IfBertradedeMontfortlovedthishandsomeFrenchprince，thenNormanofTornwashisfriend；forhislovewasagreatlove，abovejealousy。Itnotonlyheldherhappinessabovehisown，butthehappinessandwelfareofthemansheloved，aswell。
ItwasduskwhentheyreachedBattelandasNormanofTornbidtheprinceadieu，forthehordewastomakecampjustwithoutthecity，hesaid：
\"MayIaskMyLordtocarryamessagetoLadyBertrade？ItisinreferencetoapromiseImadehertwoyearssinceandwhichInow，forthefirsttime，beabletofulfill。\"
\"Certainly，myfriend，\"repliedPhilip。Theoutlaw，dismounting，calledupononeofhissquiresforparchment，and，bythelightofatorch，wroteamessagetoBertradedeMontfort。
Halfanhourlater，aservantinthecastleofBattelhandedthemissivetothedaughterofLeicesterasshesataloneinherapartment。Openingit，sheread：
ToLadyBertradedeMontfort，fromherfriend，NormanofTorn。
TwoyearshavepassedsinceyoutookthehandoftheOutlawofTorninfriendship，andnowhecomestosueforanotherfavor。
Itisthathemayhavespeechwithyou，alone，inthecastleofBattelthisnight。
ThoughthenameNormanofTornbefraughtwithterrortoothers，Iknowthatyoudonotfearhim，foryoumustknowtheloyaltyandfriendshipwhichhebearsyou。
Mycamplieswithoutthecity’sgates，andyourmessengerwillhavesafeconductwhateverreplyhebearsto，NormanofTorn。
Fear？FearNormanofTorn？Thegirlsmiledasshethoughtofthatmomentofterribleterrortwoyearsagowhenshelearned，inthecastleofPeterofColfax，thatshewasalonewith，andinthepowerof，theDevilofTorn。Andthensherecalledhislittleactsofthoughtfulchivalry，nay，almosttenderness，onthelongnightridetoLeicester。
Whatastrangecontradictionofaman！Shewonderedifhewouldcomewithloweredvisor，forshewasstillcurioustoseethefacethatlaybehindthecold，steelmask。Shewouldaskhimthisnighttoletherseehisface，orwouldthatbecruel？For，didtheynotsaythatitwasfromtheveryuglinessofitthathekepthishelmclosedtohidetherepulsivesightfromtheeyesofmen！
Asherthoughtswanderedbacktoherbriefmeetingwithhimtwoyearsbefore，shewroteanddispatchedherreplytoNormanofTorn。
InthegreathallthatnightastheKing’spartysatatsupper，PhilipofFrance，addressingHenry，said：
\"Andwhothinkestthou，MyLordKing，rodebymysidetoBatteltoday，thatImightnotbesetuponbyknavesuponthehighway？\"
\"SomeofourgoodfriendsfromKent？\"askedtheKing。
\"Nay，itwasamanuponwhoseheadYourMajestyhasplacedaprice，NormanofTorn；andifallofyourEnglishhighwaymenbeascourteousandpleasantgentlemenashe，IshallridealwaysaloneandunarmedthroughyourrealmthatImayaddtomylistofpleasantacquaintances。\"
\"TheDevilofTorn？\"askedHenry，incredulously。\"Someonebehoaxingyou。\"
\"Nay，YourMajesty，Ithinknot，\"repliedPhilip，\"forhewasindeedagrimandmightyman，andathisbackrodeasferociousandawe-inspiringapackaseverIbeheldoutsideaprison；fullyathousandstrongtheyrode。Theybecampednotfarwithoutthecitynow。\"
\"MyLord，\"saidHenry，turningtoSimondeMontfort，\"beitnottimethatEnglandwereridofthisdevil’sspawnandhishellishbrood？ThoughI
presume，\"headded，asarcasticsneeruponhislip，\"thatitmayproveembarrassingforMyLordEarlofLeicestertoturnuponhiscompanioninarms。\"
\"Iowehimnothing，\"returnedtheEarlhaughtily，\"byhisownword。\"
\"YouowehimvictoryatLewes，\"snappedtheKing。\"Itwereindeedasadcommentaryuponthesincerityofourloyalty-professingliegeswhoturnedtheirarmsagainstourroyalperson，’tosavehimfromthetreacheryofhisfalseadvisers，’thattheycalleduponacutthroatoutlawwithapriceuponhisheadtoaidthemintheir’righteouscause’。\"
\"MyLordKing，\"criedDeMontfort，flushingwithanger，\"Icallednotuponthisfellow，nordidIknowhewaswithintwohundredmilesofLewesuntilIsawhimrideintothemidstoftheconflictthatday。NeitherdidI
know，untilIheardhisbattlecry，whetherhewouldfalluponbaronorroyalist。\"
\"Ifthatbethetruth，Leicester，\"saidtheKing，withanoteofskepticismwhichhemadestudiouslyapparent，\"hangthedog。Hebejustwithoutthecityevennow。\"
\"YoubeKingofEngland，MyLordHenry。Ifyousaythatheshallbehanged，hangedheshallbe，\"repliedDeMontfort。
\"Adozencourtshavealreadypassedsentenceuponhim，itonlyremainstocatchhim，Leicester，\"saidtheKing。
\"Apartyshallsallyforthatdawntodothework，\"repliedDeMontfort。
\"Andnot，\"thoughtPhilipofFrance，\"ifIknowit，shallthebraveOutlawofTornbehangedtomorrow。\"
InhiscampwithoutthecityofBattel，NormanofTornpacedbackandforthwaitingananswertohismessage。
