The Tavern Knight

ved. By an evil chance, however, there befell on the eve of the battle that which renewed with height

of that which led to it-was The Mitr

for the Solemn League and Covenant-rubbed shoulders with beribboned Cavaliers of Lord Talbot's company; gay young lairds of Pitscottie's Highlanders, unmindful of the Kirk's

the mirth of some having its source in a neighbour's quip, that

misado that should have resulted in the capture of Cromwell at Spetchley, but which, owing to a betrayal-when wa

burne's men rising out of the ground to enclose and destroy us. A living wall of steel it was, and on every hand the call to surrender. There was dismay in my heart, as I'll swear there was dismay in the heart of every man of us, and I make littl

r blood. 'Into them, gentlemen; follow me!' he roared. And then, with a hurricane of oaths, he hurled his company against the pike-men. The blow was irresistible, and above the din of it came that voice of h

nded, and around that table "The Tavern K

sense of fitness, were occupied in baiting a pale-faced lad, sombrely attired, who seemed s

letter in a feminine hand which Kenneth had let fall, and which Tyler had restored to him. Quip had followed quip un

and down upon the table. "One more of your foul

rame and clerkly attire left the company for a moment speechless with amazement. Then a mighty burst of laughter greeted him, ab

at think you would the reverend elders say to this

onery of yours?" was the hot unguarded answer. "Poltroonery,

s. An instant's lull there was, like the lull in nature that precedes a cl

end amongst them. In an instant they had him, kicking and biting, on the floor; his doublet was torn ru

as unfold it, a voice r

ol

nt man in a leather jerkin and a broad hat d

d Hill!" was taken up on every hand. For despite his sour visage and ungraci

of his bearing and the forbidding set

ter," he demanded

stretched. Vainly did he look round for sign or word of help or counsel. None

l grace surrendered the paper; and, with a pleasant bow and a word of thanks, delivered with never so sl

mpany was on guard duty. Thither he now pursued his way, bearing with him the letter which so opportunely he ha

was a quick step behind him, and

d, and would have passed on, but th

said he, "I cam

ive you good evening." And he made shift to mo

Sir Crispin," he ventured, and h

sitated. Should he surrender the letter unread, and fight on without the aid of the information it might bring him? Then the thought of Ashburn an

rting with it. First I will satisfy myself that I have been no unconscious

Crispin's his mood changed from conciliatory to resentful-

, "that this is but a letter from the lady I hope to make my

edly I

t,

o talk from now till doomsday, you would not t

ice quavering with passion, "while I

at heroics! And yet you would hav

s returning to a beseeching key, "when again I swear that it is no more than such a letter any maid may write her lover. I thought that you had unders

alliard requested

ou will not mar so good an action now. Y

im against the lie that he was acting by pretending to suspect treason in that woman's pothooks. Instincts of

ply or acknowledgment, he turned on his heel, and entered the palace. But he had yielded overlate to leave a good impressio