Youmayconceivehowjoyoustheywereinthatpoorcottage，onanightsoblessed，andhowBrotherThomastoldusoftheholyColette，thatfamousnunandMotherinChrist，ashethathadoftenbeeninhercompany。Hehadseenherbodyliftedintheairwhilesheremainedinapiousecstasy，hermindsoaringaloftandherfleshlybodyfollowingitsomeway。
　　Hehadoftenwatchedthatsnow-whitebeastwhichfollowedher，suchacreatureasisknowninnocountryofthesinfulworld，butisathingofParadise。AndhehadtriedtocaressthiswondrouscreatureofGod，butvainly，fornonebuttheholysisterColettemayhandleit。Concerninghermiraclesofhealing，too，hetoldus，allofwhichwealreadyknewforverytruth，andstillknowonbetterwarrantythanhis。
　　Yemaybelievethat，lateandatlast，BrotherThomashadhischoiceofthewarmestplacetosleepin——bythe"four，"asisthewontofpilgrims，forinhishumilitythisholymanwouldnotsufferthefarmer'swifeandthefarmertogivehimtheirbed，astheydesired。
　　I，too，wasverykindlyentreatedbytheyounglads，butIcouldscarcelysleepformarvellingatthesemiraclesdonebyonesounworthy；andgreat，indeed，Ideemed，mustbethevirtueofthatrelicwhichwroughtsuchsignsinthehandsofanevilman。ButI
　　havesinceheldthathefeignedallbyartmagicandverysorcery，for，aswewendednextmorningonourroad，heplainlytoldme，trulyorfalsely，thathehadpickeduptheblackenedfinger-boneoutoftheloathlyashesofthedeadintheburnedcastlenearRuffec。
　　WhereforeIconsiderthatwhenBrotherThomassoldthegraceofhisrelic，bythetouchingofrings，hedealtinadevilishblacksimony，vendingtosimpleChristiansnogracebutthatofhismaster，Sathanas。ThushewasnotonlyevilifIguessaright，whichIsubmittothejudgmentofmyecclesiasticalsuperiors，andoftheChurch，buthehadevenfoundoutanewkindofwickedness，suchasIneverreadofinanybooksoftheologywhereinismuchtobelearned。Ihavespokenwithsome，however，knightsandmenofthisworld，whodeemedthathedidbutbeguileoureyesbycraftandsleight-of-hand。
　　Thisotherhellisharthehad，bydirectinspiration，asIhold，ofhismasterBehemoth，thathecouldthrowhisvoicewhitherhewould，sothat，inallseeming，itcamefromabove，orfrombelow，orfromacornerofaroom，fashioningittoresemblethevoiceofwhomhewould，yetnonemightseehislipsmove。Withthiscrafthewouldaffraythepeasantsaboutthefireinthelittleinnswherewesometimesrested，whenhewouldbetellingtalesofboglesandeldritchfantasies，andoffiendsthatroutandrap，andmakethetablesandfirkinsdance。Suchartofspeech，Iamadvised，isspokenofbySt。Jerome，inhiscommentontheholyprophetthesaintIsaiah，andtheythatuseithecalls"ventriloqui，"intheLatin，or"belly-speakers，"andhetakesanunfavourablesenseofthemandtheirdoings。SomuchIhavefromthelearnedWilliamdeBoyis，PriorofPluscarden，wherenowIwrite；withwhomIhaveconversedofthesemattersprivately，andhethinksthisartathingthatmenmaylearnbypractice，withoutdealinginnigromancyandtheblackmagic。ThisquestionIamcontenttoleave，asisfitting，tothejudgmentofmysuperiors。Andindeed，asatthattime，BrotherThomasspakenotinhisbellyexcepttomakesportandaffraythesimplepeople，soonturningtheirfearstomirth。
　　Certainlythecountryfolknevermisdoubtedhim，thewomenforaholyman，themenforagoodfellow；thoughalltheyofhisownclothshrankfromhim，andIhaveseenthemcrossthemselvesinhispresence，buttonoavail。Hewouldsayawordortwointheirears，andtheystraightwaylefttheplacewherehemightbe。Nonetheless，withhistalesandarts，BrotherThomascommonlysowroughtthatweseldomslept"elabelleetoile"inthatbitterspringweather，butweordinarilyhadleavetoliebythehearth，andgotasupperandabreakfast。Thegoodpeasantswouldfindtheirhen-rooststhepooreroften，forallthathecouldsnapupwastohimfortuneofwar。
　　Ilovedthesemannerslittle，butleavehimIcouldnot。Hiseyewaseveronme；ifIstirredinthenighthewasawakeandwatchingme，andbydayheneverletmeoutofabolt'sflight。Tocutthestringofhiswickedweaponwasathoughtofteninmymind，buthewastoovigilant。Myfacewashispassport，hesaid；myface，indeed，beinginnocentenough，aswasnoshametome，butanendlesscauseofmirthandmockerytohim。Yet，byreasonoftheserviceablenessofthemaninthatperilouscountry，andmyconstantsurpriseandwonderatwhathedidandsaid，andmightdonextwhichnomancouldguessbeforehand，andakindoffoolishprideinhisverywickedness，somuchbeyondwhatIhadeverdreamedof，andforpurefearofhimalso，Ifoundmyselffollowingwithhimdaybyday，everthinkingtoescape，andneverescaping。
　　Ihavesincedeemedthat，justashiswickednesswastoaboyforI
　　waslittlemore，akindofcharm，madeupofasortofadmiringhateandfear，somyguilelessnessasitseemedtohimalsowroughtonhimstrangely。Forinpartitmadesportforhimtoseemyopenmouthandstaringeyesatthespectacleofhisdevilries，andinparthereallyhatedme，andhatedmyveryvirtueofsimplicity，whichitwashisdesireanddelighttosurpriseandcorrupt。
