I've known two puppies thrown in under this window that did not weigh more than a fat pullet apiece.

One was gone before you could count fifty, and the other did not live thrice as long--nor would have lasted that time, but that it fell on the first and clung to it." Tavannes dismissed the matter with a shrug, and, drawing his cloak about him, set a stool against the wall and sat down.

The men who brought in the wine and the bundle of straw were inquisitive, and would have loitered, scanning him stealthily; but Peridol hurried them away.

The lieutenant himself stayed only to cast a glance round the room, and to mutter that he would return when his lord returned; then, with a "Good night" which said more for his manners than his good will, he followed them out.

A moment later the grating of the key in the lock and the sound of the bolts as they sped home told Tavannes that he was a prisoner..