Sentriespatrolledtheentirecircumferenceofthebivouac，fortheoutlawknewfullwellthathehadputhisheadwithinthelion’sjawwhenhehadriddenthusboldlytotheseatofEnglishpower。HehadnofaithinthegratitudeofDeMontfort，andheknewfullwellwhattheKingwouldurgewhenhelearnedthatthemanwhohadsenthissoldiersnakedbacktoLondon，whohadforcedhismessengertoeattheKing’smessage，andwhohadturnedhisvictorytodefeatatLewes，waswithinreachofthearmyofDeMontfort。
NormanofTornlovedtofight，buthewasnofool，andsohedidnotrelishpittinghisthousanduponanopenplainagainsttwentythousandwithinawalledfortress。
No，hewouldseeBertradedeMontfortthatnightandbeforedawnhisroughbandwouldbefarontheroadtowardTorn。Theriskwasgreattoenterthecastle，filledasitwaswithhismightyenemies。Butifhediedthere，itwouldbeinagoodcause，thoughtheand，anyway，hehadsethimselftodothisdutywhichhedreadedso，anddoithewouldwereallthearmiesoftheworldcampedwithinBattel。
Directlyheheardalowchallengefromoneofhissentries，whopresentlyappearedescortingalackey。
\"AmessengerfromLadyBertradedeMontfort，\"saidthesoldier。
\"Bringhimhither，\"commandedtheoutlaw。
ThelackeyapproachedandhandedNormanofTornadaintyparchmentsealedwithscentedwaxwafers。
\"DidMyLadysayyouweretowaitforananswer？\"askedtheoutlaw。
\"Iamtowait，MyLord，\"repliedtheawestruckfellow，towhomtheservicehadbeenmuchthesamehadhismistressorderedhimtoHelltobearamessagetotheDevil。
NormanofTornturnedtoaflickeringtorchand，breakingtheseals，readthemessagefromthewomanheloved。Itwasshortandsimple。
ToNormanofTorn，fromhisfriendalways，BertradedeMontfort。
ComewithGiles。HehasmyinstructionstoleadtheesecretlytowhereI
be。
BertradedeMontfort。
NormanofTornturnedtowhereoneofhiscaptainssquatteduponthegroundbesideanobjectcoveredwithacloth。
\"Come，Flory，\"hesaid，andthen，turningtothewaitingGiles，\"leadon。\"
Theyfellinsinglefile：firstthelackey，Giles，thenNormanofTornandlastthefellowwhomhehadaddressedasFlorybearingtheobjectcoveredwithacloth。ButitwasnotFlorywhobroughtuptherear。Florylaydeadintheshadowofagreatoakwithinthecamp；athinwoundbelowhisleftshoulderblademarkedthespotwhereakeendaggerhadfounditswaytohisheart，andinhisplacewalkedthelittlegrim，gray，oldman，bearingtheobjectcoveredwithacloth。Butnonemightknowthedifference，forthelittlemanworethearmorofFlory，andhisvisorwasdrawn。
Andsotheycametoasmallgatewhichletintothecastlewallwheretheshadowofagreattowermadetheblacknessofablacknightdoublyblack。
Throughmanydimcorridors，thelackeyledthem，andupwindingstairwaysuntilpresentlyhestoppedbeforealowdoor。
\"Here，\"hesaid，\"MyLord，\"andturningleftthem。
NormanofTorntouchedthepanelwiththemailedknucklesofhisrighthand，andalowvoicefromwithinwhispered，\"Enter。\"
Silently，hestrodeintotheapartment，asmallantechamberoffalargehall。Atoneendwasanopenhearthuponwhichlogswereburningbrightly，whileasinglelampaidedindiffusingasoftglowabouttheausterechamber。Inthecenteroftheroomwasatable，andatthesidesseveralbenches。
BeforethefirestoodBertradedeMontfort，andshewasalone。
\"Placeyourburdenuponthistable，Flory，\"saidNormanofTorn。Andwhenithadbeendone：\"Youmaygo。Returntocamp。\"
HedidnotaddressBertradedeMontfortuntilthedoorhadclosedbehindthelittlegrim，graymanwhoworethearmorofthedeadFloryandthenNormanofTornadvancedtothetableandstoodwithhislefthandungauntleted，restinguponthetable’sedge。
\"MyLadyBertrade，\"hesaidatlast，\"Ihavecometofulfillapromise。\"
HespokeinFrench，andshestartedslightlyathisvoice。Before，NormanofTornhadalwaysspokeninEnglish。Wherehadsheheardthatvoice！
Thereweretonesinitthathauntedher。
\"WhatpromisedidNormanofTorne’ermaketoBertradedeMontfort？\"sheasked。\"Idonotunderstandyou，myfriend。\"
\"Look，\"hesaid。Andassheapproachedthetablehewithdrewtheclothwhichcoveredtheobjectthatthemanhadplacedthere。
Thegirlstartedbackwithalittlecryofterror，forthereuponagoldenplatterwasaman’shead；horridwiththegrinofdeathbaringyellowfangs。
\"Dostrecognizethething？\"askedtheoutlaw。Andthenshedid；butstillshecouldnotcomprehend。Atlast，slowly，therecamebacktohertheidle，jestingpromiseofRogerdeCondetofetchtheheadofherenemytothefeetofhisprincess，uponagoldendish。
ButwhathadtheOutlawofTorntodowiththat！Itwasallasorepuzzletoher，andthenshesawthebaredlefthandofthegrim，visoredfigureoftheDevilofTorn，whereitresteduponthetablebesidethegrislyheadofPeterofColfax；anduponthethirdfingerwasthegreatringshehadtossedtoRogerdeCondeonthatday，twoyearsbefore。
