"Try me."
Again there was silence. The gag was refitted.
"He's all yours, Stubb. Don't
leave him alone, even for a short time. I'll send someone to relieve
you in a day or two." He turned again to face the young Captain.
"Good night, or should I say, good morrow, your majesty
." Ballard's heavy tread reached the door, opened, closed, and went
beyond it, as he mounted and rode back to the Castle.
Michael tried to think what he must do. There were too many questions
here for which he had no answer. Only one thing was clear to him: the
man Stubb was the immediate danger.
There could be no thought of flight, in any case. A weapon, albeit a
treacherous one, had been placed within his reach, in the form of
Stephen Purceville. He must find a way to use it. With no clear plan,
but not without hope, he determined to bide his time, and watch for
some opportunity to ambush and subdue the guard.
He did not have to wait long. Apparently the officer had determined to
have a look at all the rooms. For after first checking those on the
main level, he was heard just below, as he put his boot to the first
rung of the ladder-stair, and began to climb.
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