Youmayconceivehowjoyoustheywereinthatpoorcottage，onanightsoblessed，andhowBrotherThomastoldusoftheholyColette，thatfamousnunandMotherinChrist，ashethathadoftenbeeninhercompany。Hehadseenherbodyliftedintheairwhilesheremainedinapiousecstasy，hermindsoaringaloftandherfleshlybodyfollowingitsomeway。
Hehadoftenwatchedthatsnow-whitebeastwhichfollowedher，suchacreatureasisknowninnocountryofthesinfulworld，butisathingofParadise。AndhehadtriedtocaressthiswondrouscreatureofGod，butvainly，fornonebuttheholysisterColettemayhandleit。Concerninghermiraclesofhealing，too，hetoldus，allofwhichwealreadyknewforverytruth，andstillknowonbetterwarrantythanhis。
Yemaybelievethat，lateandatlast，BrotherThomashadhischoiceofthewarmestplacetosleepin——bythe\"four，\"asisthewontofpilgrims，forinhishumilitythisholymanwouldnotsufferthefarmer\'swifeandthefarmertogivehimtheirbed，astheydesired。
I，too，wasverykindlyentreatedbytheyounglads，butIcouldscarcelysleepformarvellingatthesemiraclesdonebyonesounworthy；andgreat，indeed，Ideemed，mustbethevirtueofthatrelicwhichwroughtsuchsignsinthehandsofanevilman。ButI
havesinceheldthathefeignedallbyartmagicandverysorcery，for，aswewendednextmorningonourroad，heplainlytoldme，trulyorfalsely，thathehadpickeduptheblackenedfinger-boneoutoftheloathlyashesofthedeadintheburnedcastlenearRuffec。
WhereforeIconsiderthatwhenBrotherThomassoldthegraceofhisrelic，bythetouchingofrings，hedealtinadevilishblacksimony，vendingtosimpleChristiansnogracebutthatofhismaster，Sathanas。ThushewasnotonlyevilifIguessaright，whichIsubmittothejudgmentofmyecclesiasticalsuperiors，andoftheChurch，buthehadevenfoundoutanewkindofwickedness，suchasIneverreadofinanybooksoftheologywhereinismuchtobelearned。Ihavespokenwithsome，however，knightsandmenofthisworld，whodeemedthathedidbutbeguileoureyesbycraftandsleight-of-hand。
Thisotherhellisharthehad，bydirectinspiration，asIhold，ofhismasterBehemoth，thathecouldthrowhisvoicewhitherhewould，sothat，inallseeming，itcamefromabove，orfrombelow，orfromacornerofaroom，fashioningittoresemblethevoiceofwhomhewould，yetnonemightseehislipsmove。Withthiscrafthewouldaffraythepeasantsaboutthefireinthelittleinnswherewesometimesrested，whenhewouldbetellingtalesofboglesandeldritchfantasies，andoffiendsthatroutandrap，andmakethetablesandfirkinsdance。Suchartofspeech，Iamadvised，isspokenofbySt。Jerome，inhiscommentontheholyprophetthesaintIsaiah，andtheythatuseithecalls\"ventriloqui，\"intheLatin，or\"belly-speakers，\"andhetakesanunfavourablesenseofthemandtheirdoings。SomuchIhavefromthelearnedWilliamdeBoyis，PriorofPluscarden，wherenowIwrite；withwhomIhaveconversedofthesemattersprivately，andhethinksthisartathingthatmenmaylearnbypractice，withoutdealinginnigromancyandtheblackmagic。ThisquestionIamcontenttoleave，asisfitting，tothejudgmentofmysuperiors。Andindeed，asatthattime，BrotherThomasspakenotinhisbellyexcepttomakesportandaffraythesimplepeople，soonturningtheirfearstomirth。
Certainlythecountryfolknevermisdoubtedhim，thewomenforaholyman，themenforagoodfellow；thoughalltheyofhisownclothshrankfromhim，andIhaveseenthemcrossthemselvesinhispresence，buttonoavail。Hewouldsayawordortwointheirears，andtheystraightwaylefttheplacewherehemightbe。Nonetheless，withhistalesandarts，BrotherThomascommonlysowroughtthatweseldomslept\"elabelleetoile\"inthatbitterspringweather，butweordinarilyhadleavetoliebythehearth，andgotasupperandabreakfast。Thegoodpeasantswouldfindtheirhen-rooststhepooreroften，forallthathecouldsnapupwastohimfortuneofwar。
Ilovedthesemannerslittle，butleavehimIcouldnot。Hiseyewaseveronme；ifIstirredinthenighthewasawakeandwatchingme，andbydayheneverletmeoutofabolt\'sflight。Tocutthestringofhiswickedweaponwasathoughtofteninmymind，buthewastoovigilant。Myfacewashispassport，hesaid；myface，indeed，beinginnocentenough，aswasnoshametome，butanendlesscauseofmirthandmockerytohim。Yet，byreasonoftheserviceablenessofthemaninthatperilouscountry，andmyconstantsurpriseandwonderatwhathedidandsaid，andmightdonextwhichnomancouldguessbeforehand，andakindoffoolishprideinhisverywickedness，somuchbeyondwhatIhadeverdreamedof，andforpurefearofhimalso，Ifoundmyselffollowingwithhimdaybyday，everthinkingtoescape，andneverescaping。
Ihavesincedeemedthat，justashiswickednesswastoaboyforI
