Telltheothersthatthesebemyorders。\"
\"Yes，MyLord。Whendoweride？\"
\"Atonce。Youmaygo。\"
ThemorningthatBertradedeMontforthadchosentoreturntoherfather’scastledawnedgrayandthreatening。InvaindidMarydeStutevillpleadwithherfriendtogiveuptheideaofsettingoutuponsuchadismaldayandwithoutsufficientescort，butBertradedeMontfortwasfirm。
\"AlreadyhaveIoverstayedmytimethreedays，anditisnotlightlythatevenI，hisdaughter，failinobediencetoSimondeMontfort。Ishallhaveenoughtoaccountforasitbe。Donoturgemetoaddevenonemoredaytomyexcuses。Andagain，perchance，mymotherandmyfathermaybesoredistressedbymycontinuedabsence。No，Mary，Imustridetoday。\"Andsoshedid，withthefiveknightsthatcouldbesparedfromthecastle’sdefence。
Scarcelyhalfanhourhadelapsedbeforeacolddrizzlesetin，sothattheywereindeedasorrycompanythatsplashedalongthemuddyroad，wrappedinmantleandsurcoat。Astheyproceeded，therainandwindincreasedinvolume，untilitwasbeingdrivenintotheirfacesinsuchblindingguststhattheymustneedskeeptheireyesclosedandtrusttotheinstinctsoftheirmounts。
Lessthanhalfthejourneyhadbeenaccomplished。Theywerewindingacrossalittlehollowtowardalowridgecoveredwithdenseforest，intothesombershadowsofwhichtheroadwound。Therewasaglintofarmoramongthedrenchedfoliage，buttherain-buffetedeyesoftheriderssawitnot。
Ontheycame，theirpatienthorsesploddingslowlythroughthestickyroadandhurtlingstorm。
Nowtheywerehalfwayuptheridge’sside。Therewasamovementinthedarkshadowsofthegrimwood，andthen，withoutcryorwarning，abandofsteel-cladhorsemenbrokeforthwithcouchedspears。Chargingatfullrundownuponthem，theyoverthrewthreeofthegirl’sescortbeforeablowcouldbestruckinherdefense。Hertworemainingguardianswheeledtomeetthereturnattack，andnoblydidtheyacquitthemselves，forittooktheentireelevenwhowerepittedagainstthemtoovercomeandslaythetwo。
Inthemelee，nonehadnoticedthegirl，butpresentlyoneofherassailants，alittle，grim，grayman，discoveredthatshehadputspurstoherpalfreyandescaped。Callingtohiscompanionshesetoutatarapidpaceinpursuit。
Recklessoftheslipperyroadandtheblindingrain，BertradedeMontforturgedhermountintoawildrun，forshehadrecognizedthearmsofPeterofColfaxontheshieldsofseveraloftheattackingparty。
Nobly，thebeautifulArabbenttohercallforspeed。Thegreatbeastsofherpursuers，bredinNormandyandFlanders，mighthavebeentetheredintheirstallsforallthechancetheyhadofovertakingtheflyingwhitesteedthatfairlysplitthegrayrainaslightningfliesthroughtheclouds。
Butforthefiendishcunningofthelittlegrim，grayman’sforesight，BertradedeMontfortwouldhavemadegoodherescapethatday。Asitwas，however，herfleetmounthadcarriedherbuttwohundredyardsere，inthemidstofthedarkwood，sheranfulluponaropestretchedacrosstheroadwaybetweentwotrees。
Asthehorsefell，withaterriblelunge，trippedbythestoutrope，BertradedeMontfortwasthrownfarbeforehim，whereshelay，alittle，limpbedraggledfigure，inthemudoftheroad。
Theretheyfoundher。Thelittle，grim，graymandidnotevendismount，soindifferentwashetoherfate；deadorinthehandsofPeterofColfax，itwasallthesametohim。Ineitherevent，hispurposewouldbeaccomplished，andBertradedeMontfortwouldnolongerlureNormanofTornfromthepathhehadlaidoutforhim。
Thatsuchaneventualitythreatened，heknewfromoneSpizotheSpaniard，thesingletraitorintheserviceofNormanofTorn，whosemeanaidthelittlegrim，graymanhadpurchasedsincemanymonthstospyuponthecomingsandgoingsofthegreatoutlaw。
ThemenofPeterofColfaxgatheredupthelifelessformofBertradedeMontfortandplaceditacrossthesaddlebeforeoneoftheirnumber。
\"Come，\"saidthemancalledGuy，\"iftherebelifeleftinher，wemusthastentoSirPeterbeforeitbeextinct。\"
\"Ileaveyehere，\"saidthelittleoldman。\"Mypartofthebusinessisdone。\"
AndsohesatwatchingthemuntiltheyhaddisappearedintheforesttowardthecastleofColfax。
ThenherodebacktothesceneoftheencounterwherelaythefiveknightsofSirJohndeStutevill。Threewerealreadydead，theothertwo，sorelybutnotmortallywounded，laygroaningbytheroadside。
Thelittlegrim，graymandismountedashecameabreastofthemand，withhislongsword，silentlyfinishedthetwowoundedmen。Then，drawinghisdagger，hemadeamarkuponthedeadforeheadsofeachofthefive，andmounting，roderapidlytowardTorn。
\"Andifonefactbenotenough，\"hemuttered，\"thatmarkuponthedeadwillquiteeffectuallystopfurtherintercoursebetweenthehousesofTornandLeicester。\"
HenrydeMontfort，sonofSimon，rodefastandfuriousattheheadofadozenofhisfather’sknightsontheroadtoStutevill。
BertradedeMontfortwassolongoverduethattheEarlandPrincessEleanor，hiswife，filledwithgraveapprehensions，hadpostedtheiroldestsonofftothecastleofJohndeStutevilltofetchherhome。
Withthewindandrainattheirbacks，thelittlepartyroderapidlyalongthemuddyroad，untillateintheafternoontheycameuponawhitepalfreystandinghuddledbeneathagreatoak，hisarchedbacktowardthedrivingstorm。
