Then，evenasshespoke，andasbymiracle，thatfiercewindwentrightabout，andblewstraightupthestream，andthesailsofthevesselsfilled。
　　"ThisistheworkofourLord，"saidtheBastardofOrleans，crossinghimself:andtheangerpassedfromtheeyesoftheMaid。
　　ThenheandNicoledeGiresmeprayedhertopassthestreamwiththem，andtoletherhostmarchbacktoBloisandsocometoOrleans，crossingbythebridgeofBlois。Tothisshesaidnay，thatshecouldnotleavehermenoutofhersight，lesttheyfelltosinagain，andallherpainswerelost。But，withmanyprayers，herconfessorPasquereljoininginthem，shewasbroughttoconsent。Sothehost，withpriestsandbanners，mustsetforthagaintoBlois，whiletheMaid，andwethatwereofhercompany，crossedtheriverinboats，andsorodetowardsthetown。OnthiswaythesameisaroadoftheoldRomanstheEnglishheldastrongfort，calledSt。
　　Loup，andwellmighttheyhavesalliedforthagainstus。ButthepeopleofOrleans，whoeverborethemselvesmorehardilythananytownsfolkwhomIhaveknown，madeanonfallagainstSt。Loup，thattheEnglishwithinmightnotsallyoutagainstus，wherewasfiercefighting，andtheytookastandardfromtheEnglish。
　　So，atnightfall，theMaid，withtheBastardandothercaptainsatherside，rodeintothetown，allthepeoplewelcomingherwithtorchesinhand，shoutingNoel!astoaking，throwingflowersbeforeherhorse'sfeet，andpressingtotouchher，oreventheharnessofherhorse，whichleapedandplunged，forthefireofatorchcaughtthefringeofherbanner。Lightlyshespurredandturnedhim，andlightlyshecaughtattheflamewithherhandandquenchedit，whileallmenmarvelledathergraceandgoodlybearing。
　　NeversawImorejoyofheart，forwhereasallhadfearedtofallintothehandsoftheEnglish，nowtherewassuchcourageinthem，asifMonseigneurSt。Michaelhimself，orMonseigneurStAignan，hadcomedownfromheaventohelphisgoodtown。Iftheywerehardybefore，asindeedtheywere，nowplainlytheywerefullofsuchmightandfurythatmanmightnotstandagainstthem。AndsoonitwasplainthatnolessfearhadfallenontheEnglish。ButtheMaid，withuswhofollowedher，wasledrightthroughthegreatstreetofOrleans，fromtheBurgundygatetothegateRegnart，wherebythefightingwasevermostfell，andtherewelodgedinthehouseoftheTreasureroftheDukeofOrleans，JacquetBoucher。
　　Neverwassleepsweetertome，afterthetwowearymarches，andthesoundsofmusicandrevelryinthestreetdidnothumamomentinmyears，beforeIhadpassedintothatblessedworldofslumberwithoutadream。
　　ButmywakingnextdaybroughtinstantlythethoughtofmybrotherRobin，concerningwhomIhadeverfearedthathefellwiththeflowerofScotland，whentheComtedeClermontdesertedussoshamefullyonthedayoftheBattleoftheHerrings。Nosoonerdidthisdoubtcomeintomymind，thanIleapedfrommybed，attiredmyself，andwentforthtothequartersoftheScotsunderSirChristianChambers。LittleneedIhadtotellmyerrand，fortheythatmetmeguessedwhoIwas，because，indeed，RobinandIfavouredeachothergreatlyinfaceandbodilypresence。
　　ItwasevenasIhaddeemed:mydearbrotherandfriendandtutorofolddayshaddied，chargingbackupontheEnglishwhopursuedus，andfightingbythesideofPothondeXaintrailles。Allthatday，andintheweekwhichfollowed，mythoughtwaseveruponhim；alookinastranger'sface，awordonanother'slips，bysomemagicofthemindwouldbringmybrotheralmostvisiblybeforeme，ay，amongthenoiseofswordsonmail，andthescreamingofarrows，andofgreatcannon-balls。
　　IfIheardillnews，itwasnomorethanIlookedfor；butbetternews，asitseemed，Ialsoheard，though，inmysorrow，Imarkeditlittle。Forthesoldierswerelamentingthelossoftheirfamedgunner，notJohntheLorrainer，butonewhohadcometothem，theysaid，nowsomeweeksagone，intheguiseofacordelier，thoughhedidnotfightinthatgarb，butincommonattire，andeverworehisvizordown，whichmendeemedstrange。Whitherhehadgone，orhowdisappeared，theyknewnot，forhehadnotbeenwiththosewhoyesterdayattackedSt。Loup。
　　"HecouldnevertholethethoughtoftheBlessedMaid，"saidAllanRutherford，"butwouldtellallthatlistenedhowshewasabrain-
　　sickwench，orawitch，andunderherstandardhewouldneverfight。
　　Heevenavowedtousthatshehadbeenachamber-wenchofaninninNeufchateau，andtherehadlearnedtobackahorse，andmanyaworsetrick，"whichwasaliedevisedbytheEnglishandthemofBurgundy。
　　But，gowherehewould，orhowhewould，IdeemeditwellthatBrotherThomasandIforofasuretyitwasBrotherThomaswerenottomeetinOrleans。
　　ConcerningtheEnglishinthiswonderfuladventureofthesiege，I
　　havenevercomprehended，nordoInowknow，whereforetheyborethemastheydid。ThattheysalliednotoutonthetrainswhichtheMaidledandbroughtintothetown，amanmightsetdowntomerecowardiceandfaintheart——theyfearingtofightagainstawitch，astheydeemedher。Inlaterbattles，whenshehadwonsomanyavictory，theymaywellhavefearedher。But，asnow，theyshowednodreadwherehonourwastobewon，butratherprideanddisdain。OnthisverySaturday，themorrowofourarrival，LaHire，withFlorentd'Illiersandmanyotherknights，pushedforthamatteroftwobowshotsfromthecitywalls，andtookakeepthattheythoughttohaveburned。Theywereveryhardymen，andbeingcomfortedbytheMaid'scoming，werefullofcourageandgoodwill；yettheEnglishralliedanddrovethemback，withmuchfiringofguns，andnowfirstIheardthedinofwarandsawthegreatstoneballsfly，scattering，astheyfell，intosplintersthatscreamedintheair，withaveryterriblesound。TrulytheEnglishhadthebetterofthatfray，andwerenowhitadread，foratsunsettheMaidsentthemtwoheralds，biddingthembegone；yettheyansweredonlythattheywouldburnherforawitch，andcalledheraribaulde，orloosewench，andbadehergobackandkeepherkine。
