THE KING AND THE BONDMEN.

speak to Father Eustace about it, and he, if needs be,
will ask the abbot to interpose the authority of the
church for the protection of the weak against the
strong." He would have spoken further, but at that
moment the sound of a bell was heard pealing softly
at a distance. "I must go," he said, "and without
having seen Ralph. Good-night, father-mother-
sister. Be of good cheer. I will see you again ere
long. Good-night."
 So saying, he went out, and was soon out of sight
in the deepening gloom of the forest.


 "^L --- .-----