whilst Dorothy's lover was animated by a stern resolve to punish his
foe, at whatever the cost, De la Zouch fought like a madman, because
he fought with a halter round his neck.

As for the latter's followers, at the first charge, with one accord
they turned, and leaving their lord, for whom they had little love, to
meet his fate, they tried to save themselves by flight.

The struggle was not prolonged. Manners was by far the better
swordsman of the two, and De la Zouch, disheartened at the flight of
his followers gradually weakened in his attack, and at length fell
mortally wounded, leaving no one now to hinder them from marching
victoriously on to Ashby.




CHAPTER XXVI.

A DISGUISED LOVER.

Imperious beauty,
Treading upon the neck of understanding,
Compelled me to put off my natural shape
Of loyal duty, to disguise myself.

MASSINGER

The autumn winds were howling among the trees and scattering the later
leaves in all directions, when, with the fall of twilight, a gentle