngland？

"AndRedShandy，andthetwoFlorys，andPetertheHermit，andOneEyeKanty，andGropello，andCampanee，andCobarth，andMandecote，andthethousandothers，eachwithaspecialhatredforsomeparticularclassorindividual，andallfilledwiththelustofbloodandrapineandloot。

"No，Father，Imaynotgoyet，fortheEnglandIhavebeentaughttohate，Ihavelearnedtolove，andIhaveitnotinmyhearttoturnlooseuponherfairbreastthebeastsofhellwhoknownolawororderordecencyotherthanthatwhichIenforce。"

AsNormanofTornceasedspeaking，thepriestsatsilentformanyminutes。

"Thouhastindeedagraveresponsibility，myson，"hesaidatlast。"ThoucanstnotwellgounlessthoutakestthyhordewiththeeoutofEngland，buteventhatmaybepossible；whoknowsotherthanGod？"

"Formypart"laughedtheoutlaw，"IbewillingtoleaveitinHishands；

whichseemstobethewaywithChristians。Whenonewouldshirkaresponsibility，orexplainanerror，lo，oneshouldersitupontheLord。"

"Ifear，myson，"saidthepriest，"thatwhatseedofreverenceIhaveattemptedtoplantwithinthybreasthathbornepoorfruit。"

"Thatdependethupontheviewpoint，Father；asItakenottheLordintopartnershipinmysuccessesitseemethtometobebutofameanandpoorspirittosaddlemysorrowsandperplexitiesuponHim。Imaybewrong，forIamill-versedinreligiousmatters，butmyconceptionofGodandscapegoatbenotthattheyaresynonymous。"

"Religion，myson，beabootlesssubjectforargumentbetweenfriends，"

repliedthepriest，"andfurther，therebethatnearermyheartjustnowwhichIwouldaskthee。Imayoffend，butthouknowIdonotmeanto。ThequestionIwouldask，is，dostwhollytrusttheoldmanwhomthoucallfather？"

"Iknowofnotreachery，"repliedtheoutlaw，"whichhehatheverconceivedagainstme。Why？"

"IaskbecauseIhavewrittentoSimondeMontfortaskinghimtomeetmeandtwoothershereuponanimportantmatter。IhavelearnedthatheexpectstobeathisLeicestercastle，forafewdays，withintheweek。HeistonotifymewhenhewillcomeandIshallthensendfortheeandtheoldmanofTorn；butitwereaswell，myson，thatthoudonotmentionthismattertothyfather，norlethimknowwhenthoucomehithertothemeetingthatDeMontfortistobepresent。"

"Asyousay，Father，"repliedNormanofTorn。"Idonotmakeheadnortailofthywondrousintrigues，butthatthouwishitdonethusorsoissufficient。ImustbeofftoTornnow，soIbidtheefarewell。"

UntilthefollowingSpring，NormanofTorncontinuedtooccupyhimselfwithoccasionalpillagesagainsttheroyalistsofthesurroundingcounties，andhispatrolssocoveredthepublichighwaysthatitbecameamatterofgrievousimporttotheKing’sparty，fornoonewassafeinthedistrictwhoevensomuchassympathizedwiththeKing’scause，andmanywerethedeadforeheadsthatborethegrimmarkoftheDevilofTorn。

Thoughhehadneverformallyespousedthecauseofthebarons，itnowseemedamatteroflittledoubtbutthat，inanycrisis，hisgrislybannerwouldbefoundontheirside。

ThelongwintereveningswithinthecastleofTornwereoftenspentinrough，wildcarousalsinthegreathallwhereathousandmenmightsitattablesinging，fightinganddrinkinguntilthegraydawnstoleinthroughtheeastwindows，orPetertheHermit，thefiercemajordomo，tiredofthedinandracket，camestalkingintothechamberwithdrawnswordandlaidupontherevellerswiththeflatofittoenforcetheauthorityofhiscommandstodisperse。

NormanofTornandtheoldmanseldomjoinedinthesewildorgies，butwhenminstrel，ortroubadour，orstorytellerwanderedtohisgrimlair，theOutlawofTornwouldsitenjoyingthebreakinthewinter’sdullmonotonytoaslateanhourasanother；norcouldanymanofhisgreatfiercehordeoutdrinktheirchiefwhenhecaredtoindulgeinthepleasuresofthewinecup。Theonlyeffectthatliquorseemedtohaveuponhimwastoincreasehisdesiretofight，sothathewaswonttopickneedlessquarrelsandtoresorttohisswordfortheslightest，orfornoprovocationatall。So，forthisreason，hedrankbutseldomsincehealwaysregrettedthethingshedidunderthepromptingsofthatotherselfwhichonlycouldassertitsegowhenreasonwasthreatenedwithsubmersion。

Oftenontheseevenings，thecompanywasentertainedbystoriesfromthewild，rovinglivesofitsownmembers。Talesofadventure，love，waranddeathineveryknowncorneroftheworld；andthetencaptainstold，each，hisstoryofhowhecametobeofTorn；andthus，withfightingenoughbydaytokeepthemgoodhumored，thewinterpassed，andspringcamewiththeeverwondrousmiracleofawakeninglife，withsoftzephyrs，warmrain，andsunnyskies。

Throughallthewinter，FatherClaudehadbeenexpectingtohearfromSimondeMontfort，butnotuntilnowdidhereceiveamessagewhichtoldthegoodpriestthathisletterhadmissedthegreatbaronandhadfollowedhimarounduntilhehadbutjustreceivedit。Themessageclosedwiththesewords：

"Anyclew，howevervague，whichmightleadnearertoatrueknowledgeofthefateofPrinceRichard，weshallmostgladlyreceiveandgiveourbestattention。Therefore，ifthouwilstfinditconvenient，weshallvisitthee，goodfather，onthefifthdayfromtoday。"

