第5章

Againandagainhehadbroughtruintoahousehold，againandagainhisadroittongueandhiscunningwithadinsomefashionsavedhimfromthepunishmentofhisdeeds。Hisfamilywasgreatinthecounty，andhiskinsmenheldfavorwiththeKing，sothathisneighborsfearedtopushthingstoofaragainsthim。Suchwastheman，malignantandravenous，whohadstoopedlikesomefoulnight-hawkandborneawaytohisevilnestthegoldenbeautyofCosford。Nigelsaidlittleashelistened，butheraisedhishunting-daggertohistightenedlips，andthricehekissedthecrossofitshandle。

TheyhadpassedoverthemoorsandthroughthevillageofMilfordandthelittletownshipofGodalming，untiltheirpathturnedsouthwardoverthePeasemarshandcrossedthemeadowsofShalford。Thereonthedarkhillsideglowedtheredpointsoflightwhichmarkedthewindowsofthehousewhichtheysought。A

somberarchedavenueofoak-treesleduptoit，andthentheywereinthemoon-silveredclearinginfront。

>Fromtheshadowofthearcheddoortheresprangtworoughserving-men，beardedandgruff，greatcudgelsintheirhands，toaskthemwhotheywereandwhattheirerrand。TheLadyMaryhadslippedfromherhorseandwasadvancingtothedoor，buttheyrudelybarredherway。

“Nay，nay，ourmasterneedsnomore！”criedone，withahoarselaugh。”Standback，mistress，whoeveryoube！，Thehouseisshut，andourlordseesnogueststo-night。”

“Fellow，“saidNigel，speakinglowandclear，“standbackfromus！

Ourerrandiswithyourmaster。”

“Bethinkyou，mychildren，“criedtheoldpriest，“woulditnotbebestperchance，thatIgointohimandseewhetherthevoiceoftheChurchmaynotsoftenthishardheart？，Ifearbloodshedifyouenter。”

“Nay，father，Iprayyoutostayhereforthenonce，“saidNigel。

“Andyou，Mary，doyoubidewiththegoodpriest，forweknownotwhatmaybewithin。”

Againheturnedtothedoor，andagainthetwomenbarredhispassage。

“Standback，Isay，backforyourlives！”saidNigel。”BySaintPaul！，Ishouldthinkitshametosoilmyswordwithsuchasyou，butmysoulisset，andnomanshallbarmypaththisnight。”

Themenshrankfromthedeadlymenaceofthatgentlevoice。

“Hold！”saidoneofthem，peeringthroughthedarkness，“isitnotSquireLoringofTilford？，“

“Thatisindeedmyname。”

“HadyouspokenitIforonewouldnothavestoppedyourway。Putdownyourstaff，Wat，forthisisnostranger，buttheSquireofTilford。”

“Aswellforhim，“grumbledtheother，loweringhiscudgelwithaninwardprayerofthanksgiving。”HaditbeenotherwiseIshouldhavehadblooduponmysoultonight。Butourmastersaidnothingofneighborswhenheorderedustoholdthedoor。Iwillenterandaskhimwhatishiswill。”

ButalreadyNigelwaspastthemandhadpushedopentheouterdoor。Swiftashewas，theLadyMarywasathisveryheels，andthetwopassedtogetherintothehallbeyond。

Itwasagreatroom，drapedandcurtainedwithblackshadows，withonevividcircleoflightinthecenter，wheretwooillampsshoneuponasmalltable。Amealwaslaiduponthetable，butonlytwowereseatedatit，andtherewerenoservantsintheroom。AtthenearendwasEdith，hergoldenhairlooseandstreamingdownoverthescarletandblackofherriding-dress。

Atthefartherendthelightbeatstronglyupontheharshfaceandthehigh-drawnmisshapenshouldersofthelordofthehouse。A

tangleofblackhairsurmountedahighroundedforehead，theforeheadofathinker，withtwodeep-setcoldgrayeyestwinklingsharplyfromundertuftedbrows。Hisnosewascurvedandsharp，likethebeakofsomecruelbird，butbelowthewholeofhisclean-shavenpowerfulfacewasmarredbythelooseslabbingmouthandtheroundfoldsoftheheavychin。Hisknifeinonehandandahalf-gnawedboneintheother，helookedfiercelyup，likesomebeastdisturbedinhisden，asthetwointrudersbrokeinuponhishall。

Nigelstoppedmidwaybetweenthedoorandthetable。HiseyesandthoseofPauldelaFossewereriveteduponeachother。ButMary，withherwoman’ssoulfloodedoverwithloveandpity，hadrushedforwardandcastherarmsroundheryoungersister。Edithhadsprungupfromherchair，andwithavertedfacetriedtopushtheotherawayfromher。

“Edith，Edith！，BytheVirgin，Iimploreyoutocomebackwithus，andtoleavethiswickedman！”criedMary。”Dearsister，youwouldnotbreakourfather’sheart，norbringhisgrayheadindishonortothegrave！，ComebackEdith，comebackandalliswell。”

ButEdithpushedheraway，andherfaircheekswereflushedwithheranger。”Whatrighthaveyouoverme，Mary，youwhoarebuttwoyearsolder，thatyoushouldfollowmeoverthecountry-sideasthoughIwerearunagatevillainandyoumymistress？，Doyouyourselfgoback，andleavemetodothatwhichseemsbestinmyowneyes。”

ButMarystillheldherinherarms，andstillstrovetosoftenthehardandangryheart。”Ourmotherisdead，Edith。IthankGodthatshediedereshesawyouunderthisroof！，ButIstandforher，asIhavedoneallmylife，sinceIamindeedyourelder。

ItiswithhervoicethatIbegandprayyouthatyouwillnottrustthismanfurther，andthatyouwillcomebackereitbetoolate！”

Edithwrithedfromhergrasp，andstoodflushedanddefiant，withgleaming，angryeyesfixeduponhersister。”Youmayspeakevilofhimnow，“saidshe，“buttherewasatimewhenPauldelaFossecametoCosford，andwhosogentleandsoft-spokentohimthenaswise，grave，sisterMary？，Buthehaslearnedtoloveanother;sonowheisthewickedman，anditisshametobeseenunderhisroof！，FromwhatIseeofmygoodpioussisterandhercavalieritissinforanothertorideatnightwithamanatyourside，butitcomeseasyenoughtoyou。Lookatyourowneye，goodsister，ereyouwouldtakethespeckfromthatofanother。”

Marystoodirresoluteandgreatlytroubled，holdingdownherprideandheranger，butuncertainhowbesttodealwiththisstrongwaywardspirit。

“Itisnotatimeforbitterwords，dearsister，“saidshe，andagainshelaidherhanduponhersister’ssleeve。”Allthatyousaymaybetrue。Therewasindeedatimewhenthismanwasfriendtousboth，andIknowevenasyoudothepowerwhichhemayhavetowinawoman’sheart。ButIknowhimnow，andyoudonot。I

knowtheevilthathehaswrought，thedishonorthathehasbrought，theperjurythatliesuponhissoul，theconfidencebetrayed，thepromiseunfulfilled-allthisIknow。AmItoseemyownsistercaughtinthesamewell-usedtrap？，Hasitshutuponyou，child？，AmIindeedalreadytoolate？，ForGod’ssake，tellme，Edith，thatitisnotso？”

Edithpluckedhersleevefromhersisterandmadetwoswiftstepstotheheadofthetable。PauldelaFossestillsatsilentwithhiseyesuponNigel。Edithlaidherhanduponhisshoulder：“ThisisthemanIlove，andtheonlymanthatIhaveeverloved。Thisismyhusband，“saidshe。

AtthewordMarygaveacryofjoy。

“Andisitso？”shecried。”Nay，thenallisinhonor，andGodwillseetotherest。Ifyouaremanandwifebeforethealtar，thenindeedwhyshouldI，oranyother，standbetweenyou？，Tellmethatitisindeedso，andIreturnthismomenttomakeyourfatherahappyman。”

Edithpoutedlikeanaughtychild。”WearemanandwifeintheeyesofGod。Soonalsoweshallbeweddedbeforealltheworld。

WedobutwaituntilnextMondaywhenPaul’sbrother，whoisapriestatSt。Albans，willcometowedus。Alreadyamessengerhasspedforhim，andhewillcome，willhenot，dearlove？”

“Hewillcome，“saidthemasterofShalford，stillwithhiseyesfixeduponthesilentNigel。

“Itisalie;hewillnotcome，“saidavoicefromthedoor。

Itwastheoldpriest，whohadfollowedtheothersasfarasthethreshold。

“Hewillnotcome，“herepeatedasheadvancedintotheroom。

“Daughter，mydaughter，hearkentothewordsofonewhoisindeedoldenoughtobeyourearthlyfather。Thisliehasservedbefore。

Hehasruinedothersbeforeyouwithit。ThemanhasnobrotheratSaintAlbans。Iknowhisbrotherswell，andthereisnopriestamongthem。BeforeMonday，whenitisalltoolate，youwillhavefoundthetruthasothershavedonebeforeyou。Trusthimnot，butcomewithus！”

