第8章

IfBertradedeMontfortlovedthishandsomeFrenchprince，thenNormanofTornwashisfriend；forhislovewasagreatlove，abovejealousy。Itnotonlyheldherhappinessabovehisown，butthehappinessandwelfareofthemansheloved，aswell。

ItwasduskwhentheyreachedBattelandasNormanofTornbidtheprinceadieu，forthehordewastomakecampjustwithoutthecity，hesaid：

"MayIaskMyLordtocarryamessagetoLadyBertrade？ItisinreferencetoapromiseImadehertwoyearssinceandwhichInow，forthefirsttime，beabletofulfill。"

"Certainly，myfriend，"repliedPhilip。Theoutlaw，dismounting，calledupononeofhissquiresforparchment，and，bythelightofatorch，wroteamessagetoBertradedeMontfort。

Halfanhourlater，aservantinthecastleofBattelhandedthemissivetothedaughterofLeicesterasshesataloneinherapartment。Openingit，sheread：

ToLadyBertradedeMontfort，fromherfriend，NormanofTorn。

TwoyearshavepassedsinceyoutookthehandoftheOutlawofTorninfriendship，andnowhecomestosueforanotherfavor。

Itisthathemayhavespeechwithyou，alone，inthecastleofBattelthisnight。

ThoughthenameNormanofTornbefraughtwithterrortoothers，Iknowthatyoudonotfearhim，foryoumustknowtheloyaltyandfriendshipwhichhebearsyou。

Mycamplieswithoutthecity’sgates，andyourmessengerwillhavesafeconductwhateverreplyhebearsto，NormanofTorn。

Fear？FearNormanofTorn？Thegirlsmiledasshethoughtofthatmomentofterribleterrortwoyearsagowhenshelearned，inthecastleofPeterofColfax，thatshewasalonewith，andinthepowerof，theDevilofTorn。Andthensherecalledhislittleactsofthoughtfulchivalry，nay，almosttenderness，onthelongnightridetoLeicester。

Whatastrangecontradictionofaman！Shewonderedifhewouldcomewithloweredvisor，forshewasstillcurioustoseethefacethatlaybehindthecold，steelmask。Shewouldaskhimthisnighttoletherseehisface，orwouldthatbecruel？For，didtheynotsaythatitwasfromtheveryuglinessofitthathekepthishelmclosedtohidetherepulsivesightfromtheeyesofmen！

Asherthoughtswanderedbacktoherbriefmeetingwithhimtwoyearsbefore，shewroteanddispatchedherreplytoNormanofTorn。

InthegreathallthatnightastheKing’spartysatatsupper，PhilipofFrance，addressingHenry，said：

"Andwhothinkestthou，MyLordKing，rodebymysidetoBatteltoday，thatImightnotbesetuponbyknavesuponthehighway？"

"SomeofourgoodfriendsfromKent？"askedtheKing。

"Nay，itwasamanuponwhoseheadYourMajestyhasplacedaprice，NormanofTorn；andifallofyourEnglishhighwaymenbeascourteousandpleasantgentlemenashe，IshallridealwaysaloneandunarmedthroughyourrealmthatImayaddtomylistofpleasantacquaintances。"

"TheDevilofTorn？"askedHenry，incredulously。"Someonebehoaxingyou。"

"Nay，YourMajesty，Ithinknot，"repliedPhilip，"forhewasindeedagrimandmightyman，andathisbackrodeasferociousandawe-inspiringapackaseverIbeheldoutsideaprison；fullyathousandstrongtheyrode。Theybecampednotfarwithoutthecitynow。"

"MyLord，"saidHenry，turningtoSimondeMontfort，"beitnottimethatEnglandwereridofthisdevil’sspawnandhishellishbrood？ThoughI

presume，"headded，asarcasticsneeruponhislip，"thatitmayproveembarrassingforMyLordEarlofLeicestertoturnuponhiscompanioninarms。"

"Iowehimnothing，"returnedtheEarlhaughtily，"byhisownword。"

"YouowehimvictoryatLewes，"snappedtheKing。"Itwereindeedasadcommentaryuponthesincerityofourloyalty-professingliegeswhoturnedtheirarmsagainstourroyalperson，’tosavehimfromthetreacheryofhisfalseadvisers，’thattheycalleduponacutthroatoutlawwithapriceuponhisheadtoaidthemintheir’righteouscause’。"

"MyLordKing，"criedDeMontfort，flushingwithanger，"Icallednotuponthisfellow，nordidIknowhewaswithintwohundredmilesofLewesuntilIsawhimrideintothemidstoftheconflictthatday。NeitherdidI

know，untilIheardhisbattlecry，whetherhewouldfalluponbaronorroyalist。"

"Ifthatbethetruth，Leicester，"saidtheKing，withanoteofskepticismwhichhemadestudiouslyapparent，"hangthedog。Hebejustwithoutthecityevennow。"

"YoubeKingofEngland，MyLordHenry。Ifyousaythatheshallbehanged，hangedheshallbe，"repliedDeMontfort。

"Adozencourtshavealreadypassedsentenceuponhim，itonlyremainstocatchhim，Leicester，"saidtheKing。

"Apartyshallsallyforthatdawntodothework，"repliedDeMontfort。

"Andnot，"thoughtPhilipofFrance，"ifIknowit，shallthebraveOutlawofTornbehangedtomorrow。"

InhiscampwithoutthecityofBattel，NormanofTornpacedbackandforthwaitingananswertohismessage。

