Themoat，widenedanddeepened，completelyencircledthreesidesofthecastle，runningbetweentheinnerandouterwalls，whichweresetatintervalswithsmallprojectingtowerssopiercedthataflankingfirefromlongbows，crossbowsandjavelinsmightbedirectedagainstascalingparty。
Thefourthsideofthewalledenclosureoverhungahighprecipice，whichnaturalprotectionrenderedtowersunnecessaryuponthisside。
Themaingatewayofthecastlelookedtowardthewestandfromitranthetortuousandrockytrail，downthroughthemountainstowardthevalleybelow。Theaspectfromthegreatgatewasoneofquietandruggedbeauty。
AshortstretchofbarrendownsintheforegroundonlysparselystuddedwithanoccasionalgnarledoakgaveanunobstructedviewofbroadandlovelymeadowlandthroughwhichwoundasparklingtributaryoftheTrent。
Twomoregatewaysletintothegreatfortress，onepiercingthenorthwallandonetheeast。Allthreegateswerestronglyfortifiedwithtoweredandbuttressedbarbicanswhichmustbetakenbeforethemaingatescouldbereached。Eachbarbicanwasportcullised，whiletheinnergatesweresimilarlysafeguardedinadditiontothedrawbridgeswhich，spanningthemoatwhenlowered，couldbedrawnupattheapproachofanenemy，effectuallystoppinghisadvance。
ThenewtowersandbuildingsaddedtotheancientkeepunderthedirectionofNormanofTornandthegrim，oldmanwhomhecalledfather，wereoftheNormantypeofarchitecture，thewindowswerelarger，thecarvingmoreelaborate，theroomslighterandmorespacious。
Withinthegreatenclosurethrivedafairsizedtown，for，withhistenhundredfighting-men，theOutlawofTornrequiredmanysquires，lackeys，cooks，scullions，armorers，smithies，farriers，hostlersandtheliketocareforthewantsofhislittlearmy。
Fifteenhundredwarhorses，besidefivehundredsumpterbeasts，werequarteredinthegreatstables，whiletheeastcourtwasalivewithcows，oxen，goats，sheep，pigs，rabbitsandchickens。
Greatwoodencartsdrawnbyslow，ploddingoxenweredailyvisitorstothegrimpile，fetchingprovenderformanandbeastfromtheneighboringfarmlandsofthepoorSaxonpeasants，towhomNormanofTornpaidgoodgoldfortheircrops。
Thesepoorserfs，whowereworsethanslavestotheproudbaronswhoownedthelandtheytilled，wereforbiddenbyroyaledicttosellorgiveapennysworthofprovisionstotheOutlawofTorn，uponpainofdeath，butneverthelesshisgreatcartsmadetheirtripsregularlyandalwaysreturnedfullladen，andthoughthehusbandmentoldsadtalestotheiroverlordsoftheawfulraidsoftheDevilofTorninwhichheseizedupontheirstuffbyforce，theirtongueswereintheircheeksastheyspokeandtheDevil’sgoldintheirpockets。
Andso，whilethebaronslearnedtohatehimthemore，thepeasants’loveforhimincreased。Themheneverinjured；theirfences，theirstock，theircrops，theirwivesanddaughtersweresafefrommolestationeventhoughtheneighboringcastleoftheirlordmightbesackedfromthewinecellartotherampartsoftheloftiesttower。NordidanyonedarerideroughshodovertheterritorywhichNormanofTornpatrolled。Adozenbandsofcut-throatshehaddrivenfromtheDerbyhills，andthoughthebaronswouldmuchratherhavehadalltherestthanhe，thepeasantsworshippedhimasadelivererfromthelowbornmurdererswhohadbeenwonttodespoiltheweakandlowlyandonwhoseaccountthewomenofthehutsandcottageshadneverbeensafe。
Fewofthemhadseenhisfaceandfewerstillhadspokenwithhim，buttheylovedhisnameandhisprowessandinsecrettheyprayedforhimtotheirancientgod，Wodin，andthelessergodsoftheforestandthemeadowandthechase，forthoughtheywereconfessedChristians，stillintheheartsofmanybeatafaintechooftheoldsuperstitionsoftheirancestors；andwhiletheyprayedalsototheLordJesusandtoMary，yettheyfeltitcoulddonoharmtobeonthesafesidewiththeothers，incasetheydidhappentoexist。
Apoor，degraded，downtrodden，ignorant，superstitiouspeople，theywere；
accustomedforgenerationstotheheeloffirstoneinvaderandthenanotherandintheinterims，whentherewereany，theheelsoftheirfeudallordsandtheirrapaciousmonarchs。
NowonderthenthatsuchastheseworshippedtheOutlawofTorn，forsincetheirfierceSaxonancestorshadcome，themselvesasconquerors，toEngland，nootherhandhadeverbeenraisedtoshieldthemfromoppression。
Onthispolicyofhistowardtheserfsandfreedmen，NormanofTornandthegrim，oldmanwhomhecalledfatherhadneveragreed。ThelatterwasforcarryinghiswarofhateagainstallEnglishmen，buttheyoungmanwouldneitherlistentoit，norallowanywhorodeoutfromTorntomolestthelowly。Araggedtunicwasasurerdefenceagainstthiswildhordethanastoutlanceoranemblazonedshield。
So，asNormanofTornrodedownfromhismightycastletovisitFatherClaude，thesunlightplayingonhisclankingarmorandglancingfromthecopperbossofhisshield，thesightofalittlegroupofwoodmenkneelinguncoveredbytheroadsideashepassedwasnotsoremarkableafterall。
Enteringthepriest’sstudy，NormanofTornremovedhisarmorandlaybackmoodilyuponabenchwithhisbackagainstawallandhisstrong，lithelegsstretchedoutbeforehim。
"Whatailsyou，myson？"askedthepriest，"thatyoulooksodisconsolateonthisbeautifulday？"
