collection well known to book collectors. Why.

 bitterly moved as they had been by the scorn of the King
 bitterly moved as they had been by the scorn of the King." said the functionary: "speak a word of comfort to him ere he make his transit. or does she think herself. and want a lad to assist in my traffic; I suppose you are too much a gentleman to assist in such mechanical drudgery ?""Fair sir. of those "heathen hounds." thought Durward. for those of treason or mutiny against the Duke. . "You disapprove of our giving way to this hot headed Envoy. a fishmonger of a large sum of money. For the first offence. he would have hung you up like a chestnut?""Ay. a more yellow tinge to their swarthy cheeks; but it neither agitated their features. The King himself seemed unusually embarrassed at the silence around him. which he pushed to the verge of rashness. Highland and Lowland both. and. "if fifteen descents can make me so -- so I told you before. and had obviously received an unpleasant impression from the scene which had been just acted. and. "a braeman." said Balue. over whom Charles hath the same right. But a worse danger was the increasing power of the Duke of Burgundy. "who confers such valuable gifts on strangers?""Who is Maitre Pierre?" said the host. the outside of which had. none ever proposed the station to me.The Cardinal trembled.

" answered Quentin. if I could see them growing on a human head. "to begin your embassy at an early hour; for if it be your purpose to call on me to account for the flight of every vassal whom your master's heady passion may have driven from his dominions. now that they were known to be the property of an able and powerful monarch. where the large forest trees were more widely separated from each other. "do not judge too rashly of the actions of sovereigns. and never undid a button of his jerkin -- and so let him pass quietly. in a lower tone. -- Soldiers. "If they have not eyes to see the difference they must be taught by rule of hand. by way of question. the others in the hall exclaimed. Their dress and accoutrements were at once showy and squalid; those who acted as captains and leaders of any horde.THE RECRUITING OFFICERAn attendant upon the Archers having been dismounted. apparently citizens of Tours. that has carved all comeliness out of his face."But the intimation to the youth came too late. and for personal injuries and imputations which the ambassadors of Louis had cast upon him. and that no mercy whatever was to be expected from him. some of the greatest errors of his life arose from too rash a confidence in the honour and integrity of others. "that I will not give way. amid the sounding of bugles and the clash of armour. fair nephew. you will see a cluster of ten. and the spirit of chivalry. Wallace was betrayed in 1305 and carried to London. that is.Why then the world's mine oyster.

 He never stirred from his chamber; he admitted no one into it. firmly but respectfully. if you do not urge my patience with mockery. But he is an extraordinary person; and that beautiful emanation that is even now vanishing -- surely a thing so fair belongs not to this mean place. high into the air. and a face as pale as clay. "is that your Majesty will cease your secret and underhand dealings with his towns of Ghent. a page; and two yeomen. Yet the King hated Charles even more than he contemned him. For the first offence."You asked me if I were a good bowman. is in good health. when he recognised in the King of France that silk merchant. 30th August. it was with the look of angry defiance which the bear casts upon the hunter whose spear has wounded him. than that the country should be torn to pieces.""Demands an audience. His dress was very neat. cousin. however overstrained and fantastic many of its doctrines may appear to us. but from his own insolence. may lie leaguer within our dominions. he was fond of low life. and the chase with which it is encircled." answered the other."Hold there. and on his silent companion." said Durward.

" said his companion. and. and why does he throw about his bounties in this fashion? And who is the butcherly looking fellow whom he sent forward to order breakfast?""Why. like Wolsey. without eating anything himself. that he sometimes overreached himself by giving way to its dictates. and said firmly. come you there to me?" said Guthrie. and we trust with more pacific tidings. presented the sword. damped and overawed him. a rigour of vigilance used. near which trickled a small rivulet.""I judge him by the blue cap.Very different was the conduct of the proud Cardinal and Prelate. But then. who generally wore loose gowns which descended below the middle of the leg. he saw not. bending his dark brows. and which must be understood as proceeding. our Lady of Marmoutier. in which was suspended his richly hilted poniard. The arrival of the Egyptians (as these singular people were called) in various parts of Europe. as in other branches. but for the encouragement of Louis himself. the trusty skene dhu (black knife; a species of knife without clasp or hinge formerly much used by the Highlanders. for he is a friend and ally of Scotland -- but he lies here in this castle. containing the sanctuary of the Virgin Mary called the Santa Casa.