Sentriespatrolledtheentirecircumferenceofthebivouac，fortheoutlawknewfullwellthathehadputhisheadwithinthelion’sjawwhenhehadriddenthusboldlytotheseatofEnglishpower。HehadnofaithinthegratitudeofDeMontfort，andheknewfullwellwhattheKingwouldurgewhenhelearnedthatthemanwhohadsenthissoldiersnakedbacktoLondon，whohadforcedhismessengertoeattheKing’smessage，andwhohadturnedhisvictorytodefeatatLewes，waswithinreachofthearmyofDeMontfort。

NormanofTornlovedtofight，buthewasnofool，andsohedidnotrelishpittinghisthousanduponanopenplainagainsttwentythousandwithinawalledfortress。

No，hewouldseeBertradedeMontfortthatnightandbeforedawnhisroughbandwouldbefarontheroadtowardTorn。Theriskwasgreattoenterthecastle，filledasitwaswithhismightyenemies。Butifhediedthere，itwouldbeinagoodcause，thoughtheand，anyway，hehadsethimselftodothisdutywhichhedreadedso，anddoithewouldwereallthearmiesoftheworldcampedwithinBattel。

Directlyheheardalowchallengefromoneofhissentries，whopresentlyappearedescortingalackey。

"AmessengerfromLadyBertradedeMontfort，"saidthesoldier。

"Bringhimhither，"commandedtheoutlaw。

ThelackeyapproachedandhandedNormanofTornadaintyparchmentsealedwithscentedwaxwafers。

"DidMyLadysayyouweretowaitforananswer？"askedtheoutlaw。

"Iamtowait，MyLord，"repliedtheawestruckfellow，towhomtheservicehadbeenmuchthesamehadhismistressorderedhimtoHelltobearamessagetotheDevil。

NormanofTornturnedtoaflickeringtorchand，breakingtheseals，readthemessagefromthewomanheloved。Itwasshortandsimple。

ToNormanofTorn，fromhisfriendalways，BertradedeMontfort。

ComewithGiles。HehasmyinstructionstoleadtheesecretlytowhereI

be。

BertradedeMontfort。

NormanofTornturnedtowhereoneofhiscaptainssquatteduponthegroundbesideanobjectcoveredwithacloth。

"Come，Flory，"hesaid，andthen，turningtothewaitingGiles，"leadon。"

Theyfellinsinglefile：firstthelackey，Giles，thenNormanofTornandlastthefellowwhomhehadaddressedasFlorybearingtheobjectcoveredwithacloth。ButitwasnotFlorywhobroughtuptherear。Florylaydeadintheshadowofagreatoakwithinthecamp；athinwoundbelowhisleftshoulderblademarkedthespotwhereakeendaggerhadfounditswaytohisheart，andinhisplacewalkedthelittlegrim，gray，oldman，bearingtheobjectcoveredwithacloth。Butnonemightknowthedifference，forthelittlemanworethearmorofFlory，andhisvisorwasdrawn。

Andsotheycametoasmallgatewhichletintothecastlewallwheretheshadowofagreattowermadetheblacknessofablacknightdoublyblack。

Throughmanydimcorridors，thelackeyledthem，andupwindingstairwaysuntilpresentlyhestoppedbeforealowdoor。

"Here，"hesaid，"MyLord，"andturningleftthem。

NormanofTorntouchedthepanelwiththemailedknucklesofhisrighthand，andalowvoicefromwithinwhispered，"Enter。"

Silently，hestrodeintotheapartment，asmallantechamberoffalargehall。Atoneendwasanopenhearthuponwhichlogswereburningbrightly，whileasinglelampaidedindiffusingasoftglowabouttheausterechamber。Inthecenteroftheroomwasatable，andatthesidesseveralbenches。

BeforethefirestoodBertradedeMontfort，andshewasalone。

"Placeyourburdenuponthistable，Flory，"saidNormanofTorn。Andwhenithadbeendone："Youmaygo。Returntocamp。"

HedidnotaddressBertradedeMontfortuntilthedoorhadclosedbehindthelittlegrim，graymanwhoworethearmorofthedeadFloryandthenNormanofTornadvancedtothetableandstoodwithhislefthandungauntleted，restinguponthetable’sedge。

"MyLadyBertrade，"hesaidatlast，"Ihavecometofulfillapromise。"

HespokeinFrench，andshestartedslightlyathisvoice。Before，NormanofTornhadalwaysspokeninEnglish。Wherehadsheheardthatvoice！

Thereweretonesinitthathauntedher。

"WhatpromisedidNormanofTorne’ermaketoBertradedeMontfort？"sheasked。"Idonotunderstandyou，myfriend。"

"Look，"hesaid。Andassheapproachedthetablehewithdrewtheclothwhichcoveredtheobjectthatthemanhadplacedthere。

Thegirlstartedbackwithalittlecryofterror，forthereuponagoldenplatterwasaman’shead；horridwiththegrinofdeathbaringyellowfangs。

"Dostrecognizethething？"askedtheoutlaw。Andthenshedid；butstillshecouldnotcomprehend。Atlast，slowly，therecamebacktohertheidle，jestingpromiseofRogerdeCondetofetchtheheadofherenemytothefeetofhisprincess，uponagoldendish。

ButwhathadtheOutlawofTorntodowiththat！Itwasallasorepuzzletoher，andthenshesawthebaredlefthandofthegrim，visoredfigureoftheDevilofTorn，whereitresteduponthetablebesidethegrislyheadofPeterofColfax；anduponthethirdfingerwasthegreatringshehadtossedtoRogerdeCondeonthatday，twoyearsbefore。

