"The saints forbid!" I answered quickly. "I am a captive here even as thou art." And then I related in a few words all I wished him to know of my kidnaping and detention upon the island.
He listened intently, a look of wonder upon his face.
"And why does my Lord Dunraven hound thee thus?" he cried. "What motive has he, that he should detain thee here?"
"Lad," I answered, a bitter smile upon my face, "thou art young yet, and hast much to learn; when thou growest older thou wilt know what a man will do for the love of a maid. Dost know the Lady Margaret Carroll?"
"Aye," he answered, "the loveliest lady in England; as well ask me if I know my master."
"Then," I answered, "is there need to look further than the lady for a cause?"
A look of understanding came into his face.
"I see," he said, "and wonder no longer. A lady so fair would tempt a man to risk his soul, could he but win her."
"But thou hast not answered my question; wilt be my man and enter my service? I have need of such a one here, and when I come to my own again, thou shalt not regret it."
"Yes," he answered, a look frank and true upon his open face. "I owe my life to thee. I am thy man, for better or for worse, and here is my hand on it," and he stretched out his hand to me.