"Your excellency could not have chanced upon one more able or willing to serve you," replied Xit. "Give me the letter, and I will engage it shall reach its destination." "Come to my lodgings this evening," said De Noailles, "and it shall be ready for thee. As yet, my plan is not matured." "Your excellency may depend upon me," replied the dwarf. "But I conclude, if I perform my task to your satisfaction, I shall be rewarded." "Amply," replied De Noailles. "Take this purse in earnest of what is to follow." "I do not desire gold," returned the dwarf, restoring the purse. "What I aspire to is rank. I am tired of being at tendant to three gluttonous giants. If the Earl of Devonshire is restored by my means to liberty and to the position he has lost with the Queen, I trust the service will not be unremembered, but that I may be promoted to some vacant post." "Doubt it not," replied De Noailles, who could scarcely help laughing at the dwarf's overweening vanity. "I will answer for it, if thou performest thy part well, thou shalt be knighted ere a month be past. But I will put thy skill further to the test. The princess Elizabeth will be removed from the Tower to-day. Thou must find some means of delivering a letter to her, unperceived by her attendants." "I will do it," replied Xit, unhesitatingly. 'Knighted, did your excellency say?" "Ay, knighted," returned De Noailles-" within a month. Follow me. I will prepare the letter." It being the embassador's wish to carry on a secret correspondence with the princess, he pondered upon the safest means of accomplishing his object; and chancing to notice a guitar, which had been lent him by Elizabeth, it occurred to him that it would form an excellent medium of communication. Accordingly, he set to work, and being well versed in various state ciphers, speedily traced a key to the system bereath the strings of the instrument. He then despatched it by a page to the princess, who, immediately comprehending that some mystery must be attached to it, laid it aside to take with her to Ashbridge. De Noailles, meanwhile, wrote a few hasty lines on a piece of paper, explaining his motive in sending the guitar, and delivering it to Xit, charged him, as he valued his life, not to attempt to give it the princess, unless he could do so unobserved. About noon, Elizabeth, escourted by Sir Edward Hastings, and a large guard, left the palace. She was on horseback, and as she rode through the gateway of the By-ward Tower, Xit, who had stationed himself on Og's shoulder, took off his bonnet and let it fall as if by accident, on her steed's head. Startled by the blow, the animal reared, and in the confusion that ensued, the dwarf contrived to slip the billet unperceived into her hand. As soon as the cavalcade had passed on, and the dwarf had undergone a severe rebuke from Og and the other warders for his supposed carelessness, he hastened to the ambassador's room, to relate the successful issue of his undertaking. De Noailles was overjoyed by the intelligence; complimented him on his skill; promised him still higher dignities in case of success; and bade him return in the evening for further orders. The remainder of the day was consumed by the embassador in revolving his project. The more he reflected upon the matter, the more convinced he became, that in the present critical state of affairs, nothing could be done without some daring conspiracy; and after a long debate, he conceived a scheme which would either overthrow Mary's government altogether, and place Elizabeth on the throne, or reduce the former to such an abject state that he could dictate his own terms to her. On consideration, thinking it better to write to the Earl for fear of mischance, he entrusted Xit with a message to him, earnestly impressing upon the dwarf the necessity of caution. The subject of all this plotting, it has been stated, was confined in the lieutenant's lodgings. Every consideration due to his rank and peculiar position was shown him by Sir Henry Bedingfeld. He was permitted to occupy the large chamber on the second floor, since noted as the scene of the examinations of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators. He was, however, strictly guarded. No one was allowed to hold any communication with him, either personally or by letter, except through the medium of the lieutenant. And every article either of attire or furniture that was brought him was carefully inspected before it was delivered to him. Xit, who, as a privileged person, went and came where he pleased, found little difficulty in obtaining admittance to the lieutenant's lodgings. But all his cunning could not procure him a sight of the prisoner, and after wasting several hours in fruitless attempts, being fearful of exciting suspicion, he was compelled for that night to relinquish the design. The next day, he was equally unsuccessful, and he was almost driven to his wits' end with perplexity, when as he was passing beneath a tree at the southern extremity of the green, he chanced to cast his eye upwards, and saw a cat spring from one of the topmost branches on to the roof of the Bloody Tower. "Whereever a cat can go, I can," thought Xit: "That roof reached, I could pass along the summitu of the ramparts and fortifications connecting it with the lieutenant's lodgings; and on arriving there, it were easy to descend the chimney, and get into the earl's chamber. Bravo! That will do." The plan so enchanted him, that he was in a fever to put it in execution. This, however, could not take place till night, and