darkness he noticed none of the figures distinctly enough to recognize them
again. Two or three of the other apprentices gave similar testimony as to
the attack.

A gentleman then presented himself, and gave his name as Sir William de
Hertford. He said that he had come at the request of the Lady Alice Vernon,
who was still suffering from the effects of the wound and immersion. She
had requested him to say that at some future occasion she would appear to
testify, but that in the confusion and suddenness of the attack she had
noticed no faces in the boat which assailed them, and could identify none
concerned in the affair.

The justice who had headed the attack on the hut then gave his evidence as
to that affair, the armourer also relating the incidents of the conflict.


"The prisoners will be committed for trial," the justice said. "At present
there is no actual proof that any of them were concerned in this murderous
outrage beyond the fact that they were taken in the place where it was
planned. The suspicion is strong that some at least were engaged in it.
Upon the persons of all of them were valuable daggers, chains, and other
ornaments, which could not have been come by honestly, and I doubt not that
they form part of the gang which has so long been a terror to peaceful
travelers alike by the road and river, and it may be that some who have
been robbed will be able to identify the articles taken upon them. They
are committed for trial: firstly, as having been concerned in the attack
upon Dame Alice Vernon; secondly, as being notorious ill-livers and
robbers; thirdly, as having resisted lawful arrest by the king's officers.
The greatest criminal in the affair is not at present before me, but it may
be that from such information as Dame Vernon may be able to furnish, and