ecessity of truth
and honour, which, although it may not justify me in remitting the
penalty, may yet retain him my friendship. A deer has been slain in
the woods, and by one of you. Let the guilty boy avow his fault."

No one stirred.

The earl looked troubled.

"This grieves me deeply," he said, "far more than the mere offence.
It becomes a matter of honour--he who stirs not, declares himself
innocent, called by lawful authority to avow the truth as he now
is."

Once or twice the earl looked sadly at Hubert, but the face of the
fair boy was unclouded. If he had looked on the other side, he
might have seen anxiety, if not apprehension, on one face.

"Enter then, sir forester."

The forester entered.

"You found a deer shot by an arrow in the West Woods?"

"I did."

"And you found the arrow?"

"Yes."

"Was it marked?"

"It was."

The earl held an arrow up.

"Who owns the crest of a boar's head?"

Hubert started.

"I do, my lord--but--but," and he changed colour.

Do not let the reader wonder at this. Innocence suddenly arraigned
is oft as confused as guilt.

"But, my lord, I never shot the deer."

"Thine arrow is a strong presumptive proof against thee."

"I cannot tell, my lord, who can have used one of my arrows for
such a purpose--I did not."

Here spoke up another page, a Percy of the Northumbrian breed of
warriors.

"My lord, I was out the other day with Hubert in the woods, and he
lost an arrow which he shot at a hare. We often lose our arrows in
the woods."

"Does any other page know aught of the matter? Speak to clear the
innocent or convict the guilty. As you look forward to knighthood,
I adjure you all on your honour."

Then Drogo, who thought that things were going too well for Hubert,
spoke.

"My lord, is it a duty to tell all we know, even if it is against a
companion?"

"It is under such circumstances, when the innocent may be
suspected."

"Then, my lord, I saw Hubert shoot that deer, as I was in the West
Woods."

"Saw him! Did he see you?"

"It is a lie, my lord," cried Hubert indignantly. "I cast the lie
in his teeth, and challenge him to prove his words by combat in the
lists, when I will thrust the slander down his perjured throat."

The earl had his own doubts as to this new piece of evidence, for
he was aware of Drogo's feelings towards Hubert, and therefore he
welcomed the indignant denial of the younger boy. Still, he could
not permit mortal combat at