of Clifton," was the answer, "he will need followers; and, if what is now whispered abroad be truth, he hath already made good his claim to Nottingham Castle. Should this fail, we will even go over to the outlaws: our reception will be none the cooler through having saved the life of Royston Gower."

"Not the yolk of a stock-dove's egg would I give for any one of your lives, had ye but harmed a single hair of his head," exclaimed a deep voice from behind the hut, and Walterthe-one-Handed, followed by half-a-score of archers, drew up before the guards.

"Which way sped the Norman ?" enquired Walter, looking round, as if in astonishment at not finding him there.

"He rode off but now in the direction of the palace," replied the soldier.

"After him, archers," exclaimed the Saxon; "an' ye but capture him, our leader will fill

your pouches with gold. I will follow anon with the prisoner."

The archers obeyed, while Walter-the-oneHanded entered the hut with the guards, and liberated the prisoner.

"Come forth, my brave knight-errant,” said Walter, grasping the broad hand of Royston, as he led him forth into the moonlight. "By the mass! we had not found out thy haunt, but for one of our followers having dogged the steps of De Marchmont hither; and we had a full north-country mile to traverse ere we arrived to thine aid. But, by the sling and stones of David, an' we but overtake this Norman, we will plant his feet nearer to heaven, than they will be again for a thousand years to come; for he shall hang without hearing; and I wot well that the weight of his sins will stretch the cord."

"I thank thee, friend Walter," replied Royston; "though, by the mass! I fear me, that I

shall never have chance again, to be so near dying in a good cause."

"Tush! thou knowest not that," said the One-handed Saxon. "Old death is not so bad a fellow, but he sometimes giveth us a fair chance of falling. I would not thank him, if he let me be shot to the heart while plundering a priest; but, beshrew me, I should scarce murmur at the old javelin-darter, if he struck me through, while storming the abode of a tyrant."

The outlaws speedily returned with the tidings, that De Marchmont was by that time nearing the palace, and that further pursuit was useless.

"The devil keepeth a sharp look-out after his own," said Walter; "but, I doubt not, that he will have run his race ere another sunset: for, by St. Dunstan ! fame speaks loud of the prowess of this Gloomglendell, and I would give this goodly kingdom, were it mine own, to sit in the young knight's saddle on the morrow.

But let us begone," added he, "for there is game to be struck before sun-rise, and our chief is, I doubt not, impatient to see the foot of Hereward once more pressing the sweet heather; and it may be that there are a few blows in reserve for us, and right loth should I be to lose my lawful share.”

So saying, he led the way, and was followed by Royston Gower, and the very sentries, who, but a few moments before, were so eager to despatch the brave old soldier.

CHAPTER X.

Her cheeks so rare a white was on,
No daisy makes comparison,

(Who sees them is undone.)

For streaks of red were mingled there,
Such as are on a Katherine pear,

The side that's next the sun.

Her lips were red; and one was thin,
Compared to that was next her chin,

Some bee had stung it newly.

But oh! her eyes so guard her face,
You durst no more upon them gaze,
Than on the sun in July.

SIR JOHN SUCKLING.

GREAT was the astonishment of King John on his return from the trial of Hereward, at beholding the Prior of Newstead in the same apartment with his royal consort; Edwin of