Slater listened attentively, until he heard the last echoes of their retiring footsteps die away in silence; and having assured himself that the men were seated, he gently opened the door of his room, and stole softly down after them. There, through a small chink of the door, he perceived them sitting by a fire which blazed fiercely, and glanced on their countenances, making them look still more ferocious; against the wall, hung a skull cap, a sword and buckler, and a matchlock. They ate, drank, and swore, and seemed to have forgotten that the billman slept so near them; and the old man cautioned them against making too much noise, lest they might awake the sleepers, or attract the notice of the town watch.

After draining their cups, two of the men stretched themselves on the floor, rolled up their cloaks, for pillows, and lying down with their feet towards the fire, soon, by their loud snoring, gave evident tokens of their being fast asleep.

"My comrades," said Guy Maunay, are weary, for they have not slept an hour these three nights, and I would fain doze awhile myself."

"What news bear ye from Dethick," said Aldwinkle, "have the arms arrived, and have ye seen ought of the captain ?"

"There are some few chests at Babington's," said Guy, "and there will be more shortly, but 'tis difficult to get them there." What number have we here?

"I will see," said Aldwinkle, unlocking a chest in the room, and taking out a book, then adjusting his spectacles, he read," 45 toasting irons, 16 harque buisses, 24 pikes and lances, and 12 crown bills."

"Thou shalt see," replied Aldwinkle: then pressing a spring in the wainscot, a part of it flew open and discovered a quantity of arms, ranged in order and ready for use.

"Thou hast room for more," said Guy, "and we can bring some pikes through the passage under ground.” "Then do it soon," replied Aldwinkle ; "are thy comrades to be trusted?"

"Aye," replied the other, yawning, "sworn to the good cause, both trusty dogs, and they serve a good master."

"And when will all be ready," inquired Aldwinkle, " methinks Master Babington is tardy-what wait they

for ?"

A loud snore was the only answer returned. Guy had fallen fast asleep, with his head lying on the table. The old man muttered something about their want of zeal, and moved towards the door.

Slater instantly retreated to his own room, and lying down, though against his wish, soon fell asleep.

CHAP. II.

Tanta est discordia fratrum.

Ovid. Metam.

GENTLE reader, we must now lead you back a period of seventeen years from the time this tale commences.

In the tenth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, there lived about a mile from the town of Malmsbury, an old knight, named Sir Geoffry Frampton; he had reached his sixtieth year, happy in the possession of two sons, who were without their equals, either in the field, or in military exercise. Hugh, the eldest, was of a tall and commanding figure; with a sallow complexion which was well contrasted with his fine dark hair. He was generally styled by the country round, "Hugh the black," to distinguish him from his brother Stephen, whose hair and complexion were of a colour exactly opposite. Though Hugh was by all acknowledged as the most handsome; yet the fine open countenance of Stephen, and the gentleness of his disposition, were sure to win the hearts of all who knew him-while his brother was respected, he was beloved. The good dames of Malmsbury adjusted their ruffs, and smoothed down their white handkerchiefs whenever they visited the abbey, and many a youthful heart palpitated at beholding two such comely youths.

The brothers lived on the most friendly terms; they

hunted, hawked, and coursed together, and it gave the old knight inexpressible pleasure in perceiving such a friendship between them, at a time when religious differences were dividing the kingdom, and tearing asunder the tenderest ties.

But this scene soon closed upon the old man, and he was not fated to see the woeful change which soon after took place. The old knight was one day wounded by a stag whilst hunting, and in spite of the most skilful assistance, a mortification ensued, and he breathed his last about a week after the accident, surrounded by his kindred and friends.

The grief of the brothers was for a time unbounded, but sorrow preys not long on the youthful heart. When their term of mourning had expired, their house was again open to all. Amongst the visitors at the manorhouse, were Master William Conyers, and his lovely daughter Grace. He had been left a widower some years, with his only child, then in her sixteenth year. She was taller than most of her sex, and her features were most exquisitely formed. The brothers vied with each other in their attention to their charming guest, and Hugh was not long in perceiving that Stephen was the most favoured.

As they walked in the garden one evening, towards the close of the summer, Hugh stooped and plucked a rose from its stalk, and presented it to Grace. She was attentively listening to the discourse of Stephen, and

received it carelessly; it slipped from her fingers, and as it fell to the ground, its leaves were scattered over the path. Hugh interpreted this as a rejection; and considered it was purposely done. His dark features suddenly grew darker: he bit his lips, and seemed to be struggling for utterance, then casting on Grace and his brother a malicious glance, he turned on his heel, and hurried up one of the shaded paths. Having reached an arbour, he flung himself on one of the

seats.

"It is strange," muttered he," she should prefer the fair-haired boy; was it a token she should not be mine, when the rose leaves were scattered in the path? but I will straight demand her of her father, he will not refuse my suit ; and he arose, and walked into the house.

The next day came, Hugh was gloomy and thoughtful. The night had closed in, and old Conyers and his daughter sate in the apartment appropriated to their use. The family had retired to rest; Grace had been performing an air; she had laid down the instrument, and sat carelessly looking from the window, when her father broke silence.

"Come hither, my child," said he.

She obeyed him, and drew her chair close to his; he parted her beautiful hair, and kissing her white forehead, said,

Grace, thou knowest full well thou art my only earthly care; the threads of my existence maye sud