第9章

Now，withhistalkofadventures，andwithhighhopes，Iwassoheartenedup，that，tomyshame，mygrieffellfromme，andIwenttomybedtodreamoftrenchesandescalades，gloryandgain。ButElliot，Ifearme，passedawearynight，andasorry，whereasIhadscarcelaidmyheadonmypillow，asitseemed，whenIheardThomasshoutingtothegrooms，andclatterofourhorses\'hoofsinthecourtyard。SoIleapedup，thoughitwasscarcedaylight，andwerodenorthwardsbeforethefullcomingofthedawn。 HereImustneedswriteofashamefulthing，whichIknewnotthen，orIwouldhaveriddenwithaheavierheart，butIwastoldconcerningthemattermanyyearsafter，byMessireEnguerranddeMonstrelet，averylearnedknight，anddeepinthecounselsoftheDukeofBurgundy。 \"Youwereallsold，\"hesaidtome，atDijon，intheyearofourLordfourteenhundredandforty-seven——\"youwereallsoldwhenyoumarchedagainstParistown。FortheMaid，withD\'Alencon，rodefromCompiegnetowardsParis，onthetwenty-thirdofAugust，ifI rememberwell\"；andhereheturnedaboutcertainwrittenparchmentsthatlaybyhim。\"Yea，onthetwenty-thirdsheleftCompiegne，butonthetwenty-eighthofthatmonththeArchbishopofReimsenteredthetown，andtherehemettheambassadorsoftheGoodDukeofBurgundy。Thereheandtheymadeacompactbetweenthem，bindingyourKingandtheDuke，thattheirtruceshouldlasttillNoel，butthatthedukemightusehismeninthedefenceofParisagainstallthatmightmakeonfall。Now，theArchbishopandtheKingknewwellthattheMaidwas，inthathour，marchingonParis。Towhatpurposemakeatruce，andleaveoutofthepeacetheverypointwherewarshouldbe？ManifestlytheFrenchKingnevermeanttoputforththestrengthofhisarmyinhelpingtheMaid。TherewastobetrucebetweenFranceandBurgundy，butnonebetweenEnglandandtheMaid。” SoMessireEnguerrandtoldme，alearnedknightandagrave，andthuswasthecounselofthesaintsdefeatedbytheveryKingwhomtheysoughttoaid。Butofthisshamefultreatywemen-at-armsknewnothing，andsohazardedourlivesagainstloadeddice。 CHAPTERXX——CONCERNINGTHEMAIDANDTHEBIRDS Werodenorthwards，firstthroughlandsthatIhadtravelledinbeforetoOrleans，andsointoacountrythenstrangetome，passingbywayofLagny，withintenttogotoSenlis，wherewedeemedtheKinglay。ThewholeregionbeingnearParis，andcloseundertheEnglishpower，wasrichandpeacefulofaspect，thecornbeingalreadyreaped，andstandinginsheavesaboutthefields，whethertofeedEnglishmenorFrenchmen，nonecouldtell。Forthelandwasinakindofhush，inexpectancyandfear，nomanknowinghowthingsshouldfalloutatParis。NathelessthePriorofLagny，withinthatveryweekwhereinwecame，hadgonetoSt。Denis，andyieldedhisgoodtownintothehandsoftheDucd\'AlenconfortheKing。AndthefairDukehadsentthitherMessireAmbrosedeLore，averygoodknight，withMessireJehanFoucault，andmanymen-at-arms。 ToMessireAmbrosewewerebrought，thatwemightgiveandtakehisnews。IrememberwellthatIdroppedoutofthesaddleatthedoorofhislodgings，andcouldscarcestandonmylegs，sowearywasI withthelongandswiftriding。NeverhadIriddensofar，andsofast，freshhorsesstandingsaddledandbridledforThomasScottandmeateverystage，butthebeastwhichIhadhiredIsentbackfromthefirststagetominehostofthe\"HangingSword。”NotwithoutlabourIclimbedthestairstothechamberofMessireAmbrose，whobadeussitdown，andcalledforwinetobegivenus，whereofThomasScottdrankwell，butIdaredtakenone，lestmylegsshouldwhollyrefusetheiroffice。 WhenThomashadtoldhowallthecountrylayattheKing\'speace，andhowourpurposewastoridetotheKingatSenlis，theknightbadeusrathermakewhathastewemighttoSt。Denis。\"Forthere，byto-morrowornextday，theKingisliketobe，andtheassaultwillbedeliveredonParis，comeofitwhatwill。” Withthishebadeusgoodspeed，but，toguessfromhiscountenance，wasinnohighhopes。And，atsupper，wheretowehadthecompanyofcertainofhismen-at-arms，Icouldwellperceivethattheywerenotinthebestheart。