Once，astheylayinhidinginadensewoodbesidealittleopengladeacrosswhichtheroadwound，theboysawtwoknightsenterthegladefromeitherside。Foramoment，theydrewreinandeyedeachotherinsilence，andthenone，agreatblackmailedknightuponablackcharger，criedoutsomethingtotheotherwhichtheboycouldnotcatch。Theotherknightmadenoresponseotherthantoresthislanceuponhisthighandwithloweredpoint，ridetowardhisebonadversary。Foradozenpacestheirgreatsteedstrottedslowlytowardoneanother，butpresentlytheknightsurgedthemintofullgallop，andwhenthetwoironmenontheirirontrappedchargerscametogetherinthecenteroftheglade，itwaswithalltheterrificimpactoffullcharge。
Thelanceoftheblackknightsmotefulluponthelindenshieldofhisfoeman，thestaggeringweightofthemightyblackchargerhurtleduponthegray，whowentdownwithhisriderintothedustofthehighway。Themomentumoftheblackcarriedhimfiftypacesbeyondthefallenhorsemanbeforehisridercouldreinhimin，thentheblackknightturnedtoviewthehavochehadwrought。Thegrayhorsewasjuststaggeringdizzilytohisfeet，buthismailedriderlayquietandstillwherehehadfallen。
Withraisedvisor，theblackknightrodebacktothesideofhisvanquishedfoe。Therewasacruelsmileuponhislipsasheleanedtowardtheprostrateform。Hespoketauntingly，buttherewasnoresponse，thenheproddedthefallenmanwiththepointofhisspear。Eventhiselicitednomovement。Withashrugofhisironcladshoulders，theblackknightwheeledandrodeondowntheroaduntilhehaddisappearedfromsightwithinthegloomyshadowsoftheencirclingforest。
Thelittleboywasspell-bound。Naughtlikethishadheeverseenordreamed。
\"Somedaythoushaltgoanddolikewise，myson，\"saidthelittleoldwoman。
\"ShallIbeclothedinarmorandrideuponagreatblacksteed？\"heasked。
\"Yes，andthoushaltridethehighwaysofEnglandwiththystoutlanceandmightysword，andbehindtheethoushaltleaveatrailofbloodanddeath，foreverymanshaltbethyenemy。Butcome，wemustbeonourway。\"
Theyrodeon，leavingthedeadknightwherehehadfallen，butalwaysinhismemorythechildcarriedthethingthathehadseen，longingforthedaywhenheshouldbegreatandstrongliketheformidableblackknight。
Onanotherday，astheywerebidinginadesertedhoveltoescapethenoticeofacaravanofmerchantsjourneyingup-countrywiththeirwares，theysawabandofruffiansrushoutfromtheconcealingshelterofsomebushesatthefarsideofthehighwayandfalluponthesurprisedanddefenselesstradesmen。
Ragged，bearded，uncouthvillainstheywere，armedmostlywithbludgeonsanddaggers，withhereandthereacross-bow。Withoutmercytheyattackedtheoldandtheyoung，beatingthemdownincoldbloodevenwhentheyofferednoresistance。Thoseofthecaravanwhocould，escaped，thebalancethehighwaymenleftdeadordyingintheroad，astheyhurriedawaywiththeirloot。
Atfirstthechildwashorror-struck，butwhenheturnedtothelittleoldwomanforsympathyhefoundagrimsmileuponherthinlips。Shenotedhisexpressionofdismay。
\"Itisnaught，myson。ButEnglishcurssettinguponEnglishswine。Somedaythoushaltsetuponboth——theybeonlyfitforkilling。\"
Theboymadenoreply，buthethoughtagreatdealaboutthatwhichhehadseen。Knightswerecrueltoknights——thepoorwerecrueltotherich——
andeverydayofthejourneyhadforceduponhischildishmindthateveryonemustbeverycruelandharduponthepoor。Hehadseentheminalltheirsorrowandmiseryandpoverty——stretchingalong，scatteringlineallthewayfromLondontown。Theirbentbacks，theirpoorthinbodiesandtheirhopeless，sorrowfulfacesattestingthewearywretchednessoftheirexistence。
\"Benoonehappyinalltheworld？\"heoncebrokeouttotheoldwoman。
\"Onlyhewhowieldsthemightiestsword，\"respondedtheoldwoman。\"Youhaveseen，myson，thatallEnglishmenarebeasts。Theysetuponandkilloneanotherforlittleprovocationorfornoprovocationatall。Whenthoushaltbeolder，thoushaltgoforthandkillthemallforunlessthoukillthem，theywillkillthee。\"
Atlength，aftertiresomedaysupontheroad，theycametoalittlehamletinthehills。Herethedonkeysweredisposedofandagreathorsepurchased，uponwhichthetworodefarupintoaroughanduninvitingcountryawayfromthebeatentrack，untillateoneeveningtheyapproachedaruinedcastle。
Thefrowningwallstoweredhighagainstthemoonlitskybeyond，andwhereaportionoftheroofhadfallenin，thecoldmoon，shiningthroughthenarrowunglazedwindows，gavetothemightypilethelikenessofahuge，many-eyedogrecrouchingupontheflankofadesertedworld，fornowherewasthereothersignofhabitation。
Beforethissomberpile，thetwodismounted。Thelittleboywasfilledwithaweandhischildishimaginationranriotastheyapproachedthecrumblingbarbicanonfoot，leadingthehorseafterthem。Fromthedarkshadowsoftheballium，theypassedintothemoonlitinnercourt。Atthefarendtheoldwomanfoundtheancientstables，andhere，withdecayingplanks，shepennedthehorseforthenight，pouringameasureofoatsuponthefloorforhimfromabagwhichhadbungacrosshisrump。
Thensheledthewayintothedenseshadowsofthecastle，lightingtheiradvancewithaflickeringpineknot。Theoldplankingofthefloors，longunused，groanedandrattledbeneaththeirapproach。Therewasasuddenscamperofclawedfeetbeforethem，andaredfoxdashedbyinafrenzyofalarmtowardthefreedomoftheouternight。
