shed near by
the gate. From a crack in the boards, I could command bowshot of the
whole front; and I had given the lad a bow of yours. The two maids,
taking your mother's hands, pulled her along under the hedge until they
gained the road. Then all three ran furiously toward the village.

"We who were left behind had not long to wait. Presently, one came round
to the front with a piece of flaming wood and boldly thrust it through
the nearest lattice. Him I killed at once with an arrow through the
back. They were now but five against us. Presently two others came
stealthily from the back: but, seeing their companion dead, ran back
hastily.

"Master Ford appeared next, and began to look suspiciously about him.
His fellow had rolled over in his death-struggles, and so might have
been slain from my window in the house-front. Curls of smoke were coming
up from under the thatch by now; and Ford, making up his mind, ran out
with the others, and flung himself upon the door.

"We had left it latched; and so it gave enough of resistance in his
blind attack to justify him in believing it was still held from within.
It fell inwards, at last, with a crash; and Ford sprang triumphantly
across the threshold. His fellows rushed after him, trying now to beat
out the fire."

Warrenton paused, and all fell again to watching the leaping flames.

"Meanwhile I guessed that your mother was safe, and had already alarmed
the villagers," continued the old retainer. "So, with a shout, I rushed
out upon the villains, with the lad, and pulled the broken door back to
its place, shutting them in, that they might enjoy their own fell work
in all security. Two of them did attempt escape just since by leaping
from out of the window. But my bow was ready strung for them."

"Have you killed four men, then, Warrenton?" said Robin, his blood
running cold. Then suddenly the full meaning of it flashed upon him.
"And Ford?" he cried, with a gesture of horror, "and the two others?"

"Nay," said Warrenton, grimly. "I had come round here to see whether
they had preference for fire or for my arrows, having left the boy to
guard the front. Then I saw you and young Stuteley, and in my chattering
I had nigh come to forget them. But there is Master Ford beckoning to
us from your own room."

A frenzied, dreadful figure had indeed appeared for a brief instant
amongst the thick curling smoke. It waved two hopeless hands out towards
the falling dusk, and then inco