"
"I would rather you plunged your sword into my heart," said Norris.
"There is one way--and only one--by which my secrecy may be
purchased," said the monk.
"Name it," replied Norris. "Were it to be purchased by my soul's
perdition, I would embrace it."
"You have hit the point exactly," rejoined the monk drily. "Can you not
guess with whom you have to deal?"
"Partly," replied Norris "I never found such force in mortal arm as you
have displayed."
"Probably not," laughed the other: "most of those who have ventured
against me have found their match. But come with me into the park,
and you shall learn the condition of my secrecy."
"I cannot quit the castle," replied Norris; "but I will take you to my
lodgings, where we shall be wholly unobserved."
And crossing the lower ward, they proceeded to the tower on the south
side of it, now appropriated to the governor of the alms knights.
About an hour after this Norris returned to the revel. His whole
demeanour was altered, and his looks ghastly. He sought the queen,
who had returned to the seat in the embrasure.
"What has happened?" said Anne, in a low tone, as he approached her.
"Have you killed him?"
"No," he replied; "but I have purchased our safety at a terrible price.
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