Whatstrangefreakwasherbrainplayingher！Itcouldnotbe，noitwasimpossible；thenherglancefellagainupontheheadgrinningthereupontheplatterofgold，andupontheforeheadofitshesaw，inlettersofdriedblood，thatawfulsymbolofsuddendeath-NT！

Slowlyhereyesreturnedtotheringupontheoutlaw’shand，andthenuptohisvisoredhelm。Astepshetooktowardhim，onehanduponherbreast，theotherstretchedpointingtowardhisface，andsheswayedslightlyasmightonewhohasjustarisenfromagreatillness。

"Yourvisor，"shewhispered，"raiseyourvisor。"Andthen，asthoughtoherself："Itcannotbe；itcannotbe。"

NormanofTorn，thoughittoretheheartfromhim，didasshebid，andtherebeforehershesawthebravestrongfaceofRogerdeConde。

"MonDieu！"shecried，"Tellmeitisbutacrueljoke。"

"Itbethecrueltruth，MyLadyBertrade，"saidNormanofTornsadly。And，then，assheturnedawayfromhim，buryingherfaceinherraisedarms，hecametoherside，and，layinghishanduponhershoulder，saidsadly：

"Andnowyousee，MyLady，whyIdidnotfollowyoutoFrance。Myheartwenttherewithyou，butIknewthatnaughtbutsorrowandhumiliationcouldcometoonewhomtheDevilofTornloved，ifthatlovewasreturned；

andsoIwaiteduntilyoumightforgetthewordsyouhadspokentoRogerdeCondebeforeIcametofulfillthepromisethatyoushouldknowhiminhistruecolors。

"ItisbecauseIloveyou，Bertrade，thatIhavecomethisnight。Godknowsthatitbenopleasantthingtoseetheloathinginyourveryattitude，andtoreadthehateandrevulsionthatsurgesthroughyourheart，ortoguessthehard，coldthoughtswhichfillyourmindagainstmebecauseIallowedyoutospeakthewordsyouoncespoke，andtotheDevilofTorn。

"Imakenoexcuseformyweakness。IasknoforgivenessforwhatIknowyounevercanforgive。That，whenyouthinkofme，itwillalwaysbewithloathingandcontemptisthebestthatIcanhope。

"IonlyknowthatIloveyou，Bertrade；IonlyknowthatIloveyou，andwithalovethatsurpassethevenmyownunderstanding。

"Hereistheringthatyougaveintokenoffriendship。Takeit。Thehandthatworeithasdonenowrongbythelightthathasbeengivenitasguide。

"ThebloodthathaspulsedthroughthefingerthatitcircledcamefromaheartthatbeatforBertradedeMontfort；aheartthatshallcontinuetobeatforheraloneuntilamercifulprovidenceseesfittogatherinawastedanduselesslife。

"Farewell，Bertrade。"Kneelingheraisedthehemofhergarmenttohislips。

AthousandconflictingemotionssurgedthroughtheheartofthisprouddaughterofthenewconquerorofEngland。Theangerofanoutragedconfidence，gratitudeforthechivalrywhichtwicehadsavedherhonor，hatredforthemurdererofahundredfriendsandkinsmen，respectandhonorforthemarvellouscourageoftheman，loathingandcontemptforthebaseborn，thememoryofthatexaltedmomentwhenthosehandsomelipshadclungtohers，prideinthefearlessnessofachampionwhodaredcomealoneamongtwentythousandenemiesforthesakeofapromisemadeher；butstrongerthanalltherest，twostoodoutbeforehermind’seyelikelivingthings——thedegradationofhislowbirth，andthememoryofthegreatloveshehadcherishedalltheselonganddrearymonths。

Andthesetwofoughtouttheirbattleinthegirl’sbreast。Inthosefewbriefmomentsofbewildermentandindecision，itseemedtoBertradedeMontfortthattenyearspassedaboveherhead，andwhenshereachedherfinalresolutionshewasnolongerayounggirlbutagrownwomanwho，withtheweightofamaturedeliberation，hadchosenthepathwhichshewouldtraveltotheend——tothefinalgoal，howeversweetorhoweverbitter。

Slowlysheturnedtowardhimwhokneltwithbowedheadatherfeet，and，takingthehandthatheldtheringoutstretchedtowardher，raisedhimtohisfeet。Insilenceshereplacedthegoldenbanduponhisfinger，andthensheliftedhereyestohis。

"Keepthering，NormanofTorn，"shesaid。"ThefriendshipofBertradedeMontfortisnotlightlygivennorlightlytakenaway，"shehesitated，"norisherlove。"

"Whatdoyoumean？"hewhispered。ForinhereyeswasthatwondrouslighthehadseenthereonthatotherdayinthefarcastleofLeicester。

"Imean，"sheanswered，"that，RogerdeCondeorNormanofTorn，gentlemanorhighwayman，itbeallthesametoBertradedeMontfort——itbetheeI

love；thee！"

Hadshereviledhim，spatuponhim，hewouldnothavebeensurprised，forhehadexpectedtheworst；butthatsheshouldlovehim！OhGod，hadhisoverwroughtnervesturnedhispoorhead？Washedreamingthisthing，onlytoawakentothecoldandawfultruth！

Butthesewarmarmsabouthisneck，thesweetperfumeofthebreaththatfannedhischeek；thesewerenodream！

