Now，withhistalkofadventures，andwithhighhopes，Iwassoheartenedup，that，tomyshame，mygrieffellfromme，andIwenttomybedtodreamoftrenchesandescalades，gloryandgain。ButElliot，Ifearme，passedawearynight，andasorry，whereasIhadscarcelaidmyheadonmypillow，asitseemed，whenIheardThomasshoutingtothegrooms，andclatterofourhorses'hoofsinthecourtyard。SoIleapedup，thoughitwasscarcedaylight，andwerodenorthwardsbeforethefullcomingofthedawn。
　　HereImustneedswriteofashamefulthing，whichIknewnotthen，orIwouldhaveriddenwithaheavierheart，butIwastoldconcerningthemattermanyyearsafter，byMessireEnguerranddeMonstrelet，averylearnedknight，anddeepinthecounselsoftheDukeofBurgundy。
　　"Youwereallsold，"hesaidtome，atDijon，intheyearofourLordfourteenhundredandforty-seven——"youwereallsoldwhenyoumarchedagainstParistown。FortheMaid，withD'Alencon，rodefromCompiegnetowardsParis，onthetwenty-thirdofAugust，ifI
　　rememberwell"；andhereheturnedaboutcertainwrittenparchmentsthatlaybyhim。"Yea，onthetwenty-thirdsheleftCompiegne，butonthetwenty-eighthofthatmonththeArchbishopofReimsenteredthetown，andtherehemettheambassadorsoftheGoodDukeofBurgundy。Thereheandtheymadeacompactbetweenthem，bindingyourKingandtheDuke，thattheirtruceshouldlasttillNoel，butthatthedukemightusehismeninthedefenceofParisagainstallthatmightmakeonfall。Now，theArchbishopandtheKingknewwellthattheMaidwas，inthathour，marchingonParis。Towhatpurposemakeatruce，andleaveoutofthepeacetheverypointwherewarshouldbe？ManifestlytheFrenchKingnevermeanttoputforththestrengthofhisarmyinhelpingtheMaid。TherewastobetrucebetweenFranceandBurgundy，butnonebetweenEnglandandtheMaid。”
　　SoMessireEnguerrandtoldme，alearnedknightandagrave，andthuswasthecounselofthesaintsdefeatedbytheveryKingwhomtheysoughttoaid。Butofthisshamefultreatywemen-at-armsknewnothing，andsohazardedourlivesagainstloadeddice。
　　CHAPTERXX——CONCERNINGTHEMAIDANDTHEBIRDS
　　Werodenorthwards，firstthroughlandsthatIhadtravelledinbeforetoOrleans，andsointoacountrythenstrangetome，passingbywayofLagny，withintenttogotoSenlis，wherewedeemedtheKinglay。ThewholeregionbeingnearParis，andcloseundertheEnglishpower，wasrichandpeacefulofaspect，thecornbeingalreadyreaped，andstandinginsheavesaboutthefields，whethertofeedEnglishmenorFrenchmen，nonecouldtell。Forthelandwasinakindofhush，inexpectancyandfear，nomanknowinghowthingsshouldfalloutatParis。NathelessthePriorofLagny，withinthatveryweekwhereinwecame，hadgonetoSt。Denis，andyieldedhisgoodtownintothehandsoftheDucd'AlenconfortheKing。AndthefairDukehadsentthitherMessireAmbrosedeLore，averygoodknight，withMessireJehanFoucault，andmanymen-at-arms。
　　ToMessireAmbrosewewerebrought，thatwemightgiveandtakehisnews。IrememberwellthatIdroppedoutofthesaddleatthedoorofhislodgings，andcouldscarcestandonmylegs，sowearywasI
　　withthelongandswiftriding。NeverhadIriddensofar，andsofast，freshhorsesstandingsaddledandbridledforThomasScottandmeateverystage，butthebeastwhichIhadhiredIsentbackfromthefirststagetominehostofthe"HangingSword。”NotwithoutlabourIclimbedthestairstothechamberofMessireAmbrose，whobadeussitdown，andcalledforwinetobegivenus，whereofThomasScottdrankwell，butIdaredtakenone，lestmylegsshouldwhollyrefusetheiroffice。
　　WhenThomashadtoldhowallthecountrylayattheKing'speace，andhowourpurposewastoridetotheKingatSenlis，theknightbadeusrathermakewhathastewemighttoSt。Denis。"Forthere，byto-morrowornextday，theKingisliketobe，andtheassaultwillbedeliveredonParis，comeofitwhatwill。”
