I am prepared to die." A murmur rose from the knights and men-at-arms standing round Sir Rudolph.
Several of his companions had from the first, wild and reckless as they were, protested against Sir Rudolph's course, and it was only upon his solemn assurance that he intended but to frighten Sir Cuthbert into surrender, and had no intention of carrying his threats against the lady into effect, that they had consented to take part in the transaction.
Even now, at the fearless words of the Saxon lady several of them hesitated, and Sir Hubert of Gloucester stepped forward to Sir Rudolph.
"Sir knight," he said, "you know that I am your true comrade and the faithful servant of Prince John.

Yet in faith would I not that my name should be mixed up in so foul a deed.

I repent me that I have for a moment consented to it.

But the shame shall not hang upon the escutcheon of Hubert of Gloucester that he stood still when such foul means were tried.

I pray you, by our long friendship, and for the sake of your own honour as a knight, to desist from this endeavour.