retiring to a little distance to survey the premises, he satisfied himself, after some consideration, that he had discovered the chimney communicating with the earl's room. When the proper time arrived, he cautiously approached the tree, and looking round to make sure no one observed him, he clambered up it with the agility of a squirrel. Notwithstanding his caution, a serious accident had nearly befallen him. Just as he was about to spring upon the wall, the bough on which he stood broke. Luckily he caught hold of a projection of the building, and saved himself. But he was some minutes before he recovered from the fright. The noise, too, had nearly betrayed him to the sentinels, who approached within a few paces of him. But the darkness was so profound, that he escaped obser vation. When they returned to their posts he proceeded along the ridge of the battlements, and dropping upon the ballium wall, proceeded with the utmost caution to the edge of the ramparts. He then passed on tip-toe close to the guard and hastening forward, reached the tiled roof of the lieutenant's house up which he clambered, as noiselessly and actively as the animal he emulated. On gaining the chimney he was in search of, he untied a cord with which he had provided himself, and securing it to the brickwork, let one end drop down the aperture. He then descended, and soon came to a level with the chamber, and perceiving a light within it, resolved to reconnoitre before he ventured further. Courtenay was asleep on a couch in the corner, while two attendants were likewise slumbering upon seats near the door. At a loss how to act, as he could scarcely awaken the earl without disturbing the guards, Xit got out of the chimney, and crept cautiously towards the couch. He would fain have extinguished the lamp, but it was out of his reach. Planting himself on the further side of the couch, so as to conceal himself from the attendants, he ventured at length slightly to shake the sleeper. Courtenay started, and uttered an exclamation which immediately aroused his guards. "Who touched me?" he demanded angrily. "No one, my lord," replied the foremost of the men, glancing at the door and round the chamber. "Your lordship must have been dreaming." "I suppose it must be so," replied the earl, looking round, and perceiving nothing. "And yet-" At this moment a slight pressure of the hand warned him to be silent. "If your lordship wishes it, we well search the room," observed the second soldier. "No, no, it is needless," replied Courtenay. "I have no doubt it was a dream." In a few minutes, the soldiers were again snoring, and Xit popping his head from beneath the coverlet, in a low tone delivered his messnge. The earl expressed his satisfaction, and proceeded to make inquiries respecting the Princess Elizabeth. On learning that she had quitted the Tower the day before, he had much ado to restrain his joy. And when he ascertained by what means the dwarf had obtained access to the chamber, he was desirous to attempt an escape by the same way, but was dissuaded by Xit, who represented to him the risk he would incur, adding that even if he escaped from his present prison, he would be unable to quit the Tower. The dwarf then departed as he came. Climbing up the chimney, he drew the rope after him, retraced his course over the fortifications; and on reaching the Bloody Tower, contrived, with much exertion, and no little risk, to lay hold of a branch of the tree, down which he clambered. The next day, he related the successful issue of his trip to his employer. De Noailles did not remain idle. He had already men tioned his project to the Duke of Suffolk, Lord Thomas Grey, Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, Sir James Croft, Sir Peter Carew, and Sir Thomas Wyat, all of whom eagerly joined in it. With most of these, but especially with Wyat,-afterwards the leader of the rebellion against Mary, the main inducement to conspire was aversion to the Queen's meditated alliance with the Prince of Spain. With the Duke of Suffolk and his ambitious brother, Lord Thomas Grey, it was, , (as De Noailles had foreseen,) the hope that in the tumult the Lady Jane Grey might be restored, that purchased their compliance.The conspirators had frequent secret meetings in the apartments of the French Embassdor, where they conferred upon their plans. Suffolk, though pardoned for his late treason by Mary, was yet detained a prisoner on parole within the Tower. His brother had not taken a sufficiently prominent part to bring him into trouble. The bravest of their number was Wyat of whom it may be necessary to say a few words. Inheriting the wit and valor of his father, the refined and courtly poet of the same name, Sir Thomas Wyat of Allingham Castle in Kent, had already earned for himself the highest character as a military leader. His father's friend, the chivalrous and poetical Earl of Surrey, in one of his despatches to Henry the Eighth, thus describes his conduct at the seige of Boulogne:-"I assure your Majesty, you have framed him to such towardness and knowledge in the war, that (none other dispraised) your Majesty hath not many like him within your realm, for hardiness, painfulness, circumspection, and natural disposition for the war." Wyat was in the very flower of his age. But his long service,-for from his earliest youth, he had embraced the profession of arms,—had given him an older look than his years warranted. He was of middlesize, strongly but symmetrically proportioned, with handsome boldly-carved features, of a somewhat stern