looking as gaunt and spectral as the phantoms they dreaded. He
blessed the saints when Eustace came forth safe and sound, and
smiled and shook his head with an arch look when Leonard was
carried out; but his never-failing good-nature prevented him
from saying a word which might savour of reproach when he saw
to what a condition the poor youth was reduced. As four stout
men-at-arms took up the litter, the old woman, coming forth to
her threshold, uttered something which his knowledge of the
Romanesque tongues of Southern France enabled him to interpret
into a vindication of her character, and a request for a reward
for her care of the sick Englishman.

"Throw her a gold piece, Sir Eustace, or she may cast at you an
evil eye. There, you old hag," he added in the Provencal patois,
"take that, and thank your stars that 'tis not with a fire that
your tender care, as you call it, is requited."

The men-at-arms meditated ducking the witch after their own English
fashion, but it was growing late and dark, and the Knight gave strict
orders that they should keep together in their progress to their own
tents. Here Leonard was deposited on the couch which Gaston insisted
on giving up to him; but his change of residence appeared to be of
little advantage, for the camp was scarce quiet for the night, before
he shrieked out that the black cats were there. Neither Eustace nor
Gaston could see them, but that was only a proof that they were not
under the power of the enchantment, and John Ingram was quite sure
that he had not only seen the sparkle of their fiery eyes, but felt
the scratch of their talons, which struck him to the ground, with his
foot caught in the rope of the tent, while he was walking about with
his eyes shut.