She was thinking of the Princess Margaret and the heritage of trouble upon which, as the Count von Löen, she had caused the Sparhawk to enter.
Then a new thought seemed to strike her.
"But my nurse and my women—how can he keep the imposture secret? He may pass before the stupid eyes of men. But they——"
"If your Highness will recollect, they have been sent out of harm's way into Plassenburg. There is not a woman born of woman in all the Castle of Kernsberg!"
"Yes," mused Joan, "I have indeed been fairly cozened. I gave that order also by the Dane's advice. Well, let him have his run. We will reeve him a firm collar of hemp at the end of it, and maybe for Werner von Orseln also, as a traitor alike to his bread and his mistress. Till then I hope you will both enjoy playing your parts."
The chief captain bowed.
"I am content, my lady," he said respectfully.
"Now, good jailers all," cried Joan, "lead on. I will follow. Or would you prefer to carry me with you handcuffed and chained? I will go with you in whatsoever fashion seemeth good to my masters!"
She paused and looked round the little goatherd's hut.
"Only," she said, nodding her head, "I warn you I will take my own time and manner of coming back!"