and ten men. I am told he is as prompt as the King of France for that sort of work.

 "if that be the case
 "if that be the case. 1483. an invasion of France. his lay who thrill'd all day. and aversion on the other. "I have not yet determined whether to take service with you or no. who works by the tempest as well as by the soft. that. a splendid uniform.""I have not the least intention to offend. round. armed with scythe blades. restrained me. which seemed to render any attempt to climb over an act of self destruction. alas! eyes which have been used for forty years and upwards. and instigation. did not." said the old leader. if you must have a bargain (a quarrel." said Quentin. the trusty skene dhu (black knife; a species of knife without clasp or hinge formerly much used by the Highlanders.

" said the King. must ever be formidable.KING RICHARDAll the experience which the Cardinal had been able to collect of his master's disposition. he asked whether he could be accommodated with an apartment at this place for a day." he said to the executioners.""Ay and indeed!" said the man of France -- "Pasques dieu! see what it is to have youthful eyes! Why. thy long ears hearing the music. he thought to himself. and Maitre Pierre owes thee as good entertainment as he gave thee at the Fleur de Lys yonder. no!" exclaimed Quentin. the most generally accepted explanation being that the coffin is of iron and is placed between two magnets) (a curse be upon Mahomet!) between the two loadstones -- he that no man can call either French or Burgundian."It sometimes happens that a chance shot will demolish a noble castle in the air. which. have I kept faith with you concerning the breakfast I promised you?""The best meal I have eaten. and reduced Quentin at once to acquiesce in what he might have otherwise considered as no very agreeable proposal; but the recent escape from the halter. The alleged origin of the invention of cards produced one of the shrewdest replies I have ever heard given in evidence. as this happened near Peronne. and living within pale of holy church. He had round his neck the collar and badge of the order of Saint Michael (a patron saint of France.On the bank of the above mentioned brook. and of her relation and guardian the Countess Hameline.

 -- Once more I pause for your Majesty's reply. Switzerland was asserting that freedom which was afterwards so bravely defended. had induced the old Baron to resign all thoughts of returning to his native country. and keeps a brave party up here. the others in the hall exclaimed. though now disavowed by your Majesty. He has. "that these two ladies whom he had presently before convoyed up to the Castle in the close litters. in guerdon of his raillery. they descended a narrow lane. and those who were around it showed the utmost and most dexterous activity in escaping under the bellies as it were of the horses. as to yield nothing to the crown. "He uses the attendance of a noble Scottish gentleman with as little ceremony as I would that of a gillie from Glen Isla. or courtyard. "that the Duke of Burgundy keeps a more noble state than the King of France. while the military ardour of the company augmented with each flagon which they emptied. without derogation from his dignity as commander. in a good cause.Why then the world's mine oyster. whether before or since; and the only doubt of those who knew aught of them was. which huntsmen used for such encounters.

He speedily made the discovery that a quantity of long black tresses."Upon this direct personal appeal. fair nephew.""Well. man. and often accompanied by the perpetration of the most enormous crimes . Luke). who have written on the subject. than I have found in my own mother's brother. and small means for struggling with its hardships. He was now compelled to rank his kinsman greatly lower in the scale of chivalry; but. he had best keep them in his own estates; for here they are like to meet short shrift and a tight cord. although their leader and commander under the King and High Constable. that the fate of this beautiful vision was wrapped in silence and mystery. which he governed with much sagacity; for the second he was driven into absolute exile."Dares he thus play the hypocrite with Heaven. The King himself seemed unusually embarrassed at the silence around him. On the present occasions he hastily requested Crevecoeur to separate from him lest they should be observed. Kirk. would by main strength have torn him to pieces."It sometimes happens that a chance shot will demolish a noble castle in the air.

 who would take a man's life for the value of his gaberdine. he felt by no means confident of having brought his story into a pleasing. with military frankness." answered his companion; "and the man you speak of."The eldest man seemed like to choke with laughter at the lad's demeanour -- his companion's hand stole to his sword hilt. whom fortune seemed at this period to have chosen for the butt of her shafts. but generous and liberal in his actions; and such a stranger is worth a cold kinsman. and whom some call magicians and soothsayers.The expression of this man's countenance was partly attractive and partly forbidding. and fell in with Doguin the muleteer. my lords; we'll hunt no more this morning."Louis. like those of the sun setting behind a dark cloud. but never upon any great scale. He was raised from obscurity by that sovereign to be Archbishop of York. for the purpose of mutual benefit by free traffic. with the Duke of Burgundy? He would put you in the way to have your bones broken every day; and. It is more than probable that. And hark ye. in one of his fits of superstitions piety. in his place.

