e had left an hour or more
previously.

"Ere that hour strike again, England's fate will have been
decided," he said, as if to himself, "and perhaps my account with
God and man summed up before His bar. Well, I have a good cause,
and a clear conscience, and I can leave it in God's hands."

And soon from the crest of a low hill he looked down upon the camp
of the barons. There were many lights, and the murmur of voices
arose.

Just then came the stern challenge.

"Who goes there?"

"A crusader, who as a knight received his spurs from Earl Simon,
and now comes to fight by his side to the death for the liberties
of England."

"The watchword?"

"I have it not--twelve hours have not passed since I landed in
England after an absence of years."

"Stand while I summon the guard."

In a little while a small troop approached, their leader the young
Lord Walter of Hereford, who had been present, as it chanced, when
our hero was knighted. He recognised him with joy.

"The Earl of Leicester will be overjoyed to see you. He has long
given you up for lost."

"He has not forgotten me?"

"Even yesternight he wished you were present to fight by his side."

Our poor Hubert felt his heart throb with joy and pride.

As they descended into the camp Hubert perceived the Bishop of
Worcester, Walter de Cantilupe, riding through the ranks, and
exhorting the soldiers to confess their sins, and to receive
absolution and the Holy Communion; assuring them that such as fell
would fall in God's cause, and suffer on behalf of the truth.
Behind him his followers distributed white crosses to the soldiers,
as if they were crusaders, which they attached to their breasts and
backs. In this war of Englishmen against Englishmen there was need
of some such mark to distinguish the rival parties.

All through the camp religious exercises were proceeding, and when
at last Walter of Hereford brought our hero to the tent of Earl
Simon, they found him prostrate in fervent prayer.

"Father and leader," said the young earl with deep reverence, "I
have brought thee a long-lost son."

The earl rose.

"My son! Hubert! Can it be thou, risen from the dead?"

"Come to share thy fate for weal or woe, my beloved lord. From thy
hands I received knighthood: at thy side will I conquer or die."

______________________________________________________________

The dawn was at hand. The birds began their matin songs, when the
stern blast of the trum