Spizo，theSpaniard，hadseenDeMontfort’smanleavethenotewithFatherClaudeandhehadseenthepriesthideitunderagreatbowlonhistable，sothatwhenthegoodfatherlefthiscottage，itwasthematterofbutamoment’sworkforSpizototransferthemessagefromitshidingplacetothebreastofhistunic。Thefellowcouldnotread，buthetowhomhetookthemissivecould，laboriously，deciphertheLatininwhichitwaspenned。

TheoldmanofTornfairlytrembledwithsuppressedrageasthefullpurportofthisletterflasheduponhim。IthadbeenyearssincehehadheardaughtofthesearchforthelittlelostprinceofEngland，andnowthattheperiodofhissilencewasdrawingtoaclose，nowthatmoreandmoreoftenopportunitieswereopeninguptohimtowreakthelastshredofhisterriblevengeance，theverythoughtofbeingthwartedatthefinalmomentstaggeredhiscomprehension。

"Onthefifthday，"herepeated。"Thatisthedayonwhichweweretoridesouthagain。Well，weshallride，andSimondeMontfortshallnottalkwiththee，thoufoolpriest。"

Thatsamespringeveningintheyear1264，amessengerdrewreinbeforethewallsofTornand，tothechallengeofthewatch，cried：

"AroyalmessengerfromHisIllustriousMajesty，Henry，bythegraceofGod，KingofEngland，LordofIreland，DukeofAquitaine，toNormanofTorn，Open，inthenameoftheKing！"

NormanofTorndirectedthattheKing’smessengerbeadmitted，andtheknightwasquicklyusheredintothegreathallofthecastle。

Theoutlawpresentlyenteredinfullarmor，withvisorlowered。

ThebearingoftheKing’sofficerwashaughtyandarrogant，asbecameamanofbirthwhendealingwithalowbornknave。

"HisMajestyhasdeignedtoaddressyou，sirrah，"hesaid，withdrawingaparchmentfromhisbreast。"And，asyoudoubtlesscannotread，IwillreadtheKing’scommandstoyou。"

"Icanread，"repliedNormanofTorn，"whatevertheKingcanwrite。Unlessitbe，"headded，"thattheKingwritesnobetterthanherules。"

Themessengerscowledangrily，crying：

"ItillbecomessuchalowfellowtospeakthusdisrespectfullyofourgraciousKing。Ifhewerelessgenerous，hewouldhavesentyouahalterratherthanthismessagewhichIbear。"

"Abridleforthytongue，myfriend，"repliedNormanofTorn，"wereinbettertastethanahalterformyneck。Butcome，letusseewhattheKingwritestohisfriend，theOutlawofTorn。"

Takingtheparchmentfromthemessenger，NormanofTornread：

Henry，byGraceofGod，KingofEngland，LordofIreland，DukeofAquitaine；toNormanofTorn：

Sinceithasbeencalledtoournoticethatyoubeharassingandplunderingthepersonsandpropertyofourfaithfullieges——-

Wetherefore，byvirtueoftheauthorityvestedinusbyAlmightyGod，docommandthatyouceasethesenefariouspractices——-

Andfurther，throughthegraciousintercessionofHerMajesty，QueenEleanor，wedoofferyoufullpardonforallyourpastcrimes——-

Provided，yourepairatoncetothetownofLewes，withallthefightingmen，yourfollowers，preparedtoprotectthesecurityofourperson，andwagewaruponthoseenemiesofEngland，SimondeMontfort，GilbertdeClareandtheiraccomplices，whoevennowarecollectedtothreatenandmenaceourpersonandkingdom——-

Or，otherwise，shallyousufferdeath，byhanging，foryourlongunpunishedcrimes。Witnessedmyself，atLewes，onMaythethird，intheforty-eighthyearofourreign。

HENRY，REX。

"Theclosingparagraphbeunfortunatelyworded，"saidNormanofTorn，"forbecauseofitshalltheKing’smessengereattheKing’smessage，andthustakebackinhisbellytheanswerofNormanofTorn。"Andcrumplingtheparchmentinhishand，headvancedtowardtheroyalemissary。

Theknightwhippedouthissword，buttheDevilofTornwasevenquicker，sothatitseemedthattheKing’smessengerhaddeliberatelyhurledhisweaponacrosstheroom，soquicklydidtheoutlawdisarmhim。

AndthenNormanofTorntookthemanbytheneckwithonepowerfulhandand，despitehisstruggles，andthebeatingofhismailedfists，benthimbackuponthetable，andthere，forcinghisteethapartwiththepointofhissword，NormanofTornrammedtheKing’smessagedowntheknight’sthroat；wax，parchmentandall。

ItwasacrestfallengentlemanwhorodeforthfromthecastleofTornahalfhourlaterandspurredrapidly-inhisheadamoreciviltongue。

When，twodayslater，heappearedbeforetheKingatWinchelseaandreportedtheoutcomeofhismission，Henryragedandstormed，swearingbyallthesaintsinthecalendarthatNormanofTornshouldhangforhiseffronterybeforethesnowflewagain。

NewsofthefightingbetweenthebaronsandtheKing’sforcesatRochester，BattelandelsewherereachedtheearsofNormanofTornafewdaysafterthecomingoftheKing’smessage，butatthesametimecameothernewswhichhastenedhisdeparturetowardthesouth。ThislatterwordwasthatBertradedeMontfortandhermother，accompaniedbyPrincePhilip，hadlandedatDover，andthatuponthesameboathadcomePeterofColfaxbacktoEngland——thelatter，doubtlessreassuredbythestrongconviction，whichheldinthemindsofallroyalistsatthattime，ofthecertaintyofvictoryfortheroyalarmsintheimpendingconflictwiththerebelbarons。

NormanofTornhaddeterminedthathewouldseeBertradedeMontfortonceagain，andclearhisconsciencebyafrankavowalofhisidentity。Heknewwhattheresultmustbe。HisexperiencewithJoandeTanyhadtaughthimthat。Butthefinesenseofchivalrywhicheverdominatedallhisactswherethehappinessorhonorofwomenwereconcernedurgedhimtogivehimselfoverasasacrificeuponthealtarofawoman’spride，thatitmightbeshewhospurnedandrejected；for，asitmustappearnow，ithadbeenhewhoselovehadgrowncold。Itwasabitterthingtocontemplate，fornotalonewouldthemightyprideofthemanbelacerated，butagreatlove。

