Now，withhistalkofadventures，andwithhighhopes，Iwassoheartenedup，that，tomyshame，mygrieffellfromme，andIwenttomybedtodreamoftrenchesandescalades，gloryandgain。ButElliot，Ifearme，passedawearynight，andasorry，whereasIhadscarcelaidmyheadonmypillow，asitseemed，whenIheardThomasshoutingtothegrooms，andclatterofourhorses\'hoofsinthecourtyard。SoIleapedup，thoughitwasscarcedaylight，andwerodenorthwardsbeforethefullcomingofthedawn。
HereImustneedswriteofashamefulthing，whichIknewnotthen，orIwouldhaveriddenwithaheavierheart，butIwastoldconcerningthemattermanyyearsafter，byMessireEnguerranddeMonstrelet，averylearnedknight，anddeepinthecounselsoftheDukeofBurgundy。
\"Youwereallsold，\"hesaidtome，atDijon，intheyearofourLordfourteenhundredandforty-seven——\"youwereallsoldwhenyoumarchedagainstParistown。FortheMaid，withD\'Alencon，rodefromCompiegnetowardsParis，onthetwenty-thirdofAugust，ifI
rememberwell\"；andhereheturnedaboutcertainwrittenparchmentsthatlaybyhim。\"Yea，onthetwenty-thirdsheleftCompiegne，butonthetwenty-eighthofthatmonththeArchbishopofReimsenteredthetown，andtherehemettheambassadorsoftheGoodDukeofBurgundy。Thereheandtheymadeacompactbetweenthem，bindingyourKingandtheDuke，thattheirtruceshouldlasttillNoel，butthatthedukemightusehismeninthedefenceofParisagainstallthatmightmakeonfall。Now，theArchbishopandtheKingknewwellthattheMaidwas，inthathour，marchingonParis。Towhatpurposemakeatruce，andleaveoutofthepeacetheverypointwherewarshouldbe？ManifestlytheFrenchKingnevermeanttoputforththestrengthofhisarmyinhelpingtheMaid。TherewastobetrucebetweenFranceandBurgundy，butnonebetweenEnglandandtheMaid。”
SoMessireEnguerrandtoldme，alearnedknightandagrave，andthuswasthecounselofthesaintsdefeatedbytheveryKingwhomtheysoughttoaid。Butofthisshamefultreatywemen-at-armsknewnothing，andsohazardedourlivesagainstloadeddice。
CHAPTERXX——CONCERNINGTHEMAIDANDTHEBIRDS
Werodenorthwards，firstthroughlandsthatIhadtravelledinbeforetoOrleans，andsointoacountrythenstrangetome，passingbywayofLagny，withintenttogotoSenlis，wherewedeemedtheKinglay。ThewholeregionbeingnearParis，andcloseundertheEnglishpower，wasrichandpeacefulofaspect，thecornbeingalreadyreaped，andstandinginsheavesaboutthefields，whethertofeedEnglishmenorFrenchmen，nonecouldtell。Forthelandwasinakindofhush，inexpectancyandfear，nomanknowinghowthingsshouldfalloutatParis。NathelessthePriorofLagny，withinthatveryweekwhereinwecame，hadgonetoSt。Denis，andyieldedhisgoodtownintothehandsoftheDucd\'AlenconfortheKing。AndthefairDukehadsentthitherMessireAmbrosedeLore，averygoodknight，withMessireJehanFoucault，andmanymen-at-arms。
ToMessireAmbrosewewerebrought，thatwemightgiveandtakehisnews。IrememberwellthatIdroppedoutofthesaddleatthedoorofhislodgings，andcouldscarcestandonmylegs，sowearywasI
withthelongandswiftriding。NeverhadIriddensofar，andsofast，freshhorsesstandingsaddledandbridledforThomasScottandmeateverystage，butthebeastwhichIhadhiredIsentbackfromthefirststagetominehostofthe\"HangingSword。”NotwithoutlabourIclimbedthestairstothechamberofMessireAmbrose，whobadeussitdown，andcalledforwinetobegivenus，whereofThomasScottdrankwell，butIdaredtakenone，lestmylegsshouldwhollyrefusetheiroffice。
WhenThomashadtoldhowallthecountrylayattheKing\'speace，andhowourpurposewastoridetotheKingatSenlis，theknightbadeusrathermakewhathastewemighttoSt。Denis。\"Forthere，byto-morrowornextday，theKingisliketobe，andtheassaultwillbedeliveredonParis，comeofitwhatwill。”
