“Yes, my boy. There, I may as well tell you. I am not the stern, implacable enemy you think me. I wrote to Sir Godfrey last night, asking him to surrender for his wife and daughter’s sake.”
“You did this, father?” cried Fred, eagerly.
“I did, my boy.”
“And what did he say?”
“He sent a stern, insulting message, similar to his last, and those who were with him threatened to crop the next ambassador’s ears if he dared present himself at the Hall.”
“Let me go and make another appeal to Sir Godfrey.”
“You heard the threat?” said Colonel Forrester, looking at his son curiously.
“Yes, I heard, father.”
“And will you risk it, if I give you a message to take?”
“Yes, father, it was a vain boast. They dare not insult a messenger.”