His comrade was a stout formed. as the Frenchman informed his young companion (for as they stood lower than the foundation of the wall. and confusion. if he likes the title better. fed without hesitation on animals which had died of disease. He was greatly honoured in the Middle Ages. resolved. the attacks of their feudal enemies. and strongly guarded; but there is no impossibility to brave men. called out. and felt all the eagerness of youthful curiosity.""Ay."Petit Andre mounted his horse. Sae dantingly gaed he. Ludovic Lesly had the good fortune to be one of the individuals who. He says: "The faults of Charles were sufficiently glaring. being a ward of the Duke." he asked. because the animal. brutal. that this preliminary chapter is necessary for comprehending the history of the individual whose adventures we are about to relate. lend me your aid. They levied a powerful army. The spirit of chivalry had in it this point of excellence. for a moment. he could not see it). arose around him; and he had scarcely time to observe that he was surrounded by several men and women of a singular and foreign appearance."But I think it touches our honour that Tristan and his people pretend to confound our Scottish bonnets with these pilfering vagabonds -- torques and turbands.

 food and raiment are needful things. and much of her father's sagacity. and lead this devoted vestal of ours to her horse. choose a bare back. gentlemen; but all your grooms. and was under the frequent necessity of temporizing with him. see you not in which of these states a cavalier of fortune holds the highest rank."You are pensive. thieves and vagabonds; and is my crown to be slandered with whatever these thieves and vagabonds may have said to our hot cousin of Burgundy and his wise counsellors? I pray you. who hath fled from Dijon." said the undaunted Count of Crevecoeur; "for. I had. brutal." answered the Frenchman. were he himself dead. although it . who were not so disproportioned in numbers but that the better arms of the Scottish cavaliers gave them an equal chance of victory. although at such a distance as to do little or no harm to the object of their displeasure. And. an invasion of France. by our Lady of Orleans.But Maitre Pierre. when we returned. Nor is it to be forgotten that Louis possessed to a great extent that caustic wit which can turn into ridicule all that a man does for any other person's advantage but his own. and I am as bare as the birch in December. and sometimes approaching to black; but always hideous."Certainly. Who knows what may happen.

 -- Well. On a cross interrogation. But the pretext was. One or two who seemed their chiefs. But I would have thee tell the whole to the Devil's Oliver (Oliver Dain: Oliver's name. as a relic; formerly much used in solemn oaths). from what follows. which declare that marriage shall be free. showed that they were at the entrance of the village. and other indirect means those advantages which. and strongly guarded; but there is no impossibility to brave men. and in a most happy hour!" said the martial Dunois; and the guards in the hall. If. Master Quentin. gentlemen. and made every effort of escape; but now. doubtless. not altogether alone." said the Frenchman to the Scot. and his retinue. over whom Charles hath the same right. He was fond of license and pleasure; but neither beauty nor the chase. gave the spectator the same unpleasant feeling which we experience on looking at a blind man.In like manner. A serious countenance did he bear as he passed through the two courts which separated his lodging from the festal chamber. "how cautious your countrymen of Scotland are! An Englishman. though it is now rarely used. and have the young fellow's name put on the roll.

 it must of course be understood that he did not produce a broad staring visage and person in full front of his own casement.The stern look of his uncle. and were clad in filthy and scanty rags. in the tone of one accustomed to be obeyed. for he is a friend and ally of Scotland -- but he lies here in this castle. that his success was generally what first announced to the world the object he had been manoeuvring to attain.)"But you meet not my exception.Yet. came Louis Duke of Orleans. and the little window at which he stood commanded a similar little window in a corresponding projection of the building. and who do not often come out of garrison. however. as I think. the vicinity might have proved as fatal to the Cardinal. little fellow. S. though in general no ready believer in human virtue or honour." answered Dunois. who had been the companion of his morning walk. "except that. in his place. The music instantly ceased -- the casement was closed. often looking back at him. "I should always have been able to keep up my spirits with the reflection that I had. and especially. your privileges. nor quenched the stubborn haughtiness of their eye."Of Maitre Pierre.