"Thinktheewhatthouartsaying，Bertrade？"hecried。"DostforgetthatIbealow-bornknave，knowingnotmyownmotherandquestioningeventheidentityofmyfather？CouldaDeMontfortfacetheworldwithsuchamanforhusband？"

"IknowwhatIsay，perfectly，"sheanswered。"Werethoubornoutofwedlock，thesonofahostlerandascullerymaid，stillwouldIlovethee，andhonorthee，andcleavetothee。Wherethoube，NormanofTorn，thereshallbehappinessforme。Thyfriendsshallbemyfriends；thyjoysshallbemyjoys；thysorrows，mysorrows；andthyenemies，evenmineownfather，shallbemyenemies。

"Whyitis，myNorman，Iknownot。OnlydoIknowthatIdidstoftenquestionmyownselfifintruthIdidreallyloveRogerdeConde，butthee——ohNorman，whyisitthattherebenoshredofdoubtnow，thatthisheart，thissoul，thisbodybeallandalwaysfortheOutlawofTorn？"

"Idonotknow，"hesaidsimplyandgravely。"Sowonderfulathingbebeyondmypoorbrain；butIthinkmyheartknows，forinveryjoy，itissendingthehotbloodracingandsurgingthroughmybeingtillIwereliketobeconsumedfortheveryheatofmyhappiness。"

"Sh！"shewhispered，suddenly，"methinksIhearfootsteps。Theymustnotfindtheehere，NormanofTorn，fortheKinghasonlythisnightwrungapromisefrommyfathertotaketheeinthemorningandhangthee。Whatshallwedo，Norman？Whereshallwemeetagain？"

"Weshallnotbeseparated，Bertrade；onlysolongasitmaytaketheetogatherafewtrinkets，andfetchthyridingcloak。ThouridestnorthtonightwithNormanofTorn，andbythethirdday，FatherClaudeshallmakeusone。"

"Iamgladtheewishit，"shereplied。"Ifearedthat，forsomereason，theemightnotthinkitbestformetogowiththeenow。Waithere，Iwillbegonebutamoment。IfthefootstepsIhearapproachthisdoor，"andsheindicatedthedoorbywhichhehadenteredthelittleroom，"thoucanststepthroughthisotherdoorwayintotheadjoiningapartment，andconcealthyselfthereuntilthedangerpasses。"

NormanofTornmadeawryface，forhehadnostomachforhidinghimselfawayfromdanger。

"Formysake，"shepleaded。Sohepromisedtodoasshebid，andsheranswiftlyfromtheroomtofetchherbelongings。

CHAPTERXIX

Whenthelittle，grim，graymanhadsettheobjectcoveredwithaclothuponthetableinthecenteroftheroomandlefttheapartment，hedidnotreturntocampasNormanofTornhadordered。

Instead，hehaltedimmediatelywithoutthelittledoor，whichheleftatrifleajar，andtherehewaited，listeningtoallthatpassedbetweenBertradedeMontfortandNormanofTorn。

AsheheardtheprouddaughterofSimondeMontfortdeclareherlovefortheDevilofTorn，acruelsmilecurledhislip。

"ItwillbebetterthanIhadhoped，"hemuttered，andeasier。’Sblood！

HowmucheasiernowthatLeicester，too，mayhavehiswholeproudheartinthehangingofNormanofTorn。Ah，whatasublimerevenge！Ihavewaitedlong，thoucurofaKing，toreturntheblowthoustruckthatday，butthereturnshallbeanhundred-foldincreasedbylongaccumulatedinterest。"

Quickly，thewiryfigurehastenedthroughthepassagewaysandcorridors，untilhecametothegreathallwheresatDeMontfortandtheKing，withPhilipofFranceandmanyothers，gentlemenandnobles。

Beforetheguardatthedoorcouldhalthim，hehadbrokenintotheroomand，addressingtheKing，cried：

"WouldsttaketheDevilofTorn，MyLordKing？Hebenowalonewhereafewmenmayseizehim。"

"Whatnow！Whatnow！"ejaculatedHenry。"Whatmadmanbethis？"

"Ibenomadman，YourMajesty。Neverdidbrainworkmoreclearlyortomorecertainends，"repliedtheman。

"Itmaydoubtlessbesomeruseofthecut-throathimself，"criedDeMontfort。

"Wherebetheknave？"askedHenry。

"HestandsnowwithinthispalaceandinhisarmsbeBertrade，daughterofMyLordEarlofLeicester。Evennowshedidbuttellhimthatshelovedhim。"

"Hold，"criedDeMontfort。"Holdfastthyfoultongue。Whatmeanestthoubyutteringsuchlies，andtomyveryface？"

"Theybenolies，SimondeMontfort。AnItelltheethatRogerdeCondeandNormanofTornbeoneandthesame，thouwiltknowthatIspeaknolie。"

DeMontfortpaled。

"Wherebethecravenwretch？"hedemanded。

"Come，"saidthelittle，oldman。Andturning，heledfromthehall，closelyfollowedbyDeMontfort，theKing，PrincePhilipandtheothers。

"Thouhadstbetterbringtwentyfightingmen——thou’ltneedthemalltotakeNormanofTorn，"headvisedDeMontfort。Andsoastheypassedtheguardroom，thepartywasincreasedbytwentymen-at-arms。

ScarcelyhadBertradedeMontfortlefthimereNormanofTornheardthetrampingofmanyfeet。Theyseemedapproachingupthedimcorridorthatledtothelittledooroftheapartmentwherehestood。

