it was hard to tell, for by the time we got him to the hostelry he was
well-nigh spent and scarce able to crawl along, even with my help."

"He was wounded, then?"

"Stabbed with a dagger, father, just under the collar-bone. He must have
made a stout resistance, for we heard the clashing of swords for some time
as we ran, and when he was struck down he struggled so hard that in spite
of the efforts of two of his assailants they failed to slay him. As soon
as his wounds were bandaged we left him to the care of the landlord, and
hurried off without thinking to ask his name, or of giving him ours, but
we promised to return to see him to-morrow morning."

"And what became of the daughter?"

"She swooned, sir, when all was over, and Edgar carried her to the
hostelry."

"'Tis good. You have both entered well upon the profession of arms, and
have achieved an adventure worthy of knights. Now to bed. Your mother
retired long ago, but I know that she will not sleep until she has heard
of your safe return and of this adventure that you have gone through."

Highly gratified at the knight's commendation, the lads went up to their
room.

"Putting aside the saving of life," Albert said, "I am right glad that we
have gone through this adventure. 'Tis true that I had decided upon
yielding to my father's wishes and taking up the career of arms, but I had
grievous doubts as to whether I should not shame myself and him in my