ersation was interrupted by a commotion from without; the sound
of horses' hoofs, the cries of men and the clash of arms. In an instant,
both men were at the tiny unglazed window. Before them, on the highroad,
five knights in armor were now engaged in furious battle with a party of
ten or a dozen other steel-clad warriors, while crouching breathless on
her palfry, a young woman sat a little apart from the contestants.

Presently, one of the knights detached himself from the melee and rode
to her side with some word of command, at the same time grasping
roughly at her bridle rein. The girl raised her riding whip and struck
repeatedly but futilely against the iron headgear of her assailant while
he swung his horse up the road, and, dragging her palfrey after him,
galloped rapidly out of sight.

Norman of Torn sprang to the door, and, reckless of his unarmored
condition, leaped to Sir Mortimer's back and spurred swiftly in the
direction taken by the girl and her abductor.

The great black was fleet, and, unencumbered by the usual heavy armor
of his rider, soon brought the fugitives to view. Scarce a mile had been
covered ere the knight, turning to look for pursuers, saw the face of
Norman of Torn not ten paces behind him.

With a look of mingled surprise, chagrin and incredulity the knight
reined in his horse, exclaiming as he did so, "Mon Dieu, Edward!"

"Draw and defend yourself," cried Norman of Torn.

"But, Your Highness," stammered the knight.

"Draw, or I stick you as I have stuck an hundred other English pigs,"
cried Norman of Torn.

The charging steed was almost upon him and the knight looked to see the
rider draw rein, but, like a black bolt, the mighty Sir Mortimer struck
the other horse full upon the shoulder, and man and steed rolled in the
dust of the roadway.

The knight arose, unhurt, and Norman of Torn dismounted to give fair
battle upon even terms. Though handicapped by the weight of his armor,
the knight also had the advantage of its protection, so that the
two fought furiously for several minutes without either gaining an
advantage.

The girl sat motionless and wide-eyed at the side of the road watching
every move of the two contestants. She made no effort to escape, but
seemed riveted to the spot by the very fierceness of the battle she
was beholding, as well, possibly, as by the fascination of the handsome
giant who had espoused her cause. As she looked upon her champion, she
saw a lithe, m