"It may be so," rejoined the Puritan. "I will not dispute it. But though ill has accrued to me, and good to you, I would not change positions with you. You will wear the tyrant's fetters for ever. I shall soon be free from mine."
"Have you nothing to say concerning your daughter?" demanded the young man.
"Nothing," replied the Puritan, with an expression of deep pain, which, however, he checked by a mighty effort. "I have done with the world, and desire not to be brought back to it."
"And you refuse to be freed from your chains?"
"My sole desire, as I have said, is to be freed from you."
"That wish, at least, shall be granted," replied Sir Jocelyn, as, with a sad heart, he departed.
CHAPTER XXVIII. The Secret.
Thrice was the guard relieved during that long night, and as often was the prisoner visited. On the first occasion, he was found to be still engaged with his Bible, and he so continued during the whole time the man remained in the vault.