Quickly，hemovedtotheoppositedoorand，standingwithhishanduponthelatch，waited。Yes，theywerecomingthatway，manyofthemandquicklyand，asheheardthempausewithout，hedrewasidethearrasandpushedopenthedoorbehindhim；backingintotheotherapartmentjustasSimondeMontfort，EarlofLeicester，burstintotheroomfromtheoppositeside。

Atthesameinstant，ascreamrangoutbehindNormanofTorn，and，turning，hefacedabrightlylightedroominwhichsatEleanor，QueenofEnglandandanotherEleanor，wifeofSimondeMontfort，withtheirladies。

Therewasnohidingnow，andnoescape；forrunhewouldnot，evenhadtherebeenwheretorun。Slowly，hebackedawayfromthedoortowardacornerwhere，withhisbackagainstawallandatableathisright，hemightdieashehadlived，fighting；forNormanofTornknewthathecouldhopefornoquarterfromthemenwhohadhimcorneredtherelikeagreatbearinatrap。

Withanarmyattheircall，itwereaneasythingtotakealoneman，eventhoughthatmanweretheDevilofTorn。

TheKingandDeMontforthadnowcrossedthesmallerapartmentandwerewithintheroomwheretheoutlawstoodatbay。

Atthefarside，thegroupofroyalandnoblewomenstoodhuddledtogether，whilebehindDeMontfortandtheKingpushedtwentygentlemenandasmanymen-at-arms。

"Whatdostthouhere，NormanofTorn？"criedDeMontfort，angrily。"Wherebemydaughter，Bertrade？"

"Ibehere，MyLordEarl，toattendtomineownaffairs，"repliedNormanofTorn，"whichbetheaffairofnootherman。Astoyourdaughter：Iknownothingofherwhereabouts。WhatshouldshehavetodowiththeDevilofTorn，MyLord？"

DeMontfortturnedtowardthelittlegrayman。

"Helies，"shoutedhe。"Herkissesbeyetwetuponhislips。"

NormanofTornlookedatthespeakerand，beneaththevisorthatwasnowpartlyraised，hesawthefeaturesofthemanwhom，fortwentyyears，hehadcalledfather。

Hehadneverexpectedlovefromthishardoldman，buttreacheryandharmfromhim？No，hecouldnotbelieveit。Oneofthemmusthavegonemad。

ButwhyFlory’sarmorandwherewasthefaithfulFlory？

"Father！"heejaculated，"leadestthouthehatedEnglishKingagainstthineownson？"

"Thoubenosonofmine，NormanofTorn，"retortedtheoldman。"Thydaysofusefulnesstomebepast。Tonightthouservemebestswingingfromawoodengibbet。Takehim，MyLordEarl；theysaytherebeagoodstronggibbetinthecourtyardbelow。"

"Wiltsurrender，NormanofTorn？"criedDeMontfort。

"Yes，"wasthereply，"whenthisfloorbeankledeepinEnglishbloodandmyhearthasceasedtobeat，thenwillIsurrender。"

"Come，come，"criedtheKing。"Letyourmentakethedog，DeMontfort！"

"Haveathim，then，"orderedtheEarl，turningtowardthewaitingmen-at-arms，noneofwhomseemedoverlyanxioustoadvanceuponthedoomedoutlaw。

Butanofficeroftheguardsetthemtheexample，andsotheypushedforwardinabodytowardNormanofTorn；twentybladesbaredagainstone。

TherewasnoplaynowfortheOutlawofTorn。Itwasgrimbattleandhisonlyhopethathemighttakeafearfultollofhisenemiesbeforehehimselfwentdown。

Andsohefoughtasheneverfoughtbefore，tokillasmanyandasquicklyashemight。Andtothosewhowatched，itwasasthoughtheyoungofficeroftheGuardhadnotcomewithinreachofthatterriblebladeerehelaydeaduponthefloor，andthenthepointofdeathpassedintothelungsofoneofthemen-at-arms，scarcelypausingereitpiercedtheheartofathird。

Thesoldiersfellbackmomentarily，awedbythefrightfulhavocofthatmightyarm。BeforeDeMontfortcouldurgethemontorenewtheattack，agirlishfigure。clothedinalongridingcloak。burstthroughthelittleknotofmenastheystoodfacingtheirloneantagonist。

Withalowcryofmingledrageandindignation，BertradedeMontfortthrewherselfbeforetheDevilofTorn，andfacingtheastonishedcompanyofking，prince，noblesandsoldiers，drewherselftoherfullheight，andwithalltheprideofraceandbloodthatwasherrightofheritagefromaFrenchkingonherfather’ssideandanEnglishkingonhermother’s，sheflashedherdefianceandcontemptinthesingleword：

"Cowards！"

"Whatmeansthis，girl？"demandedDeMontfort，"Artgonestarkmad？KnowthouthatthisfellowbetheOutlawofTorn？"

"IfIhadnotbeforeknownit，MyLord，"sherepliedhaughtily，"itwouldbeplaintomenowasIseefortycowardshesitatingtoattackaloneman。

WhatothermaninallEnglandcouldstandthusagainstforty？Alionatbaywithfortyjackalsyelpingathisfeet。"

"Enough，girl，"criedtheKing，"whatbethisknavetothee？"

"Helovesme，YourMajesty，"sherepliedproudly，"andI，him。"

