"No, and I must force it from thee."
"Force it from me!" stammered the poor lad.
"Look!"
Again the curtain opened, and the grisly sight met the eyes of Osric. He winced, then seemed to make a great effort at self-control, and at last spoke with tolerable calmness—
"My lord, I have nought to tell if thou pull me in pieces. What should I hide, and why? I have done thee no harm; why shouldst thou wish to torture me—a poor helpless boy, who never harmed thee?"
The Baron gazed at him with a strange expression.
"Thou knowest thou art in my hands, to do as I please with thee."
"But God will protect or avenge me."
"And this is all thou hast to say? Dost thou not fear the rack, the flame?"
"Who can help fearing it?"