waslittlemore，akindofcharm，madeupofasortofadmiringhateandfear，somyguilelessnessasitseemedtohimalsowroughtonhimstrangely。Forinpartitmadesportforhimtoseemyopenmouthandstaringeyesatthespectacleofhisdevilries，andinparthereallyhatedme，andhatedmyveryvirtueofsimplicity，whichitwashisdesireanddelighttosurpriseandcorrupt。
Onthesestrangeterms，then，nowdrawneachtoother，andnowforcedapart，wewendedbyPoictierstowardsChinon，wheretheDauphinandhisCourtthenlay。Sowefarednorthwards，throughPoitou，wherewefoundevilnewsenough。For，walkingintoavillage，wesawmen，women，andchildren，allgathered，gapingaboutonethatstoodbesideahorsenearlyfoundered，itslegsthrustwide，itsnostrilsallfoamandblood。Theman，whoseemedaswearyashishorse，heldapaperinhishands，whichthepriestofthatparishtookfromhimandreadaloudtous。Theriderwasaroyalmessenger，oneThomasScottofEasterBuccleuch，inRankelBurn，whomIknewlater，andhistidingswereevil。TheDauphinbadehisgoodtownsknowthat，onthe12thofFebruary，SirJohnStewart，constableoftheScottishforcesinFrance，hadfalleninbattleatRouvray，withverymanyofhiscompany，andsomeFrenchmen。TheyhadbesetaconvoyunderSirJohnFastolf，thatwasbringingmeattotheEnglishleagueredaboutOrleans。ButFastolfhadwhollyroutedthembytreachery，aswelaterlearnedoftheComtedeClermont，andSirJohnStewart，withhisbrotherSirWilliam，wereslain。
WhereforetheDauphinbadethegoodtownssendhimmoneyandmen，orallwaslost。
Suchweretheeviltidings，whichputmeinsorefearformybrotherRobin，onethat，insuchanonfall，wouldgofar，asbeseemedhisblood。Butastouchinghisfortunes，ThomasScottcouldtellmeneithergoodnorbad，thoughheknewRobin，andgavehimagoodnameforastoutman-at-arms。ItwasofsomecomforttometohearaScotstongue；but，fortherest，Itravelledonwithaheavierheart，deemingthatOrleansmustindeedfallereIcouldseekmybrotherinthattown。
CHAPTERIII——WHATBEFELLOUTSIDEOFCHINONTOWN
Myoldnurse，whenIwasachild，usedtotellmealongstoryofaprincewho，wanderingthroughtheworld，madefriendswithmanystrangecompanions。OneshecalledLynx-eye，thatcouldseethroughamountain；onewasSwift-foot，thatcouldoutrunthewind；onewasFine-ear，thatcouldhearthegrassgrowing；andtherewasGreedy-
gut，thatcouldswallowariver。Allthesewereveryserviceabletothisgraciousprince，ofIknownotwhatcountry，inhisadventures；
andtheywereoftenbroughtintomymindbythecompanionswhomwepickeduponthegrass-grownroads。
Thesewandererswereasstrangeasthefriendsoftheprince，andwereasvariously，butscarceashonourably，gifted。Therewastheone-armedsoldier，whoshowedhisstumpverypiteouslywhenitwasaquestionofbeggingfromaburgess，butwasaswellfurnishedwithlimbsasothermenwhennoburgesswasinsight。Therewasawretchedwomanvioler，withherjackanapes，andwithherhusband，ahang-dogruffian，shebearingthemarkofhisfistonhereye，andcommonlytrailingfarbehindhimwithherbratonherback。Therewasablindman，withhisstaff，whomightwellenoughanswertoKeen-eye，thatis，whennostrangerswereinsight。Therewasalayman，wearingcopeandstoleandsellingindulgences，butourcaptain，BrotherThomas，soonbanishedhimfromourcompany，forthathedividedthetrade。Otherstherewere，eachoneofthemaGreedy-gut，acrewofbrokenmen，whomarchedwithusontheroads；
butweneverenteredatownorahousewiththesediscreditableattendants。
Now，itmayseemstrange，butthenearerwedrewtoChinonandtheCourt，thepoorergrewthecountry，fortheCourtandthemen-at-
armshadstrippeditbare，likeaflightoflocusts。ForthisreasontheDauphincouldseldomabidelongatoneplace，forhewassomuchbetterknownthantrustedthattheverycordwainerwouldnotlethimmarchoffinanewpairofbootswithoutseeinghismoney，and，asthesongsaid，heevengreasedhisoldcloutedshoon，andmadethemlastaslongashemight。Forhead-gearhewasasillprovided，seeingthathehadpawnedthefleuronsofhiscrown。
ThereweredayswhenhistreasureratToursasImyselfhaveheardhimsaydidnotreckonthreeducatsinhiscoffers，andtheheirofFranceborrowedmoneyfromhisverycook。Sothepeopletoldus，andIhaveoftenmarvelledhow，despitethispoverty，kingsandnobles，whenIhaveseenthem，goalwaysinclothofgold，withrichjewels。But，asyoumayguess，neartheCourtofabeggarDauphinthecountry-folktooweresourandbeggarly。