Withthishebadeusgoodspeed，but，toguessfromhiscountenance，wasinnohighhopes。And，atsupper，wheretowehadthecompanyofcertainofhismen-at-arms，Icouldwellperceivethattheywerenotinthebestheart。FornowweheardhowtheMaid，beingsorrowfulforthelongdelays，hadbiddentheDucd\'AlenconrideforthwithherfromCompiegne\"toseePariscloserthanyetshehadseenit。”
TheDucd\'Alencon，whoinlatedayshassostrangelyforgottentheloyaltyofhisyouth，wasthenfaintomarchwithher，fortheytwoweretheclosestfriendsthatmightbe。ThereforetheyhadpassedbywayofSenlis，wheretheywerejoinedbysomeforceofmen-at-
arms，andso，onthethirdday\'smarch，theycametoSt。Denis，wheretheywerenowlying。HereitisthatthekingsofFrancehavebeenburiedfortheseeighthundredyears，inthegreatAbbey。
\"NomDieu!\"saidoneofthosewhospokewithus。\"YoumightdeemthatourKingisnowisepressedtoseetheplacewherehisforefatherslie。ForD\'Alenconisriding，nowandagain，toSenlis，torousetheKing，andmakehimmarchtoSt。Denis，withthearmy，thattheassaultmaybegiven。Butiftheywerebiddinghimtohisownfuneral，insteadoftoagentlepassageofarms，hecouldnotmakemoreexcuses。ThereareskirmishesunderPariswalls，andatthegates，daybyday，andtheMaidrideshereandthere，consideringofthebestplacefortheonslaught。ButtheKingtarries，andwithouthimandthearmytheycanventureonnogreatvaliance。Nevertheless，comehemust，iftheybringhimboundinacart。Wherefore，ifyouwantyourpartinwhatistoward，youdowelltomakenolongtarryinghere。”
Iwasofthesamemind，andastheKingwasshortlytobelookedforatSt。Denis，werodethitherearlynextmorning，withwhatspeedwemight。Onourleft，likeacloud，wasthesmokeofParis，makingmeunderstandwhatagreatcityitwas，muchgreaterthanOrleans。
Beforeus，faraway，werethetalltowersofthechapelofSt。
Denis，tobeourguide!Weheard，also，thenoiseofordnancebeingfired，andthereforemadethegreaterhaste，andwesorodethat，aboutsixhoursafternoon，ontheEveoftheNativityofourBlessedLady，wereachedthegatesofthetown。Herewefoundgreatpressoffolk，mencomingandgoing，somecarryingthewounded，fortherehadbeenaskirmishthatday，atoneoftheParisgates，whencecamethesoundofcannonandculverins，andwehadwonlittleadvantage。
AtthegatesofSt。DenisweaskedwherethequartersoftheScotsmen-at-armsmightbe，andweretoldinthechapel，whitherweneedednoguide。But，aswewentupthestreet，wesawwomenleaningforthfromthewindows，laughingwiththemen-at-arms，andbeckoningtothem，andbythetaverndoorsmanyweresittingdrinking，withgirlsbesidethem，andotherswereplayingdice，andmanyanoathweheard，andfoulwords，asiscustomaryinacamp。VerilyIsawwellthatthiswasnotthearmyofmencleanconfessedandofholylifewhohadfollowedtheMaidfromBloistoOrleans。Inplaceofpriests，herewereharlots，and，forhymns，ribaldsongs，formenhadflockedinfromeveryquarter；soldiersoftherobbercompanies，Bretons，Germans，Italians，Spaniards，alltalkingintheirownspeech，rude，foul，anddisorderly。Sowetookourway，asbestweknight，throughthepress，hearingoathsenoughifourhorsestrodovernearanyman，andseeingdaggersdrawn。
Itwasapleasuretocomeoutonthegreatparvise，wherethered，white，andgreenofourScotswerethecommonestcolours，andwheretheairwaslessfoulandnoisomethaninthenarrowwynds。Highaboveusthegreattowersoftheabbeyshoneredandgoldeninthelightofthesinkingsun，whilebeneathallwasbrown，dusk，anddimwithsmoke。OnthesetowersIcouldgladlyhavelookedlong，andnotwearied。Fortheyareallcarvenwiththeholycompanyofthemartyrsandsaints，liketheAngelswhomJacobsawascendingbytheladderintoheaven；evensothatblessedcompanyseemedtoscaleupwardsfromthefilthofthestreet，andthedarkness，andthedin，rightontowardsthegoldenheightsoftheCityofGod。AndbeneaththemliethesacredbonesofallthekingsofFrance，fromthedaysofSt。Dagoberteventoourowntime，alllaidtheretorestwherenomanshalldisturbthem，tilltheAngels\'Trumpetcalls，andtheDayofJudgmentisathand。VerilyitisasolemnplaceforaChristianmantothinkon，andIwasgazingthereupon，asinadream，whenonepluckedmysleeve，andturning，IsawRandalRutherford，allhisteethshowinginagrin。
