Of the Desperate Resolution formed by Tristram and Fenwolf,
and how the Train was laid.
Transported with rage at the escape of the fugitives, Fenwolf turned to old Tristram, and drawing his knife, threatened to make an end of him. But the old man, who was armed with a short hunting-sword, stood upon his defence, and they remained brandishing their weapons at each other for some minutes, but without striking a blow.
“Well, I leave you to Herne's vengeance,” said Fenwolf, returning his knife to his belt. “You will pay dearly for allowing them to escape.”
“I will take my chance,” replied Tristram moodily: “my mind is made up to the worst. I will no longer serve this fiend.”
“What! dare you break your oath?” cried Fenwolf. “Remember the terrible consequences.”
“I care not for them,” replied Tristram. “Harkee, Fenwolf: I know you will not betray me, for you hate him as much as I do, and have as great a desire for revenge. I will rid the forest of this fell being.”
“Would you could make good your words, old man!” cried Fenwolf. “I would give my life for vengeance upon him.”
“I take the offer,” said Tristram; “you shall have vengeance.”
“But how?” cried the other. “I have proved that he is invulnerable and the prints of his hands are written in black characters upon my throat. If we could capture him, and deliver him to the king, we might purchase our own pardon.”
“No, that can never be,” said Tristram. “My plan is to destroy him.”