Wehadtotightenourbeltsbeforewecametothewoodwhereincross-roadsmeet，fromnorth，south，andeast，withinfivemilesofthetownofChinon。Therewasnotawhitecoinamongus；nightwasfalling，anditseemedasifwemustlieoutunderthestars，andbefed，likethewolvesweheardhowling，onwind。Bytheroadside，atthecrossways，butnotinviewoftheroad，acouncilofourraggedregimentwasheldinadeepditch。Itwouldbelateerewereachedthetown，gateswouldscarceopenforus，wecouldnotfeethewarders，houseswouldbeshutanddark；theKing\'sarcherswereapttobearthemunfriendlytowanderingmenwiththedevildancingintheirpouches。Resourcewesawnone；iftherewasacottage，dogs，likewolvesforhungerandfierceness，werebayingroundit。AsforBrotherThomas，anevilbruithadgonebeforeusconcerningacordelierthatthefowlsandgeesewerefaintofollow，aswilderthings，theysay，followtheblessedSt。Francis。SotheresatBrotherThomasatthecross-roads，footsore，hungry，andsullen，inthemidstofus，whodarednotspeak，hetwangingatthestringofhisarbalest。HecalledhimselfourMoses，inhisblasphemousway，andtheblindmanhavinggirdedathimfornotleadingusintothelandofplenty，hehadstruckthemantillhebled，andnowstoodstanchinghiswound。
SuddenlyBrotherThomasceasedfromhistwanging，andholdinguphishandforsilence，leanedhiseartotheground。Thenightwasstill，thoughacoldwindcameverystealthilyfromtheeast。
\"Horses!\"hesaid。
\"Itisbutthenoiseofthebrookbytheway，\"saidtheblindman，sullenly。
BrotherThomaslistenedagain。
\"No，itishorses，\"hewhispered。\"Mymen，theythatridehorsescansparesomewhatoutoftheirabundancetofeedthepoor。”Andwiththathebeganwindinguphisarbalesthastily。\"Aymeric，\"hesaidtooneofourafflictedcompany，\"youdrawagoodbowforablindman；hideyourselfintheoppositeditch，andbereadywhenI
givetheword\"Paxvobiscum。”You，Giles，\"hespoketotheone-
armedsoldier，\"gowithhim，and，doyouhear，aimlow，atthethirdman\'shorse。Fromthesoundtherearenotmorethanfiveorsixofthem。Wecanbutfail，atworst，andthewoodisthickbehindus，wherenonemaypursue。You，NormandePitcullo，haveyourwhingerready，andfastenthisropetightlytoyonderbirch-treestem，andthencrossandgiveitaturnortwoaboutthatoaksaplingontheothersideoftheway。Thattrapwillbringdownahorseortwain。
Bequick，youScotchwine-bag!\"
Ihadseenmanyillthingsdone，and，tomyshame，hadheldmypeace。ButaLeslieofPitcullodoesnottakepursesonthehigh-
road。Thereforemyheartroseinsuddenanger，Ihavingalldayhatedhimmoreandmoreforhisbittertongue，andIwasopeningmymouthtocry\"Asecours!\"——awarningtothemwhowereapproaching，when，quickaslightning，BrotherThomascaughtmebehindtheknee-
joints，andIwasonthegroundwithhisweightaboveme。OnecryI
haduttered，whenhishandwasonmymouth。
\"Givehimthesteelinhisguts!\"whisperedtheblindman。
\"Slithisweasand，theScotchpig!\"saidtheone-armedsoldier。
Theywereallonmenow。
\"No，Ikeephimforbettersport，\"snarledBrotherThomas。\"HeshalllearntheScotsfor\'ecorcheurs\'flayersofmen\"whenwehavefilledourpouches。”
Withthathecrammedagreatnapkininmymouth，sothatIcouldnotcry，madeitfastwithapieceofcord，trussedmewiththeropewhichhehadbiddenmetieacrossthepathtotripthehorses，andwithakicksentmeflyingtothebottomoftheditch，myfacebeingturnedfromtheroad。
IcouldhearGilesandAymericstealacrosstheway，andtherustlingofboughsastheysettledontheoppositeside。Icouldhearthetramplinghoofsofhorsescomingslowlyandwearilyfromtheeast。Atthismomentchancedathingthathaseverseemedstrangetome:Ifeltthehandoftheviolerwomanlaidlightlyandkindlyonmyhair。Ihadeverpitiedher，and，asImight，hadbeenkindtoherandherbairn；andnow，asitappears，shepitiedme。
Buttherecouldbenohelpinher，nordidshedaretoraisehervoiceandgiveanalarm。SoIcouldbutgnawatmygag，tryingtofindscopeformytonguetocry，fornowitwasnotonlythetravellersthatIwouldsave，butmyownlife，andmyescapefromadeathoftormentlayonmysuccess。Butmymouthwasasdryasakiln，mytonguewasdoubledbacktillIthoughtthatIshouldhavechoked。Thenightwasnowdeadlystill，andtheringofthewearyhoofsdrewnearerandnearer。Iheardastumble，andthescrambleofatiredhorseasherecoveredhimself；fortherest，allwassilent，thoughthebeatingofmyownheartsoundedheavyandhuskyinmyears。
Closerandcloserthetravellersdrew，andsoonitwasplainthattheyrodenotcarelessly，norasmenwhodeemedthemselvessecure，forthetrampofonehorsesingleditselfoutinfrontoftheothers，andthis，doubtless，wasriddenbyan\"eclaireur，\"sentforwardtoseethatthewayaheadwassafe。NowIheardalowgrowlofacursefromBrotherThomas，andmyhearttooksomecomfort。
Theymightbewarned，iftheBrothershotattheforemostman；or，atworst，ifhewaspermittedtopass，themanwouldbearswifttidingstoChinon，andwemightbeavenged，thetravellersandI，forInowfeltthattheyandIwereinthesameperil。
Thesingleriderdrewnear，andpassed，andtherecamenocryof\"Paxvobiscum\"fromthefriar。Buttheforemostriderhad，perchance，thebesthorse，andtheleastwearied，fortherewaseventoogreatagapbetweenhimandtherestofhiscompany。