　　Onthesestrangeterms，then，nowdrawneachtoother，andnowforcedapart，wewendedbyPoictierstowardsChinon，wheretheDauphinandhisCourtthenlay。Sowefarednorthwards，throughPoitou，wherewefoundevilnewsenough。For，walkingintoavillage，wesawmen，women，andchildren，allgathered，gapingaboutonethatstoodbesideahorsenearlyfoundered，itslegsthrustwide，itsnostrilsallfoamandblood。Theman，whoseemedaswearyashishorse，heldapaperinhishands，whichthepriestofthatparishtookfromhimandreadaloudtous。Theriderwasaroyalmessenger，oneThomasScottofEasterBuccleuch，inRankelBurn，whomIknewlater，andhistidingswereevil。TheDauphinbadehisgoodtownsknowthat，onthe12thofFebruary，SirJohnStewart，constableoftheScottishforcesinFrance，hadfalleninbattleatRouvray，withverymanyofhiscompany，andsomeFrenchmen。TheyhadbesetaconvoyunderSirJohnFastolf，thatwasbringingmeattotheEnglishleagueredaboutOrleans。ButFastolfhadwhollyroutedthembytreachery，aswelaterlearnedoftheComtedeClermont，andSirJohnStewart，withhisbrotherSirWilliam，wereslain。
　　WhereforetheDauphinbadethegoodtownssendhimmoneyandmen，orallwaslost。
　　Suchweretheeviltidings，whichputmeinsorefearformybrotherRobin，onethat，insuchanonfall，wouldgofar，asbeseemedhisblood。Butastouchinghisfortunes，ThomasScottcouldtellmeneithergoodnorbad，thoughheknewRobin，andgavehimagoodnameforastoutman-at-arms。ItwasofsomecomforttometohearaScotstongue；but，fortherest，Itravelledonwithaheavierheart，deemingthatOrleansmustindeedfallereIcouldseekmybrotherinthattown。
　　CHAPTERIII——WHATBEFELLOUTSIDEOFCHINONTOWN
　　Myoldnurse，whenIwasachild，usedtotellmealongstoryofaprincewho，wanderingthroughtheworld，madefriendswithmanystrangecompanions。OneshecalledLynx-eye，thatcouldseethroughamountain；onewasSwift-foot，thatcouldoutrunthewind；onewasFine-ear，thatcouldhearthegrassgrowing；andtherewasGreedy-
　　gut，thatcouldswallowariver。Allthesewereveryserviceabletothisgraciousprince，ofIknownotwhatcountry，inhisadventures；
　　andtheywereoftenbroughtintomymindbythecompanionswhomwepickeduponthegrass-grownroads。
　　Thesewandererswereasstrangeasthefriendsoftheprince，andwereasvariously，butscarceashonourably，gifted。Therewastheone-armedsoldier，whoshowedhisstumpverypiteouslywhenitwasaquestionofbeggingfromaburgess，butwasaswellfurnishedwithlimbsasothermenwhennoburgesswasinsight。Therewasawretchedwomanvioler，withherjackanapes，andwithherhusband，ahang-dogruffian，shebearingthemarkofhisfistonhereye，andcommonlytrailingfarbehindhimwithherbratonherback。Therewasablindman，withhisstaff，whomightwellenoughanswertoKeen-eye，thatis，whennostrangerswereinsight。Therewasalayman，wearingcopeandstoleandsellingindulgences，butourcaptain，BrotherThomas，soonbanishedhimfromourcompany，forthathedividedthetrade。Otherstherewere，eachoneofthemaGreedy-gut，acrewofbrokenmen，whomarchedwithusontheroads；
　　butweneverenteredatownorahousewiththesediscreditableattendants。
　　Now，itmayseemstrange，butthenearerwedrewtoChinonandtheCourt，thepoorergrewthecountry，fortheCourtandthemen-at-
　　armshadstrippeditbare，likeaflightoflocusts。ForthisreasontheDauphincouldseldomabidelongatoneplace，forhewassomuchbetterknownthantrustedthattheverycordwainerwouldnotlethimmarchoffinanewpairofbootswithoutseeinghismoney，and，asthesongsaid，heevengreasedhisoldcloutedshoon，andmadethemlastaslongashemight。Forhead-gearhewasasillprovided，seeingthathehadpawnedthefleuronsofhiscrown。
　　ThereweredayswhenhistreasureratToursasImyselfhaveheardhimsaydidnotreckonthreeducatsinhiscoffers，andtheheirofFranceborrowedmoneyfromhisverycook。Sothepeopletoldus，andIhaveoftenmarvelledhow，despitethispoverty，kingsandnobles，whenIhaveseenthem，goalwaysinclothofgold，withrichjewels。But，asyoumayguess，neartheCourtofabeggarDauphinthecountry-folktooweresourandbeggarly。
　　Wehadtotightenourbeltsbeforewecametothewoodwhereincross-roadsmeet，fromnorth，south，andeast，withinfivemilesofthetownofChinon。Therewasnotawhitecoinamongus；nightwasfalling，anditseemedasifwemustlieoutunderthestars，andbefed，likethewolvesweheardhowling，onwind。Bytheroadside，atthecrossways，butnotinviewoftheroad，acouncilofourraggedregimentwasheldinadeepditch。Itwouldbelateerewereachedthetown，gateswouldscarceopenforus，wecouldnotfeethewarders，houseswouldbeshutanddark；theKing'sarcherswereapttobearthemunfriendlytowanderingmenwiththedevildancingintheirpouches。Resourcewesawnone；iftherewasacottage，dogs，likewolvesforhungerandfierceness，werebayingroundit。AsforBrotherThomas，anevilbruithadgonebeforeusconcerningacordelierthatthefowlsandgeesewerefaintofollow，aswilderthings，theysay，followtheblessedSt。Francis。SotheresatBrotherThomasatthecross-roads，footsore，hungry，andsullen，inthemidstofus，whodarednotspeak，hetwangingatthestringofhisarbalest。HecalledhimselfourMoses，inhisblasphemousway，andtheblindmanhavinggirdedathimfornotleadingusintothelandofplenty，hehadstruckthemantillhebled，andnowstoodstanchinghiswound。