\"ByGod，\"criedDeMontfort，\"tismysister’sownAbdul。Therebesomethingwronghereindeed。\"Butarapidsearchofthevicinity，andloudcallsbroughtnofurtherevidenceofthegirl’swhereabouts，sotheypressedontowardStutevill。
Sometwomilesbeyondthespotwherethewhitepalfreyhadbeenfound，theycameuponthedeadbodiesofthefiveknightswhohadaccompaniedBertradefromStutevill。
Dismounting，HenrydeMontfortexaminedthebodiesofthefallenmen。ThearmsuponshieldandhelmconfirmedhisfirstfearthatthesehadbeenBertrade’sescortfromStutevill。
Ashebentoverthemtoseeifherecognizedanyoftheknights，therestaredupintohisfacefromtheforeheadsofthedeadmenthedreadedsign，NT，scratchedtherewithadagger’spoint。
\"ThecurseofGodbeonhim！\"criedDeMontfort。\"ItbetheworkoftheDevilofTorn，mygentlemen，\"hesaidtohisfollowers。\"Come，weneednofurtherguidetoourdestination。\"And，remounting，thelittlepartyspurredbacktowardTorn。
WhenBertradedeMontfortregainedhersenses，shewasinbedinastrangeroom，andaboveherbentanoldwoman；arepulsive，toothlessoldwoman，whosesmilewasbutafanglesssnarl。
\"Ho，ho！\"shecroaked。\"Thebridewaketh。ItoldMyLordthatitwouldtakemorethanatumbleinthemudtokillaDeMontfort。Come，come，now，ariseandclothethyself，forthehandsomebridegroomcanstscarcerestrainhiseagerdesiretofoldtheeinhisarms。Belowinthegreathallhepacestoandfro，theredbloodmantlinghisbeauteouscountenance。\"
\"Whobeye？\"criedBertradedeMontfort，hermindstilldazedfromtheeffectsofherfall。\"WhereamI？\"andthen，\"O，MonDieu！\"assherememberedtheeventsoftheafternoon；andthearmsofColfaxupontheshieldsoftheattackingparty。Inaninstantsherealizedthehorrorofherpredicament；itsutterhopelessness。
Beastthoughhewas，PeterofColfaxstoodhighinthefavoroftheKing；
andthefactthatshewashisniecewouldscarceaidhercausewithHenry，foritwasmorethancounter-balancedbythefactthatshewasthedaughterofSimondeMontfort，whomhefearedandhated。
Inthecorridorwithout，sheheardtheheavytrampofapproachingfeet，andpresentlyaman’svoiceatthedoor。
\"Withinthere，Coll！Hastthedamselawakenedfromherswoon？\"
\"Yes，SirPeter，\"repliedtheoldwoman，\"Iwasbutjusturginghertoariseandclotheherself，sayingthatyouawaitedherbelow。\"
\"Hastethen，MyLadyBertrade，\"calledtheman，\"noharmwillbedonetheeifthoushowestthegoodsenseIgivetheecreditfor。Iwillawaittheeinthegreathall，or，ifthouprefer，wiltcometotheehere。\"
Thegirlpaled，moreinloathingandcontemptthaninfear，butthetonesofheranswerwerecalmandlevel。
\"Iwillseetheebelow，SirPeter，anon，\"andrising，shehastenedtodress，whiletherecedingfootstepsoftheBarondiminisheddownthestairwaywhichledfromthetowerroominwhichshewasimprisoned。
Theoldwomanattemptedtodrawherintoconversation，butthegirlwouldnottalk。Herwholemindwasdevotedtoweighingeachpossiblemeansofescape。
Ahalfhourlater，sheenteredthegreathallofthecastleofPeterofColfax。Theroomwasempty。LittlechangehadbeenwroughtintheapartmentsincethedaysofEthelwolf。Asthegirl’sglancerangedthehallinsearchofherjaileritresteduponthenarrow，unglazedwindowsbeyondwhichlayfreedom。WouldsheeveragainbreatheGod’spureairoutsidethesestiflingwalls？Thesegrimyhatefulwalls！Blackastheinkyraftersandwainscotexceptforoccasionalsplotchesafewshadeslessbegrimed，whererepairshadbeenmade。Ashereyesfelluponthetrophiesofwarandchasewhichhungthereherlipscurledinscorn，forsheknewthattheywereacquisitionsbyinheritanceratherthanbythepersonalprowessofthepresentmasterofColfax。
Asinglecressetlightedthechamber，whiletheflickeringlightfromasmallwoodfireupononeofthetwogreathearthsseemedrathertoaccentuatethedimshadowsoftheplace。
Bertradecrossedtheroomandleanedagainstamassiveoaktable，blackenedbyageandhardusagetothecolorofthebeamsabove，dentedandnickedbythepoundingofhugedrinkinghornsandheavyswordswhenwildandlustybrawlershadbeenmovedtoapplausebythelayofsomewanderingminstrel，orthesternercalloftheirmightychieftainsfortheoathoffealty。
Herwanderingeyestookinthedozenbenchesandthefewrude，heavychairswhichcompletedtheroughfurnishingsofthisroughroom，andsheshuddered。Onelittlefoottappedsullenlyuponthedisorderedfloorwhichwaslitteredwithamiscellanyofrushesinterspreadwithsuchbonesandscrapsoffoodasthedogshadrejectedoroverlooked。
ButtononeofthesesurroundingsdidBertradedeMontfortgivebutpassingheed；shelookedforthemanshesoughtthatshemightquicklyhavetheencounteroverandlearnwhatfatethefutureheldinstoreforher。
Herquickglancehadshownherthattheroomwasquiteempty，andthatinadditiontothemaindoorwayatthelowerendoftheapartment，whereshehadentered，therewasbutoneotherdoorleadingfromthehall。Thiswasatoneside，andasitstoodajarshecouldseethatitledintoasmallroom，apparentlyabedchamber。
Asshestoodfacingthemaindoorway，apanelopenedquietlybehindheranddirectlybackofwherethethroneshadstoodinpasttimes。FromtheblackmouthoftheaperturesteppedPeterofColfax。Silently，heclosedthepanelafterhim，andwithsoundlesssteps，advancedtowardthegirl。Attheedgeoftheraiseddaishehalted，rattlinghisswordtoattractherattention。