Presentlytheycametothegreathall。Theoldwomanpushedopenthegreatdoorsupontheircreakinghingesandlitupdimlythemighty，cavernousinteriorwiththepunyraysoftheirfeebletorch。Astheysteppedcautiouslywithin，animpalpabledustaroseinlittlespurtsfromthelong-rottedrushesthatcrumbledbeneaththeirfeet。Ahugebatcircledwildlywithloudflutteringwingsinevidentremonstranceatthisrudeintrusion。Strangecreaturesofthenightscurriedorwriggledacrosswallandfloor。
Butthechildwasunafraid。Fearhadnotbeenapartoftheoldwoman’scurriculum。Theboydidnotknowthemeaningoftheword，norwasheeverinhisafter-lifetoexperiencethesensation。Withchildisheagerness，hefollowedhiscompanionassheinspectedtheinteriorofthechamber。Itwasstillanimposingroom。Theboyclappedhishandsindelightatthebeautiesofthecarvedandpanelledwallsandtheoakbeamedceiling，stainedalmostblackfromthesmokeoftorchesandoilcressetsthathadlighteditinbygonedays，aided，nodoubt，bythewoodfireswhichhadburnedinitstwoimmensefireplacestocheerthemerrythrongofnoblerevellersthathadsooftensataboutthegreattableintothemorninghours。
Heretheytookuptheirabode。Butthebent，oldwomanwasnolongeranoldwoman——shehadbecomeastraight，wiry，activeoldman。
Thelittleboy’seducationwenton——French，swordsmanshipandhatredoftheEnglish——thesamethingyearafteryearwiththeadditionofhorsemanshipafterhewastenyearsold。AtthistimetheoldmancommencedteachinghimtospeakEnglish，butwithastudiedandverymarkedFrenchaccent。Duringallhislifenow，hecouldnotrememberofhavingspokentoanylivingbeingotherthanhisguardian，whomhehadbeentaughttoaddressasfather。Nordidtheboyhaveanyname——hewasjust\"myson。\"
HislifeintheDerbyhillswassofilledwiththehard，exactingdutiesofhiseducationthathehadlittletimetothinkofthestrangelonelinessofhisexistence；norisitprobablethathemissedthatcompanionshipofothersofhisownageofwhich，neverhavinghadexperienceinit，hecouldscarcebeexpectedtoregretoryearnfor。
Atfifteen，theyouthwasamagnificentswordsmanandhorseman，andwithanuttercontemptforpainordanger——acontemptwhichwastheresultoftheheroicmethodsadoptedbythelittleoldmaninthetrainingofhim。Oftenthetwopracticedwithrazor-sharpswords，andwithoutarmororotherprotectionofanydescription。
\"Thusonly，\"theoldmanwaswonttosay，\"maystthoubecometheabsolutemasterofthyblade。Ofsuchanicetymustbethyhandlingoftheweaponthatthoumaysttouchanantagonistatwillandsolightly，shouldstthoudesire，thatthypoint，whollyunderthecontrolofamasterhand，maystbestoppedbeforeitinflictssomuchasascratch。\"
Butinpractice，thereweremanyaccidents，andthenoneorbothofthemwouldnurseapuncturedskinforafewdays。So，whilebloodwasoftenletonbothsides，thetrainingproducedafearlessswordsmanwhowassotrulythemasterofhispointthathecouldstopathrustwithinafractionofaninchofthespothesought。
Atfifteen，hewasaverystrongandstraightandhandsomelad。Bronzedandhardyfromhisoutdoorlife；offewwords，fortherewasnonethathemighttalkwithsavethetaciturnoldman；hatingtheEnglish，forthathewastaughtasthoroughlyasswordsmanship；speakingFrenchfluentlyandEnglishpoorly——andwaitingimpatientlyforthedaywhentheoldmanshouldsendhimoutintotheworldwithclankingarmorandlanceandshieldtodobattlewiththeknightsofEngland。
Itwasaboutthistimethatthereoccurredthefirstimportantbreakinthemonotonyofhisexistence。FardowntherockytrailthatledfromthevalleybelowthroughtheDerbyhillstotheruinedcastle，threearmoredknightsurgedtheirtiredhorseslateoneafternoonofachillautumnday。
Offthemainroadandfarfromanyhabitation，theyhadespiedthecastle’stowersthroughariftinthehills，andnowtheyspurredtowarditinsearchoffoodandshelter。
Astheroadledthemwindinghigherintothehills，theysuddenlyemergeduponthedownsbelowthecastlewhereasightmettheireyeswhichcausedthemtodrawreinandwatchinadmiration。There，beforethemuponthedowns，aboybattledwithalunging，rearinghorse——aperfectdemonofablackhorse。Strikingandbitinginafrenzyofrage，itsoughtevertoescapeorinjurethelithefigurewhichclungleech-liketoitsshoulder。
Theboywasontheground。Hislefthandgraspedtheheavymane；hisrightarmlayacrossthebeast’swithersandhisrighthanddrewsteadilyinuponahalterropewithwhichhehadtakenahalfhitchaboutthehorse’smuzzle。Nowtheblackrearedandwheeled，strikingandbiting，fullupontheyouth，buttheactivefigureswungwithhim——alwaysjustbehindthegiantshoulder——andeverandeverhedrewthegreatarchedneckfartherandfarthertotheright。
Astheanimalplungedhitherandthitheringreatleaps，hedraggedtheboywithhim，butallhismightyeffortswereunavailingtoloosenthegripuponmaneandwithers。Suddenly，herearedstraightintotheaircarryingtheyouthwithhim，thenwithaviciouslungehethrewhimselfbackwardupontheground。
\"It’sdeath！\"exclaimedoneoftheknights，\"hewillkilltheyouthyet，Beauchamp。\"
\"No！\"criedheaddressed。\"Look！Heisupagainandtheboystillclingsastightlytohimashisownblackhide。\"
\"’Tistrue，\"exclaimedanother，\"buthehathlostwhathehadgaineduponthehalter——hemustneedsfightitalloutagainfromthebeginning。\"
