Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/75

Rh has set upon them. And I make no claim to other prophecy than is within the power of every man who can read the chronicles and learn from them that as the past has been the future shall be. Should Count de Ferrers set up his engines against these walls—as in truth I believe he will do—I have faith he cannot prevail against them. So I would prophesy; and my reasons are many. Chief among them, however, is this: Within these walls loyalty and good will defend the right, while without, force, craft, and greed are allied to aid the wrong. It will be union against disunion, devotion against selfishness. And the right will prevail."

Amabel was impressed by the Friar's words, still more by his modesty; and thereafter she was the Franciscan's stanch friend. In return he taught her many things, for he was very learned, not only in languages, but in science and the arts. He proved to be also a man of much practical sense, suggesting to the workmen many means of lightening their labors. He talked freely with the chief inmates of the castle, but was rather reserved toward the common people, who were in awe of his learning. Indeed, he was by the serving-women declared to be a magician, and deeply skilled in the Black Art—a belief that was much strengthened by the curious apparatus in his