STORMING A CASTLE. LOL

‘Sir squire,’ said Lord Robert de Vere, riding up
to Walter Espec, whose conduct Longsword had com-
mended, ‘your position in the earl’s absence was
not quite so pleasant as a bed of roses.’

‘In truth, my lord,’ replied Walter, thoughtfully,
Snow that the danger is over, I cannot but deem
that you came just in time to save us from death or
captivity.’

‘And you marvelled that we tarried so long?’

‘Much,’ replied Walter; ‘and had given up all
hope of your return. However,’ added he, ‘I per-
ceive that your time was by no means wasted.’

‘You speak truly,’ said De Vere. ‘Never were
men more successful in an adventure. By accident,
we found ourselves hard by the castle of some
wealthy Saracen, and determined to seize it; so,
overcoming all resistance, we took it by storm, and
found therein much booty, and a bevy of Saracen
ladies; and, having given them to understand that
they were captives of our swords and lances, we are
carrying them to Damietta.’

‘On my faith!’ said Walter, laughing, ‘ Fortune
seems to bestow her favours liberally on the pilgrims
from England. No saying what great exploits my
Lord of Salisbury and his knights may yet perform !
One day we seize a castle and a caravan; another
day it may be a kingdom.’

‘ And yet,’ observed De Vere, the tone of his voice
suddenly changing as he spoke, ‘Iam seldom in soli-
tude without experiencing a vague feeling that cala-
mity is impending.’

Now this adventure, successful as it appeared,

G