　　SuddenlyBrotherThomasceasedfromhistwanging，andholdinguphishandforsilence，leanedhiseartotheground。Thenightwasstill，thoughacoldwindcameverystealthilyfromtheeast。
　　"Horses!"hesaid。
　　"Itisbutthenoiseofthebrookbytheway，"saidtheblindman，sullenly。
　　BrotherThomaslistenedagain。
　　"No，itishorses，"hewhispered。"Mymen，theythatridehorsescansparesomewhatoutoftheirabundancetofeedthepoor。”Andwiththathebeganwindinguphisarbalesthastily。"Aymeric，"hesaidtooneofourafflictedcompany，"youdrawagoodbowforablindman；hideyourselfintheoppositeditch，andbereadywhenI
　　givetheword"Paxvobiscum。”You，Giles，"hespoketotheone-
　　armedsoldier，"gowithhim，and，doyouhear，aimlow，atthethirdman'shorse。Fromthesoundtherearenotmorethanfiveorsixofthem。Wecanbutfail，atworst，andthewoodisthickbehindus，wherenonemaypursue。You，NormandePitcullo，haveyourwhingerready，andfastenthisropetightlytoyonderbirch-treestem，andthencrossandgiveitaturnortwoaboutthatoaksaplingontheothersideoftheway。Thattrapwillbringdownahorseortwain。
　　Bequick，youScotchwine-bag!"
　　Ihadseenmanyillthingsdone，and，tomyshame，hadheldmypeace。ButaLeslieofPitcullodoesnottakepursesonthehigh-
　　road。Thereforemyheartroseinsuddenanger，Ihavingalldayhatedhimmoreandmoreforhisbittertongue，andIwasopeningmymouthtocry"Asecours!"——awarningtothemwhowereapproaching，when，quickaslightning，BrotherThomascaughtmebehindtheknee-
　　joints，andIwasonthegroundwithhisweightaboveme。OnecryI
　　haduttered，whenhishandwasonmymouth。
　　"Givehimthesteelinhisguts!"whisperedtheblindman。
　　"Slithisweasand，theScotchpig!"saidtheone-armedsoldier。
　　Theywereallonmenow。
　　"No，Ikeephimforbettersport，"snarledBrotherThomas。"HeshalllearntheScotsfor'ecorcheurs'flayersofmen"whenwehavefilledourpouches。”
　　Withthathecrammedagreatnapkininmymouth，sothatIcouldnotcry，madeitfastwithapieceofcord，trussedmewiththeropewhichhehadbiddenmetieacrossthepathtotripthehorses，andwithakicksentmeflyingtothebottomoftheditch，myfacebeingturnedfromtheroad。
　　IcouldhearGilesandAymericstealacrosstheway，andtherustlingofboughsastheysettledontheoppositeside。Icouldhearthetramplinghoofsofhorsescomingslowlyandwearilyfromtheeast。Atthismomentchancedathingthathaseverseemedstrangetome:Ifeltthehandoftheviolerwomanlaidlightlyandkindlyonmyhair。Ihadeverpitiedher，and，asImight，hadbeenkindtoherandherbairn；andnow，asitappears，shepitiedme。
　　Buttherecouldbenohelpinher，nordidshedaretoraisehervoiceandgiveanalarm。SoIcouldbutgnawatmygag，tryingtofindscopeformytonguetocry，fornowitwasnotonlythetravellersthatIwouldsave，butmyownlife，andmyescapefromadeathoftormentlayonmysuccess。Butmymouthwasasdryasakiln，mytonguewasdoubledbacktillIthoughtthatIshouldhavechoked。Thenightwasnowdeadlystill，andtheringofthewearyhoofsdrewnearerandnearer。Iheardastumble，andthescrambleofatiredhorseasherecoveredhimself；fortherest，allwassilent，thoughthebeatingofmyownheartsoundedheavyandhuskyinmyears。
　　Closerandcloserthetravellersdrew，andsoonitwasplainthattheyrodenotcarelessly，norasmenwhodeemedthemselvessecure，forthetrampofonehorsesingleditselfoutinfrontoftheothers，andthis，doubtless，wasriddenbyan"eclaireur，"sentforwardtoseethatthewayaheadwassafe。NowIheardalowgrowlofacursefromBrotherThomas，andmyhearttooksomecomfort。
　　Theymightbewarned，iftheBrothershotattheforemostman；or，atworst，ifhewaspermittedtopass，themanwouldbearswifttidingstoChinon，andwemightbeavenged，thetravellersandI，forInowfeltthattheyandIwereinthesameperil。
　　Thesingleriderdrewnear，andpassed，andtherecamenocryof"Paxvobiscum"fromthefriar。Buttheforemostriderhad，perchance，thebesthorse，andtheleastwearied，fortherewaseventoogreatagapbetweenhimandtherestofhiscompany。
　　Andnowtheirvoicesmightbeheard，astheytalkedbytheway，yetnotsoloudthat，strainingmyearsasIdid，Icouldhearanywords。Butthesoundswaxedlouder，withwordsspoken，ringofhoofs，andrattleofscabbardonstirrup，andsoIknew，atleast，thattheywhorodesolateweremenarmed。BrotherThomas，too，knewit，andcursedagainverylow。