\"Welcome，\"hecried。\"Youhavemadegoodspeed，andthebeginningofafrayisbetterthantheendofafeast。And，bySt。Boswell，to-morrowweshallhaveit，lad!TheKingcameinto-day——lateisbetterthannever——andto-morrowwegowiththeMaid，togivethesepock-puddingsatasteofScottishsteel。”
\"AndtheMaid，whereisshe，Randal？\"
\"ShelodgesbeyondtheParisgate，atthewindmill，wherefromshedrovetheEnglishsomedaysagone。”
\"Whereforenotinthetown？\"Iasked。
\"Mayhapbecauseshelikestobenearherwork，andwouldthatallwereofhermind。Andmayhapshelovesnotthesightofthewencheswhomshewaswonttodrivefromthecamp，aboveallnowthatshehasbrokentheHolySwordofFierbois，smitingalasswiththeflatoftheblade。”
\"Ilikenottheomen，\"saidI。
\"Freitsfollowthemthatfreitsfear，\"saidRandal，inourcountryspeech。\"AndtheMaidisnoneofthese。\'Wellitwas，\'saidshe，\'thatItrustednotmylifetoabladethatbreakssoeasily，\'and，inthenextskirmish，shetookaBurgundianwithherownhands，andnowwearshissword，whichisagoodcutandthrustpiece。Butcome，\"hecried，\"ifneedsyoumustseetheMaid，youhavebuttowalktotheParisgate，andsotothewindmillhardby。AndyourhorseIwillstablewithourown，andforquarters，welivingScotsmen-at-armsfareaswellasthedeadkingsofFrance，forto-nightwelieinthechapel。”
Idismounted，andhegavemeanembrace，and，holdingmeatarms\'-
length，laughed-
\"Youneverwereatallman，Norman，butyoulooksound，andwhole，andtoughforyourinches，likeaHighlandman\'sdirk。Nowbeoffonyourerrand，andwhenitisdone，lookformeyonderatthesignof\'TheCrane，\'\"pointingacrosstheparvisetoatavern，\"forIkeepawordtotellinyourlugthatfewwotof，andthatitwilljoyyoutohear。To-morrow，lad，wegoinforemost。”
Andso，smiling，hetookmyhorseandwenthisway，whistling，\"Hey，tuttie，tattie!\"
VerilyhiswasthegladdestfaceIhadseen，andhiswordsputsomeheartintome，whereas，oftherestsaveourownScots，IlikedneitherwhatIsaw，norwhatIheard。
Ihadbuttowalkdownthestreet，throughelbowingthrongsofgrooms，pages，men-at-arms，andarchers，tillIfoundtheParisGate，whencethewindmillwasplaintobehold。ItwassuchanoldplaceasweseeinNorthernFrance，plain，strong，withredwallswhichtheyellowmossesstain，andwithhighgreyroofs。TheMaid\'sbanner，withtheHolyDove，andtheSacredName，droopedabovethegateway，andbesidethedoor，onthemounting-stone，sattheboy，LouisdesCoutes，herpage。Hewasaladoffifteenyears，merryenoughofhisnature，andalwayswentgailyclad，andwearinghisyellowhairlong。Butnowhesatthoughtfulonthemounting-stone，cuttingatabitofwoodwithhisdagger。
\"Soyouhavecometotakeyourpart，\"hesaid，whenwehadsalutedeachtheother。\"Faith，Ihopeyoubringgoodluckwithyou，andmorejoytomymistress，forweneedallthatyoucanbring。”
\"Why，whatailsallofyou？\"Iasked。\"Ihaveseenneverahopefulface，savethatofoneofmyowncountrymen。Youarenotafraidofacrackonyourcurlypate，areyou？\"
\"Curlyornot，myheadknowsbetterthantoknockitselfagainstPariswalls。Theyarethick，andhigh，andthewindowsofeveryhouseonthewallarepiledwithstones，todropuponus。AndI
knownotwellwhy，butthingsgoillwithus。IneversawHer，\"andhenoddedtowardstheopengateway，\"sooutofcomfort。Whenthereisfightingtoward，sheislikeherself，andsheisthefirsttoriseandthelasttoliedown。But，inallourwaitinghere，shehaspassedmanyanhourprayinginthechapel，wherethedeadkingslie，yetherfaceisnotgladwhenshecomesforth。Itwaswonttoshinestrangely，whenshehadbeenpraying，atthechapelinCouldray，whilewewereatChinon。Butnowitisotherwise。
Moreover，wesawParisverycloseto-day，andtherewereovermanyredcrossesofSt。Georgeuponthewalls。Andto-morrowistheFeastoftheBlessedVirgin，nodayforbloodshed。”
