"Cease thine insulting speech, false knight, cowardly assassin, 'tis I that commandeth thee! I, thine ancient foe, that even now defies thee!" and I struggled, tottering to my knees, and shook my clenched fist in defiance at him. "Come on, Michael! break down the door, and we yet can drive this murdering pack before us, as doth the wind dry leaves!" "Oi'm comin', yer honour; do but hould out a little," and the fury of his attack upon the door was redoubled. Catesby made a sign with his hand, and instantly four men left the room in haste. "Beware, Michael! they may attack thee from the rear!" I cried, as I staggered to my feet and tried to rush upon mine enemy. I was securely held back, however, by two of the pack, who forced me to my knees and held me there. Catesby merely smiled his hellish smile, and said:--"Bind him hard and fast to yon pillar, and strip him of his helm. We shall now try another plan to capture yon same tempting apple," and he nodded in Hazel's direction. With cords they bound me until I could not move a muscle. Helmless and helpless I then stood before my fiendish foe, which drew his dagger and advanced upon me. "Stop! stop, thou wretch!" shrieked Hazel. "For the welfare of your soul slay not a helpless man. Nay, nay, do but wait, I pray thee! I will do that which thou dost ask! I will go with thee! anything thou wilt, if thou wilt but spare him!" "Hazel, in God's name hold thy peace! If thou dost love me do as I have said! I fear him not; let him do his worst; but use thy dagger ere thou dost permit this villain to lay on thee a hand!" "Oh, yes, yes, Walter; but I cannot bear to see thee die before my very eyes! Oh, merciful Mary, it is too awful!" she cried, as Catesby seized mine ear and with his dagger clipped off a small part of the lobe. The tough oaken door did still resist the efforts of the giant; but it was plain that it could not long endure. "Be brave, mine own true little love, Michael shall soon be here!" I called out above the din. "So, madam, will I cut him into small pieces here before thee, unless thou dost surrender. Thou canst save him by coming from behind that table. Bethink thee of his fate in case thou art obdurate," said the accursed knave, as he seized mine other car and raised the dagger. The door was now cracked almost from top to bottom, and Michael still stormed his blows upon it. "Uh! ye cursed cowards! Oi'll crack yer damned skulls fer ye in a minute! Uh! ye blood-suckin' divils, Oi'll rip ye all to paces and cram ye down yer own bloody throats!" Louder cracked the door. "Come, lady, your answer; make haste e'er the door giveth way." "Hold out, my brave girl! we yet shall conquer!" I cried in encouragement.