expression. His deportment partook of his frank soldier-like character. In swordsmanship, and all matters connected with the business of war, he was, as may be supposed eminently skilful. After much deliberation, it was agreed among the conspirators to have all in readiness for a general insurrection, but to defer their project until the meeting of parliament, when the Queen's intentions respecting her alliance with Spain would be declared, and if what they anticipated should prove true, the whole nation would favor their untertaking. CHAPTER XVIII....How Courtenay escaped from the Tower. While the great outbreak was thus deferred, it was deemed expedient to liberate Courtenay as soon as possible. Such were the precautions taken by the vigilan: Sir Henry Bedinfeld, that this was not so easy of accomplishment as it appeared on the onset. At length, however all was arranged, and Xit was despatched to the earl to tell him the attempt might be made on the following night, when unluckily, just as the mannikin had extered the chimney, one of the guards awakened, and hearing a noise flew to see what had occasioned it. Exerting his utmost agility, the dwarf was soon out of reach, and the attendant could not distinguish his person, but he instantly gave the alarm. Flying for his life, Xit got out of the chimney, hurried along the tops of the ramparts, and jumping, at the hazard of his neck, into the tree, reached the ground just as the alarm was given to the sentinels. It was past midnight. But Sir Henry Bedingfeld, aroused from his couch, instantly repaired to the chamber of his prisoner. Nothing could be found but the rope by which Xit had descended, and which in his hasty retreat he had not been able to remove. Courtenay refused to answer any interrogations respecting his visiter, and after a long and fruitless search the lieutenant departed. The next day, the occurrence was made known to the Queen, and at her request Simon Renard visited the prisoner. Not thinking his place of confinement secure enough, Renard suggested that he should be removed to the Bell Tower,-a fortification flanking the lieutenant's habitation on the west, and deriving its name, as has already been mentioned, from the alarm-bell of the fortress, which was placed in a small wooden belfry on its roof. This tower is still in existence, and devoted to the same purpose as of old,-though its chainbers, instead of being used as prison-lodgings, form the domestic offices of the governor. In shape it is circular, like all the other towers, with walls of great thickness pierced by narrow loop-holes, admitting light to the interior. Courtenay was confined in a small room on the basement floor, having a vaulted roof supported by pointed arches of curious construction, with deep recesses in the intervals. From this strong and gloomy cell it seemed impossible he could escape; and having seen him placed within it, Renard departed fully sat isfied. When the intelligence of the earl's removal was brought to De Noailles, he was greatly disheartened; but Xit bade him be of good cheer, as he still felt certain of effecting his deliv erance. Some time, however, elapsed before any new scheme could be divised; when one night Xit appeared with a smiling countenance, and said he had found means of com municating with the prisoner. On being questioned as to how he had contrived this, he replied that he had crept up to a loophole opening into the earl's chamber, and filed away one of the iron bars; and though the aperture was not large enough to allow a full-grown man to pass through it, he had done so without inconvenience, and under cover of night without being perceived. He then proceeded to detail a somewhat hazardous plan of flight, which Courtenay had determined to risk, provided his friends would second the attempt. All the earl required was, that a well-manned boat should be in waiting for him near the Tower-wharf, to put off the instant he reached it. After some consideration, this plan was held feasible, and Sir Thomas Wyat undertook the command of the boat. A dark night being indispensable for the enterprise, the third from that time, when there would be no moon, was chosen; and this arrangement was communicated by the dwarf to Courtenay. Measures were then concerted between the earl and his assistant, and all being settled, it was agreed, to avoid heedless risk, that the latter should not return again till the appointed night. On its arrival, Xit, as soon as it grew dark, crept through the loophole, and found the earl impatiently expecting him. He was alone, for since his removal to so strong a prison, it was deemed needless to have an attendant constantly with him. Xit brought him a rapier and dagger, and a long coil of rope, and when he had armed himself with the weapons, they proceeded to the execution of their project. Knocking outside. The man immediately obeyed the call, and as he at the door, the earl summoned the warder who was stationed opened the door Xit crept behind it, and while Courter.ay engaged the warder's attention, he slipped out, and concealed himself behind a projection in the winding stairs. The earl having made a demand which he knew would compel the warder to proceed to Sir Henry Bedingfeld, dismissed him. Quitting the cell, the warder, who had no suspicions, locked the door, leaving the key,—as had been foreseen,—within it. He then ascended the stairs, and passed close to Xit without the door, and made good his own retreat through the loopperceiving him. As soon as he was gone, the dwarf unlocked hole; it