FornowweheardhowtheMaid，beingsorrowfulforthelongdelays，hadbiddentheDucd\'AlenconrideforthwithherfromCompiegne\"toseePariscloserthanyetshehadseenit。” TheDucd\'Alencon，whoinlatedayshassostrangelyforgottentheloyaltyofhisyouth，wasthenfaintomarchwithher，fortheytwoweretheclosestfriendsthatmightbe。ThereforetheyhadpassedbywayofSenlis，wheretheywerejoinedbysomeforceofmen-at- arms，andso，onthethirdday\'smarch，theycametoSt。Denis，wheretheywerenowlying。HereitisthatthekingsofFrancehavebeenburiedfortheseeighthundredyears，inthegreatAbbey。 \"NomDieu!\"saidoneofthosewhospokewithus。\"YoumightdeemthatourKingisnowisepressedtoseetheplacewherehisforefatherslie。ForD\'Alenconisriding，nowandagain，toSenlis，torousetheKing，andmakehimmarchtoSt。Denis，withthearmy，thattheassaultmaybegiven。Butiftheywerebiddinghimtohisownfuneral，insteadoftoagentlepassageofarms，hecouldnotmakemoreexcuses。ThereareskirmishesunderPariswalls，andatthegates，daybyday，andtheMaidrideshereandthere，consideringofthebestplacefortheonslaught。ButtheKingtarries，andwithouthimandthearmytheycanventureonnogreatvaliance。Nevertheless，comehemust，iftheybringhimboundinacart。Wherefore，ifyouwantyourpartinwhatistoward，youdowelltomakenolongtarryinghere。” Iwasofthesamemind，andastheKingwasshortlytobelookedforatSt。Denis，werodethitherearlynextmorning，withwhatspeedwemight。Onourleft，likeacloud，wasthesmokeofParis，makingmeunderstandwhatagreatcityitwas，muchgreaterthanOrleans。 Beforeus，faraway，werethetalltowersofthechapelofSt。 Denis，tobeourguide!Weheard，also，thenoiseofordnancebeingfired，andthereforemadethegreaterhaste，andwesorodethat，aboutsixhoursafternoon，ontheEveoftheNativityofourBlessedLady，wereachedthegatesofthetown。Herewefoundgreatpressoffolk，mencomingandgoing，somecarryingthewounded，fortherehadbeenaskirmishthatday，atoneoftheParisgates，whencecamethesoundofcannonandculverins，andwehadwonlittleadvantage。 AtthegatesofSt。DenisweaskedwherethequartersoftheScotsmen-at-armsmightbe，andweretoldinthechapel，whitherweneedednoguide。But，aswewentupthestreet，wesawwomenleaningforthfromthewindows，laughingwiththemen-at-arms，andbeckoningtothem，andbythetaverndoorsmanyweresittingdrinking，withgirlsbesidethem，andotherswereplayingdice，andmanyanoathweheard，andfoulwords，asiscustomaryinacamp。VerilyIsawwellthatthiswasnotthearmyofmencleanconfessedandofholylifewhohadfollowedtheMaidfromBloistoOrleans。Inplaceofpriests，herewereharlots，and，forhymns，ribaldsongs，formenhadflockedinfromeveryquarter；soldiersoftherobbercompanies，Bretons，Germans，Italians，Spaniards，alltalkingintheirownspeech，rude，foul，anddisorderly。Sowetookourway，asbestweknight，throughthepress，hearingoathsenoughifourhorsestrodovernearanyman，andseeingdaggersdrawn。 Itwasapleasuretocomeoutonthegreatparvise，wherethered，white，andgreenofourScotswerethecommonestcolours，andwheretheairwaslessfoulandnoisomethaninthenarrowwynds。Highaboveusthegreattowersoftheabbeyshoneredandgoldeninthelightofthesinkingsun，whilebeneathallwasbrown，dusk，anddimwithsmoke。OnthesetowersIcouldgladlyhavelookedlong，andnotwearied。Fortheyareallcarvenwiththeholycompanyofthemartyrsandsaints，liketheAngelswhomJacobsawascendingbytheladderintoheaven；evensothatblessedcompanyseemedtoscaleupwardsfromthefilthofthestreet，andthedarkness，andthedin，rightontowardsthegoldenheightsoftheCityofGod。AndbeneaththemliethesacredbonesofallthekingsofFrance，fromthedaysofSt。Dagoberteventoourowntime，alllaidtheretorestwherenomanshalldisturbthem，tilltheAngels\'Trumpetcalls，andtheDayofJudgmentisathand。