"It grieves me to the heart to do it, but we have pressing business
elsewhere and must provide against pursuit. Some one will, I hope,
chance upon you before night. . . Proceed, James--yonder beech will
answer."

The Knight laughed.

"I thank you for the hope," he said--and, throwing his body into the
blow, smashed the rogue with the rope straight on the chin-point, and
leaping over him closed with the leader.

It was done so quickly and in such positions that the others dared not
shoot lest they strike either James or their chief--but the struggle
was only for a moment; for they sprang in and dragged the Knight away,
and whipped the rope about his arms.

"Marry," exclaimed the leader, brushing the dirt from his clothes, "I
am sorry they did not let us have the wrestle out--though you are a
quick hitter, my lord, and powerful strong in the arms. I wager you
showed James more stars than he ever knew existed."

James, still dazed, was struggling to get up, and one of the others
gave him a hand.

"By St. Hubert," he growled, rubbing his head in pain and scowling at
De Lacy, "if there be more I have no wish to see them."

In the fight De Lacy's forearm had struck the point of his own dagger,
where it protruded below the brigand's belt, and the blood was