"So to save her from his violence, I discovered to him her name and high estate, whereupon at first he would fain have her wed with him. But, angered by her scorn, he bore her with him to Duke Ivo at Barham Broom, and me also. And there I heard her denounced as witch, by whose spells thou, lord Beltane, wert freed of thy duress and Garthlaxton utterly destroyed. Thus, to-morrow she must burn, unless one can be found to champion her cause and prove her innocent by trial of combat. So, when they had let me go I came seeking thee, my lord, since 'tis said thou art a very strong man and swift to aid the defenceless." Now glancing aside upon Sir Fidelis, Beltane beheld him leaning forward with his lips apart and slender hands tight-clasped; whereupon he frowned and shook his head.
"A woman!" quoth he, "nay, I had rather fight in a dog's cause."
"Forsooth!" cried Roger, "for rogue is he and fool that would champion a vile witch."
"Why, then, let us on, lord," growled Walkyn. "Why tarry we here?"
But now, as the witch sank upon the road with pleading hands uplifted, Sir Fidelis rode beside her and, stooping, caught her outstretched hands; quoth he:
"Of what avail to plead with such as these? So will I adventure me on behalf of this poor maid."
"Enough!" cried Beltane. "Walkyn, march ye one and all for Hundleby Fen—wait me there and let your watch be strict. But, an I come not within two days from now, then hie you each and every to reinforce Eric and Giles in Belsaye. As for Roger, he rideth with me to Barham Broom."
"Ha, lord!—wilt fight, then, in the witch's cause?" cried Walkyn.
"Aye, forsooth, though—forsooth I had rather fight in a dog's cause, for a dog, see you, is a faithful beast."
"To Barham Broom?" quoth Roger, staring. "Thou and I, master, to Black
Ivo—alone?" And speaking, he loosened sword in scabbard.