　　Withthishebadeusgoodspeed，but，toguessfromhiscountenance，wasinnohighhopes。And，atsupper，wheretowehadthecompanyofcertainofhismen-at-arms，Icouldwellperceivethattheywerenotinthebestheart。FornowweheardhowtheMaid，beingsorrowfulforthelongdelays，hadbiddentheDucd'AlenconrideforthwithherfromCompiegne"toseePariscloserthanyetshehadseenit。”
　　TheDucd'Alencon，whoinlatedayshassostrangelyforgottentheloyaltyofhisyouth，wasthenfaintomarchwithher，fortheytwoweretheclosestfriendsthatmightbe。ThereforetheyhadpassedbywayofSenlis，wheretheywerejoinedbysomeforceofmen-at-
　　arms，andso，onthethirdday'smarch，theycametoSt。Denis，wheretheywerenowlying。HereitisthatthekingsofFrancehavebeenburiedfortheseeighthundredyears，inthegreatAbbey。
　　"NomDieu!"saidoneofthosewhospokewithus。"YoumightdeemthatourKingisnowisepressedtoseetheplacewherehisforefatherslie。ForD'Alenconisriding，nowandagain，toSenlis，torousetheKing，andmakehimmarchtoSt。Denis，withthearmy，thattheassaultmaybegiven。Butiftheywerebiddinghimtohisownfuneral，insteadoftoagentlepassageofarms，hecouldnotmakemoreexcuses。ThereareskirmishesunderPariswalls，andatthegates，daybyday，andtheMaidrideshereandthere，consideringofthebestplacefortheonslaught。ButtheKingtarries，andwithouthimandthearmytheycanventureonnogreatvaliance。Nevertheless，comehemust，iftheybringhimboundinacart。Wherefore，ifyouwantyourpartinwhatistoward，youdowelltomakenolongtarryinghere。”
　　Iwasofthesamemind，andastheKingwasshortlytobelookedforatSt。Denis，werodethitherearlynextmorning，withwhatspeedwemight。Onourleft，likeacloud，wasthesmokeofParis，makingmeunderstandwhatagreatcityitwas，muchgreaterthanOrleans。
　　Beforeus，faraway，werethetalltowersofthechapelofSt。
　　Denis，tobeourguide!Weheard，also，thenoiseofordnancebeingfired，andthereforemadethegreaterhaste，andwesorodethat，aboutsixhoursafternoon，ontheEveoftheNativityofourBlessedLady，wereachedthegatesofthetown。Herewefoundgreatpressoffolk，mencomingandgoing，somecarryingthewounded，fortherehadbeenaskirmishthatday，atoneoftheParisgates，whencecamethesoundofcannonandculverins，andwehadwonlittleadvantage。
　　AtthegatesofSt。DenisweaskedwherethequartersoftheScotsmen-at-armsmightbe，andweretoldinthechapel，whitherweneedednoguide。But，aswewentupthestreet，wesawwomenleaningforthfromthewindows，laughingwiththemen-at-arms，andbeckoningtothem，andbythetaverndoorsmanyweresittingdrinking，withgirlsbesidethem，andotherswereplayingdice，andmanyanoathweheard，andfoulwords，asiscustomaryinacamp。VerilyIsawwellthatthiswasnotthearmyofmencleanconfessedandofholylifewhohadfollowedtheMaidfromBloistoOrleans。Inplaceofpriests，herewereharlots，and，forhymns，ribaldsongs，formenhadflockedinfromeveryquarter；soldiersoftherobbercompanies，Bretons，Germans，Italians，Spaniards，alltalkingintheirownspeech，rude，foul，anddisorderly。Sowetookourway，asbestweknight，throughthepress，hearingoathsenoughifourhorsestrodovernearanyman，andseeingdaggersdrawn。
　　Itwasapleasuretocomeoutonthegreatparvise，wherethered，white，andgreenofourScotswerethecommonestcolours，andwheretheairwaslessfoulandnoisomethaninthenarrowwynds。Highaboveusthegreattowersoftheabbeyshoneredandgoldeninthelightofthesinkingsun，whilebeneathallwasbrown，dusk，anddimwithsmoke。OnthesetowersIcouldgladlyhavelookedlong，andnotwearied。Fortheyareallcarvenwiththeholycompanyofthemartyrsandsaints，liketheAngelswhomJacobsawascendingbytheladderintoheaven；evensothatblessedcompanyseemedtoscaleupwardsfromthefilthofthestreet，andthedarkness，andthedin，rightontowardsthegoldenheightsoftheCityofGod。AndbeneaththemliethesacredbonesofallthekingsofFrance，fromthedaysofSt。Dagoberteventoourowntime，alllaidtheretorestwherenomanshalldisturbthem，tilltheAngels'Trumpetcalls，andtheDayofJudgmentisathand。VerilyitisasolemnplaceforaChristianmantothinkon，andIwasgazingthereupon，asinadream，whenonepluckedmysleeve，andturning，IsawRandalRutherford，allhisteethshowinginagrin。
