on us an open war, which
is a thousand times better than this treacherous, hollow peace? Our
father and mother are half won over to the cause of slavery. They --"

Llewelyn paused, choking back the fierce tide of passion which went far
to unman him. He had not forgotten the humiliation placed upon him so
recently, when his father had compelled him to sue for pardon to an
English maiden. His heart was burning, his soul was stirred to its
depths. He had to stop short lest his passion should carry him away.

Howel seemed to understand him without the medium of words. The links
which bound the twin brothers together were very subtle and very strong.
If Llewelyn were the more violent and headstrong, Howel was more than
his equal in diplomacy. He shared every feeling of his brother's heart,
but he was less outspoken and less rash.

"I know what thou wouldst do," he said thoughtfully: "thou wouldst force
upon our father a step which shall make a rupture with the English
inevitable. Thou wouldst do a thing which should bring upon us the wrath
of the mighty Edward, and force both ourselves and our neighbours to
take arms against him. Is not that so?"

"Ay, truly; and could such a thing be, gladly would I lay down my life
in the cause of liberty and freedom."

Howel was pondering deeply.

"Perchance it might be done," he said.

Llewelyn eagerly raised his head.

"Thinkest thou so? How?"

"I know not yet, but we shall have time for thought. Knowest thou that
the maid will remain here beneath our mother's charge for a while,
whilst our father goes forward as far as the Abbey of Strata Florida
with yon stranger, to guide him on his way? The maid will remain here
until her father's return."

"How knowest thou that?"

"I had it from Wenwynwyn's lips. He heard the discussion in the hall,
and it seems that this Lord Montacute would be glad to be free of the
care of the child for a while. Our mother delights in the charge of a
little maid, and thus it will be as I have said."

A strange fire gleamed in Llewelyn's eyes. The brothers looked at each
other a good while in silence.

"And thou thinkest --" said Llewelyn at last.

Howel was some time in replying, and his answer was a little
indeterminate, although sufficiently significant.

"Why, the maid will be left here; but when her father returns to claim
her, perchance she will not be found. If that were so, thinkest thou not
that nought but open war would lie before us