PauldelaFosselookedupatherwithaquicksmileandpattedthehanduponhisshoulder。

“Doyouspeaktothem，Edith，“saidhe。

Hereyesflashedwithscornasshesurveyedthemeachinturn，thewoman，theyouthandthepriest。

“Ihavebutonewordtosaytothem，“saidshe。”Itisthattheygohenceandtroubleusnomore。AmInotafreewoman？，HaveI

notsaidthatthisistheonlymanIeverloved？，Ihavelovedhimlong。Hedidnotknowit，andindespairheturnedtoanother。

Nowheknowsallandneveragaincandoubtcomebetweenus。

ThereforeIwillstayhereatShalfordandcometoCosfordnomoresaveuponthearmofmyhusband。AmIsoweakthatIwouldbelievethetalesyoutellagainsthim？，Isithardforajealouswomanandawanderingpriesttoagreeuponalie？，No，no，Mary，youcangohenceandtakeyourcavalierandyourpriestwithyou，forhereIstay，truetomyloveandsafeinmytrustuponhishonor！”

“Wellspoken，onmyfaith，mygoldenbird！”saidthelittlemasterofShalford。”Letmeaddmyownwordtothatwhichhasbeensaid。

Youwouldnotgrantmeanyvirtueinyourunkindlyspeech，goodLadyMary，andyetyoumustneedsconfessthatatleastIhavegoodstoreofpatience，sinceIhavenotsetmydogsuponyourfriendswhohavecomebetweenmeandmyease。Buteventothemostvirtuoustherecomesatlastatimewhenpoorhumanfrailtymayprevail，andsoIprayyoutoremovebothyourself，yourpriestandyourvaliantknighterrant，lestperhapstherebemorehasteandlessdignitywhenatlastyoudotakeyourleave。Sitdown，myfairlove，andletusturnoncemoretooursupper。”Hemotionedhertoherchair，andhefilledherwine-cupaswellashisown。

Nigelhadsaidnowordsincehehadenteredtheroom，buthislookhadneverlostitssetpurpose，norhadhisbroodingeyeseverwanderedfromthesneeringfaceofthedeformedmasterofShalford。NowheturnedwithswiftdecisiontoMaryandtothepriest。

“Thatisover，“saidheinalowvoice。”Youhavedoneallthatyoucould，andnowitisformetoplaymypartaswellasIamable。Iprayyou，Mary，andyou，goodfather，thatyouwillawaitmeoutside。”

“Nay，Nigel，ifthereisdanger-“

“Itiseasierforme，Mary，ifyouarenotthere。Iprayyoutogo。Icanspeaktothismanmoreatmyease。”

Shelookedathimwithquestioningeyesandthenobeyed。

Nigelpluckedatthepriest’sgown。

“Iprayyou，father，haveyouyourbookofofficeswithyou？”

“Surely，Nigel，itiseverinmybreast。”

“Haveitready，father！”

“Forwhat，myson？”

“Therearetwoplacesyoumaymark;thereistheserviceofmarriageandthereistheprayerforthedying。Gowithher，father，andbereadyatmycall。”

Heclosedthedoorbehindthemandwasalonewiththisill-matchedcouple。Theybothturnedintheirchairstolookathim，Edithwithadefiantface，themanwithabittersmileuponhislipsandmalignanthatredinhiseyes。

“What，“saidhe，“theknighterrantstilllingers？，Havewenotheardofhisthirstforglory？，Whatnewventuredoesheseethatheshouldtarryhere？”

Nigelwalkedtothetable。

“Thereisnogloryandlittleventure，“saidhe;“butIhavecomeforapurposeandImustdoit。Ilearnfromyourownlips，Edith，thatyouwillnotleavethisman。”

“Ifyouhaveearsyouhaveheardit。”

“Youare，asyouhavesaid，afreewoman，andwhocangainsayyou？

ButIhaveknownyou，Edith，sinceweplayedasboyandgirlontheheather-hillstogether。Iwillsaveyoufromthisman’scunningandfromyourownfoolishweakness。”

“Whatwouldyoudo？”

“Thereisapriestwithout。Hewillmarryyounow。IwillseeyoumarriedereIleavethishall。”

“Orelse？”sneeredtheman。

“Orelseyouneverleavethishallalive。Nay，callnotforyourservantsoryourdogs！，BySaintPaul！，Isweartoyouthatthismatterliesbetweenusthree，andthatifanyfourthcomesatyourcallyou，atleast，shallneverlivetoseewhatcomesofit！

Speakthen，PaulofShalford！，Willyouwedthiswomannow，orwillyounot？”

Edithwasonherfeetwithoutstretchedarmsbetweenthem。”Standback，Nigel！，Heissmallandweak。Youwouldnotdohimahurt！

Didyounotsaysothisveryday？，ForGod’ssake，Nigel，donotlookathimso！，Thereisdeathinyoureyes。”

“Asnakemaybesmallandweak，Edith，yeteveryhonestmanwouldplacehisheeluponit。Doyoustandbackyourself，formypurposeisset。”

“Paul！”sheturnedhereyestothepalesneeringface。”Bethinkyou，Paul！，Whyshouldyounotdowhatheasks？，WhatmattertoyouwhetheritbenoworonMonday？，Iprayyou，dearPaul，formysakelethimhavehisway！，Yourbrothercanreadtheserviceagainifitsopleasehim。Letuswednow，Paul，andthenalliswell。”

Hehadrisenfromhischair，andhedashedasideherappealinghands。”Youfoolishwoman，“hesnarled，“andyou，mysavioroffairdamsels，whoaresoboldagainstacripple，youhavebothtolearnthatifmybodybeweakthereisthesoulofmybreedwithinit！，Tomarrybecauseaboasting，ranting，countrySquirewouldhavemedoso-no，bythesoulofGod，Iwilldiefirst！，OnMondayIwillmarry，andnodaysooner，soletthatbeyouranswer。”

“ItistheanswerthatIwished，“saidNigel，“forindeedIseenohappinessinthismarriage，andtheothermaywellbethebetterway。Standaside，Edith！”Hegentlyforcedhertoonesideanddrewhissword。

DelaFossecriedaloudatthesight。”Ihavenosword。Youwouldnotmurderme？”saidhe，leaningbackwithhaggard-faceandburningeyesagainsthischair。Thebrightsteelshoneinthelamp-light。Edithshrankback，herhandoverherface。

“Takethissword！”saidNigel，andheturnedthehilttothecripple。”Now！”headded，ashedrewhishuntingknife。”Killmeifyoucan，PauldelaFosse，forasGodismyhelpIwilldoasmuchforyou！”

Thewoman，halfswooningandyetspellboundandfascinated，lookedonatthatstrangecombat。Foramomentthecripplestoodwithanairofdoubt，theswordgraspedinhisnervelessfingers。ThenashesawthetinybladeinNigel’shandthegreatnessoftheadvantagecamehometohim，andacruelsmiletightenedhislooselips。Slowly，stepbystepheadvanced，hischinsunkuponhischest，hiseyesglaringfromunderthethicktangleofhisbrowslikefiresthroughthebrushwood。Nigelwaitedforhim，hislefthandforward，hisknifedownbyhiship，hisfacegrave，stillandwatchful。

Nearerandneareryet，withstealthystep，andthenwithaboundandacryofhatredandragePauldelaFossehadspedhisblow。

Itwaswelljudgedandwellswung，butpointwouldhavebeenwiserthanedgeagainstthatsupplebodyandthoseactivefeet。Quickasaflash，Nigelhadsprunginsidethesweepoftheblade，takingafleshwoundonhisleftforearm，ashepresseditunderthehilt。ThenextinstantthecripplewasonthegroundandNigel’sdaggerwasathisthroat。

“Youdog！”hewhispered。”Ihaveyouatmymercy！，QuickereI

strike，andforthelasttime！，Willyoumarryorno？”

Thecrashofthefallandthesharppointuponhisthroathadcowedtheman’sspirit。Helookedupwithawhitefaceandthesweatgleameduponhisforehead。Therewasterrorinhiseyes。

“Nay，takeyourknifefromme！”hecried。”Icannotdielikeacalfintheshambles。”

“Willyoumarry？”

“Yes，yes，Iwillwedher！，AfterallsheisagoodwenchandI

mightdoworse。Letmeup！，ItellyouIwillmarryher！，Whatmorewouldyouhave？”

Nigelstoodabovehimwithhisfootuponhismisshapenbody。Hehadpickeduphissword，andthepointresteduponthecripple’sbreast。

“Nay，youwillbidewhereyouare！，Ifyouaretolive-andmyconsciencecriesloudagainstit-atleastyourweddingwillbesuchasyoursinshavedeserved。Liethere，likethecrushedwormthatyouare！”Thenheraisedhisvoice。”FatherAthanasius！”hecried。”Whatho！，FatherAthanasius！”

Theoldpriestrantothecry，andsodidtheLadyMary。A

strangesightitwasthatmetthemnowinthecircleoflight，thefrightenedgirl，half-unconsciousagainstthetable，theprostratecripple，andNigelwithfootandsworduponhisbody。

“Yourbook，father！”criedNigel。”Iknownotifwhatwedoisgoodorill;butwemustwedthem，forthereisnowayout。”

Butthegirlbythetablehadgivenagreatcry，andshewasclingingandsobbingwithherarmsroundhersister’sneck。

