on Ringan's sure-footed pony, with the new-made knight
walking by her side to secure its every step, though Ringan grumbled
that Sheltie would be far safer if left to his own wits.

Sigismund was proposing to make for Sarrebourg, when the glittering
of lances was seen in the distance, and the troop was drawn closely
together, for the chance that, as had been already thought probable,
some of the Lorrainers had risen as to war and invasion. However, the
banner soon became distinguishable, with the many quarterings, showing
that King Rene was there in person; and Sigismund rode forward to greet
him and explain.

The chivalrous King was delighted with the adventure, only wishing he
had shared in the rescue of the captive princesses. 'Young blood,' he
said. 'Youth has all the guerdons reserved for it, while age is lagging
behind.'

Yet so soon as Sir Patrick Drummond had overtaken him at Epinal, he had
turned back to Nanci, and it was in consequence of what he there heard
that he had set forth to bring the robbers of Balchenburg to reason. To
him there was no difficulty in accepting thankfully what some would have
regarded as an aggression on the part of the Duke of Alsace, and though
old Balchenburg, when led up before him, seemed bent upon aggravating
him. 'Ha! Sir King, so a young German and a wild Scot have done what
you, with all your kingdoms, have never had the wit to do.'

'The poor old man is distraught,' said the King, while Sigismund put
in--

'Mayhap because you never ventured on such audacious villainy and
outrecuidance before.'

'Young blood will have its way,' repeated the old man. 'Nay, I told
the lad no good would come of it, but he would have it that he had his
backers, and in sooth that escort played into his hands. Ha! ha! much
will the fair damsels' royal beau-frere thank you for overthrowing his
plan for disposing of them.'

'Hark you, foul-mouthed fellow,' said King Rene; 'did I not pity you
for your bereavement and ruin, I should requite that slander of a noble
prince by hanging you on the nearest tree.'

'Your Grace is kindly welcome,' was the answer.

Rene and Sigismund, however, took counsel together, and agreed that the
old man should, instead of this fate, be relegated to an abbey, where he
might at least have the chance of repenting of his crimes, and be kept
in safe custody.

'That's your mercy,' muttered the old mountain wolf when he heard their
decision.

All this was settled