A couple of his companions took hold of the boy on either side, so that he could not move his limbs, and Hans again lifted high the ball.
"Shall we stand this? They call this sport!" said Boris; "shall I pink the brutes?"
"Sit down and shut your eyes. Our Prince Hugo will harry this nest of thieves anon. For the present we must bear their devilry if we want to escape hanging!"
"Now then, for marrow and mashed trotters!" cried Hans, spitting the blood from the split corners of his mouth.
CHAPTER III
JOAN DRAWS FIRST BLOOD
The word of command came full and strong from the open doorway of the hall.
Hans Trenck came instantly to the salute with the ball in his hand. He had no difficulty in lifting it now. In fact, he did not seem able to let it down. Every man in the hall except the two captains of Plassenburg had risen to his feet and stood as if carved in marble.