Ifhisaimhadbeentounnerveherbythesuddennessandmysteryofhisappearance，hefailedsignally，forshedidnoteventurnherheadasshesaid：
\"Whatexplanationhastthoutomake，SirPeter，forthisbasetreacheryagainstthyneighbor’sdaughterandthysovereign’sniece？\"
\"Whenfondheartsbethwartedbyacruelparent，\"repliedthepot-belliedoldbeastinasoftandfawningtone，\"lovemuststillfinditsway；andsothygallantswainhathdaredthewrathofthygreatfatherandmajesticuncle，andlayshisheartatthyfeet，ObeauteousBertrade，knowingfullwellthatthinehathbeenhungeringafteritsincewedidstfirstavowourlovetothyhard-heartedsire。See，Ikneeltothee，mydove！\"Andwithcrackingjointsthefatbaronplumpeddownuponhismarrowbones。
Bertradeturnedandasshesawhimherhaughtycountenancerelaxedintoasneeringsmile。
\"Thouartafool，SirPeter，\"shesaid，\"and，atthat，theworstspeciesoffool——anancientfool。Itisuselesstopursuethycause，forIwillhavenoneofthee。Letmehence，ifthoubeagentleman，andnowordofwhathathtranspiredshalleverpassmylips。Butletmego，’tisallI
ask，anditisuselesstodetainmeforIcannotgivewhatyouwouldhave。
Idonotloveyou，norevercanI。\"
Herfirstwordshadcausedtheredofhumiliationtomottlehisalreadyrubyvisagetoasemblanceofpurple，andnow，asheattemptedtorisewithdignity，hewasstillfurthercoveredwithconfusionbythefactthathishugestomachmadeitnecessaryforhimtogouponallfoursbeforehecouldrise，sothathegotupmuchafterthemannerofacow，raisinghissternhighinairinamostludicrousfashion。Ashegainedhisfeethesawthegirlturnherheadfromhimtohidethelaughteronherface。
\"Returntothychamber，\"hethundered。\"IwillgivetheeuntiltomorrowtodecidewhetherthouwiltacceptPeterofColfaxasthyhusband，ortakeanotherpositioninhishouseholdwhichwillbartheeforalltimefromthesocietyofthykind。\"
Thegirlturnedtowardhim，thelaughstillplayingonherlips。
\"Iwillbewifetonobuffoon；tonoclumsyoldclown；tonodebauched，degradedparodyofaman。Andasforthyotherrashthreat，thouhastnotthegutstoputthywishesintodeeds，thoucravencoward，forwellyeknowthatSimondeMontfortwouldcutoutthyfoulheartwithhisownhandifheeversuspectedthouwertguiltyofspeakingofsuchtome，hisdaughter。\"
AndBertradedeMontfortsweptfromthegreathall，andmountedtohertowerchamberintheancientSaxonstrongholdofColfax。
Theoldwomankeptwatchoverherduringthenightanduntillatethefollowingafternoon，whenPeterofColfaxsummonedhisprisonerbeforehimoncemore。Soterriblyhadtheoldhagplayeduponthegirl’sfearsthatshefeltfullycertainthattheBaronwasquiteequaltohisdirethreat，andsoshehadagainbeencastingaboutforsomemeansofescapeordelay。
Theroominwhichshewasimprisonedwasinthewesttowerofthecastle，fullyahundredfeetabovethemoat，whichthesingleembrasureoverlooked。Therewas，therefore，noavenueofescapeinthisdirection。
Thesolitarydoorwasfurnishedwithhugeoakenbars，anditselfcomposedofmightyplanksofthesamewood，crossbarredwithiron。
Ifshecouldbutgettheoldwomanout，thoughtBertrade，shecouldbarricadeherselfwithinandthusdelay，atleast，herimpendingfateinthehopethatsuccormightcomefromsomesource。Buthermostsubtlewilesprovedineffectualinriddingher，evenforamoment，ofherharpyjailer；andnowthatthefinalsummonshadcome，shewasbesideherselfforalackofmeanstothwarthercaptor。
Herdaggerhadbeentakenfromher，butonehungfromthegirdleoftheoldwomanandthisBertradedeterminedtohave。
Feigningtroublewiththebuckleofherowngirdle，shecalledupontheoldwomantoaidher，andasthehagbentherheadclosetothegirl’sbodytoseewhatwaswrongwiththegirdleclasp，Bertradereachedquicklytohersideandsnatchedtheweaponfromitssheath。Quicklyshesprangbackfromtheoldwomanwho，withacryofangerandalarm，rusheduponher。
\"Back！\"criedthegirl。\"Standback，oldhag，orthoushaltfeelthelengthofthineownblade。\"
Thewomanhesitatedandthenfelltocursingandblaspheminginamosthorriblemanner，atthesametimecallingforhelp。
Bertradebackedtothedoor，commandingtheoldwomantoremainwhereshewas，onpainofdeath，andquicklydroppedthemightybarsintoplace。
ScarcelyhadthelastgreatboltbeenslippedthanPeterofColfax，withadozenservantsandmen-at-arms，werepoundingloudlyupontheoutside。
\"What’swrongwithin，Coll，\"criedtheBaron。
\"Thewenchhaswrestedmydaggerfrommeandismurderingme，\"shriekedtheoldwoman。
\"An’thatIwilltrulydo，PeterofColfax，\"spokeBertrade，\"ifyoudonotimmediatelysendformyfriendstoconductmefromthycastle，forIwillnotstepmyfootfromthisroomuntilIknowthatmineownpeoplestandwithout。\"
PeterofColfaxpledandthreatened，commandedandcoaxed，butallinvain。Sopassedtheafternoon，andasdarknesssettleduponthecastletheBarondesistedfromhisattempts，intendingtostarvehisprisonerout。
Withinthelittleroom，BertradedeMontfortsatuponabenchguardingherprisoner，fromwhomshedidnotdaremovehereyesforasinglesecond。