"Idonotknow，Father，"repliedNormanofTorn，"unlessitbethatIamaskingmyselfthequestion，’Whatitisallfor？’Whydidmyfathertrainmeevertopreyuponmyfellows？Iliketofight，butthereisplentyoffightingwhichislegitimate，andwhatgoodmayallmystolenwealthavailmeifImaynotenterthehauntsofmentospendit？ShouldIstickmyheadintoLondontown，itwoulddoubtlessstaythere，heldbyahempennecklace。
"WhatquarrelhaveIwiththeKingorthegentry？Theyhavequarrelenoughwithmeitistrue，but，nathless，IdonotknowwhyIshouldhavehatedthemsobeforeIwasoldenoughtoknowhowrottentheyreallyare。
SoitseemstomethatIambuttheinstrumentofanoldman’sspite，notevenknowingthegrievancetotheavengingofwhichmylifehasbeendedicatedbyanother。
"Andattimes，FatherClaude，asIgrowolder，IdoubtmuchthatthenamelessoldmanofTornismyfather，solittledoIfavorhim，andneverinallmylifehaveIheardawordoffatherlyendearmentorfeltacaress，evenasalittlechild。Whatthinkyou，FatherClaude？"
"Ihavethoughtmuchofit，myson，"answeredthepriest。"Ithaseverbeenasorepuzzletome，andIhavemysuspicions，whichIhaveheldforyears，butwhicheventhethoughtofsofrightensmethatIshuddertospeculateupontheconsequencesofvoicingthemaloud。NormanofTorn，ifyouarenotthesonoftheoldmanyoucallfather，mayGodforfendthatEnglandeverguessesyourtrueparentage。Morethanthis，Idarenotsayexceptthat，asyouvalueyourpeaceofmindandyourlife，keepyourvisordownandkeepoutoftheclutchesofyourenemies。"
"ThenyouknowwhyIshouldkeepmyvisordown？"
"Icanonlyguess，NormanofTorn，becauseIhaveseenanotherwhomyouresemble。"
Theconversationwasinterruptedbyacommotionfromwithout；thesoundofhorses’hoofs，thecriesofmenandtheclashofarms。Inaninstant，bothmenwereatthetinyunglazedwindow。Beforethem，onthehighroad，fiveknightsinarmorwerenowengagedinfuriousbattlewithapartyoftenoradozenothersteel-cladwarriors，whilecrouchingbreathlessonherpalfry，ayoungwomansatalittleapartfromthecontestants。
Presently，oneoftheknightsdetachedhimselffromthemeleeandrodetohersidewithsomewordofcommand，atthesametimegraspingroughlyatherbridlerein。Thegirlraisedherridingwhipandstruckrepeatedlybutfutilelyagainsttheironheadgearofherassailantwhileheswunghishorseuptheroad，and，draggingherpalfreyafterhim，gallopedrapidlyoutofsight。
NormanofTornsprangtothedoor，and，recklessofhisunarmoredcondition，leapedtoSirMortimer’sbackandspurredswiftlyinthedirectiontakenbythegirlandherabductor。
Thegreatblackwasfleet，and，unencumberedbytheusualheavyarmorofhisrider，soonbroughtthefugitivestoview。Scarceamilehadbeencoverederetheknight，turningtolookforpursuers，sawthefaceofNormanofTornnottenpacesbehindhim。
Withalookofmingledsurprise，chagrinandincredulitytheknightreinedinhishorse，exclaimingashedidso，"MonDieu，Edward！"
"Drawanddefendyourself，"criedNormanofTorn。
"But，YourHighness，"stammeredtheknight。
"Draw，orIstickyouasIhavestuckanhundredotherEnglishpigs，"criedNormanofTorn。
Thechargingsteedwasalmostuponhimandtheknightlookedtoseetheriderdrawrein，but，likeablackbolt，themightySirMortimerstrucktheotherhorsefullupontheshoulder，andmanandsteedrolledinthedustoftheroadway。
Theknightarose，unhurt，andNormanofTorndismountedtogivefairbattleuponeventerms。Thoughhandicappedbytheweightofhisarmor，theknightalsohadtheadvantageofitsprotection，sothatthetwofoughtfuriouslyforseveralminuteswithouteithergaininganadvantage。
Thegirlsatmotionlessandwide-eyedatthesideoftheroadwatchingeverymoveofthetwocontestants。Shemadenoefforttoescape，butseemedrivetedtothespotbytheveryfiercenessofthebattleshewasbeholding，aswell，possibly，asbythefascinationofthehandsomegiantwhohadespousedhercause。Asshelookeduponherchampion，shesawalithe，muscular，brown-hairedyouthwhosecleareyesandperfectfigure，unconcealedbyeitherbassinetorhauberk，reflectedtheclean，athleticlifeofthetrainedfightingman。
Uponhisfacehoveredafaint，coldsmileofhaughtyprideastheswordarm，displayingitsmightystrengthandskillineverymove，playedwiththesweating，puffing，steel-cladenemywhohackedandhewedsofutilelybeforehim。Forallthedinofclashingbladesandrattlingarmor，neitherofthecontestantshadinflictedmuchdamage，fortheknightcouldneitherforcenorinsinuatehispointbeyondtheperfectguardofhisunarmoredfoe，who，forhispart，founddifficultyinpenetratingtheother’sarmor。
Finally，bydintofhismightystrength，NormanofTorndrovehisbladethroughthemeshesofhisadversary’smail，andthefellow，withacryofanguish，sanklimplytotheground。
"Quick，SirKnight！"criedthegirl。"Mountandflee；yondercomehisfellows。"
Andsurely，asNormanofTornturnedinthedirectionfromwhichhehadjustcome，there，racingtowardhimatfulltilt，rodethreesteel-armoredmenontheirmightyhorses。
"Ride，madam，"criedNormanofTorn，"forflyIshallnot，normayI，alone，unarmored，andonfoothopemorethantomomentarilydelaythesethreefellows，butinthattimeyoushouldeasilymakeyourescape。Theirheavy-burdenedanimalscouldnevero’ertakeyourfleetpalfrey。"