　　"Welcome，"hecried。"Youhavemadegoodspeed，andthebeginningofafrayisbetterthantheendofafeast。And，bySt。Boswell，to-morrowweshallhaveit，lad!TheKingcameinto-day——lateisbetterthannever——andto-morrowwegowiththeMaid，togivethesepock-puddingsatasteofScottishsteel。”
　　"AndtheMaid，whereisshe，Randal？"
　　"ShelodgesbeyondtheParisgate，atthewindmill，wherefromshedrovetheEnglishsomedaysagone。”
　　"Whereforenotinthetown？"Iasked。
　　"Mayhapbecauseshelikestobenearherwork，andwouldthatallwereofhermind。Andmayhapshelovesnotthesightofthewencheswhomshewaswonttodrivefromthecamp，aboveallnowthatshehasbrokentheHolySwordofFierbois，smitingalasswiththeflatoftheblade。”
　　"Ilikenottheomen，"saidI。
　　"Freitsfollowthemthatfreitsfear，"saidRandal，inourcountryspeech。"AndtheMaidisnoneofthese。'Wellitwas，'saidshe，'thatItrustednotmylifetoabladethatbreakssoeasily，'and，inthenextskirmish，shetookaBurgundianwithherownhands，andnowwearshissword，whichisagoodcutandthrustpiece。Butcome，"hecried，"ifneedsyoumustseetheMaid，youhavebuttowalktotheParisgate，andsotothewindmillhardby。AndyourhorseIwillstablewithourown，andforquarters，welivingScotsmen-at-armsfareaswellasthedeadkingsofFrance，forto-nightwelieinthechapel。”
　　Idismounted，andhegavemeanembrace，and，holdingmeatarms'-
　　length，laughed-
　　"Youneverwereatallman，Norman，butyoulooksound，andwhole，andtoughforyourinches，likeaHighlandman'sdirk。Nowbeoffonyourerrand，andwhenitisdone，lookformeyonderatthesignof'TheCrane，'"pointingacrosstheparvisetoatavern，"forIkeepawordtotellinyourlugthatfewwotof，andthatitwilljoyyoutohear。To-morrow，lad，wegoinforemost。”
　　Andso，smiling，hetookmyhorseandwenthisway，whistling，"Hey，tuttie，tattie!"
　　VerilyhiswasthegladdestfaceIhadseen，andhiswordsputsomeheartintome，whereas，oftherestsaveourownScots，IlikedneitherwhatIsaw，norwhatIheard。
　　Ihadbuttowalkdownthestreet，throughelbowingthrongsofgrooms，pages，men-at-arms，andarchers，tillIfoundtheParisGate，whencethewindmillwasplaintobehold。ItwassuchanoldplaceasweseeinNorthernFrance，plain，strong，withredwallswhichtheyellowmossesstain，andwithhighgreyroofs。TheMaid'sbanner，withtheHolyDove，andtheSacredName，droopedabovethegateway，andbesidethedoor，onthemounting-stone，sattheboy，LouisdesCoutes，herpage。Hewasaladoffifteenyears，merryenoughofhisnature，andalwayswentgailyclad，andwearinghisyellowhairlong。Butnowhesatthoughtfulonthemounting-stone，cuttingatabitofwoodwithhisdagger。
　　"Soyouhavecometotakeyourpart，"hesaid，whenwehadsalutedeachtheother。"Faith，Ihopeyoubringgoodluckwithyou，andmorejoytomymistress，forweneedallthatyoucanbring。”
　　"Why，whatailsallofyou？"Iasked。"Ihaveseenneverahopefulface，savethatofoneofmyowncountrymen。Youarenotafraidofacrackonyourcurlypate，areyou？"
　　"Curlyornot，myheadknowsbetterthantoknockitselfagainstPariswalls。Theyarethick，andhigh，andthewindowsofeveryhouseonthewallarepiledwithstones，todropuponus。AndI
　　knownotwellwhy，butthingsgoillwithus。IneversawHer，"andhenoddedtowardstheopengateway，"sooutofcomfort。Whenthereisfightingtoward，sheislikeherself，andsheisthefirsttoriseandthelasttoliedown。But，inallourwaitinghere，shehaspassedmanyanhourprayinginthechapel，wherethedeadkingslie，yetherfaceisnotgladwhenshecomesforth。Itwaswonttoshinestrangely，whenshehadbeenpraying，atthechapelinCouldray，whilewewereatChinon。Butnowitisotherwise。
