Michael's quick ear had heard it also; for he glanced anxiously first to me and then to Hazel. She too had heard it, and her face changed from its merry smile to a startled look of fear. "Didst thou not hear that whistle, Walter dear?" she asked in alarm. "What whistle, dearest?" I asked, that I might allay her fears. "'Twas but thine imagination playing upon thine ears; 'twas nothing." "Nay, 'twas no imagination; 'twas real,--and hark!--there again it is." This time there could be no mistaking the sound. Methought it came from one of the three rooms that did adjoin the large one in which we were. "Do thou go, Michael, and with great care open yon door and see if that room be occupied," I said in a whisper to my squire. Drawing his heavy sword he advanced cautiously, and, turning the knob, he thrust the door wide open, whilst he remained at the threshold. This room was empty; but on the opposite side from where stood Michael was another door, and to the right of this, in the other wall, was yet another. Then I heard a slight click at the lock of the door by which we had entered the house. I drew my sword and walked to this door and tried to open it. It was locked. Then the whole plot flashed upon my mind. This then was Catesby's plan for getting both Hazel and me within his power. No wonder that he did laugh as Harleston left the courtyard. Well might he laugh; for never did a trap work with more success than did this clever one, laid by this most ingenious scoundrel. I went to the window and tried to loosen some of the bars that ran across the square. Even the great Michael's strength should here be of no avail. The bars were very heavy, and firmly imbedded in the masonry, of which the lower part of the house was made. I watched the doors leading from the room in the expectancy that they were about to fly open and a band of men rush in to do their work. Still they did remain closed. Michael still stood before the open door, awaiting mine instructions. After waiting for a few moments with the painful feeling that one has when convinced that the eyes of a concealed foe are on him, watching his every move, I walked to the great table and, placing my sword upon it, I moved it back across one of the corners of the room; thus forming a frail barricade to protect my dear Hazel. I then placed my dagger in her hand and said:--"Be brave my dearest, and if thou seest that thou canst not escape with honour, thou knowest the use of this little weapon. However, so long as thou seest hope, refrain from its use; for even in our position no one can tell what the result may be." "Fear not, Walter dear, unless I may be thy spotless bride my husband shall be death." "Mine own dear, brave, little maiden," I murmured, and placed her, with a loving kiss upon her brow, behind the--in some measure--protecting table. I then took up my good sword and, holding it at arm's length to test its reach, I said to Michael:--