Ashespoke，hetooknoteforthefirsttimeoftheyoungwoman。Thatshewasaladyofqualitywasevidencednotalonebytherichnessofherridingapparelandthetrappingsofherpalfrey，butaswellinhernobleandhaughtydemeanorandtheproudexpressionofherbeautifulface。
AlthoughatthistimenearlytwentyyearshadpassedovertheheadofNormanofTorn，hewaswithoutknowledgeorexperienceinthewaysofwomen，norhadheeverspokenwithafemaleofqualityorposition。NowomangracedthecastleofTornnorhadtheboy，withinhismemory，everknownamother。
Hisattitudethereforewasmuchthesametowardwomenasitwastowardmen，exceptthathehadswornalwaystoprotectthem。Possibly，inaway，helookeduptowomankind，ifitcouldbesaidthatNormanofTornlookeduptoanything：God，manordevil——itbeingmorehiswaytolookdownuponallcreatureswhomhetookthetroubletonoticeatall。
Ashisglanceresteduponthiswoman，whomfatehaddestinedtoaltertheentirecourseofhislife，NormanofTornsawthatshewasbeautiful，andthatshewasofthatclassagainstwhomhehadpreyedforyearswithhisbandofoutlawcut-throats。Thenheturnedoncemoretofaceherenemieswiththestrangeinconsistencywhichhadevermarkedhismethods。
Tomorrowhemightbeassaultingtherampartsofherfather’scastle，buttodayhewasjoyouslyofferingtosacrificehislifeforher——hadshebeenthedaughterofacharcoalburnerhewouldhavedonenoless。Itwasenoughthatshewasawomanandinneedofprotection。
Thethreeknightswerenowfairlyuponhim，andwithfinedisregardforfairplay，chargedwithcouchedspearstheunarmoredmanonfoot。Butastheleadingknightcamecloseenoughtobeholdhisface，hecriedoutinsurpriseandconsternation：
"MonDieu，lePrince！"Hewheeledhischarginghorsetooneside。Hisfellows，hearinghiscry，followedhisexample，andthethreeofthemdashedondownthehighroadinasevidentanxietytoescapeastheyhadbeenkeentoattack。
"Onewouldthinktheyhadmetthedevil，"mutteredNormanofTorn，lookingaftertheminunfeignedastonishment。
"Whatmeansit，lady？"heaskedturningtothedamsel，whohadmadenomovetoescape。
"Itmeansthatyourfaceiswellknowninyourfather’srealm，myLordPrince，"shereplied。"AndtheKing’smenhavenodesiretoantagonizeyou，eventhoughtheymayunderstandaslittleasIwhyyoushouldespousethecauseofadaughterofSimondeMontfort。"
"AmIthentakenforPrinceEdwardofEngland？"heasked。
"An’whoelseshouldyoubetakenfor，myLord？"
"IamnotthePrince，"saidNormanofTorn。"ItissaidthatEdwardisinFrance。"
"Rightyouare，sir，"exclaimedthegirl。"Ihadnotthoughtonthat；butyoubeenoughofhislikenessthatyoumightwelldeceivetheQueenherself。Andyoubeofabraveryfitforaking’sson。Whoareyouthen，SirKnight，whohasbaredyoursteelandfaceddeathforBertrade，daughterofSimondeMontfort，EarlofLeicester？"
"BeyouDeMontfort’sdaughter，nieceofKingHenry？"queriedNormanofTorn，hiseyesnarrowingtomereslitsandfacehardening。
"ThatIbe，"repliedthegirl，"an’fromyourfaceItakeityouhavelittleloveforaDeMontfort，"sheadded，smiling。
"An’whithermayyoubebound，LadyBertradedeMontfort？Beyounieceordaughterofthedevil，yetstillyoubeawoman，andIdonotwaragainstwomen。WheresoeveryouwouldgowillIaccompanyyoutosafety。"
"Iwasbutnowbound，underescortoffiveofmyfather’sknights，tovisitMary，daughterofJohndeStutevillofDerby。"
"Iknowthecastlewell，"answeredNormanofTorn，andtheshadowofagrimsmileplayedabouthislips，forscarcesixtydayshadelapsedsincehehadreducedthestronghold，andleviedtributeonthegreatbaron。"Come，youhavenotfartotravelnow，andifwemakehasteyoushallsupwithyourfriendbeforedark。"
Sosaying，hemountedhishorseandwasturningtoretracetheirstepsdowntheroadwhenhenoticedthebodyofthedeadknightlyingwhereithadfallen。
"Rideon，"hecalledtoBertradedeMontfort，"Iwilljoinyouinaninstant。"
Againdismounting，hereturnedtothesideofhislateadversary，andliftingthedeadknight’svisor，drewupontheforeheadwiththepointofhisdaggerthelettersNT。
Thegirlturnedtoseewhatdetainedhim，buthisbackwastowardherandhekneltbesidehisfallenfoeman，andshedidnotseehisact。Bravedaughterofabravesirethoughshewas，hadsheseenwhathedid，herheartwouldhavequailedwithinherandshewouldhavefledinterrorfromtheclutchesofthisscourgeofEngland，whosemarkshehadseenonthedeadforeheadsofadozenofherfather’sknightsandkinsmen。
TheirwaytoStutevilllaypastthecottageofFatherClaude，andhereNormanofTornstoppedtodonhisarmor。Nowherodeoncemorewithloweredvisor，andinsilence，alittletotherearofBertradedeMontfortthathemightwatchherface，which，ofasudden，hadexcitedhisinterest。
Neverbefore，withinthescopeofhismemory，hadhebeensoclosetoayoungandbeautifulwomanforsolongaperiodoftime，althoughhehadoftenseenwomeninthecastlesthathadfallenbeforehisviciousandterribleattacks。Whilestorieswereabroadofhisviletreatmentofwomencaptives，therewasnotruthinthem。Theyweremerelyspreadbyhisenemiestoincitethepeopleagainsthim。NeverhadNormanofTornlaidviolenthanduponawoman，andhiscut-throatbandwereunderoathtorespectandprotectthesex，onpenaltyofdeath。
Ashewatchedthesemi-profileofthelovelyfacebeforehim，somethingstirredinhisheartwhichhadbeenstrugglingforexpressionforyears。
