Answer me and answer me truly or it will be an ill
night for you. In what part of the Castle does this tunnel
enter?"
"In the lower cellar."
"What is at the end?"
"An oaken door."
"Is it barred?"
"Yes, it is barred."
"How would you have entered?"
"I would have given the password."
"Who then would have opened?"
"There is a guard within."
"And beyond him?"
"Beyond him are the prison cells and the jailers."
"Who else would be afoot?"
"No one save a guard at the gate and another on the battlement."
"What then is the password?"
The man was silent.
"The password, fellow!"
The cold points of two daggers pricked his throat; but still he
would not speak.
"Where is the blind man?" asked Nigel. "Here, Andreas, you can
have him and do what you will with him."
"Nay, nay," the priest whimpered. "Keep him off me. Save me from
blind Andreas! I will tell you everything."
"The password then, this instant?"
"It is `Benedicite!'"
"We have the password, Simon," cried Nigel. "Come then, let us on
to the farther end. These peasants will guard the priest, and
they will remain here lest we wish to send a message."
"Nay, fair sir, it is in my mind that we can do better," said
Simon. "Let us take the priest with us, so that he who is within
may know his voice."
"It is well thought of," said Nigel, "and first let us pray
together, for indeed this night may well be our last.
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