Evening star., 1906-03-11


fear which it's master had raised the whole
countryside could be plainly seen, for during
the night the brushwood and the villagers
came in from all parts with offers of such help
they could give for the intaking of the castle
Knoles 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, we shall have many
faggots that we may make way the ditch.
Then will beat in the gates and win
footing
The Young Frenchman had come with Nigel to
the conference and now, amid the silence which fol-
lowed the leaders proposal, he asked if he might
be heard. He was clad in the brazen armor which
Nigel had taken from the Red Ferret.
g 1t may be that it is not for to join in your
counsel" said he seeing that l am prisoner and
a Frenchman. But this is the enemy of all,
and we of France owe him a debt even you do,
since many good Frenchman has died in his
cellars For this reason I crave to be heard"
I'VE will hear YOU" said Kno1es.
4 have come from Evron Yesterday" said he.
Sir Henry Spinnefort Sir Peter La Roye and many
other brave knights and squires lie there, with
good company of men, all of whom would very
gladly join with YOU to destroy this butcher and his
castle for it is wellknown amongst us that his deeds
are neither good fair. There are also bombards
which could drag the hills, and beat
down this iron gate. If you order it, l will 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
well"
And when we have taken the castle, what
them" asked Knoes.
Then you could go upon your way, fair sir, and
upon Or if it please you better you could
draw together yonder hill and this one,
so that the valley lies between us. Then if any
cavalier wished to advance self or to shed
and eXalt his lady, opening might be found
for him. Surely it would be shame if so many
brave men drew together and no small deed to
come of it
Nigel clasped his captives hand to show his
admiration and esteem; but Knolles shook his
head
Things are not ordered thus, save in the tales
of the minstres" said he. 4 have no wish that
your people at Evron should know our numbers
plans. | not in this land for knight
errantry, but | am here to make head against the
Kings enemies, Has aught else to
say?"
Percy pointed to the small outlying fortace upon
the knoll on which also flew the flag of the bloody
head This smaller castle, Robert, is of no great
strength and cannot hold than fifty men, 1t
is built l conceive it, that one should seize
the high ground and shoot down into the other.
Why should not turn all strength upon it,
since it is the weaker of the twain?"
But again the young leader shook his head If
I should take it" said he Il am still no nearer
to my desire, nor will it avail in getting back
my bowmen 1t may cost score of men, and what
profit shall | have from it? Had l bombards [
might place them on yonder hill, but having none
it is of little use to me"
1t may be-" said Nigel, that they have scant
food or water and so must come forth to fight us"
Il have made inquiry of the peasants, Knolles
answered, and they of one mind that there
is well within the CASTLE and good store of food.