VerilyitisasolemnplaceforaChristianmantothinkon，andIwasgazingthereupon，asinadream，whenonepluckedmysleeve，andturning，IsawRandalRutherford，allhisteethshowinginagrin。 \"Welcome，\"hecried。\"Youhavemadegoodspeed，andthebeginningofafrayisbetterthantheendofafeast。And，bySt。Boswell，to-morrowweshallhaveit，lad!TheKingcameinto-day——lateisbetterthannever——andto-morrowwegowiththeMaid，togivethesepock-puddingsatasteofScottishsteel。” \"AndtheMaid，whereisshe，Randal？\" \"ShelodgesbeyondtheParisgate，atthewindmill，wherefromshedrovetheEnglishsomedaysagone。” \"Whereforenotinthetown？\"Iasked。 \"Mayhapbecauseshelikestobenearherwork，andwouldthatallwereofhermind。Andmayhapshelovesnotthesightofthewencheswhomshewaswonttodrivefromthecamp，aboveallnowthatshehasbrokentheHolySwordofFierbois，smitingalasswiththeflatoftheblade。” \"Ilikenottheomen，\"saidI。 \"Freitsfollowthemthatfreitsfear，\"saidRandal，inourcountryspeech。\"AndtheMaidisnoneofthese。\'Wellitwas，\'saidshe，\'thatItrustednotmylifetoabladethatbreakssoeasily，\'and，inthenextskirmish，shetookaBurgundianwithherownhands，andnowwearshissword，whichisagoodcutandthrustpiece。Butcome，\"hecried，\"ifneedsyoumustseetheMaid，youhavebuttowalktotheParisgate，andsotothewindmillhardby。AndyourhorseIwillstablewithourown，andforquarters，welivingScotsmen-at-armsfareaswellasthedeadkingsofFrance，forto-nightwelieinthechapel。” Idismounted，andhegavemeanembrace，and，holdingmeatarms\'- length，laughed- \"Youneverwereatallman，Norman，butyoulooksound，andwhole，andtoughforyourinches，likeaHighlandman\'sdirk。Nowbeoffonyourerrand，andwhenitisdone，lookformeyonderatthesignof\'TheCrane，\'\"pointingacrosstheparvisetoatavern，\"forIkeepawordtotellinyourlugthatfewwotof，andthatitwilljoyyoutohear。To-morrow，lad，wegoinforemost。” Andso，smiling，hetookmyhorseandwenthisway，whistling，\"Hey，tuttie，tattie!\" VerilyhiswasthegladdestfaceIhadseen，andhiswordsputsomeheartintome，whereas，oftherestsaveourownScots，IlikedneitherwhatIsaw，norwhatIheard。 Ihadbuttowalkdownthestreet，throughelbowingthrongsofgrooms，pages，men-at-arms，andarchers，tillIfoundtheParisGate，whencethewindmillwasplaintobehold。ItwassuchanoldplaceasweseeinNorthernFrance，plain，strong，withredwallswhichtheyellowmossesstain，andwithhighgreyroofs。TheMaid\'sbanner，withtheHolyDove，andtheSacredName，droopedabovethegateway，andbesidethedoor，onthemounting-stone，sattheboy，LouisdesCoutes，herpage。Hewasaladoffifteenyears，merryenoughofhisnature，andalwayswentgailyclad，andwearinghisyellowhairlong。Butnowhesatthoughtfulonthemounting-stone，cuttingatabitofwoodwithhisdagger。 \"Soyouhavecometotakeyourpart，\"hesaid，whenwehadsalutedeachtheother。\"Faith，Ihopeyoubringgoodluckwithyou，andmorejoytomymistress，forweneedallthatyoucanbring。” \"Why，whatailsallofyou？\"Iasked。\"Ihaveseenneverahopefulface，savethatofoneofmyowncountrymen。Youarenotafraidofacrackonyourcurlypate，areyou？\" \"Curlyornot，myheadknowsbetterthantoknockitselfagainstPariswalls。Theyarethick，andhigh，andthewindowsofeveryhouseonthewallarepiledwithstones，todropuponus。AndI knownotwellwhy，butthingsgoillwithus。IneversawHer，\"andhenoddedtowardstheopengateway，\"sooutofcomfort。Whenthereisfightingtoward，sheislikeherself，andsheisthefirsttoriseandthelasttoliedown。But，inallourwaitinghere，shehaspassedmanyanhourprayinginthechapel，wherethedeadkingslie，yetherfaceisnotgladwhenshecomesforth。Itwaswonttoshinestrangely，whenshehadbeenpraying，atthechapelinCouldray，whilewewereatChinon。Butnowitisotherwise。 Moreover，wesawParisverycloseto-day，andtherewereovermanyredcrossesofSt。Georgeuponthewalls。Andto-morrowistheFeastoftheBlessedVirgin，nodayforbloodshed。” \"Faintheart!