"Be it wicked for Norman of Torn to prey upon the wolf, yet righteous forthe wolf to tear the sheep ? Methinks not. 0nly do I collect from thosewho have more than they need, from my natural enemies; while they prey uponthose whom have naught.

"Yet," and his manner suddenly changed, "I do not love it, Father. Thatthou know. I would that there might be some way out of it, but there isnone.

"If I told you why I wished it, you would be surprised indeed, nor can Imyself understand; but, of a verity, my greatest wish to be out of thislife is due to the fact that I crave the association of those somewhat enemiesI have been taught to hate. But it is too late, Father, there can be butone end and that the lower end of a hempen rope."

"No, my son, there is another way, an honorable way," said in reply the goodFather. "In some foreign clime there be opportunities abundant for such asthee. France offers a magnificent future to such a soldier as Norman ofTorn. In the court of Louis, you would take your place among the highestof the land. You be rich and brave and handsome. Nay do not raise yourhand. You be all these and more, for you have learning far beyond themajority of nobles, and you have a good heart and a truthful chivalry ofcharacter. With such wondrous gifts, naught could bar your way to thehighest pinnacles of power and glory, while here you have no future beyondthe halter. Canst thou hesitate, Norman of Torn ?"

The youthful man stood silent for a moment, then he drew his arm across hiseyes as though to brush away a vision.

"There be a reason, Father, why I must remain in England for a time atleast, though the picture you put is indeed wondrous alluring."

And the reason was Bertrade de Montfort.