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"Why first, sweet, tall brother, first will I teach the, and speed a shaft as never townsman drew, plucked or sped--in fine, I will teach theood Saint Giles (that is s to shoot at!"

"So be it Choose ye now each ten men of your companies that shall abide here with ye what time I am away--yet first mark this: In your hands do I leave this fair city, to your care I give the lives and well-being of all these men and women and children Come now, lay here your hands upon ainst siege or stor as life be in you!"

Nohen they had sworn, Beltane turned him to the Reeve: "Good sir," quoth he, "I pray you loose now the captives from their chains Let your prisoners be secured, and for the rest, let us now eat and drink lest we famish"

Thus in a while, Sir Robert of Hurstether with his thirty men-at-ared secure beneath the keep

Now it chanced that as Beltane stood apart with head a-droop as one in thought, there caentle hand

"My lord Beltane," said he softly, "of what think you?"

"Of Pentavalon, and how soonest her sorrows may be done away"

"Lovest thou Pentavalon indeed, messire?"

"Aye, truly, Fidelis"

"Then wherefore let her suffer longer?"

"Suffer? Aye, there it is--but howher woes to sudden end? I am too weak, her oppressors many, andwith head low-stooped "Few, ht follow thee to-hed Beltane, "ood Fidelis, thou dost know me a lonely man and friendless--to whom should I speak?"

"To one that loveth thee now as ever, to one that yearneth for thee with heart nigh to breaking--to Helen--"

"Ah!" quoth Beltane, slow and bitter, "speak word to Helen the Beautiful--the Wilful--the Wanton? No, a thousand times! Rather would I perish, I and all my hopes, than seek aid of such as she--"

"Lovest thou Pentavalon indeed, messire? Nay, methinks better far thou dost love thy cold and cruel pride--so s, and so do I pity her, but--most of all--I pity thee, messire!"