CHAPTER XXXIV.
BETRAYED WITH A KISS The earl and his brother were incarcerated in the lower chamber of the High Keep called David's Tower, which rose next in order eastward from the banqueting-hall, following the line of the battlements.
Beneath, the rock on which the castle was built fell away towards the Nor' Loch in a precipice so steep that no descent was to be thought of--and this indeed was the chief defence of the prison, for the window of the chamber was large and opened easily according to the French fashion.
"I pray that you permit my young knight, Sir Sholto MacKim, to accompany me," said the Earl to the officer who conducted them to their prison-house.
"I have no orders concerning him," said the man, gruffly, but nevertheless permitted Sholto to enter after the Earl and his brother.
The chamber was bare save for a _prie-dieu_ in the angle of the wall, at which the Douglas looked with a strange smile upon his face.
"Right _a propos_," said he; "they have need of religion in this house of traitors." David Douglas went to the window-seat of low stone, and bent his head into his hands.

He was but a boy and life was sweet to him, for he had just begun to taste the apple and to dream of the forbidden fruit.

He held his head down and was silent a space.

Then suddenly he sobbed aloud with a quick, gasping noise, startling enough in that still place.
"For God's dear sake, David laddie," said his brother, going over to him, placing his hand upon his shoulder, "be silent.

They will think that we are afraid." The boy stilled himself instantly at the word, and looked up at his brother with a pale sort of smile.
"No, William, I am not afraid, and if indeed we must die I will not disgrace you.