"'It is well,' continued the captain of the robbers. 'What have you
to say for yourself, fellow? What brought you in these regions, away
from town and habitations?'

"'Give me food, food!' gasped the prisoner.

"'Ay, by our lady, he's famished,' said Petard, with a natural
burst of feeling. 'Here, bring bread-a flask of wine.'

"He was obeyed, and the new comer drained the flask to the bottom,
and devoured the food voraciously, until those about him interfered,
saying that he would kill himself after so long an abstinence; and
truly there seemed to be some grounds for this fear, so ravenously
hungry did he seem. Gradually, as the wine warmed his veins, and the
food, to which some dried meats had been added, began to satisfy the
cravings of hunger, the stranger rose from his bending posture, and
new life seemed infused into his system. His eyes, though somewhat
hollow, seemed to brighten and light up his rugged face. There was
manhood in him, and that pleased the bandits; he showed no signs of
fear, and looked boldly about him, like one who was accustomed to
rely on himself, and was prepared to stand forth at any moment in
defence of his rights.

"'If thou canst fight as well as thou canst eat, my man, thou art a
jewel of a fellow,' said Petard, carefully scanning the new comer,
who seemed every moment brightening up from the effects of the
nourishment.

"'Give me but rest and more food, and you may then try me,' was the