Twodaysbeforethestartofthemarch，Spizo，theSpaniard，reportedtotheoldmanofTornthathehadoverheardFatherClaudeaskNormanofTorntocomewithhisfathertothepriest’scottagethemorningofthemarchtomeetSimondeMontfortuponanimportantmatter，butwhatthenatureofthethingwasthepriestdidnotrevealtotheoutlaw。

Thisreportseemedtopleasethelittle，grim，grayoldmanmorethanaughthehadheardinseveraldays；foritmadeitapparentthatthepriesthadnotasyetdivulgedthetenorofhisconjecturetotheOutlawofTorn。

Ontheeveningofthedayprecedingthatsetforthemarchsouth，alittle，wiryfigure，grimandgray，enteredthecottageofFatherClaude。Nomanknowswhatwordspassedbetweenthegoodpriestandhisvisitornorthedetailsofwhatbefellwithinthefourwallsofthelittlecottagethatnight；butsomehalfhouronlyelapsedbeforethelittle，grim，graymanemergedfromthedarkenedinteriorandhastenedupwardupontherockytrailintothehills，acoldsmileofsatisfactiononhislips。

ThecastleofTornwasfilledwiththerushandrattleofpreparationearlythefollowingmorning，forbyeighto’clockthecolumnwastomarch。Thecourtyardwasfilledwithhurryingsquiresandlackeys。Warhorseswerebeinggroomedandcaparisoned；sumpterbeasts，snubbedtogreatposts，werebeingladenwiththetents，bedding，andbelongingsofthemen；whilethosealreadypackedwerewanderinglooseamongtheotheranimalsandmen。Therewassquealing，biting，kicking，andcursingasanimalsfouledoneanotherwiththeirloads，orbrushedagainstsometetheredwarhorse。

Squireswererunninghitherandthither，oraidingtheirmasterstodonarmor，lacinghelmtohauberk，tyingthepointsofailette，coude，androndel；bucklingcuisseandjambetothighandleg。Theopenforgesofarmorerandsmithysmokedandhissed，andthedinofhammeronanvilroseabovethethousandlessernoisesofthecastlecourts，theshoutingofcommands，therattleofsteel，theringingofironhoofonstoneflags，astheseartificershastened，sweatingandcursing，throughtheeleventhhourrepairstoarmor，lanceandsword，ortoresetashoeuponarefractory，plungingbeast。

Finallythecaptainscame，armoredcap-a-pie，andwiththemsomesemblanceoforderandquietoutofchaosandbedlam。Firstthesumpterbeasts，allloadednow，weredriven，withastrongescort，tothedownsbelowthecastleandthereheldtoawaitthecolumn。Then，onebyone，thecompanieswereformedandmarchedoutbeneathflutteringpennonandwavingbannertothemartialstrainsofbugleandtrumpet。

Lastofallcamethecatapults，thosegreatenginesofdestructionwhichhurledtwohundredpoundboulderswithmightyforceagainstthewallsofbeleagueredcastles。

Andafterallhadpassedthroughthegreatgates，NormanofTornandthelittleoldmanwalkedsidebysidefromthecastlebuildingandmountedtheirchargersheldbytwosquiresinthecenterofthecourtyard。

Below，onthedowns，thecolumnwasforminginmarchingorder，andasthetworodeouttojoinit，thelittleoldmanturnedtoNormanofTorn，saying，"IhadalmostforgotamessageIhaveforyou，myson。FatherClaudesentwordlasteveningthathehadbeencalledsuddenlysouth，andthatsomeappointmentyouhadwithhimmustthereforebedeferreduntillater。Hesaidthatyouwouldunderstand。"Theoldmaneyedhiscompanionnarrowlythroughtheeyeslitinhishelm。

"’Tispassingstrange，"saidNormanofTornbutthatwashisonlycomment。

AndsotheyjoinedthecolumnwhichmovedslowlydowntowardthevalleyandastheypassedthecottageofFatherClaude，NormanofTornsawthatthedoorwasclosedandthattherewasnosignoflifeabouttheplace。Awaveofmelancholypassedoverhim，forthedesertedaspectofthelittleflower-hedgedcoteseemeddismallypropheticofanearfuturewithoutthebeaming，jovialfaceofhisfriendandadviser。

ScarcelyhadthehordeofTornpassedoutofsightdowntheeastedgeofthevalleyereapartyofrichlydressedknights，comingfromthesouthbyanotherroadalongthewestbankoftheriver，crossedoveranddrewreinbeforethecottageofFatherClaude。

Astheirhailswereunanswered，oneofthepartydismountedtoenterthebuilding。

"Haveacare，MyLord，"criedhiscompanion。"Thisbeover-closetotheCastleTornandtheremayeasilybemoretreacherythantruthinthemessagewhichcalledtheethither。"

"Fearnot，"repliedSimondeMontfort，"theDevilofTornhathnoquarrelwithme。"Stridingupthelittlepath，heknockedloudlyonthedoor。

Receivingnoreply，hepusheditopenandsteppedintothedimlightoftheinterior。Therehefoundhishost，thegoodfatherClaude，stretcheduponhisbackonthefloor，thebreastofhispriestlyrobesdarkwithdriedandclottedblood。

Turningagaintothedoor，DeMontfortsummonedacoupleofhiscompanions。

"ThesecretofthelittlelostprinceofEnglandbeadangerousburdenforamantocarry，"hesaid。"ButthisconvincesmemorethananywordsthepriestmighthaveutteredthattheabductorbestillinEngland，andpossiblyPrinceRichardalso。"

