"I will find a means of shaking his obstinacy," said Henry, as he quitted
the vault with Bouchier. "If I cannot move him by other means, I may
through his granddaughter I will interrogate him in her presence to-
night."
"To-night, sire!" exclaimed Bouchier.
"Ay, to-night," repeated the king. "I am resolved, even if it should cost
the life of this maiden, whose charms have moved me so, to break the
infernal machinery woven around me. And now as I think it not unlikely
the miscreant Herne may attempt the prisoner's deliverance, let the
strictest watch be kept over the tower. Station an arquebusier
throughout the night at the door of the dungeon, and another at the
entrance to the chamber on the ground floor. Your own post must be
on the roof of the fortification, that you may watch if any attempt is
made to scale it from the town side, or to get in through the loopholes.
Keep a sharp lookout Bouchier, for I shall hold you responsible if any
mischance occurs."
"I will do my best, my liege," replied Bouchier; "and were it with a mortal
foe I had to contend, I should have no fear. But what vigilance can avail
against a fiend?"
"You have heard my injunctions, and will attend to them," rejoined the
king harshly.
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