ne woman."

"It does not hang on her," said Wulf; "it hangs on Fate, who
writes with her finger. Come, let us ride."

So, followed by their escort, they rode in the gardens, taking
note, without seeming to do so, of the position of the tall rock,
and of how it could be approached from every side. Then they went
in again and waited for some sign or word of Rosamund, but in
vain. That night there was no feast, and their meal was brought
to them in the guest-house. While they sat at it Masouda appeared
for a moment to tell them that they had leave to ride the bridge
in the moonlight, and that their escort would await them at a
certain hour.

The brethren asked if their sister Rosamund was not coming to
dine with them. Masouda answered that as the queen-elect of the
Al-je-bal it was not lawful that she should eat with any other
men, even her brothers. Then as she passed out, stumbling as
though by accident, she brushed against Godwin, and muttered:

"Remember, to-night," and was gone.

When the moon had been up an hour the officer of their escort
appeared, and led them to their horses, which were waiting, and
they rode away to the castle bridge. As they approached it they
saw Lozelle departing on his great black stallion, which was in a
lather of foam. It seemed that he also had made trial of that
perilous path, for the people, of whom there were many gathered
there, clapped their hands and shouted, "Well ridden, Frank! well
ridden!"

Now, Godwin leading on Flame, they faced the bridge and walked
their horses over it. Nor did these hang back, although they
snorted a little at the black gulf on either side. Next they
returned at a trot, then over again, and yet again at a canter
and a gallop, sometimes together and sometimes singly. Lastly,
Wulf made Godwin halt in the middle of the bridge and galloped
down upon him at speed, till within a lance's length. Then
suddenly he checked his horse, and while his audience shouted,
wheeled it around on its hind legs, its forehoofs beating the
air, and galloped back again, followed by Godwin.

"All went well," Wulf said as they rode to the castle, "and
nobler or more gentle horses were never crossed by men. I have
good hopes for to-morrow night."

"Ay, brother, but I had no sword in my hand. Be not over
confident, for Lozelle is desperate and a skilled fighter, as I
know who have stood face to face with him. More over, his black
stallion is well trained, and has more weigh