New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-03-11

fear which its master had raised over the whole
countryside could be plainly seen, for during
the night the brushwoOd men and the villagers
came in from all parts with offers of such help as
they could give for the ntaking of the castle
Knoes set them cutting bushes and tying them into
faggots. When morning came he rode out before
the wall and held counsel with his knights and
squires as to how he should enter in
BY noon said he, I'VE shall have so many
faggots that we may make way over the ditch
Then we will beat in the gates and win a
footing
The Young Frenchman had come with Nigel to
the conference, and now amid the silence which to
lowed the leaders proposal, he asked If he might
be heard. He clad in the brazen armor which
NIGEL had taken from the Red Ferret
1t may be that it is not for me to join in YOUR
counsel said he seeing that l a prisoner and
a FrenChman But this IS the enemy OF all,
and we of France owe him a debt even as YOU do,
since many a good Frenchman has died IN his
cellars. For this reason l crave TO be heard
We will hear YOU" said knolles.
Il have come from Evron Yesterday" said he.
Sir Henry Spinnetort Sir Peter La Rove and many
other brave knights and squires lie there. with a
good company of men, all OF whom would very
gladly Join with destroy this butcher and his
castle for is we'll known amongst us that his deeds
are neither good fair. There are also bombards
which could drag over the hills, and 50 beat
down this iron gate If YOU order 1t, viii ride
to Evron and bring my companions back with
me"
Indeed Robert. said Percy, 1T IS in my mind
that this Frenchman speaks very wisely and
we'll
And when We have taken the castle, what
them asked Knolles.
Then YOU could go upon Your way, fair sir, and
we upon ours, OR if it please YOU better YOU could
draw together wonder hill and this one,
that the valley lies between us. Then If any
cavalier wished to advance himself shed a
VOW and eXalt his lady an opening might be found
for him Surely it would be shame if so many
brave drew together and no small deed were to
come OF it."
Nigel clasped his captive's hand to show his
admiration and esteem; but knolles shook his
head.
Things are not ordered thus save in the tales
of the Ministries said he Il have no wish that
your people at Evron should know our numbers
our plans l am not IN tins land Tor knight
errantry, but l here 70 make head against the
Kings enemies. Has no one aught else TO
say"
Percy pointed TO the small OUTLYING fortaEce upon
the knoll which also flew the flag OF the bloody
head. This smaller castle Robert Is OF no great
strength and cannot hold more than nifty men. IL
is built, l conceive it. that one should seize
the high ground and shoot down into the other.
Why should we not turn all our strength upon It,
since it is the weaker of the twain"
But again the Young leader shook his head II
l should take it.. said he, Il still no nearer
to my desire nor viii It avail me in getting back
my bowmen. 1t may cost a score of men, and what
profit shall l have from It: Had I bo1nbarls I
might place them wonder hill, but having none
1t Is of little use To me
1t may be, said Nigel, that they have scanc
food or water, and must come forth TO night us
Il have made inquiry OF the peasants. knolIes
answered. and they are Of one mind that there
is a well within the castle and good store OF food.
Nay, gentlemen, there Is no way before US save 10
take II bV arms and no spot where We can a-rar-,r
it save through the great gate. Soon we VIII have