"Thoulov’stthislow-borncut-throat，Bertrade，"criedHenry。"Thou，aDeMontfort，thedaughterofmysister；whohaveseenthismurderer’saccursedmarkupontheforeheadsofthykin；thouhaveseenhimflaunthisdefianceintheKing’s，thyuncle’s，face，andbendhiswholelifetopreyinguponthypeople；thoulov’stthismonster？"

"Ilovehim，MyLordKing。"

"Thoulov’sthim，Bertrade？"askedPhilipofFranceinalowtone，pressingnearertothegirl。

"Yes，Philip，"shesaid，alittlenoteofsadnessandfinalityinhervoice；buthereyesmethissquarelyandbravely。

Instantly，theswordoftheyoungPrinceleapedfromitsscabbard，andfacingDeMontfortandtheothers，hebackedtothesideofNormanofTorn。

"Thatsheloveshimbeenoughformetoknow，mygentlemen，"hesaid。"WhotakesthemanBertradedeMontfortlovesmusttakePhilipofFranceaswell。"

NormanofTornlaidhislefthandupontheother’sshoulder。

"No，thoumustnotdothisthing，myfriend，"hesaid。"ItbemyfightandIwillfightitalone。Go，Ibegofthee，andtakeherwiththee，outofharm’sway。"

Astheyargued，SimondeMontfortandtheKinghadspokentogether，and，atawordfromtheformer，thesoldiersrushedsuddenlytotheattackagain。

Itwasacowardlystrategem，fortheyknewthatthetwocouldnotfightwiththegirlbetweenthemandtheiradversaries。Andthus，byweightofnumbers，theytookBertradedeMontfortandthePrinceawayfromNormanofTornwithoutablowbeingstruck，andthenthelittle，grim，gray，oldmansteppedforward。

"TherebebutoneswordinallEngland，nayinalltheworldthatcan，alone，takeNormanofTorn，"hesaid，addressingtheKing，"andthatswordbemine。Keepthycattleback，outofmyway。"And，withoutwaitingforareply，thegrim，graymansprangintoengagehimwhomfortwentyyearshehadcalledson。

NormanofTorncameoutofhiscornertomeethisnew-foundenemy，andthere，intheapartmentoftheQueenofEnglandinthecastleofBattel，wasfoughtsuchaduelasnomantherehadeverseenbefore，norisitcrediblethatitslikewaseverfoughtbeforeorsince。

Theworld’stwogreatestswordsmen：teacherandpupil——theonewiththestrengthofayoungbull，theotherwiththecunningofanoldgrayfox，andbothwithalifetimeoftrainingbehindthem，andthelustofbloodandhatebeforethem——thrustandparriedandcutuntilthosethatgazedawestrickenuponthemarvellousswordplayscarcelybreathedinthetensityoftheirwonder。

Backandforthabouttheroomtheymoved，whilethosewhohadcometokillpressedbacktomakeroomforthecontestants。Nowwastheyoungmanforcinghisolderfoemanmoreandmoreuponthedefensive。Slowly，butassureasdeath，hewaswinningevernearerandnearertovictory。Theoldmansawittoo。Hehaddevotedyearsofhislifetotrainingthatmightyswordarmthatitmightdealoutdeathtoothers，andnow——ah！Thegrimjusticeoftheretributionhe，atlast，wastofallbeforeitsdiabolicalcunning。

HecouldnotwininfairfightagainstNormanofTorn；thatthewilyFrenchmansaw；butnowthatdeathwassocloseuponhimthathefeltitscoldbreathcondensingonhisbrow，hehadnostomachtodie，andsohecastaboutforanymeanswherebyhemightescapetheresultofhisrashventure。

Presentlyhesawhisopportunity。NormanofTornstoodbesidethebodyofoneofhisearlierantagonists。Slowlytheoldmanworkedarounduntilthebodylaydirectlybehindtheoutlaw，andthenwithafinalrallyandonegreatlastburstofsupremeswordsmanship，herushedNormanofTornbackforabarestep——itwasenough。Theoutlaw’sfootstrucktheprostratecorpse；hestaggered，andforonebriefinstanthisswordarmrose，eversolittle，ashestrovetoretainhisequilibrium；butthatlittlewasenough。Itwaswhatthegrayoldsnakehadexpected，andhewasready。

Likelightning，hisswordshotthroughtheopening，and，forthefirsttimeinhislifeofcontinualcombatanddeath，NormanofTornfeltcoldsteeltearhisflesh。Buterehefell，hisswordrespondedtothelastfiercecommandofthatironwill，andashisbodysanklimplytothefloor，rollingwithoutstretchedarms，uponitsback，thelittle，grim，graymanwentdownalso，clutchingfranticallyatagleamingbladeburiedinhischest。

Foraninstant，thewatchersstoodasthoughpetrified，andthenBertradedeMontfort，tearingherselffromtherestraininghandofherfather，rushedtothesideofthelifelessbodyofthemansheloved。Kneelingtherebesidehimshecalledhisnamealoud，assheunlacedhishelm。

Tearingthesteelheadgearfromhim，shecaressedhisface，kissingthewhiteforeheadandthestilllips。

"OhGod！OhGod！"shemurmured。"Whyhastthoutakenhim？Outlawthoughhewas，inhislittlefingerwasmoreofhonor，ofchivalry，oftruemanhoodthancoursesthroughtheveinsofallthenoblesofEngland。

"Idonotwonderthathepreyeduponyou，"shecried，turningupontheknightsbehindher。"Hislifewasclean，thineberotten；hewasloyaltohisfriendsandtothedowntrodden，yebetraitorsatheart，all；andeverbeyetramplinguponthosewhobedownthattheymaysinkdeeperintothemud。MonDieu！HowIhateyou，"shefinished。Andasshespokethewords，BertradedeMontfortlookedstraightintotheeyesofherfather。

