Stay, give
me that bodkin which she wears lest she, who has learned bloody ways of
late, should do some of you or herself a mischief."
As he spoke one of the men deftly snatched the dagger from Eve's girdle
and handed it to Sir John who threw it into the farthest corner of the
room. Then he turned and said:
"Now, girl, will you go, or must you be dragged?"
She raised her head slowly and looked him in the eyes. Mad as he was
with passion there was something in her face that frightened him.
"Can you be my father?" she said in a strained, quiet voice. "Oh! glad
am I that my mother did not live to see this hour."
Then she wheeled round and addressed the men.
"Hearken, fellows. He who lays a finger on me, dies. Soon or late
assuredly he dies as he would not wish to die. Yes, even if you murder
me, for I have friends who will learn the truth and pay back coin for
coin with interest a hundredfold. Now I'll go. Stand clear, knaves,
and pray to God that never again may Red Eve cross the threshold of
her prison. Pray also that never again may you look on Hugh de Cressi's
sword or hear Grey Dick's arrows sing, or face the curse of old Sir
Andrew."
So proud and commanding was her mien and so terrible the import of her
words, that these rough hinds shrank away from her and the woman hid her
face in her hands. But Sir John thundered threats and oaths at them, so
that slowly and unwillingly they ringed Eve round.
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