“Not that--not that. If I betray him, ’tis only in the hope of his being persuaded to some reformation. You will not work him evil?” “That I swear. ’Tis only that I want to keep him out of harm’s way.” I looked up, breathless. This assurance was at least a comfort. “What will you do with him?” “Leave that to me. The question is, what has he done with you?” How could I not answer him? To win my brother from this vileness--was it not worth the sacrifice of myself? With many tears and falterings, I told him the story of my sojourn in the verderer’s cottage; of the secret chambers, and our life therein; finally, with bitter reluctance, of the shadow that had risen to estrange us, and the bloody confirmation of my fears that was to witness even now on my gown. He grinned horribly over the revelation. “That Portlock!” he rejoiced to himself; “that Portlock! A good throat for the hangman! But, for your murderings--I warrant ’tis a fatter bone I’ve to pick with our gentleman.” He fell into a little musing, scowling fit; then, suddenly dismounting, bade me get into his saddle. “Where are you going to take me?” I said. “Where,” he answered, “but to your cottage?” “O no!” I cried; “not back there!” “What!” he said, grinning; “is Madam Judas yet short of her price?” “What price have I taken? It is not to be Judas to betray brother to brother for virtue’s sake.” He bent, in a sawing laugh. “How apt the jade is! Let me tell you, madam, that virtue is an inner commodity, and spoils when too much on the lips.” He forced me to mount, signed to his fellows to follow, and, taking the bridle, led me down the hill. “Now, for your price,” said he, as he walked. “Well, I would have bid more for sound goods; but--what say ye?--you are happy on relations--would you like to be my daughter?” I hung my head, without replying. It was true he was old enough to be my father. This misery must cast me once more on the world, a prey to all unimaginable evils. What chance else remained to me to protect myself and make my fortune serve my honour? While I was still quietly weeping, we reached the cottage from the front, and halted. The earl motioned, and his suite gathered round and knocked on the door. In the silence that ensued we could hear the sound as of an unwieldy beast within shuffling to and fro. The verderer had seen us through the window, and knew himself for lost. Presently one put his knee to the panels, whispering for orders. “Curse it, no,” hissed his master; “he may hear us.” “If he does, he cannot escape,” I murmured. “I pulled the ladder after me.” With that he raised his hand, and the door crashed in. I caught one glimpse of Portlock’s face--it was a mere white slab of terror--and turned away. “Now,” said the earl in my ear; but I shuddered from him. “I won’t--don’t ask me--it is not in the price!” He uttered an impatient oath, bade one of his men hastily to my side, and himself, with the other three, strode into the cottage.