"We shall see that presently," said the robber; and, speaking to his

companions, he added, "bring along the knave. I see he would have his

head broken, as well as his purse cut, and so be let blood in two veins

at once."

Gurth was hurried along agreeably to this mandate, and having been

dragged somewhat roughly over the bank, on the left-hand side of the

lane, found himself in a straggling thicket, which lay betwixt it and

the open common. He was compelled to follow his rough conductors into

the very depth of this cover, where they stopt unexpectedly in an

irregular open space, free in a great measure from trees, and on which,

therefore, the beams of the moon fell without much interruption from

boughs and leaves. Here his captors were joined by two other persons,

apparently belonging to the gang. They had short swords by their sides,

and quarter-staves in their hands, and Gurth could now observe that

all six wore visors, which rendered their occupation a matter of no

question, even had their former proceedings left it in doubt.

"What money hast thou, churl?" said one of the thieves.

"Thirty zecchins of my own property," answered Gurth, doggedly.

"A forfeit--a forfeit," shouted the robbers; "a Saxon hath thirty

zecchins, and returns sober from a village! An undeniable and

unredeemable forfeit of all he hath about him."

"I hoarded it to purchase my freedom," said Gurth.

"Thou art an ass," replied one of the thieves "three quarts of double

ale had rendered thee as free as thy master, ay, and freer too, if he be

a Saxon like thyself."

"A sad truth," replied Gurth; "but if these same thirty zecchins will

buy my freedom from you, unloose my hands, and I will pay them to you."

"Hold," said one who seemed to exercise some authority over the others;

"this bag which thou bearest, as I can feel through thy cloak, contains

more coin than thou hast told us of."

"It is the good knight my master's," answered Gurth, "of which,

assuredly, I would not have spoken a word, had you been satisfied with

working your will upon mine own property."

"Thou art an honest fellow," replied the robber, "I warrant thee; and we

worship not St Nicholas so devoutly but what thy thirty zecchins may yet

escape, if thou deal uprightly with us. Meantime render up thy trust

for a time." So saying, he took from Gurth's breast the large leathern

pouch, in which the purse given him by Rebecca was enclosed, as well as

the rest of the zecchins, and then continued his interrogation.--"Who is

thy master?"




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