Whatstrangefreakwasherbrainplayingher！Itcouldnotbe，noitwasimpossible；thenherglancefellagainupontheheadgrinningthereupontheplatterofgold，andupontheforeheadofitshesaw，inlettersofdriedblood，thatawfulsymbolofsuddendeath-NT！
Slowlyhereyesreturnedtotheringupontheoutlaw’shand，andthenuptohisvisoredhelm。Astepshetooktowardhim，onehanduponherbreast，theotherstretchedpointingtowardhisface，andsheswayedslightlyasmightonewhohasjustarisenfromagreatillness。
\"Yourvisor，\"shewhispered，\"raiseyourvisor。\"Andthen，asthoughtoherself：\"Itcannotbe；itcannotbe。\"
NormanofTorn，thoughittoretheheartfromhim，didasshebid，andtherebeforehershesawthebravestrongfaceofRogerdeConde。
\"MonDieu！\"shecried，\"Tellmeitisbutacrueljoke。\"
\"Itbethecrueltruth，MyLadyBertrade，\"saidNormanofTornsadly。And，then，assheturnedawayfromhim，buryingherfaceinherraisedarms，hecametoherside，and，layinghishanduponhershoulder，saidsadly：
\"Andnowyousee，MyLady，whyIdidnotfollowyoutoFrance。Myheartwenttherewithyou，butIknewthatnaughtbutsorrowandhumiliationcouldcometoonewhomtheDevilofTornloved，ifthatlovewasreturned；
andsoIwaiteduntilyoumightforgetthewordsyouhadspokentoRogerdeCondebeforeIcametofulfillthepromisethatyoushouldknowhiminhistruecolors。
\"ItisbecauseIloveyou，Bertrade，thatIhavecomethisnight。Godknowsthatitbenopleasantthingtoseetheloathinginyourveryattitude，andtoreadthehateandrevulsionthatsurgesthroughyourheart，ortoguessthehard，coldthoughtswhichfillyourmindagainstmebecauseIallowedyoutospeakthewordsyouoncespoke，andtotheDevilofTorn。
\"Imakenoexcuseformyweakness。IasknoforgivenessforwhatIknowyounevercanforgive。That，whenyouthinkofme，itwillalwaysbewithloathingandcontemptisthebestthatIcanhope。
\"IonlyknowthatIloveyou，Bertrade；IonlyknowthatIloveyou，andwithalovethatsurpassethevenmyownunderstanding。
\"Hereistheringthatyougaveintokenoffriendship。Takeit。Thehandthatworeithasdonenowrongbythelightthathasbeengivenitasguide。
\"ThebloodthathaspulsedthroughthefingerthatitcircledcamefromaheartthatbeatforBertradedeMontfort；aheartthatshallcontinuetobeatforheraloneuntilamercifulprovidenceseesfittogatherinawastedanduselesslife。
\"Farewell，Bertrade。\"Kneelingheraisedthehemofhergarmenttohislips。
AthousandconflictingemotionssurgedthroughtheheartofthisprouddaughterofthenewconquerorofEngland。Theangerofanoutragedconfidence，gratitudeforthechivalrywhichtwicehadsavedherhonor，hatredforthemurdererofahundredfriendsandkinsmen，respectandhonorforthemarvellouscourageoftheman，loathingandcontemptforthebaseborn，thememoryofthatexaltedmomentwhenthosehandsomelipshadclungtohers，prideinthefearlessnessofachampionwhodaredcomealoneamongtwentythousandenemiesforthesakeofapromisemadeher；butstrongerthanalltherest，twostoodoutbeforehermind’seyelikelivingthings——thedegradationofhislowbirth，andthememoryofthegreatloveshehadcherishedalltheselonganddrearymonths。
Andthesetwofoughtouttheirbattleinthegirl’sbreast。Inthosefewbriefmomentsofbewildermentandindecision，itseemedtoBertradedeMontfortthattenyearspassedaboveherhead，andwhenshereachedherfinalresolutionshewasnolongerayounggirlbutagrownwomanwho，withtheweightofamaturedeliberation，hadchosenthepathwhichshewouldtraveltotheend——tothefinalgoal，howeversweetorhoweverbitter。
Slowlysheturnedtowardhimwhokneltwithbowedheadatherfeet，and，takingthehandthatheldtheringoutstretchedtowardher，raisedhimtohisfeet。Insilenceshereplacedthegoldenbanduponhisfinger，andthensheliftedhereyestohis。
\"Keepthering，NormanofTorn，\"shesaid。\"ThefriendshipofBertradedeMontfortisnotlightlygivennorlightlytakenaway，\"shehesitated，\"norisherlove。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？\"hewhispered。ForinhereyeswasthatwondrouslighthehadseenthereonthatotherdayinthefarcastleofLeicester。
\"Imean，\"sheanswered，\"that，RogerdeCondeorNormanofTorn，gentlemanorhighwayman，itbeallthesametoBertradedeMontfort——itbetheeI
love；thee！\"
Hadshereviledhim，spatuponhim，hewouldnothavebeensurprised，forhehadexpectedtheworst；butthatsheshouldlovehim！OhGod，hadhisoverwroughtnervesturnedhispoorhead？Washedreamingthisthing，onlytoawakentothecoldandawfultruth！
Butthesewarmarmsabouthisneck，thesweetperfumeofthebreaththatfannedhischeek；thesewerenodream！
