He has thrown down the glove, and challenged any of your knights, and I myself am equally ready to do battle in his cause." The baron grew red with passion, and he would have ordered the instant arrest of the young man, but as Sir Ernest was connected by blood with many present, and was indeed one of the most popular among the nobles of the province, the baron simply waved him aside, and ordered Cuthbert to be led to the block.

The young Englishman was by the executioner divested of his armor and helmet, and stood in the simple attire worn by men of rank at that time.

He looked around, and holding up his hand, conveying alike a farewell and a command to his followers to remain in concealment, he gazed round the crowd, thinking that he might see among them in some disguise or other the features of Cnut, whose tall figure would have rendered him conspicuous in a crowd.

He failed, however, to see any signs of him, and turning to the executioner, signified by a gesture that he was ready.
At this instant an arrow from the wall above pierced the brain of the man, and he fell dead in his tracks.

A roar of astonishment burst from the crowd.