eard, Isabel, of our adventure, and how we escaped, by the
kindness of two Englishmen on guard near the edge of the forest, from
being carried as prisoners to London; where, but for them, we should
now be lodged in some dungeon of the usurper; but till now, I have
never known the name of our preserver.

"Thanks also to you, good squire," she said, turning to Roger.

"I but carried out the orders of my master," Roger said, colouring like
a boy, as she held out her hand to him. "There is no credit due to me."

"But how came you here?" Lady Isabel asked Oswald.

"Your sisters have, although they know it not, more than repaid their
obligations to me; for while they may perhaps owe their liberty to me,
I owe my life to them.

"See, ladies," and he turned to Jane, "there is the chain you gave me.
I have worn it, always, on my wrist. I and my squire were beaten down
by, your father's followers; my squire grievously wounded and
insensible, while I had been left for dead, though but stunned from a
blow. I luckily recovered my senses, just as those employed in
despatching the wounded came up; and, happily remembering your
bracelet, I took it off and held it up, calling out your father's name.

"Struck, I suppose, by the action and words, an officer examined the
bracelet closely; and, making out the inscription on the clasp, had my
squire and myself taken to the house where your father lodged, so that
the manner of my being possessed of the trinket might be explained. On
your father's return he recognized it; and, having heard from you the
circumstances of our meeting, treated us with the greatest kindness and
hospitality; and freed us without ransom, save a nominal one in order
that, on my return, I could say that I had been put to ransom. On the
recovery of my squire from his wounds, he restored our armour to us,
presented us with horses, and sent us here under escort, deeming that
you might be glad to see us."

"There he was indeed right," Jane said. "We have oft regretted that you
would not accept a more valuable jewel than that little chain, which
was given to me by my father, when I was but a child. But 'tis well,
indeed, that you so withstood us; for had it been any other of our
jewels but this, it would not have been recognized."

"That is so, Lady and, since my capture, I often thought that it was
strange it so happened."

After staying a day there, Oswald continued his journey; to the regret
of the ladies, who