being necessary he should give the signal to the party on the river. Courtenay then hurried up the winding steps. On reaching the upper chamber, he perceived it was vacant-but the open door showed him that the warder had just passed through it. Hastily shutting it, and barring it withinside, he mounted a short flight of steps leading to the roof, where he knew a sentinel who had charge of the alarm-bell was stationed. Before the man, who was leaning upon his partizan, could utter an exclamation, Courtenay snatched the weapon from him, and dealt him a blow that stretched him senseless at his feet. He then quickly fastened the rope to one of the stout wooden supporters of the belfry, and flinging the coil over the battlements, prepared to descend by it. Possessed of great strength and activity, and materially aided by the roughened surface of the old walls, and other irregularities in the structure, against which he placed his feet, the eari reached the ground in safety. He was now in the outer ward, near the By-ward Tower. It was so dark that his descent had not been noticed, but he perceived several soldiers passing at a little distance from him, from whose remarks he gathered that they were about to convey the keys of the fortress to the Lieutenant. As soon as they had passed him, he rushed across the ward in the direction of the arched passage leading to the drawbridge. Here he encountered Og, who was en guard at the time. The gigantic warder immediately challenged him, and presented his huge halbert at his breast. But the earl, without making any reply, stooped down, and before he could be prevented, darted through his legs. Og, in a voice of thunder, gave the alarm, and was instantly answered by a party of halberdiers, who rushed out of the adjoining guard-room. They were all armed, some with pikes, some with arquebus ses, and snatching a torch from the soldier nearest him, Og darted after the fugitive. By this time, the earl's flight from the Bell Tower had been discovered. On his return, finding the door barred withinside, the warder suspected something wrong, and gave the alarm. A few seconds sufficed to the men-at-arms to break down the doer with their bills, and they then found what had occurred. The alarm-bell was instantly rung, and word passed to the sentinels on the By-ward Tower, and on the other fortifications, that the Earl of Devonshire had escaped. In an instant, all was in motion. Torches gleamed along the whole line of ramparts; shouts were heard in every direction; and soldiers hastened to each point whence it was conceived likely he would attempt to break forth. Before relating the result of the attempt, it may be proper to advert to what had been done in furtherance of it by Xit. Having got through the loophole as before related, the dwarf pursued the course subsequently taken by Courtenay, made a hasty excuse to Og, and crossed the drawbridge just before it was raised. Approaching the side of the river, he drew a petronel, and flashing it, the signal was immediately answered by the sound of muffled oars; and Xit, whose gaze was steadfastly bent upon the stream, could just detect a boat approaching the strand. The next moment, Sir Thomas Wyat sprang ashore, and as Xit was explaining to him in a whisper what had occurred, the alarm was given as above related. It was a moment of intense interest to all concerned in the enterprise, and Wyat held himself in readiness for action. On reaching the drawbridge and finding it raised, Courtenay without hesitation bounded over the rails, and plunging into the moat, struck out towards the opposite bank. At this juncture Og and his companions arrived at the outlet. The giant held his torch over the moat, and perceived the earl swimming across it A soldier beside him levelled his arquebuss at the fugitive, and would have fired, but Og checked him, crying, "Beware how you harm the Queen's favorite. It is the Earl of Devonshire. Seize him, but injure him not—or dread her majesty's displeasure." The caution, however, was unheeded by those on the summit of the By-ward Tower. Shots were fired from it, and the balls speckled the surface of the water, but without doing any damage. One of Wyat's crew hastened to the edge of the moat, and throwing a short line into the water, assisted the Earl to land. While this was passing, the drawbridge was lowered, and Og and his companions rushed across it-too late, however, to secure the fugitive. As soon as Courtenay had gained a footing on the wharf, Sir Thomas Wyat seized his hand, and hurried him towards the boat, into which they leaped. The oars were then plunged into the water, and before their pursuers gained the bank, the skiff had shot to some distance from it. Another boat was instantly manned and gave chase, but without effect. The obscurity favored the fugitives. Wyat directed his men to pull towards London Bridge, and they soon disappeared beneath its narrow arches. CHAPTER XIX-How Queen Mary visited the Lions' Tower; how Magog gave his dame a lesson; and how Xit conquered a monkey, and was worsted by a bear. Courtenay's 's escape from the Tower created almost as much sensation as his imprisonment had done; and while his partisans were cheered by it, his enemies were proportionately discouraged. Several bands of soldiers, headed by trusty leaders, were sent in pursuit of him in different directions; but no trace could be discovered of the course he had taken; nor could all the vigilance of Sir Edward Bedingfeld detect who had assisted him in his flight. After some time, as no