Allthatlongnightshesatthus，andwhenmorningdawned，itfoundherpositionunchanged，hertiredeyesstillfixeduponthehag。
Earlyinthemorning，PeterofColfaxresumedhisendeavorstopersuadehertocomeout；heevenadmitteddefeatandpromisedhersafeconducttoherfather’scastle，butBertradedeMontfortwasnotonetobefooledbyhislyingtongue。
\"ThenwillIstarveyouout，\"hecriedatlength。
\"GladlywillIstarveinpreferencetofallingintothyfoulhands，\"
repliedthegirl。\"Butthyoldservantherewillstarvefirst，forshebeveryoldandnotsostrongasI。Therefore，howwillitprofityoutokilltwoandstillberobbedofthyprey？\"
PeterofColfaxentertainednodoubtbutthathisfairprisonerwouldcarryoutherthreatandsohesethismentoworkwithcoldchisels，axesandsawsuponthehugedoor。
Forhours，theylaboreduponthatmightyworkofdefence，anditwaslateatnighteretheymadealittleopeninglargeenoughtoadmitahandandarm，butthefirstoneintrudedwithintheroomtoraisethebarswasdrawnquicklybackwithahowlofpainfromitsowner。Thusthekeendaggerinthegirl’shandputanendtoallhopesofenteringwithoutcompletelydemolishingthedoor。
Tothiswork，themenwithoutthensetthemselvesdiligentlywhilePeterofColfaxrenewedhisentreaties，throughthesmallopeningtheyhadmade。
Bertraderepliedbutonce。
\"Seestthouthisponiard？\"sheasked。\"Whenthatdoorfalls，thispointentersmyheart。Thereisnothingbeyondthatdoor，withthou，poltroon，towhichdeathinthislittlechamberwouldnotbepreferable。\"
Asshespoke，sheturnedtowardthemanshewasaddressing，forthefirsttimeduringallthoseweary，hideoushoursremovingherglancefromtheoldhag。Itwasenough。Silently，butwiththequicknessofatigresstheoldwomanwasuponherback，oneclaw-likepawgraspingthewristwhichheldthedagger。
\"Quick，MyLord！\"sheshrieked，\"thebolts，quick。\"
InstantlyPeterofColfaxranhisarmthroughthetinyopeninginthedoorandasecondlaterfourofhismenrushedtotheaidoftheoldwoman。
EasilytheywrestedthedaggerfromBertrade’sfingers，andattheBaron’sbidding，theydraggedhertothegreathallbelow。
Ashisretainerslefttheroomathiscommand，PeterofColfaxstrodebackandforthupontherusheswhichstrewedthefloor。Finallyhestoppedbeforethegirlstandingrigidinthecenteroftheroom。
\"Hastcometothysensesyet，BertradedeMontfort？\"heaskedangrily。\"I
haveofferedyouyourchoice；tobethehonoredwifeofPeterofColfax，or，byforce，hismistress。Thegoodpriestwaitswithout，whatbeyouranswernow？\"
\"Thesameasithasbeenthesepasttwodays，\"sherepliedwithhaughtyscorn。\"Thesamethatitshallalwaysbe。Iwillbeneitherwifenormistresstoacoward；ahideous，abhorrentpigofaman。Iwoulddie，itseems，ifIfeltthetouchofyourhanduponme。Youdonotdaretotouchme，youcraven。I，thedaughterofanearl，thenieceofaking，wedtothewartytoad，PeterofColfax！\"
\"Hold，chit！\"criedtheBaron，lividwithrage。\"Youhavegonetoofar。
Enoughofthis；andyoulovemenotnow，Ishalllearnyoutoloveerethesunrises。\"Andwithavileoathhegraspedthegirlroughlybythearm，anddraggedhertowardthelittledoorwayatthesideoftheroom。
CHAPTERX
ForthreeweeksafterhismeetingwithBertradedeMontfortandhissojournatthecastleofJohndeStutevill，NormanofTornwasbusywithhiswildhordeinreducingandsackingthecastleofJohndeGrey，aroyalistbaronwhohadcapturedandhangedtwooftheoutlaw’sfightingmen；andneveragainafterhismeetingwiththedaughterofthechiefofthebaronsdidNormanofTornraiseahandagainsttherebelsortheirfriends。
ShortlyafterhisreturntoTorn，followingthesuccessfuloutcomeofhisexpedition，thewatchuponthetowerreportedtheapproachofadozenarmedknights。NormansentRedShandytotheouterwallstolearnthemissionoftheparty，forvisitorsseldomcametothisinaccessibleandunhospitablefortress；andhewellknewthatnopartyofadozenknightswouldventurewithhostileintentwithintheclutchesofhisgreatbandofvillains。
ThegreatredgiantsoonreturnedtosaythatitwasHenrydeMontfort，oldestsonoftheEarlofLeicester，whohadcomeunderaflagoftruceandwouldhavespeechwiththemasterofTorn。
\"Admitthem，Shandy，\"commandedNormanofTorn，\"Iwillspeakwiththemhere。\"
Whentheparty，afewmomentslater，wasusheredintohispresenceitfounditselffacingamailedknightwithdrawnvisor。
HenrydeMontfortadvancedwithhaughtydignityuntilhefacedtheoutlaw。
\"BeyeNormanofTorn？\"heasked。And，didhetrytoconcealthehatredandloathingwhichhefelt，hewaspoorlysuccessful。
\"Theycallmeso，\"repliedthevisoredknight。\"AndwhatmaybringaDeMontfortaftersomanyyearstovisithisoldneighbor？\"
\"Wellyeknowwhatbringsme，NormanofTorn，\"repliedtheyoungman。\"Itisuselesstowastewords，andwecannotresorttoarms，foryouhaveusentirelyinyourpower。Nameyourpriceanditshallbepaid，onlybequickandletmehencewithmysister。\"
\"Whatwildwordsbethese，HenrydeMontfort？Yoursister！Whatmeanyou？\"
\"Yes，mysisterBertrade，whomyoustoleuponthehighroadtwodayssince，aftermurderingtheknightsofJohndeStutevillwhowerefetchingherhomefromavisitupontheBaron’sdaughter。Weknowthatitwasyoufortheforeheadsofthedeadmenboreyourdevil’smark。\"