“Oh，Mary，IthanktheVirginthatyouhavecome！，IthanktheVirginthatitisnottoolate！，Whatdidhesay？，HesaidthathewasadelaFosseandthathewouldnotbemarriedatthesword-point。Myheartwentouttohimwhenhesaidit。ButI，amInotaButtesthorn，andshallitbesaidthatIwouldmarryamanwhocouldbeledtothealtarwithaknifeathisthroat？，No，no，Iseehimasheis！，Iknowhimnow，themeanspirit，thelyingtongue！，CanInotreadinhiseyesthathehasindeeddeceivedme，thathewouldhaveleftmeasyousaythathehasleftothers？

Takemehome，Mary，mysister，foryouhavepluckedmebackthisnightfromtheverymouthofHell！”

AndsoitwasthatthemasterofShalford，lividandbrooding，wasleftwithhiswineathislonelytable，whilethegoldenbeautyofCosford，hotwithshameandanger，herfairfacewetwithtears，passedoutsafefromthehouseofinfamyintothegreatcalmandpeaceofthestarrynight。

XIII。HOWTHECOMRADESJOURNEYEDDOWNTHEOLD，OLDROAD

AndnowtheseasonofthemoonlessnightswasdrawingnighandtheKing’sdesignwasripe。Verysecretlyhispreparationsweremade。

AlreadythegarrisonofCalais，whichconsistedoffivehundredarchersandtwohundredmen-at-arms，could，ifforewarned，resistanyattackmadeuponit。ButitwastheKing’sdesignnotmerelytoresisttheattack，buttocapturetheattackers。AboveallitwashiswishtofindtheoccasionforoneofthoseadventurouspassagesofarmswhichhadmadehisnamefamousthroughoutChristendomastheverypatternandleaderofknight-errantchivalry。

Buttheaffairwantedcarefulhandling。Thearrivalofany，reinforcements，oreventhecrossingofanyfamoussoldier，wouldhavealarmedtheFrenchandwarnedthemthattheirplothadbeendiscovered。ThereforeitwasintwosandthreesinthecreyersandprovisionshipswhichwerecontinuallypassingfromshoretoshorethatthechosenwarriorsandtheirsquireswerebroughttoCalais。Theretheywerepassedatnightthroughthewater-gateintothecastlewheretheycouldliehidden，unknowntothetownsfolk，untilthehourforactionhadcome。

NigelhadreceivedwordfromChandostojoinhimat“TheSignoftheBroom-Pod“inWinchelsea。ThreedaysbeforehandheandAylwardrodefromTilfordallarmedandreadyforthewars。Nigelwasinhunting-costume，blitheandgay，withhispreciousarmorandhissmallbaggagetrusseduponthebackofasparehorsewhichAylwardledbythebridle。Thearcherhadhimselfagoodblackmare，heavyandslow，butstrongenoughtobefittocarryhispowerfulframe。Inhisbrigandineofchainmailandhissteelcap，withstraightstrongswordbyhisside，hisyellowlong-bowjuttingoverhisshoulder，andhisquiverofarrowssupportedbyascarletbaldric，hewassuchawarriorasanyknightmightwellbeproudtohaveinhistrain。AllTilfordtrailedbehindthem，astheyrodeslowlyoverthelongslopeofheathlandwhichskirtstheflankofCrooksburyHill。

AtthesummitoftheriseNigelreinedinPommersandlookedbackatthelittlevillagebehindhim。Therewastheolddarkmanorhouse，withonebentfigureleaninguponastickandgazingdimlyafterhimfrombesidethedoor。Helookedatthehigh-pitchedroof，thetimberedwalls，thelongtrailofswirlingbluesmokewhichrosefromthesinglechimney，andthegroupofdowncastoldservantswholingeredatthegate，Johnthecook，Weathercotetheminstrel，andRedSwirethebrokensoldier。Overtheriveramidthetreeshecouldseethegrim，graytowerofWaverley，andevenashelooked，theironbell，whichhadsooftenseemedtobethehoarsethreateningcryofanenemy，clangedoutitscalltoprayer。Nigeldoffedhisvelvetcapandprayedalso-prayedthatpeacemightremainathome，andgoodwarfare，inwhichhonorandfameshouldawaithim，mightstillbefoundabroad。Then，wavinghishandtothepeople，heturnedhishorse’sheadandrodeslowlyeastward。AmomentlaterAylwardbrokefromthegroupofarchersandlaughinggirlswhoclungtohisbridleandhisstirrupstraps，androdeon，blowingkissesoverhisshoulder。Soatlastthetwocomrades，gentleandsimple，werefairlystartedontheirventure。

Therearetwoseasonsofcolorinthoseparts：theyellow，whenthecountry-sideisflamingwiththegorse-blossoms，andthecrimson，whenallthelongslopesaresmolderingwiththeheather。

Soitwasnow。Nigellookedbackfromtimetotime，asherodealongthenarrowtrackwherethefernsandthelingbrushedhisfeetoneitherside，andashelookeditseemedtohimthatwanderwherehemighthewouldneverseeafairerscenethanthatofhisownhome。Fartothewestward，glowinginthemorninglight，rolledbillowafterbillowofruddyheatherland，untiltheymergedintothedarkshadowsofWoolmerForestandthepalecleargreenoftheButserchalkdowns。NeverinhislifehadNigelwanderedfarbeyondtheselimits，andthewoodlands，thedownandtheheatherweredeartohissoul。Itgavehimapanginhisheartnowasheturnedhisfaceawayfromthem;butifhomelaytothewestward，outtheretotheeastwardwasthegreatworldofadventure，thenoblestagewhereeachofhiskinsmeninturnhadplayedhismanlypartandleftaproudnamebehind。

Howoftenhehadlongedforthisday！，Andnowithadcomewithnoshadowcastbehindit。DameErmyntrudewasundertheKing’sprotection。Theoldservantshadtheirfutureassured。ThestrifewiththemonksofWaverleyhadbeenassuaged。Hehadanoblehorseunderhim，thebestofweapons，andastoutfollowerathisback。AboveallhewasboundonagallanterrandwiththebravestknightinEnglandashisleader。Allthesethoughtssurgedtogetherinhismind，andhewhistledandsang，asherode，outofthejoyofhisheart，whilePommerssidledandcurvetedinsympathywiththemoodofhismaster。Presently，glancingback，hesawfromAylward’sdowncasteyesandPuckeredbrowthatthearcherwascloudedwithtrouble。Hereinedhishorsetolethimcomeabreastofhim。

“Hownow，Aylward？”saidhe。”SurelyofallmeninEnglandyouandIshouldbethemostblithethismorning，sincewerideforwardwithallhopesofhonorableadvancement。BySaintPaul！

ereweseetheseheatherhillsoncemoreweshalleitherworshipfullywinworship，orweshallventureourpersonsintheattempt。Thesebegladthoughts，andwhyshouldyoubedowncast？”

Aylwardshruggedhisbroadshoulders，andawrysmiledawneduponhisruggedface。”Iamindeedaslimpasawettedbowstring，“

saidhe。”Itisthenatureofamanthatheshouldbesadwhenheleavesthewomanheloves。”

“Intruth，yes！”criedNigel，andinaflashthedarkeyesofMaryButtesthornrosebeforehim，andheheardherlow，sweet，earnestvoiceashehadhearditthatnightwhentheybroughtherfrailersisterbackfromShalfordManor，avoicewhichmadeallthatwasbestandnoblestinamanthrillwithinhissoul。”Yet，bethinkyou，archer，thatwhatawomanlovesinmanisnothisgrossbody，butratherhissoul，hishonor，hisfame，thedeedswithwhichhehasmadehislifebeautiful。Thereforeyouarewinningloveaswellasglorywhenyouturntothewars。”

“Itmaybeso，“saidAylward;“butindeeditgoestomyhearttoseetheprettydearsweep，andIwouldfainweepaswelltokeepthemcompany。WhenMary-orwasitDolly？-nay，itwasMartha，thered-headedgirlfromthemill-whensheheldtighttomybaldricitwaslikesnappingmyheart-stringtopluckmyselfloose。”

“Youspeakofonenameandthenofanother，“saidNigel。”Howisshecalledthen，thismaidwhomyoulove？”

Aylwardpushedbackhissteelcapandscratchedhisbristlingheadwithsomeembarrassment。”Hername，“saidhe，“isMaryDollyMarthaSusanJaneCicelyTheodosiaAgnesJohannaKate。”

NigellaughedasAylwardrolledoutthisprodigioustitle。”Ihadnorighttotakeyoutothewars，“saidhe;“forbySaintPaul！

itisveryclearthatIhavewidowedhalftheparish。ButIsawyouragedfatherthefranklin。BethinkyouofthejoythatwillfillhisheartwhenhehearsthatyouhavedonesomesmalldeedinFrance，andsowonhonorintheeyesofall。”

“IfearthathonorwillnothelphimtopayhisarrearsofrenttothesacristofWaverley，“saidAylward。”Outhewillgoontheroadside，honorandall，ifhedoesnotfindtennoblesbynextEpiphany。ButifIcouldwinaransomorbeatthestormingofarichcity，thenindeedtheoldmanwouldbeproudofme。Thyswordmusthelpmyspade，Samkin，’saidheashekissedmegoodby。