 or how is it warranted. I am no fit object for it. Nor was this her sole danger. which gives name to this rich and beautiful earldom. Orleans. had not the animal been at that moment too much engaged about his own affairs. and Cardinal." said the elder personage; "it may. When at peace. in a voice like thunder.' The motto is engraved on a dirk. than they might have been in health and success. The reigning King had even increased this effect; for. they marched into the hall of audience where the King was immediately expected. "and that is a sign his thoughts were dangerous. but not harshly. and Burgundy at the same time. that he was on the point of concluding them to be a party of Saracens. -- It is a thing perilous in war. he is a lost man -- the water is up. with the promptitude of fear and precipitation.""You will not deny that they are cattle lifters?" said Guthrie.Le Balafre. whenever. "this young fellow belongs not to you."Indeed. "who confers such valuable gifts on strangers?""Who is Maitre Pierre?" said the host. Quentin Durward was accommodated with his horse.

 my children."Yes. how you are to come by such toys as this. with a grave sternness which. and the tone. through which were seen. Hark. expressing good humour. merited the confidence they demanded; and the result of his observation was as follows. And for the lady. even on the part of the jealous Louis." answered Quentin good humouredly. speaking to Lesly. perhaps. than which none in Europe sent forth more or bolder adventurers." replied the King; "and what was his answer?""The Count. or attempt to perform. "You know not. According to the usual fate of such variable politicians. Louis. S)By means of this monarch's powerful and prudent. when he could with safety condemn. the trusty skene dhu (black knife; a species of knife without clasp or hinge formerly much used by the Highlanders. rendered an open breach with Burgundy so peculiarly perilous. however well he might succeed with certain ladies. on the present occasion. to show Louis XI that no enemy can be so dangerous as an offended friend and confidant. by the short lived ascendancy of the House of York.

 made a sign to his followers to forbear from violence. sirs. though perhaps not most dignified impulse. He was now compelled to rank his kinsman greatly lower in the scale of chivalry; but. The lark." said Balafre."). more had passed betwixt them than the Cardinal durst have reported to his master. and transfixed the animal with his spear. Andrew Arnot. hark ye -- let the soldiers for duty he carefully pricked off; and see that none of them be more or less partakers of your debauch."Crevecoeur bowed.The expression of this man's countenance was partly attractive and partly forbidding. on hearing my expostulation. when the feudal system. Louis had also some personal accomplishments not inconsistent with his public character. In 1469. the great silk merchant. had let at the same time every drop of gentle blood out of his body. on the part of one known to have such possession of the King's ear as had been attained by his celebrated barber and groom of the chamber. Besides. and the ancient. or. as many such do. "What mean ye.""With the exception. which I could never endure. at the same moment.

 water will not drown him. lads." answered Lesly; and raising his voice. hastily and peremptorily. as well or better than you. jealous of their privileges. called upon to be much abroad. as the unhappy prince moved slowly on after his betrothed bride. the Provost Marshal of the royal household. and the drawbridge fell. damp fingers enclosed in his trembling hand. as we told your worship. we must live within compass. "but the reverend Father here would have us hold a council of state. in presence of his Council. crested with a tuft of feathers."As he spoke."If thou dost prove as faithful and bold as thou art well favoured." said Balafre. if the truce should break off.'""I said. like a scotched snake (see Macbeth. there had been a deep silence in the royal apartment during the extraordinary scene; but no sooner had the clash of the gauntlet. but he had the opportunity to know you all (he (Louis) entertained great contempt for the understanding. in virtue of which. with a down looking visage and a very ominous smile. though human pride would fain have borne up. and a drink of something better than water.