\"Shandy！\"roaredNormanofTorn。\"WHATMEANSTHIS？Whohasbeenupontheroad，attackingwomen，inmyabsence？YouwerehereandinchargeduringmyvisittomyLorddeGrey。Asyouvalueyourhide，Shandy，thetruth！\"
\"Sinceyoulaidmelowinthehutofthegoodpriest，Ihaveservedyouwell，NormanofTorn。YoushouldknowmyloyaltybythistimeandthatneverhaveIliedtoyou。Nomanofyourshasdonethisthing，norisitthefirsttimethatvilescoundrelshaveplacedyourmarkupontheirdeadthattheymightthusescapesuspicion，themselves。\"
\"HenrydeMontfort，\"saidNormanofTorn，turningtohisvisitor，\"weofTornbearnosavoryname，thatIknowfullwell，butnomanmaysaythatweunsheathourswordsagainstwomen。Yoursisterisnothere。IgiveyouthewordofhonorofNormanofTorn。Isitnotenough？\"
\"Theysayyouneverlie，\"repliedDeMontfort。\"WouldtoGodIknewwhohaddonethisthing，orwhichwaytosearchformysister。\"
NormanofTornmadenoreply，histhoughtswereinwildconfusion，anditwaswithdifficultythathehidthefierceanxietyofhisheartorhisrageagainsttheperpetratorsofthisdastardlyactwhichtorehiswholebeing。
InsilenceDeMontfortturnedandleft，norhadhispartyscarcepassedthedrawbridgeerethecastleofTornwasfilledwithhurryingmenandthenoiseanduproarofasuddencalltoarms。
Somethirtyminuteslater，fivehundrediron-cladhorsescarriedtheirmailedridersbeneaththeportcullisofthegrimpile，andNormantheDevil，ridingattheirhead，spurredrapidlyinthedirectionofthecastleofPeterofColfax。
Thegreattroop，windingdowntherockytrailfromTorn’sbuttressedgates，presentedapictureofwildbarbaricsplendor。
ThearmorofthemenwasofeverystyleandmetalfromtheancientbandedmailoftheSaxontotherichlyornamentedplatearmorofMilan。Goldandsilverandpreciousstonessetinplumedcrestandbreastplateandshield，andeveninthesteelspikedchamfronsofthehorses’headarmorshowedtherichlootwhichhadfallentotheportionofNormanofTorn’swildraiders。
Flutteringpennonsstreamedfromfivehundredlancepoints，andthegraybannerofTorn，withtheblackfalcon’swing，flewaboveeachofthefivecompanies。Thegreatlindenwoodshieldsofthemenwerecoveredwithgrayleatherand，intheupperrighthandcornerofeach，wastheblackfalcon’swing。Thesurcoatsoftheriderswerealsouniform，beingofdarkgrayvillosafacedwithblackwolfskin，sothatnotwithstandingtherichnessofthearmorandthehorsetrappings，therewasagrim，graywarlikeappearancetothesewildcompaniesthatcomportedwellwiththeirreputation。
RecruitedfromallranksofsocietyandfromeverycivilizedcountryofEurope，thegreathordeofTornnumberedinitstencompaniesserfandnoble；Britain，Saxon，Norman，Dane，German，ItalianandFrench，Scot，PictandIrish。
Herebirthcausednodistinctions；theescapedserf，withthegallmarksofhisbrasscollarstillvisibleabouthisneck，rodeshouldertoshoulderwiththeoutlawedscionofanoblehouse。Theonlyrequisitesforadmissiontothetroopwerewillingnessandabilitytofight，andanoathtoobeythelawsmadebyNormanofTorn。
Thelittlearmywasdividedintotencompaniesofonehundredmen，eachcompanycaptainedbyafighterofprovenworthandability。
OuroldfriendsRedShandy，andJohnandJamesFloryledthefirstthreecompanies，theremainingsevenbeingundercommandofotherseasonedveteransofathousandfights。
OneEyeKanty，owingtohisearlytrade，heldthealwaysimportantpostofchiefarmorer，whilePetertheHermit，thelastofthefivecut-throatswhomNormanofTornhadbestedthatday，sixyearsbefore，inthehutofFatherClaude，hadbecomemajordomoofthegreatcastleofTorn，whichpostincludedalsothevitalfunctionsofquartermasterandcommissary。
TheoldmanofTornattendedtothetrainingofserfandsquireintheartofwar，foritwasevernecessarytofillthegapsmadeinthecompanies，duetotheirconstantencountersuponthehighroadandtheirbattlesatthetakingofsomefeudalcastle；inwhichtheydidnotalwayscomeoffunscathed，thoughusuallyvictorious。
Today，astheywoundwestacrossthevalley，NormanofTornrodeattheheadofthecavalcade，whichstrungoutbehindhiminalongcolumn。Abovehisgraysteelarmor，afalcon’swingrosefromhiscrest。Itwastheinsigniawhichalwaysmarkedhimtohismeninthemidstofbattle。Whereitwavedmightalwaysbefoundthefightingandthehonors，andaboutittheywerewonttorally。
BesideNormanofTornrodethegrim，gray，oldman，silentandtaciturn；
nursinghisdeephatredinthedepthsofhismalignbrain。
Attheheadoftheirrespectivecompaniesrodethefivecaptains：RedShandy；JohnFlory；EdwildtheSerf；Emilio，CountdeGropelloofItaly；
andSieurRalphdelaCampnee，ofFrance。
Thehamletsandhutswhichtheypassedinthemorningandearlyafternoonbroughtforthmen，womenandchildrentocheerandwaveGod-speedtothem；
butastheypassedfartherfromthevicinityofTorn，wheretheblackfalconwingwasknownmorebytheferocityofitsnamethanbythekindlydeedsofthegreatoutlawtothelowlyofhisneighborhood，theysawonlyclosedandbarreddoorswithanoccasionalfrightenedfacepeeringfromatinywindow。
ItwasmidnighteretheysightedtheblacktowersofColfaxsilhouettedagainstthestarrysky。Drawinghismenintotheshadowsoftheforestahalfmilefromthecastle，NormanofTornrodeforwardwithShandyandsomefiftymentoapointascloseastheycouldcomewithoutbeingobserved。
