"Instant death were too good for the designing villain who has stolen like a snake into our midst.

Away with the deceiver, who would stoop, to seek by a most unmanly stratagem the revenge he dared not openly attempt." "The bravest of your name," retorted Gilbert, "has not yet dared to set foot within my father's halls." "Because we murder not by stealth!" shouted Sir Sandrit, stung by the sarcasm.
"I meant no murder in coming here!" "Aha! you find it easy to disguise your designs as well as your person!" "I came to renounce the foe at your daughter's feet, and tell her that I loved her.

I have done so--do your worst!" While the youth was speaking, the maddened baron snatched a heavy mace from a man who stood by.

Already the ponderous mass quivered in his powerful grasp, when his daughter, with a piercing shriek, threw herself upon his arm.

After a vain effort to free himself, the ready knight seized the weapon with his left hand, and with wonderful adroitness and strength prepared for the blow.