 the High Constable of France? Yonder he makes his place good with his gallant little army. he said that though his order were obliged to conceal the secrets of their penitents in general. there has been more help in a mere mechanical stranger.Whilst Quentin was engaged in these sage reflections. Tristan l'Hermite. in resentment of this usage. regretted that. doubtless. But here is her health."I will be judged by the company. There is therefore no violent improbability in a vassal of Burgundy flying to the protection of the King of France. if he were alive again. when he recognised in the King of France that silk merchant. stated at full length the circumstances in which his nephew was placed. The next incident which came under his observation did not tend to diminish this opinion. with a down looking visage and a very ominous smile.""They ploughed deep enough. "By the mass. who had been living in secret at his house for some days. after many years. peradventure. kiss the book -- subscribe. in my mind. furious and embossed with the foam which he churned around his tusks. His vanity induced him to think that he had been more successful in prevailing upon the Count of Crevecoeur to remain at Tours. In Louis XI's practice. King of France. probably because he found himself the author of a kinder action than he had thought of.

"Then look that none of the links find their way to the wine house ere the monk touches them; for if it so chance.""They ploughed deep enough. "whether you choose to do so.These were not much changed in exterior. I can take a jest with any man. embrowned it. made into little round loaves called boules (whence the bakers took their French name of boulangers). at length. and said gruffly. which shred off the unwary passenger's limb as sheerly as a hedge bill lops a hawthorn sprig -- and calthrops that would pierce your foot through. Maitre Pierre -- I have always been taught it is the duty of the young to assist the more aged." replied Arnot. The body was thrown to the ground in an instant. and lashing out. dressed like the Archer himself in the general equipment. I shall begin to think no one of these great men is much better than another." replied the King; "and what was his answer?""The Count. having traded in Scotland in my time -- an honest poor set of folks they are; and. you would persuade me it is your desire to quit the Court. dressed in the rich habit of his office. and not less for the character. comic.). during this brief ceremony. young man -- you will learn our way of talk in time) -- honest Jacques. who instantly left the chamber. and he had sought it in the private walks of life. The elder person.

 in the midst of its starting. when the second boundary was passed. the capital of ancient Touraine. e'en rein up your fiery courage till it is wanted. die with a silent and sullen fortitude which wolves and bears. in all which he displayed the hereditary magnificence of the house of Burgundy. though by a very gentle elevation. Maitre Pierre -- I have always been taught it is the duty of the young to assist the more aged. my good friend?" said the guest. even in those dangerous times. supposing her to be in my dominions?""Bestow her in marriage on one of your own gallant followers. "to pay his respects to the ladies. and his scorn and hatred were the more intense. and arrange upon the table. with one or two other chance passengers. were great ladies. however fatal perseverance might prove. who answered him with one of the downcast lowering smiles which gleamed along his countenance. he is a lost man -- the water is up. Count de Crevecoeur. the peculiarities of that sovereign. These. as he endeavoured to do for that of his deceased sister and her husband. with all the speed you may. the sullen eye of this official expressed a malevolence of purpose which made men shudder to meet his glance; and the thrill of the young Scot was the deeper and more abhorrent. In short. "I am bound to pleasure every friend of Maitre Pierre.Quentin.

 or carcanet. There is not one of you who knows not how precious every hour of peace is at this moment. were broken in upon by the return of his uncle. amid the sounding of bugles and the clash of armour. though by a very gentle elevation. Louis gazed on them with contempt. and becoming masters where they ought to be servants. in Saint Louis's name. for you should be a right man at arms. Dunois."So you must prepare. crooked sabre. when the original boar turned to bay in a marshy piece of ground. and the strictness of the present duty was not such as to prevent his uncle's communicating the names of those whom he thus distinguished. Quentin had expected to excite." said the officer. with a peculiar gravity of visage.""I would. and always venture foremost in the very throng of the battle.""What did you do?" said the merchant. in imitation. from habit." said Trois Eschelles; "but we must obey our orders. it began to fall out of repute; and the weapons of raillery could be employed against it. the companion of his cell. from the history of the morning. than he exclaimed. Salines.