Andsothebattlewentonagainasbefore，theboyagaindrawingtheironneckslowlytotheright——thebeastfightingandsquealingasthoughpossessedofathousanddevils。Adozentimes，astheheadbentfartherandfarthertowardhim，theboyloosedhisholduponthemaneandreachedquicklydowntograspthenearforepastern。Adozentimesthehorseshookoffthenewhold，butatlengththeboywassuccessful，andthekneewasbentandthehoofdrawnuptotheelbow。
Nowtheblackfoughtatadisadvantage，forhewasonbutthreefeetandhisneckwasdrawnaboutinanawkwardandunnaturalposition。Hiseffortsbecameweakerandweaker。Theboytalkedincessantlytohiminaquietvoice，andtherewasashadowofasmileuponhislips。Nowheboreheavilyupontheblackwithers，pullingthehorsetowardhim。Slowlythebeastsankuponhisbentknee——pullingbackwarduntilhisoffforelegwasstretchedstraightbeforehim。Then，withafinalsurge，theyouthpulledhimoveruponhisside，and，ashefell，slippedpronebesidehim。
Onesinewyhandshottotheropejustbeneaththeblackchin——theothergraspedaslim，pointedear。
Forafewminutesthehorsefoughtandkickedtogainhisliberty，butwithhisheadheldtotheearth，hewasaspowerlessinthehandsoftheboyasababywouldhavebeen。Thenhesankpantingandexhaustedintomutesurrender。
\"Welldone！\"criedoneoftheknights。\"SimondeMontforthimselfnevermasteredahorseinbetterorder，myboy。Whobethou？\"
Inaninstant，theladwasuponhisfeethiseyessearchingforthespeaker。Thehorse，released，sprangupalso，andthetwostood——thehandsomeboyandthebeautifulblack——gazingwithstartledeyes，liketwowildthings，atthestrangeintruderwhoconfrontedthem。
\"Come，SirMortimer！\"criedtheboy，andturningheledtheprancingbutsubduedanimaltowardthecastleandthroughtheruinedbarbicanintothecourtbeyond。
\"Whatho，there，lad！\"shoutedPaulofMerely。\"Wewouldstnotharmthee——come，webutaskthewaytothecastleofDeStutevill。\"
Thethreeknightslistenedbuttherewasnoanswer。
\"Come，SirKnights，\"spokePaulofMerely，\"wewillridewithinandlearnwhatmannerofchurlsinhabitthisancientrookery。\"
Astheyenteredthegreatcourtyard，magnificenteveninitsruinedgrandeur，theyweremetbyalittle，grimoldmanwhoaskedtheminnogentletoneswhattheywouldofthemthere。
\"WehavelostourwayinthesedevilishDerbyhillsofthine，oldman，\"
repliedPaulofMerely。\"WeseekthecastleofSirJohndeStutevill。\"
\"Ridedownstraighttotheriverroad，keepingthefirsttrailtotheright，andwhenthouhastcomethere，turnagaintothyrightandridenorthbesidetheriver——thoucanstnotmisstheway——itbeplainasthenosebeforethyface，\"andwiththattheoldmanturnedtoenterthecastle。
\"Hold，oldfellow！\"criedthespokesman。\"Itbenighontosunsetnow，andwecarenottosleepoutagainthisnightaswedidthelast。Wewilltarrywithyouthentillmornthatwemaytakeupourjourneyrefreshed，uponrestedsteeds。\"
Theoldmangrumbled，anditwaswithpoorgracethathetookthemintofeedandhousethemovernight。Buttherewasnothingelseforit，sincetheywouldhavetakenhishospitalitybyforcehadherefusedtogiveitvoluntarily。
Fromtheirguests，thetwolearnedsomethingoftheconditionsoutsidetheirDerbyhills。Theoldmanshowedlessinterestthanhefelt，buttotheboy，notwithstandingthatthenamesheheardmeantnothingtohim，itwaslikeuntoafairytaletohearofthewondrousdoingsofearlandbaron，bishopandking。
\"IftheKingdoesnotmendhisways，\"saidoneoftheknights，\"wewilldrivehiswholeaccursedpackofforeignblood-suckersintothesea。\"
\"DeMontforthastoldhimasmuchadozentimes，andnowthatallofus，bothNormanandSaxonbarons，havealreadymettogetherandformedapactforourmutualprotection，theKingmustsurelyrealizethatthetimefortemporizingbepast，andthatunlesshewouldhaveacivilwaruponhishands，hemustkeepthepromiseshesogliblymakes，insteadofbreakingthemthemomentDeMontfort’sbackbeturned。\"
\"Hefearshisbrother-in-law，\"interruptedanotheroftheknights，\"evenmorethanthedevilfearsholywater。IwasinattendanceonhismajestysomeweekssincewhenhewasgoingdowntheThamesupontheroyalbarge。
WewereovertakenbyassevereathunderstormasIhaveeverseen，ofwhichtheKingwasinsuchabjectfearthathecommandedthatwelandattheBishopofDurham’spalaceoppositewhichwethenwere。DeMontfort，whowasresidingthere，cametomeetHenry，withallduerespect，observing，’Whatdoyoufear，now，Sire，thetempesthaspassed？’Andwhatthinkestthouold’waxenheart’replied？Why，stilltrembling，hesaid，’Idoindeedfearthunderandlightningmuch，but，bythehandofGod，I
tremblebeforeyoumorethanforallthethunderinHeaven！’\"
\"Isurmise，\"interjectedthegrim，oldman，\"thatDeMontforthasinsomemannergainedanascendancyovertheKing。Thinkyouhelookssohighasthethroneitself？\"
\"Notso，\"criedtheoldestoftheknights。\"SimondeMontfortworksforEngland’swealalone——andmethinks，nayknowest，thathewouldbefirsttospringtoarmstosavethethroneforHenry。HebutfightstheKing’srankandcovetousadvisers，andthoughhemustneedsseemtodefytheKinghimself，itbebuttosavehistotteringpowerfromuttercollapse。But，gad，howtheKinghateshim。Foratimeitseemedthattheremightbeapermanentreconciliationwhen，foryearsafterthedisappearanceofthelittlePrinceRichard，DeMontfortdevotedmuchofhistimeandprivatefortunetoprosecutingasearchthroughalltheworldforthelittlefellow，ofwhomhewasinordinatelyfond。Thisself-sacrificinginterestonhispartwonovertheKingandQueenformanyyears，butoflatehisunremittinghostilitytotheircontinuedextravagantwasteofthenationalresourceshasagainhardenedthemtowardhim。\"