Asearchofthecottagerevealedthefactthatithadbeenransackedthoroughlybytheassassin。Thecontentsofdrawerandboxlitteredeveryroom，thoughthattheobjectwasnotrichplunderwasevidencedbymanypiecesofjewelryandmoneywhichremaineduntouched。

"Thetrueobjectlieshere，"saidDeMontfort，pointingtotheopenhearthuponwhichlaythecharredremainsofmanypapersanddocuments。"Allwrittenevidencehasbeendestroyed，butholdwhatliethherebeneaththetable？"and，stooping，theEarlofLeicesterpickedupasheetofparchmentonwhichaletterhadbeencommenced。Itwasaddressedtohim，andhereaditaloud：

Lestsomeunforeseenchanceshouldpreventtheaccomplishmentofourmeeting，MyLordEarl，IsendtheethisbyonewhoknowethnoteitheritscontentsorthesuspicionswhichIwillnarrateherein。

Hewhobareththisletter，ItrulybelievetobethelostPrinceRichard。

Questionhimclosely，MyLord，andIknowthatthouwiltbeaspositiveasI。

Ofhispast，thouknownearlyasmuchasI，thoughthoumaynotknowthewondrouschivalryandtruenobilityofcharacterofhimmencall——-

Heretheletterstopped，evidentlycutshortbythedaggeroftheassassin。

"MonDieu！Thedamnableluck！"criedDeMontfort，"butasecondmoreandthenamewehavesoughtfortwentyyearswouldhavebeenwrit。DidsteverseesuchhellishchanceasplaysintothehandofthefiendincarnatesincethatlonggonedaywhenhisswordpiercedtheheartofLadyMaudbytheposterngatebesidetheThames？TheDevilhimselfmustwatcho’erhim。

"Therebenaughtmorewecandohere，"hecontinued。"IshouldhavebeenonmywaytoFletchinghourssince。Come，mygentlemen，wewillridesouthbywayofLeicesterandhavethegoodFatherstherelooktothedecentburialofthisholyman。"

Thepartymountedandroderapidlyaway。NoonfoundthematLeicester，andthreedayslater，theyrodeintothebaronialcampatFletching。

Atalmostthesamehour，themonksoftheAbbeyofLeicesterperformedthelastritesofHolyChurchforthepeaceofthesoulofFatherClaudeandconsignedhisclaytothechurchyard。

AndthusanotherinnocentvictimofaninsatiablehateandvengeancewhichhadbeenbornintheKing’sarmorytwentyyearsbeforepassedfromtheeyesofmen。

CHAPTERXVI

WhileNormanofTornandhisthousandfightingmenmarchedslowlysouthontheroadtowardDover，thearmyofSimondeMontfortwaspreparingforitsadvanceuponLewes，whereKingHenry，withhissonPrinceEdward，andhisbrother，PrinceRichard，KingoftheRomans，togetherwiththelatter’sson，wereentrenchedwiththeirforces，sixtythousandstrong。

BeforesunriseonaMaymorningintheyear1264，thebarons’armysetoutfromitscampatFletching，ninemilesfromLewesand，marchingthroughdenseforests，reachedapointtwomilesfromthecity，unobserved。

Fromhere，theyascendedthegreatridgeofthehillsupthevalleyCombe，theprojectingshoulderoftheDownscoveringtheirmarchfromthetown。

TheKing’sparty，however，hadnosuspicionthatanattackwasimminentand，indirectcontrasttothemethodsofthebaronialtroops，hadspenttheprecedingnightindrunkenrevelry，sothattheywerequitetakenbysurprise。

ItistruethatHenryhadstationedanoutpostuponthesummitofthehillinadvanceofLewes，butsolaxwasdisciplineinhisarmythatthesoldiers，growingtiredoftheduty，hadabandonedtheposttowardmorning，andreturnedtotown，leavingbutasinglemanonwatch。He，leftalone，hadpromptlyfallenasleep，andthusDeMontfort’smenfoundandcapturedhimwithinsightofthebell-towerofthePrioryofLewes，wheretheKingandhisroyalallieslaypeacefullyasleep，aftertheirnightofwineanddancingandsong。

Haditnotbeenforanincidentwhichnowbefell，thebaronialarmywoulddoubtlesshavereachedthecitywithoutbeingdetected，butithappenedthat，theeveningbefore，Henryhadorderedaforagingpartytorideforthatdaybreak，asprovisionsforbothmenandbeastswerelow。

Thispartyhadscarcelyleftthecitybehindthemeretheyfellintothehandsofthebaronialtroops。Thoughsomefewwerekilledorcaptured，thosewhoescapedweresufficienttoarousethesleepingarmyoftheroyaliststothecloseproximityandgravityoftheirdanger。

Bythistime，thefourdivisionsofDeMontfort’sarmywereinfullviewofthetown。OntheleftweretheLondonersunderNicholasdeSegrave；inthecenterrodeDeClare，withJohnFitz-JohnandWilliamdeMonchensy，attheheadofalargedivisionwhichoccupiedthatbranchofthehillwhichdescendedagentle，unbrokenslopetothetown。TherightwingwascommandedbyHenrydeMontfort，theoldestsonofSimondeMontfort，andwithhimwasthethirdson，Guy，aswellasJohndeBurghandHumphreydeBohun。ThereserveswereunderSimondeMontforthimself。

ThuswastheflowerofEnglishchivalrypittedagainsttheKingandhisparty，whichincludedmanynobleswhosekinsmenwerewithDeMontfort；sothatbrotherfacedbrother，andfatherfoughtagainstson，onthatbloodyWednesday，beforetheoldtownofLewes。

PrinceEdwardwasthefirstoftheroyalpartytotakethefieldand，asheissuedfromthecastlewithhisgallantcompany，bannersandpennonsstreaminginthebreezeandburnishedarmorandflashingbladescintillatinginthemorningsunlight，hemadeagorgeousandimpressivespectacleashehurledhimselfupontheLondoners，whomhehadselectedforattackbecauseoftheaffronttheyhadputuponhismotherthatdayatLondonontheprecedingJuly。

