Chapter 25 BADGER CRACKS THE NORMAN'S PATE.

"Those who in quarrels interpose

Must often wipe a bloody nose."

The Mastiffs.

* * *

A few miles down the valley from the Norman headquarters at the castle, and following the trend of the river-because there was on its banks to be found a path, or track, very irregular, it is true, but which was made to serve the purposes of pedestrians