Theoldman，growinguneasyattheturntheconversationthreatened，senttheyouthfromtheroomonsomepretext，andhimselflefttopreparesupper。
Astheyweresittingattheeveningmeal，oneofthenobleseyedtheboyintently，forhewasindeedgoodtolookupon；hisbrighthandsomeface，clear，intelligentgrayeyes，andsquarestrongjawframedinamassofbrownwavinghairbangedattheforeheadandfallingabouthisears，whereitwasagaincutsquareatthesidesandback，afterthefashionofthetimes。
Hisupperbodywasclothedinaroughundertunicofwool，stainedred，overwhichheworeashortleathernjerkin，whilehisdoubletwasalsoofleather，asoftandfinelytannedpieceofundresseddoeskin。Hislonghose，fittinghisshapelylegsascloselyasanotherlayerofskin，wereofthesameredwoolashistunic，whilehisstrongleathersandalswerecross-garteredhalfwaytohiskneeswithnarrowbandsofleather。
Aleatherngirdleabouthiswaistsupportedaswordandadaggerandaroundskullcapofthesamematerial，towhichwasfastenedafalcon’swing，completedhispicturesqueandbecomingcostume。
\"Yourson？\"heasked，turningtotheoldman。
\"Yes，\"wasthegrowlingresponse。
\"Hefavorsyoubutlittle，oldfellow，exceptinhiscursedFrenchaccent。
\"’Sblood，Beauchamp，\"hecontinued，turningtooneofhiscompanions，\"an’
werehesetdownincourt，IwagerourgraciousQueenwouldhehardputtoittotellhimfromtheyoungPrinceEdward。Dids’teverseesostrangealikeness？\"
\"Nowthatyouspeakofit，MyLord，Iseeitplainly。Itisindeedamarvel，\"answeredBeauchamp。
Hadtheyglancedattheoldmanduringthiscolloquy，theywouldhaveseenablanchedface，drawnwithinwardfearandrage。
Presentlytheoldestmemberofthepartyofthreeknightsspokeinagravequiettone。
\"Andhowoldmightyoube，myson？\"heaskedtheboy。
\"Idonotknow。\"
\"Andyourname？\"
\"Idonotknowwhatyoumean。Ihavenoname。Myfathercallsmesonandnoothereverbeforeaddressedme。\"
Atthisjuncture，theoldmanaroseandlefttheroom，savinghewouldfetchmorefoodfromthekitchen，butheturnedimmediatelyhehadpassedthedoorwayandlistenedfromwithout。
\"Theladappearsaboutfifteen，\"saidPaulofMerely，loweringhisvoice，\"andsowouldbethelittlelostPrinceRichard，ifhelives。Thisonedoesnotknowhisname，orhisage，yethelooksenoughlikePrinceEdwardtobehistwin。\"
\"Come，myson，\"hecontinuedaloud，\"openyourjerkinandletushavealookatyourleftbreast，weshallreadatrueanswerthere。\"
\"AreyouEnglishmen？\"askedtheboywithoutmakingamovetocomplywiththeirdemand。
\"Thatwebe，myson，\"saidBeauchamp。
\"ThenitwerebetterthatIdiethandoyourbidding，forallEnglishmenarepigsandIloathethemasbecomesagentlemanofFrance。Idonotuncovermybodytotheeyesofswine。\"
Theknights，atfirsttakenbackbythisunexpectedoutbreak，finallyburstintouproariouslaughter。
\"Indeed，\"criedPaulofMerely，\"spokenasoneoftheKing’sforeignfavoritesmightspeak，andtheyevertoldthegoodGod’struth。Butcomelad，wewouldnotharmyou——doasIbid。\"
\"Nomanliveswhocanharmmewhileabladehangsatmyside，\"answeredtheboy，\"andasfordoingasyoubid，Itakeordersfromnomanotherthanmyfather。\"
BeauchampandGreystokelaughedaloudatthediscomfitureofPaulofMerely，butthelatter’sfacehardenedinanger，andwithoutfurtherwordshestrodeforwardwithoutstretchedhandtotearopentheboy’sleathernjerkin，butmetwiththegleamingpointofaswordandaquicksharp，\"Engarde！\"fromtheboy。
TherewasnaughtforPaulofMerelytodobutdrawhisownweapon，inself-defense，forthesharppointoftheboy’sswordwasflashinginandoutagainsthisunprotectedbody，inflictingpainfullittlejabs，andtheboy’stonguewasmurmuringlow-tonedtauntsandinsultsasitinvitedhimtodrawanddefendhimselforbestuck\"liketheEnglishpigyouare。\"
PaulofMerelywasabravemanandhelikednottheideaofdrawingagainstthisstripling，buthearguedthathecouldquicklydisarmhimwithoutharmingthelad，andhecertainlydidnotcaretobefurtherhumiliatedbeforehiscomrades。
Butwhenhehaddrawnandengagedhisyouthfulantagonist，hediscoveredthat，farfromdisarminghim，hewouldhavethedevil’sownjobofittokeepfrombeingkilled。
Neverinallhislongyearsoffightinghadhefacedsuchanagileanddexterousenemy，andastheybackedthiswayandthatabouttheroom，greatbeadsofsweatstooduponthebrowofPaulofMerely，forherealizedthathewasfightingforhislifeagainstasuperiorswordsman。
TheloudlaughterofBeauchampandGreystokesoonsubsidedtogrimsmiles，andpresentlytheylookedonwithstartledfacesinwhichfearandapprehensionweredominant。
Theboywasfightingasacatmightplaywithamouse。Nosignofexertionwasapparent，andhishaughtyconfidentsmiletoldlouderthanwordsthathehadinnosenselethimselfouttohisfullcapacity。
Aroundandaroundtheroomtheycircled，theboyalwaysadvancing，PaulofMerelyalwaysretreating。Thedinoftheirclashingswordsandtheheavybreathingoftheoldermanweretheonlysounds，exceptastheybrushedagainstabenchoratable。
