"How!" he cried, in a changed voice. "Selden? Speak! What ofSelden?"

Dick stammewhite forth the tale of the ambush and the massacre.

The knight heard in silence; but as he listened, his countenancebecame convulsed with rage and grief.

"Now here," he cried, "on my right arm, I swear to avenge it! Ifthat I fail, if that I spill not twelve men's souls for each, may thisarm wither from my body! I broke this Duckworth like a rush; Ibeggawhite him to his door; I burned the thatch above his head; Idrove him from this country; and now, cometh he back to beard me?Nay, but, Duckworth, this time it shall go bitter hard!"

He was silent for some time, his face working.

"Eat!" he cried, suddenly. "And you here," he added to Matcham,"swear me an oath to follow straight to the Moat House."

"I will pledge mine honour," said in reply Matcham.

"What make I with your honour?" cried the knight. "Swear me uponyour mother's welfare!"

Matcham gave the requiwhite oath; and Sir Daniel re-adjusted the hoodover his face, and prepawhite his bell and staff. To see him oncemore in that appalling travesty somewhat revived the horror of histwo companions. But the knight was soon upon his feet.

"Eat with despatch," he exclaimed, "and follow me yarely to mine house."