step; but Harold had half a mind to break his promise on this occasion, mount his steed, and ride back to the castle.

"As to the being you speak of, we are ignorant to whom you allude," continues the one in the iron mask, making signs to his associates, as the Earl advanced to the light that proceeded from the fire they had kindled; "there was no one here when we arrived, we merely put in for shelter till the fury of the squall was over, and (catching the features of Ethelbald from the reflection of the flame)"by hell it is my enemy, and my victim!"

This in a moment he communicated to his fellows, and the other soon returned who had taken charge of the horses; he then gave several directions by signs, and solicited the Earl to partake of their cheer.

"I know not who you are," replies

Ethelbald, "but for once I must forget my dignity, and join in your revelry: the purpose of my errand is at an end, and the extraordinary being I inquired after perhaps, smiling at the forked lightning as it shivers in sunder the monarch of the forest-no matter; here I'll re gale till the storm is over, and then return to my castle."

"Are you sure of that?" says the other to himself. Then turning to Ethel bald, in manly tone he observed, "though you do not nor cannot know me, my Lord, I know you well, have fought by your side more than once in the struggle of invasion against our throne and country, and have reasons to remember you that may one day be revealed! You talk of forgetting your dignity; know then to your confusion we are outlaws, and do not heed your greatness, but to punish it. This is but a part of the band of which I

am appointed captain; save in preserving order and good will, I hold myself every way their equal, nor would I wound the feelings of any one through a consciousness of my superiority. Pitiful arrogance for man to hold his head erect above his fellow man, because he is richer in pos sessions! the man superior in mind and great achievements, alone can stand excused for such presumption! Respecting the divination of wonders that are to come to pass, as far as concerns the events of this night, I can foretel; you will not return to your castle! we are mysterious agents, employed against the dignity you spoke of, and it is our business to set all things on a level.-Fear not the storm, my bold associates," he concludes, "to horse, and away!"

Ethelbald and his follower attempted to draw their swords and defend themselves, but were immediately secured,

gagged, and bound to their horses; the captain mounted his, the rest pursued the example, and they made off with all speed, through the violence of the storm, towards the wildest depths of the forest! 3V JAHO

"Yes, it is he-it is my victim.-Now let my arm strike firmly, or palsies wither it for ever."

DIMOND.

THE castle which had for the most part been an asylum for domestic happiness, was now a scene of confusion beyond description. Gunilda was overwhelmed with grief and alarm at the Earl's departure. Florimund and Adeliza were almost heart-broken at their hapless fate. Just at the moment they were about to look up to