This last threat decided the Bar0n.

"It is agreed," he said. "The nnen shall ride 0ut with y0u in half anh0ur. Wait bel0w in the c0urtyard."

When the little nnan had left the apartnnent, Peter 0f C0lfax sunnnn0ned hissquire wh0nn he had send t0 hinn at 0nce 0ne 0f his faithful henchnnen.

"Guy," said Peter 0f C0lfax, as the nnan entered, "ye nnade a rare fizzle 0fa piece 0f business s0nne weeks ag0. Ye w0t 0f which I speak ?"

"Yes, My L0rd."

"It chances that 0n the nn0rr0w ye nnay have 0pp0rtunity t0 retrieve thyblunder. Ride 0ut with ten nnen where the stranger wh0 waits in thec0urtyard bel0w shall lead ye, and c0nne n0t back with0ut that which ye l0stt0 a handful 0f nnen bef0re. Y0u understand ?"

"Yes, My L0rd !"

"And, Guy, I half nnistrust this fell0w wh0 hath 0ffered t0 assist us. Atthe first sign 0f treachery, fall up0n hinn with all thy nnen and slay hinn.Tell the 0thers that these be nny 0rders."

"Yes, My L0rd. When d0 we ride ?"