But Arthur answered: “For my sake, Alan, accept the Earl’s offer. Hasten to my wife and mother and urge my friends to send a ransom to John, that I may be released. Take this ring. You know who gave it to me. He has the power to help me.” Arthur took Abraham’s ring from his finger and placed it upon Alan’s. When Alan would have offered objection, Arthur said for the first time in a tone of command, “I wish it.” As his loyal friend sorrowfully bowed in submission, Arthur stretched out his arms and embraced him. They remained thus until Alan looked upon Arthur with sad eyes and tore himself away. At Salisbury’s signal his men escorted him and the Duke to the gate of the tower, in front of which guards were stationed with crossed halberds. As they approached, the guards lowered their weapons and admitted them. Out of the brilliant glow of the evening sky Arthur entered the gloom of the vaulted passage. Salisbury quickly followed him, and the Duke of Brittany was a prisoner. Alan remained immovable upon his steed as long as he could see a trace of Arthur’s retreating figure, but when it disappeared behind the dark walls, he gave spurs to his horse and galloped at full speed through the city and out into the country toward Paris. Chapter XVII The Imprisonment Several days had passed since Arthur entered the tower of Mirabeau, where by Salisbury’s orders a large and well-furnished room was provided for him. He not only had all the necessities for comfort, but much personal pleasure, for famous English visitors to Mirabeau were permitted to call upon him. Whenever he appeared upon the walls in the company of an attendant, the soldiers of the garrison hastened to see him. He greeted them in such a cordial yet dignified manner that many a hearty benediction was uttered by them. Salisbury himself visited him almost daily, and manifested the utmost concern for the welfare of his famous cousin. Upon such occasions Arthur frequently spoke of England and indulged in fancies of what he would do if he were King. “Silence,” said Salisbury, with a smile. “I must not listen. You are talking high treason.” At the very outset of his imprisonment Arthur had longed for an interview with his grandmother, Queen Eleanor. She declined seeing him, however, until she had ascertained John’s intentions. But just at this time she had a letter from her son, in which he wrote: “I shall be with you in a few days. Having performed all your duties to the Prince hitherto, see to it in some way that he is harmless in the future.” The Queen clearly understood the double meaning of his words and considered the best means for carrying out his wishes. One day she abruptly said to Salisbury, “Bring your prisoner to me in the morning.” As he hesitated about replying, she added in the most insolent manner, “I hear continually about your intercourse with the Duke, and it does not please me, my lord.”