\"saidI(and，indeed，aftertheassaultonParis，LouisdesCouteswentback，androdenomorewiththemaid)。\"Thebettertheday，thebetterthedeed!MayIgowithin？\" \"Iwillgowithyou，\"hesaid，\"forshesaidthatyouwouldcome，andbademebringyoutoher。” Weenteredthegatewaytogether，andbeforeuslaythesquareofthefarm，strewnwithlitter，andfromwithinthebyreweheardthemilkringinthepails，forthewomenweremilkingthecows。Andtherewebothstoodastonished，forwesawtheMaidasneveryetIhadseenher。Shewasbareheaded，butworetherestofherharness，holdinginherhandameasureofcorn。Allthefowlsoftheairseemedtobeabouther，expectingtheirmeat。Butshewasnotthrowingthegrainamongthem，forshestoodasstillasagravenimage，and，wonderfultotell，adovewasperchedonhershoulder，andamaviswasnestlinginherbreast，whilemanybirdsflewroundher，chieflydoveswithburnishedplumage，flittingasitwerelovingly，andsoftlybrushinghernowandagainwiththeirwings。 ManyatimehadIhearditsaidthat，whileshewasyetachild，thewildbirdswouldcomeandnestleinthebosomoftheMaid，butIhadneverbelievedthetale。YetnowIsawthisthingwithmineowneyes，afairsightandamarvellous，sobeautifulshelooked，withheadunhelmeted，andthewildfowlandtameflittingaboutherandaboveher，thedovescrooningsweetlyintheirsoftvoices。Thenherlipsmoved，andshespoke- \"TresdoulxDieu，enl\'onneurdevostresainctepassion，jevousrequier，sevousmeaimes，quevousmerevelezcequejedoyfairedemainpourvostregloire!\" Soshefellsilentagain，andtomeitseemedthatImustnotanylongerlookuponthatholymystery，so，crossingmyself，Ilaidmyhandontheshoulderofthepage，andwewentsilentlyfromtheplace。 \"Haveyoueverseenitinthismanner？\"Iwhispered，whenwewereagainwithoutthefarmyard。 \"Never，\"saidhe，trembling，\"thoughonceIsawastrangerthing。” \"Andwhatmaythathavebeen？\" \"Nay，Ispokeofittoher，andshemademeswearthatIneverwouldrevealittolivingsoul，saveinconfession。Butsheisnotasotherwomen。” WhathehadinhismindIknownot，butIbadehimgoodeven，andwentbackintothetown，wherelightswerebeginningtoshowinthecasements。Inthespacewithinthegatesweremanycartsgathered，fulloffaggotswherewithtochokeupthefosseunderParis，andtablestothrowabovethefaggots，andsocrossovertotheassault。 CHAPTERXXI——HOWAHUNDREDSCOTSSETFORTHTOTAKEPARISTOWN Enteringthetavernof\"TheCrane，\"IfoundthedoorwayscrowdedwitharchersofourGuard，amongwhomwasRandalRutherford。 WhenIhadcome，theywalkedintoachamberonthegroundfloor，callingforwine，andbiddingcertainFrenchburgessesgoforth，whoneedednosecondtelling。Thedoorwasshut，twosentinelsofourswerepostedoutside，andthenRandalverycarefullysoundedallthepanelsoftheroom，lookingheedfullylestthereshouldbeanyholewherebywhatpassedamongusmightbeheardinanotherpartofthehouse，buthefoundnothingofthekind。 Theroombeingfull，somesittingandsomestanding，aswecould，RandalbadeFatherUrquhart，ourchaplain，tellustowhatendwehadbeencalledtogether。 Thegoodfatherthereuponstoodup，andspokeinalowvoice，butsothatallcouldhear，forwewereallhushedtolisten。 \"Thatistheman，thatisBrotherRichard。Now，asIwasbusytendingthewounded，intheskirmishthreedaysagone，thisCarmelitewasaboutthesamedutyforthoseofhisparty。Heputintomyhandaslipofpaper，whereinBrotherRichardcommendedhimtoanyScotorFrenchmanoftheKing\'sparty，asanhonestman，andafriendoftheKing\'s。WhenIhadreadthis，theCarmelitespokewithmeinLatin，andinalowvoice。Hismatterwasthis:InParis，hesaid，thereisastrongpartyofArmagnacs，whohave，asweallknow，alongscoretosettlewiththemofBurgundy。Theyareofthecommonfolkandlabourers，butamongthemaremanyrichburgesses。Theyhavebandedthemselvestogetherbyanoathtotakeourpart，withinthetown，ifoncewewinagate。