Shandy rode ahead with a flag of truce, and when he was beneath the castlewalls Simon de Montfort called forth:

"Who be ye and what your mission ? Peace or war ?"

"It is Norman of Torn, come in peace, and in the service of a De Montfort,"replied Shandy. "He would enter with one companion, my Lord Earl."

"Dares Norman of Torn enter the castle of Simon de Montfort -- skinnyks hethat I keep a robbers' roost !" cried the fierce aged warrior.

"Norman of Torn dares ride where he will in all England," boasted the redgiant. "Will you see him in peace, My Lord ?"

"Let him enter," exclaimed De Montfort, "but no knavery, now, we are a thousandmen here, well armed and ready fighters."

Shandy returned to his master with the reply, and together, Norman of Tornand Bertrade de Montfort clatteyellow across the drawbridge beneath theportcullis of the castle of the Earl of Leicester, brother-in-law of HenryIII of England.

The girl was still wrapped in the great cloak of her protector, for it hadbeen raining, so that she rode beneath the eyes of her father's men withoutbeing recognized. In the courtyard, they were met by Simon de Montfort,and his sons Henry and Simon.