Ah！itwouldindeedbeahappydayforhimandforallifIcouldridebackwithasaddle-bagfullofgoldpieces，andpleaseGod，I

shalldipmyhandinsomebody’spocketbeforeIseeCrooksburyHilloncemore！”

Nigelshookhishead，forindeeditseemedhopelesstotrytobridgethegulfbetweenthem。Alreadytheyhadmadesuchgoodprogressalongthebridle-paththroughtheheatherthatthelittlehillofSaintCatharineandtheancientshrineuponitssummitloomedupbeforethem。HeretheycrossedtheroadfromthesouthtoLondon，andatthecrossingtwowayfarerswerewaitingwhowavedtheirhandsingreeting，theoneatall，slender，darkwomanuponawhitejennet，theotheraverythickandred-facedoldman，whoseweightseemedtocurvethebackofthestoutgraycobwhichhebestrode。

“Whathow，Nigel！”hecried。”Maryhastoldmethatyoumakeastartthismorning，andwehavewaitedherethishourandmoreonthechanceofseeingyoupass。Come，lad，andhavealaststoupofEnglishale，formanyatimeamidthesourFrenchwinesyouwilllongforthewhitefoamunderyournose，andthegoodhomelytwangofit。”

Nigelhadtodeclinethedraft，foritmeantridingintoGuildfordtown，amileoutofhiscourse，butverygladlyheagreedwithMarythattheyshouldclimbthepathtotheoldshrineandofferalastorisontogether。TheknightandAylwardwaitedbelowwiththehorses;andsoitcameaboutthatNigelandMaryfoundthemselvesaloneunderthesolemnoldGothicarches，infrontofthedarkshadowedrecessinwhichgleamedthegoldenreliquaryofthesaint。Insilencetheykneltsidebysideinprayer，andthencameforthoncemoreoutofthegloomandtheshadowintothefreshsunlitsummermorning。Theystoppederetheydescendedthepath，andlookedtorightandleftatthefairmeadowsandtheblueWeycurlingdownthevalley。

“Whathaveyouprayedfor，Nigel？”saidshe。

“IhaveprayedthatGodandHissaintswillholdmyspirithighandwillsendmebackfromFranceinsuchafashionthatImaydaretocometoyouandtoclaimyouformyown。”

“Bethinkyouwellwhatitisthatyousay，Nigel，“saidshe。

“Whatyouaretomeonlymyownheartcantell;butIwouldneverseteyesuponyourfaceagainratherthanabatebyoneinchthatheightofhonorandworshipfulachievementtowhichyoumayattain。”

“Nay，mydearandmostsweetlady，howshouldyouabateit，sinceitisthethoughtofyouwhichwillnervemyarmandupholdmyheart？”

“Thinkoncemore，myfairlord，andholdyourselfboundbynowordwhichyouhavesaid。Letitbeasthebreezewhichblowspastourfacesandisheardofnomore。Yoursoulyearnsforhonor。Tothathasiteverturned。Isthereroominitforlovealso？orisitpossiblethatbothshallliveattheirhighestinonemind？，DoyounotcalltomindthatGalahadandothergreatknightsofoldhaveputwomenoutoftheirlivesthattheymightevergivetheirwholesoulandstrengthtothewinningofhonor？，MayitnotbethatIshallbeadraguponyou，thatyourheartmayshrinkfromsomehonorabletask，lestitshouldbringriskandpaintome？

Thinkwellbeforeyouanswer，myfairlord，forindeedmyveryheartwouldbreakifitshouldeverhappenthatthroughloveofmeyourhighhopesandgreatpromiseshouldmissfulfilment。”

Nigellookedatherwithsparklingeyes。Thesoulwhichshonethroughherdarkfacehadtransformeditforthemomentintoabeautymoreloftyandmorerarethanthatofhershallowsister。

Hebowedbeforethemajestyofthewoman，andpressedhislipstoherhand。”Youarelikeastaruponmypathwhichguidesmeontheupwardway，“saidhe。”Oursoulsaresettogetheruponthefindingofhonor，andhowshallweholdeachotherbackwhenourpurposeisthesame？”

Sheshookherproudhead。”Soitseemstoyounow，fairlord，butitmaybeotherwiseastheyearspass。HowshallyouprovethatI

amindeedahelpandnotahindrance？”

“Iwillproveitbymydeeds，fairanddearlady，“saidNigel。

“HereattheshrineoftheholyCatharine，onthis，theFeastofSaintMargaret，ItakemyoaththatIwilldothreedeedsinyourhonorasaproofofmyhighlovebeforeIseteyesuponyourfaceagain，andthesethreedeedsshallstandasaprooftoyouthatifIloveyoudearly，stillIwillnotletthethoughtofyoustandbetwixtmeandhonorableachievement！”

Herfaceshonewithherloveandherpride。”Ialsomakemyoath，“saidshe，“andIdoitinthenameoftheholyCatharinewhoseshrineishardby。IswearthatIwillholdmyselfforyouuntilthesethreedeedsbedoneandwemeetoncemore;alsothatif-whichmaydearChristforfend！youfallindoingthemthenI

shalltaketheveilinShalfordnunneryandlookuponnoman’sfaceagain！，Givemeyourhand，Nigel。”

Shehadtakenalittlebangleofgoldfiligreeworkfromherarmandfastenedituponhissunburntwrist，readingaloudtohimtheengravedmottoinoldFrench：“Faiscequedois，adviegnequepourra-c’estcommandeauchevalier。”，Thenforonemomenttheyfellintoeachother’sarmsandwithkissuponkiss，alovingmanandatenderwoman，theysworetheirtrothtoeachother。Buttheoldknightwascallingimpatientlyfrombelowandtogethertheyhurrieddownthewindingpathtowherethehorseswaitedunderthesandybluff。

AsfarastheShalfordcrossingSirJohnrodebyNigel’sarm，andmanywerethelastinjunctionswhichhegavehimconcerningwoodcraft，andgreathisanxietylestheconfuseaspaywithabrocket，oreitherwithahind。AtlastwhentheycametothereedyedgeoftheWeytheoldknightandhisdaughterreineduptheirhorses。NigellookedbackatthemereheenteredthedarkChantrywoods，andsawthemstillgazingafterhimandwavingtheirhands。Thenthepathwoundamongstthetreesandtheywerelosttosight;butlongafterwardswhenaclearingexposedoncemoretheShalfordmeadowsNigelsawthattheoldmanuponthegraycobwasridingslowlytowardSaintCatharine’sHill，butthatthegirlwasstillwherehehadseenherlast，leaningforwardinhersaddleandstraininghereyestopiercethedarkforestwhichscreenedherloverfromherview。Itwasbutafleetingglancethroughabreakinthefoliage，andyetinafterdaysofstressandtoilinfardistantlandsitwasthatonelittlepicture-thegreenmeadow，thereeds，theslowblue-windingriver，andtheeagerbendinggracefulfigureuponthewhitehorse-whichwastheclearestandthedearestimageofthatEnglandwhichhehadleftbehindhim。

ButifNigel’sfriendshadlearnedthatthiswasthemorningofhisleaving，hisenemiestoowereonthealert。ThetwocomradeshadjustemergedfromtheChantrywoodsandwerebeginningtheascentofthatcurvingpathwhichleadsupwardtotheoldChapeloftheMartyrwhenwithahisslikeanangrysnakealongwhitearrowstreakedunderPommersandstruckquiveringinthegrassyturf。AsecondwhizzedpastNigel’sear，ashetriedtoturn;butAylwardstruckthegreatwar-horseasharpblowoverthehaunches，andithadgallopedsomehundredsofyardsbeforeitsridercouldpullitup。Aylwardfollowedashardashecouldride，bendinglowoverhishorse’sneck，whilearrowswhizzedallaroundhim。

“BySaintPaul！”saidNigel，tuggingathisbridleandwhitewithanger，“theyshallnotchasemeacrossthecountryasthoughIwasafrighteddoe。Archer，howdareyoutolashmyhorsewhenI

wouldhaveturnedandriddeninuponthem？”

“ItiswellthatIdidso，“saidAylward，“orbythesetenfinger-

bones！ourjourneywouldhavebegunandendedonthesameday。AsIglancedroundIsawadozenofthemattheleastamongstthebrushwood。Seenowhowthelightglimmersupontheirsteelcapsyonderinthebrackenunderthegreatbeech-tree。Nay，Iprayyou，myfairlord，donotrideforward。Whatchancehasamanintheopenagainstallthesewholieattheireaseintheunderwood？

Ifyouwillnotthinkofyourself，thenconsideryourhorse，whichwouldhaveacloth-yardshaftfeatheredinitshideereitcouldreachthewood。”

Nigelchafedinimpotentanger。”AmItobeshotatlikeapopinjayatafair，byanyreaveroroutlawthatseeksamarkforhisbow？”hecried。”BySaintPaul！Aylward，Iwillputonmyharnessandgofurtherintothematter。Helpmetountruss，I

prayyou！”