Andnowtheirvoicesmightbeheard，astheytalkedbytheway，yetnotsoloudthat，strainingmyearsasIdid，Icouldhearanywords。Butthesoundswaxedlouder，withwordsspoken，ringofhoofs，andrattleofscabbardonstirrup，andsoIknew，atleast，thattheywhorodesolateweremenarmed。BrotherThomas，too，knewit，andcursedagainverylow。
Nearer，nearertheycame，thenalmostopposite，andnow，asI
listenedtohearthetraitoroussignalofmurder——\"Paxvobiscum\"——
andthetwangofbow-strings，onthenightthererangavoice，awoman\'svoice，softbutwondrousclear，suchasneverIknewfromanylipsbutherswhothenspoke；thatvoiceIheardinitslastword，\"Jesus!\"andstillitissoundinginmyears。
Thatvoicesaid-
\"Nousvoilepresqu\'arrives，graceemesFreresdeParadis。”
Instantly，Iknewnothow，atthesoundofthatblessedvoice，andthecourageinit，Ifeltmyfearslipfromme，aswhenweawakenfromadreadfuldream，andinitsplacecamehappinessandpeace。
ScarceotherwisemighthefeelwhodiesinfearandwakesinParadise。
Ontheforestboughsaboveme，myfacebeingturnedfromtheroad，somewhatpassed，orseemedtopass，likeasoftgoldenlight，suchasintheScotstonguewecalla\"boyn，\"thatofttimes，mensay，travelswiththeblessedsaints。Yetsomemaydeemitbutaglancinginmyowneyes，fromthebloodflyingtomyhead；howsoeveritbe，Ihadneverseenthelikebefore，norhaveIseenitsince，and，assuredly，theblackbranchesandwildweedswerelitupbareandclear。
Thetrampofthehorsespassed，therewasnocryof\"Paxvobiscum，\"
notwangofbows，andslowlytheringofhoofsdiedawayontheroadtoChinon。Thencamearustlingoftheboughsonthefurthersideoftheway，andanoiseoffootstepsstealthilycrossingtheroad，andnowIheardalowsoundofweepingfromtheviolerwoman，thatwascrouchinghardbywhereIlay。Hermanstruckheracrossthemouth，andshewasstill。
\"Yousawit？Saintsbewithus!Yousawthem？\"hewhisperedtoBrotherThomas。
\"Fool，hadInotseen，wouldInothavegiventheword？Getyougone，allthesortofyou，thereisafeymaninthiscompany，behewhohewill。Wanderyourownways，andifeveroneofyoudogsspeaktomeagain，infield，orstreet，ormarket，orevermentionthisnight……yeshallhavemynewsofit。Begone!Off!\"
\"Nay，but，BrotherThomas，saw\'stthouwhatwesaw？Whatsightsaw\'stthou？\"
\"WhatsawI？Fools，whatshouldIhaveseen，butanoutrider，andheaKing\'smessenger，sentforwardtowarntherestbyhisfall，ifhefell，ortoraisethecountryonus，ifhepassed，andifafterwardtheypassedusnot。Theyweremenwaryinwar，andtravellingontheDauphin\'sbusiness。Verilytherewasnoprofitinthem。”
\"Andthatwasall？Wesawotherthings。”
\"WhatIsawwasenoughforme，orforanygoodclerkofSt。
Nicholas，andofquestionstherehasbeenmorethanenough。Begone!
scattertothewinds，andbesilent。”
\"AndmaywenotputthesteelinthatScotchdogwhodelayedus？
Saintsorsorcerers，theirhorsesmusthavecomedownbutforhim。”
BrotherThomascaughtmeup，asifIhadbeenachild，inhisarms，andtossedmeovertheditch-bankintothewood，whereIcrashedonmyfacethroughtheboughs。
\"Onlyonehorsewouldhavefallen，andthathadbroughttheothersonus。TheScotissafeenough，hismouthiswellshut。Iwillhavenobloodto-night；leavehimtothewolves。Andnow，begonewithyou:toFierbois，ifyouwill；Igomyownroad——alone。”
Theywanderedeachhisownway，sullenandmurmuring，starvedandweary。Whattheyhadseenorfancied，andwhether，iftherestsawaughtstrange，BrotherThomassawnought，Iknewnotthen，andknownottillthishour。Butthetaleofthisambush，andofhowtheythatlayinhidingheldtheirhands，andfled——havingcome，nonemightsaywhence，andgone，whithernonemighttell——istrue，andwassoonwidelyspokenofintherealmofFrance。
Thewoodsfellstillagain，saveforthebabbleofthebrook，andthereIlay，bound，andheardonlythestreaminthesilenceofthenight。
ThereIlay，quaking，whenallthecaitiffshaddeparted，andtheblack，chillnightreceivedmeintoitself。Atfirstmymindwasbenumbed，likemybody；butthepainofmyface，smartingwithswitchandscratchoftheboughsthroughwhichIhadfallen，awokemetothoughtandfear。Iturnedovertolieonmyback，andlookupforanylightofhopeinthesky，butnothingfellonmefromheavensaveacoldrain，thattheleaflessboughsdidlittletowardoff。ScanthopeorcomforthadI；mywholebodyachedandshuddered，onlyIdidnotthirst，fortherainsoakedthroughtheaccursednapkinonmymouth，whilethedankearth，withitsgraveyardsmell，seemedtodrawmedownintoitself，asitdragsarottingleaf。Iwasburiedbeforedeath，asitwere，evenifthewolvesfoundmenotandgavemeothersepulture；andnowandagainI
