"And who, then, are you?" cried Frank, "whose name should create so deep a terror?"
"No enemy of yours, since I am taking you to a place where, if I were recognised, cold iron for my heels and hemp for my throat would be my brief dooming."
Instinctively Frank laid his hand on his sword.
"What," said the stranger, "on an unarmed man and your friend?"
"I am ignorant if you be either the one or the other!" said Frank, "and indeed your language and manner lead me to doubt both."
"Manfully spoken," said the unknown; "well, I will be frank and free with you—I am conveying you to prison!"
"To prison," cried Frank, "and by what warrant—for what offence? You shall have my life sooner than my liberty. I defy you! I will not follow you a step farther!"
The unknown drew himself up haughtily.
"I am not taking you there as a prisoner," he said. "I am neither messenger nor sheriff's officer. Your liberty is little risked by the visit. Mine is in some peril. But I care not for the risk. For I love a free young blood, that kens no protector but the cross of his sword."
So saying he tapped at a low wicket, and was answered sharply from within, as by one awakened suddenly from a dream.