\"Faintheart!\"saidIand，indeed，aftertheassaultonParis，LouisdesCouteswentback，androdenomorewiththemaid。\"Thebettertheday，thebetterthedeed!MayIgowithin？\"
\"Iwillgowithyou，\"hesaid，\"forshesaidthatyouwouldcome，andbademebringyoutoher。”
Weenteredthegatewaytogether，andbeforeuslaythesquareofthefarm，strewnwithlitter，andfromwithinthebyreweheardthemilkringinthepails，forthewomenweremilkingthecows。Andtherewebothstoodastonished，forwesawtheMaidasneveryetIhadseenher。Shewasbareheaded，butworetherestofherharness，holdinginherhandameasureofcorn。Allthefowlsoftheairseemedtobeabouther，expectingtheirmeat。Butshewasnotthrowingthegrainamongthem，forshestoodasstillasagravenimage，and，wonderfultotell，adovewasperchedonhershoulder，andamaviswasnestlinginherbreast，whilemanybirdsflewroundher，chieflydoveswithburnishedplumage，flittingasitwerelovingly，andsoftlybrushinghernowandagainwiththeirwings。
ManyatimehadIhearditsaidthat，whileshewasyetachild，thewildbirdswouldcomeandnestleinthebosomoftheMaid，butIhadneverbelievedthetale。YetnowIsawthisthingwithmineowneyes，afairsightandamarvellous，sobeautifulshelooked，withheadunhelmeted，andthewildfowlandtameflittingaboutherandaboveher，thedovescrooningsweetlyintheirsoftvoices。Thenherlipsmoved，andshespoke-
\"TresdoulxDieu，enl\'onneurdevostresainctepassion，jevousrequier，sevousmeaimes，quevousmerevelezcequejedoyfairedemainpourvostregloire!\"
Soshefellsilentagain，andtomeitseemedthatImustnotanylongerlookuponthatholymystery，so，crossingmyself，Ilaidmyhandontheshoulderofthepage，andwewentsilentlyfromtheplace。
\"Haveyoueverseenitinthismanner？\"Iwhispered，whenwewereagainwithoutthefarmyard。
\"Never，\"saidhe，trembling，\"thoughonceIsawastrangerthing。”
\"Andwhatmaythathavebeen？\"
\"Nay，Ispokeofittoher，andshemademeswearthatIneverwouldrevealittolivingsoul，saveinconfession。Butsheisnotasotherwomen。”
WhathehadinhismindIknownot，butIbadehimgoodeven，andwentbackintothetown，wherelightswerebeginningtoshowinthecasements。Inthespacewithinthegatesweremanycartsgathered，fulloffaggotswherewithtochokeupthefosseunderParis，andtablestothrowabovethefaggots，andsocrossovertotheassault。
CHAPTERXXI——HOWAHUNDREDSCOTSSETFORTHTOTAKEPARISTOWN
Enteringthetavernof\"TheCrane，\"IfoundthedoorwayscrowdedwitharchersofourGuard，amongwhomwasRandalRutherford。
WhenIhadcome，theywalkedintoachamberonthegroundfloor，callingforwine，andbiddingcertainFrenchburgessesgoforth，whoneedednosecondtelling。Thedoorwasshut，twosentinelsofourswerepostedoutside，andthenRandalverycarefullysoundedallthepanelsoftheroom，lookingheedfullylestthereshouldbeanyholewherebywhatpassedamongusmightbeheardinanotherpartofthehouse，buthefoundnothingofthekind。
Theroombeingfull，somesittingandsomestanding，aswecould，RandalbadeFatherUrquhart，ourchaplain，tellustowhatendwehadbeencalledtogether。
Thegoodfatherthereuponstoodup，andspokeinalowvoice，butsothatallcouldhear，forwewereallhushedtolisten。
\"Thatistheman，thatisBrotherRichard。Now，asIwasbusytendingthewounded，intheskirmishthreedaysagone，thisCarmelitewasaboutthesamedutyforthoseofhisparty。Heputintomyhandaslipofpaper，whereinBrotherRichardcommendedhimtoanyScotorFrenchmanoftheKing\'sparty，asanhonestman，andafriendoftheKing\'s。WhenIhadreadthis，theCarmelitespokewithmeinLatin，andinalowvoice。Hismatterwasthis:InParis，hesaid，thereisastrongpartyofArmagnacs，whohave，asweallknow，alongscoretosettlewiththemofBurgundy。Theyareofthecommonfolkandlabourers，butamongthemaremanyrichburgesses。Theyhavebandedthemselvestogetherbyanoathtotakeourpart，withinthetown，ifoncewewinagate。Hereisacedulesignedbythemwiththeirnamesormarks，andthishegavemeasaproofofgoodfaith。”
