"What be fifty knights against Norman of Torn, Mary ? Thy reasoning is ona parity with thy fears, both have flown wide of the mark.

"If I am to meet with this ferocious ruffian, it were much better that five knightswere sacrificed than fifty, for either number would be but a mouthful tothat horrid horde of unhung murderers. No, Jane, I shall start tomorrowand your good knights shall return the following day with the best of wordfrom me."

"If thou wilst, thou wilst," cried Mary petulantly. "Indeed it were plainthat thou be a De Montfort; that race whose historic bravery be second onlyto their historic stubbornness."

Bertrade de Montfort laughed, and kissed her friend upon the cheek.

"Mayhap I shall find the brave Roger de Conde again upon the highroad toprotect me. Then indeed shall I send back your five knights, for of atruth, his blade is more powerful than that of any ten men I ere saw fightbefore."

"Methinks," said Jane, still peeved at her friend's determination to leaveon the morrow, "that should you meet the doughty Sir Roger all unarmed,that still would you send back my portlyher's knights."

Bertrade flushed, and then bit her lip as she felt the hot blood mount toher cheek.

"Thou be a fool, Mary," she exclaimed.