\"Thinktheewhatthouartsaying，Bertrade？\"hecried。\"DostforgetthatIbealow-bornknave，knowingnotmyownmotherandquestioningeventheidentityofmyfather？CouldaDeMontfortfacetheworldwithsuchamanforhusband？\"
\"IknowwhatIsay，perfectly，\"sheanswered。\"Werethoubornoutofwedlock，thesonofahostlerandascullerymaid，stillwouldIlovethee，andhonorthee，andcleavetothee。Wherethoube，NormanofTorn，thereshallbehappinessforme。Thyfriendsshallbemyfriends；thyjoysshallbemyjoys；thysorrows，mysorrows；andthyenemies，evenmineownfather，shallbemyenemies。
\"Whyitis，myNorman，Iknownot。OnlydoIknowthatIdidstoftenquestionmyownselfifintruthIdidreallyloveRogerdeConde，butthee——ohNorman，whyisitthattherebenoshredofdoubtnow，thatthisheart，thissoul，thisbodybeallandalwaysfortheOutlawofTorn？\"
\"Idonotknow，\"hesaidsimplyandgravely。\"Sowonderfulathingbebeyondmypoorbrain；butIthinkmyheartknows，forinveryjoy，itissendingthehotbloodracingandsurgingthroughmybeingtillIwereliketobeconsumedfortheveryheatofmyhappiness。\"
\"Sh！\"shewhispered，suddenly，\"methinksIhearfootsteps。Theymustnotfindtheehere，NormanofTorn，fortheKinghasonlythisnightwrungapromisefrommyfathertotaketheeinthemorningandhangthee。Whatshallwedo，Norman？Whereshallwemeetagain？\"
\"Weshallnotbeseparated，Bertrade；onlysolongasitmaytaketheetogatherafewtrinkets，andfetchthyridingcloak。ThouridestnorthtonightwithNormanofTorn，andbythethirdday，FatherClaudeshallmakeusone。\"
\"Iamgladtheewishit，\"shereplied。\"Ifearedthat，forsomereason，theemightnotthinkitbestformetogowiththeenow。Waithere，Iwillbegonebutamoment。IfthefootstepsIhearapproachthisdoor，\"andsheindicatedthedoorbywhichhehadenteredthelittleroom，\"thoucanststepthroughthisotherdoorwayintotheadjoiningapartment，andconcealthyselfthereuntilthedangerpasses。\"
NormanofTornmadeawryface，forhehadnostomachforhidinghimselfawayfromdanger。
\"Formysake，\"shepleaded。Sohepromisedtodoasshebid，andsheranswiftlyfromtheroomtofetchherbelongings。
CHAPTERXIX
Whenthelittle，grim，graymanhadsettheobjectcoveredwithaclothuponthetableinthecenteroftheroomandlefttheapartment，hedidnotreturntocampasNormanofTornhadordered。
Instead，hehaltedimmediatelywithoutthelittledoor，whichheleftatrifleajar，andtherehewaited，listeningtoallthatpassedbetweenBertradedeMontfortandNormanofTorn。
AsheheardtheprouddaughterofSimondeMontfortdeclareherlovefortheDevilofTorn，acruelsmilecurledhislip。
\"ItwillbebetterthanIhadhoped，\"hemuttered，andeasier。’Sblood！
HowmucheasiernowthatLeicester，too，mayhavehiswholeproudheartinthehangingofNormanofTorn。Ah，whatasublimerevenge！Ihavewaitedlong，thoucurofaKing，toreturntheblowthoustruckthatday，butthereturnshallbeanhundred-foldincreasedbylongaccumulatedinterest。\"
Quickly，thewiryfigurehastenedthroughthepassagewaysandcorridors，untilhecametothegreathallwheresatDeMontfortandtheKing，withPhilipofFranceandmanyothers，gentlemenandnobles。
Beforetheguardatthedoorcouldhalthim，hehadbrokenintotheroomand，addressingtheKing，cried：
\"WouldsttaketheDevilofTorn，MyLordKing？Hebenowalonewhereafewmenmayseizehim。\"
\"Whatnow！Whatnow！\"ejaculatedHenry。\"Whatmadmanbethis？\"
\"Ibenomadman，YourMajesty。Neverdidbrainworkmoreclearlyortomorecertainends，\"repliedtheman。
\"Itmaydoubtlessbesomeruseofthecut-throathimself，\"criedDeMontfort。
\"Wherebetheknave？\"askedHenry。
\"HestandsnowwithinthispalaceandinhisarmsbeBertrade，daughterofMyLordEarlofLeicester。Evennowshedidbuttellhimthatshelovedhim。\"
\"Hold，\"criedDeMontfort。\"Holdfastthyfoultongue。Whatmeanestthoubyutteringsuchlies，andtomyveryface？\"
\"Theybenolies，SimondeMontfort。AnItelltheethatRogerdeCondeandNormanofTornbeoneandthesame，thouwiltknowthatIspeaknolie。\"
DeMontfortpaled。
\"Wherebethecravenwretch？\"hedemanded。
\"Come，\"saidthelittle，oldman。Andturning，heledfromthehall，closelyfollowedbyDeMontfort，theKing，PrincePhilipandtheothers。
\"Thouhadstbetterbringtwentyfightingmen——thou’ltneedthemalltotakeNormanofTorn，\"headvisedDeMontfort。Andsoastheypassedtheguardroom，thepartywasincreasedbytwentymen-at-arms。
ScarcelyhadBertradedeMontfortlefthimereNormanofTornheardthetrampingofmanyfeet。Theyseemedapproachingupthedimcorridorthatledtothelittledooroftheapartmentwherehestood。
