IVANHIOE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21210, 3 December 1938, Page 25 (Supplement)

IVANHIOE

Another Chapter of this Historic Notel trill appear next work.

Front-de-Boeuf’s Messenger

“Your father, have made a long shift. It is the better for them, since it is the last they shall ever make,” said Front-de-Boeuf.-“1 found them,” said Cedric, in such French as he could command, “expecting the worst horn the moment they knew into whose power they had fallen.” “How now, Sir Friar,” replied Front-de-Boeuf. “your speech, methinks, smacks of a Saxon tongue?”

“I was bred in the convent of St. Withold of Burton,” answered Cedric. “It had been better for you to have been a Norman, and better for my purpose too; but need has no choice of messengers. Carry this letter to the castle of Philip de Malvoisin, and say that I pray him to send it to York with all the speed man and horse can make. Come with me!”

Front-de-Boeuf now went to the postern gate of the castle. “Begone, then. ’he said, “and if you return with good tidings you shall have as much wine as would drench your whole convent.” “Assuredly we shall meet again,” said Cedric.

“Something in hand the while,” continued the Norman, thrusting into Cedric’s reluctant hand a gold coin. “But remember 1 will flay off both cowl and skin if you fail in your purpose.”

“And full leave will 1 give you to do both,” answered Cedric, leaving the postern, and striding forth over the free field with a joyful step. Turning then back towards the castle, he threw the piece of gold “False Normap, your money perish with you!” towards Front-deTJoeuf, exclaiming al I lie same lime:

Discovered

F’ronl-de-Boeuf heard the words imperfectly, but the action was suspicious. “Archers,” he called to the warders, “send me an P® arrow through that monk’s frock. Yet, stay —we must ,J< < thus far trust him since we have no better shift. I think he dares not betray me. At the worst 1 can but negotiate terms with these Saxon dogs whom I have safe in the kennel. Lead the prisoners into the armoury guarded by four men. I shall be there in a moment.” Soon after Front-de-Boeuf entered the armourv: “You Saxon dogs,” he said, “if you do not pay a rich ransom 1 will hang you up by the feet from the iron " bars of these window's, till the kites and crows make skeletons of you. How say you, Cedric? What do you bid for your worthless lives?” “Not a doit I,” answered Wamba; “and for hanging up by the feet, my brain has always been topsy turvy, they say; so turning me upside down may perhaps restore it again.” , G “St. Genevieve,” cried Front-de-Boeuf, “what have we got here?” And with the back of his hand he struck Cedric's - cap from the head of the Jester and throwing upon his u collar, discovered the fatal badge of servitude, the silver collar round his neck.