heardtheirlonghuntingcry，andateverypatterofabeast\'sfoot，orshiveringofthebranches，Ithoughtmyhourwascome——andI
unconfessed!Theroadwasstillasdeath，nomanpassingbyit。
Thisnighttomewaslikethenightofamanlaidlivinginthetomb。BynotwistingandturningcouldIloosentheropethatBrotherThomashadboundmein，withahandwelltaughtbycruelpractice。Atlasttheraininmyfacegrewlikeawater-torture，alwaysdropping，andIhalfturnedmyfaceandpressedittotheground。
WhetherIsleptbywhiles，orwakedallnight，Iknownot，butcertainlyIdreamed，seeingwithshuteyesfacesthatcameandwent，shiftingfrombeautysuchasIhadneveryetbeheld，tovisagesmoreandmorehideousandsinful，endingatlastintheworst——thefellcountenanceofNoiroufle。ThenIwokewhollytomyself，interror，tofindthathewasnotthere，andnowcametomesomeofthateasewhichhadbeenbornofthestrange，sweetvoice，andthestrangewords，\"MesFreresdeParadis。”
\"MybrethrenofParadise\"；whocouldshebethatrodesolateincompanyofarmedmen，andyetspokeofsuchgreatkinsfolk？ThatitmightbetheholyColette，then，asnow，sofamousinFranceforhermiracles，andgooddeeds，andherausterities，wasathoughtthataroseinme。ButtheholySister，asIhadheard，nevermountedahorseinhermanywanderings，shebeingavillein\'sdaughter，butwascarriedinalitter，orfaredinachariot；nordidshegoincompanywitharmedmen，forwhowoulddaretolayhandsonher？
Moreover，thevoicethatIhadheardwasthatofaveryyounggirl，andtheholySisterColettewasnowenteredintothevaleofyears。
Somyquestioningfoundnoanswer。
AndnowIheardlightfeet，asofsomebeaststirringandscratchinginthetreesoverhead，andtherewithalightjinglingnoise。Wasitasquirrel？Whateveritwas，itracedaboutthetree，comingnearerandgoingfurtheraway，tillitfellwithaweightonmybreast，and，shiveringwithcold，allstrainedlikeaharp-stringasIwas，Icouldhavescreamed，butforthegaginmymouth。Thethingcrawledupmybody，andIsawtworedeyesfixedonmine，anddeemedithadbeenawildcat，suchaslivesinourcorriesofthenorth——afellbeastifbroughttobay，butotherwisenothurtfultoman。
Theretheredeyeslookedonme，andIonthem，tillIgrewgiddywithgazing，andhalfturnedmyheadwithastifledsob。ThentherecameasharpcrywhichIknewwellenough，andthebeastleapedupandnestledundermybreast，forthissodreadfulthingwasnoworsethantheviolerwoman\'sjackanapes，thathadslippeditschain，or，rather，haddrawnitoutofherhand，fornowIplainlyheardthelightchainjingle。Thisputmeonwonderingwhethertheyhadreallydeparted；theman，verily，thirstedformylife，buthewouldhaveslainmeerethishour，Ithought，ifthathadbeenhispurpose。Thepoorbeastalittlehelpedtowarmmewiththeheatofhisbody，andhewasafriendlycreature，makingmefeellessaloneinthenight。Yet，inmyownmisery，Icouldnothelpbutsorrowforthepoorwomanwhenshefoundherjackanapesgone，thatwasgreatpartofherliving:andIknewwhatshewouldhavetobearforitslossfromthemanthatwashermaster。
Asthiswasinmymind，thefirstgreystoleintotheskysothatI
couldseetheblackbranchesoverhead；andnowthereawokethecriesofbirds，andsoonthewoodwasfulloftheirsweetjargoning。Thisputsomehopeintomyheart；butthemorninghourswerelong，andcolderthanthenight，toonewettothebonewiththerains。Now，too，Icomfortedmyselfwithbelievingthat，arrivewhatmight，I
waswhollyquitofBrotherThomas，whereatIrejoiced，likethemaninthetalewhohadsoldhissoultotheEnemy，andyet，intheend，escapedhisclutchesbytheaidofHolyChurch。DeathwasbettertomethanlifewithBrotherThomas，whomustassuredlyhavedraggedmewithhimtothedeaththatcannotdie。Morningmustbringtravellers，andmygroaningmightleadthemtomyaid。And，indeed，foot-farersdidcome，andIdidgroanaswellasIcould，but，liketheLeviteinScripture，theypassedbyontheothersideoftheway，fearingtomeddlewithonewoundedperchancetothedeath，lesttheymightbechargedwithhisslaying，ifhedied，ormightangerhisenemies，ifhelived。
Thelightwasnowfullycome，andsomeraysoftheblessedsunfelluponme，whereonIsaidorisonswithinmyself，commandingmycasetothesaints。DevoutlyIprayed，that，ifIescapedwithlife，I
mightbedeliveredfromthefearofman，andnamelyofBrotherThomas。Itwerebetterformetohavediedbyhisweaponatfirst，besidethebrokenbridge，thantohavelivedhisslave，goingindreadofhim，withaslave\'shatredinmyheart。SonowIprayedforspiritenoughtodefendmyhonourandthatofmycountry，whichIhadbornetohearreviledwithoutstrikingablowforit。NeveragainmightIdreethisextremeshameanddishonour。OnthisheadI
addressedmyself，aswasfitting，totheholyApostleSt。Andrew，ourpatron，towhomisespeciallydearthehonourofScotland。
