me, and I will
tell thee of an enterprise, in which, if thou be'st really that which thou
seemest, thou mayest take an honourable part. A band of villains, in the
disguise of better men than themselves, have made themselves master of the
person of a noble Englishman, called Cedric the Saxon, together with his ward,
and his friend, Athelstane of Coningsburgh, and have transported them to a
castle in this forest, called Torquilstone. I ask of thee, as a good knight and
a good Englishman, wilt thou aid in their rescue?«
    »I am bound by my vow to do so,« replied the knight; »but I would willingly
know who you are, who request my assistance in their behalf?«
    »I am,« said the forester, »a nameless man; but I am the friend of my
country, and of my country's friends - With this account of me you must for the
present remain satisfied, the more especially since you yourself desire to
continue unknown. Believe, however, that my word, when pledged, is as inviolate
as if I wore golden spurs.«
    »I willingly believe it,« said the knight; »I have been accustomed to study
men's countenances, and I can read in thine honesty and resolution. I will,
therefore, ask thee no farther questions, but aid thee in setting at freedom
these oppressed captives; which done, I trust we shall part better acquainted,
and well satisfied with each other.«
    »So,« said Wamba to Gurth, - for the friar being now fully equipped, the
Jester, having approached to the other side of the hut, had heard the conclusion
of the conversation, - »So, we have got a new ally? - I trust the valour of the
knight will be truer metal than the religion of the hermit, or the honesty of
the yeoman; for this Locksley looks like a born deer-stealer, and the priest
like a lusty hypocrite.«
    »Hold thy peace, Wamba,« said Gurth; »it may all be as thou dost guess; but
were the horned devil to rise and proffer me his assistance to set at liberty
Cedric and the Lady Rowena, I fear I should hardly have religion enough to
refuse the foul fiend's offer, and bid him get behind me.«
    The friar was now completely accoutred as a yeoman, with sword and buckler,
bow and quiver, and a strong partisan over his shoulder. He left his cell at the
head of the party,