old and heavy within him. A truce! Where then was his third
deed, and how might he return without it?

Even as they sat in moody silence there was the call of a bugle from
somewhere out in the darkness.

Sir Richard looked up with surprise. "We are not wont to be summoned
after once the portcullis is up," said he. "Truce or no truce, we must
let no man within our walls until we have proved him. Croquart, see to
it!"

The huge German left the room. The company were still seated in
despondent silence when he returned.

"Sir Richard," said he, "the brave knight Robert of Beaumanoir and his
Squire William de Montaubon are without the gate, and would fain have
speech with you."

Bambro' started in his chair. What could the fierce leader of the
Bretons, a man who was red to the elbow with English blood, have to say
to them? On what errand had he left his castle of Josselin to pay this
visit to his deadly enemies?

"Are they armed?" he asked.

"They are unarmed."

"Then admit them and bring them hither, but double the guards and take
all heed against surprise."

Places were set at the farther end of the table for these most
unexpected guests. Presently the door was swung open, and Croquart with
all form and courtesy announced the two Bretons, who entered with the
proud and lofty air of gallant warriors and high-bred gentlemen.

Beaumanoir was a tall dark man with raven hair and long swarthy beard.
He was strong and straight as a young oak, with fiery black eyes, and
no flaw in his comely features save that his front teeth had been dashed
from their sockets. His Squire, William of Montaubon, was also tall,
with a thin hatchet face, and two small gray eyes set very close upon
either side of a long fierce nose. In Beaumanoir's expression one read
only gallantry and frankness; in Montaubon's there was gallantry also,
but it was mixed with the cruelty and cunning of the wolf. They bowed
as they entered, and the little English seneschal advanced with
outstretched hand to meet them.

"Welcome, Robert, so long as you are beneath this roof," said he.
"Perhaps the time may come in another place when we may speak to each
other in another fashion."

"So I hope, Richard," said Beaumanoir; "but indeed we of Josselin bear
you in high esteem and are much beholden to you and to your men for all
that you have done for us. We could not wish better neighbors nor any
from whom more honor is to be gained. I learn that Sir Robert Kno