Peter could contain himself no longer.
“Why, Kate! how can you——”
“Be quiet, father!” interrupted Catherine, again.
“He shall have his freedom,” cried the baron, eagerly, “and the cup to boot.”
“We do not want the cup, my lord,” answered wise Catherine.
“Yes, but we do!” cried Peter; for, as the prospect of his pardon increased, respect for his daughter’s wisdom diminished in direct ratio.
“You shall have it!” cried the baron; “release him, guards!”
“One thing more,” said Catherine; “a proclamation must be issued stating that you will never arrest my father again in connection with this affair.”
“It shall be done!” said the baron; upon which he dismissed them both with the golden cup, which Peter had accepted in spite of his daughter’s protestations.
That same afternoon the proclamation was issued, and Catherine carried a large gray goose to Castle Dunderhead.