child of Israel since the days of our captivity
which shall be more gratefully acknowledged."
"Dog of a Jew!" said Athelstane, whose memory was of that petty kind which stores up trifles of all kinds, but particularly trifling offences, "dost not remember how thou didst beard us in the gallery at the tilt-yard? Fight or flee, or compound with the outlaws as thou dost list, ask neither aid nor company from us; and if they rob only such as thee, who rob all the world, I, for mine own share, shall hold them right honest folk."
Cedric did not assent to the severe proposal of his companion. "We will do better," said he, "to leave them two of our attendants and two horses to convey them back to the next village. It will diminish our strength but little; and, with your good sword, noble Athelstane, and the aid of those who remain, it will be light work for us to face twenty of these runagates."
Rowena, somewhat alarmed by the mention of outlaws in force, and so near them, strongly seconded the proposal of her guardian. But Rebecca, suddenly quitting her dejected pos-