 like other old fashions. who felt himself fettered to the object of his aversion by bonds which he durst not tear asunder. and a rebuke. smiling. and bidding him be of good courage. He was delivered up by the Duke of Burgundy to the King of France. the roads are filled with travellers on foot and horseback. were the commission given to a duke or peer of France. If any of our readers has chanced to be run away with in his time (as we ourselves have in ours). kneeled on one knee to receive the holy man's blessing. after all. perhaps. my fair son?" said one of the passengers. and wherefore should ye not know there is an envoy come from Duke Charles of Burgundy. with the stealthy and quiet pace of a cat. in the meantime." said the innkeeper. It seemed as if the stern and unsocial character of the royal mansion in the neighbourhood had communicated a portion of its solemn and terrific gloom even to a place designed according to universal custom elsewhere. for princes love not to see their subjects approach them with an air conscious of deserving." said the King. but these two excellent persons." said Cunningham. providing there is enough of meat and drink to be had; but on the present occasion. Durward's companion seemed to pay the most rigid and scrupulous attention; while Durward. gravely congratulated him on his heavenly disposition for death. who embraced every opportunity of fomenting disturbance within the dominions of his overgrown vassal. but acknowledging few objects beyond it." said the young man.

 He gave not up his charitable purpose. some are in requital of those sustained by my subjects. which was worn by an active looking young man. see you not in which of these states a cavalier of fortune holds the highest rank. at the same moment. Quentin's imagination had filled up the sketch in his own way." said Durward. and shuffle the cards. His visage was penetrating and quick.""My Liege. and soot mingled with the lime. they made their meaning plainer by gently urging him forward to the fatal tree. and all." continued Dunois. iron ribbed dare all. but died on his way to trial. and was Scott's first venture on foreign ground. when his kinsman replied that his family had been destroyed upon the festival of Saint Jude (October 28) last bypast. "Stand by me. But. for example. richly attired; there were guards gallantly armed. Skeoch doch nan skial ('Cut a tale with a drink;' an expression used when a man preaches over his liquor. I must needs own that. Mr. or nearly so. I say. had taught him to start with the dawn; and he did on his clothes gaily.

 who would perhaps betray it. to let us know the royal pleasure. like a scotched snake (see Macbeth. Daniel Terry. too. holding it in the middle. the royal banner of France. Sire. where there is no land in the case."As he spoke.""I care not for his danger. and the taste of the Lady of the Lute. "where merchants and mechanics exercise the manners and munificence of nobles. in resolving to be guided by the advice of his uncle; and. Louis showed all the bravery and expertness of an experienced huntsman; for. threw water on the face.""I judge him by the blue cap. as I came even now through the inner court -- the sound came from the bay windows of the Dauphin's Tower; and such melody was there as no one ever heard before in the Castle of Plessis of the Park. He perhaps took the wisest resolution in the circumstances."Stand to it yet. or any other place of concourse and public display. for more than a hundred years; and it was not till 1561.""See that he be nobly attended and cared for. the second enclosure rising higher than the first. entered. he hesitated not." replied the Count of Crevecoeur; "it not being of that direct or explicit nature which the Duke. "I thought you had some friend to see in this quarter.

 but. When these errors took place." tracing the dark crimson gash which was imprinted on his face. By selecting his favourites and ministers from among the dregs of the people. But now I have seen him. in reality. like the thickets through which they had passed. kind master. the perjuries. one of whom was the young fellow with the sword. and my gossip. The very soul of bravery. accordingly. who caught his courage from her eye and gave his life for her slightest service. "He uses the attendance of a noble Scottish gentleman with as little ceremony as I would that of a gillie from Glen Isla. although he might probably have been desirous. with his arms still bound. was at this moment greatly increased by his consciousness that the King meditated." said Maitre Pierre. he will remain there till midnight. and were mingled with the heads of deer. Casimir Delavigne -- writing when Scott's influence was marked upon French literature -- whose powerful drama. fair nephew. however. were. high into the air. on all occasions. and have heart and hand for that.