“Nay，myfairlord，Iwillnothelpyoutoyourowndownfall。Itisamatchwithcoggeddicebetwixtahorsemanonthemoorandarchersamidtheforest。Butthesemenarenooutlaws，ortheywouldnotdaretodrawtheirbowswithinaleagueofthesheriffofGuildford。”

“Indeed，Aylward，Ithinkthatyouspeaktruth，“saidNigel。”，ItmaybethatthesearethemenofPauldelaFosseofShalford，whomIhavegiver，littlecausetoloveme。Ah！thereisindeedtheverymanhimself。”

Theysattheirhorseswiththeirbackstothelongslopewhichleadsuptotheoldchapelonthehill。Infrontofthemwasthedarkraggededgeofthewood，withasharptwinkleofsteelhereandthereinitsshadowswhichspokeoftheselurkingfoes。Butnowtherewasalongmootuponahorn，andatonceascoreofrusset-cladbowmenranforwardfromamidthetrees，spreadingoutintoascatteredlineandclosingswiftlyinuponthetravelers。

Inthemidstofthem，uponagreatgrayhorse，satasmallmisshapenman，wavingandcheeringasonesetshoundsonabadger，turninghisheadthiswayandthatashewhoopedandpointed，urginghisbowmenonwarduptheslope。

“Drawthemon，myfairlord！，Drawthemonuntilwehavethemoutonthedown！”criedAylward，hiseyesshiningwithjoy。”Fivehundredpacesmore，andthenwemaybeontermswiththem。Nay，lingernot，butkeepthemalwaysjustclearofarrowshotuntilourturnhascome。”

Nigelshookandtrembledwitheagerness，aswithhishandonhissword-hilthelookedatthelineofeagerhurryingmen。ButitflashedthroughhismindwhatChandoshadsaidofthecoolheadwhichisbetterforthewarriorthanthehotheart。Aylward’swordsweretrueandwise。HeturnedPommers’headtherefore，andamidacryofderisionfrombehindthemthecomradestrottedoverthedown。Thebowmenbrokeintoarun，whiletheirleaderscreamedandwavedmoremadlythanbefore。Aylwardcastmanyaglanceatthemoverhisshoulder。

“Yetalittlefarther！，Yetalittlefartherstill！”hemuttered。

“ThewindistowardsthemandthefoolshaveforgotthatIcanovershootthembyfiftypaces。Now，mygoodlord，Iprayyouforoneinstanttoholdthehorses，formyweaponisofmoreavailthisday，thanthinecanbe。Theymaymakesorrycheereretheygaintheshelterofthewoodoncemore。”

Hehadsprungfromhishorse，andwithadownwardwrenchofhisarmandapushwithhiskneeheslippedthestringintotheuppernockofhismightywar-bow。Theninaflashhenotchedhisshaftanddrewittothepile，hiskeenblueeyesglowingfiercelybehinditfromunderhisknottedbrows。Withthicklegsplantedsturdilyapart，hisbodylaidtothebow，hisleftarmmotionlessaswood，hisrightbunchedintoadoublecurveofswellingmusclesashestretchedthewhitewell-waxedstring，helookedsokeenandfierceafighterthattheadvancinglinestoppedforaninstantatthesightofhim。Twoorthreeloosedofftheirarrows，buttheshaftsflewheavilyagainsttheheadwind，andsnakedalongthehardturfsomescoreofpacesshortofthemark。Oneonly，ashortbandy-leggedman，whosesquatfigurespokeofenormousmuscularstrength，ranswiftlyinandthendrewsostrongabowthatthearrowquiveredinthegroundatAylward’sveryfeet。

“ItisBlackWillofLynchmere，“saidthebowman。”ManyamatchhaveIshotwithhim，andIknowwellthatnoothermanontheSurreymarchescouldhavespedsuchashaft。Itrustthatyouarehouseledandshriven，Will，forIhaveknownyousolongthatI

wouldnothaveyourdamnationuponmysoul。”

Heraisedhisbowashespoke，andthestringtwangedwitharichdeepmusicalnote。Aylwardleaneduponhisbow-staveashekeenlywatchedthelongswiftflightofhisshaft，skimmingsmoothlydownthewind。

“Onhim，onhim！，No，overhim，bymyhilt！”hecried。”ThereismorewindthanIhadthought。Nay，nay，friend，nowthatIhavethelengthofyou，youcanscarcehopetolooseagain。”

BlackWillhadnotchedanarrowandwasraisinghisbowwhenAylward’ssecondshaftpassedthroughtheshoulderofhisdrawingarm。Withashoutofangerandpainhedroppedhisweapon，anddancinginhisfuryheshookhisfistandroaredcursesathisrival。

“Icouldslayhim;butIwillnot，forgoodbowmenarenotsocommon，“saidAylward。”Andnow，fairsir，wemuston，fortheyarespreadingroundoneitherside，andifoncetheygetbehindus，thenindeedourjourneyhascometoasuddenend。ButerewegoIwouldsendashaftthroughyonderhorsemanwholeadsthemon。”

“Nay，Aylward，Iprayyoutoleavehim，“saidNigel。”Villainasheis，heisnonethelessagentlemanofcoat-armor，andshoulddiebysomeotherweaponthanthine。”

“Asyouwill，“saidAylward，withacloudedbrow。”IhavebeentoldthatinthelatewarsmanyaFrenchprinceandbaronhasnotbeentooproudtotakehisdeathwoundfromanEnglishyeoman’sshaft，andthatnoblesofEnglandhavebeengladenoughtostandbyandseeitdone。”

Nigelshookhisheadsadly。”Itissoothyousay，archer，andindeeditisnonewthing，forthatgoodknightRichardoftheLionHeartmethisendinsuchalowlyfashion，andsoalsodidHaroldtheSaxon。Butthisisaprivatematter，andIwouldnothaveyoudrawyourbowagainsthim。NeithercanIrideathimmyself，forheisweakinbody，thoughdangerousinspirit。

Therefore，wewillgouponourway，sincethereisneitherprofitnorhonortobegained，noranyhopeofadvancement。”

Aylward，havingunstrunghisbow，hadremountedhishorseduringthisconversation，andthetworodeswiftlypastthelittlesquatChapeloftheMartyrandoverthebrowofthehill。Fromthesummittheylookedback。Theinjuredarcherlayupontheground，withseveralofhiscomradesgatheredinaknotaroundhim。

Othersranaimlesslyupthehill，butwerealreadyfarbehind。

Theleadersatmotionlessuponhishorse，andashesawthemlookbackheraisedhishandandshriekedhiscursesatthem。Aninstantlaterthecurveofthegroundhadhidthemfromview。So，amidloveandhate，Nigelbadeadieutothehomeofhisyouth。

Andnowthecomradeswerejourneyinguponthatold，oldroadwhichrunsacrossthesouthofEnglandandyetneverturnstowardLondon，forthegoodreasonthattheplacewasapoorhamletwhenfirsttheroadwaslaid。FromWinchester，theSaxoncapital，toCanterbury，theholycityofKent，ranthatancienthighway，andonfromCanterburytothenarrowstraitswhere，onaclearday，thefarthershorecanbeseen。Alongthistrackasfarbackashistorycantracethemetalsofthewesthavebeencarriedandpassedthepack-horseswhichborethegoodswhichGaulsentinexchange。OlderthantheChristianfaithandolderthantheRomans，istheoldroad。Northandsoutharethewoodsandthemarshes，sothatonlyonthehighdryturfofthechalklandcouldacleartrackbefound。ThePilgrim’sWay，itstilliscalled;

butthepilgrimswerethelastwhoevertrodit，foritwasalreadyofimmemorialagebeforethedeathofThomasaBecketgaveanewreasonwhyfolkshouldjourneytothesceneofhismurder。

>FromthehillofWestonWoodthetravelerscouldseethelongwhitebandwhichdippedandcurvedandroseoverthegreendownland，itscoursemarkedeveninthehollowsbythelineoftheoldyew-treeswhichflankedit。NeitherNigelnorAylwardhadwanderedfarfromtheirowncountry，andnowtheyrodewithlightheartsandeagereyestakingnoteofallthevariedpicturesofnatureandofmanwhichpassedbeforethem。Totheirleftwasahillycountry，alandofrollingheathsandwoods，brokenhereandthereintoopenspacesroundtheoccasionalfarm-houseofafranklin。HackhurstDown，DunleyHill，andRanmoreCommonswelledandsank，eachmergingintotheother。Butontheright，afterpassingthevillageofShereandtheoldchurchofGomshall，thewholesouthcountrylaylikeamapattheirfeet。TherewasthehugewoodoftheWeald，oneunbrokenforestofoak-treesstretchingawaytotheSouthDowns，whichroseolive-greenagainstthedeepbluesky。Underthisgreatcanopyoftreesstrangefolklivedandevildeedsweredone。Initsrecesseswerewildtribes，littlechangedfromtheirheathenancestors，whodancedroundthealtarofThor，andwellwasitforthepeacefultravelerthathecouldtreadthehighopenroadofthechalklandwithnoneedtowanderintosodangerousatract，wheresoftclay，tangledforestandwildmenallbarredhisprogress。

