“It is impossible, my boy. But I did not mean that; I meant about encountering that man—no, he is not a man,” she cried, with an angry flash of her eyes. “He has taken possession of the library and the state-room, for he made a bargain with our enemies that his reward for delivering up the place was to be that he should retain the estate afterwards.”
“And they wanted the stronghold put down, and agreed,” said Roy. “Yes; I pretty well know all, mother. Of course you have heard how he got the men in? All through my neglect?”
“Yes, Roy! No, Roy, there was no neglect! We could not know of that communication.”
“I did; but I could not find it. Oh, how that villain did cheat—”
Roy got no further, for his mother’s hand was laid upon his lips, and they parted directly after, her last words being:
“Don’t think of it, Roy; our position is a happy one compared to his. Even the enemy look upon him with disgust.”
“And I was ready for a few moments to believe all he said,” thought Roy, as he returned to the court-yard with a strong desire now in his mind, one which grew minute by minute. He only waited for a favourable opportunity to make his request.