"And may I presume to ask, madam," said I, "the name of the gentleman upon whose safety my own salvation hangs?"
"His name, sir, is Kedagh O'Hagan: and yours?"
"A name of much less mark: Christopher Rudd, at your service."
"A knight?"
"Nay, madam, a plain gentleman."
She smiled a little at this, and continued—
"Well, Master Christopher Rudd, give me the word of a plain gentleman that you will use no endeavour to flee away, and I give you the freedom of this castle, such as it is."
"I thank you, madam, for your good will," said I, "but I have a larger notion of freedom. With your leave I will put no fetters on my discretion."
"Nor I on your limbs, and yet you shall be confined," said she; and after the exchange of sundry civil nothings between us, she departed with the ancient dame, who had stood by the while with arms folded upon her hips, and lips pressed together grimly.
The door was closed upon them, and by the voices that came to me through the timber I knew that two men had been set to guard me.