companions; but Wendot's cheek glowed with shame, and he set his teeth
hard, resolved to redeem the honour of his father's name to the last
drop of his blood if he should be called upon to shed it in the cause.

He heard the slow and cautious steps approaching along the path, and he
gripped his weapon more tightly in his hand. The red light of battle was
in his eyes, and the moment he caught sight of the form of the stalwart
soldier threading his perilous way along the path he sprang upon him
with a cry of fury, and hurled him into the gulf beneath.

Down fell the man, utterly unprepared for such an attack, and his sharp
cry of terror was echoed from above by a dozen loud voices.

Cries and shouts and questions assailed Wendot, but he answered never a
word. Those above knew not if it had been an accident, or if an ambushed
foe had hurled their comrade to destruction. Again came a long pause for
consideration -- and every moment wasted was all in favour of the pair
upon the ledge -- and then it became plain that some course of action
had been determined upon, and Wendot heard the cautious approach of
another foe. This man crept on his way much more cautiously, and the
youth held himself ready for a yet more determined spring. Luckily for
him, he could remain hidden until his opponent was close to him; and so
soon as he was certain from the sound that the man was reaching the
angle of the rock, he made another dash, and brought down his sword with
all the strength of his arm upon the head of the assailant.

Once again into the heart of the abyss crashed the body of the
unfortunate soldier; but a sharp thrill of pain ran through Wendot's
frame, and a barbed arrow, well aimed at the joint of his leather
jerkin, plunged into his neck and stuck fast.

The first assailant whom he had disposed of was but one of a close line,
following each other in rapid succession. As his face became visible to
the man now foremost a shout of surprise and anger rose up.

"It is Res Wendot! It is one of the sons of the house of Dynevor!

"Wendot, thou art mad! We are the friends of thy house. We are here at
the instigation of thine own kindred. Give us the maid, and thou shalt
go free. We would not harm thee."

"Stir but one step nearer, and I slay thee as I have slain thy two
comrades," cried Wendot, in a voice which all might hear. "I deal not in
treachery towards those that trust us. I will answer for the safety of
the maid with mine