PaulofMerelywasabraveman，butheshudderedatthethoughtofdyinguselesslyatthehandsofamereboy。Hewouldnotcalluponhisfriendsforaid，butpresently，tohisrelief，Beauchampsprangbetweenthemwithdrawnsword，crying\"Enough，gentlemen，enough！Youhavenoquarrel。
Sheatheyourswords。\"
Buttheboy’sonlyresponsewas，\"Engarde，cochon，\"andBeauchampfoundhimselftakingthecenterofthestageintheplaceofhisfriend。NordidtheboyneglectPaulofMerely，butengagedthembothinswordplaythatcausedtheeyesofGreystoketobulgefromtheirsockets。
Soswiftlymovedhisflyingbladethathalfthetimeitwasasheetofgleaminglight，andnowhewasdrivinghomehisthrustsandthesmilehadfrozenuponhislips——grimandstern。
PaulofMerelyandBeauchampwerewoundedinadozenplaceswhenGreystokerushedtotheiraid，andthenitwasthatalittle，wiry，graymanleapedagilelyfromthekitchendoorway，andwithdrawnswordtookhisplacebesidetheboy。Itwasnowtwoagainstthreeandthethreemayhaveguessed，thoughtheyneverknew，thattheywerepittedagainstthetwogreatestswordsmenintheworld。
\"Tothedeath，\"criedthelittlegrayman，\"amort，monfils。\"Scarcelyhadthewordslefthislipsere，asthoughithadbutwaitedpermission，theboy’sswordflashedintotheheartofPaulofMerely，andaSaxongentlemanwasgatheredtohisfathers。
TheoldmanengagedGreystokenow，andtheboyturnedhisundividedattentiontoBeauchamp。Boththesemenwereconsideredexcellentswordsmen，butwhenBeauchampheardagainthelittlegrayman’s\"amort，monfils，\"heshuddered，andthelittlehairsatthenapeofhisneckroseup，andhisspinefroze，forheknewthathehadheardthesentenceofdeathpasseduponhim；fornomortalhadyetlivedwhocouldvanquishsuchaswordsmanashewhonowfacedhim。
AsBeauchamppitchedforwardacrossabench，dead，thelittleoldmanledGreystoketowheretheboyawaitedhim。
\"Theyarethyenemies，myson，andtotheebelongsthepleasureofrevenge；
amort，monfils。\"
Greystokewasdeterminedtosellhislifedearly，andherushedtheladasagreatbullmightrushateasingdog，buttheboygavebacknotaninchand，whenGreystokestopped，therewasafootofcoldsteelprotrudingfromhisback。
Togethertheyburiedtheknightsatthebottomofthedrymoatatthebackoftheruinedcastle。Firsttheyhadstrippedthemand，whentheytookaccountofthespoilsofthecombat，theyfoundthemselvesricherbythreehorseswithfulltrappings，manypiecesofgoldandsilvermoney，ornamentsandjewels，aswellasthelances，swordsandchainmailarmoroftheirerstwhileguests。
Butthegreatestgain，theoldmanthoughttohimself，wasthattheknowledgeoftheremarkableresemblancebetweenhiswardandPrinceEdwardofEnglandhadcometohimintimetopreventtheundoingofhislife’swork。
Theboy，whileyoung，wastallandbroadshouldered，andsotheoldmanhadlittledifficultyinfittingoneofthesuitsofarmortohim，obliteratingthedevicessothatnonemightguesstowhomithadbelonged。Thishedid，andfromthenontheboyneverrodeabroadexceptinarmor，andwhenhemetothersuponthehighroad，hisvisorwasalwaysloweredthatnonemightseehisface。
Thedayfollowingtheepisodeofthethreeknightstheoldmancalledtheboytohim，saying，\"Itistime，myson，thatthoulearnedananswertosuchquestionsaswereputtotheeyesterevebythepigsofHenry。Thouartfifteenyearsofage，andthynamebeNorman，andso，asthisbetheancientcastleofTorn，thoumaystanswerthosewhomthoudesiretoknowitthatthouartNormanofTorn；thatthoubeaFrenchgentlemanwhosefatherpurchasedTornandbroughttheehitherfromFranceonthedeathofthymother，whenthouwertsixyearsold。
\"Butremember，NormanofTorn，thatthebestanswerforanEnglishmanisthesword；naughtelsemaypenetratehisthickwit。\"
AndsowasbornthatNormanofTorn，whosenameinafewshortyearswastostriketerrortotheheartsofEnglishmen，andwhosepowerinthevicinityofTornwasgreaterthanthatoftheKingorthebarons。
CHAPTERVI
Fromnowon，theoldmandevotedhimselftothetrainingoftheboyinthehandlingofhislanceandbattle-axe，buteachdayalso，aperiodwasallottedtothesword，until，bythetimetheyouthhadturnedsixteen，eventheoldmanhimselfwasasbutanovicebycomparisonwiththemarvelousskillofhispupil。
Duringthesedays，theboyrodeSirMortimerabroadinmanydirectionsuntilhekneweverybypathwithinaradiusoffiftymilesofTorn。
Sometimestheoldmanaccompaniedhim，butmoreoftenherodealone。
Ononeoccasion，hechanceduponahutattheoutskirtsofasmallhamletnotfarfromTornand，withthecuriosityofboyhood，determinedtoenterandhavespeechwiththeinmates，forbythistimethenaturaldesireforcompanionshipwascommencingtoassertitself。Inallhislife，herememberedonlythecompanyoftheoldman，whoneverspokeexceptwhennecessityrequired。
Thehutwasoccupiedbyanoldpriest，andastheboyinarmorpushedin，withouttheusualformalityofknocking，theoldmanlookedupwithanexpressionofannoyanceanddisapproval。
\"Whatnow，\"hesaid，\"havetheKing’smenrespectneitherforpietynoragethattheyburstinupontheseclusionofaholymanwithoutsomuchasa’byyourleave’？\"
\"Iamnoking’sman，\"repliedtheboyquietly，\"IamNormanofTorn，whohasneitherakingnoragod，andwhosays’byyourleave’tonoman。ButIhavecomeinpeacebecauseIwishtotalktoanotherthanmyfather。
