IVANHOG

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21280, 25 February 1939, Page 4 (Supplement)

IVANHOG

CHAPTER 35

The Black Knight Takes His Leave

Isaac acquiesced with a deep groan, and set forth on his journey, accompanied by two tall foresters, who were to be his guides and at the same time his guards, through the wood.

The Black Knight, who had seen with no small interest these various proceedings, now took his leave of the outlaw in turn; nor could he avoid expressing his surprise at having witnessed so much of civil policy amongst persons cast out from all the ordinary protection and influence of the laws.

“Believe me, Sir Knight,” said Locksley, “amongst those who are drawn into this lawless state, there are, doubtless, numbers who wish to exercise its licence with some mpderation, and some who regret, it may be, that they are obliged to follow such a trade at all.” “And to one of those,” said the Knight, “I am now, I presume, speaking?” “Sir Knight,” said the outlaw, “we have each our secret. As Ido not pray to be admitted into your mystery, be not offended that I preserve my own.” “I crave pardon, brave outlaw,” said the Knight. “Your reproof is just. But maybe we shall meet hereafter with less of concealment on either side. Meanwhile we part friends, do we not?” “There is my hand upon it,” said Locksley.

“And here is mine in return,” said the Black Knight, and mounting upon his strong war-horse, rode off through the forest.