“Do you think I am wanting in courage?” “No! I know you are brave; only I do not desire to lessen the merit of the deed I am resolved to accomplish by sharing its dangers with you.” “But it would be dishonourable in me to allow to go alone into danger one whom it is my duty to defend,” said the lad, planting his little fists on his hips. “By the Shrine of St. Landri! you are too importunate, Ortez. Girls like me have beak and talons like fully-fledged falcons. Return, then, to the camp to inform Charlemagne, and if in three days I do not come back, you will pray for a gallant girl who died in the quest of adventure.” The page was obliged to give way; he returned alone along the road which he had just traversed in company with Mitaine, and I will not swear that he had not tears in his eyes. As soon as she was alone, Mitaine assured herself that her sword was firmly buckled on at her side--that her dagger quitted its sheath easily; then she bent her steps towards a ruined hut which stood in the midst of a vast field of maize. Before long she reached it, and saw a peasant seated on the ground playing with his children. She was struck by his air of profound melancholy, and shocked at the wretched appearance of the little ones that were rolling’ about in the dust. [Illustration: 208] “Can you tell me the way to the Fortress of Fear?” On hearing this question the peasant rose hurriedly, and stared at Mitaine with frightened eyes. The youngsters took refuge between his legs as if they expected some calamity. “Do you know what you are asking?” said the terrified man. “It is doubtless a jest, or a bit of show-off inexcusable in a child of your age.” “You do not answer seriously a serious question. Not being a native of the country, I may not express myself properly; I believe, however, I spoke sufficiently plainly to be understood. Once more I ask you the way to the Fortress of Fear.” “It is the way to certain death.” “What does that matter?--it is the way I intend to take. I feel certain that they belie the lord of the castle, and wish to put his hospitality to the test.”