d. "The fact that he, as young March's
uncle, should head his following and raise his banner, will show that
the Percys and you are not using young March's name as a mere pretext
for taking up arms. If Mortimer, the head of his house during his
minority, and guardian of his estates, were with them, men would see
that 'tis really a struggle to place the lawful king on the throne; and
many would join who, did they think it was but an affair between the
Percys, of whom they know but little in the south, and you, whom they
have been taught to consider a rebel, would stand aloof."

"'Tis well thought of, and the project pleases me. Even without such
allies, I may hold my mountains and continue my warfare, but there
could be neither peace nor prosperity for years; but with the overthrow
of the usurper, and my acknowledgment as King of Wales, and of the
entire independence of the country, from the Dee to the Severn, the
freedom of my country might be permanently secured.

"But I will give no certain answer, tonight. 'Tis a matter to be turned
over in my mind, as it seems to me that I may gain much good by the
alliance; and that, even if the Percys fail in their enterprise, I can
be no worse off than I am, at present."

It was not until the following evening that Glendower gave a decided
answer.

"I accept Percy's offer," he said. "I have thought it over in every
way; even putting aside the benefits, to my country and myself, I would
enter upon it; were it but for the satisfaction of seeing the usurper,
and murderer of my dear master, King Richard, have the same measure
meted out to him that he gave to his sovereign. Tonight I will write an
answer to the Percys, for you to bear to them. Tomorrow morning I will
ride, with you, to the stronghold where Mortimer is at present held in
durance; and if he consents to join us, I will give him his freedom,
without ransom."

They started the next morning, early; and at noon arrived at a strong
house, lying in the heart of the hills.

"It were best that you should see him first, Sir Oswald, and explain
the matter to him. After that, I will meet him with you."

Great was the astonishment of Sir Edmund, when Oswald was ushered into
the little room in which he was confined. It was some ten feet square,
furnished with a pallet, chair, and small table. The window was very
strongly barred, and Oswald observed, with pain, that his ten months'
imprisonment had told very heavily upon Morti