Soviciouswashisonslaughtthatthepoorlyarmedandunprotectedburghers，unusedtothesterngameofwar，felllikesheepbeforetheironmenontheirironshodhorses。Thelonglances，theheavymaces，thesix-bladedbattleaxes，andthewell-temperedswordsoftheknightsplayedhavocamongthem，sothattheroutwascomplete；but，notcontentwithvictory，PrinceEdwardmustgluthisvengeance，andsohepursuedthecitizensformiles，butcheringgreatnumbersofthem，whilemanymoreweredrownedinattemptingtoescapeacrosstheOuse。

Theleftwingoftheroyalistarmy，undertheKingoftheRomansandhisgallantson，wasnotsofortunate，fortheymetadeterminedresistanceatthehandsofHenrydeMontfort。

Thecentraldivisionsofthetwoarmiesseemedwellmatchedalso，andthusthebattlecontinuedthroughouttheday，thegreatestadvantageappearingtoliewiththeKing’stroops。HadEdwardnotgonesofarafieldinpursuitoftheLondoners，thevictorymighteasilyhavebeenonthesideoftheroyalistsearlyintheday，butbythuseliminatinghisdivisionafterdefeatingapartofDeMontfort’sarmy，itwasasthoughneitherofthesetwoforceshadbeenengaged。

ThewilySimondeMontforthadattemptedalittlerusewhichcenteredthefightingforatimeuponthecrestofoneofthehills。Hehadcausedhiscartobeplacedthere，withthetentsandluggageofmanyofhisleaders，underasmallguard，sothatthebannerstheredisplayed，togetherwiththecar，ledtheKingoftheRomanstobelievethattheEarlhimselflaythere，forSimondeMontforthadbutamonthorsobeforesufferedaninjurytohishipwhenhishorsefellwithhim，andtheroyalistswerenotawarethathehadrecoveredsufficientlytoagainmountahorse。

AndsoitwasthattheforcesundertheKingoftheRomanspushedbackthemenofHenrydeMontfort，andeverandeverclosertothecarcametheroyalistsuntiltheywereabletofalluponit，cryingoutinsultsagainsttheoldEarlandcommandinghimtocomeforth。Andwhentheyhadkilledtheoccupantsofthecar，theyfoundthatSimondeMontfortwasnotamongthem，butinsteadhehadfastenedtherethreeimportantcitizensofLondon，oldmenandinfluential，whohadopposedhim，andaidedandabettedtheKing。

SogreatwasthewrathofPrinceRichard，KingoftheRomans，thathefelluponthebaronialtroopswithrenewedvigor，andslowlybutsteadilybeatthembackfromthetown。

Thissight，togetherwiththeroutingoftheenemy’sleftwingbyPrinceEdward，socheeredandinspiredtheroyaliststhatthetworemainingdivisionstookuptheattackwithrefreshedspiritssothat，whatamomentbeforehadhunginthebalance，nowseemedanassuredvictoryforKingHenry。

BothDeMontfortandtheKinghadthrownthemselvesintothemeleewithalltheirreserves。Nolongerwastheresemblanceoforganization。Divisionwasinextricablybemingledwithdivision；friendandfoeformedajumbledconfusionoffighting，cursingchaos，overwhichwhippedtheangrypennonsandbannersofEngland’snoblesthouses。

ThatthemassseemedmovingeverawayfromLewesindicatedthattheKing’sarmswerewinningtowardvictory，andsoitmighthavebeenhadnotanewelementbeeninfusedintothebattle；fornowuponthebrowofthehilltothenorthofthemappearedagreathordeofarmoredknights，andastheycameintopositionwheretheycouldviewthebattle，theleaderraisedhisswordonhigh，and，asoneman，thethousandbrokeintoamadcharge。

BothDeMontfortandtheKingceasedfightingastheygazeduponthisbodyoffresh，wellarmored，wellmountedreinforcements。Whommighttheybe？

Towhichsideownedtheyallegiance？And，then，astheblackfalconwingonthebannersoftheadvancinghorsemenbecamedistinguishable，theysawthatitwastheOutlawofTorn。

Nowhewascloseuponthem，andhadtherebeenanydoubtbefore，thewildbattlecrywhichrangfromathousandfiercethroatsturnedthehopesoftheroyalistscoldwithintheirbreasts。

"ForDeMontfort！ForDeMontfort！"and"DownwithHenry！"rangloudandclearabovethedinofbattle。

Instantlythetideturned，anditwasbyonlythebarestchancethattheKinghimselfescapedcapture，andregainedthetemporarysafetyofLewes。

TheKingoftheRomanstookrefugewithinanoldmill，andhereitwasthatNormanofTornfoundhimbarricaded。Whenthedoorwasbrokendown，theoutlawenteredanddraggedthemonarchforthwithhisownhandtothefeetofDeMontfort，andwouldhaveputhimtodeathhadnottheEarlintervened。

"IhaveyettoseemymarkupontheforeheadofaKing，"saidNormanofTorn，"andthetemptationbegreat；but，anyouaskit，MyLordEarl，hislifeshallbeyourstodowithasyouseefit。"

"Youhavefoughtwellthisday，NormanofTorn，"repliedDeMontfort。

"VerilydoIbelieveweoweourvictorytoyoualone；sodonotmartherecordofanobledeedbywantonactsofatrocity。"

"Itisbutwhattheyhaddonetome，wereItheprisonerinstead，"retortedtheoutlaw。

AndSimondeMontfortcouldnotanswerthat，foritwasbutthesimpletruth。

"Howcomesit，NormanofTorn，"askedDeMontfortastheyrodetogethertowardLewes，"thatyouthrewtheweightofyoursworduponthesideofthebarons？BeitbecauseyouhatetheKingmore？"

"IdonotknowthatIhateeither，MyLordEarl，"repliedtheoutlaw。"I

havebeentaughtsincebirthtohateyouall，butwhyIshouldhatewasnevertoldme。Possiblyitbebutabadhabitthatwillyieldtomymatureryears。