HeretheydismountedandNormanofTorncreptstealthilyforwardalone。
Takingadvantageofeverycover，heapproachedtotheveryshadowsofthegreatgatewithoutbeingdetected。Inthecastle，alightshonedimlyfromthewindowsofthegreathall，butnoothersignoflifewasapparent。Tohisintensesurprise，NormanofTornfoundthedrawbridgeloweredandnosignofwatchmenatthegateoruponthewalls。
Ashehadsackedthiscastlesometwoyearssince，hewasfamiliarwithitsinternalplan，andsoheknewthatthroughthesculleryhecouldreachasmallantechamberabove，whichletdirectlyintothegreathall。
Andsoithappenedthat，asPeterofColfaxwheeledtowardthedoorofthelittleroom，hestoppedshortinterror，fortherebeforehimstoodastrangeknightinarmor，withloweredvisoranddrawnsword。Thegirlsawhimtoo，andalookofhopeandrenewedcourageoverspreadherface。
\"Draw！\"commandedalowvoiceinEnglish，\"unlessyouprefertopray，foryouareabouttodie。\"
\"Whobeye，varlet？\"criedtheBaron。\"Ho，John！Ho，Guy！Totherescue，quick！\"heshrieked，anddrawinghissword，heattemptedtobackquicklytowardthemaindoorwayofthehall；butthemaninarmorwasuponhimandforcinghimtofighterehehadtakenthreesteps。
IthadbeenshortshriftforPeterofColfaxthatnighthadnotJohnandGuyandanotherofhishenchmenrushedintotheroomwithdrawnswords。
\"Ware！SirKnight，\"criedthegirl，asshesawthethreeknavesrushingtotheaidoftheirmaster。
Turningtomeettheirassault，theknightwasforcedtoabandontheterror-strickenBaronforaninstant，andagainhehadmadeforthedoorwaybentonlyonescape；butthegirlhaddivinedhisintentions，andrunningquicklytotheentrance，sheturnedthegreatlockandthrewthekeywithallhermighttothefarcornerofthehall。Inaninstantsheregrettedheract，forshesawthatwhereshemighthavereducedherrescuer’sopponentsbyatleastone，shehadnowforcedthecowardlyBarontoremain，andnothingfightsmorefiercelythanacorneredrat。
Theknightwasholdinghisownsplendidlywiththethreeretainers，andforaninstantBertradedeMontfortstoodspell-boundbytheexhibitionofswordsmanshipshewaswitnessing。
Fightingthethreealternately，inpairsandagainallatthesametime，thesilentknight，thoughweightedbyhisheavyarmor，forcedthemsteadilyback；hisflashingbladeseemingtoweaveanetofsteelaboutthem。
Suddenlyhisswordstoppedjustforaninstant，stoppedintheheartofoneofhisopponents，andasthemanlungedtothefloor，itwasflashingagainclosetothebreastsofthetworemainingmen-at-arms。
Anotherwentdownlessthantensecondslater，andthenthegirl’sattentionwascalledtothefaceofthehorrifiedBaron；PeterofColfaxwasmoving——slowlyandcautiously，hewascreeping，frombehind，towardthevisoredknight，andinhisraisedhandflashedasharpdagger。
Foraninstant，thegirlstoodfrozenwithhorror，unabletomoveafingerortocryout；butonlyforaninstant，andthen，regainingcontrolofhermuscles，shestoopedquicklyand，graspingaheavyfoot-stool，hurleditfullatPeterofColfax。
Itstruckhimbelowthekneesandtoppledhimtothefloorjustastheknight’sswordpassedthroughthethroatofhisfinalantagonist。
AstheBaronfell，hestruckheavilyuponatablewhichsupportedtheonlylightedcressetwithinthechamber。Inaninstant，allwasdarkness。
Therewasarapidshufflingsoundasofthescurryingofratsandthenthequietofthetombsettleduponthegreathall。
\"Areyousafeandunhurt，myLadyBertrade？\"askedagraveEnglishvoiceoutofthedarkness。
\"Quite，SirKnight，\"shereplied，\"andyou？\"
\"Notascratch，butwhereisourgoodfriendtheBaron？\"
\"Helayhereuponthefloorbutamomentsince，andcarriedathinlongdaggerinhishand。Haveacare，SirKnight，hemayevennowbeuponyou。\"
Theknightdidnotanswer，butsheheardhimmovingboldlyabouttheroom。
Soonhehadfoundanotherlampandmadealight。Asitsfeebleraysslowlypenetratedtheblackgloom，thegirlsawthebodiesofthethreemen-at-arms，theoverturnedtableandlamp，andthevisoredknight；butPeterofColfaxwasgone。
Theknightperceivedhisabsenceatthesametime，butheonlylaughedalow，grimlaugh。
\"Hewillnotgofar，MyLadyBertrade，\"hesaid。
\"Howknowyoumyname？\"sheasked。\"Whomayyoube？Idonotrecognizeyourarmor，andyourbreastplatebearsnoarms。\"
HedidnotansweratonceandherheartroseinherbreastasitfilledwiththehopethatherbraverescuermightbethesameRogerdeCondewhohadsavedherfromthehirelingsofPeterofColfaxbutafewshortweekssince。Surelyitwasthesamestraightandmightyfigure，andtherewasthemarvelousswordplayaswell。Itmustbehe，andyetRogerdeCondehadspokennoEnglishwhilethismanspokeitwell，though，itwastrue，withaslightFrenchaccent。
\"MyLadyBertrade，IbeNormanofTorn，\"saidthevisoredknightwithquietdignity。
Thegirl’sheartsank，andafeelingofcoldfearcreptthroughher。Foryearsthatnamehadbeenthesymboloffiercecruelty，andmadhatredagainstherkind。LittlechildrenwerefrightenedintoobediencebythevaguesthintthattheDevilofTornwouldgetthem，andgrownmenhadcometowhisperthenamewithgrim，setlips。
\"NormanofTorn！\"shewhispered。\"MayGodhavemercyonmysoul！\"
