could induce them to fufpcft treachery, they were to found a ' horn and feiae the draw-bridge. ' Oa hearing this horn, the ambufcade was to advance full gallop, difmount at the bridge, and gain the caftle. In the manner in which they had planned it the projeQ: was executed ; and on the morrow morning, all being prepared, they rode forward, and placed à large ambufli of fix fcore lances, and then, with thirty companions, fecretly armed, went to Venta-dour, carrying fir Peter Mefpin to affift them with his advice. They did not forget the' ranfom-money, which was neatly packed up in three balkets, on the backs « of two ftrong hbrfes. They ^found Alleyne and Peter Roux at the barriers, which were thrown quite back on their approach : having pafied them and entered the gate, the brothers would have clofed the barriers again ; but the French knights faid,—c Let them remain : is it a fair bargain or not ? You know you have engaged fo furrender the caftle for ten thoufand francs in hard money : - they are ready, and on the two fumpter horfes you fee, If you aft loyally to us, we will do the fame to you.' • They knew not what anfwer to make to this fpeech ; but to prevent them having any fufpi-• cions, they faid, € You fay well ; and we are will-ing to aft as fairly as yourfelves.' The French party pafled on, and the barriers re-mained open. Had they been clofed, the ambuf-cade wcfuld nevetf have been able to arrive in time to 79