"By the mass!" replied the other, "it is well for you."

And so saying, he turned towards one of his followers.

Let me see," he continued, in the same sneering and cruel tones--"let me

see a clean end of these brave gentlemen. Truss me them up."

There were but five survivors of the attacking party. Archers seized

them by the arms; they were hurried to the borders of the wood, and each

placed below a tree of suitable dimension; the rope was adjusted; an

archer, carrying the end of it, hastily clambered overhead; and before a

minute was over, and without a word passing upon either hand, the five

men were swinging by the neck.

"And now," cried the deformed leader, "back to your posts, and when I

summon you next, be readier to attend."

"My lord duke," said one man, "beseech you, tarry not here alone. Keep

but a handful of lances at your hand."

"Fellow," said the duke, "I have forborne to chide you for your slowness.

Cross me not, therefore. I trust my hand and arm, for all that I be

crooked. Ye were backward when the trumpet sounded; and ye are now too

forward with your counsels. But it is ever so; last with the lance and

first with tongue. Let it be reversed."

The Black Arrow