Hereisacedulesignedbythemwiththeirnamesormarks，andthishegavemeasaproofofgoodfaith。” Herehehandedalongslipofparchment，allcoveredwithwriting，toRandal，anditwentroundamongus，butfewtherewereclerks，savemyself。Ilookedonit，andthenames，manyofthemattestedbysealswithcoatarmour，wereplaintoberead。 \"Theircounselistomusterinarmssecretly，andtoconveythemselves，onebyone，intocertainhouseshardbythePortSt。 Denis，wherecertainoftheirpartydwell。Now，veryearlyto- morrowmorning，beforedawn，thepurposeoftheEnglishistosendforthacompanyofahundredmen-at-arms，whowillmakeasuddenonsetonthewindmill，wheretheMaidliesto-night，andsowilltakeher，iftheymay。” \"BySt。BrideofDouglas，\"saidoneofus，\"theywillgettheirkailthroughthereek，forourguardistolieinarmsaboutthewindmill，andbefirstinthefieldto-morrow。” \"Thecraftis，then，\"FatherUrquhartwenton，\"thatweshalldestroythisEnglishcompanywithswordorarrow，butwithnoalarmofculverinsorcannon。Meanwhile，somefivescoreofyouwillputonto-nighttheredcrossofSt。George，withplainarmour，sothattheEnglishshallmistakeyoufortheirownmenreturningfromthesally，andsomefewmeninourowncoloursandcoatsyouwillhalewithyouasprisoners。And，ifoneofyoucanbutattirehimselfinsomegearoftheMaid\'s，withahucqueofhers，scarlet，anddightwiththeLiliesofFrance，theEnglishgate-wardswillopentoyouallthemoreeagerly。” \"BythebonesofSt。Boswell!\"criedRandalinhisloudvoice，butthegoodFatherputahandonhismouth。 \"Quiet，man!\"hesaid。 \"BytheblessedbonesofSt。Boswell，\"Randalsaidagain，asnearawhisperashecouldattainto，\"theladyofthelinen-basketshallcomeastheMaid。Wehavenomansomaidenly。” Theyallshouted，laughing，andbeatingthetableswithhandsandtankards。 \"Silence!\"criedRobinLindsay。 \"Nay，thelouderwelaugh，thelesswillanysuspectwhatisforward，\"saidRandalRutherford。 \"Norman，willyouplaythispartinthemumming？\" Iwasashamedtosayno，thoughIlikeditnotoverwell，andI noddedwithmyhead。 \"Howmaidenlyheblushes!\"criedone，andtherewasanotherclamour，tillthewallsrang。 \"Sobeitthen，\"saysFatherUrquhart，\"andnowyouknowall。ThehonestArmagnacswillrisesosoonasyouarewellwithinthegate。 TheycommandbothsidesofthestreetthatleadstothePortSt。 Denis，andfaith，iftheEnglishwanttotakeit，whenahundredScotsarewithin，theywillhavetosallyforthbyanothergate，andcomefromtheoutside。AndyouaretorunupthebannerofScotlandoverthePort，whenonceyouholdit，sotheFrenchattackwillbethereby。” \"WeplayedthesamegamebeforeVerneuilfight，andwonit，\"saidone；\"willtheEnglishhaveforgottenthetrick？\" \"BySt。Bride，whenoncetheyseeushalingtheMaidalong，theywillforgetoldstratagemsofwar。Thisisanewdevice!Ohtoseetheirfaceswhenwecry\'St。Andrew，\'andseton!\" \"Iamnotsooldasyouallinthewars，\"Ibegan。 \"No，MademoisellelaLavandiere，butyouareoftherightspirit，withyourwench\'sface。” \"But，\"Isaid，\"howiftheEnglishthataretoattackthewindmillinthefirstgreyofthemorningcomenottohand-strokes，ortaketotheirheelswhentheyfindusawake，andwinbacktoParisbeforeus？Ourcraft，methinks，istoholdtheminanambush，butwhatifwecatchthemnot？Letbutonerunawaybeswiftoffoot，andweareundone。” \"Thereisthistobesaid，\"quothFatherUrquhart，\"thattheEnglishcompanyistosallyforthbythePortSt。Denis，anditisthePortSt。DenisthatourArmagnacswillbeguarding。NowIspeakasamanofpeace，forthatismycalling。ButhowwoulditbeifyourhundredmenandNormansetforthinthedark，andlayhidnotveryfarfromtheSt。DenisGate？Thensomewhileafterthelightingofthebale-firesfromthewindmill，tobelitwhentheEnglishseton，makestraightforthegate，andcry，\"St。GeorgeforEngland!\" \"Ifyouseenotthebale-fireseredaylight，youwillcomebackwithwhatspeedyoumay；butifyoudoseethem，then——\" \"Father，youhavenotlivedlongontheHighlandlinefornothing，\" quothRobinLindsay。 \"Averyproperstratagemindeed，\"Isaid，\"butnow，gentlemen，thereisonelittlematter；howwillSirHughKennedytakethisdeviceofours？Ifwetryitandfail，withouthisprivity，wehadbetterneverreturn，butdieunderPariswall。And，evenifweholdthegate，andParistownistaken，faithIwouldratheraffrontthefireofJohntheLorrainerthanthefaceofSirHugh。” Nomanspoke，therewerenottwomindsonthismatter，so，aftersomechafferofwords，itwasagreedtosendFatherUrquhartwithRandaltoshowthewholeschemetoSirHugh，whiletherestofusshouldawaittheircomingbackwithananswer。Innolongtimetheywerewithus，thefatherveryredandshame-faced。 \"Hegavethegoodfathertheroughsideofhistongue，\"quothRandal，\"forspeakingfirsttome，andnottohim。Happilywewereovercunningtosayaughtofourgatheringhere。Butwhenhehadlethisbileflow，heswore，andsaidthathecouldspareahundreddyvourloonsofhiscommand，onthecastofthedice，and，nowsilenceall!notawordoracry，\"herehehelduphishand，\"wearetotake\'fortuneofwar\'!\" Everymangrinnedgladlyonhisneighbour，indeadstillness。 \"Now，\"saidRandal，\"slipoutbythreesandfours，quietly，andtoquarters；butyou，Norman，waitwithme。” CHAPTERXXII——HOWNORMANLESLIEFAREDINPARISTOWN \"Norman，mylad，allourfortunesaremade，\"saidRandaltomewhenwewereleftalone。\"Therewillbegiltspursandgoldforeveryoneofus，andthepickoftheplunder。” \"Ilikeitnot，\"Ianswered；whereonhecaughtmerudelybybothshoulders，lookingcloseintomyface，sothatthefumeofthewinehehadbeendrinkingreachedmynostrils。 \"IsaLeslieturningrecreant？\"heaskedinalowvoice。\"AprettytaletotellinthekingdomofFife!\" Istoodstill，myheartveryhotwithanger，andsaidnoword，whilehisgripclosedonme。 \"Leavehold，\"Icriedatlast，andIsworeanoath，maytheSaintsforgiveme，——\"Iwillnotgo!\" Heloosedhisgrasponme，andstruckonehandhardintotheother。 \"ThatIshouldseethis，andhavetotellit!\"hesaid，andsteppingtothetable，hedranklikeonethirsty，andthenfelltopacingthechamber。Heseemedtobethinkingslowly，ashewipedandpluckedathisbeard。 \"Whatisitthatailsyou？\"heasked。\"Lookyou，thisonfallandstratagemofwarmaynotmiscarry。Perditiontakethefool，itissafe!\" \"HaveIbeenseekingsafetysinceyouknewme？\"Iasked。 \"Verilyno，andthereforeIwonderatyouthemore；butyouhavebeenlongsick，andmen\'smindsarechangeful。Considerthething，nomDieu!Iftherebenotwolightsshownfromthemill，westepbacksilently，andallisasitwas；theEnglishhavethoughtworseoftheirnightonfall，ortheCarmelite\'smessagewasrusedeguerre。Butifweseethetwolights，thenthehundredEnglishareattemptingthetakingofthemill；theSt。DenisGateisopenfortheirreturn，andwearelookedforbyourArmagnacswithinParis。 Weriskbutashorttusslewithsomedrowsypock-puddings，andthenthetownisours。TheGateisasstrongtoholdagainstanenemyfromwithinasfromwithout。Why，man，runtoLouisdeCoutes，andbegacastsuitoftheMaid\'s；shehasplenty，forsheisawomaninthis，thatdearlyshelovesrichattire。” \"Randal，\"Isaid，\"Iwillgowithyou，andthegladdestladinFrancetobegoing，butIwillgoinmyownproperguiseasaman- at-arms。ToweartheraimentoftheBlessedMaid，amanandasinnerlikeme，Iwillinnowiseconsent；itisneitherseemlynorhonourable。Takeyourownway，putmeunderarrestifyouwill，andspoilmyfortunes，andmakemeamandisgraced，butIwillnotwearherholyraiment。Itisnotthedeedofagentleman，orofaChristian。” Hepluckedathisbeard。\"Iampartlywithyou，\"hesaid。\"AndyetitwereagreatbourdetoplayoffontheEnglish，andmostliketotakethemandtobetoldofinballadandchronicle，likeoneofWallace\'sonfalls。For，seeingthePucelle，astheywilldeem，inourhands，theywillthinkallsafe，andwelcomeusopenarmed。O Norman，canwedonothing？