Sir John who threw it into the farthest corner of the
room. Then he turned and said:

"Now, girl, will you go, or must you be dragged?"

She raised her head slowly and looked him in the eyes. Mad as he was
with passion there was something in her face that frightened him.

"Can you be my father?" she said in a strained, quiet voice. "Oh! glad
am I that my mother did not live to see this hour."

Then she wheeled round and addressed the men.

"Hearken, fellows. He who lays a finger on me, dies. Soon or late
assuredly he dies as he would not wish to die. Yes, even if you murder
me, for I have friends who will learn the truth and pay back coin for
coin with interest a hundredfold. Now I'll go. Stand clear, knaves,
and pray to God that never again may Red Eve cross the threshold of
her prison. Pray also that never again may you look on Hugh de Cressi's
sword or hear Grey Dick's arrows sing, or face the curse of old Sir
Andrew."

So proud and commanding was her mien and so terrible the import of her
words, that these rough hinds shrank away from her and the woman hid her
face in her hands. But Sir John thundered threats and oaths at them, so
that slowly and unwillingly they ringed Eve round. Then with head held
high she walked thence in the midst of them.

The prisoners' chamber beneath the leads of the lofty tower was cold and
unfurnished save for a stool and a truckle-bed. It had a great door of
oak locked and barred on the outer side, with a grille in it through
which the poor wretch within could be observed. There was no window,
only high up beneath the ceiling were slits like loopholes that not a
child could have passed. Such was the place to which Eve was led.

Here they left her. At nightfall the door was opened and Jane Mell
entered, bearing a loaf of bread and a jug of water, which she set down
upon the floor.

"Would you aught else?" she asked.

"Ay, woman," answered Eve, "my thick red woollen cloak from my chamber,
and hood to match. Also water to wash me, for this place is cold and
foul, and I would die warm and clean."

"First I must get leave from my lord your father," said the woman in a
surly voice.

"Get it then and be swift," said Eve, "or leave it ungotten; I care
little."

Mell went and within half an hour returned with the garments, the water
and some other things. Setting them down without a word she departed,
locking and bolting the door behind her.

While there remained a few rays of