TheoldEarlturnedhishead，forathearthewasabrave，broad，kindlyman，andheregrettedwhathehaddoneinthehasteandheatofanger。

"Come，child，"saidtheKing，"thouartdistraught；thousayestwhatthoumeannot。Theworldisbetterthatthismanbedead。Hewasanenemyoforganizedsociety，hepreyedeveruponhisfellows。LifeinEnglandwillbesaferafterthisday。Donotweepovertheclayofanamelessadventurerwhoknewnothisownfather。"

Someonehadliftedthelittle，grim，gray，oldmantoasittingposture。

Hewasnotdead。Occasionallyhecoughed，andwhenhedid，hisframewasrackedwithsuffering，andbloodflowedfromhismouthandnostrils。

Atlasttheysawthathewastryingtospeak。WeaklyhemotionedtowardtheKing。Henrycametowardhim。

"Thouhastwonthysovereign’sgratitude，myman，"saidtheKing，kindly。

"Whatbethyname？"

Theoldfellowtriedtospeak，buttheeffortbroughtonanotherparoxysmofcoughing。Atlasthemanagedtowhisper。

"Look——at——me。Dostthou——not——rememberme？The——-foils——

the——blow——twenty-long-years。Thou——spat——upon——-me。"

Henrykneltandpeeredintothedyingface。

"DeVac！"heexclaimed。

Theoldmannodded。ThenhepointedtowherelayNormanofTorn。

"Outlaw——highwayman——scourge——of——England。Look——-upon——his——

face。Open——histunic——left——breast。"

Hestoppedfromveryweakness，andtheninanothermoment，withafinaleffort："De——Vac’s——revenge。God——damn——the——-English，"andslippedforwardupontherushes，dead。

TheKinghadheard，andDeMontfortandtheQueen。Theystoodlookingintoeachother’seyeswithastrangefixity，forwhatseemedaneternity，beforeanydaredtomove；andthen，asthoughtheyfearedwhattheyshouldsee，theybentovertheformoftheOutlawofTornforthefirsttime。

TheQueengavealittlecryasshesawthestill，quietfaceturneduptohers。

"Edward！"shewhispered。

"NotEdward，Madame，"saidDeMontfort，"but——"

TheKingkneltbesidethestillform，acrossthebreastofwhichlaytheunconsciousbodyofBertradedeMontfort。Gently，heliftedhertothewaitingarmsofPhilipofFrance，andthentheKing，withhisownhands，toreofftheshirtofmail，andwithtremblingfingersrippedwidethetunicwhereitcoveredtheleftbreastoftheDevilofTorn。

"OhGod！"hecried，andburiedhisheadinhisarms。

TheQueenhadseenalso，andwithalittlemoanshesankbesidethebodyofhersecondborn，cryingout：

"OhRichard，myboy，myboy！"Andasshebentstilllowertokissthelilymarkupontheleftbreastofthesonshehadnotseentoknowforovertwentyyears，shepaused，andwithfrantichasteshepressedhereartohisbreast。

"Helives！"shealmostshrieked。"Quick，Henry，oursonlives！"

BertradedeMontforthadregainedconsciousnessalmostbeforePhilipofFrancehadraisedherfromthefloor，andshestoodnow，leaningonhisarm，watchingwithwide，questioningeyesthestrangescenebeingenactedatherfeet。

Slowly，thelidsofNormanofTornliftedwithreturningconsciousness。

Beforehim，onherkneesinthebloodspatteredrushesofthefloor，kneltEleanor，QueenofEngland，alternatelychafingandkissinghishands。

Asorewoundindeedtohavebroughtonsuchawilddelirium，thoughttheOutlawofTorn。

Hefelthisbody，inahalfsitting，halfrecliningposition，restingagainstonewhokneltbehindhim，andasheliftedhisheadtoseewhomitmightbesupportinghim，helookedintotheeyesoftheKing，uponwhosebreasthisheadrested。

Strangevagariesofadisorderedbrain！YesitmusthavebeenaveryterriblewoundthatthelittleoldmanofTornhadgivenhim；butwhycouldhenotdreamthatBertradedeMontfortheldhim？Andthenhiseyeswanderedaboutamongthethrongofladies，noblesandsoldiersstandinguncoveredandwithbowedheadsabouthim。Presentlyhefoundher。

"Bertrade！"hewhispered。

Thegirlcameandkneltbesidehim，oppositetheQueen。

"Bertrade，tellmethouartreal；thatthouatleastbenodream。"

"Ibeveryreal，dearheart，"sheanswered，"andtheseothersbereal，also。Whenthouartstronger，thoushaltunderstandthestrangethingthathashappened。Thesewhowertthineenemies，NormanofTorn，bethybestfriendsnow——thatthoushouldknow，sothatthoumayrestinpeaceuntilthoubebetter。"

Hegropedforherhand，and，findingit，closedhiseyeswithafaintsigh。

TheyborehimtoacotinanapartmentnexttheQueen’s，andallthatnightthemotherandthepromisedwifeoftheOutlawofTornsatbathinghisfeveredforehead。TheKing’schirurgeonwastherealso，whiletheKingandDeMontfortpacedthecorridorwithout。

Anditiseverthus；whetherinhovelorpalace；inthedaysofMoses，orinthedaysthatbeours；thelambthathasbeenlostandisfoundagainbealwaysthebestbeloved。

