Were it not for that, I fear that such quarrels and disputes might arise as would bring the two armies to blows, and destroy for ever all hope of the successful termination of our joint enterprise." "You are a wise and good youth," the princess said, holding out her hand to Cuthbert, which, as in duty bound, he placed to his lips.

"Your request is wise and most thoughtful.

I will use any poor influence which I may possess"-- and Cuthbert could see that the blood came back now to the white face--"to induce King Richard to allow this matter to pass over.

There is no reason why he should take up the case.

I am no more under his protection than under that of the King of France, and it is to the latter I should appeal, for as I believe the men who abducted me were his subjects." "The leader of them, madam, was a certain Sir de Jacquelin Barras, a Count of Brabant, with whom my master has had an old feud, and who has been just killed by the leader of our men-at-arms.