Several natives were sent to a small village on the shore of the lake for boats, then the two youthful commanders established themselves within hailing distance of the castle entrance. They could see Patrick pacing up and down, still alert.
Nattie waved his white handkerchief as a flag of truce, and hailed him.
"What do yez want?" growled the fellow, angrily.
"Tell Ralph Black to come to the door."
"Not Oi. Oi'm no sarvant for the likes of yez."
"But I wish to speak with him, fool. It will be to his interest, probably."
"I am here," suddenly replied a voice, and the merchant's son showed himself through the portcullis. "What have you to say, Nattie Manning?"
"I want to tell you that you will save time and trouble by surrendering my brother."
"You don't say!" sneered Ralph. "And suppose we don't look at it in that light?"