tidings were heard of him, it was concluded he had embarked for France. Inspired by jealousy, Mary immediately sent an order to Ashbridge to double the guard over her sister; and she secretly instructed Sir Edward Hastings, in case of any attempt to set her free, to convey her instantly to the Tower. Elizabeth either was severely indisposed, or feigned to be so, and it was bruited abroad that poison had been given her. This rumor, which obtained general credence, as well as others to the effect that her life had been attempted by different means, at length reached the Queen's ears, and occasioned her great distress and annoyance. To remove the suspicion, she commanded Elizabeth's appearance at Court. And though the Princess wonld fain have refused, she was compelled to obey. Some weeks had now elapsed since Courtenay's flight, and during that time the Queen's anger had so much abated, that Gardiner thought he might venture to solicit his pardon.Representing to her, that she had already punished him sufficiently by the disgrace she had inflicted upon him, and that it was desirable to give no pretext for tumult during the momentuos discussions which would take place on the meeting of parliament, then immediately about to be assembled,he urged his suit so warmly, that in the end Mary consented to pardon the earl, provided he appeared at court within three days. Intelligence of the Queen's change of feeling was soon conveyed to Courtenay, who had been concealed in an obscure lodging in London, and on the second day he presented himself before her. Mary received him graciously but coldly, and in such a manner as to convince him and his friends, if they still indulged any such hopes, that a restoration to the place he had once held in her affections was out of the question. "If you are disposed to travel, my lord," she said sarcastically, "I will take care you have such appointments to foreign courts as will best suit your age and inclination." "Your majesty has perchance some delicate mission at the Court of Madrid, which you desire me to execute," replied the earl, significantly. "Had I any mission to that court," replied the Queen, repressing her emotion, "it is not to your hands I should entrust it. You have offended me once, Courtenay. Beware how you do so a second time. Abandon all hopes of Elizabeth. She never can be-never shall be yours.' "That remains to be seen," muttered Courtenay as he quitted the presence. The interview over, Courtenay was joined by De Noailles, and, from that moment, he surrendered himself unresistingly to the designs of the artful embassador. Mary had now removed her court to Whitehall. But she frequently visited the Tower, and appeared to prefer its gloomy chambers to the gorgeous halls in her other palaces. One night an order was received by Hairun, the bearward, who had charge of the wild animals, that, on the following day, the Queen would visit the menagerie. Preparations were accordingly made for her reception; and the animals were deprived of their supper, that they might exhibit an unusual degree of ferocity. But though Hairun starved the wild beasts, he did not act in like manner towards himself. On the contrary, he deemed it a fitting occasion to feast his friends, and accordingly invited Magog, his dame, the two other giants, Xit, Ribald, and the pantler and his spouse, to take their evening meal with him. The invitation was gladly accepted; and about the hour of a modern dinner, the guests repaired to the bearward's lodgings, which were situated in the basement chamber of the Lions' Tower. Of this structure nothing but an arched embrasure, once overlooking the lesser moat, and another subterranean room, likewise boasting four deep arched recesses, but constantly flooded with water, now remain. A modern dwelling house, tenanted by the former keeper of the menagerie in the fortress, occupies the site of the ancient fabric. Aware of the appetites of his friends, and being no despicable trencherman himself, Hairun had provided accordingly. The principal dish was a wild boar, a present to the bearward from Sir Henry Bedingfeld, which having been previously soaked for a fortnight, in a mixture of vinegar, salt, bruised garlic, and juniper-berries, was roasted whole under the personal superintendence of Peter Trusbut, who predicted it would prove delicious eating-and the result proved him no false prophet. On the appearance of this magnificent dish, which succeeded the first course of buttered stock-fish, and mutton pottage, a murmur of delight pervaded the company. The eyes of the giants glistened, their mouths watered, and they grasped their knives and forks like men preparing for a combat to the utterance. Magog had seated himself as far from his wife as possible. But she was too much engrossed by the assiduous attentien of Ribald to take any particular notice of him. Peter Trusbut, as usual, officiated as carver, And the manner in which he distributed slices of the savory and juicy meat, which, owing to the preparation it had undergone, had a tenderness and mellowness wholly indescribable, with medicums of the delicate fat, elicited the host's warmest approbation. The giants spoke not a word; and even the ladies could only express their delight by interjections. Reserving certain delicate morsels for himself, Peter Trusbut, with a zeal worthy fo the cause in which he was engaged, continued to ply his knife so unremittingly, that no one's plate was for a moment empty, and yet with all this employment, he did not entirely | forget himself. Hairun