The next instant his hold relaxed, and the wizard sprang to his feet unharmed, but deluged in blood.

Hal o' Nabs uttered a cry of keenest anguish, and, flinging himself upon the body of the forester, tried to staunch the wound; but he was quickly seized by the arquebussiers, and his hands tied behind his back with a thong, while Ashbead was lifted up and borne towards the abbey, the monks and rustics following slowly after; but the latter were not permitted to enter the gate.
As the unfortunate keeper, who by this time had become insensible from loss of blood, was carried along the walled enclosure leading to the abbot's lodging, a female with a child in her arms was seen advancing from the opposite side.

She was tall, finely formed, with features of remarkable beauty, though of a masculine and somewhat savage character, and with magnificent but fierce black eyes.

Her skin was dark, and her hair raven black, contrasting strongly with the red band wound around it.

Her kirtle was of murrey-coloured serge; simply, but becomingly fashioned.