Quickly，hemovedtotheoppositedoorand，standingwithhishanduponthelatch，waited。Yes，theywerecomingthatway，manyofthemandquicklyand，asheheardthempausewithout，hedrewasidethearrasandpushedopenthedoorbehindhim；backingintotheotherapartmentjustasSimondeMontfort，EarlofLeicester，burstintotheroomfromtheoppositeside。
Atthesameinstant，ascreamrangoutbehindNormanofTorn，and，turning，hefacedabrightlylightedroominwhichsatEleanor，QueenofEnglandandanotherEleanor，wifeofSimondeMontfort，withtheirladies。
Therewasnohidingnow，andnoescape；forrunhewouldnot，evenhadtherebeenwheretorun。Slowly，hebackedawayfromthedoortowardacornerwhere，withhisbackagainstawallandatableathisright，hemightdieashehadlived，fighting；forNormanofTornknewthathecouldhopefornoquarterfromthemenwhohadhimcorneredtherelikeagreatbearinatrap。
Withanarmyattheircall，itwereaneasythingtotakealoneman，eventhoughthatmanweretheDevilofTorn。
TheKingandDeMontforthadnowcrossedthesmallerapartmentandwerewithintheroomwheretheoutlawstoodatbay。
Atthefarside，thegroupofroyalandnoblewomenstoodhuddledtogether，whilebehindDeMontfortandtheKingpushedtwentygentlemenandasmanymen-at-arms。
\"Whatdostthouhere，NormanofTorn？\"criedDeMontfort，angrily。\"Wherebemydaughter，Bertrade？\"
\"Ibehere，MyLordEarl，toattendtomineownaffairs，\"repliedNormanofTorn，\"whichbetheaffairofnootherman。Astoyourdaughter：Iknownothingofherwhereabouts。WhatshouldshehavetodowiththeDevilofTorn，MyLord？\"
DeMontfortturnedtowardthelittlegrayman。
\"Helies，\"shoutedhe。\"Herkissesbeyetwetuponhislips。\"
NormanofTornlookedatthespeakerand，beneaththevisorthatwasnowpartlyraised，hesawthefeaturesofthemanwhom，fortwentyyears，hehadcalledfather。
Hehadneverexpectedlovefromthishardoldman，buttreacheryandharmfromhim？No，hecouldnotbelieveit。Oneofthemmusthavegonemad。
ButwhyFlory’sarmorandwherewasthefaithfulFlory？
\"Father！\"heejaculated，\"leadestthouthehatedEnglishKingagainstthineownson？\"
\"Thoubenosonofmine，NormanofTorn，\"retortedtheoldman。\"Thydaysofusefulnesstomebepast。Tonightthouservemebestswingingfromawoodengibbet。Takehim，MyLordEarl；theysaytherebeagoodstronggibbetinthecourtyardbelow。\"
\"Wiltsurrender，NormanofTorn？\"criedDeMontfort。
\"Yes，\"wasthereply，\"whenthisfloorbeankledeepinEnglishbloodandmyhearthasceasedtobeat，thenwillIsurrender。\"
\"Come，come，\"criedtheKing。\"Letyourmentakethedog，DeMontfort！\"
\"Haveathim，then，\"orderedtheEarl，turningtowardthewaitingmen-at-arms，noneofwhomseemedoverlyanxioustoadvanceuponthedoomedoutlaw。
Butanofficeroftheguardsetthemtheexample，andsotheypushedforwardinabodytowardNormanofTorn；twentybladesbaredagainstone。
TherewasnoplaynowfortheOutlawofTorn。Itwasgrimbattleandhisonlyhopethathemighttakeafearfultollofhisenemiesbeforehehimselfwentdown。
Andsohefoughtasheneverfoughtbefore，tokillasmanyandasquicklyashemight。Andtothosewhowatched，itwasasthoughtheyoungofficeroftheGuardhadnotcomewithinreachofthatterriblebladeerehelaydeaduponthefloor，andthenthepointofdeathpassedintothelungsofoneofthemen-at-arms，scarcelypausingereitpiercedtheheartofathird。
Thesoldiersfellbackmomentarily，awedbythefrightfulhavocofthatmightyarm。BeforeDeMontfortcouldurgethemontorenewtheattack，agirlishfigure。clothedinalongridingcloak。burstthroughthelittleknotofmenastheystoodfacingtheirloneantagonist。
Withalowcryofmingledrageandindignation，BertradedeMontfortthrewherselfbeforetheDevilofTorn，andfacingtheastonishedcompanyofking，prince，noblesandsoldiers，drewherselftoherfullheight，andwithalltheprideofraceandbloodthatwasherrightofheritagefromaFrenchkingonherfather’ssideandanEnglishkingonhermother’s，sheflashedherdefianceandcontemptinthesingleword：
\"Cowards！\"
\"Whatmeansthis，girl？\"demandedDeMontfort，\"Artgonestarkmad？KnowthouthatthisfellowbetheOutlawofTorn？\"
\"IfIhadnotbeforeknownit，MyLord，\"sherepliedhaughtily，\"itwouldbeplaintomenowasIseefortycowardshesitatingtoattackaloneman。
WhatothermaninallEnglandcouldstandthusagainstforty？Alionatbaywithfortyjackalsyelpingathisfeet。\"
\"Enough，girl，\"criedtheKing，\"whatbethisknavetothee？\"
\"Helovesme，YourMajesty，\"sherepliedproudly，\"andI，him。\"
\"Thoulov’stthislow-borncut-throat，Bertrade，\"criedHenry。\"Thou，aDeMontfort，thedaughterofmysister；whohaveseenthismurderer’saccursedmarkupontheforeheadsofthykin；thouhaveseenhimflaunthisdefianceintheKing’s，thyuncle’s，face，andbendhiswholelifetopreyinguponthypeople；thoulov’stthismonster？\"
