advantage of this holy place. But rather than to be yielded into

the discretion of that man--whom I do here accuse with a loud voice

to be the murderer of my natural father and the unjust retainer of

my lands and revenues--rather than that, I would beseech you, under

favour, with your own gentle hand, to despatch me on the spot.

Your own ears have heard him, how before that I was proven guilty

he did threaten me with torments. It standeth not with your own

honour to deliver me to my sworn enemy and old oppressor, but to

try me fairly by the way of law, and, if that I be guilty indeed,

to slay me mercifully."

"My lord," cried Sir Daniel, "ye will not hearken to this wolf?

His bloody dagger reeks him the lie into his face."

"Nay, but suffer me, good knight," returned the tall stranger;

"your own vehemence doth somewhat tell against yourself."

And here the bride, who had come to herself some minutes past and

looked wildly on upon this scene, broke loose from those that held

her, and fell upon her knees before the last speaker.

"My Lord of Risingham," she cried, "hear me, in justice. I am here

in this man's custody by mere force, reft from mine own people.

Since that day I had never pity, countenance, nor comfort from the

face of man--but from him only--Richard Shelton--whom they now

accuse and labour to undo. My lord, if he was yesternight in Sir

Daniel's mansion, it was I that brought him there; he came but at

my prayer, and thought to do no hurt. While yet Sir Daniel was a

good lord to him, he fought with them of the Black Arrow loyally;

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