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。”
