He broke off abruptly,--a distant clatter of horses' hoofs was
heard, as of one galloping at full speed. The soldiers started,
and assumed an attitude of attention,--their leader muttered
something like an oath, and seizing Alwyn by the arm, hurried him
to the brass gates which, as he had said, stood open, and
literally thrust him through.

"In, in, my lad!" he urged with rough kindliness,--"Thou hast a
face fairer than that of the King's own minstrel, and why wouldst
thou die for sake of an extra cup of wine? If Lysia is to blame
for this scattering of thy wits, take heed thou do not venture
near her more--it is ill jesting with the Serpent's sting! Get
thee hence quickly, and be glad of thy life,--thou hast many years
before thee yet in which to play the lover and fool!"

With this enigmatical speech he signed to his men to follow him,--
they all filed through the gates, which closed after them with a
jarring clang, ... a dark bearded face peered out of a narrow
loophole in one of the watch-towers, and a deep voice called:

"What of the hour?"

The officer raised his gauntleted hand, and answered promptly:

"Peace and safety!"

"Salutation!" cried the voice again.

"Salutation!" responded the officer, and with a reassuring nod and
smile to the bewildered Alwyn, he gathered his little band around