"AsforwhyIfoughtasIdidtoday，"hecontinued，"itbebecausetheheartofLadyBertrade，yourdaughter，beuponyourside。HaditbeenwiththeKing，heruncle，NormanofTornhadfoughtotherwisethanhehasthisday。Soyousee，MyLordEarl，youowemenogratitude。TomorrowImaybepillagingyourfriendsasofyore。"

SimondeMontfortturnedtolookathim，buttheblankwallofhisloweredvisorgavenosignofthethoughtsthatpassedbeneath。

"Youdomuchforamerefriendship，NormanofTorn，"saidtheEarlcoldly，"andIdoubtmenotbutthatmydaughterhasalreadyforgotyou。AnEnglishnoblewoman，preparingtobecomeaprincessofFrance，doesnothavemuchthoughttowasteuponhighwaymen。"Histone，aswellashiswordswerestudiouslyarrogantandinsulting，forithadstungtheprideofthishaughtynobletothinkthatalow-bornknaveboastedthefriendshipofhisdaughter。

NormanofTornmadenoreply，andcouldtheEarlofLeicesterhaveseenhisface，hehadbeensurprisedtonotethatinsteadofgrimhatredandresentment，thefeaturesoftheOutlawofTornweredrawninlinesofpainandsorrow；forhereadintheattitudeofthefatherwhathemightexpecttoreceiveatthehandsofthedaughter。

CHAPTERXVII

WhenthoseoftheroyalistswhohadnotdesertedtheKingandfledprecipitatelytowardthecoasthadregainedthecastleandthePriory，thecitywasturnedovertolootingandrapine。Inthis，NormanofTornandhismendidnotparticipate，butcampedalittleapartfromthetownuntildaybreakthefollowingmorning，whentheystartedeast，towardDover。

Theymarcheduntillatethefollowingevening，passingsometwentymilesoutoftheirwaytovisitacertainroyaliststronghold。Thetroopsstationedtherehadfled，havingbeenappraisedsomefewhoursearlier，byfugitives，ofthedefeatofHenry’sarmyatLewes。

NormanofTornsearchedthecastlefortheonehesought，but，findingitentirelydeserted，continuedhiseastwardmarch。Somefewmilesfartheron，heovertookapartyofdesertingroyalistsoldiery，andfromthemheeasily，bydintofthreats，elicitedtheinformationhedesired：thedirectiontakenbytherefugeesfromthedesertedcastle，theirnumber，andascloseadescriptionofthepartyasthesoldierscouldgive。

Againhewasforcedtochangethedirectionofhismarch，thistimeheadingnorthwardintoKent。Itwasdarkbeforehereachedhisdestination，andsawbeforehimthefamiliaroutlinesofthecastleofRogerdeLeybourn。

Thistime，theoutlawthrewhisfiercehordecompletelyaroundtheembattledpilebeforeheadvancedwithascoreofsturdyruffianstoreconnoiter。

Makingsurethatthedrawbridgewasraised，andthathecouldnothopeforstealthyentrancethere，hecreptsilentlytotherearofthegreatbuildingandthere，amongthebushes，hismensearchedfortheladderthatNormanofTornhadseentheknavishservantofMyLadyClaudiaunearth，thattheoutlawmightvisittheEarlofBuckingham，unannounced。

Presentlytheyfoundit，anditwastheworkofbutamomenttoraiseittothesillofthelowwindow，sothatsoonthetwentystoodbesidetheirchiefwithinthewallsofLeybourn。

Noiselessly，theymovedthroughthehallsandcorridorsofthecastleuntilamaid，bearingagreatpastyfromthekitchen，turnedasuddencornerandbumpedfullintotheOutlawofTorn。WithashriekthatmighthavebeenheardatLewes，shedroppedthedishuponthestonefloorand，turning，ran，stillshriekingatthetopofherlungs，straightforthegreatdininghall。

SoclosebehindhercamethelittlebandofoutlawsthatscarcehadtheguestsariseninconsternationfromthetableattheshrillcriesofthegirlthanNormanofTornburstthroughthegreatdoorwithtwentydrawnswordsathisback。

Thehallwasfilledwithknightsandgentlewomenandhouseservantsandmen-at-arms。Fiftyswordsflashedfromfiftyscabbardsasthemenofthepartysawthehostileappearanceoftheirvisitors，butbeforeablowcouldbestruck，NormanofTorn，graspinghisswordinhisrighthand，raisedhisleftaloftinagestureforsilence。

"Hold！"hecried，and，turningdirectlytoRogerdeLeybourn，"Ihavenoquarrelwiththee，MyLord，butagainIcomeforaguestwithinthyhalls。

Methinksthouhastasbadtasteinwhomthouentertainsasdidstthyfairlady。"

"Whobeye，thatthusrudelybreaksinuponthepeaceofmycastle，andmakesboldtoinsultmyguests？"demandedRogerdeLeybourn。

"WhobeI！Ifyouwait，youshallseemymarkupontheforeheadofyongrinningbaboon，"repliedtheoutlaw，pointingamailedfingeratonewhohadbeenseatedclosetoDeLeybourn。

Alleyesturnedinthedirectionthattherigidfingeroftheoutlawindicated，andthereindeedwasafearfulapparitionofaman。Withlividfacehestood，leaningforsupportagainstthetable；hiscravenkneeswabblingbeneathhisfatcarcass；whilehislipsweredrawnapartagainsthisyellowteethinahorridgrimaceofawfulfear。

"Ifyourecognizemenot，SirRoger，"saidNormanofTorn，drily，"itisevidentthatyourhonoredguesthathabettermemory。"

Atlastthefear-struckmanfoundhistongue，and，thoughhiseyesneverleftthemenacingfigureofthegrim，iron-cladoutlaw，headdressedthemasterofLeybourn；shriekinginahigh，awe-emasculatedfalsetto：

