Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/341

311 they came running across the field to welcome their deliverers. Once more the Earl marshaled his men in battle-array, and then, singing their song, they came up the plateau to meet the grateful people of the castle.

This time when the opposing bodies met, it was the Earl's men who broke up in disorder before the welcoming throng, the laughter, the tears of joy, the embraces of the women and children, calling down blessings upon their deliverers.

Last of all came the good Friar, and when he had received the warm greetings of the newcomers, he turned, and raising his hand, imposed silence upon them all.

The noblemen and the soldiers, the women and little children sank upon their knees, and the Friar in their name, offered thanks for their deliverance from the wickedness of their enemies, and the perils of the siege, and for the successful

THE END