Then，asifheandtheothersaintshadlistenedtome，Iheardsoundsofhorses\'hoofs，cominguptheroadfromChinonway，andalsovoices。These，liketheothersofthenightbefore，camenearer，andIheardawoman\'svoicegailysinging。Andthenawokesuchjoyinmyheartasneverwastherebefore，andthiswasfarthegladdestvoicethateveryetIheard，for，behold，itwasthespeechofmyowncountry，andthetuneIknewandthewords。
\"O，wemaunpartthislove，Willie，Thathasbeenlangbetween；
There\'saFrenchlordcomingoverseaTowedmewi\'aring；
There\'saFrenchlordcomingo\'ertheseaTowedandtakemehame!\"
\"AndwhoshalltheFrenchlordbe，Elliot？\"cameanothervoice，aman\'sthistime，\"thoughheneednotcrosstheseaforyou，theworsetheluck。IsityoungPothondeXaintrailles？Faith，hecomesoftenenoughtoseehowhisnewpenoncelfaresinmyhands，andseemsrightcuriousinpainting。”
Itmaybedeemedstrangethat，eveninthishour，IconceivedinmyheartagreatmislikeofthisyoungFrenchlord，howunjustlyIsoonwellunderstood。
\"O，naeFrenchlordforme，father，O，naeFrenchlordforme，ButI\'llwaremyheartonatrue-bornScot，Andwi\'himI\'llcrossthesea。”
\"Oh，father，loyou，Icanmakeaswellassing，forthatisnowordoftheoldballant，butjustcameontomytongue!\"
Theywerenowrightclosetome，and，halfinfear，halfinhope，I
begantostirandrustleinthegrass，forofmystifledgroaninghadhithertocomenoprofit。ThenIheardthehorsesstop。
\"Whatstirringisthatinthewood，father？Iamafraid，\"camethegirl\'svoice。
\"Belikeafoxshiftinghislair。Pushon，MaidElliot。”Thehorsesadvanced，when，bytheblessingofthesaints，thejackanapeswokeinmybreast。
Thecreaturewasusedtorunquestingwithalittlewoodenbowlhecarriedforlargesse，tobegofhorsemenforhismistress。Thistrickofhishedidnow，hearingthehorses\'tramp。Heleapedtheditch，andIsupposeheraninfrontofthesteeds，shakinghislittlebowl，aswashiswont。
\"Oh，father，\"soundedthegirl\'svoice，\"seethelittlejackanapes!
Sometravellingbodyhaslosthim。Letmejumpdownandcatchhim。
Look，hehasalittlecoaton，madelikeaherald\'stabard，andwearsthecoloursofFrance。Here，holdmyreins。”
\"No，lass。Whocantellwhere，orwho，hisowneris？Takeyoumyreins，andIwillbringyouthebeast。”
Iheardhimheavilydismount。
\"Itwillnotletitselfbecaughtbyalameman，\"hesaid；andhescrambleduptheditchbank，whilethejackanapesfledtome，andthenranforwardagain，backandforth。
\"NomDieu，whomhavewehere？\"criedtheman，inFrench。
Iturned，andmadesuchasoundwithmymouthasImight，whilethejackanapesnestledtomybreast。
\"Whydoyenotspeak，man？\"hesaidagain；andIturnedmyeyesonhim，lookingaspitifullyasmightbeoutofmyblood-bedabbledface。
Hewasaburlyman，greatofgrowth，withfreshredcheeks，blueeyes，reddishhair，andaredbeard，suchasaremanyintheBordermarchesofmyowncountry，thesaintsblessthemfortruemen!
Withalhedraggedhisleginwalking，whichhedidwithdifficultyandmuchcarefulness。He\"hirpled，\"aswesay，towardsmeverywarily；then，seeingtheropeboundaboutme，andtheclothinmymouth，hedrewhisdagger，butnottocutmybonds。Hewasovercannyforthat，butheslitthestringthatkeptthecursedgaginmymouth，andpickeditoutwithhisdaggerpoint；and，ohtheblessedtasteofthatfirstlongdraughtofair，Icannotsetitdowninwords!\"What，inthenameofallthesaints，makeyouhere，inthisguise？\"heaskedinFrench，butwitharudeBorderaccent。
\"IamakindlyScot，\"Isaidinourowntongue，\"ofyourowncountry。Givemewater。”Andthenadwawm，aswecallit，orfainting-fit，cameoverme。
WhenIknewmyselfagain，Iwaslyingwithmyheadinamaiden\'slap，andwellIcouldhavebelievedthatthefairieshadcarriedmetotheirownland，ashasbefallenmany，whereofsomehavereturnedtoearthwiththetale，andsomegoyetinthatunearthlycompany。
\"Gentledemoiselle，areyouthegraciousQueenofFaerie？\"Iasked，asonehalf-wakened，notknowingwhatIsaid。Indeedthisladywascladallinthefairygreen，andhereyeswereasblueastheskyaboveherhead，andthelongyellowlocksonhershoulderswereshininglikethesun。
\"Father，heisnotdead，\"shesaid，laughingassweetasallthesinging-birdsinMarch——\"heisnotdead，butsorelywanderinginhismindwhenhetakesElliotHumefortheFairyQueen。”
\"Faith，hemighthavemadeaworseguess，\"criedtheman。\"Butnow，sir，nowthatyourbondsarecut，Iseenothingbetterforyouthanawell-washedface，for，indeed，youarebyordinary\"kenspeckle，\"
andnocompanyformaids。”
Withthathebroughtsomewaterfromtheburnbytheroad，andtherewithhewipedmyface，firstgivingmetodrink。WhenIhaddrunk，themaidwhomhecalledElliotgotup，herfaceveryrosy，andtheysetmybackagainstatree，whichIwasrightsorryfor，asindeedIwasnowcleanoutoffairylandandbackinthistroublesomeworld。Thehorsesstoodbyus，tetheredtotrees，andbrowsedonthebuddingbranches。