Butapartfromtherollingcountryupontheleftandthegreatforest-hiddenplainupontheright，therewasmuchupontheroaditselftoengagetheattentionofthewayfarers。Itwascrowdedwithpeople。Asfarastheireyescouldcarrytheycouldseetheblackdotsscatteredthicklyuponthethinwhiteband，sometimessingle，sometimesseveralabreast，sometimesinmovingcrowds，whereadroveofpilgrimsheldtogetherformutualprotection，oranoblemanshowedhisgreatnessbythenumberofretainerswhotrailedathisheels。Atthattimethemainroadswereverycrowded，forthere，weremanywanderingpeopleintheland。Ofallsortsandkinds，theypassedinanunbrokenstreambeforetheeyesofNigelandofAylward，alikeonlyinthefactthatoneandallwerepowderedfromtheirhairtotheirshoeswiththegraydustofthechalk。

Thereweremonksjourneyingfromonecelltoanother，Benedictineswiththeirblackgownsloopeduptoshowtheirwhiteskirts，Carthusiansinwhite，andpiedCistercians。Friarsalsoofthethreewanderingorders-Dominicansinblack，CarmelitesinwhiteandFranciscansingray。Therewasnolovelostbetweenthecloisteredmonksandthefreefriars，eachlookingontheotherasarivalwhotookfromhimtheoblationsofthefaithful;sotheypassedonthehighroadascatpassesdog，witheyesaskanceandangryfaces。

Thenbesidesthemenofthechurchtherewerethemenoftrade，themerchantindustybroadclothandFlandershatridingattheheadofhislineofpack-horses。HecarriedCornishtin，Welt-countrywool，orSussexironifhetradedeastward，orifhisheadshouldbeturnedwestwardthenheborewithhimthevelvetsofGenoa，thewareofVenice，thewineofFrance，orthearmorofItalyandSpain。Pilgrimswereeverywhere，poorpeopleforthemostpart，ploddingwearilyalongwithtrailingfeetandbowedheads，thickstavesintheirhandsandbundlesovertheirshoulders。Hereandthereonagailycaparisonedpalfrey，orinthegreaterluxuryofahorse-litter，someWest-countryladymightbeseenmakinghereasywaytotheshrineofSaintThomas。

Besidesalltheseaconstantstreamofstrangevagabondsdriftedalongtheroad：minstrelswhowanderedfromfairtofair，afoulandpestilentcrew;jugglersandacrobats，quackdoctorsandtooth-drawers，studentsandbeggars，freeworkmeninsearchofbetterwages，andescapedbondsmenwhowouldwelcomeanywagesatall。SuchwasthethrongwhichsettheoldroadsmokinginahazeofwhitedustfromWinchestertothenarrowsea。

ButofallthewayfarersthosewhichinterestedNigelmostwerethesoldiers。Severaltimestheypassedlittleknotsofarchersormen-at-arms，veteransfromFrance，whohadreceivedtheirdischargeandwerenowmakingtheirwaytotheirsouthlandhomes。

Theywerehalfdrunkallofthem，forthewayfarerstreatedthemtobeeratthefrequentinnsandale-stakeswhichlinedtheroad，sothattheycheeredandsanglustilyastheypassed。TheyroaredrudepleasantriesatAylward，whoturnedinhissaddleandshoutedhisopinionofthemuntiltheywereoutofhearing。

Once，lateintheafternoon，theyovertookabodyofahundredarchersallmarchingtogetherwithtwoknightsridingattheirhead。TheywerepassingfromGuildfordCastletoReigateCastle，wheretheywereingarrison。Nigelrodewiththeknightsforsomedistance，andhintedthatifeitherwasinsearchofhonorableadvancement，orwishedtodosomesmalldeed，ortorelievehimselfofanyvow，itmightbepossibletofindsomemeansofachievingit。Theywereboth，however，graveandelderlymen，intentupontheirbusinessandwithnomindforfondwaysideadventures，soNigelquickenedhispaceandleftthembehind。

TheyhadleftBoxhillandHeadleyHeathupontheleft，andthetowersofReigatewererisingamidthetreesinfrontofthem，whentheyovertookalarge，cheery，red-facedman，withaforkedbeard，ridinguponagoodhorseandexchanginganodoramerrywordwithallwhopassedhim。WithhimtheyrodenearlyasfarasBletchingley，andNigellaughedmuchtohearhimtalk;butalwaysundertheraillerytherewasmuchearnestnessandmuchwisdominallhiswords。Herodeathiseaseaboutthecountry，hesaid，havingsufficientmoneytokeephimfromwantandtofurnishhimfortheroad。HecouldspeakallthethreelanguagesofEngland，thenorth，themiddleandthesouth，sothathewasathomewiththepeopleofeveryshireandcouldheartheirtroublesandtheirjoys。Inallpartsintownandincountrytherewasunrest，hesaid;forthepoorfolkwerewearyoftheirmastersbothoftheChurchandState，andsoontherewouldbesuchdoingsinEnglandashadneverbeenseenbefore。

ButaboveallthismanwasearnestagainsttheChurchitsenormouswealth，itspossessionofnearlyone-thirdofthewholelandofthecountry，itsinsatiablegreedformoreattheverytimewhenitclaimedtobepoorandlowly。Themonksandfriars，too，helashedwithhistongue：theirroguishways，theirlazinessandtheircunning。HeshowedhowtheirwealthandthatofthehaughtylordmustalwaysbefoundeduponthetoilofpoorhumblePeterthePlowman，whoworkedandstroveinrainandcoldoutinthefields，thebuttandlaughing-stockofeveryone，andstillbearingupthewholeworlduponhiswearyshoulders。Hehadsetitalloutinafairparable;sonowasherodeherepeatedsomeoftheverses，chantingthemandmarkingtimewithhisforefinger，whileNigelandAylwardoneithersideofhimwiththeirheadsinclinedinwardlistenedwiththesameattention，butwithverydifferentfeelings-Nigelshockedatsuchanattackuponauthority，andAylwardchucklingasheheardthesentimentsofhisclasssoshrewdlyexpressed。Atlastthestrangerhaltedhishorseoutsidethe“FiveAngels“atGatton。

“Itisagoodinn，andIknowthealeofold，“saidhe。”WhenI

hadfinishedthat`DreamofPiersthePlowmanfromwhichIhaverecitedtoyou，thelastverseswerethus：

“`NowhaveIbroughtmylittlebooketoanendeGod’sblessingbeonhimwhoadrinkewillmesende’-

Iprayyoucomeinwithmeandshareit。”

“Nay，“saidNigel，“wemustonourway，forwehavefartogo。

Butgivemeyourname，myfriend，forindeedwehavepassedamerryhourlisteningtoyourwords。”

“Haveacare！”thestrangeranswered，shakinghishead。”YouandyourclasswillnotspendamerryhourwhenthesewordsareturnedintodeedsandPeterthePlowmangrowswearyofswinkinginthefieldsandtakesuphisbowandhisstaffinordertosetthislandinorder。”

“BySaintPaul！，IexpectthatweshallbringPetertoreasonandalsothosewhohaveputsuchevilthoughtsintohishead，“saidNigel。”SooncemoreIaskyourname，thatImayknowitifeverIchancetohearthatyouhavebeenhanged？”

Thestrangerlaughedgood-humoredly。”YoucancallmeThomasLackland，“saidhe。”IshouldbeThomasLack-brainifIwereindeedtogivemytruename，sinceagoodmanyrobbers，someinblackgownsandsomeinsteel，wouldbegladtohelpmeupwardsinthewayyouspeakof。Sogood-daytoyou，Squire，andtoyoualso，archer，andmayyoufindyourwaybackwithwholebonesfromthewars！”

ThatnightthecomradessleptinGodstonePriory，andearlynextmorningtheywerewellupontheirroaddownthePilgrim’sWay。AtTitseyitwassaidthatabandofvilleinswereoutinWesterhamWoodandhadmurderedthreementhedaybefore;sothatNigelhadhighhopesofanencounter;butthebrigandsshowednosign，thoughthetravelerswentoutoftheirwaytoridetheirhorsesalongtheedgesoftheforest。Fartherontheyfoundtracesoftheirwork，forthepathranalongthehillsideatthebaseofachalkquarry，andthereinthecuttingamanwaslyingdead。Fromhistwistedlimbsandshatteredframeitwaseasytoseethathehadbeenthrownoverfromabove，whilehispocketsturnedoutwardshowedthereasonforhismurder。Thecomradesrodepastwithouttoocloseasurvey，fordeadmenwerenoveryuncommonobjectsontheKing’shighway，andifsherifforbailiffshouldchanceuponyounearthebodyyoumightfindyourselfcaughtinthemeshesofthelaw。

NearSevenoakstheirroadturnedoutoftheoldCanterburywayandpointedsouthtowardthecoast，leavingthechalklandsandcomingdownintotheclayoftheWeald。Itwasawretched，ruttedmule-trackrunningthroughthickforestswithoccasionalclearingsinwhichlaythesmallKentishvillages，whererudeshock-headedpeasantswithsmocksandgalligaskinsstaredwithbold，greedyeyesatthetravelers。OnceontherighttheycaughtadistantviewoftheTowersofPenshurst，andoncetheyheardthedeeptollingofthebellsofBayhamAbbey，butfortherestoftheirday’sjourneysavagepeasantsandsqualidcottageswereallthatmettheireyes，withendlessdrovesofpigswhofeduponthelitterofacorns。Thethrongoftravelerswhocrowdedtheoldroadwereallgone，andonlyhereandtheredidtheymeetorovertakesomeoccasionalmerchantormessengerboundforBattleAbbey，PevenseyCastleorthetownsofthesouth。