Itwasnotlove，norwasitalliedtolove，butadeeplongingforcompanionshipofsuchasshe，andsuchassherepresented。NormanofTorncouldnothavetranslatedthisfeelingintowordsforhedidnotknow，butitwasthefarfaintcryofbloodforbloodandwithit，mayhap，wasmixednotalonethelongingofthelionamongjackalsforotherlions，butforhislioness。
Theyrodeformanymilesinsilencewhensuddenlysheturned，saying：
"Youtakeyourtime，SirKnight，inansweringmyquery。Whobeye？"
"IamNor——"andthenhestopped。Alwaysbeforehehadansweredthatquestionwithhaughtypride。Whyshouldhehesitate，hethought。Wasitbecausehefearedtheloathingthatnamewouldinspireinthebreastofthisdaughterofthearistocracyhedespised？DidNormanofTornfeartofacethelookofseemandrepugnancethatwassuretobemirroredinthatlovelyface？
"IamfromNormandy，"hewentonquietly。"AgentlemanofFrance。"
"Butyourname？"shesaidperemptorily。"Areyouashamedofyourname？"
"YoumaycallmeRoger，"heanswered。"RogerdeConde。"
"Raiseyourvisor，RogerdeConde，"shecommanded。"Idonottakepleasureinridingwithasuitofarmor；Iwouldseethatthereisamanwithin。"
NormanofTornsmiledashedidherbidding，andwhenhesmiledthus，asherarelydid，hewasgoodtolookupon。
"ItisthefirstcommandIhaveobeyedsinceIturnedsixteen，BertradedeMontfort，"hesaid。
Thegirlwasaboutnineteen，fullofthevigorandgaietyofyouthandhealth；andsothetworodeontheirjourneytalkingandlaughingastheymighthavebeenfriendsoflongstanding。
Shetoldhimofthereasonfortheattackuponherearlierintheday，attributingittoanattemptonthepartofacertainbaron，PeterofColfax，toabducther，hissuitforherhandhavingbeenperemptorilyandroughlydeniedbyherfather。
SimondeMontfortwasnomantomincewords，anditisdoubtlessthattheoldreprobatewhosuedforhisdaughter’shandheardsomeunsavorytruthsfromthemanwhohadtwicescandalizedEngland’snobilitybyhisrudeanddiscourteous，thoughtrueandcandid，speechestotheKing。
"ThisPeterofColfaxshallbelookedto，"growledNormanofTorn。"And，asyouhaverefusedhisheartandhand，hisheadshallbeyoursfortheasking。Youhavebuttocommand，BertradedeMontfort。"
"Verywell，"shelaughed，thinkingitbuttheidleboastingsomuchindulgedininthosedays。"Youmaybringmehisheaduponagoldendish，RogerdeConde。"
"Andwhatrewarddoestheknightearnwhobringstothefeetofhisprincesstheheadofherenemy？"heaskedlightly。
"Whatboonwouldtheknightask？"
"Thatwhatsoeverabadreportyouhearofyourknight，ofwhatsoevercalumniesmaybeheapeduponhim，youshallyeteverbehisfriend，andbelieveinhishonorandhisloyalty。"
Thegirllaughedgailyassheanswered，thoughsomethingseemedtotellherthatthiswasmorethanplay。
"Itshallbeasyousay，SirKnight，"shereplied。"Andtheboononcegrantedshallbealwayskept。"
Quicktoreachdecisionsandasquicktoact，NormanofTorndecidedthathelikedthisgirlandthathewishedherfriendshipmorethananyotherthingheknewof。Andwishingit，hedeterminedtowinitbyanymeansthataccordedwithhisstandardofhonor；anhonorwhichinmanyrespectswashigherthanthatofthenoblesofhistime。
TheyreachedthecastleofDeStutevilllateintheafternoon，andthere，NormanofTornwasgraciouslywelcomedandurgedtoaccepttheBaron’shospitalityovernight。
Thegrimhumorofthesituationwastoomuchfortheoutlaw，and，whenaddedtohisnewdesiretobeinthecompanyofBertradedeMontfort，hemadenoefforttoresist，buthastenedtoacceptthewarmwelcome。
AtthelongtableuponwhichtheeveningmealwasspreadsattheentirehouseholdoftheBaron，andhereandthereamongthemenwereevidencesofpainfulwoundsbutbarelyhealed，whilethehosthimselfstillworehisswordarminasling。
"Wehavebeenthroughgrievoustimes，"saidSirJohn，noticingthathisguestwasglancingatthevariousevidencesofconflict。"Thatfiend，NormantheDevil，withhisfilthypackofcut-throats，besiegedusfortendays，andthentookthecastlebystormandsackedit。LifeisnolongersafeinEnglandwiththeKingspendinghistimeandmoneywithforeignfavoritesandbuyingaliensoldierytofightagainsthisownbarons，insteadofinsuringthepeaceandprotectionwhichistherightofeveryEnglishmanathome。
"But，"hecontinued，"thisoutlawdevilwillcometotheendofashorthalterwhenonceourcivilstrifeissettled，forthebaronsthemselveshavedecideduponanexpeditionagainsthim，iftheKingwillnotsubduehim。"
"An’hemaysendthebaronsnakedhomeashedidtheKing’ssoldiers，"
laughedBertradedeMontfort。"Ishouldliketoseethisfellow；whatmayhelooklike——fromtheappearanceofyourself，SirJohn，andmanyofyourmen-at-arms，thereshouldbenofewherebuthavemethim。"
"Notoncedidheraisehisvisorwhilehewasamongus，"repliedtheBaron，"buttherearethosewhoclaimtheyhadabriefglimpseofhimandthatheisofhorridcountenance，wearingagreatyellowbeardandhavingoneeyegone，andamightyredscarfromhisforeheadtohischin。"
"Afearfulapparition，"murmuredNormanofTorn。"Nowonderhekeepshishelmclosed。"
"Butsuchaswordsman，"spokeupasonofDeStutevill。"NeverinalltheworldwastheresuchswordplayasIsawthatdayinthecourtyard。"
"I，too，haveseensomewonderfulswordplay，"saidBertradedeMontfort，"andthattoday。Ohe！"shecried，laughinggleefully，"verilydoI