Towardmorning，NormanofTornfellintoaquietandnaturalsleep；thefeveranddeliriumhadsuccumbedbeforehisperfecthealthandironconstitution。ThechirurgeonturnedtotheQueenandBertradedeMontfort。

"Youhadbestretire，ladies，"hesaid，"andrest。ThePrincewilllive。"

Latethatafternoonheawoke，andnoamountofpersuasionorcommandsonthepartoftheKing’schirurgeoncouldrestrainhimfromarising。

"Ibeseechtheetoliequiet，MyLordPrince，"urgedthechirurgeon。

"Whycallthoumeprince？"askedNormanofTorn。

"Therebeonewithoutwhoserightitbetoexplainthattothee，"repliedthechirurgeon，"andwhenthoubeclothed，ifrisethouwilt，thoumaystseeher，MyLord。"

Thechirurgeonaidedhimtodressand，openingthedoor，hespoketoasentrywhostoodjustwithout。Thesentrytransmittedthemessagetoayoungsquirewhowaswaitingthere，andpresentlythedoorwasthrownopenagainfromwithout，andavoiceannounced：

"HerMajesty，theQueen！"

NormanofTornlookedupinunfeignedsurprise，andthentherecamebacktohimthesceneintheQueen’sapartmentthenightbefore。Itwasallasoreperplexitytohim；hecouldnotfathomit，nordidheattemptto。

Andnow，asinadream，hesawtheQueenofEnglandcomingtowardhimacrossthesmallroom，herarmsoutstretched；herbeautifulfaceradiantwithhappinessandlove。

"Richard，myson！"exclaimedEleanor，comingtohimandtakinghisfaceinherhandsandkissinghim。

"Madame！"exclaimedthesurprisedman。"Bealltheworldgonecrazy？"

AndthenshetoldhimthestrangestoryofthelittlelostprinceofEngland。

Whenshehadfinished，hekneltatherfeet，takingherhandinhisandraisingittohislips。

"Ididnotknow，Madame，"hesaid，"orneverwouldmyswordhavebeenbaredinotherservicethanthine。Ifthoucanstforgiveme，Madame，nevercanI

forgivemyself。"

"Takeitnotsohard，myson，"saidEleanorofEngland。"Itbenofaultofthine，andtherebenothingtoforgive；onlyhappinessandrejoicingshouldwefeel，nowthatthoubefoundagain。"

"Forgiveness！"saidaman’svoicebehindthem。"Forsooth，itbewethatshouldaskforgiveness；huntingdownourownsonwithswordsandhalters。

"Anybutafoolmighthaveknownthatitwasnobase-bornknavewhosenttheKing’sarmyback，naked，totheKing，andrammedtheKing’smessagedownhismessenger’sthroat。

"Byallthesaints，Richard，thoubeeveryinchaKing’sson，an’thoughwemadesourfacesatthetime，webealltheprouderoftheenow。"

TheQueenandtheoutlawhadturnedatthefirstwordstoseetheKingstandingbehindthem，andnowNormanofTornrose，halfsmiling，andgreetedhisfather。

"Theybesorryjokes，Sire，"hesaid。"MethinksithadbeenbetterhadRichardremainedlost。ItwilldothehonorofthePlantagenetsbutlittlegoodtoacknowledgetheOutlawofTornasaprinceoftheblood。"

Buttheywouldnothaveitso，anditremainedforalaterKingofEnglandtowipethegreatnamefromthepagesofhistory——perhapsajealousking。

PresentlytheKingandQueen，addingtheirpleastothoseofthechirurgeon，prevaileduponhimtoliedownoncemore，andwhenhehaddonesotheylefthim，thathemightsleepagain；butnosoonerhadthedoorclosedbehindthemthanhearoseandlefttheapartmentbyanotherexit。

Itwasbychancethat，inadeepsetwindow，hefoundherforwhomhewassearching。Shesatlookingwistfullyintospace，anexpressionhalfsaduponherbeautifulface。Shedidnotseehimasheapproached，andhestoodthereforseveralmomentswatchingherdearprofile，andtherisingandfallingofherbosomoverthattrueandloyalheartthathadbeatensoproudlyagainstallthepowerofamightythroneforthedespisedOutlawofTorn。

Hedidnotspeak，butpresentlythatstrange，subtlesixthsensewhichwarnsusthatwearenotalone，thoughoureyesseenotnorourearshear，causedhertoturn。

Withalittlecryshearose，andthen，curtsyinglowafterthemannerofthecourt，said：

"WhatwouldMyLordRichard，PrinceofEngland，ofhispoorsubject？"Andthen，moregravely，"MyLord，Ihavebeenraisedatcourt，andIunderstandthataprincedoesnotwedrashly，andsoletusforgetwhatpassedbetweenBertradedeMontfortandNormanofTorn。"

"PrinceRichardofEnglandwillinnowisedisturbroyalprecedents，"hereplied，"forhewillwednotrashly，butmostwisely，sincehewillwednonebutBertradedeMontfort。"AndhewhohadbeentheOutlawofTorntookthefairyounggirlinhisarms，adding："Ifshestilllovesme，nowthatI

beaprince？"

Sheputherarmsabouthisneck，anddrewhischeekdownclosetohers。

"ItwasnottheoutlawthatIloved，Richard，norbeittheprinceIlovenow；itbeallthesametome，princeorhighwayman——itbetheeIlove，dearheart——justthee。"