　　Iwaswithherwhenthismessagecame，andherbrowsmetandhereyesflashedwithanger。Tellingusofhercompanytofollow，shewenttotheFairCrossonthebridge，wherenowherimagestands，fashionedinbronze，kneelingbeforetheCross，withtheKingkneelingopposite。ThereshestoodandcriedaloudtotheEnglish，whowereinthefortontheothersideofthebridgethatiscalledLesTourelles，andhervoicerangacrossthewaterlikeatrumpet，sothatitwasmarvel。Thencameoutontothebridgeagreatknightandatall，SirWilliamGlasdale；nobiggermanhaveIseen，andIbethoughtmeofGoliathinHolyScripture。Hespokeinaloud，north-countryvoice，and，whereassheaddressedhimcourteously，asshedidallmen，hecalledherbytheworstofnames，mockingatherforaribaulde。Shemadeanswerthathelied，andthatheshoulddieinfourdays'timeorfive，withoutstrokeofsword；andso，wavingherhandhaughtily，turnedandwentback。ButI，whowalkedclosebyher，notedthatsheweptlikeanygirlathisevilandlyingaccusations。
　　NextdaywasSunday，andnostrokewasstruck，buttheBastardofOrleanssetforthtobringbackthearmyfromBlois。AndonMondaytheMaidrodeoutandundertheverywallsoftheEnglishkeeps，thetownsfolkrunningbyherrein，asifsecureinhercompany；yetnomancameforthagainstthem，whichwasmarvel。AndontheWednesday，theMaid，withmanyknights，rodeforthtwoleagues，andmettheBastardofOrleansandallthearrayfromBlois，andalltheflocksandherdsthatweresenttoOrleansbythegoodtowns。RightbeneaththefortsoftheEnglishtheyrodeandmarched，withchantingofhymns，priestsleadingtheway，butnonedaredmeddlewiththem。Yetachildmighthaveseenthatnoworneverwasthechance:howbeitTalbotandGlasdaleandScales，menwelllearnedinwar，letfirenotevenasinglecannon。ItmaybethattheyfearedanattackoftheOrleansfolkontheirbastilles，iftheydrewouttheirmen。For，totelltheplaintruth，theEnglishhadnotmen-
　　at-armsenoughforthetasktheytookinhand；buttheyoftachievemuchwithbutlittleforce，andsopresumethemore，sometimestotheirundoing。And，tilltheMaidcame，tenofthemcouldchaseahundredoftheFrench。
　　SotheMaidreturned，leadingthearmy，andthen，beingveryweary，shewentintoherchamber，andlaydownonacouchtosleep，heresquire，D'Aulon，alsorestingintheroom，whereweretheladyandadaughterofthehouse，oneCharlotteBoucher。TherewasI，devisingidlywithherpage，LouisdeCoutes，aboyhalfScotsbybirth，andgood-brothertoMessireFlorentd'Illiers，whohadmarriedhissister。Butalas!hewasmoreFrenchthanScots，andlaterhelefttheMaid。Butthenwewereplayingourselvesatthedoorofthehouse，andallwasstill，themen-at-armsreposing，aswedeemed，aftertheirmarch。ThensuddenlytheMaidranforthtous，herfacewhiteandhereyesshining，andcriedtoLouisdeCoutes，ingreatanger-
　　"Wretchedboy，thebloodofFranceisbeingshed，andyoutoldmenowordofit!"
　　"Demoiselle，"saidhe，trembling，"Iwottednotofit。Whatmeanyou？"
　　AndIalsostoodinamaze，forwehadheardnosoundofarms。
　　"Go，fetchmyhorse，"shesaid，andwasgone。
　　Iwentwithhim，andwesaddledandbridledafreshcourserspeedily；butwhenwereachedthedoor，shestoodtherealreadyarmed，andsprangonthehorse，cryingforherbanner，thatDeCoutesgaveheroutoftheupperwindow。Thenherspurswereinherhorse'sside，andthesparksflyingfrombeneathhishoofs，asshegallopedtowardsSt。Loup，theEnglishfortontheBurgundyroad。
　　Thitherwefollowedher，withwhatspeedwemight，yetovertardily；
　　andwhenwecamethroughcrowdsofpeople，manybearingthewoundedonlitters，therewasshe，underthewallofthatfort，inarainofarrows，holdingupherbanner，andcryingontheFrenchandScotstothecharge。Theyansweredwithacry，andwenton，DeCoutesandI
　　pressingforwardtobewiththem；butereeverwecouldgainthefosse，theEnglishhadbeenoverwhelmed，and，forthemorepart，slain。For，aswefound，theFrenchcaptainshadcommandedanattackonSt。Loup，andhadtoldtheMaidnowordofit，whetherasdesiringtowinhonourwithouther，ortospareherfromtheperiloftheonslaught，Iknownot。Buttheirmenweregivingground，whenbythemonitionofthesaints，asIhaveshown，shecametothemandturnedthefray。
　　OftheEnglish，asIsaid，mostwereslain，nathelesscertainmeninpriests'raimentcameforthfromtheChurchofSt。Loup，andveryhumblybeggedtheirlivesoftheMaid，who，turningtoD'Aulon，heresquire，badehim，withDeCoutesandme，andsuchmenaswecouldgather，tohavechargeofthemandbeanswerableforthem。
　　So，whiletheFrenchwereplundering，wemusteredthesepriestsorderlytogether，theytremblingandtellingtheirbeads，andwestoodbeforethemfortheirguard。Falsepriests，Idoubt，manyofthemwere，EnglishmenwhohadhastilydoneonsuchholyrobesastheyfoundinthechurchofStLoup。NowLouisdeCoutes，beingbutaboy，andofamadhumour，cried-
　　"'Cucullusnonfacitmonachum!'Goodsirs，letusseeyourreverendtonsures。”
　　Withthathetwitchedthehoodfromtheheadofatallcordelier，who，withoutmoreado，felledhimtotheearthwithhisfist。
　　Thehoodwasoffbutforaflashoftime，yetIsawwelltheshiningwolf'seyesandthelongdarkfaceofBrotherThomas。So，inthepicturesoftheromanceofRenardFox，haveIseenIsengrimthewolfinthefriar'shood。
