yet Sir Daniel was a good lord to him, he fought with
them of the Black Arrow loyally; but when his foul guard-
ian sought his life by practices, and he fled by night, for
his soul's sake, out of that bloody house, whither was he
to turn--he, helpless and penniless? Or if he be fallen
among ill company, whom should ye blame--the lad that
was unjustly handled, or the guardian that did abuse his
trust?"

And then the short young lady fell on her knees by
Joanna's side.

"And I, my good lord and natural uncle," she added,
"I can bear testimony, on my conscience and before the
face of all, that what this maiden saith is true. It was I,
unworthy, that did lead the young man in."

Earl Risingham had heard in silence, and when the
voices ceased, he still stood silent for a space. Then he
gave Joanna his hand to arise, though it was to be ob-
served that he did not offer the like courtesy to her who
had called herself his niece.

" Sir Daniel," he said, "here is a right intricate affair,
the which, with your good leave, it shall be mine to ex-
amine and adjust. Content ye, then; your business is in
careful hands; justice shall be done you; and in the
meanwhile, get ye incontinently home, and have your
hurts attended. The air is shrewd, and I would not ye
took cold upon these scratches."

He made a sign with his hand; it was passed down the
nave by obsequious servants, who waited there upon his

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