behind them. The count's orders had been obeyed;
fire had been applied to the stores of forage, and soon the castle of
Pres was wrapped in flames.

"I like not our captor's manner," Ralph said to Walter as they rode
along side by side.

"I agree with you, Ralph. I believe that the reason which he gave the
count for his request was not a true one, though, indeed, I can see no
other motive which he could have for seeking to gain possession of
me. Sir Phillip, although a valiant knight, bears but an indifferent
reputation. I have heard that he is a cruel master to his serfs,
and that when away fighting in Germany he behaved so cruelly to the
peasantry that even the Germans, who are not nice in their modes of
warfare, cried out against him. It is an evil fortune that has thrown us
into his hands; still, although grasping and avaricious, he can hardly
demand for a simple knight any inordinate ransom. The French themselves
would cry out did he do so, seeing that so large a number of their
own knights are in our hands, and that the king has ample powers of
retaliation; however, we need not look on the dark side. It is not
likely that our captivity will be a long one, for the prince, who is the
soul of generosity, will not haggle over terms, but will pay my ransom
as soon as he hears into whose hands I have fallen, while there are
scores of men-at-arms prisoners, whom he can exchange for you. Doubtless
Sir Phillip will send you over, as soon as he arrives at his castle,
with one of his own followers to treat for my ransom."

After riding for some hours the troop halted their weary horses in a
wood, and lighting fires, cooked their food, and then lay down until
morning. Sir Phillip exchanged but few words with his captive; as,
having removed his helm, he sat by the fire, Walter had an opportunity
of seeing his countenance. It did not belie his reputation. His face had
a heavy and brutal expression which was not decreased by the fashion of
his hair, which was cut quite short, and stood up without parting all
over his bullet-shaped head; he had a heavy and bristling moustache
which was cut short in a line with his lips.

"It is well," Walter thought to himself, "that it is my ransom rather
than my life which is dear to that evil-looking knight; for, assuredly,
he is not one to hesitate did fortune throw a foe into his hands."

At daybreak the march was resumed, and was continued until they reached
the castle of Sir Phillip H