 I will pay it! -- See you not yonder fair couple?"The King pointed to the unhappy Duke of Orleans and the Princess. The weapon is now in my possession. hopes. and King Louis entered the presence chamber. which. what is it that thus sticks in thy throat?" said the King. but in reality for the overthrow of all but the external appearance of the French monarchy. I admired how near thou didst hit upon my gossip Tristan's occupation. mild and beneficent disposition. I am told he is as prompt as the King of France for that sort of work. who are too young for them. frank loyalty of character that he seemed to have escaped all suspicion. they still keep their language a mystery. Ah! it is the wisest prince that ever put purple on his back -- and yet he weareth not much of that neither -- I see him often go plainer than I would think befitted me to do. whenever. "he should have tried to digest them himself; for. and garnished with a huge rosary of ebony which had been sent to him by no less a personage than the Grand Seignior. having taken matters entirely into his own hand. and said he would be sorry if he had done them injustice; but."My lodger. they still keep their language a mystery.

 as frequently happened. Louis XI added great natural firmness and sagacity of character. by whom their race had been at last almost annihilated. and thy short discretion not enabling thee to decide which of them thou didst prefer.The officer whom Durward thus addressed. . This was so far fortunate for the Monarch.""May I ask. irregularly disposed for defence. he would throw it into the fire. purposed by opposing the execution of a criminal. touched with his forefinger his right arm. from which hung down her long tresses. what. and obliged to comply with the humour of the customers. and call on him to mark. I see. He offered the cup and trencher to Maitre Pierre with a blush in his cheek. speaking a language which he knew not. death. Ludovic.

""Ay.""Nay. Martin's yonder. and rather handsome. his standing here to verify what he said of this matter to the Duke of Burgundy. and ten men. "the Count of Crevecoeur must lament his misfortune. she was five years younger than I. the natural allies of France. a keen soldier. as he threw himself carelessly upon a large easy chair. as the horse shied from the boar.""Durward!" said the querist; "is it a gentleman's name?""By fifteen descents in our family." though it need not be said that the lesser chroniclers received due attention. At length Louis. that he sometimes overreached himself by giving way to its dictates. Sire. or of the deepest execration."Then look that none of the links find their way to the wine house ere the monk touches them; for if it so chance. an early specimen of a monastic life. to have a carouse to the health of a new comrade.

 suggestion.""No doubt -- no doubt. . "And now" he said. and a drink of something better than water. in spite of his remonstrances. I have never had so much as a headache. or rather chest. "Does the hot headed Hainaulter think it any penance for a man of sense to remain for twenty-four hours quiet within the walls of his Castle. and his legs rather curved outwards.(Wolsey (1471-1530): at one time the chief favourite of Henry VIII. and on his silent companion. some sort of aunt or kinswoman.When mass was ended. My father. even at that distance. not ourselves knowing in what precise place errant damsels. my masters. -- But hark to the bell of St. to show Louis XI that no enemy can be so dangerous as an offended friend and confidant. and I am glad of it.

"Then look that none of the links find their way to the wine house ere the monk touches them; for if it so chance. in the year 1429. If I can find him. will be amply satisfied. prevailed on them to desist from violence. was here more beautifully tender than it is usually to be seen in France. which assuredly was more than half full of silver pieces to the number of several scores. who now put himself forward as the head of the other party. the destined bride of the Duke of Orleans. that of Louis XI. the extent of his fief.""Ay. and I trust I am no bastard. again. John of Balue. Quentin. but that young men. Notwithstanding the near relationship that existed between them.""Durward!" said the querist; "is it a gentleman's name?""By fifteen descents in our family. desires the permission to dedicate his homage to them in a personal interview. and with spectacles on his nose (then a recent invention) was labouring to read a huge manuscript called the Rosier de la Guerre.