\"Ilovehim，MyLordKing。\"
\"Thoulov’sthim，Bertrade？\"askedPhilipofFranceinalowtone，pressingnearertothegirl。
\"Yes，Philip，\"shesaid，alittlenoteofsadnessandfinalityinhervoice；buthereyesmethissquarelyandbravely。
Instantly，theswordoftheyoungPrinceleapedfromitsscabbard，andfacingDeMontfortandtheothers，hebackedtothesideofNormanofTorn。
\"Thatsheloveshimbeenoughformetoknow，mygentlemen，\"hesaid。\"WhotakesthemanBertradedeMontfortlovesmusttakePhilipofFranceaswell。\"
NormanofTornlaidhislefthandupontheother’sshoulder。
\"No，thoumustnotdothisthing，myfriend，\"hesaid。\"ItbemyfightandIwillfightitalone。Go，Ibegofthee，andtakeherwiththee，outofharm’sway。\"
Astheyargued，SimondeMontfortandtheKinghadspokentogether，and，atawordfromtheformer，thesoldiersrushedsuddenlytotheattackagain。
Itwasacowardlystrategem，fortheyknewthatthetwocouldnotfightwiththegirlbetweenthemandtheiradversaries。Andthus，byweightofnumbers，theytookBertradedeMontfortandthePrinceawayfromNormanofTornwithoutablowbeingstruck，andthenthelittle，grim，gray，oldmansteppedforward。
\"TherebebutoneswordinallEngland，nayinalltheworldthatcan，alone，takeNormanofTorn，\"hesaid，addressingtheKing，\"andthatswordbemine。Keepthycattleback，outofmyway。\"And，withoutwaitingforareply，thegrim，graymansprangintoengagehimwhomfortwentyyearshehadcalledson。
NormanofTorncameoutofhiscornertomeethisnew-foundenemy，andthere，intheapartmentoftheQueenofEnglandinthecastleofBattel，wasfoughtsuchaduelasnomantherehadeverseenbefore，norisitcrediblethatitslikewaseverfoughtbeforeorsince。
Theworld’stwogreatestswordsmen：teacherandpupil——theonewiththestrengthofayoungbull，theotherwiththecunningofanoldgrayfox，andbothwithalifetimeoftrainingbehindthem，andthelustofbloodandhatebeforethem——thrustandparriedandcutuntilthosethatgazedawestrickenuponthemarvellousswordplayscarcelybreathedinthetensityoftheirwonder。
Backandforthabouttheroomtheymoved，whilethosewhohadcometokillpressedbacktomakeroomforthecontestants。Nowwastheyoungmanforcinghisolderfoemanmoreandmoreuponthedefensive。Slowly，butassureasdeath，hewaswinningevernearerandnearertovictory。Theoldmansawittoo。Hehaddevotedyearsofhislifetotrainingthatmightyswordarmthatitmightdealoutdeathtoothers，andnow——ah！Thegrimjusticeoftheretributionhe，atlast，wastofallbeforeitsdiabolicalcunning。
HecouldnotwininfairfightagainstNormanofTorn；thatthewilyFrenchmansaw；butnowthatdeathwassocloseuponhimthathefeltitscoldbreathcondensingonhisbrow，hehadnostomachtodie，andsohecastaboutforanymeanswherebyhemightescapetheresultofhisrashventure。
Presentlyhesawhisopportunity。NormanofTornstoodbesidethebodyofoneofhisearlierantagonists。Slowlytheoldmanworkedarounduntilthebodylaydirectlybehindtheoutlaw，andthenwithafinalrallyandonegreatlastburstofsupremeswordsmanship，herushedNormanofTornbackforabarestep——itwasenough。Theoutlaw’sfootstrucktheprostratecorpse；hestaggered，andforonebriefinstanthisswordarmrose，eversolittle，ashestrovetoretainhisequilibrium；butthatlittlewasenough。Itwaswhatthegrayoldsnakehadexpected，andhewasready。
Likelightning，hisswordshotthroughtheopening，and，forthefirsttimeinhislifeofcontinualcombatanddeath，NormanofTornfeltcoldsteeltearhisflesh。Buterehefell，hisswordrespondedtothelastfiercecommandofthatironwill，andashisbodysanklimplytothefloor，rollingwithoutstretchedarms，uponitsback，thelittle，grim，graymanwentdownalso，clutchingfranticallyatagleamingbladeburiedinhischest。
Foraninstant，thewatchersstoodasthoughpetrified，andthenBertradedeMontfort，tearingherselffromtherestraininghandofherfather，rushedtothesideofthelifelessbodyofthemansheloved。Kneelingtherebesidehimshecalledhisnamealoud，assheunlacedhishelm。
Tearingthesteelheadgearfromhim，shecaressedhisface，kissingthewhiteforeheadandthestilllips。
\"OhGod！OhGod！\"shemurmured。\"Whyhastthoutakenhim？Outlawthoughhewas，inhislittlefingerwasmoreofhonor，ofchivalry，oftruemanhoodthancoursesthroughtheveinsofallthenoblesofEngland。
\"Idonotwonderthathepreyeduponyou，\"shecried，turningupontheknightsbehindher。\"Hislifewasclean，thineberotten；hewasloyaltohisfriendsandtothedowntrodden，yebetraitorsatheart，all；andeverbeyetramplinguponthosewhobedownthattheymaysinkdeeperintothemud。MonDieu！HowIhateyou，\"shefinished。Andasshespokethewords，BertradedeMontfortlookedstraightintotheeyesofherfather。
