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.  Then with head held high she walked thence in the midst of them.

The prisoners’ chamber beneath the leads of the lofty tower was cold and unfurnished save for a stool and a truckle-bed.  It had a great door of oak locked and barred on the outer side, with a grille in it through which the poor wretch within could be observed.  There was no window, only high up beneath the ceiling were slits like loopholes that not a child could have passed.  Such was the place to which Eve was led.

Here they left her.  At nightfall the door was opened and Jane Mell entered, bearing a loaf of bread and a jug of water, which she set down upon the floor.

“Would you aught else?” she asked.

“Ay, woman,” answered Eve, “my thick red woollen cloak from my chamber, and hood to match.  Also water to wash me, for this place is cold and foul, and I would die warm and clean.”

“First I must get leave from my lord your father,” said the woman in a surly voice.

“Get it then and be swift,” said Eve, “or leave it ungotten; I care little.”

Mell went and within half an hour returned with the garments, the water and some other things.  Setting them down without a word she departed, locking and bolting the door behind her.

While there remained a few rays of light to see by, Eve ate and drank heartily, for she needed food.  Then having prayed according to her custom, she laid herself down and slept as a child sleeps, for she was very strong of will and one who had always taught herself to make the best of evil fortune.  When she woke the daws were cawing around the tower and the sun shone through the loopholes.  She rose refreshed and ate the remainder of her bread, then combed her hair and dressed herself as best she could.