　　Nearer，nearertheycame，thenalmostopposite，andnow，asI
　　listenedtohearthetraitoroussignalofmurder——"Paxvobiscum"——
　　andthetwangofbow-strings，onthenightthererangavoice，awoman'svoice，softbutwondrousclear，suchasneverIknewfromanylipsbutherswhothenspoke；thatvoiceIheardinitslastword，"Jesus!"andstillitissoundinginmyears。
　　Thatvoicesaid-
　　"Nousvoilepresqu'arrives，graceemesFreresdeParadis。”
　　Instantly，Iknewnothow，atthesoundofthatblessedvoice，andthecourageinit，Ifeltmyfearslipfromme，aswhenweawakenfromadreadfuldream，andinitsplacecamehappinessandpeace。
　　ScarceotherwisemighthefeelwhodiesinfearandwakesinParadise。
　　Ontheforestboughsaboveme，myfacebeingturnedfromtheroad，somewhatpassed，orseemedtopass，likeasoftgoldenlight，suchasintheScotstonguewecalla"boyn，"thatofttimes，mensay，travelswiththeblessedsaints。Yetsomemaydeemitbutaglancinginmyowneyes，fromthebloodflyingtomyhead；howsoeveritbe，Ihadneverseenthelikebefore，norhaveIseenitsince，and，assuredly，theblackbranchesandwildweedswerelitupbareandclear。
　　Thetrampofthehorsespassed，therewasnocryof"Paxvobiscum，"
　　notwangofbows，andslowlytheringofhoofsdiedawayontheroadtoChinon。Thencamearustlingoftheboughsonthefurthersideoftheway，andanoiseoffootstepsstealthilycrossingtheroad，andnowIheardalowsoundofweepingfromtheviolerwoman，thatwascrouchinghardbywhereIlay。Hermanstruckheracrossthemouth，andshewasstill。
　　"Yousawit？Saintsbewithus!Yousawthem？"hewhisperedtoBrotherThomas。
　　"Fool，hadInotseen，wouldInothavegiventheword？Getyougone，allthesortofyou，thereisafeymaninthiscompany，behewhohewill。Wanderyourownways，andifeveroneofyoudogsspeaktomeagain，infield，orstreet，ormarket，orevermentionthisnight……yeshallhavemynewsofit。Begone!Off!"
　　"Nay，but，BrotherThomas，saw'stthouwhatwesaw？Whatsightsaw'stthou？"
　　"WhatsawI？Fools，whatshouldIhaveseen，butanoutrider，andheaKing'smessenger，sentforwardtowarntherestbyhisfall，ifhefell，ortoraisethecountryonus，ifhepassed，andifafterwardtheypassedusnot。Theyweremenwaryinwar，andtravellingontheDauphin'sbusiness。Verilytherewasnoprofitinthem。”
　　"Andthatwasall？Wesawotherthings。”
　　"WhatIsawwasenoughforme，orforanygoodclerkofSt。
　　Nicholas，andofquestionstherehasbeenmorethanenough。Begone!
　　scattertothewinds，andbesilent。”
　　"AndmaywenotputthesteelinthatScotchdogwhodelayedus？
　　Saintsorsorcerers，theirhorsesmusthavecomedownbutforhim。”
　　BrotherThomascaughtmeup，asifIhadbeenachild，inhisarms，andtossedmeovertheditch-bankintothewood，whereIcrashedonmyfacethroughtheboughs。
　　"Onlyonehorsewouldhavefallen，andthathadbroughttheothersonus。TheScotissafeenough，hismouthiswellshut。Iwillhavenobloodto-night；leavehimtothewolves。Andnow，begonewithyou:toFierbois，ifyouwill；Igomyownroad——alone。”
　　Theywanderedeachhisownway，sullenandmurmuring，starvedandweary。Whattheyhadseenorfancied，andwhether，iftherestsawaughtstrange，BrotherThomassawnought，Iknewnotthen，andknownottillthishour。Butthetaleofthisambush，andofhowtheythatlayinhidingheldtheirhands，andfled——havingcome，nonemightsaywhence，andgone，whithernonemighttell——istrue，andwassoonwidelyspokenofintherealmofFrance。
　　Thewoodsfellstillagain，saveforthebabbleofthebrook，andthereIlay，bound，andheardonlythestreaminthesilenceofthenight。
　　ThereIlay，quaking，whenallthecaitiffshaddeparted，andtheblack，chillnightreceivedmeintoitself。Atfirstmymindwasbenumbed，likemybody；butthepainofmyface，smartingwithswitchandscratchoftheboughsthroughwhichIhadfallen，awokemetothoughtandfear。Iturnedovertolieonmyback，andlookupforanylightofhopeinthesky，butnothingfellonmefromheavensaveacoldrain，thattheleaflessboughsdidlittletowardoff。ScanthopeorcomforthadI；mywholebodyachedandshuddered，onlyIdidnotthirst，fortherainsoakedthroughtheaccursednapkinonmymouth，whilethedankearth，withitsgraveyardsmell，seemedtodrawmedownintoitself，asitdragsarottingleaf。Iwasburiedbeforedeath，asitwere，evenifthewolvesfoundmenotandgavemeothersepulture；andnowandagainI
　　heardtheirlonghuntingcry，andateverypatterofabeast'sfoot，orshiveringofthebranches，Ithoughtmyhourwascome——andI
　　unconfessed!Theroadwasstillasdeath，nomanpassingbyit。
　　Thisnighttomewaslikethenightofamanlaidlivinginthetomb。BynotwistingandturningcouldIloosentheropethatBrotherThomashadboundmein，withahandwelltaughtbycruelpractice。Atlasttheraininmyfacegrewlikeawater-torture，alwaysdropping，andIhalfturnedmyfaceandpressedittotheground。