was in ecstacies; and while the giants were still actively engaged, he placed before them enormous goblets filled with bragget, a drink composed of strong ale sweetened with honey, spiced and flavoured with herbs. At the first pause, the gigantic brethren drained their cups; and they were promptly replenished by the hospital bearward. By this time, the greater part of the boar had disappeared. Its well-flavoured back and fattened flanks were gone, and the hams and head alone remained. Seeing that the other guests were satisfied, the pantler, with some little labour, hewed off the two legs, and giving one to each of the unmarried giants, assigned the head to Magog. "Mauger himself never did his office with greater dexterity than you have displayed in decapitating that wild boar, master pantler," observed Magog, smiling as he received the welcome gift. "You are not going to eat all that, you insatiable cormorant"" cried his dame, from the other end of the table. "Indeed, but I am, sweetheart," replied Magog, commencing operations on the cheek; "wherefore not?" "Wherefore not," screamed Dame Placida, "because you'll die of an apoplexy, and I shall be a second time a widow." "No matter," replied the giant, "I'm weary of life, and cannot end it more comfortably. I'll eat in spite of her," he added, half aloud. This last remark, in spite of Ribald's interference, might have called forth some practical rejoinder on the part of his wife, had not her attention, and that of the rest of the company, been drawn, at the moment, towards Xit. Among other animals allowed to range about the bearward's house, was a small mischievous ape. This creature had seated itself behind Xit's chair, where it made the most grotesque grimaces in imitation of the mannikin. The guests were at first too much occupied to take any notice of its proceedings, and Xit, wholly unconscious of its presence, pursued his repast in tranquillity. The more substantial viands disposed of, he helped himself to some roasted chesnuts, and was greedily munching them, when the monkey stretched his arm over his shoulder, and snatched a handful. Astonished and alarmed at the occurrence, Xit turned to regard the intruder. But when he perceived the ape's grinning face close to his own, and heard the shouts and laughter of the assemblage, his fear changed to anger, and he immediately attempted to regain what had been pilferred from him. But the monkey was not inclined to part with his spoil, and a struggle of a very comical kind ensued. Xit seized the monkey's paws, and tried to get back the chesnuts, while the latter, gibbering and grinning horribly, laid hold of the mannikin's shock head of hair, and after lugging him tremendously, tore up a large lock by the roots. Enraged by the pain, Xit tried to draw his sword, but finding it impossible, he grasped the beast by both ears, and despite its struggling, squealing, and attempts to bite, succeeded in keeping it at bay. What might have been the result of the conflict it is impossible to say. But just as Xit's strength was failing, Hairun flew to his assistance, and partly by threats, partly by the application of a switch to its back, drove the monkey into a corner. Xit was highly complimented for his courage, and though he occasionally rubbed his head, these encomiums entirely reconciled him to the loss of his hair. Magog, who cherished some little resentment for his former tricks, laughed immoderately at the incident, and said, " My beard is already grown again, but it will be a long time before thy rough poll regains its accustomed appearance. Ha! ha!" In this way the meal was concluded, and it was followed by a plentiful supply of ale, hydromel, bragget, and wine. Nor did Peter Trusbut forget to slip the stone bottle of distilled water into Magog's hand, recommending him on no account to let Xit taste it-a suggestion scrupulously observed by the giant. His guests having passed a merry hour over their cups, Hairun proposed to conduct them over the menagerie, that they might see what condition the animals were in. The proposal was eagerly accepted, and providing torches, the bearward led them into a small court, communicating by a low arched door with the menagerie. It was then, as now, (for the modern erection, which is still standing though wholly unused, followed the arrangement of the ancient structure, and indeed retains some of the old stone arches,) a wide semicircular fabric, in which were contrived, at distances of a few feet apart, a number of arched cages, divided into two or more compartments, and secured by strong iron bars. A high embattled wall of the same form as the inner struc ture faced on the west a small moat, now filled up, which flowed round these outworks from the base of the Middle Tower to a fortification, now also removed, called, from its situation, the Lions' Gate, where it joined the larger moat. Opposite the dens stood a wide semicireular gallery, defended by a low stone parapet, and approached by a flight of steps from the back. It was appropriated exclusively to the royal use. The idea of maintaining a menagerie within the Tower, as an appendage to their state, was, in all probability, derived by our monarchs, as has been previously intimated, from the circumstance of the Emperor Frederick having preserted Henry the Third with three leopards, in allusion to his coat of arms, which animals were afterwards carefully kept within the fortress. Two orders from this sovereign to the sheriffs of London, in reference to a white bear, which formed part of his live