　　Moreover，wesawParisverycloseto-day，andtherewereovermanyredcrossesofSt。Georgeuponthewalls。Andto-morrowistheFeastoftheBlessedVirgin，nodayforbloodshed。”
　　"Faintheart!"saidIand，indeed，aftertheassaultonParis，LouisdesCouteswentback，androdenomorewiththemaid。"Thebettertheday，thebetterthedeed!MayIgowithin？"
　　"Iwillgowithyou，"hesaid，"forshesaidthatyouwouldcome，andbademebringyoutoher。”
　　Weenteredthegatewaytogether，andbeforeuslaythesquareofthefarm，strewnwithlitter，andfromwithinthebyreweheardthemilkringinthepails，forthewomenweremilkingthecows。Andtherewebothstoodastonished，forwesawtheMaidasneveryetIhadseenher。Shewasbareheaded，butworetherestofherharness，holdinginherhandameasureofcorn。Allthefowlsoftheairseemedtobeabouther，expectingtheirmeat。Butshewasnotthrowingthegrainamongthem，forshestoodasstillasagravenimage，and，wonderfultotell，adovewasperchedonhershoulder，andamaviswasnestlinginherbreast，whilemanybirdsflewroundher，chieflydoveswithburnishedplumage，flittingasitwerelovingly，andsoftlybrushinghernowandagainwiththeirwings。
　　ManyatimehadIhearditsaidthat，whileshewasyetachild，thewildbirdswouldcomeandnestleinthebosomoftheMaid，butIhadneverbelievedthetale。YetnowIsawthisthingwithmineowneyes，afairsightandamarvellous，sobeautifulshelooked，withheadunhelmeted，andthewildfowlandtameflittingaboutherandaboveher，thedovescrooningsweetlyintheirsoftvoices。Thenherlipsmoved，andshespoke-
　　"TresdoulxDieu，enl'onneurdevostresainctepassion，jevousrequier，sevousmeaimes，quevousmerevelezcequejedoyfairedemainpourvostregloire!"
　　Soshefellsilentagain，andtomeitseemedthatImustnotanylongerlookuponthatholymystery，so，crossingmyself，Ilaidmyhandontheshoulderofthepage，andwewentsilentlyfromtheplace。
　　"Haveyoueverseenitinthismanner？"Iwhispered，whenwewereagainwithoutthefarmyard。
　　"Never，"saidhe，trembling，"thoughonceIsawastrangerthing。”
　　"Andwhatmaythathavebeen？"
　　"Nay，Ispokeofittoher，andshemademeswearthatIneverwouldrevealittolivingsoul，saveinconfession。Butsheisnotasotherwomen。”
　　WhathehadinhismindIknownot，butIbadehimgoodeven，andwentbackintothetown，wherelightswerebeginningtoshowinthecasements。Inthespacewithinthegatesweremanycartsgathered，fulloffaggotswherewithtochokeupthefosseunderParis，andtablestothrowabovethefaggots，andsocrossovertotheassault。
　　CHAPTERXXI——HOWAHUNDREDSCOTSSETFORTHTOTAKEPARISTOWN
　　Enteringthetavernof"TheCrane，"IfoundthedoorwayscrowdedwitharchersofourGuard，amongwhomwasRandalRutherford。
　　WhenIhadcome，theywalkedintoachamberonthegroundfloor，callingforwine，andbiddingcertainFrenchburgessesgoforth，whoneedednosecondtelling。Thedoorwasshut，twosentinelsofourswerepostedoutside，andthenRandalverycarefullysoundedallthepanelsoftheroom，lookingheedfullylestthereshouldbeanyholewherebywhatpassedamongusmightbeheardinanotherpartofthehouse，buthefoundnothingofthekind。
　　Theroombeingfull，somesittingandsomestanding，aswecould，RandalbadeFatherUrquhart，ourchaplain，tellustowhatendwehadbeencalledtogether。
　　Thegoodfatherthereuponstoodup，andspokeinalowvoice，butsothatallcouldhear，forwewereallhushedtolisten。
　　"Thatistheman，thatisBrotherRichard。Now，asIwasbusytendingthewounded，intheskirmishthreedaysagone，thisCarmelitewasaboutthesamedutyforthoseofhisparty。Heputintomyhandaslipofpaper，whereinBrotherRichardcommendedhimtoanyScotorFrenchmanoftheKing'sparty，asanhonestman，andafriendoftheKing's。WhenIhadreadthis，theCarmelitespokewithmeinLatin，andinalowvoice。Hismatterwasthis:InParis，hesaid，thereisastrongpartyofArmagnacs，whohave，asweallknow，alongscoretosettlewiththemofBurgundy。Theyareofthecommonfolkandlabourers，butamongthemaremanyrichburgesses。Theyhavebandedthemselvestogetherbyanoathtotakeourpart，withinthetown，ifoncewewinagate。Hereisacedulesignedbythemwiththeirnamesormarks，andthishegavemeasaproofofgoodfaith。”