　　WhetherIsleptbywhiles，orwakedallnight，Iknownot，butcertainlyIdreamed，seeingwithshuteyesfacesthatcameandwent，shiftingfrombeautysuchasIhadneveryetbeheld，tovisagesmoreandmorehideousandsinful，endingatlastintheworst——thefellcountenanceofNoiroufle。ThenIwokewhollytomyself，interror，tofindthathewasnotthere，andnowcametomesomeofthateasewhichhadbeenbornofthestrange，sweetvoice，andthestrangewords，"MesFreresdeParadis。”
　　"MybrethrenofParadise"；whocouldshebethatrodesolateincompanyofarmedmen，andyetspokeofsuchgreatkinsfolk？ThatitmightbetheholyColette，then，asnow，sofamousinFranceforhermiracles，andgooddeeds，andherausterities，wasathoughtthataroseinme。ButtheholySister，asIhadheard，nevermountedahorseinhermanywanderings，shebeingavillein'sdaughter，butwascarriedinalitter，orfaredinachariot；nordidshegoincompanywitharmedmen，forwhowoulddaretolayhandsonher？
　　Moreover，thevoicethatIhadheardwasthatofaveryyounggirl，andtheholySisterColettewasnowenteredintothevaleofyears。
　　Somyquestioningfoundnoanswer。
　　AndnowIheardlightfeet，asofsomebeaststirringandscratchinginthetreesoverhead，andtherewithalightjinglingnoise。Wasitasquirrel？Whateveritwas，itracedaboutthetree，comingnearerandgoingfurtheraway，tillitfellwithaweightonmybreast，and，shiveringwithcold，allstrainedlikeaharp-stringasIwas，Icouldhavescreamed，butforthegaginmymouth。Thethingcrawledupmybody，andIsawtworedeyesfixedonmine，anddeemedithadbeenawildcat，suchaslivesinourcorriesofthenorth——afellbeastifbroughttobay，butotherwisenothurtfultoman。
　　Theretheredeyeslookedonme，andIonthem，tillIgrewgiddywithgazing，andhalfturnedmyheadwithastifledsob。ThentherecameasharpcrywhichIknewwellenough，andthebeastleapedupandnestledundermybreast，forthissodreadfulthingwasnoworsethantheviolerwoman'sjackanapes，thathadslippeditschain，or，rather，haddrawnitoutofherhand，fornowIplainlyheardthelightchainjingle。Thisputmeonwonderingwhethertheyhadreallydeparted；theman，verily，thirstedformylife，buthewouldhaveslainmeerethishour，Ithought，ifthathadbeenhispurpose。Thepoorbeastalittlehelpedtowarmmewiththeheatofhisbody，andhewasafriendlycreature，makingmefeellessaloneinthenight。Yet，inmyownmisery，Icouldnothelpbutsorrowforthepoorwomanwhenshefoundherjackanapesgone，thatwasgreatpartofherliving:andIknewwhatshewouldhavetobearforitslossfromthemanthatwashermaster。
　　Asthiswasinmymind，thefirstgreystoleintotheskysothatI
　　couldseetheblackbranchesoverhead；andnowthereawokethecriesofbirds，andsoonthewoodwasfulloftheirsweetjargoning。Thisputsomehopeintomyheart；butthemorninghourswerelong，andcolderthanthenight，toonewettothebonewiththerains。Now，too，Icomfortedmyselfwithbelievingthat，arrivewhatmight，I
　　waswhollyquitofBrotherThomas，whereatIrejoiced，likethemaninthetalewhohadsoldhissoultotheEnemy，andyet，intheend，escapedhisclutchesbytheaidofHolyChurch。DeathwasbettertomethanlifewithBrotherThomas，whomustassuredlyhavedraggedmewithhimtothedeaththatcannotdie。Morningmustbringtravellers，andmygroaningmightleadthemtomyaid。And，indeed，foot-farersdidcome，andIdidgroanaswellasIcould，but，liketheLeviteinScripture，theypassedbyontheothersideoftheway，fearingtomeddlewithonewoundedperchancetothedeath，lesttheymightbechargedwithhisslaying，ifhedied，ormightangerhisenemies，ifhelived。
　　Thelightwasnowfullycome，andsomeraysoftheblessedsunfelluponme，whereonIsaidorisonswithinmyself，commandingmycasetothesaints。DevoutlyIprayed，that，ifIescapedwithlife，I
　　mightbedeliveredfromthefearofman，andnamelyofBrotherThomas。Itwerebetterformetohavediedbyhisweaponatfirst，besidethebrokenbridge，thantohavelivedhisslave，goingindreadofhim，withaslave'shatredinmyheart。SonowIprayedforspiritenoughtodefendmyhonourandthatofmycountry，whichIhadbornetohearreviledwithoutstrikingablowforit。NeveragainmightIdreethisextremeshameanddishonour。OnthisheadI
　　addressedmyself，aswasfitting，totheholyApostleSt。Andrew，ourpatron，towhomisespeciallydearthehonourofScotland。
　　Then，asifheandtheothersaintshadlistenedtome，Iheardsoundsofhorses'hoofs，cominguptheroadfromChinonway，andalsovoices。These，liketheothersofthenightbefore，camenearer，andIheardawoman'svoicegailysinging。Andthenawokesuchjoyinmyheartasneverwastherebefore，andthiswasfarthegladdestvoicethateveryetIheard，for，behold，itwasthespeechofmyowncountry，andthetuneIknewandthewords。
　　"O，wemaunpartthislove，Willie，Thathasbeenlangbetween；
　　There'saFrenchlordcomingoverseaTowedmewi'aring；
　　There'saFrenchlordcomingo'ertheseaTowedandtakemehame!"