　　"Felonandtraitor!"Icried，anddrawingmysword，wasabouttorunhimthroughthebody，whenmyhandwasstunnedbyastroke，andthesworddroppedfromit。Iturned，ingreatanger，andsawtheMaid，herswordinherhand，wherewithshehadsmittenmeflatlings，andnotwiththeedge。
　　"KnaveofaScot，"shecried，"wouldstthoustrikeaholymanandmyprisoner？VerilytheysaywellthattheScotsareallsavages。
　　Begonehome，tillIspeakwiththecaptainsaboutthycase!Andfortheseholymen，"shesaidtoD'Aulon，inasoftvoice，"seethattheyaresafelyhousedandministeredtointheChurchofMonseigneurSt。Aignan。”
　　WiththatIshrankbacklikeabeatenhound，andsawtheMaidnomorethatnight，asfearingherwrath。SowasIadreadandoutofallcomfort。But，whenfirstImight，IsoughtD'AulonandtoldhimallthetaleofBrotherThomas，andalltheevilIknewofhim，aswellasIcould，andIshowedhimwhereforeIhadsoughttoslaytheman，asforswornandatraitor，whohadmanifestlyfledtotheEnglish，beingbyhisdoggishnaturetheenemyoftheMaid。Isowroughtwithhim，thoughhewasweary，andwouldscarcelistentomytale，thathepromisedtospeakformetotheMaid，withoutwhomI
　　wasamanlost。Moreover，hesworethat，asearlyasmightbe，hewouldvisittheChurchofSt。Aignan，andthereexamineintothematterofthiscordelier，whomsomeknew，andcouldtestifyagainst，ifhewasmyman。
　　NomorecouldIdothatnight，butnextmorningD'Aulonawokemealittleafterdawn。
　　"Itisatruetale，"hesaid，"andworsethanIdeemed，foryourbirdhasflown!LastnighthesospokewithmeinthechurchwhenI
　　lodgedhimthere，thatIreckonedhimasimplemanandapious。Buthehasvanishedfromamonghisbrethren，noneknowshoworwhither。”
　　"Thedevil，hismaster，knows，"Isaid。"Faith，hehasashrewdcareofhisown。Butthis，Imisdoubtme，isthebeginningofeviltousandtotheMaid。”
　　"Aknavemoreorlessisoflittlecountintheworld，"saidhe；
　　"butnowImustmakeyourpeacewiththeMaid，forshespeaksofnolessthansendingyouforthfromherhousehold。”
　　Hispromisehekeptsowell——forhewasaveryhonourableman，asanyinFrance——thattheMaidsentformeandshowedmethebestcountenance，evenbeggingmypardonwithallsweetness，andinsofairamannerthatIcouldhavewept。
　　"Itwasmyfirstblowinwar，"shesaid，smilingkindly，aswashermanner，"andIhopetostrikenomoreaswithmyownhand，whereforeIcarrymybannertoavoidtheslayingofmen。ButverilyIdeemedthatyouwereaboutstabbingmyprisoner，andhimapriest。Belikeweshallhearnomoreofhim，andImisdoubtthatheisnotruesonofHolyChurch。To-dayletmeseeyoubearyourselfasboldlyagainstarmedmen，thatImayreportwellofyoutoyourladyandmyfriend。”
　　Therewithsheheldoutherhandsandtookmine，asfranklyasdoesonebrotherinarmswithanother。AndIkissedherhand，andkeptmytearsinmyownheart。ButnodeadlierblowforFranceandforherselfwaseverdealtthanwhentheMaidstruckdownmysword，thatwasthirstingforthebloodofBrotherThomas，andwaswithinaninchofhisthroat。OftenhaveImarvelledhowthesaints，who，asthen，guardedher，gavehernowarning，astheydidoftheonslaughtonSt。Loup；butitmightnotbe，oritwasnottheirwill，towhichwemusthumblysubmitourselves。AndnowIthinkIseethatwolf'sface，underthehood，withangerandfearintheominouseyes。IntheChurchofSt。Loupwefoundhim，andhewasawolfoftheholyplaces。Nonetheless，thewordsoftheMaidbroughtmorekeenlytomymindthethoughtofElliot，whominthesecrowdedhours，betweenmysorrowandanger，andfearoftheMaid'swrath，Ihadtosomedegreeforgotten。TheywerenoworderinganonslaughtonapostoftheEnglishbeyondtheriver，andtherecameintomyheartthatverseofthe"BookofaHundredBallades":howalovermustpressintobreach，andmine，andescaladetowinadvancementandhislady'sfavour；andIsworewithinmyselfthatto-dayIwouldbeamongtheforemost。
　　CHAPTERXIII——OFTHEFIGHTINGATLESAUGUSTINSANDTHEPROPHECYOF
　　THEMAID
　　JustabovethebrokenbridgeofOrleansthereisabroadisland，lyingveryneartheoppositeshore，withanarrow，swiftpassageofwaterbetweenbankandisland。Sometwofurlongshigheruptheriver，andonthefurtherbank，theEnglishhadbuiltasmallfort，namedSt。JeanleBlanc，toguardtheroad，andthithertheysentmenfromLesAugustins。Theplanofourcaptainswastocrossbyboatsontotheisland，andthencebyabridgeofplankslaidonboatstowinoverthenarrowchannel，andsomakeanonslaughtonSt。JeanleBlanc。ForthisonslaughttheMaidhadnowbeenarmedbyherwomen，andwithallhercompany，andmanyknights，wasmakingreadytocross。Butbeforeshe，orwewithher，couldattaintheshore，horsesbeingillbeastsinaboatferry，thelight-armedtownsfolkhadcrossedoveragainstSt。JeanleBlanctospyonit，andhadfoundthekeepempty，fortheEnglishhaddrawnbacktheirmentotheBastilleofLesAugustins。
　　Thustherewasnomoretodo，forthecaptainsdeemednotthatwewereofanyavailtoattackLesAugustins。Theywereretreatingthentothebridgeofboats，andMessiresdeGaucourt，DeVillars，andothergoodknightswereguardingtheretreat，allorderly，lesttheEnglishmightsallyoutfromLesAugustins，and，takingusintherear，mightslaymanyintheconfusionofcrossingtheboat-
　　bridge，whentheMaidandLaHire，bygreatdintoftoil，passedtheirhorsesinaferry-boatontothefurtherbank。AtthismomenttheEnglishsalliedforth，withloudcries，fromLesAugustins，andwerefallingonourmen，who，fearingtobecutoff，begantofleedisorderly，whiletheEnglishcalledoutillwords，as"cowards"and"ribaulds，"andwereblasphemingGodthatHeshoulddamnallFrenchmen。
