“What is your word now, Shepherdess?” he said. “Is the man to die or be saved? Speak swiftly.”
Juanna glanced through the opening and saw that now Leonard’s head and shoulders had vanished down the oubliette, while one of the priests held him by the ankles, watching Soa for the sign to let him fall.
“Loose him,” said Juanna faintly. “I will marry Olfan.”
Stepping forward, Nam whispered to Soa, who issued another order. Thereupon the priests drew Leonard from his perilous position, and, unwillingly enough, rolled him to the side of the cell, for they would have preferred to be rid of him. At that moment also the shutter was closed.
“I said loose him,” repeated Juanna; “now the man lies unable to move like a fallen tree, on the ground.”
“No, Shepherdess,” replied Nam; “perchance you may yet change your mind, and then it would be troublesome to bind him afresh, for he is very strong and violent. Listen, Shepherdess; when Olfan comes presently to ask your hand, you must say nothing of that man yonder, for he deems him to be dead, and the moment you speak of him he will be dead. Do you understand?”
“I understand,” answered Juanna, “but at least the gag might be taken from his mouth.”
“Fear not, Shepherdess, it shall be done—when you have spoken with Olfan. And now, at what hour will it be your pleasure to see him?”
“When you will. The sooner it is finished the better.”
“Good. My daughter,” he added to Soa, who just then entered the cell, “be pleased to make fire, and then summon the king Olfan, who waits without.”