　　"AndwhoshalltheFrenchlordbe，Elliot？"cameanothervoice，aman'sthistime，"thoughheneednotcrosstheseaforyou，theworsetheluck。IsityoungPothondeXaintrailles？Faith，hecomesoftenenoughtoseehowhisnewpenoncelfaresinmyhands，andseemsrightcuriousinpainting。”
　　Itmaybedeemedstrangethat，eveninthishour，IconceivedinmyheartagreatmislikeofthisyoungFrenchlord，howunjustlyIsoonwellunderstood。
　　"O，naeFrenchlordforme，father，O，naeFrenchlordforme，ButI'llwaremyheartonatrue-bornScot，Andwi'himI'llcrossthesea。”
　　"Oh，father，loyou，Icanmakeaswellassing，forthatisnowordoftheoldballant，butjustcameontomytongue!"
　　Theywerenowrightclosetome，and，halfinfear，halfinhope，I
　　begantostirandrustleinthegrass，forofmystifledgroaninghadhithertocomenoprofit。ThenIheardthehorsesstop。
　　"Whatstirringisthatinthewood，father？Iamafraid，"camethegirl'svoice。
　　"Belikeafoxshiftinghislair。Pushon，MaidElliot。”Thehorsesadvanced，when，bytheblessingofthesaints，thejackanapeswokeinmybreast。
　　Thecreaturewasusedtorunquestingwithalittlewoodenbowlhecarriedforlargesse，tobegofhorsemenforhismistress。Thistrickofhishedidnow，hearingthehorses'tramp。Heleapedtheditch，andIsupposeheraninfrontofthesteeds，shakinghislittlebowl，aswashiswont。
　　"Oh，father，"soundedthegirl'svoice，"seethelittlejackanapes!
　　Sometravellingbodyhaslosthim。Letmejumpdownandcatchhim。
　　Look，hehasalittlecoaton，madelikeaherald'stabard，andwearsthecoloursofFrance。Here，holdmyreins。”
　　"No，lass。Whocantellwhere，orwho，hisowneris？Takeyoumyreins，andIwillbringyouthebeast。”
　　Iheardhimheavilydismount。
　　"Itwillnotletitselfbecaughtbyalameman，"hesaid；andhescrambleduptheditchbank，whilethejackanapesfledtome，andthenranforwardagain，backandforth。
　　"NomDieu，whomhavewehere？"criedtheman，inFrench。
　　Iturned，andmadesuchasoundwithmymouthasImight，whilethejackanapesnestledtomybreast。
　　"Whydoyenotspeak，man？"hesaidagain；andIturnedmyeyesonhim，lookingaspitifullyasmightbeoutofmyblood-bedabbledface。
　　Hewasaburlyman，greatofgrowth，withfreshredcheeks，blueeyes，reddishhair，andaredbeard，suchasaremanyintheBordermarchesofmyowncountry，thesaintsblessthemfortruemen!
　　Withalhedraggedhisleginwalking，whichhedidwithdifficultyandmuchcarefulness。He"hirpled，"aswesay，towardsmeverywarily；then，seeingtheropeboundaboutme，andtheclothinmymouth，hedrewhisdagger，butnottocutmybonds。Hewasovercannyforthat，butheslitthestringthatkeptthecursedgaginmymouth，andpickeditoutwithhisdaggerpoint；and，ohtheblessedtasteofthatfirstlongdraughtofair，Icannotsetitdowninwords!"What，inthenameofallthesaints，makeyouhere，inthisguise？"heaskedinFrench，butwitharudeBorderaccent。
　　"IamakindlyScot，"Isaidinourowntongue，"ofyourowncountry。Givemewater。”Andthenadwawm，aswecallit，orfainting-fit，cameoverme。
　　WhenIknewmyselfagain，Iwaslyingwithmyheadinamaiden'slap，andwellIcouldhavebelievedthatthefairieshadcarriedmetotheirownland，ashasbefallenmany，whereofsomehavereturnedtoearthwiththetale，andsomegoyetinthatunearthlycompany。
　　"Gentledemoiselle，areyouthegraciousQueenofFaerie？"Iasked，asonehalf-wakened，notknowingwhatIsaid。Indeedthisladywascladallinthefairygreen，andhereyeswereasblueastheskyaboveherhead，andthelongyellowlocksonhershoulderswereshininglikethesun。
　　"Father，heisnotdead，"shesaid，laughingassweetasallthesinging-birdsinMarch——"heisnotdead，butsorelywanderinginhismindwhenhetakesElliotHumefortheFairyQueen。”
　　"Faith，hemighthavemadeaworseguess，"criedtheman。"Butnow，sir，nowthatyourbondsarecut，Iseenothingbetterforyouthanawell-washedface，for，indeed，youarebyordinary"kenspeckle，"
　　andnocompanyformaids。”
　　Withthathebroughtsomewaterfromtheburnbytheroad，andtherewithhewipedmyface，firstgivingmetodrink。WhenIhaddrunk，themaidwhomhecalledElliotgotup，herfaceveryrosy，andtheysetmybackagainstatree，whichIwasrightsorryfor，asindeedIwasnowcleanoutoffairylandandbackinthistroublesomeworld。Thehorsesstoodbyus，tetheredtotrees，andbrowsedonthebuddingbranches。
　　"Andnow，maybe，"hesaid，speakinginthekindlyScots，thatwaslikemusicinmyear——"now，maybe，youwilltelluswhoyouare，andhowyoucameintothisjeopardy。”
