concealed, he went forth to prevent the person in search of her
from approaching.

At the mouth of the cavern he found an armed Knight, discoursing
with a peasant, who assured him he had seen a lady enter the passes
of the rock. The Knight was preparing to seek her, when Theodore,
placing himself in his way, with his sword drawn, sternly forbad
him at his peril to advance.

"And who art thou, who darest to cross my way?" said the Knight,
haughtily.

"One who does not dare more than he will perform," said Theodore.

"I seek the Lady Isabella," said the Knight, "and understand she
has taken refuge among these rocks. Impede me not, or thou wilt
repent having provoked my resentment."

"Thy purpose is as odious as thy resentment is contemptible," said
Theodore. "Return whence thou camest, or we shall soon know whose
resentment is most terrible."

The stranger, who was the principal Knight that had arrived from
the Marquis of Vicenza, had galloped from Manfred as he was busied
in getting information of the Princess, and giving various orders
to prevent her falling into the power of the three Knights. Their
chief had suspected Manfred of being privy to the Princess's
absconding, and this insult from a man, who he concluded was
stationed by that Prince to secrete her, confirming his suspicions,
he made no reply, but discharging a blow with his sabre at