el.

But it was too late. I had stepped too far forward, and thus permitted
one of the pack to get behind me. A crushing, ringing blow upon my
helm,--a shrill and piercing shriek from Hazel, that lived in mine
ears, and died out at last as though by distance,--and I clattered to
the floor, unconscious.

Mine oblivion could not have lasted for more time than whilst one might
tell a score; for when I regained consciousness Michael still crashed
against the separating oak, and there was Hazel standing behind her
feeble barricade and holding in her small white hand the dagger that I
had placed there.

"Stand back, thou traitorous, deceiving hypocrite! Advance towards me
but one short step more and this dagger's bright blade shall be dyed
red with mine own heart's blood!"

Ah! my children, had ye but seen her then, as she stood there, as pale
as a marble statue; yet with flashing eyes and heaving breast, her
dainty tapering fingers of the right hand grasping, with all her little
flower-like strength, brittle yet easily snapped, the little weapon, ye
would have cheered in unrestrained admiration of the dear, brave,
little maid.

Catesby stood back in awe of this goodly sight, which even his
villainous heart could not help but admire.

"Well, and right nobly done!" he cried. "Thy courage in thus resisting
doth but arouse within my love-sick heart a new and fiercer, and e'en
more consuming passion for thee. Like a boy, I ever love the apple
that doth hang from the limb most difficult to reach. The more the
rich, ripe fruit doth avoid my grasping hand the more determined am I
to have it."

"Cease thine insulting speech, false knight, cowardly assassin, 'tis I
that commandeth thee! I, thine ancient foe, that even now defies
thee!" and I struggled, tottering to my knees, and shook my clenched
fist in defiance at him.

"Come on, Michael! break down the door, and we yet can drive this
murdering pack before us, as doth the wind dry leaves!"

"Oi'm comin', yer honour; do but hould out a little," and the fury of
his attack upon the door was redoubled.

Catesby made a sign with his hand, and instantly four men left the room
in haste.

"Beware, Michael! they may attack thee from the rear!" I cried, as I
staggered to my feet and tried to rush upon mine enemy. I was securely
held back, however, by two of the pack, who forced me to my knees and
held me there.

Catesby merely smiled his hellish smile, and said:--"Bin