　　Itoldhim，shortly，thatIwasaScotofFife；wheretoheansweredthatmyspeechwasstrangelyEnglish。OnthismatterIsatisfiedhimwiththetruth，namely，thatmymotherwasofEngland。Igavemynamebutnotthatofourlands，andshowedhimhowIhadbeenwanderingnorth，totakeservicewiththeDauphin，whenIwassetupon，androbbedandboundbythieves，forIhadnoclearnessastotellinghimallmytale，andnodesiretoclaimacquaintancewithBrotherThomas。
　　"Andthejackanapes？"heasked，wheretoIhadnobetteranswerthanthatIhadseenthebeastwithawanderingvioleronthedaybefore，andthatshehavinglostit，asIsupposed，ithadcometomeinthenight。
　　Thegirlwasstandingwiththecreatureinherarms，feedingitwithpiecesofcomfitsfromapouchfastenedathergirdle。
　　"Thelittlebeastisnotminetogive，"Iwenton，seeinghowshehadanaffectiontotheape，"buttilltheownerclaimsit，itisalltheransomIhavetopayformylife，andIwouldfainseeitwearthecoloursofthisgentlemaidwhosavedme。Ithasmanyprettytricks，butthoughto-dayIbeabeggar，Itrowshewillnotletitpractisethatilltrickofbegging。”
　　"SoonerwouldIbegmyself，fairsir，"shesaid，withsuchacourtlyreverenceassurprisedme；forthoughtheyseemedfolkswelltoseeintheworld，theywerenot，methought，ofnobleblood，norhadtheywiththemanycompanyofpalfreniersorarchers。
　　"Elliot，youfeedthejackanapesandletourcountrymanhunger，"
　　saidtheman；and，blushingagain，shemadehastetogivemesomeoftheprovisionshehadmadeforherjourney。
　　SoIateanddrank，shewaitingonmeverygently；butnow，beingwearyofpainfulwriting，andhearingthecalltotherefectory，andthebrethrentramplingthither，Imustbreakoff，for，ifIbelate，theywillsconcemeofmyale。Alas!itistotheselittlecaresofcreaturecomfortsthatIamcome，whohaveseenthefaceofsomanyawar，andlivedandfoughtonrat'sfleshatCompiegne。
　　CHAPTERIV——INWHATCOMPANYNORMANLESLIEENTEREDCHINON；ANDHOWHE
　　DEMEANEDHIMSELFTOTAKESERVICE
　　Notseemly，wasit，thatIshouldexpectthesekindpeople，eventhoughtheywereofmyowncountry，todomoreformethantheyhadalreadydone。So，whenIhadeatenanddrunk，ImademyobeisanceasifIwouldbetrudgingtowardsChinon，addingmanythanks，aswellImight。
　　"Nay，countryman，"saidtheman，"forallthatIcansee，youmayaswellbideawhilewithus；for，indeed，withleaveofmygracelessmaid，Ithinkwemayevenendourwild-goosechasehereandgetusbacktothetown。”
　　Seeingmemarvel，perhaps，thatanyshouldhaveriddensomefourmilesorfive，andyetspeakofreturning，helookedatthegirl，whowasplayingwiththejackanapes，andwhosmiledathimashespoke。"Youmustknow，"saidhe，"thatthoughIamthefatherofyourFairyQueen，IamalsooneofthegraciousPrincess'sobedientsubjects。Nomotherhasshe，poorwench，"headded，inalowervoice；"andfaith，wemenmustalwaysobeysomewoman——asitseemsnowthattheKinghimselfmustsoondoandallhiscaptains。”
　　"Youspeak，"Isaid，"ofthegraciousQueenofSicilyandJerusalem？"——aladywhowasthoughttobeofmuchavail，aswasbutright，inthecounselsofherson-in-law，theDauphin，hehavingmarriedhergentledaughter。
　　"Ay；QueenYolandeisfarben{7}withtheKing——wouldhehadnoworsecounsellors!"saidhe，smiling；"butIspeakofafarmorepotentsovereign，ifallthatshetellsofherselfbetrue。Youhaveheard，orbelikeyouhavenotheard，ofthefamedPucelle——soshecallsherself，Ihopenotwithoutawarranty——theLorrainerpeasantlass，whoistodrivetheEnglishintothesea，soshegivesusallfairwarning？"
　　"NeverawordhaveIheard，ornevermarkedsosenselessabruitifIheardit；shemustbesomemoonstruckwench，andinherwitswandering。”
　　"Moon-struck，orsun-struck，orsaint-struck，shewillstrikedownourancientenemyofEngland，andshowyoumenhowitisnotwineandwickednessthatmakegoodsoldiers!"criedthegirlwhomhecalledElliot，herfacerose-redwithanger；andfromhereyestwoblueraysoflightshotstraighttomine，sothatIbelievemyfacewaxedwan，thebloodflyingtomyheart。
　　"Listentoher!lookather!"saidherfather，jestingly。"Elliot，ifyourrenownedmaidcanfrighttheEnglishasyouhaveaffrayedagoodScot，thebattleiswonandOrleansisdelivered。”
　　Butshehadturnedherbackonuspettishly，andwastalkinginalowvoicetoherjackanapes。Asforme，ifmyfacehadbeenpalebefore，itnowgrewredenoughforshamethatIhadangeredher，whowassofair，thoughhowIhadsinnedIknewnot。ButoftenIhaveseenthatwomen，andthesethebest，willbeallafireatalightword，whereinthetouchiestman-at-armswhoeverfoughtontheturnofastrawcouldpicknohonourablequarrel。
　　"HowhaveIbeensounhappyastooffendmademoiselle？"Iasked，inawhisper，ofherfather，givingherahightitle，inveryconfusion。
