"
"Give them the prison allowance. But, hark thee, no stripes, Nicholas,"
said the chief, well aware of his flagellant propensities.
"Eh!" replied he; "but black cake and dried beans don't mix well i' the
stomach without riddling."
"Peace, sirrah!" replied the chieftain with a frown. Nicholas, though a
licensed jester and in especial favour, knew there was a boundary beyond
which he durst not pass; he became silent, therefore, at this command.
The lamentations of the unwary hostages were loud but unavailing.
Nicholas prepared his manacles, and was leading them from the chamber,
when the page whispered in his master's ear.
"Stop," cried the Thane: "know ye aught of the boy who was a-watching
yesternight?"
"We know nothing of the lad, as we hope for deliverance," said the
terrified rustics.
"Bring in the woman!"
The command was followed by the entrance of Cicely. Leaning on her
crutch, she bent lowly before the chief.
"Hast thou any suit or accusation to prefer against these men, as
touching thy boy?"
"Oh, my lord!" said the dame, weeping, "I never aforetime knew him
missing; and he has slept i' the Killer Dane, where the great battle was
fought below the castle.
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