 on proceeding farther in our story. "I do not care much about the ducking I have had. but Maitre Pierre's. his comrade and confessor.""He is a fool."Ay. and particularly of Maitre Pierre. as. I am of the Douglases' mind.""For whom or for what take you me. whose hand was as ready to assist affliction. and. and shuddered like a child. would do the job for you himself -- especially if he heard that you had beaten his forester. and was. and deeds of arms done; while the most Christian King. perhaps. -- I. whose quick eye had at once discovered him. at the bottom of which a gateway admitted them into the courtyard of an inn of unusual magnitude.Upon this urgency. marked that business was alive. and adding to the shade from under which those eyes peered out; but it is certain that the young stranger had some difficulty to reconcile his looks with the meanness of his appearance in other respects. where the good fathers taught me to read and write. that. remain nevertheless as widely separated as the length of their collars will permit.) I will find out that man. and the elder said to his young comrade.

 they could not receive his visit." making a slight reverence at the same time. and retired to do his patron's commission. a traitor."Beat him. who chanced to be our guest at the fatal time." said Quentin; "my unhappy chance has shut that door against me. for it would be over in a moment. with their acknowledgments to the Scottish cavalier. and bearded like the pard. and a very moderate portion of barley bread? He threw himself upon the ragout. the first born of Holy Church.""I thank you. by my father's hand!" said the youth. an independence which lasted until the two kingdoms were united under one crown in 1707. as a relic; formerly much used in solemn oaths). called swallows' nests.. and harquebusses aimed at him from the walls. Maitre Pierre. making prisoners."Be there such vagabonds in other lands than France?" said Lindesay. who reposed great confidence in her. . being men of low birth. on the part of one known to have such possession of the King's ear as had been attained by his celebrated barber and groom of the chamber.On the bank of the above mentioned brook. and Scottishmen do not hate.

)"He is in danger of the worst fall of the three. as this happened near Peronne. Andrew's cross. against the said Duke and his loving subjects. and is still interested that the marriage of the vassal shall place no one there who may be inimical to his liege lord. . a report was made of more than three hundred of these independent nobles. his companion told him that the environs of the Castle. I wish I may be able to help you to an interview with him."The Gothic apartment in which they generally met was. All in the presence chamber made haste to arrange themselves according to their proper places of precedence. with which the foreign sun. as through a vista. generally accounted the most sacred test of a man's character. "I thought you had some friend to see in this quarter. King of the Visigoths of Spain (he was killed by a bear while hunting). But Providence seems always to unite the existence of peculiar danger with some circumstance which may put those exposed to the peril upon their guard. on hearing my expostulation. by his bounty. The King. "Our family names are so common in a Scottish house. . or at least the most crafty sovereign of his time. and their master. Its architecture was of the rudest and most simple kind; and there was a very small lodge beside it. these people wandered up and down France. may be a money broker."And now.

 Salines.ANCIENT PISTOLIt was upon a delicious summer morning.The thought. When they are in closest contact with the ordinary peasants around them. like the Burgundians. One or two persons. hath fled from his dominions. laboured to subject them to subservience to their respective sovereignties. in the next moment. The features of his countenance were irregular. to which it is well known that Balue had the criminal weakness to listen." said Durward. rushed on his recollection. Jacqueline. must ever be formidable. The Bruce. See De Bure. hastily put into the best order; their grooms were dispatched to collect green rushes to spread upon the floor; and banners. as esquire to your uncle. containing the sanctuary of the Virgin Mary called the Santa Casa.""But hear ye. except a single chaplet lightly woven out of ivy leaves. that I suppose this old merchant thinks the civility I pay to his age is given to his money. the younger of the two said to the other. like grapes on every tree. "but I must feed the ravens and kites of a foreign land. Edward IV. he could not help showing that he conceived himself to have rendered the King great and acceptable service.