　　"Oh，shewillhearnobourdenorjestonthisPucellethatallthecountrysideisclashingof，andthatisbewitchingmymaid，methinks，evenfromafar。MymaidElliotsoIcallherfrommymother'skin，buthertruenameisMarion，andtheFrenchdubherHeliotehathsetallherheartandherhopeononethatisayounglasslikeherself，andsheisfullofoldsoothsayingsaboutavirginthatistocomeoutofanoak-woodanddeliverFrance——noless!Forme，ImisdoubtthatMerlin，theWelshprophetonwhomtheysetstore，andtherestofthesoothsayers，areallinonetalewitholdThomasRhymer，ofErcildoune，whosepropheciesourownfolkcrackaboutbytheingleonwinternightsathome。Butbeitasitmay，thiswenchofLorrainehas，thesethree-quartersofayear，beenabouttheSieurRobertdeBaudricourt，nowcommandingfortheKingatVaucouleurs，awayintheeast，prayinghimtosendhertotheCourt。Shehasvisions，andhearsvoices——soshesays；andshegivesBaudricourtnopeacetillhecarrieshertotheKing。Thestorygoesthat，ontheilldayoftheBattleoftheHerrings，she，beingatVaucouleurs——ahundredleaguesawayandmore，——sawthatfightplainly，andourcountrymenfallen，manlike，aroundtheConstable，andtheFrenchflyinglikeharesbeforealittlepackofEnglishtalbots。Whentheevilnewscame，andwasapprovedtrue，Baudricourtcouldholdherinnolonger，andnowsheisonthewaywithhalfadozenesquiresandarchersofhiscommand。Thesecond-
　　sightshemayhave——itiscommonenough，ifyoubelievethered-
　　shankedHighlanders；butifmaidenshesetforthfromVaucouleurs，greatmiracleitisifmaidenshecomestoChinon。”Hewhisperedthisinamannerthatwecall"pauky，"beingafreemanwithhistongue。
　　"Thisisastrangetaleenough，"Isaid；"thesaintsgrantthattheMaidspeakstruly!"
　　"ButyesterdaycamealetterofhersendingtotheKing，"hewenton，"butneverofherwriting，fortheysaythatsheknowsnot"A"
　　from"B，"ifshemeetstheminhervoyaging。Now，nothingwouldservemywilfuldaughterElliotshebeingpossessed，asIsaid，withloveforthisfemalemystery，butthatwemustrideforthandbethefirsttomeettheMaidonherway，andofferhershelteratmypoorhouse，ifshedoesbutseemhonest，thoughmethinksahostelryisgoodenoughforonethathasriddensofar，withmenforallhercompany。AndI，beingbutasubjectofmydaughter's，asI
　　said，andthisaSaint'sDay，whenamanmayrestfromhispaintsandbrushes，Ievenletsaddlethesteeds，andcameforthtoseewhatferliesHeavenwouldsendus。”
　　"Oh，aluckydayforme，fairsir，"Iansweredhim，marvellingtohearhimspeakofpaintandbrushes，andevenasIspokeathoughtcameintomymind。"Ifyouwilllistentome，sir，"Isaid，"andifthegentlemaid，yourdaughter，willpardonmeforstayingyousolongfromtheroad，Iwilltellyouthat，tomythinking，youhavecomeoverlate，forthatyesterdaytheMaidenyouspeakofrode，afternightfall，intoChinon。”
　　Nowthegirlturnedroundonme，and，infaith，Iaskednomorethantoseeherface，kindorangry。"Youtellus，sir，thatyouneverheardspeakoftheMaidtillthishour，andnowyousaythatyouknowofhercomingsandgoings。Unriddleyourriddle，sir，ifitpleasesyou，andsayhowyousawandknewonethatyouneverheardspeechof。”
　　Shewasstillverywroth，andIknewnotwhetherImightnotangerheryetmore，soIloutedlowly，capinhand，andsaid-
　　"Itisbutaguessthatcomesintomymind，andIprayyoubenotangrywithme，whoamreadyandwillingtobelieveinthisMaid，orinanythatwillhelpFrance，for，ifIbenotwrong，lastnighthercomingsavedmylife，andthatofherowncompany。”
　　"Howmaythatbe，ifthievesrobbedandboundyou？"
　　"Itoldyounotallmytale，"Isaid，"for，indeed，fewwouldhavebelievedthethingthathadnotseenit。But，uponmyfaithasagentleman，andbythearm-boneoftheholyApostleAndrew，whichthesesinfuleyeshaveseen，inthechurchoftheApostleinhisowntown，somewhatholypassedthiswaylastnight；andifthisMaidbeindeedsentfromheaven，thatholythingwasshe，andnoneother。”
　　"NomDieu!saintsarenotcommonwayfarersonourroadsatnight。
　　Thereisno"wale"ofsaintsinthiscountry，"saidthefatherofElliot；"andasthisPucelleofLorrainemustneedspassbyushere，ifsheisstillontheway，eventellusallyourtale。”
　　WiththatItoldthemhowthe"brigands"forsotheynowbegantocallsuchreiversasBrotherThomaswere，tomyshame，andmaugremyhead，foratimeofmyowncompany。AndItoldthemofthebushmentthattheylaidtotraptravellers，andhowIhadstriventogiveawarning，andhowtheyboundmeandgaggedme，andofthestrangegirl'svoicethatspokethroughthenightof"mesFreresdeParadis，"andofthatgolden"boyn"faringinthedark，thatI