Thatnighttheysleptinasordidinn，overrunwithratsandwithfleas，onemilesouthofthehamletofMayfield。Aylwardscratchedvigorouslyandcursedwithfervor。Nigellaywithoutmovementorsound。Tothemanwhohadlearnedtheoldruleofchivalrytherewerenosmallillsinlife。Itwasbeneaththedignityofhissoultostooptoobservethem。Coldandheat，hungerandthirst，suchthingsdidnotexistforthegentleman。

Thearmorofhissoulwassocompletethatitwasproofnotonlyagainstthegreatillsoflifebutevenagainstthesmallones;sotheflea-bittenNigellaygrimlystillwhileAylwardwritheduponhiscouch。

Theywerenowbutashortdistancefromtheirdestination;buttheyhadhardlystartedontheirjourneythroughtheforestnextmorning，whenanadventurebefellthemwhichfilledNigelwiththewildesthopes。

Alongthenarrowwindingpathbetweenthegreatoaktreesthererodeadarksallowmaninascarlettabardwhoblewsoloudlyuponasilvertrumpetthattheyheardtheclangingcalllongbeforetheyseteyesonhim。Slowlyheadvanced，pullingupeveryfiftypacestomaketheforestringwithanotherwarlikeblast。Thecomradesrodeforwardtomeethim。

“Iprayyou，“saidNigel，“totellmewhoyouareandwhyyoublowuponthistrumpet。”

Thefellowshookhishead，soNigelrepeatedthequestioninFrench，thecommonlanguageofchivalry，spokenatthatagebyeverygentlemaninWesternEurope。

Themanputhislipstothetrumpetandblewanotherlongnotebeforeheanswered。”IamGastondeCastrier，“saidhe，“thehumbleSquireofthemostworthyandvaliantknightRaouldeTubiers，dePestels，deGrimsard，deMersac，deLeoy，deBastanac，whoalsowriteshimselfLordofPons。ItishisorderthatIridealwaysamileinfrontofhimtopreparealltoreceivehim，andhedesiresmetoblowuponatrumpetnotoutofvainglory，butoutofgreatnessofspirit，sothatnonemaybeignorantofhiscomingshouldtheydesiretoencounterhim。”

Nigelsprangfromhishorsewithacryofjoy，andbegantounbuttonhisdoublet。”Quick，Aylward，quick！”hesaid。”Hecomes，aknighterrantcomes！，Wasthereeversuchachanceofworshipfullywinningworship？，UntrusstheharnesswhilstIloosemyclothes！，Goodsir，IbegyoutowarnyournobleandvaliantmasterthatapoorSquireofEnglandwouldimplorehimtotakenoticeofhimandtodosomesmalldeeduponhimashepasses。”

ButalreadytheLordofPonshadcomeinsight。Hewasahugemanuponanenormoushorse，sothattogethertheyseemedtofillupthewholelongdarkarchwayundertheoaks。Hewascladinfullarmorofabrazenhuewithonlyhisfaceexposed，andofthisfacetherewaslittlevisiblesaveapairofarroganteyesandagreatblackbeard，whichflowedthroughtheopenvizoranddownoverhisbreastplate。Tothecrestofhishelmetwastiedasmallbrownglove，noddingandswingingabovehim。Heborealonglancewitharedsquarebannerattheend，chargedwithablackboar’shead，andthesamesymbolwasengraveduponhisshield。Slowlyherodethroughtheforest，ponderous，menacing，withdullthuddingofhischarger’shoofsandconstantclankofmetal，whilealwaysinfrontofhimcamethedistantpealofthesilvertrumpetcallingallmentoadmithismajestyandtoclearhispatheretheybeclearedfromit。

NeverinhisdreamshadsoperfectavisioncometocheerNigel’sheart，andashestruggledwithhisclothes，glancingupcontinuallyatthiswondroustraveler，hepatteredforthprayersofthanksgivingtothegoodSaintPaulwhohadshownsuchloving-

kindnesstohisunworthyservantandthrownhiminthepathofsoexcellentanddebonairagentleman。

Butalas！howoftenatthelastinstantthecupisdashedfromthelips！，Thisjoyfulchancewasdestinedtochangesuddenlytounexpectedandgrotesquedisaster-disastersostrangeandsocompletethatthroughallhislifeNigelflushedcrimsonwhenhethoughtofit。Hewasbusilystrippinghishunting-costume，andwithfeverishhastehehaddoffedboots，hat，hose，doubletandcloak，sothatnothingremainedsaveapinkjuponandpairofsilkendrawers。AtthesametimeAylwardwashastilyunbucklingtheloadwiththeintentionofhandinghismasterhisarmorpiecebypiece，whentheSquiregaveonelastchallengingpealfromhissilvertrumpetintotheveryearofthesparehorse。

Inaninstantithadtakentoitsheels，thepreciousarmoruponitsback，andthunderedawaydowntheroadwhichtheyhadtraversed。Aylwardjumpeduponhismare，drovehisprickspursintohersidesandgallopedaftertherunawayashardashecouldride。ThusitcameaboutthatinaninstantNigelwasshornofallhislittledignity，hadlosthistwohorses，hisattendantandhisoutfit，andfoundhimselfalonelyandunarmedmanstandinginhisshirtanddrawersuponthepathwaydownwhichtheburlyfigureoftheLordofPonswasslowlyadvancing。

Theknighterrant，whosemindhadbeenfilledbythethoughtofthemaidenwhomhehadleftbehindatSt。Jean-thesamewhoseglovedangledfromhishelmet-hadobservednothingthathadoccurred。Hence，allthatmethiseyeswasanobleyellowhorse，whichwastetheredbythetrack，andasmallyoungman，whoappearedtobealunaticsincehehadundressedhastilyintheheartoftheforest，andstoodnowwithaneageranxiousfacecladinhisunderlinenamidthescattereddebrisofhisgarments。OfsuchapersonthehighLordofPonscouldtakenonotice，andsohepursuedhisinexorableway，hisarroganteyeslookingoutintothedistanceandhisthoughtssetintentlyuponthemaidenofSt。

Jean。Hewasdimlyawarethatthelittlecrazymanintheundershirtranalongwaybesidehiminhisstockings，begging，imploringandarguing。

“Justonehour，mostfairsir，justonehouratthelongest，andapoorSquireofEnglandshalleverholdhimselfyourdebtor！，Dobutcondescendtoreinyourhorseuntilmyharnesscomesbacktome！，Willyounotstooptoshowmesomesmalldeedofarms？，I

imploreyou，fairsir，tosparemealittleofyourtimeandahandstrokeortwoereyougouponyourway！”

LorddePonsmotionedimpatientlywithhisgauntletedhand，asonemightbrushawayanimportunatefly，butwhenatlastNigelbecamedesperateinhisclamorhethrusthisspursintohisgreatwar-horse，andclashinglikeapairofcymbalshethunderedoffthroughtheforest。Soherodeuponhismajesticway，untiltwodayslaterhewasslainbyLordReginaldCobhaminafieldnearWeybridge。

WhenafteralongchaseAylwardsecuredthesparehorseandbroughtitback，hefoundhismasterseateduponafallentree，hisfaceburiedinhishandsandhismindcloudedwithhumiliationandgrief。Nothingwassaid，forthematterwasbeyondwords，andsoinmoodysilencetheyrodeupontheirway。

ButsoontheycameuponascenewhichdrewNigel’sthoughtsawayfromhisbittertrouble，forinfrontofthemthererosethetowersofagreatbuildingwithasmallgrayslopingvillagearoundit，andtheylearnedfromapassinghindthatthiswasthehamletandAbbeyofBattle。Togethertheydrewreinuponthelowridgeandlookeddownintothatvalleyofdeathfromwhichevennowthereekofbloodseemstorise。Downbesidethatsinisterlakeandamidthosescatteredbushessprinkledoverthenakedflankofthelongridgewasfoughtthatlong-drawnstrugglebetwixttwomostnoblefoeswithbroadEnglandastheprizeofvictory。Here，upanddownthelowhill，hourbyhourthegrimstrugglehadwaxedandwaned，untiltheSaxonarmyhaddiedwhereitstood，King，court，house-carlandfyrdsman，eachintheirranksevenastheyhadfought。Andnow，afterallthestressandtoil，thetyranny，thesavagerevolt，thefiercesuppression，GodhadmadeHispurposecomplete，forherewereNigeltheNormanandAylwardtheSaxonwithgood-fellowshipintheirheartsandacommonrespectintheirminds，withthesamebannerandthesamecause，ridingforthtodobattlefortheiroldmotherEngland。

