veyed the scene, and after lightly covering
the body over with grass and twigs, he turned to depart.

They walked on in silence for some distance before either of them
spoke: the knight deeply wrapped in thought; the page eager and yet
fearful to learn the particulars, yet not daring to question his
master.

At last Sir Henry spoke.

"Mind you, Eustace," said he, "say naught of this affair. I would not
have my name mixed up with it, and if they ask thee, say thou knowest
naught."

Eustace felt mightily relieved, and readily gave the required promise.
He was used to these little deceptions which his master was wont to
use on pressing occasions.

"And see," continued the knight, after a pause, "I am hurt, for
although I have come off victor without a scratch, I have not come out
of the tussle without a bruise or two. I shall tell them I have had a
fall. You understand!"

The page acquiesced, the conversation ceased, and the two walked on in
silence to rejoin their companions.

CHAPTER III.

THE CLOSE OF THE DAY.

See how the wily rascal plays his part.
With many a groan and many a practised art.
Around his victims he the net entwines,
Nor rests till he is snared within its lines.
But sure such hurtsome craft and wicked toil,
Will eftsoon on the villain's head recoil.

In the meantime the chase had grown in excitement. The hawks were as
eager to distinguish themselves as the birds were to escape, and the
sport waxed fast and furious.

As the sun declined, the scattered hawkers struggled back to the
appointed rendezvous to partake of refreshment ere they began their
return journey. By ones and twos they came, bearing with them the
trophies of their sport, which they deposited in a heap before the
ladies.

No one missed De la Zouch at first, and it was not until nigh upon the
conclusion of the meal that his absence was remarked.

"Why, where is Sir Henry de la Zouch?" asked the old knight.

No one had seen him for some time.

"Ah, well," exclaimed Sir George, "'tis a bad plan to be betwixt towns
at mealtimes, eh, Doll? I suppose he'll come soon, though. Perhaps
he's having the best run of the day all alone;" and the knight sighed
at the bare thought of his being away from it.

But Sir George's anticipations were not fulfilled, for when the meal
was finished De la Zouch had not appeared.

"He may have met with an accident?" suggested Manners.

"I rather think Sir Henry is afraid