"And now, my love, I have a world of things to attend to before I can go," said Michael Sunlocks, "and you have to prepare for two days in the saddle over the snow."
Greeba had been smiling through the big drops that floated in her eyes, but she grew solemn again, and said—
"Ah, Michael, you cannot think what trouble we have all had while you have been away."
"I know it—I know all," said Michael Sunlocks, "so say no more about it, but away to your room, my darling."
With that he rang a hand-bell that stood on the table, and Oscar, his servant, answered the call.
"Go across to the jail," he said, "and tell Jon that his prisoner is not to be removed until he has had orders from me."
"What prisoner, your Excellency?" said Oscar.
"The prisoner known as Jason," said Michael Sunlocks.
"He's gone, your Excellency," cried Oscar.
"Gone?"