d it. Then, putting the key in his pocket, he place

ion," he said. "You are a

urprise at his presence, but wonderin

see you beard Otho, and struggle with those f

discover something of importance. I remembered, too, the look he had given his brother as he

ruck no blo

ther before the servants. Indeed, ill as I would have liked it, had

g

ondering what h

continued. "I determined to come and

tho," I said, drawin

a priest. He hath all the learning of the family, and can wriggle his way like an adder. Oh

s he spoke, and thought I saw whereby I could

every movement of his finger. You seem like children in his h

ather," he cried harshly, "and so i

I said. "It is Otho who will get Endellion, Otho who will marry Mistress N

ss, no, if you

one of surprise. All the same, I

a man of inches like you thought[Pg 113] it was a shame for a m

e a man like yo

ht. I said, Here is a man who knows a man!"-and he

e is not allowed even to see me. I must not speak to her. It's all Otho, Otho.

eems to l

it is not the love of a man such as I. If she co

she would

say me nay," he said, strutting

h all this to

y father against you. He hath warned all the servants against

d t

h you. But I have brains and power as well as Otho. I marked yo

ng at the fellow's van

nd[Pg 114] you are here because of it. Look

ow

have friends as well as he. If you will help

help

given up all thoughts of wedding Nancy, seeing t

ed in

tho and Nancy shall be wedded before he leaves. If you will help me, we will baulk

he maid wi

me, I'll lay to that,"-and aga

l you do thi

Roger Trevanion, and I will tell you how you shall get out of this hole

give my promise to Benet than to O

d you my hel

locking it[Pg 115] again, came back to me, and continued: "Because Otho hath bewit

can tell me what y

her from here, and carry her to

"I must know something more about th

l you no more!"

f I re

. Whereupon I bethought me of the u

yours hath come upon me suddenly. Come to me to-morr

ime you are a gent

a pris

he serving-men about what ha

need to ask me such

ed at m

love men. By the mass, they shall all know that Benet is more than a match for Otho! Good-night, [Pg 116]Trevanion. I am ill pleased that

r as he spoke, taking the k

nd. I had no time to consider its value, for it required inst

I said. "There is just ano

gly. I could see he was

on hath not been heard?" I s

the door to see that Otho had not ferreted us out. As f

this fell in exactly with the plan th

ur own heart," I continued presently. "You said you could trust me because I could fight. But it seems I must take you o

fierce expression fl

g

enet Killigrew?" he said

s steadily upon him. I saw the vexation pass a

n fight-whether I have co

ied in the

can know," he continue

e thought in my mind. In his joy at the thought of battle he had sna

u in a dangerous business. You may fail me at a dangerous

, let me fetch swords, man. By the mass, I have been long

. "Even here we should arouse the hou

ts, then!

first; after that

een longing for one,-ay, longing! But there hath been no man who would dare stand before me. I am afraid it will go hard with you, for I can barely go

oubtless he knew every trick of a wrestler and a fighter. I took note of his great thews and sinews. He carried himself with ease, and his step was springy. Still, I did not see any other means of carrying out my purposes; for although I had determined

a laugh, and his eyes gleamed with fierce joy

d for him to shake. He gripped me ha

hand!"

. The fellow was a giant. I felt his great chest heave. If ever a man felt the joy of battle, it was he. I am sure he forgot everything of his plans, and of our relations to each other, in the gladness of

no chance thereby. He seemed to gloat over

runted. "By heaven, I

elf for his advances. Thus it was when he thought to accomplish his

ed, "better

so glad as at that moment that I had been true to the traditions of my race and county. For the Trevanions, although the sport had during the last

tches, indeed, had he been able to hold me so, I doubt whether the struggle would have continued a minute longer. But he had caught

while the sweat came out over my forehead, and rolled down my face. However I held my ground, and when at length he failed in the cross

e about that while he tried a dozen tricks, and put forth much strength in so doing, I used what power I had more warily. At length I thought I saw my chance, and so I prepared for what wrestlers call "the flying mare." In getting the grip necessary for this throw, I had to face the[Pg 121] danger of placing myself in his power. However, I ventured to do this, for by no other way could I throw him. He saw my move immediately, and took advantage of it, and for a minute I was afraid that all was over with me. Never

knew the result. He would lie stunned for a few minutes, and then when he came to consciousness he w

luck would have it, the garment fitted me well. Then I took my money from my

is I put on; so being about his height, and wearing his hat and coat, I fancied I should be able, except in bright

le which I took with me, although it burnt low, showed me where to go. I therefore groped along the dark pathway, and climbed the steps which led to the e

er Benet?" asked

were not of an orderly nature, for he seemed to take but little notice when I made m

was likely to be found out

t; I shall want the ka

probably return to consciousness, and would hammer at the prison door which I had locked. I therefore found my way to the courtyard, hoping to reach the stables without [Pg 123]accident, for I determ

ed the man. "Es e

ell as I was able, I bade hi

nger?" ask

ago," I replied, "I wa

, and went to the st

Benet for having led his serving-men to

this he found a difficulty. The horse had not been in the habit of obeying any ot

a booty to look top, but I wudden ride un ef I wos yo

n my own voice. The horse recogni

d moved towards the door. I was sorry to do it, but it could not be[Pg

e a noise you are a

the fellow, "tes th

ed Chestnut; then I dete

ith me,

?" he asked

," I said. "If you deceive me, I'll kill

tes later I was on a cart-track which l

n't tell nothin', and they may vind out that I'v

shouting a

ed to plead; "this trail do laid to

o me; then I gave Chestnut rein, and a few minute