believeIhavecapturedthewildNormanofTorn，forthisveryknight，whostyleshimselfRogerdeConde，fightsasIne’ersawmanfightbefore，andherodewithhisvisordownuntilIchidehimforit。"
NormanofTornledinthelaughwhichfollowed，andofallthecompanyhemostenjoyedthejoke。
"An’speakingoftheDevil，"saidtheBaron，"howthinkyouhewillsideshouldtheKingeventuallyforcewaruponthebarons？Withhisthousandhell-hounds，thefateofEnglandmightwellheinthepalmofhisbloodyhand。"
"HelovesneitherKingnorbaron，"spokeMarydeStutevill，"andIratherleantothethoughtthathewillserveneither，butratherplunderthecastlesofbothrebelandroyalistwhilsttheirmastersbeabsentatwar。"
"Itbemoretohislikingtocomewhilethemasterbehometowelcomehim，"
saidDeStutevill，ruthfully。"ButyetIamalwaysinfearforthesafetyofmywifeanddaughterswhenIbeawayfromDerbyforanytime。MaythegoodGodsoondeliverEnglandfromthisDevilofTorn。"
"Ithinkyoumayhavenoneedoffearonthatscore，"spokeMary，"forNormanofTornofferednoviolencetoanywomanwithinthewallofStutevill，andwhenoneofhismenlaidaheavyhanduponme，itwasthegreatoutlawhimselfwhostruckthefellowsuchablowwithhismailedhandastocracktheruffian’shelm，sayingatthetime，’Knowyou，fellow，NormanofTorndoesnotwaruponwomen？’"
PresentlytheconversationturnedtoothersubjectsandNormanofTornheardnomoreofhimselfduringthatevening。
HisstayatthecastleofStutevillwasdrawnouttothreedays，andthen，onthethirdday，ashesatwithBertradedeMontfortinanembrasureofthesouthtoweroftheoldcastle，hespokeoncemoreofthenecessityforleavingandoncemoresheurgedhimtoremain。
"Tobewithyou，BertradeofMontfort，"hesaidboldly，"Iwouldforegoanyotherpleasure，andendureanyprivation，orfaceanydanger，butthereareotherswholooktomeforguidanceandmydutycallsmeawayfromyou。Youshallseemeagain，andatthecastleofyourfather，SimondeMontfort，inLeicester。Provided，"headded，"thatyouwillwelcomemethere。"
"Ishallalwayswelcomeyou，whereverImaybe，RogerdeConde，"repliedthegirl。
"Rememberthatpromise，"hesaidsmiling。"Somedayyoumaybegladtorepudiateit。"
"Never，"sheinsisted，andalightthatshoneinhereyesasshesaiditwouldhavemeantmuchtoamanbetterversedinthewaysofwomenthanwasNormanofTorn。
"Ihopenot，"hesaidgravely。"Icannottellyou，beingbutpoorlytrainedincourtlyways，whatIshouldliketotellyou，thatyoumightknowhowmuchyourfriendshipmeanstome。Goodbye，BertradedeMontfort，"
andhebenttooneknee，asheraisedherfingerstohislips。
AshepassedoverthedrawbridgeanddowntowardthehighroadafewminuteslateronhiswaybacktoTorn，heturnedforonelastlookatthecastleandthere，inanembrasureinthesouthtower，stoodayoungwomanwhoraisedherhandtowave，andthen，asthoughbysuddenimpulse，threwakissafterthedepartingknight，onlytodisappearfromtheembrasurewiththeact。
AsNormanofTornrodebacktohisgrimcastleinthehillsofDerby，hehadmuchfoodforthoughtupontheway。Nevertillnowhadherealizedwhatmightlieinanothermanneroflife，andhefeltatwingeofbitternesstowardthehard，oldmanwhomhecalledfather，andwhoseteachingsfromtheboy’searliestchildhoodhadguidedhiminthewaysthathadouthimoffcompletelyfromthesocietyofothermen，exceptthewildhordeofoutlaws，ruffiansandadventurersthatrodebeneaththegrislybanneroftheyoungchiefofTorn。
Onlyinanill-defined，nebulouswaydidhefeelthatitwasthegirlwhohadcomeintohislifethatcausedhimforthefirsttimetofeelshameforhispastdeeds。Hedidnotknowthemeaningoflove，andsohecouldnotknowthathelovedBertradedeMontfort。
AndanotherthoughtwhichnowfilledhismindwasthefactofhisstrangelikenesstotheCrownPrinceofEngland。This，togetherwiththewordsofFatherClaude，puzzledhimsorely。Whatmightitmean？Wasitaheinousoffencetoownanaccidentallikenesstoaking’sson？
Butnowthathefelthehadsolvedthereasonthatherodealwayswithclosedhelm，hewasforthefirsttimeanxioushimselftohidehisfacefromthesightofmen。Notfromfear，forheknewnotfear，butfromsomeinwardimpulsewhichhedidnotattempttofathom。
CHAPTERVIII
AsNormanofTornrodeoutfromthecastleofDeStutevill，FatherClaudedismountedfromhissleekdonkeywithintheballiumofTorn。Theausterestronghold，notwithstandingitsrepellentexteriorandunsavoryreputation，alwaysextendedawarmwelcometothekindly，genialpriest；notalonebecauseofthedeepfriendshipwhichthemasterofTornfeltforthegoodfather，butthroughthepersonalcharm，andlovablenessoftheholyman’snature，whichshonealikeonsaintandsinner。
ItwasdoubtlessduetohisunremittinglaborswiththeyouthfulNorman，duringtheperiodthattheboy’scharacterwasmostamenabletostrongimpressions，thatthepolicyofthemightyoutlawwasinmanyrespectspureandlofty。Itwasthissameinfluence，though，whichwonforFatherClaudehisonlyenemyinTorn；thelittle，grim，gray，oldmanwhosesoleaiminlifeseemedtohavebeentosmothereveryfinerinstinctofchivalryandmanhoodintheboy，towhosetraininghehaddevotedthepastnineteenyearsofhislife。
AsFatherClaudeclimbeddownfromhisdonkey——fatpeopledonot"dismount"——ahalfdozenyoungsquiresranforwardtoassisthim，andtoleadtheanimaltothestables。