Herehehandedalongslipofparchment，allcoveredwithwriting，toRandal，anditwentroundamongus，butfewtherewereclerks，savemyself。Ilookedonit，andthenames，manyofthemattestedbysealswithcoatarmour，wereplaintoberead。
\"Theircounselistomusterinarmssecretly，andtoconveythemselves，onebyone，intocertainhouseshardbythePortSt。
Denis，wherecertainoftheirpartydwell。Now，veryearlyto-
morrowmorning，beforedawn，thepurposeoftheEnglishistosendforthacompanyofahundredmen-at-arms，whowillmakeasuddenonsetonthewindmill，wheretheMaidliesto-night，andsowilltakeher，iftheymay。”
\"BySt。BrideofDouglas，\"saidoneofus，\"theywillgettheirkailthroughthereek，forourguardistolieinarmsaboutthewindmill，andbefirstinthefieldto-morrow。”
\"Thecraftis，then，\"FatherUrquhartwenton，\"thatweshalldestroythisEnglishcompanywithswordorarrow，butwithnoalarmofculverinsorcannon。Meanwhile，somefivescoreofyouwillputonto-nighttheredcrossofSt。George，withplainarmour，sothattheEnglishshallmistakeyoufortheirownmenreturningfromthesally，andsomefewmeninourowncoloursandcoatsyouwillhalewithyouasprisoners。And，ifoneofyoucanbutattirehimselfinsomegearoftheMaid\'s，withahucqueofhers，scarlet，anddightwiththeLiliesofFrance，theEnglishgate-wardswillopentoyouallthemoreeagerly。”
\"BythebonesofSt。Boswell!\"criedRandalinhisloudvoice，butthegoodFatherputahandonhismouth。
\"Quiet，man!\"hesaid。
\"BytheblessedbonesofSt。Boswell，\"Randalsaidagain，asnearawhisperashecouldattainto，\"theladyofthelinen-basketshallcomeastheMaid。Wehavenomansomaidenly。”
Theyallshouted，laughing，andbeatingthetableswithhandsandtankards。
\"Silence!\"criedRobinLindsay。
\"Nay，thelouderwelaugh，thelesswillanysuspectwhatisforward，\"saidRandalRutherford。
\"Norman，willyouplaythispartinthemumming？\"
Iwasashamedtosayno，thoughIlikeditnotoverwell，andI
noddedwithmyhead。
\"Howmaidenlyheblushes!\"criedone，andtherewasanotherclamour，tillthewallsrang。
\"Sobeitthen，\"saysFatherUrquhart，\"andnowyouknowall。ThehonestArmagnacswillrisesosoonasyouarewellwithinthegate。
TheycommandbothsidesofthestreetthatleadstothePortSt。
Denis，andfaith，iftheEnglishwanttotakeit，whenahundredScotsarewithin，theywillhavetosallyforthbyanothergate，andcomefromtheoutside。AndyouaretorunupthebannerofScotlandoverthePort，whenonceyouholdit，sotheFrenchattackwillbethereby。”
\"WeplayedthesamegamebeforeVerneuilfight，andwonit，\"saidone；\"willtheEnglishhaveforgottenthetrick？\"
\"BySt。Bride，whenoncetheyseeushalingtheMaidalong，theywillforgetoldstratagemsofwar。Thisisanewdevice!Ohtoseetheirfaceswhenwecry\'St。Andrew，\'andseton!\"
\"Iamnotsooldasyouallinthewars，\"Ibegan。
\"No，MademoisellelaLavandiere，butyouareoftherightspirit，withyourwench\'sface。”
\"But，\"Isaid，\"howiftheEnglishthataretoattackthewindmillinthefirstgreyofthemorningcomenottohand-strokes，ortaketotheirheelswhentheyfindusawake，andwinbacktoParisbeforeus？Ourcraft，methinks，istoholdtheminanambush，butwhatifwecatchthemnot？Letbutonerunawaybeswiftoffoot，andweareundone。”
\"Thereisthistobesaid，\"quothFatherUrquhart，\"thattheEnglishcompanyistosallyforthbythePortSt。Denis，anditisthePortSt。DenisthatourArmagnacswillbeguarding。NowIspeakasamanofpeace，forthatismycalling。ButhowwoulditbeifyourhundredmenandNormansetforthinthedark，andlayhidnotveryfarfromtheSt。DenisGate？Thensomewhileafterthelightingofthebale-firesfromthewindmill，tobelitwhentheEnglishseton，makestraightforthegate，andcry，\"St。GeorgeforEngland!\"
\"Ifyouseenotthebale-fireseredaylight，youwillcomebackwithwhatspeedyoumay；butifyoudoseethem，then——\"