　　Herehehandedalongslipofparchment，allcoveredwithwriting，toRandal，anditwentroundamongus，butfewtherewereclerks，savemyself。Ilookedonit，andthenames，manyofthemattestedbysealswithcoatarmour，wereplaintoberead。
　　"Theircounselistomusterinarmssecretly，andtoconveythemselves，onebyone，intocertainhouseshardbythePortSt。
　　Denis，wherecertainoftheirpartydwell。Now，veryearlyto-
　　morrowmorning，beforedawn，thepurposeoftheEnglishistosendforthacompanyofahundredmen-at-arms，whowillmakeasuddenonsetonthewindmill，wheretheMaidliesto-night，andsowilltakeher，iftheymay。”
　　"BySt。BrideofDouglas，"saidoneofus，"theywillgettheirkailthroughthereek，forourguardistolieinarmsaboutthewindmill，andbefirstinthefieldto-morrow。”
　　"Thecraftis，then，"FatherUrquhartwenton，"thatweshalldestroythisEnglishcompanywithswordorarrow，butwithnoalarmofculverinsorcannon。Meanwhile，somefivescoreofyouwillputonto-nighttheredcrossofSt。George，withplainarmour，sothattheEnglishshallmistakeyoufortheirownmenreturningfromthesally，andsomefewmeninourowncoloursandcoatsyouwillhalewithyouasprisoners。And，ifoneofyoucanbutattirehimselfinsomegearoftheMaid's，withahucqueofhers，scarlet，anddightwiththeLiliesofFrance，theEnglishgate-wardswillopentoyouallthemoreeagerly。”
　　"BythebonesofSt。Boswell!"criedRandalinhisloudvoice，butthegoodFatherputahandonhismouth。
　　"Quiet，man!"hesaid。
　　"BytheblessedbonesofSt。Boswell，"Randalsaidagain，asnearawhisperashecouldattainto，"theladyofthelinen-basketshallcomeastheMaid。Wehavenomansomaidenly。”
　　Theyallshouted，laughing，andbeatingthetableswithhandsandtankards。
　　"Silence!"criedRobinLindsay。
　　"Nay，thelouderwelaugh，thelesswillanysuspectwhatisforward，"saidRandalRutherford。
　　"Norman，willyouplaythispartinthemumming？"
　　Iwasashamedtosayno，thoughIlikeditnotoverwell，andI
　　noddedwithmyhead。
　　"Howmaidenlyheblushes!"criedone，andtherewasanotherclamour，tillthewallsrang。
　　"Sobeitthen，"saysFatherUrquhart，"andnowyouknowall。ThehonestArmagnacswillrisesosoonasyouarewellwithinthegate。
　　TheycommandbothsidesofthestreetthatleadstothePortSt。
　　Denis，andfaith，iftheEnglishwanttotakeit，whenahundredScotsarewithin，theywillhavetosallyforthbyanothergate，andcomefromtheoutside。AndyouaretorunupthebannerofScotlandoverthePort，whenonceyouholdit，sotheFrenchattackwillbethereby。”
　　"WeplayedthesamegamebeforeVerneuilfight，andwonit，"saidone；"willtheEnglishhaveforgottenthetrick？"
　　"BySt。Bride，whenoncetheyseeushalingtheMaidalong，theywillforgetoldstratagemsofwar。Thisisanewdevice!Ohtoseetheirfaceswhenwecry'St。Andrew，'andseton!"
　　"Iamnotsooldasyouallinthewars，"Ibegan。
　　"No，MademoisellelaLavandiere，butyouareoftherightspirit，withyourwench'sface。”
　　"But，"Isaid，"howiftheEnglishthataretoattackthewindmillinthefirstgreyofthemorningcomenottohand-strokes，ortaketotheirheelswhentheyfindusawake，andwinbacktoParisbeforeus？Ourcraft，methinks，istoholdtheminanambush，butwhatifwecatchthemnot？Letbutonerunawaybeswiftoffoot，andweareundone。”
　　"Thereisthistobesaid，"quothFatherUrquhart，"thattheEnglishcompanyistosallyforthbythePortSt。Denis，anditisthePortSt。DenisthatourArmagnacswillbeguarding。NowIspeakasamanofpeace，forthatismycalling。ButhowwoulditbeifyourhundredmenandNormansetforthinthedark，andlayhidnotveryfarfromtheSt。DenisGate？Thensomewhileafterthelightingofthebale-firesfromthewindmill，tobelitwhentheEnglishseton，makestraightforthegate，andcry，"St。GeorgeforEngland!"