Thegoodpriestcalledeachofhiswillinghelpersbyname，askingaquestionhere，passingamerryjoketherewiththeeaseandfamiliaritythatbespokemutualaffectionandoldacquaintance。
Ashepassedinthroughthegreatgate，themen-at-armsthrewhimlaughing，thoughrespectful，welcomesandwithinthegreatcourt，beautifiedwithsmoothlawn，bedsofgorgeousplants，fountains，statuesandsmallshrubsandbushes，hecameuponthegiant，RedShandy，nowtheprincipallieutenantofNormanofTorn。
"Goodmorrow，SaintClaude！"criedtheburlyruffian。"Hastcometosaveoursouls，ordamnus？Whatmannerofsacrilegehavewecommittednow，orhavewemeritedtheblessingsofHolyChurch？Dostcometoscold，orpraise？"
"Neither，thouunregeneratevillain，"criedthepriest，laughing。"ThoughmethinksyemeritchidingforthegrievouspoorcourtesywithwhichthoudidsttreatthegreatBishopofNorwichthepastweek。"
"Tut，tut，Father，"repliedRedShandy。"WedidbutaidhimtoadheremorecloselytotheinjunctionsandpreceptsofHimwhoseservantanddiscipleheclaimstobe。WereitnotbetterforanArchbishopofHisChurchtowalkinhumilityandpovertyamongHispeople，thantobeeversurroundedwiththetemptationsoffineclothing，jewelsandmuchgold，tosaynothingoftwosumpterbeastsheavyladenwithrunletsofwine？"
"Iwarranthistemptationswerelessbyatleastasmanyrunletsofwineasmaybebornebytwosumpterbeastswhenthou，redrobber，hadfinishedwithhim，"exclaimedFatherClaude。
"Yes，Father，"laughedthegreatfellow，"forthesakeofHolyChurch，I
didindeedconfiscatethattemptationcompletely，andifyoumustneedshaveproofinordertoabsolvemefrommysins，comewithmenowandyoushallsampletheexcellentdiscriminationwhichtheBishopofNorwichdisplaysintheselectionofhistemptations。"
"Theytellmeyouleftthegreatmanquitedestituteoffinery，RedShandy，"continuedFatherClaude，ashelockedhisarminthatoftheoutlawandproceededtowardthecastle。
"OnegarmentwasallthatNormanofTornwouldpermithim，andasthesunwashotoverhead，heselectedfortheBishopabassinetforthatsinglearticleofapparel，toprotecthistonsuredpatefromtheraysofoldsol。
Then，fearingthatitmightbestolenfromhimbysomevandalsoftheroad，hehadOneEyeKantyrivetitateachsideofthegorgetsothatitcouldnotberemovedbyotherthanasmithy，andthus，strappedfacetotailuponadonkey，hesentthegreatBishopofNorwichrattlingdownthedustyroadwithhishead，atleast，protectedfromtheidlegazeofwhomsoeverhemightchancetomeet。FortystripeshegavetoeachoftheBishop’sretinueforbeingabroadinbadcompany；butcome，herewearewhereyoushallhavethewineasproofofmytale。"
AsthetwosatsippingtheBishop’sgoodCanary，thelittleoldmanofTornentered。HespoketoFatherClaudeinasurlytone，askinghimifheknewaughtofthewhereaboutsofNormanofTorn。
"Wehaveseennothingofhimsince，somethreedaysgone，herodeoutinthedirectionofyourcottage，"heconcluded。
"Why，yes，"saidthepriest，"Isawhimthatday。HehadanadventurewithseveralknightsfromthecastleofPeterofColfax，fromwhomherescuedadamselwhomIsuspectfromthetrappingsofherpalfreytobeofthehouseofMontfort。Togethertheyrodenorth，butthysondidnotsaywhitherorforwhatpurpose。Hisonlyremark，ashedonnedhisarmor，whilethegirlwaitedwithout，wasthatIshouldnowbeholdthefalconguardingthedove。
Hasthenotreturned？"
"No，"saidtheoldman，"anddoubtlesshisadventureisofanatureinlinewiththypuerileandeffeminateteachings。Hadhefollowedmytraining，withoutthyaccurstpriestlyinterference，hehadmadeaniron-barrednestinTornformanyofthedovesofthydamnedEnglishnobility。An’thouleavehimnotalone，hewillsoonbeseekingserviceinthehouseholdoftheKing。"
"Where，perchance，hemightbemoreathomethanhere，"saidthepriestquietly。
"Whysayyouthat？"snappedthelittleoldman，eyeingFatherClaudenarrowly。
"Oh，"laughedthepriest，"becausehewhosepowerandmienbeevenmorekinglythantheKing’swouldrightlygracetheroyalpalace，"buthehadnotfailedtonotetheperturbationhisremarkhadcaused，nordidhisoff-handreplyentirelydeceivetheoldman。
Atthisjuncture，asquireenteredtosaythatShandy’spresencewasrequiredatthegates，andthatworthy，withasorrowingandregretfulglanceattheunemptiedflagon，lefttheroom。
Forafewmoments，thetwomensatinmeditativesilence，whichwaspresentlybrokenbytheoldmanofTorn。
"Priest，"hesaid，"thywayswithmysonare，asyouknow，nottomyliking。Itwereneedlessthatheshouldhavewastedsomuchprecioustimefromswordplaytolearntheuselessartofletters。OfwhatbenefitmayaknowledgeofLatinbetoonewhosedoomloomslargebeforehim。Itmaybeyearsandagainitmaybebutmonths，butassureastherebeadevilinhell，NormanofTornwillswingfromaking’sgibbet。Andthouknowstit，andhetoo，aswellasI。Thethingswhichthouhasttaughthimbeabovehisstation，andthehopesandambitionstheyinspirewillbutmakehisendthebittererforhim。OflateIhavenotedthatheridesuponthehighwaywithlessenthusiasmthanwashiswont，buthehasgonetoofarevertogobacknow；noristherewheretogobackto。Whathasheeverbeenotherthanoutcastandoutlaw？Whathopescouldyouhaveengenderedinhisbreastgreaterthantobehatedandfearedamonghisbloodenemies？"
