e for the moaning of those hurt men who still lived, the
dreadful tumult sank to silence. Then Murgh turned and spoke in his slow
and icy voice:

"You were about to seek me in the fosse of this high tower, were you
not, Hugh de Cressi and Richard Archer? A foolish thought, in truth, and
a sinful, so sinful that it would have served you well if I had let you
come. But your strait was sore and your faith was weak, and I had no
such command. Therefore I have come to others whose names were written
in my book. Ay, and being half human after all--for does not your creed
tell you that I was born of Sin? I rejoice that it is given to me to
protect those who would have protected _me_ when _I_ seemed to stand
helpless in the hands of cruel men. Nay, thank me not. What need have I
of your thanks, which are due to God alone! And question me not, for why
should I answer your questions, even if I know those answers? Only do my
bidding. This night seek whom you will in Avignon, but to-morrow ere the
dawn ride away, for we three must meet again at a place appointed before
this winter's snows are passed."

"O dread lord of Death, one thing, only one," began Hugh.

But Murgh held up his white-gloved hand and replied:

"Have I not said that I answer no questions? Now go forth and follow the
promptings of your heart till we meet again."

Then gliding to the head of the stair he vanished in the shadow.

"Say, what shall we do?" asked Hugh in amazed voice.

"It matters little what we do or leave undone, master, seeing that we
are fore-fated men whom, as I think, none can harm until a day that will
not dawn to-morrow nor yet awhile. Therefore let us wash ourselves and
eat and borrow new garments, if we can find any that are not soiled,
and then, if the horses are still unharmed, mount and ride from this
accursed Avignon for England."

"Nay, Dick, since first we must learn whether or no we leave friends
behind us here."

"Ay, master, if you will. But since yonder Murgh said nothing of them,
it was in my mind that they are either dead or fled."

"Not dead, I pray, Dick. Oh, I am sure, not dead, and I left living!
When Red Eve and I met, Murgh had been with her and promised that she
would recover and be strong," answered Hugh bravely, although there was
a note of terror in his voice.

"Red Eve has other foes in Avignon besides the pest," muttered Grey
Dick, adding: "still, let us have faith; it is a good friend to man. Did
not yond