stock, are preserved; the first, dated 1253, direct ing that four pence a day (a considerable sum for the period,) be allowed for its sustenance; and the second, issued in the following year, commanding "that for the keeper of our white bear, lately sent us from Norway, and which is in our Tower of London, ye cause to be had one muzzle and one iron chain, to hold that bear without the water; and one long and strong cord to hold the same bear when fishing in the river of Thames." Other mandates relating to an elephant appear in the same reign, in one of which it is directed-"that ye canse without delay to be built at our Tower of London one house of forty feet long, and twenty feet deep, for our elephant ; providing that it be so made and so strong, that when need be, it may be fit and necessary for other uses. And the cost shall be computed at the Exchequer." A fourth order appoints that the animal and his keeper shall be found with such ne cessaries "as they shall reasonably require." The royal me nagerie was greatly increased by Edward the Third, who added to it, amongst other animals, a lion and lioness, a lee pard, and two wild cats; and in the reign of Henry the Sixth the following provisions was made for the keeper:-"We of our special grace have granted to our beloved servant, Robert Mansfield, Esquire, marshal of our hall, the office of keeper of the lions, with a certain place which hath been ap pointed anciently within our said Tower for them; to have and to occupy the same, by himself or by his sufficient deputy, for the term of his life, with the wages of sixpence per day for himself, and with the wages of sixpence per day for the maintenance of every lion or leopard now being in his custody, or that shall be in his custody hereafter." From this it will appear that no slight importance was attached to the office, which was continued until recent times, when the removal of the menagerie rendered it wholly unnecessary. Dazzled by the lights, and infuriated with hunger, the say age denizens of the cages set up a most terrific roaring as the party entered the flagged space in front of them. Hairun, who was armed with a stout staff, laid about bim in right earnest, and soon produced comparative tranquillity. Still the din was almost deafening. The animals were numerous, and fine specimens of their kind. There were lions in all postures,-couchant, dormant, passant, and guardant; tigers, leopards, hyenas, jackals, lynxes, and bears. Among the latter, an old brown bear, presented to Henry the Eighth by the Emperor Maximilian, and known by the name of the imperial donor, particularly attracted their attention, from its curious tricks. At last, after much solicitation from Dames Placida and Potentia, the bearward opened the door of the cage, and old Max issued forth. At first, he was all gentle ness, sat upon his hind legs, and received the apples and bis cuits given him like a lap-dog, when all at once, his master having stepped aside to quell a sudden disturbance which had arisen in one of the adjoining cages, he made a dart at Dame Placida, who was standing near him, and devouring the fruit and cakes she held in her hand at a mouthful, would have given her a formidable hug, if she had not saved herself by running into his cage, the door of which stood open. Here she would certainly have been caught, if her husband had not rushed to the entrance. Max warily eyed his new opponent, and uttered a menacing growl, but seemed to decline the at tack. Dame Placida filled the cage with her shrieks, and alarmed by the cries, all the wild animals renewed their howling. Hairun would have flown to Magog's assistance, but the latter called to him in a voice of thunder to desist. "I will have no interference," he roared, "old Max and I understand each other perfectly." As if he comprehended what was said, the bear replied by a hoarse growl, and displayed his enormous fangs in a formi dable manner. Dame Placida renewed her cries, and besought Ribald to come to her assistance. "Stay where you are," thundered Magog, "I will settle this matter in my own way." "Help! for mercy's sake, help!" shrieked Dame Placida. -“never mind him!-help! good Hairun-dear help! or I shall be torn in pieces.". him a good supper, and he will be in better condition for the fight." Early on the following day, Mary arrived at the Tower. She came by water, and was received at the landing-place by Sir Henry Bedingfeld, who conducted her with much cereRibald-mony to the palace, where a sumptuous banquet was prepared at which the knight assisted as chief sewer, presented each Thus exhorted, Ribald and Hairun would have obeyed. dish to the Queen on his bended knee, and placing a silver But they were prevented by Og and Gog, who began to see through their brother's design. "Leave him alone," they cried, laughing loudly, "He is about to give his dame a lesson." "Is that all?” replied Hairun. "Then he shall have no interruption from me." “Barbarian!” cried Dame Placida, appealing to her husband. "Do you mean that I should be devoured! Oh! if ever I do get out, you shall bitterly repent your cruel conduct." "You never shall get out, unless you promise to amend your own conduct," rejoined Magog. "I will die sooner than make any such promise," replied Placida. "Very well, then," rejoined Magog, "I shall give free passage to Max." And he slightly moved his person, while the animal uttered another growl. The giants laughed loudly, and encouraged their brother to proceed. "Make her promise, or let Max take his course," they