\"Andnow，maybe，\"hesaid，speakinginthekindlyScots，thatwaslikemusicinmyear——\"now，maybe，youwilltelluswhoyouare，andhowyoucameintothisjeopardy。”
Itoldhim，shortly，thatIwasaScotofFife；wheretoheansweredthatmyspeechwasstrangelyEnglish。OnthismatterIsatisfiedhimwiththetruth，namely，thatmymotherwasofEngland。Igavemynamebutnotthatofourlands，andshowedhimhowIhadbeenwanderingnorth，totakeservicewiththeDauphin，whenIwassetupon，androbbedandboundbythieves，forIhadnoclearnessastotellinghimallmytale，andnodesiretoclaimacquaintancewithBrotherThomas。
\"Andthejackanapes？\"heasked，wheretoIhadnobetteranswerthanthatIhadseenthebeastwithawanderingvioleronthedaybefore，andthatshehavinglostit，asIsupposed，ithadcometomeinthenight。
Thegirlwasstandingwiththecreatureinherarms，feedingitwithpiecesofcomfitsfromapouchfastenedathergirdle。
\"Thelittlebeastisnotminetogive，\"Iwenton，seeinghowshehadanaffectiontotheape，\"buttilltheownerclaimsit，itisalltheransomIhavetopayformylife，andIwouldfainseeitwearthecoloursofthisgentlemaidwhosavedme。Ithasmanyprettytricks，butthoughto-dayIbeabeggar，Itrowshewillnotletitpractisethatilltrickofbegging。”
\"SoonerwouldIbegmyself，fairsir，\"shesaid，withsuchacourtlyreverenceassurprisedme；forthoughtheyseemedfolkswelltoseeintheworld，theywerenot，methought，ofnobleblood，norhadtheywiththemanycompanyofpalfreniersorarchers。
\"Elliot，youfeedthejackanapesandletourcountrymanhunger，\"
saidtheman；and，blushingagain，shemadehastetogivemesomeoftheprovisionshehadmadeforherjourney。
SoIateanddrank，shewaitingonmeverygently；butnow，beingwearyofpainfulwriting，andhearingthecalltotherefectory，andthebrethrentramplingthither，Imustbreakoff，for，ifIbelate，theywillsconcemeofmyale。Alas!itistotheselittlecaresofcreaturecomfortsthatIamcome，whohaveseenthefaceofsomanyawar，andlivedandfoughtonrat\'sfleshatCompiegne。
CHAPTERIV——INWHATCOMPANYNORMANLESLIEENTEREDCHINON；ANDHOWHE
DEMEANEDHIMSELFTOTAKESERVICE
Notseemly，wasit，thatIshouldexpectthesekindpeople，eventhoughtheywereofmyowncountry，todomoreformethantheyhadalreadydone。So，whenIhadeatenanddrunk，ImademyobeisanceasifIwouldbetrudgingtowardsChinon，addingmanythanks，aswellImight。
\"Nay，countryman，\"saidtheman，\"forallthatIcansee，youmayaswellbideawhilewithus；for，indeed，withleaveofmygracelessmaid，Ithinkwemayevenendourwild-goosechasehereandgetusbacktothetown。”
Seeingmemarvel，perhaps，thatanyshouldhaveriddensomefourmilesorfive，andyetspeakofreturning，helookedatthegirl，whowasplayingwiththejackanapes，andwhosmiledathimashespoke。\"Youmustknow，\"saidhe，\"thatthoughIamthefatherofyourFairyQueen，IamalsooneofthegraciousPrincess\'sobedientsubjects。Nomotherhasshe，poorwench，\"headded，inalowervoice；\"andfaith，wemenmustalwaysobeysomewoman——asitseemsnowthattheKinghimselfmustsoondoandallhiscaptains。”
\"Youspeak，\"Isaid，\"ofthegraciousQueenofSicilyandJerusalem？\"——aladywhowasthoughttobeofmuchavail，aswasbutright，inthecounselsofherson-in-law，theDauphin，hehavingmarriedhergentledaughter。
\"Ay；QueenYolandeisfarben{7}withtheKing——wouldhehadnoworsecounsellors!\"saidhe，smiling；\"butIspeakofafarmorepotentsovereign，ifallthatshetellsofherselfbetrue。Youhaveheard，orbelikeyouhavenotheard，ofthefamedPucelle——soshecallsherself，Ihopenotwithoutawarranty——theLorrainerpeasantlass，whoistodrivetheEnglishintothesea，soshegivesusallfairwarning？\"
\"NeverawordhaveIheard，ornevermarkedsosenselessabruitifIheardit；shemustbesomemoonstruckwench，andinherwitswandering。”
\"Moon-struck，orsun-struck，orsaint-struck，shewillstrikedownourancientenemyofEngland，andshowyoumenhowitisnotwineandwickednessthatmakegoodsoldiers!\"criedthegirlwhomhecalledElliot，herfacerose-redwithanger；andfromhereyestwoblueraysoflightshotstraighttomine，sothatIbelievemyfacewaxedwan，thebloodflyingtomyheart。
\"Listentoher!lookather!\"saidherfather，jestingly。\"Elliot，ifyourrenownedmaidcanfrighttheEnglishasyouhaveaffrayedagoodScot，thebattleiswonandOrleansisdelivered。”
Butshehadturnedherbackonuspettishly，andwastalkinginalowvoicetoherjackanapes。Asforme，ifmyfacehadbeenpalebefore，itnowgrewredenoughforshamethatIhadangeredher，whowassofair，thoughhowIhadsinnedIknewnot。ButoftenIhaveseenthatwomen，andthesethebest，willbeallafireatalightword，whereinthetouchiestman-at-armswhoeverfoughtontheturnofastrawcouldpicknohonourablequarrel。