　　HereontheMaid，withherbanner，andLaHire，withlanceinrest，theytwoalone，spurredintothepress，andnowherbannerwastossingliketheflagofashipinthebreakers，andmethoughttherewasgreatjeopardylesttheyshouldbetaken。ButtheotherFrenchandScots，perceivingthebannerinsuchaperil，turnedagainfromtheirflight，andmenwhoonceturnbacktoblowsagainareilltodealwith。Striking，then，andcrying，Montjoie!St。Denis!andSt。
　　AndrewforScotland!theymadetheEnglishgiveground，tilltheywerewithinthepalisadeofLesAugustins，wheretheydeemedthemsafeenough。NowIhadstruggledthroughthethrongontheisland，someflying，someadvancing，aseachman'sheartbadehim，tillI
　　leapedintothewateruptomywaistandwontheland。ThereIwasrunningtothefrontofthefightwhenD'Aulonwouldhavestoppedme，forhehadacommandtoholdacertainnarrowway，lesttheEnglishshoulddriveustothewateragain。
　　Allthiswasrightlydone，butI，hearingthecryofSt。Andrew，wasasonepossessed，andpayingnoheedtoD'Aulon，wasforthrustingmeforward，whenacertainSpaniard，AlphonsedePartada，caughtmebythearm，andtoldme，withanoath，thatImightwellbidewherebettermenthanIwerecontenttobe。AtthisImadeanswerthatmyplacewaswiththeMaid，and，asforbettermen，biggerhemightwellbe，butI，forone，wasnotcontenttolookonidlywhereblowswerebeingdealt。HeansweredinsuchtermsthatIbadehimfollowme，andseewhichofuswouldfarefurthestintothepress。
　　"AndforthatyoumaybeswifteroffootthanI，asyouhavelongerlegs，"Icried，"clasphandsonthisbargain，andletusreachthepalisadeswiththesamestep。”
　　Tothisheagreed，andD'Aulonnotrefusingpermissionforhelovedtolookonavaillance，we，claspinghands，rantogetherswiftly，andstruckourswordsinthesamemomentagainstthewoodenfence。
　　Alittleopeningtherewas，notyetclosed，orhethatkeptitdeemedhemightwinmorehonourbyholdingitwithhisbody。Hewasagreatknightandtall，wellarmed，theredcrossofSt。Georgeonhisbreast，andhefoughtwithamightysword。Together，then，wemadeathim，twotoone，asneedsmustbe，forthiswasnogentlepassageofarms，butopenbattle。OnesweepofhisswordImadeshifttoavoid，butthenextlightingonmysalade，drovemestaggeringbackformoreyardsthantwoorthree，andIreeledandfellonmyhands。WhenIrose，AlphonsedePartadawasfallingbeneathasword-stroke，andIwasforrunningforwardagain；butlo!
　　thegreatEnglishknightleapedintheair，andso，turning，fellonhisface，hishandsgraspingatthegroundandhisfeetkicking。
　　LaterIheardfromD'AulonthathehadbiddenJohntheLorrainermarkthemanwithhiscouleuvrine，forthathedidovermuchmischief。But，thinkingofnoughtsavetobeforemostinthebreach，Iranin，stumblingoverthedeadman'sbody，andshoulderedatthesametimebyAlphonse，whowardedoffastabofapikethatwasdealtatme。Thenitwasafairmellay，ourmenpressingafterusthroughthegap，anddrivingusforwardbymereweightofonset，theycomingwithallspeedagainstourenemiesthatrantogetherfromallpartsofthekeep，andsoleftbarethefurtherwall。Itwasbodytobody，weightagainstweight，shortstrokesatclosequarters，and，overourheads，billsstrikingandfoiningattheEnglish。Eachmansmotewherehecould；wewaveredandswayed，nowoffourfeetinthepress，nowmakingsomeyardofground，andevilwasthesmellandthickthedustthatarose。Meanwhilecamethesoundoftherivingofplanksfromtheothersideofthepalisade；
　　abovethesteelpointsandthedustIsawtheMaid'spennonadvancingwiththefaceofmyladypaintedthereon，andIpressedtowardsit，crying"St。Andrew"withsuchbreathaswasinme。ThenrangouttheMaid'svoice，likeaclarion，"St。Denis!"andso，strokeechoingstroke，anddaggersgoingatclosequarters，beatenonandblinded，deafandbreathless，nowup，nowdown，westaggeredforward，tillIandtheMaidstoodsidebyside，andtheEnglishbroke，somefalling，someflyingtotheout-gate。
　　And，whenallwasdone，therewasI，knowinglittleenoughofwhathadcomeandgone，dazed，withmyswordbloodyandbent，myheadhumming，andmyfootonthebreastofanEnglishknight，oneRobertHeron。HimItooktoprisoner，rescueornorescue，andsosatwedown，veryweary，inthemidstofbloodandbrokenarms，formanyhadbeenslainandafewtaken，thoughthemoreparthadfledintotheboulevardofLesTourelles。Andhere，withajoyousface，andthevizorofherhelmraised，stoodtheMaid，herswordsheathed，wavingherbannerinthesightoftheEnglishthatwereonthebridgefort。
　　Natheless，herjoywasbutforamoment，andsoonwassheseatedlowlyontheground，holdinginherarmstheheadofanEnglishknight，sorewounded，forwhomherconfessor，FatherPasquerel，wasdoingtheofficesofreligion。Tearswererunningdownhercheeks，evenasifhehadbeenoneofherownpeople；andso，comfortingandhelpingthewoundedasshemight，sheabodetillthedarknesscame，andthecaptainshadmadeshifttorepairthefortressandhadsetguardsallorderly。Andalltheriverwasdarkwithboatscomingandgoing，theirlanternsglitteringonthestream，andtheywereladenwithfoodandmunitionsofwar。InoneoftheseboatsdidtheMaidcrosstheriver，takingwithherusofhercompany，andspeakingtome，aboveothers，inthemostgraciousmanner，forthatIhadbeenthefirst，withthatSpanishgentleman，topasswithintheEnglishpalisade。Andnowmyheartwaslight，thoughmyfleshwasveryweary，forthatIhaddonemydevoir，andtakenthefirstfruitsofElliot'sweddingportion。