"Iknowstnotthyreasons，oldman，"repliedthepriest，"fordevotingthylifetotheruiningofhis，andwhatIguessatbesuchasIdarenotvoice；butletusunderstandeachotheronceandforall。Forallthoudostandhastdonetoblightandcursethenoblenessofhisnature，Ihavedoneandshallcontinuetodoallinmypowertocontrovert。Asthouhastbeenhisbadangel，soshallItrytobehisgoodangel，andwhenallissaidanddoneandNormanofTornswingsfromtheKing’sgibbet，asIonlytoowellfearhemust，therewillbemoretomournhislossthantherebetocursehim。
"Hisfriendsarefromtheranksofthelowly，butsotoowerethefriendsandfollowersofourDearLordJesus；sothatshallbemoregreatlytohishonorthanhadhepreyeduponthealreadyunfortunate。
"Womenhaveneverbeenhisprey；thatalsowillbespokenoftohishonorwhenheisgone，andthathehasbeencrueltomenwillbeforgotteninthegreatergloryofhismercytotheweak。
"Whateverbethyobject：whetherrevengeorthenaturalbentofacruelanddegradedmind，Iknownot；butifanybecurstbecauseoftheOutlawofTorn，itwillbethou——Ihadalmostsaid，unnaturalfather；butIdonotbelieveasingledropofthydebasedbloodflowsintheveinsofhimthoucallestson。"
ThegrimoldmanofTornhadsatmotionlessthroughoutthisindictment，hisface，somewhatpale，wasdrawnintolinesofmalevolenthatredandrage，buthepermittedFatherClaudetofinishwithoutinterruption。
"Thouhastmadethyselfandthyopinionsquiteclear，"hesaidbitterly，"butIbegladtoknowjusthowthoustandeth。Inthepasttherehasbeenpeacebetweenus，thoughnolove；nowletusbothunderstandthatitbewarandhate。Mylifeworkiscutoutforme。Others，likethyself，havestoodinmypath，yettodayIamhere，butwherearethey？Dostunderstandme，priest？"Andtheoldmanleanedfaracrossthetablesothathiseyes，burningwithaninsanefireofvenom，blazedbutafewinchesfromthoseofthepriest。
FatherClaudereturnedthelookwithcalmlevelgaze。
"Iunderstand，"hesaid，and，rising，leftthecastle。
Shortlyafterhehadreachedhiscottage，aloudknocksoundedatthedoor，whichimmediatelyswungopenwithoutwaitingtheformalityofpermission。
FatherClaudelookeduptoseethetallfigureofNormanofTorn，andhisfacelightedwithapleasedsmileofwelcome。
"Greetings，myson，"saidthepriest。
"Andtothee，Father，"repliedtheoutlaw，"AndwhatmaybethenewsofTorn。Ihavebeenabsentforseveraldays。Isallwellatthecastle？"
"Allbewellatthecastle，"repliedFatherClaude，"ifbythatyoumeanhavenonebeencapturedorhangedfortheirmurders。Ah，myboy，whywiltthounotgiveupthiswickedlifeofthine？Ithasneverbeenmywaytoscoldorchidethee，yetalwayshathmyheartachedforeachcrimelaidatthedoorofNormanofTorn。"
"Come，come，Father，"repliedtheoutlaw，"whatdostIthatIhavenotgoodexampleforfromthebarons，andtheKing，andHolyChurch。Murder，theft，rapine！PassethadayoverEnglandwhichseesnotoneorallperpetratedinthenameofsomeofthese？
"BeitwickedforNormanofTorntopreyuponthewolf，yetrighteousforthewolftotearthesheep？Methinksnot。OnlydoIcollectfromthosewhohavemorethantheyneed，frommynaturalenemies；whiletheypreyuponthosewhohavenaught。
"Yet，"andhismannersuddenlychanged，"Idonotloveit，Father。Thatthouknow。Iwouldthattheremightbesomewayoutofit，butthereisnone。
"IfItoldyouwhyIwishedit，youwouldbesurprisedindeed，norcanI
myselfunderstand；but，ofaverity，mygreatestwishtobeoutofthislifeisduetothefactthatIcravetheassociationofthoseveryenemiesIhavebeentaughttohate。Butitistoolate，Father，therecanbebutoneendandthatthelowerendofahempenrope。"
"No，myson，thereisanotherway，anhonorableway，"repliedthegoodFather。"Insomeforeignclimetherebeopportunitiesabundantforsuchasthee。FranceoffersamagnificentfuturetosuchasoldierasNormanofTorn。InthecourtofLouis，youwouldtakeyourplaceamongthehighestoftheland。Youberichandbraveandhandsome。Naydonotraiseyourhand。Youbealltheseandmore，foryouhavelearningfarbeyondthemajorityofnobles，andyouhaveagoodheartandatruechivalryofcharacter。Withsuchwondrousgifts，naughtcouldbaryourwaytothehighestpinnaclesofpowerandglory，whilehereyouhavenofuturebeyondthehalter。Canstthouhesitate，NormanofTorn？"
Theyoungmanstoodsilentforamoment，thenhedrewhishandacrosshiseyesasthoughtobrushawayavision。
"Therebeareason，Father，whyImustremaininEnglandforatimeatleast，thoughthepictureyouputisindeedwondrousalluring。"
AndthereasonwasBertradedeMontfort。
CHAPTERIX
ThevisitofBertradedeMontfortwithherfriendMarydeStutevillwasdrawingtoaclose。ThreeweekshadpassedsinceRogerdeCondehadriddenoutfromtheportalsofStutevillandmanytimesthehandsomeyoungknight’snamehadbeenonthelipsofhisfairhostessandherfairerfriend。
Todaythetwogirlsroamedslowlythroughthegardensofthegreatcourt，theirarmsabouteachother’swaists，pouringthelastconfidencesintoeachother’sears，fortomorrowBertradehadelectedtoreturntoLeicester。
"Methinksthoubeveryrashindeed，myBertrade，"saidMary。"Wertmyfatherherehewould，Iamsure，notpermittheetoleavewithonlythesmallescortwhichwebeabletogive。"
"Fearnot，Mary，"repliedBertrade。"Fiveofthyfather’sknightsbeampleprotectionforsoshortajourney。Byeveningitwillhavebeenaccomplished；and，astheonlyoneIfearinthesepartsreceivedsuchasoundsetbackfromRogerdeConderecently，Idonotthinkhewillventureagaintomolestme。"
