"Prisoners, I believe," returned the Justice, "are not consulted as to their likes and dislikes when sentence is passed upon them." This was all very mystifying to me, but at least it was evident that my punishment was not very terrible. Sir Alexander and the General consulted together in whispers for a few moments, and then the soldier spoke to me. "Madam, your sentence contemplates a life imprisonment, but under conditions which perhaps may make it bearable. I regret extremely to be compelled to communicate such unpleasant tidings to you, but I have no option, and as the sentence is to commence immediately on your arrival here, I shall have to order you into close confinement at once." "May I not see my father?" said I, bravely striving to keep up heart under this tremendous and surprising prospect. Indeed, I could see nothing in it to cause such laughter on the part of the two old men before me. "Presently, madam, but not now." "And if I might see Sir Hugh Richmond for a moment, I should like to tell him," I faltered, "that I have succeeded in securing his freedom, as I am responsible for his detention." "Presently, presently," said the Justice. "Meanwhile, I will prepare orders for your father's freedom and for Sir Hugh's as well, but you will have to obey General Ramesay's orders. There is no choice." "Let me see my father, then, as soon as possible, and Sir Hugh Richmond, if he care to visit me and it is permitted," said I, rising and preparing to follow the Governor. He escorted me gravely along several corridors and down several flights of stairs until we came to the strong rooms of the castle. Summoning a turnkey, we paused before a locked and grated door. "Your present place of detention will be here, madam," he said as the door was unlocked. I entered the room. It was bare and simply furnished, empty of other person than myself. Some grated windows admitted light, but were so high placed that I could not see anything but sky out of them. It was indeed a prison. There was an opening in the wall beyond, closed with a door. "Should you care to do so," said the commandant very softly, "you may open the door and enter the other room. Is there anything I can do for you before I go?" "Send me some clothes suitable to my sex and station, if you will. Master Dunner, the advocate, will procure them, I am sure. And that is all, sir." "They shall be sent for immediately," said the General, bowing himself out. I heard the door close; I heard the key turn in the lock. I was alone. My great adventure was over; my punishment had begun. Well, I had saved my father's life and Sir Hugh Richmond's life. I was willing to pay the price by the long confinement to which I must perforce look forward. This was the mercy of the King! I tried to keep up a brave heart, and yet after a while I failed. I sank down on a rude chair by a ruder table, and laid my head on my arms, and cried just like any other woman.