Stop，willyouwearanotherwoman\'sshortkirtleoveryourcuissesandtaslet？Sheshallbenosaint，I warrantyou，but，forasinner，abonnylassandamerry。AsagentlemanIdeemthisfairstratagemofwar。IfIwereyourownbrother，——theSaintshavehissoulintheirkeeping，——Iwouldstillbeofthiscounsel。Willyou，mylad？\" Helookedsosad，andyetwithalsocomical，thatIheldoutmyhandtohim，laughing。 \"Disguisemeasyouwill，\"Isaid，\"IhavegonemummingasMaidMarionbeforenow，intheRobinHoodplay，atSt。Andrews\"；andasI spoke，IsawthetallthatchedroofsofSouthStreet，andthePrioryGatesopen，thebuddingelmsabovethegardenwallofSt。Leonard\'s，andalltheMay-dayrevelofayearagonepouringoutintothegoodtown。 \"Youspeaklikeyourselfnow，blessyourbeardlessface!Comeforth，\"hesaid，takingalongpullatatankard，——\"thatnothingmightbewasted，\"——andsowewenttoquarters，andRandaltrudgedoff，sooncomingback，laughing，withtheredkirtle。OurmenhadbeenverybusyfurbishinguptheredcrossofSt。Georgeontheirbreasts，andstrippingthemselvesofanysignofourowncolours。 Asformybusking，neverhadmaidsuchroughtire-women；butbyonewayoranother，theapparelwasaccommodated，andtheyallsaidthat，atalittledistanceofground，theEnglishwouldbefinelyfooled，andmustdeemthattheMaidherselfwasbeingledtothemcaptive。 Itwasnowinthesmallhoursofmorning，dark，savefortheglimmerofstars，hereandthereinacloudysky。FatherUrquharthimselfwentuptotheroofofthemill，tosayhisorisons，havingwithhimcertainfaggotsofpitch-wood，forlightingthebeacon-firesifneedwere；and，asitchanced，brazierstothisendstoodreadyontheroof，asiscustomonourownBorderkeeps。 WeScots，ahundredinall，inEnglishcolours，withthreeorfourasprisoners，inourownbadges，faredcautiously，andwithnowordspoken，throughdewywoods，orlurkingalongindryditcheswherebestwemight，towardstheSt。DenisGateofParis。Ihadneverbeenonanightsurpriseorbushmentbefore，andImarvelledhoworderlytheotherskept，asmenusedtosuchwork，whereasIwentstumblingandblindlings。Atlength，withinsightofthetwinklinglightsofParis，andahundredyardsortherebyoffthecommonway，wewerehaltedinalittlewood，andbiddentoliedown；nomanwassomuchastowhisper。Someslept，Iknow，forIheardtheirsnoring，butformypart，Ineverwaslessinlovewithsleep。Whentheskyfirstgrewgrey，sothatwecoulddimlyseeshapesofthings，weheardalightnoiseofmarchingmenontheroad。 \"TheEnglish!\"whisperedhethatlaynextme。\"Hush!\"breathedRandal，andsothefootstepswentby，noneofusdaringtostir，forfearoftherustleintheleaves。 Thesoundsoonceased；beliketheyhadstruckoffintotheseveryfieldswherethroughwehadjustmarched。 \"Now，RobinLindsay，climbintoyonderash-tree，andkeepyoureyesonthemillandthebeacon-fires，\"saidRandal。 Robinscrambledup，noteasily，becauseofhisarmour，andwewaited，asitseemed，foranendlesstime。 \"Whatisthatsound，\"whisperedone，\"soheavyandsohoarse？\" Itwasmyownheartbeating，asifitwouldburstmyside，butI saidnought，andeventhenRobinslidfromthetree，aslightlyashemight。Hehelduptwofingers，withoutaword，forasignthatthebeaconswerelighted，andnodded。 \"Downall，\"whisperedRandal。 \"Givethemtime，givethemtime。” Sotherewelay，aswemust，butthatwasthehardestpartofthewaiting，andnosoundbutofthefowlsandwildthingsarousing，andthecryofsentinelsfromPariswalls，cametoourears。 AtlengthRandalsaid，\"Upall，andonwards!\" Wearose，loosenedourswordsintheirsheaths，andsocrossedtotheroad。WecouldnowseeParisplainly，andwereclosebythefarmoftheMathurins，whilebeyondwasthelevellandtheycall\"LesPorcherons，\"withslopesaboveit，andmanytrees。 \"Now，Norman，\"saidRandal，\"whenwecomewithinclearsightofthegate，twoofusshallseizeyoubythearmsasprisoner；thenweallcry\'St。George!\'andsetoffrunningtowardsParis。