"ButwhatabouttheDevilofTorn，Bertrade？"urgedMary。"Onlyyestereve，youwot，oneofLorddeGrey’smen-at-armscamelimpingtouswiththenewsoftheawfulcarnagethefoulfiendhadwroughtonhismaster’shousehold。Hebeabroad，Bertrade，andIcanstthinkofnaughtmorehorriblethantofallintohishands。"
"Why，Mary，thoudidstbutrecentlysaythyveryselfthatNormanofTornwasmostcourteoustotheewhenhesackedthis，thyfather’scastle。Howbeitthousosoonhaschangedthymind？"
"Yes，Bertrade，hewasindeedrespectfulthen，butwhoknowswhathorridfreakhismindmaytake，andtheydosaythathebecruelbeyondcompare。
Again，forgetnotthatthoubeLeicester’sdaughterandHenry’sniece；
againstbothofwhomtheOutlawofTornopenlyswearshishatredandhisvengeance。Oh，Bertrade，waitbutforadayorso，Ibesuremyfathermustreturnerethen，andfiftyknightsshallaccompanytheeinsteadoffive。"
"WhatbefiftyknightsagainstNormanofTorn，Mary？Thyreasoningisonaparitywiththyfears，bothhaveflownwideofthemark。
"IfIamtomeetwiththiswildruffian，itwerebetterthatfiveknightsweresacrificedthanfifty，foreithernumberwouldbebutamouthfultothathorridhordeofunhungmurderers。No，Mary，Ishallstarttomorrowandyourgoodknightsshallreturnthefollowingdaywiththebestofwordfromme。"
"Ifthouwilst，thouwilst，"criedMarypetulantly。"IndeeditwereplainthatthoubeaDeMontfort；thatracewhosehistoricbraverybesecondonlytotheirhistoricstubbornness。"
BertradedeMontfortlaughed，andkissedherfrienduponthecheek。
"MayhapIshallfindthebraveRogerdeCondeagainuponthehighroadtoprotectme。ThenindeedshallIsendbackyourfiveknights，forofatruth，hisbladeismorepowerfulthanthatofanytenmenIeresawfightbefore。"
"Methinks，"saidMary，stillpeevedatherfriend’sdeterminationtoleaveonthemorrow，"thatshouldyoumeetthedoughtySirRogerallunarmed，thatstillwouldyousendbackmyfather’sknights。"
Bertradeflushed，andthenbitherlipasshefeltthewarmbloodmounttohercheek。
"Thoubeafool，Mary，"shesaid。
Marybrokeintoajoyful，teasinglaugh；hugelyenjoyingthediscomfitureoftheadmissionthetell-taleflushproclaimed。
"Ah，Ididbutguesshowthyheartandthymindtended，Bertrade；butnowI
seestthatIdivinedalltootruly。Hebeindeedgoodtolookupon，butwhatknowestthouofhim？"
"Hush，Mary！"commandedBertrade。"Thouknownotwhatthousayest。I
wouldnotwipemyfeetuponhim，Icarenaughtwhateverforhim，andthen——ithasbeenthreeweekssinceherodeoutfromStutevillandnowordhathhesent。"
"Oh，ho，"criedthelittleplague，"sothereliesthewind？MyLadywouldnotwipeherfeetuponhim，butshebesorevexedthathehassenthernoword。MonDieu，butthouhaststrangenotions，Bertrade。"
"Iwillnottalkwithyou，Mary，"criedBertrade，stampinghersandaledfoot，andwithatossofherprettyheadsheturnedabruptlytowardthecastle。
InasmallchamberinthecastleofColfaxtwomensatatoppositesidesofalittletable。Theone，PeterofColfax，wasshortandverystout。Hisred，bloatedface，blearyeyesandbulbousnosebespokethemannerofhislife；whilehisthicklips，thelowerhanginglargeandflabbyoverhisrecedingchin，indicatedthebasepassionstowhichhislifeandbeengiven。Hiscompanionwasalittle，grim，graymanbuthissuitofarmorandclosedhelmgavenohinttohishostofwhomhisguestmightbe。Itwasthelittlearmoredmanwhowasspeaking。
"IsitnotenoughthatIoffertoaidyou，SirPeter，"hesaid，"thatyoumusthavemyreasons？LetitgothatmyhateofLeicesterbethepassionwhichmovesme。Thoufailedinthyattempttocapturethemaiden；givemetenknightsandIwillbringhertoyou。"
"Howknowestthousheridesouttomorrowforherfather’scastle？"askedPeterofColfax。
"Thatagainbenoconcernofthine，myfriend，butIdoknowit，and，ifthouwouldsthaveher，bequick，forweshouldrideouttonightthatwemaytakeourpositionsbythehighwayinampletimetomorrow。"
StillPeterofColfaxhesitated，hefearedthismightbearuseofLeicester’stocatchhiminsometrap。Hedidnotknowhisguest——thefellowmightwantthegirlforhimselfandbetakingthismethodofobtainingthenecessaryassistancetocaptureher。
"Come，"saidthelittle，armoredmanirritably。"Icannotbidehereforever。Makeupthymind；itbenothingtomeotherthanmyrevenge，andifthouwilstnotdoit，IshallhirethenecessaryruffiansandthennoteventhoushaltseeBertradedeMontfortmore。"
ThislastthreatdecidedtheBaron。
"Itisagreed，"hesaid。"Themenshallrideoutwithyouinhalfanhour。Waitbelowinthecourtyard。"
Whenthelittlemanhadlefttheapartment，PeterofColfaxsummonedhissquirewhomhehadsendtohimatonceoneofhisfaithfulhenchmen。
"Guy，"saidPeterofColfax，asthemanentered，"yemadeararefizzleofapieceofbusinesssomeweeksago。YewotofwhichIspeak？"
"Yes，MyLord。"
"Itchancesthatonthemorrowyemayhaveopportunitytoretrievethyblunder。Rideoutwithtenmenwherethestrangerwhowaitsinthecourtyardbelowshallleadye，andcomenotbackwithoutthatwhichyelosttoahandfulofmenbefore。Youunderstand？"
"Yes，MyLord！"
"And，Guy，Ihalfmistrustthisfellowwhohathofferedtoassistus。Atthefirstsignoftreachery，falluponhimwithallthymenandslayhim。
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