s or foes?"

"Neither, I tell you, man. Now leave my place at once, you and yours.
I will neither help you nor have any further dealings with you. Go."

"What!" roared Purlrose; and this time he drew his sword fully, and
Ralph's bright blade followed suit, glittering, while the captain's
looked rusty and dull.

"Pooh! put up your sword, Ralph," said Sir Morton, advancing toward
their visitor, who began to shrink back. "Sheathe your blade, sir," he
said sternly, and without paying the least attention to the man's
bullying looks, he threw open the door, and pointed to the entrance.

He passed out, giving the door behind him a heavy slam, and marched out
to the group standing about the broad steps and road, where father and
son could hear him haranguing his men, who immediately burst into an
angry yell, and for the most part turned menacingly toward the house.

CHAPTER THREE.

ABOUT THE ENEMY.

"Shall I fasten the door, father?" cried Ralph excitedly.

"No," said Sir Morton firmly. "I know my man of old."

Ralph looked on and listened, as a low growl arose; but, bully and
coward or no, it was evident that Captain Purlrose was master of his
men, who stood listening and nodding their heads, one or two slapping
the hilts of their swords menacingly, and at last the leader of the
ragged crew turned and shook his fist threateningly at the house, and
ended by striding jauntily away through the embattled gateway, followed
by his gang.

"Will they come back, father, at night?" said Ralph, after uttering a
sigh of relief.

"No, my boy; I judge the men by their leader. Michael Purlrose always
had a wholesome love of keeping his skin sound; his men have, without
doubt, the same. He will execute his threat, though, of going to
Eden's."

"And if Sir Edward takes them into his service, it will be awkward for
us, father."

"Yes, _if_, my boy; but I do not think that Eden will. We shall hear no
more of the vagabonds, unless Purlrose comes back to beg."

"I'll go and watch them, father," cried Ralph eagerly.

"Yes; but you will not go near, so as to run any risk? If they found
you alone, they would attack and strip you of everything of value you
have."

"I'll take care," cried the lad. "I can get up to the side of the
cliff, and watch them right away. I can see the path to the Black Tor
from there."

"Yes; go," said Sir Morton, and the boy hurried out, crossed the little
court, and passing through a smal