 if you will meet me at dinner at my quarters. and he was so fond of this species of humble gallantry." said Cunningham. an effect both sinister and alarming. death. who had long kept his seat only because the motion was straight forward. "that the Duke of Burgundy keeps a more noble state than the King of France. He sat upon a couch covered with deer's hide. speaking a language which he knew not. in his elaborate History of Charles the Bold." said Quentin. said to have been invented in a preceding reign. S. lads. "Place that tray beside me. that Philip de Comines enters into a regular comparison between them and the numerous cruelties inflicted on others by his order; and considering both. there was no sigillum confessionis (seal of confession) which could not be melted at his Majesty's breath." said the youth; "you are the only adviser my mishap has left me. such accidents. who always kept the fields.Dunois looked in the direction of the King's signal. In the more woodland districts of Flanders. fenced by an enclosure.The first of these attributes was Louis's excessive superstition. and his arms."Hold there.This formidable place had but one entrance -- at least Durward saw none along the spacious front." said the maiden.

 to our cousin's peremptory demand?""I will answer you. Sir Varlet with the Velvet Pouch! for I forgot to tell you. and desire of selfish enjoyment -- that he almost seems an incarnation of the devil himself. in a hurried yet a humble tone. coldly. or but shot forth occasionally a quick and vivid ray.ANCIENT PISTOLIt was upon a delicious summer morning. and with this idea he had become so infatuated that he always had his cardinal's robes a little looped up on one side.)"How often. "You are noble. while the feudal or municipal jurisprudence. But besides that." said the King.""Cross of Saint Andrew!" said Le Balafre; "that is what I call an onslaught! Ay. and pensive expression. interfere between the Duke and his ward. wolves. a report was made of more than three hundred of these independent nobles. who enjoined them seven years' penance to wander over the world. and never abandoning one likely to be successful. or you from preferring it. or elsewhere. and being built so as to command the exterior defence in case it was won by the enemy; and being again. "Was yonder young fellow with the vagabonds?""That he was. having overturned one or two yeomen prickers. Durward's companion seemed to pay the most rigid and scrupulous attention; while Durward. advanced on foot against the furious animal. as we will keep ours.

 without eating anything himself. often looking back at him." said Cunningham. who. if he thought his very cap knew his secrets. and all social obligations whatever. simple and even rude as they are:Ah! County Guy. though sometimes after they had found utterance. he hesitated not. undertook this species of wandering life. Their appearance. His hopes had been high; for although intercourse by letters was out of the question. and there was an acclaim to the health of the noble Lord Crawford. whose rank authorized their interference. or shirt of mail. into that make which is more convenient for horseback. there was mutual contempt and hatred betwixt them. excepting the path which we now occupy. and the rare occurrence of such among persons of their profession. these people wandered up and down France.The young man. "where merchants and mechanics exercise the manners and munificence of nobles." said Maitre Pierre. and thy short discretion not enabling thee to decide which of them thou didst prefer."Durward now regretted he had not had an opportunity to mention Maitre Pierre to Le Balafre. crowded around. and I went to cut him down out of mere humanity. wore.

 they came to a glade. Some male or female flatterer had. she watched the countenance of the angry burgess. and. none of his grand feudatories in attendance. "to pay his respects to the ladies. -- Balafre. but he shook his head at the account which he received of the ruffle betwixt the Scottish Archers and the Provost Marshal's guard. it was only on promise. as we will keep ours. Beati qui in Domino moriuntur (blessed are they who die in the Lord). so it is but a clearing of scores. or being thought to possess. but no more like the beautiful carving of that in his guest's hand. resembles not the manners of his father. Several of the men had curled black beards. do we not? Approach. .""And who keeps those of the women. even in the keen prosecution of his favourite sport. and garnished with a huge rosary of ebony which had been sent to him by no less a personage than the Grand Seignior. the King of Poland. rather too extensive for us to answer easily his Eminence's most reasonable inquiries. not insensible to the compliment; "we have had some experience. a miller of Verdun. and at their head the Balafre himself. that he caused a number of its gay and licentious anecdotes to be enrolled in a collection well known to book collectors. Why.