shouted. "Fear it not," answered Magog. "Monster!" shrieked Dame Placida, "you cannot mean this,-help! help!" But no one stirred. And above the roaring of the animals and the angry growling of Max, which Magog had provoked with a sly kick or two, was heard the loud laughter of the gigantic brethren. "If "I give you two minutes to consider," said Magog. you do not resolve to amend in that time, I leave you to your fate." And he again goaded Max into a further exhibition of fury. Dame Placida became seriously alarmed, and her proud spirit began to give way. "I promise," she uttered faintly. "Speak up!" bellowed Magog. "I can't hear you for the noise." Much laughter among the male portion of the company ensued. But Dame Potentia looked rather grave, and privately intimated to her husband her desire, or rather command, that he should go home. As Peter Trusbut took his departure, he whispered to Hairun, "If ever you think of marrying, I advise you to take good care of old Max. I wish I could bor row him for a day or two." "You shall have him, and welcome," returned the bearward laughing. "Thank you thank you," answered the pantler, dejectedly. "Mine is a hopeless case. ewer filled with rose-water, and a napkin, before her between the courses. Mary looked grave and thoughtful, nor could the liveliest sallies of De Noailles, who was one of the guests, call a smile to her lips. Renard, also, was present, and looked more gloomy than usual. The banquet ended, Sir Henry Bedingfeld approached, and laid a parchment before the Queen. "What is this, sir?" she demanded. "The warrant for the burning of Edward Underhill, the miscreant who attempted your highness's life," replied Bedingfeld. "How!-burned! and I had pardoned him," exclaimed Mary. "He has been delivered over by the council to the eccleagainst him," returned the knight. siastical authorities, and such is the sentence pronounced Mary sighed, and attached her signature to the scroll. "The hour of execution, and the place?" demanded Bedingfeld. "To-morrow at mid-night, on the Tower-green," replied Mary. Soon after this, it being intimated to the queen that all was in readiness at the Lions' Tower, she arose and proceeded thither, attended by a large retinue of nobles and dames. On the way a momentary interruption occurred, and Simon Renard, who walked a few paces behind her, stepped forward and whispered in her ear, "I beseech your highness to remain to-night in the Tower. I have somewhat of importance to communicate to you, which can be more safely revealed here than elsewhere." Mary bowed assent, and the train set forward. A large Tower, but a passage was kept clear for the royal party by assemblage was collected within the area in front of the Lions' two lines of halberdiers drawn up on either side. Og and Magog were stationed at the entrance, and reverentially doffed their caps as she passed. Mary graciously acknow ledged the salute, and inquired from the elder giant what had become of his diminutive companion. "He is within, an' it please your majesty," replied Og, "waiting to signalize himself by a combat with a bear." "Indeed!" rejoined Mary smiling. "It is a hardy enter prise for so small a champion. However, large souls oft in habit little bodies." "Your highness says rightly," observed Og. "But your illustrious father, to whom I have the honor to be directly related," and he inclined his person, "was wont to observe that he had rather have a large frame and small wit than much wit and a puny person." "My father loved to look upon a man," replied Mary, "and better specimens of the race than thee and thy brethren he could not well meet with." "We are much beholden to your highness," replied Og; "and equally, if not more so, to your royal father. Whatever we can boast of strength and size is derived from him. Our mother-" "Some other time," interrupted Mary, hastily passing on. "Have I said aught to offend her highness?" asked Og of his brother, as soon as they were alone. "I know not," returned Magog. "But you fetched the color to her cheeks." On reaching the steps, Mary tendered her hand to Sir Henry Bedingfeld, and he assisted her to ascend. A tempo Dame Placida appeared so much subdued, that at last Ma-rary covering had been placed over the gallery, and the stone gog took compassion upon her, and led her away, observing to the bearward, "For my sake bestow a plentiful supper on Max. He has done me a good turn, and I would fain requite it." parapet was covered with the richest brocade, and velvet edged with gold fringe. The Queen's chair was placed in the centre of the semicircle, and as soon as she was seated, Sir Henery Bedingfeld stationed himself at her left hand, and The rest of the party speedily followed their example, and waved his staff. The signal was immediately answered by a as Xit took his leave, he remarked to his host, "Nothing but flourish of trumpets; and a stout, square-built man, with Magog's desire to terrify his dame prevented me from at-large features, an enormous bushy beard, a short bull throat, tacking Max. I am certain I could master him." "Say you so?" replied Hairun; "then you may have an opportunity of displaying your prowess before the Queen to morrow." "I will certainly avail myself of it," replied Xit. "Give having a flat cap on his head, and a stout staff in his hand, is sued from a side-door and made a profound obeisance. It was Hairun. His homage rendered, the bearward proceeded to unfasten the door of the central cage, in which a lion of the largest size was confined; and uttering a tremendous rea |