\"HowhaveIbeensounhappyastooffendmademoiselle？\"Iasked，inawhisper，ofherfather，givingherahightitle，inveryconfusion。
\"Oh，shewillhearnobourdenorjestonthisPucellethatallthecountrysideisclashingof，andthatisbewitchingmymaid，methinks，evenfromafar。MymaidElliotsoIcallherfrommymother\'skin，buthertruenameisMarion，andtheFrenchdubherHeliotehathsetallherheartandherhopeononethatisayounglasslikeherself，andsheisfullofoldsoothsayingsaboutavirginthatistocomeoutofanoak-woodanddeliverFrance——noless!Forme，ImisdoubtthatMerlin，theWelshprophetonwhomtheysetstore，andtherestofthesoothsayers，areallinonetalewitholdThomasRhymer，ofErcildoune，whosepropheciesourownfolkcrackaboutbytheingleonwinternightsathome。Butbeitasitmay，thiswenchofLorrainehas，thesethree-quartersofayear，beenabouttheSieurRobertdeBaudricourt，nowcommandingfortheKingatVaucouleurs，awayintheeast，prayinghimtosendhertotheCourt。Shehasvisions，andhearsvoices——soshesays；andshegivesBaudricourtnopeacetillhecarrieshertotheKing。Thestorygoesthat，ontheilldayoftheBattleoftheHerrings，she，beingatVaucouleurs——ahundredleaguesawayandmore，——sawthatfightplainly，andourcountrymenfallen，manlike，aroundtheConstable，andtheFrenchflyinglikeharesbeforealittlepackofEnglishtalbots。Whentheevilnewscame，andwasapprovedtrue，Baudricourtcouldholdherinnolonger，andnowsheisonthewaywithhalfadozenesquiresandarchersofhiscommand。Thesecond-
sightshemayhave——itiscommonenough，ifyoubelievethered-
shankedHighlanders；butifmaidenshesetforthfromVaucouleurs，greatmiracleitisifmaidenshecomestoChinon。”Hewhisperedthisinamannerthatwecall\"pauky，\"beingafreemanwithhistongue。
\"Thisisastrangetaleenough，\"Isaid；\"thesaintsgrantthattheMaidspeakstruly!\"
\"ButyesterdaycamealetterofhersendingtotheKing，\"hewenton，\"butneverofherwriting，fortheysaythatsheknowsnot\"A\"
from\"B，\"ifshemeetstheminhervoyaging。Now，nothingwouldservemywilfuldaughterElliotshebeingpossessed，asIsaid，withloveforthisfemalemystery，butthatwemustrideforthandbethefirsttomeettheMaidonherway，andofferhershelteratmypoorhouse，ifshedoesbutseemhonest，thoughmethinksahostelryisgoodenoughforonethathasriddensofar，withmenforallhercompany。AndI，beingbutasubjectofmydaughter\'s，asI
said，andthisaSaint\'sDay，whenamanmayrestfromhispaintsandbrushes，Ievenletsaddlethesteeds，andcameforthtoseewhatferliesHeavenwouldsendus。”
\"Oh，aluckydayforme，fairsir，\"Iansweredhim，marvellingtohearhimspeakofpaintandbrushes，andevenasIspokeathoughtcameintomymind。\"Ifyouwilllistentome，sir，\"Isaid，\"andifthegentlemaid，yourdaughter，willpardonmeforstayingyousolongfromtheroad，Iwilltellyouthat，tomythinking，youhavecomeoverlate，forthatyesterdaytheMaidenyouspeakofrode，afternightfall，intoChinon。”
Nowthegirlturnedroundonme，and，infaith，Iaskednomorethantoseeherface，kindorangry。\"Youtellus，sir，thatyouneverheardspeakoftheMaidtillthishour，andnowyousaythatyouknowofhercomingsandgoings。Unriddleyourriddle，sir，ifitpleasesyou，andsayhowyousawandknewonethatyouneverheardspeechof。”
Shewasstillverywroth，andIknewnotwhetherImightnotangerheryetmore，soIloutedlowly，capinhand，andsaid-
\"Itisbutaguessthatcomesintomymind，andIprayyoubenotangrywithme，whoamreadyandwillingtobelieveinthisMaid，orinanythatwillhelpFrance，for，ifIbenotwrong，lastnighthercomingsavedmylife，andthatofherowncompany。”
\"Howmaythatbe，ifthievesrobbedandboundyou？\"
\"Itoldyounotallmytale，\"Isaid，\"for，indeed，fewwouldhavebelievedthethingthathadnotseenit。But，uponmyfaithasagentleman，andbythearm-boneoftheholyApostleAndrew，whichthesesinfuleyeshaveseen，inthechurchoftheApostleinhisowntown，somewhatholypassedthiswaylastnight；andifthisMaidbeindeedsentfromheaven，thatholythingwasshe，andnoneother。”
\"NomDieu!saintsarenotcommonwayfarersonourroadsatnight。
Thereisno\"wale\"ofsaintsinthiscountry，\"saidthefatherofElliot；\"andasthisPucelleofLorrainemustneedspassbyushere，ifsheisstillontheway，eventellusallyourtale。”
WiththatItoldthemhowthe\"brigands\"forsotheynowbegantocallsuchreiversasBrotherThomaswere，tomyshame，andmaugremyhead，foratimeofmyowncompany。AndItoldthemofthebushmentthattheylaidtotraptravellers，andhowIhadstriventogiveawarning，andhowtheyboundmeandgaggedme，andofthestrangegirl\'svoicethatspokethroughthenightof\"mesFreresdeParadis，\"andofthatgolden\"boyn\"faringinthedark，thatI