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。