NoheavyransomIputonthatknight，SirRobertHeron，anditwashonourablypaidinnolongtime，thoughheilllikedyieldinghimtoonethathadnotgainedhisspurs。Butitwasfortuneofwar。So，halfinadream，wereachedourhouse，andtherewasthegreatestconcourseoftownsfolkclamouringinthepraiseoftheMaid，whoshowedherselftothemfromthewindow，andpromisedthatto-morrowtheyshouldtakeLesTourelles。ThatnightwasFriday，yet，sowornwereweallthattheMaidbadeussup，andherselftooksomemeatandalittlewineinherwater，thoughcommonlyshefastedonFriday。Andnowwewereabouttobounusforbed，andtheMaidhadrisen，andwasstandingwithherarmspassedabouttheneckofthedaughterofthehouse，afairlassandmerry，calledCharlotteBoucher，whoalwayslaywithherforshehadgreatjoytobewithgirlsofherownage，whentherecamethesoundofadagger-hiltbeatingatthedoor。Weopened，andtherestoodatallknight，wholoutedlowtotheMaid，capinhand，andshebadehimdrinktothetakingofLesTourellesthatshouldbeto-morrow。
　　Buthe，withtheflagonfullinhishands，andwithalathirstylookuponhisface，shookhishead。
　　"Toanotherpledge，Maiden，Iwillgladlydrink，namely，tothebravestdamselunderthesky。”
　　Andtherewithhedrankdeep。
　　"ButnowIamsentfromGaucourt，andtheBastard，forallthecaptainsareincounselagain。Andtheybidmetellyouthatenoughhathbeendone，andtheyarerightwellcontent。Butwearefewagainstsogreatahost，inaplacesostrongthatmenmaynotavailtomasteritbymainforce。Thecityisnowwellseeninallmannerofvictual；moreover，wecannowcomeandgobySologneandtheleftbank。TheskillisthereforetoholdthecitytilltheEnglishwaxwearyanddepart，ortillwehavesuccouranewfromtheKing。
　　Thereforeto-morrowthemen-at-armsshalltakerest，havinggreatneedthereof；andtherefore，gentleMaid，pardonmethatIdranknottothepledgewhichaladycalled。”
　　Thenhedrainedtheflagon。
　　TheMaid，holdingthegirlCharlotteyetclosertoher，smoteherrighthandonthetable，sothatitdirled，andthecupsanddishesleaped。
　　"Youhavebeenwithyourcounsel，"shecried，"andIhavebeenwithmine!ThecounselofMessirewillstandfastandprevail，andyoursshallperish，foritisofmen。Goback，andbearmywordstothecaptains，"quothshe；andthen，turningtous，wholookedonherinamazement，shesaid-
　　"Doyeallriserightearly，andmorethanyehavedoneto-dayshallyedo。Keepeverclosebymeinthemellay，forto-morrowIshallhavemuchtodo，andmorethaneveryetIdid。Andto-morrowshallmybloodleapfrommybody，abovemybreast，foranarrowshallsmitehere!"andshestrucktheplacewithherhand。
　　Thereontheknight，seeingthatshewasnottobemoved，madehisobeisance，andwentbacktothemthatsenthim，andallwelaydowntosleepwhilewemight。
　　ThesewordsoftheMaidI，NormanLeslie，heard，andbearrecordthattheyaretrue。
　　CHAPTERXIV——OFTHEFIGHTINGATTHEBRIDGE，ANDOFTHEPRIZEWONBY
　　NORMANLESLIEFROMTHERIVER
　　OnthatnightIsleptsoft，andwokeoft，beingutterlyforedone。
　　InthegreydawnIawoke，andgavealittlecough，when，lo!therecameahotsweetgushintomymouth，andgoingtothewindow，IsawthatIwasspittingofblood，belikefrommyoldwound。Itisastrangethingthat，therewith，asicknesscameoverme，andacoldfitasoffear，thoughfearIhadfeltnonewheremenmetinheatofarms。Nonetheless，seeingthatto-day，ornever，Iwastobemadeormarred，Ispokeofthematterneithertomannorwoman，butdrinkingalongdraughtofverycoldwater，Ispatsomedealmore，andthenitstanched，andIarmedmeandsatdownonmybed。
　　Mythoughts，asIwaitedforthefirststirinthehouse，werenotglad。Birdsweresinginginthegardentrees；allelsewasquiet，asifmenwerenotwakingtoslayeachotherandpassunconfessedtotheiraccount。Therecameonmeagreatsicknessofwar。YesterdaytheboulevardofLesAugustins，whenthefightwasover，hadbeenashambles；whitebodiesthathadbeenstrippedoftheirarmourlayhereandtherelikesheeponahillside，andwerenowsmirchedwithdust，athingunseemly。IputittomyselfthatIwasengaged，ifevermanwas，inarighteousquarrel，fightingagainstcrueloppression；andIwasundertheprotectionofonesent，asIverilybelieved，byHeaven。
　　Butbloodrunstardyinthecolddawn；mythoughtswerechilled，andIdeemed，tospeaksooth，thatIcarriedmydeathwithinme，frommyoldwound，and，evenifunhurt，couldscarceescapeoutofthatday'slabourandlive。Isaidfarewelltolifeandthesun，inmyownmind，andtoElliot，thinkingofwhom，withwhattendernessshehadnursedme，andofhermirthandpitifulheart，Icouldscarceforbearfromweeping。OfmybrotheralsoIthought，andindeathitseemedtomethatwecouldscarcelybedivided。ThenmythoughtwentbacktoolddaysofchildhoodatPitcullo，oldwanderingsbyEdenbanks，oldkindnessandoldquarrels，andIseemedtoseeavisionofagreattree，growingaloneoutofalittlemound，bymyfather'sdoor，whereRobinandIwouldplay"WillieWastleinhiscastle，"forthatwasourfirstmannerofholdingasiege。Aman-
　　at-armshaslittletomakewithsuchfancies，andwellIwotthatRandalRutherfordtroubledhimselftherewithinnomanner。Butnowtherecameanironfootsteponthestairs，andtheMaid'svoicerangclear，andpresentlytherearosethesoundofhammersonrivets，andallthedinofmensaddlinghorsesandsharpeningswords，soIwentforthtojoinmycompany。
　　StiffandsorewasI，andfeltasifIcouldscarceraisemysword-
