"The son of Dermid, in whose arms I last saw her, knoweth many a secret path and hidden passage, and can make his way wherever his will may lead." "How! thinkest thou he will preserve her, save her even now from the foe ?" "Aye, perchance conceal her till the castle be dismantled.

But what do they now?
See, a herald and white flag," he added, abruptly, as by the light of several torches a trumpeter, banner-bearer, herald, and five men-at-arms were discerned approaching the walls.
"What would ye?
Halt, and answer," demanded Sir Nigel, recalled on the instant to his sterner duties, and advancing, spear in hand, to the utmost verge of the wall.
"We demand speech of Sir Nigel Bruce and Sir Christopher Seaton, governors of this castle," was the brief reply.
"Speak on, then, we are before ye, ready to list your say.

What would your lords ?" "Give ye not admittance within the wall ?" inquired the herald; "'tis somewhat strange parleying without." "No!" answered Nigel, briefly and sternly; "speak on, and quickly.

We doubt not the honor of the noble Earl of Hereford--it hath been too gloriously proved; but we are here to list your mission.

What would ye ?" "That ye surrender this fortress by to-morrow's dawn, and strive no longer with the destiny against you.