While he was gone, Osbert employed the time in explaining to the insurgents what must be done in the event of the Cardinal’s refusal. After a brief delay, a wicket in the gate was opened, and Rodomont Bittern came forth. “What answer bring you from the Lord Cardinal?” demanded Osbert, on seeing him. “His Eminence will answer you in person,” said Rodomont. “But if you will take the advice of one who was once your friend, and is still your well-wisher, you will pursue this matter no further.” “A truce to this,” cried Osbert, sternly. “I must have the Cardinal’s answer without delay, or I shall proceed to action. I have no time to waste.” “You are peremptory, Sir,” observed Rodomont dryly. “So peremptory, that I _will_ have the prisoners,” rejoined Osbert, fiercely. “You must discuss that point with the Lord Cardinal himself,” rejoined Rodomont. As he spoke, the falling of heavy bars within-side proclaimed that the gates were being unfastened, and in another moment the ponderous valves swung aside and disclosed the Cardinal standing beneath the archway. Close behind him stood Priuli with Constance Tyrrell, habited in black, and looking deathly pale, and a little further removed was Derrick Carver, with Mallet, the keeper of the Lollard’s Tower. No guard was near the Cardinal; the only persons with him besides Simnel and Holiday being some half-dozen attendants bearing torches. Pole’s features wore a grave and somewhat severe expression. He manifested no apprehension whatever, but fixed a searching though somewhat sorrowful glance upon Osbert and the insurgent crew drawn up behind him. Seen by the light of the torches which gleamed upon the Cardinal’s majestic figure, upon Constance’s pallid but lovely features, upon Priuli’s noble countenance, and Derrick Carver’s rugged physiognomy—upon Osbert, who, sword in hand, confronted the Cardinal, and upon the insurgents with their pikes—the whole picture was exceedingly striking. The conference was opened by Pole, who, eyeing Osbert severely, and speaking in a stern tone, said, “I have caused my gates to be thrown open to you, Sir, in order to show you that I have no fear. By what authority do you demand the liberation of the persons committed to my charge?” “I have no authority for the demand I make,” replied Osbert, “but I have the power to enforce compliance, and that must suffice. You have done well in throwing open your gates to us, Lord Cardinal, for we design you no injury. Let Constance Tyrrell and Derrick Carver, both of whom I see with you, be delivered up to us, and we will trouble you no further.” “And what will you do if I refuse?” said the Cardinal, sternly. “We will take them,” rejoined Osbert. “But I beseech your Eminence not to compel us to have recourse to violence.”