　　"Ifyouseenotthebale-fireseredaylight，youwillcomebackwithwhatspeedyoumay；butifyoudoseethem，then——"
　　"Father，youhavenotlivedlongontheHighlandlinefornothing，"
　　quothRobinLindsay。
　　"Averyproperstratagemindeed，"Isaid，"butnow，gentlemen，thereisonelittlematter；howwillSirHughKennedytakethisdeviceofours？Ifwetryitandfail，withouthisprivity，wehadbetterneverreturn，butdieunderPariswall。And，evenifweholdthegate，andParistownistaken，faithIwouldratheraffrontthefireofJohntheLorrainerthanthefaceofSirHugh。”
　　Nomanspoke，therewerenottwomindsonthismatter，so，aftersomechafferofwords，itwasagreedtosendFatherUrquhartwithRandaltoshowthewholeschemetoSirHugh，whiletherestofusshouldawaittheircomingbackwithananswer。Innolongtimetheywerewithus，thefatherveryredandshame-faced。
　　"Hegavethegoodfathertheroughsideofhistongue，"quothRandal，"forspeakingfirsttome，andnottohim。Happilywewereovercunningtosayaughtofourgatheringhere。Butwhenhehadlethisbileflow，heswore，andsaidthathecouldspareahundreddyvourloonsofhiscommand，onthecastofthedice，and，nowsilenceall!notawordoracry，"herehehelduphishand，"wearetotake'fortuneofwar'!"
　　Everymangrinnedgladlyonhisneighbour，indeadstillness。
　　"Now，"saidRandal，"slipoutbythreesandfours，quietly，andtoquarters；butyou，Norman，waitwithme。”
　　CHAPTERXXII——HOWNORMANLESLIEFAREDINPARISTOWN
　　"Norman，mylad，allourfortunesaremade，"saidRandaltomewhenwewereleftalone。"Therewillbegiltspursandgoldforeveryoneofus，andthepickoftheplunder。”
　　"Ilikeitnot，"Ianswered；whereonhecaughtmerudelybybothshoulders，lookingcloseintomyface，sothatthefumeofthewinehehadbeendrinkingreachedmynostrils。
　　"IsaLeslieturningrecreant？"heaskedinalowvoice。"AprettytaletotellinthekingdomofFife!"
　　Istoodstill，myheartveryhotwithanger，andsaidnoword，whilehisgripclosedonme。
　　"Leavehold，"Icriedatlast，andIsworeanoath，maytheSaintsforgiveme，——"Iwillnotgo!"
　　Heloosedhisgrasponme，andstruckonehandhardintotheother。
　　"ThatIshouldseethis，andhavetotellit!"hesaid，andsteppingtothetable，hedranklikeonethirsty，andthenfelltopacingthechamber。Heseemedtobethinkingslowly，ashewipedandpluckedathisbeard。
　　"Whatisitthatailsyou？"heasked。"Lookyou，thisonfallandstratagemofwarmaynotmiscarry。Perditiontakethefool，itissafe!"
　　"HaveIbeenseekingsafetysinceyouknewme？"Iasked。
　　"Verilyno，andthereforeIwonderatyouthemore；butyouhavebeenlongsick，andmen'smindsarechangeful。Considerthething，nomDieu!Iftherebenotwolightsshownfromthemill，westepbacksilently，andallisasitwas；theEnglishhavethoughtworseoftheirnightonfall，ortheCarmelite'smessagewasrusedeguerre。Butifweseethetwolights，thenthehundredEnglishareattemptingthetakingofthemill；theSt。DenisGateisopenfortheirreturn，andwearelookedforbyourArmagnacswithinParis。
　　Weriskbutashorttusslewithsomedrowsypock-puddings，andthenthetownisours。TheGateisasstrongtoholdagainstanenemyfromwithinasfromwithout。Why，man，runtoLouisdeCoutes，andbegacastsuitoftheMaid's；shehasplenty，forsheisawomaninthis，thatdearlyshelovesrichattire。”
　　"Randal，"Isaid，"Iwillgowithyou，andthegladdestladinFrancetobegoing，butIwillgoinmyownproperguiseasaman-
　　at-arms。ToweartheraimentoftheBlessedMaid，amanandasinnerlikeme，Iwillinnowiseconsent；itisneitherseemlynorhonourable。Takeyourownway，putmeunderarrestifyouwill，andspoilmyfortunes，andmakemeamandisgraced，butIwillnotwearherholyraiment。Itisnotthedeedofagentleman，orofaChristian。”
