Methinks the directions in my poor note must have been
clear; for my guests have arrived even earlier than I had expected,"
said he, as he folded his arms and regarded us with a smile of
satisfaction.

"Cease thine insolence, thou false and degraded knight, and draw thy
sword and fight me like a man, and do not further stain thy name by
setting upon a gentleman a band of coward ruffians!"

"Nay, nay, Sir Walter, we have twice crossed swords ere this, and on
both occasions thou didst have the better of me. Verily, thou must be
selfish to ever desire to play the victor's part. Oh, no!" he added
with a laugh, "I now do hold the stronger hand, and it should be
casting an insult upon the Goddess of Fortune to thus throw aside her
bounteous gift of advantage.

"Do thou close yon door and lock it, Peter," said he, turning to a
fellow which stood behind him and which carried his arm in a sling;
"that loud disturbing Irishman doth interrupt my speech. And besides,"
he continued, with some uneasiness, as I thought, "that door doth seem
not strong enough for his beastlike strength. This other here is
stouter."

The fellow with the disabled arm--no doubt 'twas he which did attempt
to murder me in my tent--then closed and locked the door, whilst three
of the soldiers remained in the inner room, that they might check the
gallant Michael, should he succeed in breaking down the door. And
indeed it now sounded as though the oak must give way; for the giant
had ceased his oaths, and all his breath was now being used to support
his great strength, that was being exerted on the creaking opposition.

I almost smiled as I thought of the fate of the three men when the
great man should rush in upon them.

"And now, Master Catesby," said I, "wilt thou enlighten me as to thine
object, in as few words as possible? for mine ears have no desire to
listen to thee at length, nor have mine eyes the wish to gaze upon thy
recreant body.

"Then hear my purpose in thus luring ye both into this place. I do
desire to have yon same lady, which in her fear is even more beautiful
than when she smileth, delivered up into my hands. Her safety and
tender treatment thou mayest be well assured of; for I do love her to
distraction.

"As for thyself, if thou dost offer no resistance, then shalt thou be
permitted to go forth from this place a free man, even though I do hate
thee as I do a viper."

I bowed, and smiled grimly, and he continued. "If t