Beneaththevisoredhelm，awaveofpainandsorrowsurgedacrossthecountenanceoftheoutlaw，andalittleshudder，asofachillofhopelessness，shookhisgiantframe。
\"Youneednotfear，MyLady，\"hesaidsadly。\"Youshallbeinyourfather’scastleofLeicestererethesunmarksnoon。AndyouwillbesaferundertheprotectionofthehatedDevilofTornthanwithyourownmightyfather，oryourroyaluncle。\"
\"Itissaidthatyouneverlie，NormanofTorn，\"spokethegirl，\"andI
believeyou，buttellmewhyyouthusbefriendaDeMontfort。\"
\"Itisnotforloveofyourfatheroryourbrothers，noryethatredofPeterofColfax，norneitherforanyrewardwhatsoever。ItpleasesmetodoasIdo，thatisall。Come。\"
Heledherinsilencetothecourtyardandacrossthelowereddrawbridge，towheretheysoondiscoveredagroupofhorsemen，andinanswertoalowchallengefromShandy，NormanofTornrepliedthatitwashe。
\"Takeadozenmen，Shandy，andsearchyonhellhole。Bringouttome，alive，PeterofColfax，andMyLady’scloakandapalfrey——andShandy，whenallisdoneasIsay，youmayapplythetorch！Butnolooting，Shandy。\"
Shandylookedinsurpriseuponhisleader，forthetorchhadneverbeenaweaponofNormanofTorn，whileloot，ifnotalwaystheprimeobjectofhismanyraids，wasatleastaveryimportantconsideration。
Theoutlawnoticedthesurprisedhesitationofhisfaithfulsubalternandsigninghimtolisten，said：
\"RedShandy，NormanofTornhasfoughtandsackedandpillagedfortheloveofit，andforaprinciplewhichwasatbestbutavaguegenerality。
TonightweridetoredressawrongdonetoMyLadyBertradedeMontfort，andthat，Shandy，isadifferentmatter。Thetorch，Shandy，fromtowertoscullery，butintheserviceofMyLady，nolooting。\"
\"Yes，MyLord，\"answeredShandy，anddepartedwithhislittledetachment。
Inahalfhourhereturnedwithadozenprisoners，butnoPeterofColfax。
\"Hehasflown，MyLord，\"thebigfellowreported，andindeeditwastrue。
PeterofColfaxhadpassedthroughthevaultsbeneathhiscastleand，byalongsubterraneanpassage，hadreachedthequartersofsomepriestswithoutthelinesofNormanofTorn。Bythistime，hewasseveralmilesonhiswaytothecoastandFrance；forhehadrecognizedtheswordsmanshipoftheoutlaw，anddidnotcaretoremaininEnglandandfacethewrathofbothNormanofTornandSimondeMontfort。
\"Hewillreturn，\"wastheoutlaw’sonlycomment，whenhehadbeenfullyconvincedthattheBaronhadescaped。
Theywatcheduntilthecastlehadburstintoflamesinadozenplaces，theprisonershuddledtogetherinterrorandapprehension，fullyexpectingasummaryandhorribledeath。
WhenNormanofTornhadassuredhimselfthatnohumanpowercouldnowsavethedoomedpile，heorderedthatthemarchbetakenup，andthewarriorsfileddowntheroadwaybehindtheirleaderandBertradedeMontfort，leavingtheirerstwhileprisonerssorelypuzzledbutunharmedandfree。
Astheylookedback，theysawtheheavensredwiththegreatflamesthatspranghighabovetheloftytowers。Immensevolumesofdensesmokerolledsouthwardacrosstheskyline。Occasionallyitwouldclearawayfromtheburningcastleforaninstanttoshowtheblackwallspiercedbytheirhundredsofembrasures，eachlitupbytheredoftheragingfirewithin。
Itwasagorgeous，impressivespectacle，butonesocommoninthosefierce，wilddays，thatnonethoughtitworthyofmorethanapassingbackwardglance。
Variedemotionsfilledthebreastsoftheseveralriderswhowendedtheirslowwaydownthemud-slipperyroad。NormanofTornwasbothelatedandsad。Elatedthathehadbeenintimetosavethisgirlwhoawakenedsuchstrangeemotionsinhisbreast；sadthathewasaloathesomethinginhereyes。Butthatitwaspurehappinessjusttobenearher，sufficedhimforthetime；ofthemorrow，whatusetothink！Thelittle，grim，gray，oldmanofTornnursedthespleenhedidnotdareventopenly，andcursedthechancethathadsentHenrydeMontforttoTorntosearchforhissister；
whilethefollowersoftheoutlawsworequietlyoverthevagarywhichhadbroughtthemonthislongridewithouteitherfightingorloot。
BertradedeMontfortwasbutfilledwithwonderthatsheshouldoweherlifeandhonortothisfierce，wildcut-throatwhohadswornespecialhatredagainstherfamily，becauseofitsrelationshiptothehouseofPlantagenet。Shecouldnotfathomit，andyet，heseemedfairspokenforsoroughaman；shewonderedwhatmannerofcountenancemightliebeneaththatbarredvisor。
Oncetheoutlawtookhiscloakfromitsfasteningsathissaddle’scantelandthrewitabouttheshouldersofthegirl，forthenightairwaschilly，andagainhedismountedandledherpalfreyaroundabadplaceintheroad，lestthebeastmightslipandfall。
Shethankedhiminhercourtlymannerfortheseservices，butbeyondthat，nowordpassedbetweenthem，andtheycame，insilence，aboutmiddaywithinsightofthecastleofSimondeMontfort。
Thewatchuponthetowerwasthrownintoconfusionbytheapproachofsolargeapartyofarmedmen，sothat，bythetimetheywereinhailingdistance，thewallsofthegreatstructurewerecrowdedwithfightingmen。
Shandyrodeaheadwithaflagoftruce，andwhenhewasbeneaththecastlewallsSimondeMontfortcalledforth：
\"Whobeyeandwhatyourmission？Peaceorwar？\"
\"ItisNormanofTorn，comeinpeace，andintheserviceofaDeMontfort，\"
