“I know it, man; and that church and the relics of the saints in it are safe, therefore. Hereward gives his word.” “That,--but not that only, if thou art a true knight, as thou holdest, Englishman.” Hereward growled savagely, and made an ugly step toward Herluin. That was a point which he would not have questioned. “Then behave as a knight, and save, save,”--as the monks dragged him away,--“save the hospice! There are women,--ladies there!” shouted he, as he was borne off. They never met again on earth; but both comforted themselves in after years, that two old enemies’ last deed in common had been one of mercy. Hereward uttered a cry of horror. If the wild Letts, even the Jomsburgers, had got in, all was lost. He rushed to the door. It was not yet burst: but a bench, swung by strong arms, was battering it in fast. “Winter! Geri! Siwards! To me, Hereward’s men! Stand back, fellows. Here are friends here inside. If you do not, I’ll cut you down.” But in vain. The door was burst, and in poured the savage mob. Hereward, unable to stop them, headed them, or pretended to do so, with five or six of his own men round him, and went into the hall. On the rushes lay some half-dozen grooms. They were butchered instantly, simply because they were there. Hereward saw, but could not prevent. He ran as hard as he could to the foot of the wooden stair which led to the upper floor. “Guard the stair-foot, Winter!” and he ran up. Two women cowered upon the floor, shrieking and praying with hands clasped over their heads. He saw that the arms of one of them were of the most exquisite whiteness, and judging her to be the lady, bent over her. “Lady! you are safe. I will protect you. I am Hereward.” She sprang up, and threw herself with a scream into his arms. “Hereward! Hereward! Save me. I am--” “Alftruda!” said Hereward. It was Alftruda; if possible more beautiful than ever. “I have got you!” she cried. “I am safe now. Take me away,--out of this horrible place! Take me into the woods,--anywhere. Only do not let me be burnt here,--stifled like a rat. Give me air! Give me water!” And she clung to him so madly, that Hereward, as he held her in his arms, and gazed on her extraordinary beauty, forgot Torfrida for the second time. But there was no time to indulge in evil thoughts, even had any crossed his mind. He caught her in his arms, and commanding the maid to follow, hurried down the stair. Winter and the Siwards were defending the foot with swinging blades. The savages were howling round like curs about a bull; and when Hereward appeared above with the women, there was a loud yell of rage and envy. He should not have the women to himself,--they would share the plunder equally,--was shouted in half a dozen barbarous dialects. “Have you left any valuables in the chamber?” whispered he to Alftruda. “Yes, jewels,--robes. Let them have all, only save me!”