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