“The red blood mounted to Sir Charles’s brow.
“‘Nay, lie not. These eyes have not witnessed, but these ears have heard from others of my dishonour.’
“As Sir Charles spoke, Redgill’s eye resting on the water, perceived a boat rowing fast over the lake.
“The distance forbade him to see more than the outline of two figures within it.
“‘She was right,’ thought he; ‘perhaps that boat already bears her from the danger.’
“Drawing himself up to the full height of his tall stature, Redgill replied, haughtily,
“‘Sir Charles, if thou hast deigned to question thy vassals, obtain from them only an answer.’
“‘Enough,’ cried Sir Charles, losing patience, and striking Redgill with his clenched hand. ‘Draw, traitor, draw!’
“Alone in his lofty tower, Lord Edward Warbeck watched the night deepen over the heavens, and communed mournfully with himself.