r Maelgon's men fight like
veritable wolves."

"What knoweth our father of the matter? Spakest thou to him of Llewelyn
and Howel?"

"I had perforce to do so, they questioned me so closely. I know not what
they thought. Our guest's face is not one that may be read like a book,
and our father only set his lips in his stern fashion, as though he
would never open them again. I trow he is sore displeased that sons of
his should thus act; but perchance it may not be so bad as we think."

Wendot made no reply. He was growing too spent and weary to have words
or thoughts to spare. It seemed as if the long and weary descent would
never be accomplished; and the beat of the sun beating down upon them
mercilessly as they reached the lower ground turned him sick and faint.
Little Gertrude, mounted now upon her palfrey, was chattering
ceaselessly to her father, as he strode on beside her down the hillside;
but Lord Montacute was grave and silent; and as for the face of Res
Vychan, it looked as if carved out of marble, as he planted himself by
the side of the sturdy pony who carried his son, and placed his arm
round the lad to support him during that long and weary ride.

It was plain that the thoughts of both men were of a very serious
complexion, and gave them food for much reflection and consideration.

Griffeth bounded on a little ahead of the cavalcade, excited by the
events of the day, anxious for his brother, yet intensely proud of him,
envying him the chance of thus displaying his heroic qualities, yet only
wishing to have shared them -- not that anything should be detracted
from the halo which encircled Wendot. He had reached a turn in the path,
and for a moment was alone and out of sight of the company that
followed, when the hounds who had accompanied Wendot, and were now
returning with them, uttered a deep bay as of welcome, and the next
moment two dark and swarthy heads appeared from behind the shelter of
some great boulders, and the faces of Llewelyn and Howel looked
cautiously forth.

In a moment Griffeth was by their side, various emotions struggling in
his face for mastery; but the tie of brotherhood was a strong one, and
his first words were those of warning.

"It is all known -- our father knows, and hers. I know not what your
punishment will be. I have never seen our father look so stern. Do as
you will about returning home, but I wot not how you will be received."

Llewelyn and Howel exchanged glances; an