specting Mabel Lyndwood, proceeded to the Curfew Tower.

Nothing was said to him of the strange noise that had been heard in
the upper chamber, for the arquebusiers were fearful of exciting his
displeasure by a confession of their alarm, and he descended at once to
the dungeon.

"Well, fellow," he cried, sternly regarding the captive, who arose at
his entrance, "you have now had ample time for reflection, and I trust
are in a better frame of mind than when I last spoke with you. I command
you to declare all you know concerning Herne the Hunter, and to give
me such information respecting the proscribed felon, Morgan Fenwolf, as
will enable me to accomplish his capture."

"I have already told your highness that my mouth is sealed by an oath of
secrecy," replied Tristram, humbly, but firmly.

"Obstinate dog! thou shalt either speak, or I will hang thee from the
top of this tower, as I hanged Mark Fytton the butcher," roared Henry.

"You will execute your sovereign pleasure, my liege," said the old man.
"My life is in your hands. It is little matter whether it is closed now
or a year hence. I have well nigh run out my term."

"If thou carest not for thyself, thou mayest not be equally indifferent
to another," cried the king. "What ho! bring in his granddaughter."

The old man started at the command, and trembled violently. The next
moment, Mabel was led into the dungeon by Shoreditch and Paddington.
Behind her came Nicholas Clamp. On seeing her grandsire, she uttered a
loud cry and would have rushed towards him, but she was held back by her
companions.

"Oh grandfather!" she cried, "what have you done?-why do I find you
here?"

Tristram groaned, and averted his head.

"He is charged with felony and sorcery," said the king sternly, "and you,
maiden, come under the same suspicion."

"Believe it not, sire," cried the old man, flinging himself at Henry's
feet; "oh, believe it not. Whatever you may judge of me, believe her
innocent. She was brought up most devoutly, by a lay sister of the
monastery at Chertsey; and she knows nothing, save by report, of what
passes in the forest."

"Yet she has seen and conversed with Morgan Fenwolf," the king.

"Not since he was outlawed," said Tristram.

"I saw him to--day, as I was brought to the castle," cried Mabel,
"and--" but recollecting that she might implicate her grandfather, she
suddenly stopped.

"What said he?--ha!" demanded the king.

"I will tell your majesty w