"So you have seen the interior of the castle, Mr. Darling? It is a very grand place, both outside and in, and there are wonderful pictures and so on, but I assure you that I shall have the pleasure of showing you things far more astonishing and interesting than you have seen yet. Come with me! Now, this is the seat of Henry Hotspur, what do you think of that?" Old memories came rushing over Grace, and especially of the border ballads which she had learned long ago. "Lord Percy made a solemn feast, In Alnwick's princely hall, And there came lords, and there came knights, His chiefs and barons all." "Now, come into the armoury, Miss Grace, for there are things there that are particularly well worth looking at. Now, these are weapons used in the French war. The Duke of Northumberland raised an army of volunteers, and he supported them, too, and these are the arms we used." "Were you then one of the volunteers who served under the command of His Grace?" inquired Miss Darling. "Yes, indeed," said the man, with a touch of natural pride; "I was one of them, and would not have been left out of the number for a good deal." "What are these things?" inquired Grace, as they stood near some very simple implements of warfare. "They were brought from Otaheite," replied their guide. "Take them in your hands, Miss Grace, and see what you think of them, and what use you could make of them." "I understand the use of an English oar much better," said Grace, with a smile, and this brought another of the many compliments which the guide passed upon her prowess and gallantry. "This is one of the canoes which they use," he continued; "will you get in and endeavour to paddle yourself across the lake?" Grace was delighted to make the attempt, and still more pleased when she succeeded in it. After the usual remarks of the guide had been duly attended to, he directed their attention to the donjon-keep--an abode so full of dreary horror, that to it might justly be applied Dante's motto above the gates of Eblis. Mr. Darling and Grace pursued this tour around the ramparts of the castle, admiring afresh the view down the soft green sloping lawn, to the beautiful and varied windings of the Aln. They and their guide had by this time become familiar, and many a treasured legend and traditionary tale were told relating to the house of Percy.