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194 safely where any of the men might be taken. She longs to go, and I say that it would be right to let her go. If she is to go at all, surely the time has come; for the siege will be decided before many more days have passed. Besides, now it will be easy for her to slip away while the tower is flaming—for that will hold every eye for a mile about. Let her disguise herself well; in anything but minstrel garb, I should say, for that bolt has been shot, and has missed its mark."

"The Friar is right," said Hugh, "for it is her own wish, and hi her place one might well long to do something for the baron who has opened his home to a defenseless maiden. Besides, she is, as the Franciscan says, shrewd and ready. I believe she may bring us relief. To whom can she go? Have you any ally in mind?"

"She says." Edgar replied, for the question was put to him, "that there is a friend to Baron Mortimer and an old ally of her father from whom help may be hoped for. His castle lies some fifty miles northward, and she is confident she can persuade him to march to our relief. My mother also thinks so, for he is an enemy to the Count de Ferrers. It is the Earl of Huntingdon."

"A good soldier, and a trusty knight. I know him of old," exclaimed Hugh. "If he will take up our cause, we may yet save the castle from this