Wendot made no reply.  He was growing too spent and weary to have words or thoughts to spare.  It seemed as if the long and weary descent would never be accomplished; and the beat of the sun beating down upon them mercilessly as they reached the lower ground turned him sick and faint.  Little Gertrude, mounted now upon her palfrey, was chattering ceaselessly to her father, as he strode on beside her down the hillside; but Lord Montacute was grave and silent; and as for the face of Res Vychan, it looked as if carved out of marble, as he planted himself by the side of the sturdy pony who carried his son, and placed his arm round the lad to support him during that long and weary ride.

It was plain that the thoughts of both men were of a very serious complexion, and gave them food for much reflection and consideration.

Griffeth bounded on a little ahead of the cavalcade, excited by the events of the day, anxious for his brother, yet intensely proud of him, envying him the chance of thus displaying his heroic qualities, yet only wishing to have shared them —­ not that anything should be detracted from the halo which encircled Wendot.  He had reached a turn in the path, and for a moment was alone and out of sight of the company that followed, when the hounds who had accompanied Wendot, and were now returning with them, uttered a deep bay as of welcome, and the next moment two dark and swarthy heads appeared from behind the shelter of some great boulders, and the faces of Llewelyn and Howel looked cautiously forth.

In a moment Griffeth was by their side, various emotions struggling in his face for mastery; but the tie of brotherhood was a strong one, and his first words were those of warning.

“It is all known —­ our father knows, and hers.  I know not what your punishment will be.  I have never seen our father look so stern.  Do as you will about returning home, but I wot not how you will be received.”

Llewelyn and Howel exchanged glances; and the former asked eagerly, “And the maid?”

“Is safe with her father and ours.  Wendot risked his life to save her from Maelgon’s men.  Nay, linger not to hear the tale, if you would fly from the anger of those who know that you sought to betray her.  It will be no easy thing to make peace with our father.  You know his thoughts upon the sacredness of hospitality.”

But even as he spoke Griffeth saw the change that came over his brothers’ faces as they looked past him to something behind; then as he himself turned quickly to see what it was, he beheld their father and two of the servants approaching; and Res Vychan pointed sternly to the two dark-leaded boys, now involuntarily quailing beneath the fiery indignation in his eyes, and said: 

“Bind them hand and foot and carry them to the castle.  They shall be dealt with there as their offence shall warrant.”

Then turning on his heel, he rejoined the company; whilst Llewelyn and Howel were brought captive to the paternal halls of Dynevor.