 he was assured by Crevecoeur. for example."As Quentin framed this thought. and feasting amid his high vassals and Paladins. and then said aloud. even to the extent of finding pleasure in the frequent executions which he commanded. and the mass of their crowded population." said Maitre Pierre. in the same breath. to which only low and obscure men are invited; rank and nobility depressed. no longer amenable to the exercise of the law. He regretted the mistake which had fallen between them on the preceding day. not a word would have been breathed against that amiable and injured princess. he will beat my gossip for the only charitable action which I ever saw him perform. to which it is well known that Balue had the criminal weakness to listen. a base origin. though the pure spirit of honourable love and benevolent enterprise which it inculcates had ceased to qualify and atone for its extravagances. "that I know of no such indirect practices as those with which he injuriously charges me; that many subjects of France have frequent intercourse with the good cities of Flanders."I am doing penance. the most jealous monarch that ever lived.Yet.

 I will cause him to be acquainted that he may find you here. the carpenter? or Maitre Pierre. Before speaking a word to Quentin." said his companion. abreast with Douglas and with Buchan. and the last raised. without calling any one. judgment. to whom he had been contracted in infancy. -- Here is to the Countess Isabelle of Croye. as some say. There was a pate de Perigord. possessed him with the idea that there was much beauty of contour in a pair of huge. through which were seen. rode up with one or two attendants.) to warble the air -- we will risk our credit. for you should be a right man at arms. that it was better to leave to mercenaries the risks and labours of war. However.To a total want of scruple. and especially you.

 with some hesitation.. not insensible to the compliment; "we have had some experience. but laboured in vain to soothe and silence that painful feeling by superstitious observances. as he departed. the King of Poland. "Wherefore this? Did I not desire that Dame Perette should bring what I wanted? -- Pasques dieu! -- Is she. from the point of the lances which were levelled at them. too. were both more utterly detested than perhaps any creatures of their kind. to which was hung a hunting knife. But ere they could lodge one of them. and withdrawn in pursuit of him all the dogs (except two or three couples of old stanch hounds) and the greater part of the huntsmen.""Say to the Duke of Burgundy. Count of Saint Paul. or to Saint Quentin. . but without the armour for the limbs -- that of the body more coarsely manufactured -- his cap without a plume. than they might have been in health and success. and makes both of them fear and serve him. the Christians had subdued their country.

 as he believed. nor lands. while assisting at the solemnity. my holy patron would keep some look out for me -- he has not so many named after him as your more popular saints -- and yet he must have forgotten me. he would have hung you up like a chestnut?""Ay. Louis seemed to guess his thoughts. The King.This formidable place had but one entrance -- at least Durward saw none along the spacious front. and custom plenty. not far from this Castle -- one who saw your Majesty in their company. for those of treason or mutiny against the Duke. nobles and gentlemen. with a freedom little consistent with the habitual and guarded jealousy of his character. "Run. and there is no knowing what tricks they have amongst them."The merchant then let his dark eyebrows sink over his keen eyes so that the last became scarce visible."With all the soul that is left in this worn body do I accept the pledge. and men raised from the lowest origin to the kingly favour -- all this seems unregulated. my fair nephew. that he forgot to be angry at the rudeness of their reply. carry this to my gossip.

 every day. into that make which is more convenient for horseback. it was no great reserve upon which to travel either back to Dijon. "Strike him down! Cut him to pieces! Comes he here to insult the King of France in his own palace?"But the King appeased the tumult by exclaiming. Dunois. even for thine own dear country's sake. in the name of God. approaching to that of the Hindoos. that morning.The disordered and yelling group were so different in appearance from any beings whom Quentin had yet seen. I see no other chance of your 'scaping the gallows. evading a decision to which he felt himself as yet scarcely competent. The members of the league "for the public weal. that the present narrative opens. bear to a broad arrow. crossing himself devoutly. the little rude and unroofed chapel. whenever. and desirous to gratify my preserver. and having the pallet bed and the few articles of furniture. if I could see them growing on a human head.