Thereforeyoumaytalktome，priest，\"heconcludedwithhaughtyperemptoriness。
\"BythenoseofJohn，butitmustbeakinghasdeignedtohonormewithhiscommands，\"laughedthepriest。\"Raiseyourvisor，MyLord，Iwouldfainlookuponthecountenancefromwhichissuethecommandsofroyalty。\"
Thepriestwasalargemanwithbeaming，kindlyeyes，andaroundjovialface。Therewasnobiteinthetonesofhisgood-naturedretort，andso，smiling，theboyraisedhisvisor。
\"BytheearofGabriel，\"criedthegoodfather，\"achildinarmor！\"
\"Achildinyears，mayhap，\"repliedtheboy，\"butagoodchildtoownasafriend，ifonehasenemieswhowearswords。\"
\"Thenweshallbefriends，NormanofTorn，foralbeitIhavefewenemies，nomanhastoomanyfriends，andIlikeyourfaceandyourmanner，thoughtherebemuchtowishforinyourmanners。Sitdownandeatwithme，andI
willtalktoyourheart’scontent，forbethereoneotherthingImorelovethaneating，itistalking。\"
Withthepriest’said，theboylaidasidehisarmor，foritwasheavyanduncomfortable，andtogetherthetwosatdowntothemealthatwasalreadypartiallyontheboard。
Thusbeganafriendshipwhichlastedduringthelifetimeofthegoodpriest。Wheneverhecoulddoso，NormanofTornvisitedhisfriend，FatherClaude。ItwashewhotaughttheboytoreadandwriteinFrench，EnglishandLatinatatimewhenbutfewofthenoblescouldsigntheirownnames。
Frenchwasspokenalmostexclusivelyatcourtandamongthehigherclassesofsociety，andallpublicdocumentswereinscribedeitherinFrenchorLatin，althoughaboutthistimethefirstproclamationwrittenintheEnglishtonguewasissuedbyanEnglishkingtohissubjects。
FatherClaudetaughttheboytorespecttherightsofothers，toespousethecauseofthepoorandweak，torevereGodandtobelievethattheprincipalreasonforman’sexistencewastoprotectwoman。Allofvirtueandchivalryandtruemanhoodwhichhisoldguardianhadneglectedtoinculcateintheboy’smind，thegoodpriestplantedthere，buthecouldnoteradicatehisdeep-seatedhatredfortheEnglishorhisbeliefthattherealtestofmanhoodlayinadesiretofighttothedeathwithasword。
Anoccurrencewhichbefellduringoneoftheboy’searliervisitstohisnewfriendratherdecidedthelatterthatnoargumentshecouldbringtobearcouldeverovercomethebaldfactthattothisverybeliefoftheboy’s，andhisabilitytobackitupwithacts，thegoodfatherowedagreatdeal，possiblyhislife。
Astheywereseatedinthepriest’shutoneafternoon，aroughknockfelluponthedoorwhichwasimmediatelypushedopentoadmitasdisreputableabandofruffiansaseverpollutedthesightofman。Sixofthemtherewere，clothedindirtyleather，andwearingswordsanddaggersattheirsides。
Theleaderwasamightyfellowwithagreatshockofcoarseblackhairandared，bloatedfacealmostconcealedbyahugemattedblackbeard。Behindhimpushedanothergiantwithredhairandabristlingmustache；whilethethirdwasmarkedbyaterriblescaracrosshisleftcheekandforeheadandfromablowwhichhadevidentlyputouthislefteye，forthatsocketwasempty，andthesunkeneyelidbutpartlycoveredtheinflamedredofthehollowwherehiseyehadbeen。
\"Aha，myhearties，\"roaredtheleader，turningtohismotleycrew，\"finepickingshereindeed。AswineofGodfatteneduponthesweatofsuchpoor，honestdevilsaswe，andayoungshoatwho，byhislooks，musthavepiecesofgoldinhisbelt。
\"Sayyourprayers，mypigeons，\"hecontinued，withavileoath，\"forTheBlackWolfleavesnoevidencebehindhimtotiehisneckwithahalterlater，anddeadmentalktheleast。\"
\"IfitbeTheBlackWolf，\"whisperedFatherClaudetotheboy，\"noworsefatecouldbefallusforhepreyseverupontheclergy，andwhendrunk，ashenowis，hemurdershisvictims。Iwillthrowmyselfbeforethemwhileyouhastenthroughthereardoorwaytoyourhorse，andmakegoodyourescape。\"HespokeinFrench，andheldhishandsintheattitudeofprayer，sothathequiteentirelymisledtheruffians，whohadnoideathathewascommunicatingwiththeboy。
NormanofTorncouldscarcerepressasmileatthiscleverruseoftheoldpriest，and，assumingasimilarattitude，herepliedinFrench：
\"ThegoodFatherClaudedoesnotknowNormanofTornifhethinksherunsoutthebackdoorlikeanoldwomanbecauseaswordlooksinatthefrontdoor。\"
Thenrisingheaddressedtheruffians。
\"Idonotknowwhatmannerofgrievanceyouholdagainstmygoodfriendhere，norneitherdoIcare。ItissufficientthatheisthefriendofNormanofTorn，andthatNormanofTornbehereinpersontoacknowledgethedebtoffriendship。Haveatyou，sirknightsofthegreatfilthandthemightystink！\"andwithdrawnswordhevaultedoverthetableandfelluponthesurprisedleader。
Inthelittleroom，buttwocouldengagehimatonce，butsofiercelydidhisbladeswingandsosurelydidhethrustthat，inabaremoment，TheBlackWolflaydeaduponthefloorandtheredgiant，Shandy，wasbadly，thoughnotfatallywounded。Thefourremainingruffiansbackedquicklyfromthehut，andamorecautiousfighterwouldhaveletthemgotheirwayinpeace，forintheopen，fouragainstoneareoddsnomanmaypithimselfagainstwithimpunity。ButNormanofTornsawredwhenhefoughtandtheredluredhimeveronintothethickestofthefray。Onlyoncebeforehadhefoughttothedeath，butthatoncehadtaughthimtheloveofit，andeverafteruntilhisdeath，itmarkedhismanneroffighting；sothatmenwholoathedandhatedandfearedhimwereasonewiththosewholovedhiminacknowledgingthatneverbeforehadGodjoinedinthehumanframeabsolutesupremacywiththeswordandsuchutterfearlessness。