\"Father，youhavenotlivedlongontheHighlandlinefornothing，\"
quothRobinLindsay。
\"Averyproperstratagemindeed，\"Isaid，\"butnow，gentlemen，thereisonelittlematter；howwillSirHughKennedytakethisdeviceofours？Ifwetryitandfail，withouthisprivity，wehadbetterneverreturn，butdieunderPariswall。And，evenifweholdthegate，andParistownistaken，faithIwouldratheraffrontthefireofJohntheLorrainerthanthefaceofSirHugh。”
Nomanspoke，therewerenottwomindsonthismatter，so，aftersomechafferofwords，itwasagreedtosendFatherUrquhartwithRandaltoshowthewholeschemetoSirHugh，whiletherestofusshouldawaittheircomingbackwithananswer。Innolongtimetheywerewithus，thefatherveryredandshame-faced。
\"Hegavethegoodfathertheroughsideofhistongue，\"quothRandal，\"forspeakingfirsttome，andnottohim。Happilywewereovercunningtosayaughtofourgatheringhere。Butwhenhehadlethisbileflow，heswore，andsaidthathecouldspareahundreddyvourloonsofhiscommand，onthecastofthedice，and，nowsilenceall!notawordoracry，\"herehehelduphishand，\"wearetotake\'fortuneofwar\'!\"
Everymangrinnedgladlyonhisneighbour，indeadstillness。
\"Now，\"saidRandal，\"slipoutbythreesandfours，quietly，andtoquarters；butyou，Norman，waitwithme。”
CHAPTERXXII——HOWNORMANLESLIEFAREDINPARISTOWN
\"Norman，mylad，allourfortunesaremade，\"saidRandaltomewhenwewereleftalone。\"Therewillbegiltspursandgoldforeveryoneofus，andthepickoftheplunder。”
\"Ilikeitnot，\"Ianswered；whereonhecaughtmerudelybybothshoulders，lookingcloseintomyface，sothatthefumeofthewinehehadbeendrinkingreachedmynostrils。
\"IsaLeslieturningrecreant？\"heaskedinalowvoice。\"AprettytaletotellinthekingdomofFife!\"
Istoodstill，myheartveryhotwithanger，andsaidnoword，whilehisgripclosedonme。
\"Leavehold，\"Icriedatlast，andIsworeanoath，maytheSaintsforgiveme，——\"Iwillnotgo!\"
Heloosedhisgrasponme，andstruckonehandhardintotheother。
\"ThatIshouldseethis，andhavetotellit!\"hesaid，andsteppingtothetable，hedranklikeonethirsty，andthenfelltopacingthechamber。Heseemedtobethinkingslowly，ashewipedandpluckedathisbeard。
\"Whatisitthatailsyou？\"heasked。\"Lookyou，thisonfallandstratagemofwarmaynotmiscarry。Perditiontakethefool，itissafe!\"
\"HaveIbeenseekingsafetysinceyouknewme？\"Iasked。
\"Verilyno，andthereforeIwonderatyouthemore；butyouhavebeenlongsick，andmen\'smindsarechangeful。Considerthething，nomDieu!Iftherebenotwolightsshownfromthemill，westepbacksilently，andallisasitwas；theEnglishhavethoughtworseoftheirnightonfall，ortheCarmelite\'smessagewasrusedeguerre。Butifweseethetwolights，thenthehundredEnglishareattemptingthetakingofthemill；theSt。DenisGateisopenfortheirreturn，andwearelookedforbyourArmagnacswithinParis。
Weriskbutashorttusslewithsomedrowsypock-puddings，andthenthetownisours。TheGateisasstrongtoholdagainstanenemyfromwithinasfromwithout。Why，man，runtoLouisdeCoutes，andbegacastsuitoftheMaid\'s；shehasplenty，forsheisawomaninthis，thatdearlyshelovesrichattire。”
\"Randal，\"Isaid，\"Iwillgowithyou，andthegladdestladinFrancetobegoing，butIwillgoinmyownproperguiseasaman-
at-arms。ToweartheraimentoftheBlessedMaid，amanandasinnerlikeme，Iwillinnowiseconsent；itisneitherseemlynorhonourable。Takeyourownway，putmeunderarrestifyouwill，andspoilmyfortunes，andmakemeamandisgraced，butIwillnotwearherholyraiment。Itisnotthedeedofagentleman，orofaChristian。”
Hepluckedathisbeard。\"Iampartlywithyou，\"hesaid。\"AndyetitwereagreatbourdetoplayoffontheEnglish，andmostliketotakethemandtobetoldofinballadandchronicle，likeoneofWallace\'sonfalls。For，seeingthePucelle，astheywilldeem，inourhands，theywillthinkallsafe，andwelcomeusopenarmed。O
