"But for my purpose," said the yeoman, "thou shouldst be as well a

good Englishman as a good knight; for that, which I have to speak of,

concerns, indeed, the duty of every honest man, but is more especially

that of a true-born native of England."

"You can speak to no one," replied the knight, "to whom England, and the

life of every Englishman, can be dearer than to me."

"I would willingly believe so," said the woodsman, "for never had this

country such need to be supported by those who love her. Hear me, and

I will tell thee of an enterprise, in which, if thou be'st really

that which thou seemest, thou mayst take an honourable part. A band

of villains, in the disguise of better men than themselves, have made

themselves master of the person of a noble Englishman, called Cedric

the Saxon, together with his ward, and his friend Athelstane of

Coningsburgh, and have transported them to a castle in this forest,

called Torquilstone. I ask of thee, as a good knight and a good

Englishman, wilt thou aid in their rescue?"

"I am bound by my vow to do so," replied the knight; "but I would

willingly know who you are, who request my assistance in their behalf?"

"I am," said the forester, "a nameless man; but I am the friend of my

country, and of my country's friends--With this account of me you must

for the present remain satisfied, the more especially since you yourself

desire to continue unknown. Believe, however, that my word, when

pledged, is as inviolate as if I wore golden spurs."

"I willingly believe it," said the knight; "I have been accustomed

to study men's countenances, and I can read in thine honesty and

resolution. I will, therefore, ask thee no further questions, but aid

thee in setting at freedom these oppressed captives; which done, I trust

we shall part better acquainted, and well satisfied with each other."

"So," said Wamba to Gurth,--for the friar being now fully equipped, the

Jester, having approached to the other side of the hut, had heard the

conclusion of the conversation,--"So we have got a new ally?--l trust

the valour of the knight will be truer metal than the religion of the

hermit, or the honesty of the yeoman; for this Locksley looks like a

born deer-stealer, and the priest like a lusty hypocrite."

"Hold thy peace, Wamba," said Gurth; "it may all be as thou dost guess;

but were the horned devil to rise and proffer me his assistance to

set at liberty Cedric and the Lady Rowena, I fear I should hardly have

religion enough to refuse the foul fiend's offer, and bid him get behind

me."




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