It was not so he treated the wives and daughters of
the slaughtered Saracens when I followed his banners over the fields of
Palestine!"
"Thou canting miscreant!" cried Heselrigge, springing on him suddenly,
and aiming his dagger at his breast. But the soldier arrested the
weapon, and at the same instant closing upon the assassin, with a turn
of his foot threw him to the ground. Heselrigge, as he lay prostrate,
seeing his dagger in his adversary's hand, with the most dastardly
promises implored for life.
"Monster!" cried the soldier, "I wold not pollute my honest hands with
such unnatural blood. Neither, though thy hand has been lifted against
my life, would I willingly take thine. It is not rebellion against my
commander that actuates me, but hatred of the vilest of murderers. I
go far from you, or your power; but if you forswear your voluntary
oath, and attempt to seek me out for vengeance, remember it is a
soldier of the cross you pursue, and a dire retribution shall be
demanded by Heaven, at a moment you cannot avoid, and with a horror
commensurate with your crimes."
There was a solemnity and determination in the voice and manner of the
soldier that paralyzed the intimidated soul of the governor; he
trembled violently, and repeating the oath of leaving Grimsby
unmolested, at last obtained his permission to return to Lanark.
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