e two
had flung this enormous rogue down from an upper storey like that; they
would fain have the trick of his arm."

Denys at first pished and pshawed, but dared not play the braggart, for
he said to himself, "That young vagabond will break in and say 'twas
the finger of Heaven, and no mortal arm, or some such stuff, and make me
look like a fool." But now, seeing Gerard unconscious, he suddenly gave
this required information.

"Well, then, you see, comrades, I had run my sword through this one up
to the hilt, and one or two more of 'em came buzzing about me; so it
behoved me have my sword or die: so I just put my foot against his
stomach, gave a tug with my hand and a spring with my foot, and sent him
flying to kingdom come! He died in the air, and his carrion rolled
in amongst you without ceremony: made you jump, I warrant me. But
pikestaves and pillage! what avails prattling of, these trifles once
they are gone by? buvons, camarades, buvons."

The archers remarked that it was easy to say "buvons" where no liquor
was, but not so easy to do it.

"Nay, I'll soon find you liquor. My nose hath a natural alacrity at
scenting out the wine. You follow me: and I my nose: bring a torch!" And
they left the room, and finding a short flight of stone steps, descended
them and entered a large, low, damp cellar.

It smelt close and dank: and the walls were encrusted here and there
with what seemed cobwebs; but proved to be saltpetre that had oozed out
of the damp stones and crystallized.

"Oh! the fine mouldy smell," said Denys; "in such places still lurks the
good wine; advance thy torch. Diable! what is that in the corner? A pile
of rags? No: 'tis a man."

They gathered round with the torch, and lo! a figure crouched on a heap
in the corner, pale as ashes and shivering.

"Why, it is the landlord," said Denys.

"Get up, thou craven heart!" shouted one of the archers.

"Why, man, the thieves are bound, and we are dry that bound them. Up!
and show us thy wine; for no bottles see here."

"What, be the rascals bound?" stammered the pale landlord; "good news.
W-w-wine? that will I, honest sirs."

And he rose with unsure joints and offered to lead the way to the wine
cellar. But Denys interposed. "You are all in the dark, comrades. He is
in league with the thieves."

"Alack, good soldier, me in league with the accursed robbers! Is that
reasonable?"

"The girl said so anyway."

"The girl! What girl? Ah! Curse her, trai