"Good Jack, I meant no harm whatever," said Master Evans hastily, grieved to have thoughtlessly wounded his old friend's heart. "Yet we who dwell beneath the shadow of the castle would fain know somewhat of its mysteries, though I fear me that may not be this side the grave, since e'en your foster-child's true relationship, and that of her august mother to yourself, you will not divulge." "My lips are free to speak on that point, an I choose," answered the boatman quietly; "but as I am ever repeating to my Lady Bryn Afon, I do not choose. Let it suffice for my friends to know that I have the honour to be indeed related by a true tie of blood to her ladyship, which is all I desire to affirm; for my kinswoman, having made a secret marriage with the earl, it becomes not me to betray her confidence, nor risk aught that by my foolish tongue might work her ill." "The earl hath not yet reached by some few years his fiftieth birthday," said one of the bystanders musingly--"a day which for many a generation none of his noble forefathers have lived to see. Much I wonder whether ere that time of life arrive he too must needs pass away? I would fain know that for many years yet to come he might enjoy the sweet presence of our river-maiden, who, they say, doth even now weave her gentle spells about the accursed place till one may verily breathe therein a purer atmosphere." "I go presently," said the boatman, "to inquire for our gracious lady's health, and aught I may chance to learn besides of our king and his sorrows I will faithfully report on the morrow. My heart is heavy within me, for methinks the savage words of Master Jones are but the echo of ten thousand voices which cry for war and bloodshed!"