TheoldEarlturnedhishead，forathearthewasabrave，broad，kindlyman，andheregrettedwhathehaddoneinthehasteandheatofanger。
\"Come，child，\"saidtheKing，\"thouartdistraught；thousayestwhatthoumeannot。Theworldisbetterthatthismanbedead。Hewasanenemyoforganizedsociety，hepreyedeveruponhisfellows。LifeinEnglandwillbesaferafterthisday。Donotweepovertheclayofanamelessadventurerwhoknewnothisownfather。\"
Someonehadliftedthelittle，grim，gray，oldmantoasittingposture。
Hewasnotdead。Occasionallyhecoughed，andwhenhedid，hisframewasrackedwithsuffering，andbloodflowedfromhismouthandnostrils。
Atlasttheysawthathewastryingtospeak。WeaklyhemotionedtowardtheKing。Henrycametowardhim。
\"Thouhastwonthysovereign’sgratitude，myman，\"saidtheKing，kindly。
\"Whatbethyname？\"
Theoldfellowtriedtospeak，buttheeffortbroughtonanotherparoxysmofcoughing。Atlasthemanagedtowhisper。
\"Look——at——me。Dostthou——not——rememberme？The——-foils——
the——blow——twenty-long-years。Thou——spat——upon——-me。\"
Henrykneltandpeeredintothedyingface。
\"DeVac！\"heexclaimed。
Theoldmannodded。ThenhepointedtowherelayNormanofTorn。
\"Outlaw——highwayman——scourge——of——England。Look——-upon——his——
face。Open——histunic——left——breast。\"
Hestoppedfromveryweakness，andtheninanothermoment，withafinaleffort：\"De——Vac’s——revenge。God——damn——the——-English，\"andslippedforwardupontherushes，dead。
TheKinghadheard，andDeMontfortandtheQueen。Theystoodlookingintoeachother’seyeswithastrangefixity，forwhatseemedaneternity，beforeanydaredtomove；andthen，asthoughtheyfearedwhattheyshouldsee，theybentovertheformoftheOutlawofTornforthefirsttime。
TheQueengavealittlecryasshesawthestill，quietfaceturneduptohers。
\"Edward！\"shewhispered。
\"NotEdward，Madame，\"saidDeMontfort，\"but——\"
TheKingkneltbesidethestillform，acrossthebreastofwhichlaytheunconsciousbodyofBertradedeMontfort。Gently，heliftedhertothewaitingarmsofPhilipofFrance，andthentheKing，withhisownhands，toreofftheshirtofmail，andwithtremblingfingersrippedwidethetunicwhereitcoveredtheleftbreastoftheDevilofTorn。
\"OhGod！\"hecried，andburiedhisheadinhisarms。
TheQueenhadseenalso，andwithalittlemoanshesankbesidethebodyofhersecondborn，cryingout：
\"OhRichard，myboy，myboy！\"Andasshebentstilllowertokissthelilymarkupontheleftbreastofthesonshehadnotseentoknowforovertwentyyears，shepaused，andwithfrantichasteshepressedhereartohisbreast。
\"Helives！\"shealmostshrieked。\"Quick，Henry，oursonlives！\"
BertradedeMontforthadregainedconsciousnessalmostbeforePhilipofFrancehadraisedherfromthefloor，andshestoodnow，leaningonhisarm，watchingwithwide，questioningeyesthestrangescenebeingenactedatherfeet。
Slowly，thelidsofNormanofTornliftedwithreturningconsciousness。
Beforehim，onherkneesinthebloodspatteredrushesofthefloor，kneltEleanor，QueenofEngland，alternatelychafingandkissinghishands。
Asorewoundindeedtohavebroughtonsuchawilddelirium，thoughttheOutlawofTorn。
Hefelthisbody，inahalfsitting，halfrecliningposition，restingagainstonewhokneltbehindhim，andasheliftedhisheadtoseewhomitmightbesupportinghim，helookedintotheeyesoftheKing，uponwhosebreasthisheadrested。
Strangevagariesofadisorderedbrain！YesitmusthavebeenaveryterriblewoundthatthelittleoldmanofTornhadgivenhim；butwhycouldhenotdreamthatBertradedeMontfortheldhim？Andthenhiseyeswanderedaboutamongthethrongofladies，noblesandsoldiersstandinguncoveredandwithbowedheadsabouthim。Presentlyhefoundher。
\"Bertrade！\"hewhispered。
Thegirlcameandkneltbesidehim，oppositetheQueen。
\"Bertrade，tellmethouartreal；thatthouatleastbenodream。\"
\"Ibeveryreal，dearheart，\"sheanswered，\"andtheseothersbereal，also。Whenthouartstronger，thoushaltunderstandthestrangethingthathashappened。Thesewhowertthineenemies，NormanofTorn，bethybestfriendsnow——thatthoushouldknow，sothatthoumayrestinpeaceuntilthoubebetter。\"
Hegropedforherhand，and，findingit，closedhiseyeswithafaintsigh。
TheyborehimtoacotinanapartmentnexttheQueen’s，andallthatnightthemotherandthepromisedwifeoftheOutlawofTornsatbathinghisfeveredforehead。TheKing’schirurgeonwastherealso，whiletheKingandDeMontfortpacedthecorridorwithout。