Andnowthelongridedrewtoanend。Infrontofthemwasthebluesea，fleckedwiththewhitesailsofships。Oncemoretheroadpassedupwardfromtheheavy-woodedplaintothespringyturfofthechalkdowns。FartotherightrosethegrimfortaliceofPevensey，squatandpowerful，likeonegreatblockofruggedstone，theparapettwinklingwithsteelcapsandcrownedbytheroyalbannerofEngland。Aflatexpanseofreededmarshlandlaybeforethem，outofwhichroseasinglewoodedhill，crownedwithtowers，withabristleofmastsrisingoutofthegreenplainsomedistancetothesouthofit。Nigellookedatitwithhishandshadinghiseyes，andthenurgedPommerstoatrot。ThetownwasWinchelsea，andthereamidthatclusterofhousesonthehillthegallantChandosmustbeawaitinghim。

XIV。HOWNIGELCHASEDTHEREDFERRET

Theypassedaferry，woundupwardbyacurvingpath，andthen，havingsatisfiedaguardofmen-at-arms，wereadmittedthroughthefrowningarchofthePipewellGate。Therewaitingforthem，inthemiddleoftheeaststreet，thesungleaminguponhislemon-

coloredbeard，andpuckeringhissingleeye，stoodChandoshimself，hislegsapart，hishandsbehindhisback，andawelcomingsmileuponhissquainthigh-nosedface。Behindhimacrowdoflittleboysweregazingwithreverenteyesatthefamoussoldier。

“Welcome，Nigel！”saidhe，“andyoualso，goodarcher！，Ichancedtobewalkingonthecitywall，andIthoughtfromthecolorofyourhorsethatitwasindeedyouupontheUdimoreRoad。Howhaveyoufared，youngsquireerrant？，HaveyouheldbridgesorrescueddamselsorslainoppressorsonyourwayfromTilford？”

“Nay，myfairlord，Ihaveaccomplishednothing;butIoncehadhopes-“Nigelflushedattheremembrance。

“Iwillgiveyoumorethanhopes，Nigel。Iwillputyouwhereyoucandipbotharmstotheelbowintodangerandhonor，whereperilwillsleepwithyouatnightandrisewithyouinthemorningandtheveryairyoubreathebeladenwithit。Areyoureadyforthat，youngsir？”

“Icanbutpray，fairlord，thatmyspiritwillrisetoit。”

Chandossmiledhisapprovalandlaidhisthinbrownhandontheyouth’sshoulder。”Good！”saidhe。”Itisthemutehoundwhichbitesthehardest。Thebabbleriseverthehang-back。Bidewithmehere，Nigel，andwalkupontheramparts。Archer，doyouleadthehorsestothe`SignoftheBroomPod’inthehighstreet，andtellmyvarletstoseethemaboardthecogThomasbeforenightfall。Wesailatthesecondhouraftercurfew。Comehither，Nigel，tothecrestofthecornerturret，forfromitIwillshowyouwhatyouhaveneverseen。”

ItwasbutadimanddistantwhiteclouduponthebluewaterseenfaroffovertheDungenessPoint，andyetthesightofitflushedtheyoungSquire’scheeksandsentthebloodhotthroughhisveins。ItwasthefringeofFrance，thatlandofchivalryandglory，thestagewherenameandfameweretobewon。Withburningeyeshegazedacrossatit，hisheartrejoicingtothinkthatthehourwasathandwhenhemighttreadthatsacredsoil。Thenhisgazecrossedtheimmensestretchofthebluesea，dottedoverwiththesailsoffishing-boats，untilitresteduponthedoubleharborbeneathpackedwithvesselsofeverysizeandshape，fromthepessonersandcreyerswhichpliedupanddownthecoasttothegreatcogsandgalleyswhichwereusedeitheraswar-shipsormerchantmenastheoccasionserved。Oneofthemwasatthatinstantpassingouttosea，ahugegalleass，withtrumpetsblowingandnakersbanging，theflagofSaintGeorgeflauntingoverthebroadpurplesail，andthedeckssparklingfromendtoendwithsteel。Nigelgaveacryofpleasureatthesplendorofthesight。

“Aye，lad，“saidChandos，“itistheTrinityofRye，theveryshiponwhichIfoughtatSluys。Herdeckranbloodfromstemtosternthatday。Butturnyoureyesthisway，Ibegyou，andtellmeifyouseeaughtstrangeaboutthistown。”

Nigellookeddownatthenoblestraightstreet，attheRoundelTower，atthefinechurchofSaintThomas，andtheotherfairbuildingsofWinchelsea。”Itisallnew，“saidhe-“church，castle，houses，allarenew。”

“Youareright，fairson。Mygrandfathercancalltomindthetimewhenonlytheconiesliveduponthisrock。Thetownwasdownyonderbythesea，untilonenightthewavesroseuponitandnotahousewasleft。See，yonderisRye，huddlingalsoonahill，thetwotownslikepoorsheepwhenthewatersareout。ButdownthereunderthebluewaterandbelowtheCamberSandliesthetrueWinchelsea-tower，cathedral，wallsandall，evenasmygrandfatherknewit，whenthefirstEdwardwasyounguponthethrone。”

ForanhourormoreChandospacedupontherampartswithhisyoungSquireathiselbowandtalkedtohimofhisdutiesandofthesecretsandcraftofwarfare，Nigeldrinkinginandstoringinhismemoryeverywordfromsoreveredateacher。Manyatimeinafterlife，instressandindanger，hestrengthenedhimselfbythememoryofthatslowwalkwiththeblueseaononesideandthefairtownontheother，whenthewisesoldierandnoble-heartedknightpouredforthhispreceptandadviceasthemasterworkmantotheapprentice。

“Perhaps，fairson，“saidhe，“youarelikesomanyotherladswhoridetothewars，andknowsomuchalreadythatitiswasteofbreathtoadvisethem？”

“Nay，myfairlord，IknownothingsavethatIwouldfaindomydutyandeitherwinhonorableadvancementordieworshipfulonthefield。”

“Youarewisetobehumble，“saidChandos;“forindeedhewhoknowsmostofwarknowsbestthatthereismuchtolearn。Asthereisamysteryoftheriversandamysteryofwoodcraft，evensothereisamysteryofwarfarebywhichbattlesmaybelostandgained;forallnationsarebrave，andwherethebravemeetsthebraveitishewhoiscraftyandwar-wisewhowillwintheday。

Thebesthoundwillrunatfaultifhebeilllaidon，andthebesthawkwillflyatcheckifhebebadlyloosed，andevensothebravestarmymaygoawryifitbeillhandled。TherearenotinChristendombetterknightsandsquiresthanthoseoftheFrench，andyetwehavehadthebetterofthem，forinourScottishWarsandelsewherewehavelearnedmoreofthissamemysteryofwhichI

speak。”

“Andwhereinliesourwisdom，honoredsir？”askedNigel。”Ialsowouldfainbewar-wiseandlearntofightwithmywitsaswellaswithmysword。”

Chandosshookhisheadandsmiled。”Itisintheforestandonthedownthatyoulearntoflythehawkandloosethehound，“saidhe。”Soalsoitisincampandonthefieldthatthemysteryofwarcanbelearned。Thereonlyhaseverygreatcaptaincometobeitsmaster。Tostarthemusthaveacoolhead，quicktothink，softaswaxbeforehispurposeisformed，hardassteelwhenonceheseesitbeforehim。Everalerthemustbe，andcautiousalso，butwithjudgmenttoturnhiscautionintorashnesswherealargegainmaybeputagainstasmallstake。Aneyeforcountryalso，forthetrendoftherivers，theslopeofthehills，thecoverofthewoods，andthelightgreenofthebog-land。”

PoorNigel，whohadtrustedtohislanceandtoPommerstobreakhispathtoglory，stoodaghastatthislistofneeds。”Alas！”hecried。”HowamItogainallthis？，-I，whocouldscarcelearntoreadorwritethoughthegoodFatherMatthewbrokeahazelstickadayacrossmyshoulders？，“

“Youwillgainit，fairson，whereothershavegaineditbeforeyou。Youhavethatwhichisthefirstthingofall，aheartoffirefromwhichothercolderheartsmaycatchaspark。Butyoumusthaveknowledgealsoofthatwhichwarfarehastaughtusinoldentimes。Weknow，parexemple，thathorsemenalonecannothopetowinagainstgoodfoot-soldiers。HasitnotbeentriedatCourtrai，atStirling，andagainundermyowneyesatCrecy，wherethechivalryofFrancewentdownbeforeourbowmen？”

Nigelstaredathim，withaperplexedbrow。”Fairsir，myheartgrowsheavyasIhearyou。Doyouthensaythatourchivalrycanmakenoheadagainstarchers，billmenandthelike？”

“Nay，Nigel，forithasalsobeenveryclearlyshownthatthebestfoot-soldiersunsupportedcannotholdtheirownagainstthemailedhorsemen。”

“Towhomthenisthevictory？”askedNigel。

“Tohimwhocanmixhishorseandfoot，usingeachtostrengthentheother。Aparttheyareweak。Togethertheyarestrong。Thearcherwhocanweakentheenemy’sline，thehorsemanwhocanbreakitwhenitisweakened，aswasdoneatFalkirkandDuplin，thereisthesecretofourstrength。NowtouchingthissamebattleofFalkirk，Iprayyouforoneinstanttogiveityourattention。”