　　Hepluckedathisbeard。"Iampartlywithyou，"hesaid。"AndyetitwereagreatbourdetoplayoffontheEnglish，andmostliketotakethemandtobetoldofinballadandchronicle，likeoneofWallace'sonfalls。For，seeingthePucelle，astheywilldeem，inourhands，theywillthinkallsafe，andwelcomeusopenarmed。O
　　Norman，canwedonothing？Stop，willyouwearanotherwoman'sshortkirtleoveryourcuissesandtaslet？Sheshallbenosaint，I
　　warrantyou，but，forasinner，abonnylassandamerry。AsagentlemanIdeemthisfairstratagemofwar。IfIwereyourownbrother，——theSaintshavehissoulintheirkeeping，——Iwouldstillbeofthiscounsel。Willyou，mylad？"
　　Helookedsosad，andyetwithalsocomical，thatIheldoutmyhandtohim，laughing。
　　"Disguisemeasyouwill，"Isaid，"IhavegonemummingasMaidMarionbeforenow，intheRobinHoodplay，atSt。Andrews"；andasI
　　spoke，IsawthetallthatchedroofsofSouthStreet，andthePrioryGatesopen，thebuddingelmsabovethegardenwallofSt。Leonard's，andalltheMay-dayrevelofayearagonepouringoutintothegoodtown。
　　"Youspeaklikeyourselfnow，blessyourbeardlessface!Comeforth，"hesaid，takingalongpullatatankard，——"thatnothingmightbewasted，"——andsowewenttoquarters，andRandaltrudgedoff，sooncomingback，laughing，withtheredkirtle。OurmenhadbeenverybusyfurbishinguptheredcrossofSt。Georgeontheirbreasts，andstrippingthemselvesofanysignofourowncolours。
　　Asformybusking，neverhadmaidsuchroughtire-women；butbyonewayoranother，theapparelwasaccommodated，andtheyallsaidthat，atalittledistanceofground，theEnglishwouldbefinelyfooled，andmustdeemthattheMaidherselfwasbeingledtothemcaptive。
　　Itwasnowinthesmallhoursofmorning，dark，savefortheglimmerofstars，hereandthereinacloudysky。FatherUrquharthimselfwentuptotheroofofthemill，tosayhisorisons，havingwithhimcertainfaggotsofpitch-wood，forlightingthebeacon-firesifneedwere；and，asitchanced，brazierstothisendstoodreadyontheroof，asiscustomonourownBorderkeeps。
　　WeScots，ahundredinall，inEnglishcolours，withthreeorfourasprisoners，inourownbadges，faredcautiously，andwithnowordspoken，throughdewywoods，orlurkingalongindryditcheswherebestwemight，towardstheSt。DenisGateofParis。Ihadneverbeenonanightsurpriseorbushmentbefore，andImarvelledhoworderlytheotherskept，asmenusedtosuchwork，whereasIwentstumblingandblindlings。Atlength，withinsightofthetwinklinglightsofParis，andahundredyardsortherebyoffthecommonway，wewerehaltedinalittlewood，andbiddentoliedown；nomanwassomuchastowhisper。Someslept，Iknow，forIheardtheirsnoring，butformypart，Ineverwaslessinlovewithsleep。Whentheskyfirstgrewgrey，sothatwecoulddimlyseeshapesofthings，weheardalightnoiseofmarchingmenontheroad。
　　"TheEnglish!"whisperedhethatlaynextme。"Hush!"breathedRandal，andsothefootstepswentby，noneofusdaringtostir，forfearoftherustleintheleaves。
　　Thesoundsoonceased；beliketheyhadstruckoffintotheseveryfieldswherethroughwehadjustmarched。
　　"Now，RobinLindsay，climbintoyonderash-tree，andkeepyoureyesonthemillandthebeacon-fires，"saidRandal。
　　Robinscrambledup，noteasily，becauseofhisarmour，andwewaited，asitseemed，foranendlesstime。
　　"Whatisthatsound，"whisperedone，"soheavyandsohoarse？"
　　Itwasmyownheartbeating，asifitwouldburstmyside，butI
　　saidnought，andeventhenRobinslidfromthetree，aslightlyashemight。Hehelduptwofingers，withoutaword，forasignthatthebeaconswerelighted，andnodded。
　　"Downall，"whisperedRandal。
　　"Givethemtime，givethemtime。”
　　Sotherewelay，aswemust，butthatwasthehardestpartofthewaiting，andnosoundbutofthefowlsandwildthingsarousing，andthecryofsentinelsfromPariswalls，cametoourears。
　　AtlengthRandalsaid，"Upall，andonwards!"