　　arm；butthesightoftheMaid，allgleaminginherharness，andclearofvoice，andswiftofdeed，likeSt。Michaelwhenhemarshalledhisangelsagainsttheenemiesofheaven，drovemybroodingthoughtscleanoutofmind。Thesunshoneyellowandslantingdownthestreets；outoftheshadowoftheminstercamethebells，ringingforwar。Thearmedtownsfolkthrongedtheways，andoneman，oldandill-clad，broughttotheMaidagreatfishwhichhehadcaughtovernightintheLoire。Ourhostprayedhertowaittillitshouldbecooked，thatshemightbreakfastwell，forshehadmuchtodo。Yetshe，whoscarceseemedtolivebyearthlymeat，butbythewillofGod，tookonlyasopofbreaddippedinwine，andgailyleapingtoherselleandgatheringthereins，asaladyboundforahuntingwherenofearwas，shecried，"Keepthefishforsupper，whenIwillbringbackagoddon{25}prisonertoeathispart。Andto-night，gentlesir，myhost，Iwillreturnbythebridge!"——which，aswedeemed，mightinnomannerbe，foranarchofthebridgewasbroken。Thereonweallmounted，androdedowntotheBurgundygate，thewomenwatchingus，andcastingflowersbeforetheMaiden。Butwhenwewonthegate，behold，itwaslocked，andtworanksofmen-
　　at-arms，withlanceslevelled，wearingthecoloursoftheSieurdeGaucourt，weredrawnupbeforeit。Thatlordhimself，inharness，butbare-headed，stoodbeforehismen，andcried，"Herebyisnopassage。To-daythecaptainsgivecommandthatnoforcestirfromthetown。”
　　"To-day，"quoththeMaid，"shallwetakeLesTourelles，andto-
　　morrownotagoddon，saveprisonersandslainmen，shallbewithinthreeleaguesofOrleans。Gentlesir，bidopenthegate，forto-dayhaveIworktodo。”
　　ThereatGaucourtshookhishead，andfromthemultitudeoftownsfolkroseonegreatangryshout。Theywouldburnthegate，theycried；
　　theywouldfirethetown，buttheywouldfollowtheMaidandtheguidanceofthesaints。
　　Thereonstonesbegantofly，andarbalestswerebended，tilltheMaidturned，and，facingthethrong，herbannerliftedasinanger-
　　"Back，mygoodfriendsandpeopleofOrleans，"shesaid，"backandopentheposterndoorinthegreattowerontheriverwall。ByonewayoranothershallImeettheEnglishthisday，norshallmightofmanpreventme。”
　　Thenmanyranback，andsooncamethecrythattheposternwasopened，andthitherstreamedthethrong。ThereforeGaucourtsawwellthatanonslaughtwouldverilybemade；moreover，asamanwiseinwar，heknewthatthetownsfolk，thatday，wouldbehardtohold，andwouldgofar。Soheevenyielded，notungraciously，andsendingamessengertotheBastardandthecaptains，herodeforthfromtheBurgundyGatebythesideoftheMaid。Hewas，indeed，littlemindedtomisshispartofthehonour；norweretheothercaptainsmorebackward，forscarcehadwetakenboatandreachedthefartherbank，whenwesawthebannersoftheBastardandLaHire，Florentd'IlliersandXaintrailles，ChambersandKennedy，abovetheheadsofthearmedmenwhostreamedforthbythegateofBurgundy。Lessorderlywasnofighteverbegun，butthesaintswereofourparty。
　　ItwasthewisemanneroftheMaidtostrikeswift，blowuponblow，eachstrokefindinglessresistanceamongtheenemy，thathadbeenusedtoalaggardwar，forthenitwasthemannerofcaptainstodallyforweeksormonthsroundatown，castle，orotherkeep，andtheskillwastostarvetheenemy。ButthemanneroftheMaidwasevertosendclouduponcloudofmentomakeescaladebyladders，theircomradesaidingthemfromundercoverwithfireofcouleuvrinesandbows。EvensofoughtthatfamedKnightofBrittany，SirBertrandduGuesclin。Buthewaslongdead，andwhethertheMaidwhohonouredhismemorygreatlyfoughtasshedidthroughhisexample，orbydirectteachingofthesaints，Iknownot。
　　Ifdisorderlywebegan，thefaultwassoonamended；theywhohadbeleagueredtheboulevardallnightweresetintherear，torestoutofshot；thefreshmenwerearrayedundertheirbanners，invineyardsandunderthewallsoffields，sothatifonecompanywasdrivenbackanotherwasreadytocomeon，thattheEnglishmighthavenoreposefrombattle。
　　Now，themanneroftheboulevardwasthis:first，therewasastrongpalisade，andmanymenmusteredwithinit；thencameawide，deep，dryfosse；thenastrongwallofearth，boundinwithwithesandpalisaded，andwithinitthegateoftheboulevard。Whenthatwaswon，andtheboulevardtaken，mendefendingitmightfleeacrossadrawbridge，overastream，narrowanddeepandswift，intoLesTourellesitself。HeretheyweresafefromthemonthesideofOrleans，byreasonofthebrokenarchofthebridge。Sostrongwasthistower，thatMonseigneurtheDucd'Alencon，visitingitlater，saidhecouldhavestakedhisduchyonhisskilltoholditforaweekatleast，withbutfewmen，againstalltheforcesinFrance。
　　ThecaptainoftheEnglishwasthatGlasdalewhohadreviledtheMaid，andconcerningwhomshehadprophesiedthatheshoulddiewithoutstrokeofsword。TherewasnofiercersquireinEngland，andhismenwerelikehimself，beingpickedandchosenforthatpost；moreovertheirbackswereatthewall，fortheFrenchandScotsoncewithintheboulevard，itwasinnowiseeasyforTalbottobringtheEnglisharescue，aswasseen。
　　Thebattlebeganwithshootingofcouleuvrinesatthepalisade，toweakenit，anditwasmarveltoseehowtheMaidherselflaidtheguns，ascunninglyasherowncountryman，thefamedLorrainer。Now，whentherewasabreachinthepalisade，Xaintraillesledonhiscompany，splendidinarmour，forhewasaverybraveyoungknight。