repliedShandy。\"Hewouldenterwithonecompanion，myLordEarl。\"
\"DaresNormanofTornenterthecastleofSimondeMontfort——thinkshethatIkeeparobbers’roost！\"criedthefierceoldwarrior。
\"NormanofTorndaresridewherehewillinallEngland，\"boastedtheredgiant。\"Willyouseehiminpeace，MyLord？\"
\"Lethimenter，\"saidDeMontfort，\"butnoknavery，now，weareathousandmenhere，wellarmedandreadyfighters。\"
Shandyreturnedtohismasterwiththereply，andtogether，NormanofTornandBertradedeMontfortclatteredacrossthedrawbridgebeneaththeportcullisofthecastleoftheEarlofLeicester，brother-in-lawofHenryIIIofEngland。
Thegirlwasstillwrappedinthegreatcloakofherprotector，forithadbeenraining，sothatsherodebeneaththeeyesofherfather’smenwithoutbeingrecognized。Inthecourtyard，theyweremetbySimondeMontfort，andhissonsHenryandSimon。
Thegirlthrewherselfimpetuouslyfromhermount，and，flingingasidetheoutlaw’scloak，rushedtowardherastoundedparent。
\"Whatmeansthis，\"criedDeMontfort，\"hastherascalofferedyouharmorindignity？\"
\"Youcravenliar，\"criedHenrydeMontfort，\"butyesterdayyousworeuponyourhonorthatyoudidnotholdmysister，andI，likeafool，believed。\"
Andwithhiswords，theyoungmanflunghimselfuponNormanofTornwithdrawnsword。
Quickerthantheeyecouldsee，theswordofthevisoredknightflewfromitsscabbard，and，withasinglelightning-likemove，sentthebladeofyoungDeMontforthurtlingcrossthecourtyard；andthen，beforeeithercouldtakeanotherstep，BertradedeMontforthadsprungbetweenthemandplacingahanduponthebreastplateoftheoutlaw，stretchedforththeotherwithpalmout-turnedtowardherkinsmenasthoughtoprotectNormanofTornfromfurtherassault。
\"Beheoutlawordevil，\"shecried，\"heisabraveandcourteousknight，andhedeservesfromthehandsoftheDeMontfortsthebesthospitalitytheycangive，andnotcoldsteelandinsults。\"Thensheexplainedbrieflytoherastonishedfatherandbrotherswhathadbefallenduringthepastfewdays。
HenrydeMontfort，withthefinechivalrythatmarkedhim，wasthefirsttostepforwardwithoutstretchedhandtothankNormanofTorn，andtoaskhispardonforhisrudewordsandhostileact。
Theoutlawbuthelduphisopenpalm，ashesaid，\"LettheDeMontfortsthinkwelleretheytakethehandofNormanofTorn。
Igivenotmyhandexceptinfriendship，andnotforapassingmoment；butforlife。Iappreciateyourpresentfeelingsofgratitude，butletthemnotblindyoutothefactthatIamstillNormantheDevil，andthatyouhaveseenmymarkuponthebrowsofyourdead。Iwouldgladlyhaveyourfriendship，butIwishitfortheman，NormanofTorn，withallhisfaults，aswellaswhatvirtuesyoumaythinkhimtopossess。\"
\"Youareright，sir，\"saidtheEarl，\"youhaveourgratitudeandourthanksfortheserviceyouhaverenderedthehouseofMontfort，andeverduringourlivesyoumaycommandourfavors。Iadmireyourbraveryandyourcandor，butwhileyoucontinuetheOutlawofTorn，youmaynotbreakbreadatthetableofDeMontfortasafriendwouldhavetherighttodo。\"
\"Yourspeechisthatofawiseandcarefulman，\"saidNormanofTornquietly。\"Igo，butrememberthatfromthisday，IhavenoquarrelwiththeHouseofSimondeMontfort，andthatshouldyouneedmyarms，theyareatyourservice，athousandstrong。Goodbye。\"Butasheturnedtogo，BertradedeMontfortconfrontedhimwithoutstretchedhand。
\"Youmusttakemyhandinfriendship，\"shesaid，\"for，tomydyingday，I
musteverblessthenameofNormanofTornbecauseofthehorrorfromwhichhehasrescuedme。\"
Hetookthelittlefingersinhismailedhand，andbendingupononekneeraisedthemtohislips。
\"Tonoother——woman，man，king，God，ordevil——hasNormanofTornbenttheknee。Ifeveryouneedhim，MyLadyBertrade，rememberthathisservicesareyoursfortheasking。\"
Andturning，hemountedandrodeinsilencefromthecourtyardofthecastleofLeicester。Withoutabackwardglance，andwithhisfivehundredmenathisback，NormanofTorndisappearedbeyondaturningintheroadway。
\"Astrangeman，\"saidSimondeMontfort，\"bothgoodandbad，butfromtoday，Ishalleverbelievemoregoodthanbad。Wouldthathewereotherthanhebe，forhisarmwouldwieldaheavyswordagainsttheenemiesofEngland，anhecouldbepersuadedtoourcause。\"
\"Whoknows，\"saidHenrydeMontfort，\"butthatanofferoffriendshipmighthavewonhimtoabetterlife。Itseemedthatinhisspeechwasanoteofwistfulness。Iwish，father，thatwehadtakenhishand。\"
CHAPTERXI
SeveraldaysafterNormanofTorn’svisittothecastleofLeicester，ayoungknightappearedbeforetheEarl’sgatesdemandingadmittancetohavespeechwithSimondeMontfort。TheEarlreceivedhim，andastheyoungmanenteredhispresence，SimondeMontfort，sprangtohisfeetinastonishment。
\"MyLordPrince，\"hecried。\"Whatdoyehere，andalone？\"
Theyoungmansmiled。
\"Ibenoprince，MyLord，\"hesaid，\"thoughsomehavesaidthatIfavortheKing’sson。IbeRogerdeConde，whomitmayhavepleasedyourgraciousdaughtertomention。IhavecometopayhomagetoBertradedeMontfort。\"
\"Ah，\"saidDeMontfort，risingtogreettheyoungknightcordially，\"anyoubethatRogerdeCondewhorescuedmydaughterfromthefellowsofPeterofColfax，thearmsoftheDeMontfortsareopentoyou。