, as he recalled his
situation, "I had forgot! How is it with you, Sir Eustace? Have you
slept?"

"No," said Eustace. "I have not lost an hour of this last night I
shall ever see. It will soon be over now--the sun is already reddening
the sky; and so, Gaston, ends our long true-hearted affection. Little
did I think it would bring thee to thy death in the prime of they
strength and manhood!" and he looked mournfully on the lofty stature
and vigorous form of the Squire, as he stood over him.

"For that, Sir Eustace, there is little cause to grieve. I have been a
wanderer, friendless and homeless, throughout my life; and save for
yourself, and, perhaps, poor little Arthur's kind heart, where is one
who would cast a second thought on me, beyond, perhaps, saying, 'He was
a brave and faithful Squire!' But little, little did I think, when I
saw your spurs so nobly won, that this was to be the end of it--that
you were to die, defamed and reviled, in an obscure den, and by the
foul treachery of--"

"Speak not of that, Gaston," said Eustace. "I have dwelt on it in the
long hours of the night, and I have schooled my mind to bear it. Those
with whom we shall soon be, know that if I have sinned in many points,
yet I am guiltless in that whereof they accuse me--and, for the rest,
there are, at least, two who will think no shame of Eustace Lynwood.
And now, if there is yet time, Gaston, since no Priest is at hand, I
would pray thee to do me the last favour of hearing the confession of
my sins."

And Gaston kneeling down, the Knight and Squire, according to the
custom of warriors in extremity, confessed to each other, with the
crucifix raised between them. Eustace then, with his weak and failing
voice, repeated several prayers and psalms appropriate to the occasion,
in which Gaston joined with hearty devotion. By this time, a slight
stir was heard within the Castle; and Gaston, rising from his knees,
went to the loophole, which commanded a view of the court, where the
French had taken up their quarters for the night in some of the
outbuildings--and the lion rampant of Clisson was waving in triumph on
the gateway tower.

"All silent there," said he; "but I must go to rouse our knaves in time
to meet the first onset." And, as he clasped on his armour, he
continued, "All that is in the power of man will we do! Rest assured,
Sir Eustace, they reach you not save through my body; and let your
prayers be with me. One embr