od. He gave one last desperate lunge as a parting
remembrance, and felt that his weapon had made a hit. Something fell on
the floor, but the light was extinguished in the scuffle, and in vain he
attempted to grope out this trophy of his valour.

"I've sliced off a leg or a wing," thought he, "and I may lay hold on it
in the morning."

All was now quiet, and Robin, to his great comfort, was left without
further molestation.

Morning dawned bright and cheerful on the grey battlements of Bernshaw
Tower; the sun came out joyously over the hills; but Lord William walked
forth with an anxious and gloomy countenance. His wife had feigned
illness, and the old nurse had tended her through the night in a
separate chamber. This was the story he had learnt on finding her absent
when he awoke. Early presenting himself at the door, he was refused
admission. She was ill--very ill. The lady was fallen asleep, and might
not be disturbed: such was the answer he received. Rising over the hill,
he now saw the gaunt ungainly form of Robin, his new tenant, approaching
in great haste with a bundle under his arm.

"What news from the mill, my stout warrior of the north?" said Lord
William.

"I think I payed one on 'em, your worship," said Robin, taking the
bundle in his hand. "Not a cat said mew when they felt my whittle.
Marry, I spoilt their catterwauling: I've cut a rare shive!"

"How didst fare last night with thy wenches?" inquired the other.

"I've mended their manners for a while, I guess. As I peeped about
betimes this morning, I found--a paw! If cats are bred with hands and
gowden rings on their fingers, they shall e'en ha' sporting-room i' the
mill! No bad luck, methinks."

Robin uncovered the prize, and drew out a bleeding hand, mangled at the
wrist, and blackened as if by fire; one finger decorated with a ring,
which Lord William too plainly recognised. He seized the terrific
pledge, and, with a look betokening some deadly purpose, hastened to his
wife's chamber. He demanded admittance in too peremptory a tone for
denial. His features were still, not a ripple marked the disturbance
beneath. He stood with a calm and tranquil brow by her bed-side; but she
read a fearful message in his eye.

"Fair lady, how farest thou?--I do fear me thou art ill!"

"She's sick, and in great danger. You may not disturb her, my lord,"
said the nurse, attempting to prevent his too near approach;--"I pray
you depart; your presence afflicts he