s well as a logic of facts. At least there
seemed to be as I wrote the story, and I hope no one who reads it will
be inclined to quarrel with any part of it because its only basis
is--imagination. Anyway, I will shelter myself under the great words of
a great man, in the preface of one of the great books of the world: "For
herein may be seen noble chivalry, courtesy, humanity, friendliness,
hardiness, love, friendship, cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin.
Do after the good and leave the evil, and it shall bring you to good
fame and _renommee_. And for to pass the time this book shall be
pleasant to read in, but for to give faith and belief that all is true
that is contained herein, ye be at your liberty: but all is written for
our doctrine, and for to beware that we fall not to vice nor sin, but to
exercise and follow virtue by the which we may come and attain to good
fame and renown in this life, and after this short and transitory life
to come unto everlasting bliss in heaven" (Preface of William Caxton to
"The Book of King Arthur").

W.J. FERRAR.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Of how I, _Nigel de Bessin_, was brought up by the monks of _the Vale_
in _Guernsey Island_, and how on a certain day the abbot gave me choice
of two lives, and which I chose. 5

CHAPTER II.

Of _Vale Castle_ hard by the Abbey, and how I was sent with a letter to
_Archbishop Maugher_, and by the way first saw the Sarrasin pirates at
work. 12

CHAPTER III.

Of my _Lord Maugher_ and his _Familiar Demon_. How he received the
abbot's letter, and how I was courteously entertained at his house of
_Blanchelande_. 18

CHAPTER IV.

Of the coming of the Sarrasins in force, and of the building of their
chateau--Of _Brother Hugo's_ confidence in God, and how I rang the
alarm-bell at _St. Pierre Port_. 28

CHAPTER V.

Of what befell the abbot's envoys to _Duke William_, our liege lord,
and more particularly _Brother Ralf_, and how we were hemmed in by
our foes. 34

CHAPTER VI.

Of our passing from cloister to castle, and of the burning of
_Vale Abbey_--Of the siege of the castle, and the exploits
of _Brother Hugo_. 40

CHAPTER VII.

Of _Le Grand Sarrasin_, and of the renewed attack upon _Vale Castle_--Of
my first deeds of arms, and how the _Moors_ were beaten back. 47

CHAPTER VIII.

How I was sent forth by my lord abbot to seek protection of _Duke
William_, and of what befell