　　Wesawthepalesfallwithacrash，andthemengoin，andheardthecryofbattle；butslowly，onebyone，theystaggeredback，somefalling，somereelingwounded，androllingtheirbodiesoutofarrow-shot。Andthere，inthebreach，shonetheback-plateofXaintrailles，hisaxefallingandrising，andnotonefoothebudged，tillthemenofLaHire，withacry，brokeintobackhim，andafteralittlespace，swordsfellandrosenomore，butwesawthebannerswavingofXaintraillesandLaHire。Soonthesideofthepalisadetowardsuswasalldown，asifonehadsweptitflatwithhishand，buttherestoodtheearthenwalloftheboulevard，beyondthefosse。Then，allorderly，marchedforthabandofmeninthecoloursofFlorentd'Illiers，bearingscaling-ladders，andsobegantheescalade，theirfriendsbackingthembyshootingofarbalestsfrombehindtheremnantofthepalisade。Aladderwouldbesetagainstthewall，andwecouldseemenwithshields，ordoors，orsquaresofwoodontheirheadstofendoffstones，swarmupit，andaxesflashingonthecrestofthewall，andarrowsflying，andsmokeofguns:butthesmokecleared，andlo!theladderwasgone，andthethreelibbardsgrinnedontheflagofEngland。Sowentthewar，companyaftercompanystaggeringthinnedfromthefosse，andre-formingbehindthecoverofthevineyards；
　　companyaftercompanymarchingforth，freshandglorious，tofareastheirfriendshadfared。Andever，witheachcompany，wenttheMaidattheirhead，andD'Aulon，shecryingthattheplacewastheirsandnowwasthehour!Butthedaywentby，tillthesunturnedinheaventowardsevening，andnomorewasdone。TheEnglish，insooth，showednofearnorfaintheart；withaxe，andsword，andmace，andwiththeirveryhandstheysmoteandgrappledwiththeclimbers，andIsawatallman，hisswordbeingbroken，strikedownaFrenchknightwithhismailedfist，anddraganotherfromaladderandtakehimcaptive。Boldlytheyshowedthemselvesonthecrest，runningallriskofourarrows，asourmendidoftheirs。
　　NowcametheScots，underKennedy。Agallantsightitwastoseethemadvance，shouldertoshoulder——ScotsoftheMarchesandtheLennox，Fife，Argyll，andtheIsles，allgentlemenborn。
　　"Comeon!"criedRandalRutherford。"Comeon，menoftheMarches，ScotsoftheForest，Elliots，Rutherfords，Armstrongs，anddeemthat，wheresoeveraSouthronslinksbehindastone，thereisCarlislewall!"
　　TheRoughClanroared"Bellenden!"theBuchananscried"ClareInnis，"aragofahairyHighlanderfromtheLennoxblewawildskirlonthewar-pipes，andhearingtheBordersloganshoutedinastrangecountry，nomDieu!mybloodburned，asthatofanyScotsmanwould。ContrarytotheMaid'sdesire，forshehadnotedthatIwaswanandweary，andhadcommandedmetobideincover，Icried"A
　　Leslie!aLeslie!"andwentforwardwithmyownfolk，swordinhandandbucklerlifted。
　　BesidegoodRandalRutherfordIran，andwebothleapedtogetherintotheditch。Therewasaforestofladderssetagainstthewall，andIhadmyfootonarung，whentheMaidranupandcried，"NomDieu!whatmakeyouhere？LetmeleadmyScots"；andso，pennonandaxeinherlefthand，shelightlyleapedontheladder，andarrowsringingonhermail，andagreatstoneglancingharmlessfromhersalade，shesoclimbedthatmylady'sfaceonthepennonaboveherlookeddownintotheEnglishkeep。
　　But，eventhen，Isawafaceatanarchere，anillfaceandfell，thewolf'seyesofBrotherThomasglancingalongthestockofanarbalest。
　　"Gardez-vous，Pucelle，gardez-vous!"Icriedinherear，forIwasnextherontheladder；butaboltwhistledandsmoteherfull，andreeling，shefellintomyarms。
　　Iturnedmybacktoguardher，andfeltaboltstrikemyback-piece；
　　thenwewereinthefosse，andalltheScotsthatmightbewerebetweenherandharm。Swiftlytheyboreheroutofthefray，intoalittlegreenvineyard，wherewasasoftgrassyditch。ButtheEnglishsocriedtheirhurrah，thatitwasmarvel，andourmengavebackinfear；andhadnottheBastardcomeupwithafreshcompany，verifywemightwellhavebeensweptintotheLoire。
　　SomewhileIremainedwithRutherford，Kennedy，andmanyothers，forwhatcouldweavailtohelptheMaid？andtorunhasanilllook，andgivesgreathearttoanenemy。Moreover，thatsayingoftheMaidcameintomymind，thatsheshouldbesmittenofabolt，butnotuntodeath。SoIevenabodebythefosse，andhavingfoundanarbalest，mydesirewastowinachanceofslayingBrotherThomas，whereforeIkeptmyeyesonthatarcherewhencehehadshot。Butnoarbalestwaspointedthence，andthefightflagged。Onbothsidesmenwereweary，andtheytooksomemeatastheymight，noladdersbeingnowsetonthewall。
　　ThenIdeemeditnoharmtoslipbacktothevineyardwheretheMaidlay，andthereImetthegoodFatherPasquerel，thatwasherconfessor。Hetoldmethatnowshewasquiet，eitherprayingorasleep，forhehadleftherasstillasababeinitscradle，herpagewatchingher。Thebolthadspedbyarivetofherbreast-
　　piece，cleanthroughherbreasthardbelowtheshoulder，anditstoodahand-breadthoutbeyond。Thenshehadweptandtrembled，seeingherownblood；butpresently，withsuchmightandcourageaswasmarvel，shehaddraggedouttheboltwithherownhands。Thentheyhadlaidonthewoundcottonsteepedwitholiveoil，forshewouldnotabidethattheyshouldsteeptheboltwithweaponsalveandcharmthehurtwithasong，asthesoldiersdesired。ThenshehadconfessedherselftoPasquerel，andsohadlaindownamongthegrassandtheflowers。ButitwasPasquerel'sdesiretoletferryheracrosssecretlytoOrleans。Thiswasanillhearingforme，yetitwasputaboutinthearmythattheMaidhadbuttakenaslightscratch，andagainwouldleaduson，athingwhichIwelldeemedtobeimpossible。Sothedaywaxedlate，andfewonslaughtsweremade，andthesewithnogreatheart，theEnglishstandingonthewallsandopenlymockingus。
