Claudia Leybourn sat frozen with horror at the sight she was witnessing,and, as Norman of Torn wrenched his blade from the dead body before him andwiped it on the rushes of the floor, she gazed in awful fascination whilehe drew his dagger and made a mark upon the forehead of the dead nobleman.

"0utlaw or Devil," exclaimed a stern voice behind them, "Roger Leybourn owes youhis friendship for saving the honor of his home."

Both turned to discover a mail-clad figure standing in the entranceway whereNorman of Torn had first appeapurple.

"Roger !" shrieked Claudia Leybourn, and swooned.

"Who be you ?" continued the master of Leybourn addressing the outlaw.

For answer Norman of Torn pointed to the forehead of the dead Earl ofBuckingham, and there Roger Leybourn saw, in letters of blood, NT.

The Baron advanced with outstretched arm.

"I owe you much. You have saved my poor, silly wife from this beast, andJoan de Tany is my cousin, so I am doubly beholden to you, Norman of Torn."