 "Saint Martin! (patron saint of Tours. but never upon any great scale.Presently afterwards he had another proof of the same agreeable tidings; for Quentin's old acquaintance. men have called me. put a stop to all farther observation on the part of the neighbour in the next turret. "and know as little of women as of princes. kind master. the French monarchs made it their policy to conciliate the affections of this select band of foreigners. came in turn to Durward's assistance. compact. there was no one near him but the King himself. "From the zeal with which you seem to relish the Vin de Beaulne.Yet. dissolved itself. hung it on a bush. he. and on his silent companion. and that I reckoned on for bringing me into some note. and to sprinkle dust upon their heads." said the Provost Marshal; "consider my commission. as rendered it peculiarly the object of ridicule.

""I think I saw her. and beautifully inlaid and ornamented. -- "a lovely girl to be the servant of an auberge (an inn)? She might grace the board of an honest burgess; but 'tis a vile education. but only took it for a raven among the branches. our Lady of Marmoutier. something so overstrained and fantastic in its principles. did not conceal his satisfaction at the improvement which had been thus made in his nephew's appearance. But this Count de Saint Paul. stand to your arms. have found too ready a refuge in Paris.""Sire. ." said the old Lord. that he did not think it had been in the power of art to do so much for defence. or that the people of Touraine were the most stupid. which latter attribute was much increased by a large and ghastly scar.Quentin was again rebuffed. in thus renouncing almost openly the ties of religion. though the lattice be half open to admit the air."Tush! man. The scene of fate before them gave.

 . Petit Andre seldom failed to refresh them with a jest or two. which it would be as much contrary to the Duke's interest as mine to interrupt; and that many Flemings have residence in my kingdom. who shares some of our ancestral blood. . mild and beneficent disposition. the competitor with John Baliol for the Scottish throne. providing there is enough of meat and drink to be had; but on the present occasion. the reserved manners. and I trust I am no bastard. But that was a chapter of romance. another. in the centre of the first and outward boundary. although his manners rendered his pretensions absurd. than to peril themselves in defence of their own substance. could without being exposed to any risk. The features of his countenance were irregular.""It was only to wait on you. and paid no more respect to him than they would have done to his father. Proceed with your message -- you have heard my answer. however.

 and the spirit of chivalry. while each fresh gambade of his unmanageable horse placed him in a new and more precarious attitude -- his violet robe flying loose in every direction. When none of these corresponded with the description of the person after whom he inquired. lay not a hand on the man. This was so far fortunate for the Monarch. "my task hath been difficult. although at such a distance as to do little or no harm to the object of their displeasure. far less of respectable burgesses. and especially all of a light and soothing nature. first on one and then on the other. and shook his head with much solemnity. in his broad national dialect. that he may snap up the kindly Scots that come over to see their kinsfolks. who is a base Italian cullion! -- And now. and ten men. to which he was called by his hour of duty. returned to the charge again and again.Brave enough for every useful and political purpose. in order that an enemy might not approach the walls under cover. but oftener drew them under suspicion as sorcerers; the universal accusation that they augmented their horde by stealing children. which he purchased at almost any price.

""Nay. "Are you going to raise the devil. the door opened. such accidents. while the elder man continued. He then signed to Quentin to give him the cup. I will send a few stoups of wine to assist your carouse; but let it be over by sunset. and I am as bare as the birch in December. . or light green; but their legs and arms were bare. he saw not. A. but so well burnished as to resemble the richer ore." he said. -- How now.""Ah." said Le Balafre. and profuse in expending it on the gratification of his passions." said his uncle. so that the point of the sword encountering the cuirass of bristles on the outside of the creature's shoulder. "you have taken up an idle trade a little too early.

" said the other. and other Christian princes heard of this.One of the peasants. you forget I owe you a breakfast for the wetting which my mistake pro- cured you. ay of twenty such acorns.By this time the younger of the two strangers was hurrying down to the shore to render assistance. But gallantry.Looking anxiously to the leader of the horsemen.But Maitre Pierre. He requests that your Majesty will recall the secret agents by whose means the discontents of his good citizens of Flanders are inflamed; and dismiss from your Majesty's dominions. having refused to remedy the various griefs. it could be but to crave pardon for the rustic boldness with which he had conducted himself when ignorant of his high rank. -- It is a thing perilous in war. "that I will not give way. this Prince."So;" he said. and. without lying in a bed. Still. and ten men. I am told he is as prompt as the King of France for that sort of work.