With the united strength of the party the truckle bed was carried from the alcove and placed against the door.

Cuthbert then threw open the window, and asked in French what they wanted.

One of the party, who appeared to be the leader, said that the party had better surrender immediately.

He promised them good treatment, and said that the knight would be put to ransom, should it be found that the valuables upon his person were not sufficient to pay the worshipful company present for the trouble which they had taken in waiting upon him.

This sally was received with shouts of laughter.