The wound upon the head resembled that produced by hurling a mace, and was of such a character that the head could not have been protected by any steel piece.

I do not consider this conclusive against the Lord of Hers, or even incapable of explanation; but real and unequivocal guilt itself could not justify the untiring malignity of the Baron of Stramen.

His brother's soul would be much better honored by his prayers, than by imprecations and the clash of steel; we cannot avenge the dead, for their bodies are dust, and their souls absorbed in things eternal; and Sandrit de Stramen is but making his brother's misfortune the occasion of his own temporal, and perhaps eternal injury.

I wish, indeed, this criminal work of vengeance could be stopped." "Yes," replied the duke, "they had better husband their energies, for if I read the future aright, Suabia will have need of every nerve." Rodolph paused here; and as his companion did not reply, they rode on in silence.
"I have a plan," exclaimed the duke, with singular vivacity.

"But tell me first, has that young Gilbert seen the Lady Margaret ?" In reply the missionary briefly narrated the events of which the reader is already in possession.