Oliver rode his beautiful Night, he wore his plumed hat and precious sword, and carried his horseman's lance.

Felix rode a smaller horse, useful, but far from handsome.

He carried his yew bow and hunting knife.
Thyma Castle was situated fifteen miles to the south; it was the last outpost of civilization; beyond it there was nothing but forest, and the wild open plains, the home of the gipsies.

This circumstance of position had given Baron Thyma, in times past, a certain importance more than was due to the size of his estate or the number of his retainers.

During an invasion of the gipsies, his castle bore the brunt of the war, and its gallant defence, indeed, broke their onward progress.