"Seizehim！Killhim！Setyourmenuponhim！Doyouwishtoliveanothermoment，drawanddefendyourselvesforhebetheDevilofTorn，andtherebeagreatpriceuponhishead。

"Oh，saveme，saveme！forhehascometokillme，"heendedinapitifulwail。

TheDevilofTorn！Howthatnamefrozetheheartsoftheassembledguests。

TheDevilofTorn！SlowlythemenstandingthereattheboardofSirRogerdeLeybourngraspedthefullpurportofthatawfulname。

Tensesilenceforamomentheldtheroominthestillnessofasepulchre，andthenawomanshrieked，andfellproneacrossthetable。ShehadseenthemarkoftheDevilofTornuponthedeadbrowofhermate。

AndthenRogerdeLeybournspoke：

"NormanofTorn，butoncebeforehaveyouenteredwithinthewallsofLeybourn，andthenyoudid，intheserviceofanother，agreatserviceforthehouseofLeybourn；andyoustayedthenight，anhonoredguest。Butamomentsince，yousaidthatyouhadnoquarrelwithme。Thenwhybeyouhere？Speak！ShallitbeasafriendoranenemythatthemasterofLeybourngreetsNormanofTorn；shallitbewithoutstretchedhandornakedsword？"

"Icomeforthisman，whomyoumayallseehasgoodreasontofearme。AndwhenIgo，Itakepartofhimwithme。Ibeinagreathurry，soIwouldprefertotakemygreatandgoodfriend，PeterofColfax，withoutinterference；but，ifyouwishitotherwise；webeascorestrongwithinyourwalls，andnighathousandliewithout。Whatsayyou，MyLord？"

"YourgrievanceagainstPeterofColfaxmustbeamightyone，thatyousearchhimoutthuswithinaday’sridefromthearmyoftheKingwhohasplacedapriceuponyourhead，andfromanotherarmyofmenwhobeequallyyourenemies。"

"IwouldgladlygotohellafterPeterofColfax，"repliedtheoutlaw。

"Whatmygrievancebemattersnot。NormanofTornactsfirstandexplainsafterward，ifhecarestoexplainatall。Comeforth，PeterofColfax，andforonceinyourlife，fightlikeaman，thatyoumaysaveyourfriendsherefromthefatethathasfoundyouatlastaftertwoyearsofpatientwaiting。"

Slowly，thepalsiedlimbsofthegreatcowardborehimtotteringtothecenteroftheroom，wheregraduallyalittleclearspacehadbeenmade；themenofthepartyformingacircle，inthecenterofwhichstoodPeterofColfaxandNormanofTorn。

"Givehimagreatdraughtofbrandy，"saidtheoutlaw，"orhewillsinkdownandchokeinthefrothofhisownterror。"

Whentheyhadforcedagobletofthefieryliquiduponhim，PeterofColfaxregainedhislostnerveenoughsothathecouldraisehisswordarmanddefendhimselfand，asthefumescirculatedthroughhim，andtheprimalinstinctofself-preservationasserteditself，heputupamoreandmorecreditablefight，untilthosewhowatchedthoughtthathemightindeedhaveachancetovanquishtheOutlawofTorn。ButtheydidnotknowthatNormanofTornwasbutplayingwithhisvictim，thathemightmakethetorturelong，drawnout，andwreakasterribleapunishmentuponPeterofColfax，beforehekilledhim，astheBaronhadvisiteduponBertradedeMontfortbecauseshewouldnotyieldtohisbasedesires。

Theguestswerecraningtheirneckstofolloweverydetailofthefascinatingdramathatwasbeingenactedbeforethem。

"God，whataswordsman！"mutteredone。

"Neverwassuchswordplayseensincethedaythefirstswordwasdrawnfromthefirstscabbard！"repliedRogerdeLeybourn。"Isitnotmarvellous！"

SlowlybutsurelywasNormanofTorncuttingPeterofColfaxtopieces；

littlebylittle，andwithsuchfiendishcarethat，exceptforlossofblood，themanwasinnowaycrippled；nordidtheoutlawtouchhisvictim’sfacewithhisgleamingsword。Thathewassavingforthefulfillmentofhisdesign。

AndPeterofColfax，corneredandfightingforhislife，wasnomarrowlessantagonist，evenagainsttheDevilofTorn。Furiouslyhefought；intheextremityofhisfear，rushinguponhisexecutionerwithfrenziedagony。

Greatbeadsofcoldsweatstooduponhislividbrow。

AndthenthegleamingpointofNormanofTornflashed，lightning-like，inhisvictim’sface，andabovetherighteyeofPeterofColfaxwasathinverticalcutfromwhichtheredbloodhadbarelystartedtooozeereanotherswiftmoveofthatmasterswordhandplacedafellowtoparallelthefirst。

FivetimesdidtherazorpointtouchtheforeheadofPeterofColfax，untilthewatcherssawthere，uponthebrowofthedoomedman，thesealofdeath，inlettersofblood——NT。

Itwastheend。PeterofColfax，cuttoribbonsyetfightinglikethemaniachehadbecome，wasasgoodasdead，forthemarkoftheOutlawofTornwasuponhisbrow。Now，shriekingandgibberingthroughhisfrothylips，hisyellowfangsbaredinamadandhorridgrin，herushedfulluponNormanofTorn。TherewasaflashofthegreatswordastheoutlawswungittothefullofhismightystrengththroughanarcthatpassedabovetheshouldersofPeterofColfax，andthegrinningheadrolleduponthefloor，whiletheloathsomecarcass，thathadbeenabaronofEngland，sunkinadisheveledheapamongtherushesofthegreathallofthecastleofLeybourn。

Alittleshudderpassedthroughthewide-eyedguests。Someonebrokeintohystericallaughter，awomansobbed，andthenNormanofTorn，wipinghisbladeupontherushesofthefloorashehaddoneuponanotheroccasioninthatsamehall，spokequietlytothemasterofLeybourn。

"Iwouldborrowyongoldenplatter，MyLord。Itshallbereturned，oramightieroneinitsstead。"

