f her father's men
without being recognized. In the courtyard, they were met by Simon de
Montfort, and his sons Henry and Simon.

The girl threw herself impetuously from her mount, and, flinging aside
the outlaw's cloak, rushed toward her astounded parent.

"What means this," cried De Montfort, "has the rascal offered you harm
or indignity?"

"You craven liar," cried Henry de Montfort, "but yesterday you swore
upon your honor that you did not hold my sister, and I, like a fool,
believed." And with his words, the young man flung himself upon Norman
of Torn with drawn sword.

Quicker than the eye could see, the sword of the visored knight flew
from its scabbard, and, with a single lightning-like move, sent the
blade of young De Montfort hurtling cross the courtyard; and then,
before either could take another step, Bertrade de Montfort had sprung
between them and placing a hand upon the breastplate of the outlaw,
stretched forth the other with palm out-turned toward her kinsmen as
though to protect Norman of Torn from further assault.

"Be he outlaw or devil," she cried, "he is a brave and courteous knight,
and he deserves from the hands of the De Montforts the best hospitality
they can give, and not cold steel and insults." Then she explained
briefly to her astonished father and brothers what had befallen during
the past few days.

Henry de Montfort, with the fine chivalry that marked him, was the first
to step forward with outstretched hand to thank Norman of Torn, and to
ask his pardon for his rude words and hostile act.

The outlaw but held up his open palm, as he said,

"Let the De Montforts think well ere they take the hand of Norman of
Torn. I give not my hand except in friendship, and not for a passing
moment; but for life. I appreciate your present feelings of gratitude,
but let them not blind you to the fact that I am still Norman the Devil,
and that you have seen my mark upon the brows of your dead. I would
gladly have your friendship, but I wish it for the man, Norman of
Torn, with all his faults, as well as what virtues you may think him to
possess."

"You are right, sir," said the Earl, "you have our gratitude and our
thanks for the service you have rendered the house of Montfort, and ever
during our lives you may command our favors. I admire your bravery and
your candor, but while you continue the Outlaw of Torn, you may not
break bread at the table of De Montfort as a friend would have the right