Norman，canwedonothing？Stop，willyouwearanotherwoman\'sshortkirtleoveryourcuissesandtaslet？Sheshallbenosaint，I
warrantyou，but，forasinner，abonnylassandamerry。AsagentlemanIdeemthisfairstratagemofwar。IfIwereyourownbrother，——theSaintshavehissoulintheirkeeping，——Iwouldstillbeofthiscounsel。Willyou，mylad？\"
Helookedsosad，andyetwithalsocomical，thatIheldoutmyhandtohim，laughing。
\"Disguisemeasyouwill，\"Isaid，\"IhavegonemummingasMaidMarionbeforenow，intheRobinHoodplay，atSt。Andrews\"；andasI
spoke，IsawthetallthatchedroofsofSouthStreet，andthePrioryGatesopen，thebuddingelmsabovethegardenwallofSt。Leonard\'s，andalltheMay-dayrevelofayearagonepouringoutintothegoodtown。
\"Youspeaklikeyourselfnow，blessyourbeardlessface!Comeforth，\"hesaid，takingalongpullatatankard，——\"thatnothingmightbewasted，\"——andsowewenttoquarters，andRandaltrudgedoff，sooncomingback，laughing，withtheredkirtle。OurmenhadbeenverybusyfurbishinguptheredcrossofSt。Georgeontheirbreasts，andstrippingthemselvesofanysignofourowncolours。
Asformybusking，neverhadmaidsuchroughtire-women；butbyonewayoranother，theapparelwasaccommodated，andtheyallsaidthat，atalittledistanceofground，theEnglishwouldbefinelyfooled，andmustdeemthattheMaidherselfwasbeingledtothemcaptive。
Itwasnowinthesmallhoursofmorning，dark，savefortheglimmerofstars，hereandthereinacloudysky。FatherUrquharthimselfwentuptotheroofofthemill，tosayhisorisons，havingwithhimcertainfaggotsofpitch-wood，forlightingthebeacon-firesifneedwere；and，asitchanced，brazierstothisendstoodreadyontheroof，asiscustomonourownBorderkeeps。
WeScots，ahundredinall，inEnglishcolours，withthreeorfourasprisoners，inourownbadges，faredcautiously，andwithnowordspoken，throughdewywoods，orlurkingalongindryditcheswherebestwemight，towardstheSt。DenisGateofParis。Ihadneverbeenonanightsurpriseorbushmentbefore，andImarvelledhoworderlytheotherskept，asmenusedtosuchwork，whereasIwentstumblingandblindlings。Atlength，withinsightofthetwinklinglightsofParis，andahundredyardsortherebyoffthecommonway，wewerehaltedinalittlewood，andbiddentoliedown；nomanwassomuchastowhisper。Someslept，Iknow，forIheardtheirsnoring，butformypart，Ineverwaslessinlovewithsleep。Whentheskyfirstgrewgrey，sothatwecoulddimlyseeshapesofthings，weheardalightnoiseofmarchingmenontheroad。
\"TheEnglish!\"whisperedhethatlaynextme。\"Hush!\"breathedRandal，andsothefootstepswentby，noneofusdaringtostir，forfearoftherustleintheleaves。
Thesoundsoonceased；beliketheyhadstruckoffintotheseveryfieldswherethroughwehadjustmarched。
\"Now，RobinLindsay，climbintoyonderash-tree，andkeepyoureyesonthemillandthebeacon-fires，\"saidRandal。
Robinscrambledup，noteasily，becauseofhisarmour，andwewaited，asitseemed，foranendlesstime。
\"Whatisthatsound，\"whisperedone，\"soheavyandsohoarse？\"
Itwasmyownheartbeating，asifitwouldburstmyside，butI
saidnought，andeventhenRobinslidfromthetree，aslightlyashemight。Hehelduptwofingers，withoutaword，forasignthatthebeaconswerelighted，andnodded。
\"Downall，\"whisperedRandal。
\"Givethemtime，givethemtime。”
Sotherewelay，aswemust，butthatwasthehardestpartofthewaiting，andnosoundbutofthefowlsandwildthingsarousing，andthecryofsentinelsfromPariswalls，cametoourears。
AtlengthRandalsaid，\"Upall，andonwards!\"
Wearose，loosenedourswordsintheirsheaths，andsocrossedtotheroad。WecouldnowseeParisplainly，andwereclosebythefarmoftheMathurins，whilebeyondwasthelevellandtheycall\"LesPorcherons，\"withslopesaboveit，andmanytrees。
\"Now，Norman，\"saidRandal，\"whenwecomewithinclearsightofthegate，twoofusshallseizeyoubythearmsasprisoner；thenweallcry\'St。George!\'andsetoffrunningtowardsParis。Thequicker，thelesstimefordiscovery。”
