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 warn Cedric of his impending fate, or to share it with him. But his warning would have come too late; the massive pinnacle already tottered, and De Bracy would have accomplished his purpose, had not the voice of the Templar sounded in his ear.

"All is lost, De Bracy, the castle burns."

"Thou art mad to say so," replied the knight.

"It is all in a light flame on the western side. I have striven in vain to extinguish it."

With the stern coolness which formed the basis of his character, Brian de Bois-Guilbert communicated this hideous intelligence, which was not so calmly received by his astonished comrade.

"Saints of paradise!" said De Bracy; "what is to be done? I vow to Saint Nicholas of Limoges a candlestick of pure gold——”

"Spare thy vow," said the Templar, "and mark me. Lead thy men down, as if to a sally; throw the postern gate open—There are but two men who occupy the float, fling them into the moat, and push across for the barbican. I will sally from the main-gate, and attack the barbican