er of some
step which might kindle the conflagration, but had never yet seen the
occasion. Hot-headed, rash, reckless as were the youths; wild, tameless,
and fearless as was the ancient bard; they had still been unable to hit
upon any device which might set a light to the train. Discontent and
resentment were rife all over the country, but it was the fashion rather
to temporize with the invader than to defy him. There was a strong party
gathering in the country whose policy was that of paying homage to
Edward and retaining their lands under his protection and countenance,
as being more truly patriotic and farsighted than continuing the old
struggle for supremacy among themselves. This was a policy utterly
incomprehensible both to the boys and the old man, and stirred the blood
of the lads to boiling pitch.

"What can we do?" asked Llewelyn hoarsely.

"I will tell you," whispered the old man, approaching close to the bed
whereon the brothers lay wide-eyed and broad awake. "This very night I
leave the castle by the postern door, and in the moonlight I make my way
to the commot of Llanymddyvri, where dwells that bold patriot Maelgon ap
Caradoc. To him I tell all, and he will risk everything in the cause. It
will be very simply done. You boys must feign a while -- must feign
friendship for the maid thus left behind. Your brothers have won her
heart already; you must not be behind them. The dove must have no fear
of the young eaglets. She has a high courage of her own; she loves
adventure and frolic; she will long to stretch her wings, and wander
amid the mountain heights, under the stanch protection of her comrades
of Dynevor.

"Then listen, boys. The day will come when the thing is to be done. In
some of the wild fastnesses of the upper Towy will be lurking the bold
bands of Maelgon ap Caradoc. Thither you must lead the unsuspicious
maid, first by some device getting rid of your brothers, who might try
to thwart the scheme. These bold fellows will carry off the maid to the
safe keeping of Maelgon, and once let her be his prisoner, there is no
fear of her escaping from his hands. Edward himself and all his forces
at his back will scarce wrest away the prize, and the whole country will
be united and in arms ere it suffer the tyrant to march through our fair
vales."

Whilst within this upper turret chamber this plot was being concocted
against the innocent child by two passionate, hot-headed boys and one of
the ancient r