Leybournnoddedhisassent，andNormanofTornturned，withafewwordsofinstructions，tooneofhismen。

ThefellowgathereduptheheadofPeterofColfax，andplacedituponthegoldenplatter。

"Ithankyou，SirRoger，foryourhospitality，"saidNormanofTorn，withalowbowwhichincludedthespellboundguests。"Adieu。"Thusfollowedbyhismen，onebearingtheheadofPeterofColfaxupontheplatterofgold，NormanofTornpassedquietlyfromthehallandfromthecastle。

CHAPTERXVIII

Bothhorsesandmenwerefairlyexhaustedfromthegruellingstrainofmanydaysofmarchingandfighting，soNormanofTornwentintocampthatnight；

nordidheagaintakeuphismarchuntilthesecondmorning，threedaysafterthebattleofLewes。

HebenthisdirectiontowardthenorthandLeicester’scastle，wherehehadreasontobelievehewouldfindacertainyoungwoman，andthoughitgalledhissorehearttothinkuponthehumiliationthatlaywaitinghiscoming，hecouldnotdolessthanthatwhichhefelthishonordemanded。

Besidehimonthemarchrodethefierceredgiant，Shandy，andthewiry，graylittlemanofTorn，whomtheoutlawcalledfather。

Innoway，savethegrayhairandtheparchment-surfacedskin，hadtheoldfellowchangedinalltheseyears。Withoutbodilyvices，andclingingevertotheopenairandtheexerciseofthefoil，hewasstillyounginmuscleandendurance。

Forfiveyears，hehadnotcrossedfoilswithNormanofTorn，butheconstantlypracticedwiththebestswordsmenofthewildhorde，sothatithadbecomeasubjectoftendiscussedamongthemenastowhichofthetwo，fatherorson，wasthegreaterswordsman。

Alwaystaciturn，theoldfellowrodeinhisusualsilence。LongsincehadNormanofTornusurpedbytheforceofhisstrongcharacterandmasterfulways，thepositionofauthorityinthecastleofTorn。Theoldmansimplyrodeandfoughtwiththeotherswhenitpleasedhim；andhehadcomeonthistripbecausehefeltthattherewasthatimpendingforwhichhehadwaitedovertwentyyears。

Coldandhard，helookedwithnoloveuponthemanhestillcalled"myson。"IfheheldanysentimenttowardNormanofTorn，itwasoneofpridewhichbeganandendedinthealmostfiendishskillofhispupil’smightyswordarm。

Thelittlearmyhadbeenmarchingforsomehourswhentheadvanceguardhaltedapartyboundsouthuponacrossroad。Thereweresometwentyorthirtymen，mostlyservants，andahalfdozenrichlygarbedknights。

AsNormanofTorndrewreinbesidethem，hesawthattheleaderofthepartywasaveryhandsomemanofabouthisownage，andevidentlyapersonofdistinction；aprofitableprize，thoughttheoutlaw。

"Whoareyou，"saidthegentleman，inFrench，"thatstopsaprinceofFranceuponthehighroadasthoughhewereanescapedcriminal？AreyouoftheKing’sforces，orDeMontfort’s？"

"BethisPrincePhilipofFrance？"askedNormanofTorn。

"Yes，butwhobeyou？"

"AndbeyouridingtomeetmyLadyBertradedeMontfort？"continuedtheoutlaw，ignoringthePrince’squestion。

"Yes，anitbeanyofyouraffair，"repliedPhilipcurtly。

"Itbe，"saidtheDevilofTorn，"forIbeafriendofMyLadyBertrade，andasthewaybebesetwithdangersfromdisorganizedbandsofrovingsoldiery，itisunsafeforMonsieurlePrincetoventureonwithsosmallanescort。ThereforewillthefriendofLadyBertradedeMontfortridewithMonsieurlePrincetohisdestinationthatMonsieurmayarrivetheresafely。"

"Itiskindofyou，SirKnight，akindnessthatIwillnotforget。But，again，whoisitthatshowsthissolicitudeforPhilipofFrance？"

"NormanofTorn，theycallme，"repliedtheoutlaw。

"Indeed！"criedPhilip。"Thegreatandbloodyoutlaw？"Uponhishandsomefacetherewasnolookoffearorrepugnance。

NormanofTornlaughed。

"MonsieurlePrincethinks，mayhap，thathewillmakeabadnameforhimself，"hesaid，"ifheridesinsuchcompany？"

"MyLadyBertradeandhermotherthinkyoubelessdevilthansaint，"saidthePrince。"TheyhavetoldmeofhowyousavedthedaughterofDeMontfort，and，eversince，Ihavebeenofagreatdesiretomeetyou，andtothankyou。IthadbeenmyintentiontoridetoTornforthatpurposesosoonaswereachedLeicester，buttheEarlchangedallourplansbyhisvictoryandonlyyesterday，onhisorders，thePrincessEleanor，hiswife，withtheLadyBertrade，rodetoBattel，whereSimondeMontfortandtheKingaretobetoday。TheQueenalsoistherewithherretinue，soitbeexpectedthat，toshowthegoodfeelingandrenewedfriendshipexistingbetweenDeMontfortandhisKing，therewillbegayscenesintheoldfortress。But，"headded，afterapause，"daretheOutlawofTornridewithinreachoftheKingwhohasplacedapriceuponhishead？"

"ThepricehasbeentheresinceIwaseighteen，"answeredNormanofTorn，"andyetmyheadbewhereithasalwaysbeen。CanyoublamemeifIlookwithlevityupontheKing’sprice？Itbenotheavyenoughtoweighmedown；norneverhasitheldmefromgoingwhereIlistedinallEngland。I

amfreerthantheKing，MyLord，fortheKingbeaprisonertoday。"

TogethertheyrodetowardBattel，andastheytalked，NormanofTorngrewtolikethisbraveandhandsomegentleman。Inhisheartwasnorancorbecauseofthecomingmarriageofthemantothewomanheloved。