The sin of slitting our weazands, which you speak of, would therefore be so great that even the absolution on which you rely would barely extend to it." "We know most of those who have served in the Holy Land," the man said more respectfully than he had yet spoken, "and would fain know with whom we speak." "I am an Englishman, and a follower of King Richard," Cuthbert said, "and am known as Sir Cuthbert of Evesham.

As I was the youngest among the knights who fought for the holy sepulchre, it may be that my appearance is known to you ?" "Ah," the other said, "you are he whom they called the Boy Knight, and who was often in the thick of the fray, near to Richard himself.

How comes it, Sir Cuthbert, that you are here ?" "The fleet was scattered on its return," Cuthbert replied, "and I landed with my followers, well-nigh penniless, at Zara, and have since made my way across the Tyrol.

I have, then, as you may well suppose, neither silver nor gold about my person; and assuredly neither Philip of France nor John of Austria would give a noble for my ransom; and it would be long, methinks, to wait ere John of England would care to ransom one of King Richard's followers." The brigands spoke for awhile among themselves, and then the leader said,-- "You speak frankly and fairly, Sir Knight, and as you have proved yourself indeed a doughty giver of hard blows, and as I doubt not that the archers with you can shoot as straight and as fast as the rest of the Saxon breed, we will e'en let you go on your way, for your position is but little better than ours, and dog should not rob dog." "Thanks, good fellow," Cuthbert said.

"We trust that in any case we might have made a strong defence against you; but it would be hard if those who have fought together in the Holy Land, should slay each other in this lonely corner of Lorraine." "Are you seeking adventures or employment, Sir Knight?
For if so, myself and comrades here would gladly take service with you; and it may be that with a clump of spears you might obtain engagement, either under the Duke of Lorraine or he of Cleves." "Thanks for your offer," Cuthbert replied; "but at present my face is turned towards England.