"But the ill tidings have been communicated to me by Sir Giles Mompesson." "Sir Giles Mompesson!" exclaimed Sir Jocelyn, scarcely able to credit what he heard.

"Your father would never have surrendered you to him.

It is impossible he could have made any compact with such a villain." "I do not say that he did; and if he had done so, I would die a thousand deaths, and incur all the penalties attached to the sin of disobedience, rather than fulfil it.

Sir Giles is merely the mouth-piece of another, who will not disclose himself till he appears to exact fulfilment of the fatal pledge." "But, be it whomsoever it may, the claim never can be granted," cried Sir Jocelyn, in a voice of agony.

"You will not consent to be bound by such a contract.