"I am," said Ellen, shuddering with fear. "What is this--what is it all about?" And she sunk backwards on the sofa. "Madam," replied the officer, bowing, "I am extremely concerned that it has fallen to me to make this unpleasant notification to you, but I am the King's servant and must obey his commands: you must accompany me, madam, to Edinburgh." "I will not--you have no right to ask me--I am innocent of all transgression. I am a free subject of his Majesty's; you have no right, no power to touch me--on what plea do you do so?" "Madam, I am deeply distressed, but it is my duty. You are not perhaps aware it has come to the knowledge of his Majesty's government that his liege subject, Captain Edward L'Estrange, has been murdered, yes, madam, foully murdered, and--" "Dare you even insinuate I know anything about this dreadful occurrence?" said Ellen, rising again to her feet, and having seemingly nerved herself for the worst. "Far be it from me, madam, to suppose one so fair, so young, so innocent-looking, could have any hand in a murder so foul. Once more, madam, it is my harsh duty to require you to follow me. Doubtless your innocence will shine out clear as the noon-day, but your trial must take place. You were, you must know, peculiarly circumstanced with the unfortunate young man, and the laws--which have no respect to persons--require your presence. If you are innocent, God will defend the right, and you have nothing to fear. God forbid I should think you otherwise; show your innocence, madam, by following me." "Never; you have no right, you have no warrant to empower your act." "Pardon me, behold the warrant, with our magistrate's own signature. There can be no possible fear. I beseech you, madam, come." "Oh! at least wait till my father comes; he will be here in half an hour, then I will go." "Madam, I am extremely sorry, but my orders are peremptory and immediate; will you come or not?" "I will not; I deny your right to imprison an innocent person." "Then I am distressed to say if you will not come fairly I must use violence, such are my orders. Oh, madam! compel me not to do so." Ellen still stood silent, her eyes were uplifted as if she sought a higher power to befriend her. "You still demur, then I have nothing else for it. You will bear me witness"--addressing Johnny and Maude--"with what reluctance I used it." So saying he stamped his foot on the floor--two harsh-looking men entered: one was short but broad-chested and immensely powerful in make; his face was a bad one, and his eye unrelenting and cruel. His fellow might have been a burly yeoman or farmer; in look more kindly than his neighbour, but even in his eye was little to reassure Ellen. Both were in the uniform of the watch. She looked at the three in breathless fear, then turning to the officer she said-- "I will go with you, sir. Send those bad, cruel men away."