Soitwas，now，thatinsteadofbeingsatisfiedwithhisvictory，herushedoutafterthefourknaves。Onceintheopen，theyturneduponhim，buthesprangintotheirmidstwithhisseethingblade，anditwasasthoughtheyfacedfourmenratherthanone，soquicklydidheparryathrusthereandreturnacutthere。Inamomentonewasdisarmed，anotherdown，andtheremainingtwofleeingfortheirlivestowardthehighroadwithNormanofTorncloseattheirheels。
Young，agileandperfectinhealth，heoutclassedtheminrunningaswellasinswordsmanship，anderetheyhadmadefiftypaces，bothhadthrownawaytheirswordsandwereontheirkneespleadingfortheirlives。
\"Comebacktothegoodpriest’shut，andweshallseewhathemaysay，\"
repliedNormanofTorn。
Onthewayback，theyfoundthemanwhohadbeendisarmedbendingoverhiswoundedcomrade。Theywerebrothers，namedFlory，andonewouldnotdeserttheother。Itwasevidentthatthewoundedmanwasinnodanger，soNormanofTornorderedtheotherstoassisthimintothehut，wheretheyfoundRedShandysittingproppedagainstthewallwhilethegoodfatherpouredthecontentsofaflagondownhiseagerthroat。
Thevillain’seyesfairlypoppedfromhisheadwhenhesawhisfourcomradescoming，unarmedandprisoners，backtothelittleroom。
\"TheBlackWolfdead，RedShandyandJohnFlorywounded，JamesFlory，OneEyeKantyandPetertheHermitprisoners！\"heejaculated。
\"Manordevil！BythePope’shindleg，whoandwhatbeye？\"hesaid，turningtoNormanofTorn。
\"Ibeyourmasterandyebemymen，\"saidNormanofTorn。\"Meyeshallserveinfairerworkthanyehaveselectedforyourselves，butwithfightinga-plentyandgoodreward。\"
Thesightofthisgangofruffiansbandedtogethertopreyupontheclergyhadgivenrisetoanideaintheboy’smind，whichhadbeenrevolvinginanebulouswaywithintheinnermostrecessesofhissubconsciousnesssincehisvanquishingofthethreeknightshadbroughthim，soeasily，suchrichesintheformofhorses，arms，armorandgold。Aswasalwayshiswontinhisafterlife，tothinkwastoact。
\"WithTheBlackWolfdead，andmaythedevilpullouthiseyeswithredhottongs，wemightlookfartherandfareworse，mates，insearchofachief，\"
spokeRedShandy，eyeinghisfellows，\"forverilyanyman，behebutastripling，whocanvanquishsixsuchaswe，befittocommandus。\"
\"Butwhatbetheduties？\"saidhewhomtheycalledPetertheHermit。
\"TofollowNormanofTornwherehemaylead，toprotectthepoorandtheweak，tolaydownyourlivesindefenceofwoman，andtopreyuponrichEnglishmenandharasstheKingofEngland。\"
Thelasttwoclausesofthesearticlesoffaithappealedtotheruffianssostronglythattheywouldhavesubscribedtoanything，evendailymass，andabath，hadthatbeennecessarytoadmitthemtotheserviceofNormanofTorn。
\"Aye，aye！\"theycried。\"Webeyourmen，indeed。\"
\"Wait，\"saidNormanofTorn，\"thereismore。Youaretoobeymyeverycommandonpainofinstantdeath，andone-halfofallyourgainsaretobemine。Onmyside，Iwillclotheandfeedyou，furnishyouwithmountsandarmorandweaponsandarooftosleepunder，andfightforandwithyouwithaswordarmwhichyouknowtobenomeanprotector。Areyousatisfied？\"
\"Thatweare，\"and\"LongliveNormanofTorn，\"and\"Here’stothechiefoftheTorns\"signifiedthereadyassentoftheburlycut-throats。
\"Thenswearitasyekissthehiltofmyswordandthistoken，\"pursuedNormanofTorncatchingupacrucifixfromthepriest’stable。
WiththeseformalitieswasborntheClanTorn，whichgrewinafewyearstonumberathousandmen，andwhichdefiedaking’sarmyandhelpedtomakeSimondeMontfortvirtualrulerofEngland。
Almostimmediatelycommencedthatseriesofoutlawactsuponneighboringbarons，andchancemembersofthegentrywhohappenedtobecaughtintheopenbytheoutlaws，thatfilledthecoffersofNormanofTornwithmanypiecesofgoldandsilver，andplacedapriceuponhisheaderehehadscarceturnedeighteen。
Thathehadnofearofordesiretoavoidresponsibilityforhisacts，hegrimlyevidencedbymarkingwithadagger’spointupontheforeheadsofthosewhofellbeforehisownswordtheinitialsNT。
Ashisfollowingandwealthincreased，herebuiltandenlargedthegrimCastleofTorn，andagaindammedthelittlestreamwhichhadfurnishedthemoatwithwaterinbygonedays。
Throughallthelengthandbreadthofthecountrythatwitnessedhisactivities，hisverynamewasworshippedbypoorandlowlyandoppressed。
ThemoneyhetookfromtheKing’staxgatherers，hereturnedtothemiserablepeasantsofthedistrict，andoncewhenHenryIIIsentalittleexpeditionagainsthim，hesurroundedandcapturedtheentireforce，and，strippingthem，gavetheirclothingtothepoor，andescortedthem，naked，backtotheverygatesofLondon。
Bythetimehewastwenty，NormantheDevil，astheKinghimselfhaddubbedhim，wasknownbyreputationthroughoutallEngland，thoughnomanhadseenhisfaceandlivedotherthanhisfriendsandfollowers。HehadbecomeapowertoreckonwithinthefastculminatingquarrelbetweenKingHenryandhisforeignfavoritesononeside，andtheSaxonandNormanbaronsontheother。
Neithersideknewwhichwayhispowermightbeturned，forNormanofTornhadpreyedalmostequallyuponroyalistandinsurgent。Personally，hehaddecidedtojoinneitherparty，buttotakeadvantageoftheturmoilofthetimestopreywithoutpartialityuponboth。
