The Outlaw of Torn

withstanding its repellent exterior and unsavory reputation, always extended a warm welcome to the kindly, genial priest; not alone because of the deep friendship

he mighty outlaw was in many respects pure and lofty. It was this same influence, though, which won for Father Claude his only enemy in Torn; the little, grim, gray, old man who

e do not "dismount"-a half dozen young squires ran forw

ng a question here, passing a merry joke there with the ease and

nd within the great court, beautified with smooth lawn, beds of gorgeous plants, fountains, statues and s

ur souls, or damn us? What manner of sacrilege have we committed now, or h

Though methinks ye merit chiding for the grievous poor courtesy wit

sciple he claims to be. Were it not better for an Archbishop of His Church to walk in humility and poverty among His people, than to be ever s

lets of wine as may be borne by two sumpter beasts when thou

completely, and if you must needs have proof in order to absolve me from my sins, come with me now and you shal

ery, Red Shandy," continued Father Claude, as he locked his

from him by some vandals of the road, he had One Eye Kanty rivet it at each side of the gorget so that it could not be removed by other than a smithy, and thus, strapped face to tail upon a donkey, he sent the great Bishop of Norwich rattling down the dusty

man of Torn entered. He spoke to Father Claude in a surly tone,

e three days gone, he rode out in the d

whom I suspect from the trappings of her palfrey to be of the house of Montfort. Together they rode north, but thy son did not say whither or for what purp

followed my training, without thy accurst priestly interference, he had made an iron-barred nest in Torn for many of the dov

t be more at home than her

d the little old man, eyei

e King's would rightly grace the royal palace," but he had not failed to note the pert

ce was required at the gates, and that worthy, with a sorrowin

n meditative silence, which was pres

e but months, but as sure as there be a devil in hell, Norman of Torn will swing from a king's gibbet. And thou knowst it, and he too, as well as I. The things which thou hast taught him be above his station, and the hopes and ambitions they inspire will but make his end the bitterer for him. Of late I have noted

ll. For all thou dost and hast done to blight and curse the nobleness of his nature, I have done and shall continue to do all in my power to controvert. As thou hast been his bad angel, so shall I tr

riends and followers of our Dear Lord Jesus; so that shall be more

his honor when he is gone, and that he has been cruel to men w

but if any be curst because of the Outlaw of Torn, it will be thou-I had almost said, unnatural fathe

, his face, somewhat pale, was drawn into lines of malevolent hatred a

ove; now let us both understand that it be war and hate. My life work is cut out for me. Others, like thyself, have stood in my path, yet today I am here, but where are they? D

urned the look wi

said, and, rising

tely swung open without waiting the formality of permission. Father Claude looked up to s

my son," sai

what may be the news of Torn. I have been abse

for their murders. Ah, my boy, why wilt thou not give up this wicked life of thine? It has never been my wa

for from the barons, and the King, and Holy Church. Murder, theft, rapine! Passeth a

f to tear the sheep? Methinks not. Only do I collect from those who have more tha

love it, Father. That thou know. I would that th

reatest wish to be out of this life is due to the fact that I crave the association of those very enemies I have b

court of Louis, you would take your place among the highest of the land. You be rich and brave and handsome. Nay do not raise your hand. You be all these and more, for you have learning far beyond the majority of nobles, and you ha

nt, then he drew his hand across his

n in England for a time at least, though the

n was Bertrad