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.