I command you
to declare all you know concerning Herne the Hunter, and to give me
such information respecting the proscribed felon, Morgan Fenwolf, as
will enable me to accomplish his capture."
"I have already told your highness that my mouth is sealed by an oath
of secrecy," replied Tristram, humbly, but firmly.
"Obstinate dog! thou shalt either speak, or I will hang thee from the top
of this tower, as I hanged Mark Fytton the butcher," roared Henry.
"You will execute your sovereign pleasure, my liege," said the old man.
"My life is in your hands. It is little matter whether it is closed now or a
year hence. I have well nigh run out my term."
"If thou carest not for thyself, thou mayest not be equally indifferent to
another," cried the king. "What ho! bring in his granddaughter."
The old man started at the command, and trembled violently. The next
moment, Mabel was led into the dungeon by Shoreditch and
Paddington. Behind her came Nicholas Clamp. On seeing her grandsire,
she uttered a loud cry and would have rushed towards him, but she was
held back by her companions.
"Oh grandfather!" she cried, "what have you done?-why do I find you
here?"
Tristram groaned, and averted his head.
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