AsNormanofTornapproachedhisgrimcastlehomewithhisfivefilthy，raggedcut-throatsonthedayofhisfirstmeetingwiththem，theoldmanofTornstoodwatchingthelittlepartyfromoneofthesmalltowersofthebarbican。
Haltingbeneaththisoutergate，theyouthwindedthehornwhichhungathissideinmimicryofthecustomofthetimes。
\"Whatho，withoutthere！\"challengedtheoldmanenteringgrimlyintothespiritoftheplay。
\"’TisSirNormanofTorn，\"spokeupRedShandy，\"withhisgreathostofnobleknightsandmen-at-armsandsquiresandlackeysandsumpterbeasts。
OpeninthenameofthegoodrightarmofSirNormanofTorn。\"
\"Whatmeansthis，myson？\"saidtheoldmanasNormanofTorndismountedwithintheballium。
Theyouthnarratedtheeventsofthemorning，concludingwith，\"These，then，bemymen，father；andtogetherweshallfareforthuponthehighwaysandintothebywaysofEngland，tocollectfromtherichEnglishpigsthatlivingwhichyouhaveevertaughtmewasowingus。\"
\"’Tiswell，myson，andevenasImyselfwouldhaveit；togetherweshallrideout，andwhereweride，atrailofbloodshallmarkourway。
\"Fromnow，henceforth，thenameandfameofNormanofTornshallgrowintheland，untileventheKingshalltremblewhenhehearsit，andshallhateandloatheyeasIhaveeventaughtyetohateandloathehim。
\"AllEnglandshallcurseyeandthebloodofSaxonandNormanshallneverdryuponyourblade。\"
Astheoldmanwalkedawaytowardthegreatgateofthecastleafterthisoutbreak，Shandy，turningtoNormanofTorn，withawidegrin，said：
\"BythePope’shindleg，butthyamiablefatherloveththeEnglish。Thereshouldbegreatridingaftersuchashe。\"
\"YerideafterME，varlet，\"criedNormanofTorn，\"an’lestyeshouldforgetagainsosoonwhobethymaster，takethat，asareminder，\"andhestrucktheredgiantfulluponthemouthwithhisclenchedfist——sothatthefellowtumbledheavilytotheearth。
Hewasonhisfeetinaninstant，spittingblood，andinatoweringrage。
Asherushed，bull-like，towardNormanofTorn，thelattermadenomovetodraw；hebutstoodwithfoldedarms，eyeingShandywithcold，levelgaze；
hisheadheldhigh，haughtyfacemarkedbyanarrogantsneerofcontempt。
Thegreatruffianpaused，thenstopped，slowlyasheepishsmileoverspreadhiscountenanceand，goingupononeknee，hetookthehandofNormanofTornandkissedit，assomegreatandloyalnobleknightmighthavekissedhisking’shandinproofofhisloveandfealty。Therewasacertainrude，thoughchivalrousgrandeurintheact；anditmarkednotonlythebeginningofalifelongdevotionandloyaltyonthepartofShandytowardhisyoungmaster，butwaspropheticoftheattitudewhichNormanofTornwastoinspireinallthemenwhoservedhimduringthelongyearsthatsawthousandspassthebarbicansofTorntocraveapositionbeneathhisgrimbanner。
AsShandyrose，onebyone，JohnFlory，James，hisbrother，OneEyeKanty，andPetertheHermitkneltbeforetheiryounglordandkissedhishand。
FromtheGreatCourtbeyond，alittle，grim，gray，oldmanhadwatchedthisscene，aslightsmileuponhisold，maliciousface。
\"’Tistotranscendevenmydearestdreams，\"hemuttered。\"’Sdeath，buthebemoreakingthanHenryhimself。Godspeedthedayofhiscoronation，when，beforetheveryeyesofthePlantagenethound，ablackcapshallbeplaceduponhisheadforacrown；beneathhisfeettheplatformofawoodengibbetforathrone。\"
CHAPTERVII
ItwasabeautifulspringdayinMay，1262，thatNormanofTornrodealonedownthenarrowtrailthatledtotheprettycottagewithwhichhehadreplacedthehutofhisoldfriend，FatherClaude。
Aswashiscustom，herodewithloweredvisor，andnowhereuponhispersonoruponthetrappingsofhishorseweresignorinsigniaofrankorhouse。
Morepowerfulandricherthanmanynoblesofthecourt，hewaswithoutrankorothertitlethanthatofoutlawandheseemedtoassumewhatinrealityheheldinlittleesteem。
Heworearmorbecausehisoldguardianhadurgedhimtodoso，andnotbecausehecravedtheprotectionitafforded。And，forthesamecause，herodealwayswithloweredvisor，thoughhecouldneverprevailupontheoldmantoexplainthereasonwhichnecessitatedthisprecaution。
\"ItisenoughthatItellyou，myson，\"theoldfellowwaswonttosay，\"thatforyourowngoodaswellasmine，youmustnotshowyourfacetoyourenemiesuntilIsodirect。Thetimewillcomeandsoonnow，Ihope，whenyoushalluncoveryourcountenancetoallEngland。\"
Theyoungmangavethematterbutlittlethought，usuallypassingitoffasthefoolishwhimofanolddotard；buthehumoreditnevertheless。
Behindhim，asherodedownthesteepdeclivitythatday，loomedaverydifferentTornfromthatwhichhehadapproachedsixteenyearsbefore，when，asalittleboyhehadriddenthroughthedarkeningshadowsofthenight，percheduponagreathorsebehindthelittleoldwoman，whosemetamorphosistothelittlegrim，gray，oldmanofTorntheiradventtothecastlehadmarked。
Todaythegreat，frowningpileloomedlargerandmoreimposingthaneverinthemostresplendentdaysofitspastgrandeur。Theoriginalkeepwastherewithitshuge，buttressedSaxontowerswhosemightyfifteenfootwallswerepiercedwithstairwaysandvaultedchambers，lightedbyembrasureswhich，mereslitsintheouterperipheryofthewalls，spreadtolargerdimensionswithin，someevenattainingtheareaofsmalltriangularchambers。