　　Wearose，loosenedourswordsintheirsheaths，andsocrossedtotheroad。WecouldnowseeParisplainly，andwereclosebythefarmoftheMathurins，whilebeyondwasthelevellandtheycall"LesPorcherons，"withslopesaboveit，andmanytrees。
　　"Now，Norman，"saidRandal，"whenwecomewithinclearsightofthegate，twoofusshallseizeyoubythearmsasprisoner；thenweallcry'St。George!'andsetoffrunningtowardsParis。Thequicker，thelesstimefordiscovery。”
　　So，havingmarchedorderlyandspeedily，whilethebanksoftheroadwayhidus，wesetofftorun，RandalandRobingrippingmewhenwewerefullinsightofthemoat，ofthedrawbridgewhichwasdown，andthegate。
　　Thenourmenallcried，"St。GeorgeforEngland!Thewitchistaken!"AndsorunningdisorderlyandfastwemadeforthePort，whileEnglishmen-at-armsmightbeplainlyseenandheard，gazing，wavingtheirhands，andshoutingfromthebattlementsofthetwogate-towers。Downtheroadweran，pastcertainsmallhousesofpeasants，andpastagibbetwithamarauderhangingfromit，justoverthedryditch。
　　Ourfeet，wethreeleading，withsometwentyinaclumphardbehindus，rangloudonthedrawbridgeoverthedryfosse。Thebridgeplanksquiveredstrangely；wewerenowwithinthegateway，whendownfelltheportcullisbehindus，thedrawbridge，creaking，flewup，acrowdofangryfacesandredcrosseswerepressingonus，andablowfellonmysalade，makingmereel。Iwasheldinstrongarms，swordsshoneoutaboveme，Istumbledonabody——itwasRobinLindsay's——IheardRandalgiveacurseashisbladebrokeonahelmet，andcry，"Iyieldme，rescueornorescue。”Thenburstforthablastofshouts，andwordsofcommandandyells，andEnglishcurses。Cannon-shotroaredoverhead，andmymouthwasfullofsulphursmokeanddust。Theywerefiringonthoseofourmenwhohadnotsetfootonthedrawbridgewhenitflewup。Soontheportcullisroseagain，andthebridgefell，toletinabandofEnglisharchers，throughwhomourScotswerecuttingtheirwaybacktowardsSt。Denis。
　　OfallthisIgotglimpses，ratherthanclearsight，asthethrongwithinthegatewayreeledandshifted，crushingmesorely。
　　PresentlytheEnglishfromwithouttroopedin，laughingandcursing，welcomedbytheirfellows，andeverymanofthempryingintomyface，andgibing。Ithadbeenasettledplan:wewerebetrayed，itwasoverclear，andnowaharshvoicebehindmakingmeturn，Isawthewolf'sfaceofFatherThomasunderhishood，andhisyellowfangs。
　　"Ha!fairclerk，theythatbenoclerksthemselvesmayyethireclerkstoworkforthem。Howlikeyoumybrother，theCarmelite？"
　　ThenIknewtoowellhowthisstratagemhadallbeenlaidbythatdevil，andmyheartturnedtowaterwithinme。
　　Randalwasledaway，butroundmethecrowdgatheredintheopenspace，forIwashaledintothegreatergatetowerbeyondthewetfosse，andfromallquartersransoldiers，andmen，women，andchildrenofthetowntomockme。
　　"Beholdher，"criedFatherThomas，climbingonamounting-stone，asonewhowouldpreachtothepeople，whilethesoldiersthatheldmelaughed。
　　"Beholdthiswonderfulwonderofallwonders，themiraculousMaidoftheArmagnacs!Sheboastedthat，byhelpoftheSaints，shewouldbethefirstwithinthecity，andlo!sheisthefirst，butshehascomewithoutherarmy。Sheiseverywayamiracle，markyou，forshehathadownonherchin，suchasnocommonmaidenswear；andifshewouldbutspeakafewwordsofcounsel，methinkshertonguewouldsoundstrangelyScottishforaLorrainer。”
　　"Speak，speak!"shoutedthethrong。
　　"Dogs，"Icried，inFrench，"dogsandcowards!YoushallseetheMaidcloserbeforenightfall，andflyfromherasyouhavefledbefore。”
　　"SaidInotso？"askedBrotherThomas。
　　"Amiracle，amiracle，theMaidhathaScotstongueinherhead。”
　　Therewithstonesbegantofall，butthefather，holdinguphishand，badethemultituderefrain。
　　"Harmhernot，goodbrethren，forto-morrowthisMaidshallbetriedbytheordealoffireifthatbethewillofourgovernors。Thenshallweseeifshecanworkmiraclesornot，"andsohewentongibing，whiletheygrinnedhorriblyuponme。NeversawIsomanyvilefacesofthebasestpeoplecometogether，fromtheirfilthydensinParis。Butasmyeyesranoverthemwithloathing，IbeheldafaceIknew；thefaceofthatviolerwomanwhohadbeeninourcompanybeforewecametoChinon，andlo!perchedonhershoulder，chainedwithachainfastenedroundherwrist，wasElliot'sjackanapes!Toseethepoorbeastthatmyladylovedinsuchillcompany，seemedasifitwouldbreakmyheart，andmyheadfellonmybreast。