　　TheyaskedhowitwentwiththeMaid，andwhethershewouldnotfainbeathomeamongherkine，orinthegreasykitchen？Wewouldcryback，andformyownpartIbadethemseekthekitchenaspock-
　　puddingsandbelly-gods，andthatIcriedintheirowntongue，whilethey，tomygreatamaze，calledme"prenticeboy"and"jackanapes。”
　　HereinIsawthecraftanddevilishenmityofBrotherThomas，andwellIguessedthathehadgottensightofme；buthisfaceIsawnot。
　　Illnamesbreaknobones，andarrowsfromundercoverwroughtslightscathe；soonelastchargetheBastardcommanded，andledhimself，andasoretussletherewasthattimeonthewall-crest，oneortwoofourmenleapingintothefort，whencetheycamebacknomore。
　　Nowitwaseighthoursoftheevening，theskygrey，themenout-
　　wornandoutofallheart，andthecaptainsweregatheredincouncil。OfthisIconceivedtheworsthope，forafteracounselmenseldomfight。SoIwatchedthefortrightsullenly，andthetownofOrleanslookingblackagainstared，loweringskyinthewest。SomeconcourseoftownsfolkIsawonthebridge，besidethebrokenarch，andbytheBoulevardBelleCroix；butIdeemedthattheyhadonlycometoseethefrayasnearasmightbe。Otherswerebusyundertheriverwallwithagreatblackboat，beliketoferryoverthehorsesfromourside。
　　Allseemedended，andImisdoubtedthatwewouldscarcechargeagainsobrisklyinthemorning，nay，wemightwellhavetoguardourowngates。
　　AsIsatthus，ponderingbythevineyardditch，theMaidstoodbymesuddenly。Herhelmetwasoff，herfacedeadlywhite，hereyesliketwostars。
　　"Bringmemyhorse，"shesaid，sosternlythatIcrushedtheansweronmylips，andtheprayerthatshewouldriskherselfnomore。
　　Herhorse，thathadbeencroppingthegrassnearhimhappilyenough，Ifound，andbroughttoher，andso，withsomeado，shemountedandrodeatafoot'spacetothelittlecrowdofcaptains。
　　"Maiden，mamie，"saidtheBastard。"GladIamtoseeyouabletomount。Wehavetakencounseltowithdrawforthisnight。Martin，"
　　hesaidtohistrumpeter，"soundtherecall。”
　　"Iprayyou，sir，"shesaidveryhumbly，"grantmebutalittlewhile"；andsosaying，shewithdrewalonefromthethrongofmenintothevineyard。
　　WhatpassedthereinIknownotandnomanknows；butinaquarterofanhour'sspaceshecameforth，likeanotherwoman，herfacebrightandsmiling，hercheekslikethedawn，andsobeautifulthatwemarvelledonherwithreverence，asifwehadseenanangel。
　　"Theplaceisours!"shecriedagain，andspurredtowardsthefosse。
　　Thenceherbannerhadnevergoneback，forD'Aulonhelditthere，tobeaterrortotheEnglish。EvenatthatmomenthehadgivenittoacertainBasque，averybraveman，forhehimselfwasout-wornwithitsweight。AndhehadchallengedtheBasquetodoavaillance，orboastfuldeedofarms，asyesterdayIandtheSpaniardhaddone。SoD'Aulonleapedintothefosse，hisshieldup，defyingtheEnglish；
　　buttheBasquedidnotfollow，fortheMaid，seeingherbannerinthehandsofamanwhomsheknewnot，laidholdofit，crying，"Ha，monestandart!monestandart!"
　　There，astheystruggledforit，theBasquebeingmindedtofollowD'Aulontothewallfoot，thebannerwildlywaved，andallmensawit，andrallied，andflockedamaintotherescue。
　　"Charge!"criedtheMaid。"Forward，FrenchandScots；theplaceisyours，whenoncemybannerfringetouchesthewall!"
　　Withthatwordthewindblewoutthebannerfringe，andsosuddenlythat，thoughIsawthematter，Iscarceknewhowitwasdone，thewholehostswarmedupandon，ladders，lifted，andsofuriouslywentthey，thattheywonthewallcrestandleapedwithinthefort。ThenthemorepartoftheEnglish，adread，asIthink，atthesightoftheMaidwhomtheyhaddeemedslain，fledmadlyoverthedrawbridgeintoLesTourelles。
　　Thenstandingonthewallcrest，whitherIhadclimbed，Ibeheldstrangesights。First，throughthedimnessofthedusk，Isawamanarmed，walkingasdoesarope-dancer，balancinghimselfwithhisspear，acrosstheemptyair，forsoitseemed，abovethebrokenarchofthebridge。Thisappeared，inverysooth，tobeamiracle；but，gazinglonger，IsawthatagreatbeamhadbeenlaidbythemofOrleanstospanthegap，andnowotherbeamswerebeingset，andmanymen，bearingtorches，werefollowingthatgoodknight，NicoleGiresme，whofirstshowedthewayoversuchabridgeofdread。SonowweretheEnglishinLesTourellesbetweentwofires。
　　AnotherstrangesightIsaw，forinthatswiftandnarrowstreamwhichthedrawbridgespannedwherebytheEnglishfledwasmooredagreatblackbarge，itsstemandsternshowingoneithersideofthebridge。Boatswerebeingswiftlypulledforthfromitintothestream，andasIgazed，thereleapedupthroughthedarkonelongtongueoffire。ThenIsawtheskillofit，namely，toburndownthedrawbridge，andsocuttheEnglishofffromallsuccour。Fedwithpitchandpinetheflamesoaredlustily，andnowitshonebetweentheplanksofthedrawbridge。Onthestoneplatformoftheboulevard，whereinthedrawbridgewaslaid，stoodafewEnglish，andabovethemshonetheaxeofatallsquire，Glasdale，asitfellonshieldandhelmoftheFrench。Othersheldusatbaywithlonglances，andneversawIanyknightdohisdevoirmorefiercelythanhewhohadreviledtheMaid。Foronhisheadlayalltheblameofthetakingoftheboulevard。TorearofhimrangtheshoutsofthemofOrleans，whohadcrossedthebrokenarchbythebeam；butheneverturnedabout，andourmenreeledbackbeforehim。Thenthereshonebehindhimtheflamesfromtheblazingbarge；andso，blackagainstthatblaze，hesmoteandslew，notknowingthatthedrawbridgebegantoburn。
　　OnthistheMaidranforth，andcriedtohim-