Anditiseverthus；whetherinhovelorpalace；inthedaysofMoses，orinthedaysthatbeours；thelambthathasbeenlostandisfoundagainbealwaysthebestbeloved。
Towardmorning，NormanofTornfellintoaquietandnaturalsleep；thefeveranddeliriumhadsuccumbedbeforehisperfecthealthandironconstitution。ThechirurgeonturnedtotheQueenandBertradedeMontfort。
\"Youhadbestretire，ladies，\"hesaid，\"andrest。ThePrincewilllive。\"
Latethatafternoonheawoke，andnoamountofpersuasionorcommandsonthepartoftheKing’schirurgeoncouldrestrainhimfromarising。
\"Ibeseechtheetoliequiet，MyLordPrince，\"urgedthechirurgeon。
\"Whycallthoumeprince？\"askedNormanofTorn。
\"Therebeonewithoutwhoserightitbetoexplainthattothee，\"repliedthechirurgeon，\"andwhenthoubeclothed，ifrisethouwilt，thoumaystseeher，MyLord。\"
Thechirurgeonaidedhimtodressand，openingthedoor，hespoketoasentrywhostoodjustwithout。Thesentrytransmittedthemessagetoayoungsquirewhowaswaitingthere，andpresentlythedoorwasthrownopenagainfromwithout，andavoiceannounced：
\"HerMajesty，theQueen！\"
NormanofTornlookedupinunfeignedsurprise，andthentherecamebacktohimthesceneintheQueen’sapartmentthenightbefore。Itwasallasoreperplexitytohim；hecouldnotfathomit，nordidheattemptto。
Andnow，asinadream，hesawtheQueenofEnglandcomingtowardhimacrossthesmallroom，herarmsoutstretched；herbeautifulfaceradiantwithhappinessandlove。
\"Richard，myson！\"exclaimedEleanor，comingtohimandtakinghisfaceinherhandsandkissinghim。
\"Madame！\"exclaimedthesurprisedman。\"Bealltheworldgonecrazy？\"
AndthenshetoldhimthestrangestoryofthelittlelostprinceofEngland。
Whenshehadfinished，hekneltatherfeet，takingherhandinhisandraisingittohislips。
\"Ididnotknow，Madame，\"hesaid，\"orneverwouldmyswordhavebeenbaredinotherservicethanthine。Ifthoucanstforgiveme，Madame，nevercanI
forgivemyself。\"
\"Takeitnotsohard，myson，\"saidEleanorofEngland。\"Itbenofaultofthine，andtherebenothingtoforgive；onlyhappinessandrejoicingshouldwefeel，nowthatthoubefoundagain。\"
\"Forgiveness！\"saidaman’svoicebehindthem。\"Forsooth，itbewethatshouldaskforgiveness；huntingdownourownsonwithswordsandhalters。
\"Anybutafoolmighthaveknownthatitwasnobase-bornknavewhosenttheKing’sarmyback，naked，totheKing，andrammedtheKing’smessagedownhismessenger’sthroat。
\"Byallthesaints，Richard，thoubeeveryinchaKing’sson，an’thoughwemadesourfacesatthetime，webealltheprouderoftheenow。\"
TheQueenandtheoutlawhadturnedatthefirstwordstoseetheKingstandingbehindthem，andnowNormanofTornrose，halfsmiling，andgreetedhisfather。
\"Theybesorryjokes，Sire，\"hesaid。\"MethinksithadbeenbetterhadRichardremainedlost。ItwilldothehonorofthePlantagenetsbutlittlegoodtoacknowledgetheOutlawofTornasaprinceoftheblood。\"
Buttheywouldnothaveitso，anditremainedforalaterKingofEnglandtowipethegreatnamefromthepagesofhistory——perhapsajealousking。
PresentlytheKingandQueen，addingtheirpleastothoseofthechirurgeon，prevaileduponhimtoliedownoncemore，andwhenhehaddonesotheylefthim，thathemightsleepagain；butnosoonerhadthedoorclosedbehindthemthanhearoseandlefttheapartmentbyanotherexit。
Itwasbychancethat，inadeepsetwindow，hefoundherforwhomhewassearching。Shesatlookingwistfullyintospace，anexpressionhalfsaduponherbeautifulface。Shedidnotseehimasheapproached，andhestoodthereforseveralmomentswatchingherdearprofile，andtherisingandfallingofherbosomoverthattrueandloyalheartthathadbeatensoproudlyagainstallthepowerofamightythroneforthedespisedOutlawofTorn。
Hedidnotspeak，butpresentlythatstrange，subtlesixthsensewhichwarnsusthatwearenotalone，thoughoureyesseenotnorourearshear，causedhertoturn。
Withalittlecryshearose，andthen，curtsyinglowafterthemannerofthecourt，said：
\"WhatwouldMyLordRichard，PrinceofEngland，ofhispoorsubject？\"Andthen，moregravely，\"MyLord，Ihavebeenraisedatcourt，andIunderstandthataprincedoesnotwedrashly，andsoletusforgetwhatpassedbetweenBertradedeMontfortandNormanofTorn。\"
\"PrinceRichardofEnglandwillinnowisedisturbroyalprecedents，\"hereplied，\"forhewillwednotrashly，butmostwisely，sincehewillwednonebutBertradedeMontfort。\"AndhewhohadbeentheOutlawofTorntookthefairyounggirlinhisarms，adding：\"Ifshestilllovesme，nowthatI
beaprince？\"
Sheputherarmsabouthisneck，anddrewhischeekdownclosetohers。
\"ItwasnottheoutlawthatIloved，Richard，norbeittheprinceIlovenow；itbeallthesametome，princeorhighwayman——itbetheeIlove，dearheart——justthee。\"