Thequicker，thelesstimefordiscovery。” So，havingmarchedorderlyandspeedily，whilethebanksoftheroadwayhidus，wesetofftorun，RandalandRobingrippingmewhenwewerefullinsightofthemoat，ofthedrawbridge(whichwasdown)，andthegate。 Thenourmenallcried，\"St。GeorgeforEngland!Thewitchistaken!\"AndsorunningdisorderlyandfastwemadeforthePort，whileEnglishmen-at-armsmightbeplainlyseenandheard，gazing，wavingtheirhands，andshoutingfromthebattlementsofthetwogate-towers。Downtheroadweran，pastcertainsmallhousesofpeasants，andpastagibbetwithamarauderhangingfromit，justoverthedryditch。 Ourfeet，wethreeleading，withsometwentyinaclumphardbehindus，rangloudonthedrawbridgeoverthedryfosse。Thebridgeplanksquiveredstrangely；wewerenowwithinthegateway，whendownfelltheportcullisbehindus，thedrawbridge，creaking，flewup，acrowdofangryfacesandredcrosseswerepressingonus，andablowfellonmysalade，makingmereel。Iwasheldinstrongarms，swordsshoneoutaboveme，Istumbledonabody——itwasRobinLindsay\'s——IheardRandalgiveacurseashisbladebrokeonahelmet，andcry，\"Iyieldme，rescueornorescue。”Thenburstforthablastofshouts，andwordsofcommandandyells，andEnglishcurses。Cannon-shotroaredoverhead，andmymouthwasfullofsulphursmokeanddust。Theywerefiringonthoseofourmenwhohadnotsetfootonthedrawbridgewhenitflewup。Soontheportcullisroseagain，andthebridgefell，toletinabandofEnglisharchers，throughwhomourScotswerecuttingtheirwaybacktowardsSt。Denis。 OfallthisIgotglimpses，ratherthanclearsight，asthethrongwithinthegatewayreeledandshifted，crushingmesorely。 PresentlytheEnglishfromwithouttroopedin，laughingandcursing，welcomedbytheirfellows，andeverymanofthempryingintomyface，andgibing。Ithadbeenasettledplan:wewerebetrayed，itwasoverclear，andnowaharshvoicebehindmakingmeturn，Isawthewolf\'sfaceofFatherThomasunderhishood，andhisyellowfangs。 \"Ha!fairclerk，theythatbenoclerksthemselvesmayyethireclerkstoworkforthem。Howlikeyoumybrother，theCarmelite？\" ThenIknewtoowellhowthisstratagemhadallbeenlaidbythatdevil，andmyheartturnedtowaterwithinme。 Randalwasledaway，butroundmethecrowdgatheredintheopenspace，forIwashaledintothegreatergatetowerbeyondthewetfosse，andfromallquartersransoldiers，andmen，women，andchildrenofthetowntomockme。 \"Beholdher，\"criedFatherThomas，climbingonamounting-stone，asonewhowouldpreachtothepeople，whilethesoldiersthatheldmelaughed。 \"Beholdthiswonderfulwonderofallwonders，themiraculousMaidoftheArmagnacs!Sheboastedthat，byhelpoftheSaints，shewouldbethefirstwithinthecity，andlo!sheisthefirst，butshehascomewithoutherarmy。Sheiseverywayamiracle，markyou，forshehathadownonherchin，suchasnocommonmaidenswear；andifshewouldbutspeakafewwordsofcounsel，methinkshertonguewouldsoundstrangelyScottishforaLorrainer。” \"Speak，speak!\"shoutedthethrong。 \"Dogs，\"Icried，inFrench，\"dogsandcowards!YoushallseetheMaidcloserbeforenightfall，andflyfromherasyouhavefledbefore。” \"SaidInotso？\"askedBrotherThomas。 \"Amiracle，amiracle，theMaidhathaScotstongueinherhead。” Therewithstonesbegantofall，butthefather，holdinguphishand，badethemultituderefrain。 \"Harmhernot，goodbrethren，forto-morrowthisMaidshallbetriedbytheordealoffireifthatbethewillofourgovernors。Thenshallweseeifshecanworkmiraclesornot，\"andsohewentongibing，whiletheygrinnedhorriblyuponme。NeversawIsomanyvilefacesofthebasestpeoplecometogether，fromtheirfilthydensinParis。Butasmyeyesranoverthemwithloathing，IbeheldafaceIknew；thefaceofthatviolerwomanwhohadbeeninourcompanybeforewecametoChinon，andlo!perchedonhershoulder，chainedwithachainfastenedroundherwrist，wasElliot\'sjackanapes!Toseethepoorbeastthatmyladylovedinsuchillcompany，seemedasifitwouldbreakmyheart，andmyheadfellonmybreast。