"Would she be willing to take a bold step to get away from Endellion Castle?" I asked her.
"She caan't, sur. She's watched night and day."
"But if means were offered?"
"Aw, sur, she wud git away ef she could."
After this I did my best to test the maid's loyalty and devotion to her mistress, for I was risking everything upon the plan I had formed, and did not want to be hasty.
"Amelia," I said presently, "I want you to tell your mistress that I desire to be her friend. I would take her from yon den, and on my oath as a gentleman I seek to free her from the Killigrews. Tell her also that if she will be willing to obey me I will effect her escape."
"How, sur?" asked the maid, who trembled violently.
"Benet Killigrew wants her," I said.
"He did, sur, but I believe 'ee's gived up the thot now; besides my mistress do 'aate Maaster Benet as much as the other."