So，havingmarchedorderlyandspeedily，whilethebanksoftheroadwayhidus，wesetofftorun，RandalandRobingrippingmewhenwewerefullinsightofthemoat，ofthedrawbridgewhichwasdown，andthegate。
Thenourmenallcried，\"St。GeorgeforEngland!Thewitchistaken!\"AndsorunningdisorderlyandfastwemadeforthePort，whileEnglishmen-at-armsmightbeplainlyseenandheard，gazing，wavingtheirhands，andshoutingfromthebattlementsofthetwogate-towers。Downtheroadweran，pastcertainsmallhousesofpeasants，andpastagibbetwithamarauderhangingfromit，justoverthedryditch。
Ourfeet，wethreeleading，withsometwentyinaclumphardbehindus，rangloudonthedrawbridgeoverthedryfosse。Thebridgeplanksquiveredstrangely；wewerenowwithinthegateway，whendownfelltheportcullisbehindus，thedrawbridge，creaking，flewup，acrowdofangryfacesandredcrosseswerepressingonus，andablowfellonmysalade，makingmereel。Iwasheldinstrongarms，swordsshoneoutaboveme，Istumbledonabody——itwasRobinLindsay\'s——IheardRandalgiveacurseashisbladebrokeonahelmet，andcry，\"Iyieldme，rescueornorescue。”Thenburstforthablastofshouts，andwordsofcommandandyells，andEnglishcurses。Cannon-shotroaredoverhead，andmymouthwasfullofsulphursmokeanddust。Theywerefiringonthoseofourmenwhohadnotsetfootonthedrawbridgewhenitflewup。Soontheportcullisroseagain，andthebridgefell，toletinabandofEnglisharchers，throughwhomourScotswerecuttingtheirwaybacktowardsSt。Denis。
OfallthisIgotglimpses，ratherthanclearsight，asthethrongwithinthegatewayreeledandshifted，crushingmesorely。
PresentlytheEnglishfromwithouttroopedin，laughingandcursing，welcomedbytheirfellows，andeverymanofthempryingintomyface，andgibing。Ithadbeenasettledplan:wewerebetrayed，itwasoverclear，andnowaharshvoicebehindmakingmeturn，Isawthewolf\'sfaceofFatherThomasunderhishood，andhisyellowfangs。
\"Ha!fairclerk，theythatbenoclerksthemselvesmayyethireclerkstoworkforthem。Howlikeyoumybrother，theCarmelite？\"
ThenIknewtoowellhowthisstratagemhadallbeenlaidbythatdevil，andmyheartturnedtowaterwithinme。
Randalwasledaway，butroundmethecrowdgatheredintheopenspace，forIwashaledintothegreatergatetowerbeyondthewetfosse，andfromallquartersransoldiers，andmen，women，andchildrenofthetowntomockme。
\"Beholdher，\"criedFatherThomas，climbingonamounting-stone，asonewhowouldpreachtothepeople，whilethesoldiersthatheldmelaughed。
\"Beholdthiswonderfulwonderofallwonders，themiraculousMaidoftheArmagnacs!Sheboastedthat，byhelpoftheSaints，shewouldbethefirstwithinthecity，andlo!sheisthefirst，butshehascomewithoutherarmy。Sheiseverywayamiracle，markyou，forshehathadownonherchin，suchasnocommonmaidenswear；andifshewouldbutspeakafewwordsofcounsel，methinkshertonguewouldsoundstrangelyScottishforaLorrainer。”
\"Speak，speak!\"shoutedthethrong。
\"Dogs，\"Icried，inFrench，\"dogsandcowards!YoushallseetheMaidcloserbeforenightfall，andflyfromherasyouhavefledbefore。”
\"SaidInotso？\"askedBrotherThomas。
\"Amiracle，amiracle，theMaidhathaScotstongueinherhead。”
Therewithstonesbegantofall，butthefather，holdinguphishand，badethemultituderefrain。
\"Harmhernot，goodbrethren，forto-morrowthisMaidshallbetriedbytheordealoffireifthatbethewillofourgovernors。Thenshallweseeifshecanworkmiraclesornot，\"andsohewentongibing，whiletheygrinnedhorriblyuponme。NeversawIsomanyvilefacesofthebasestpeoplecometogether，fromtheirfilthydensinParis。Butasmyeyesranoverthemwithloathing，IbeheldafaceIknew；thefaceofthatviolerwomanwhohadbeeninourcompanybeforewecametoChinon，andlo!perchedonhershoulder，chainedwithachainfastenedroundherwrist，wasElliot\'sjackanapes!Toseethepoorbeastthatmyladylovedinsuchillcompany，seemedasifitwouldbreakmyheart，andmyheadfellonmybreast。