"Easy enough," laughed the dwarf, "so there be wood sufficient for gallows, and hemp enough to break our necks. I warrant there's no lack of either in the castle. But two dangling in mid air is a poor sight; three would cover the great gate far better, and there's another may well hang with us—the jailer who let the spy escape the other night."
"That is a good thought," said Felix.
"And noon's an excellent time," said Jean, laughing still. "Send out and let the city know of the show. It would be a pity if none should see your warning."
"Never fear, they shall see it."
"And then hide yourself, Count—mark how I call you Count—hide yourself in the darkest hole you can find in the castle, and even then I warrant they'll find you out, and perhaps——" And then again Jean howled with laughter.
Felix sprang to his feet.
"Take this miserable fool out and whip him. Let strong arms get well tired before they cease and let him go."
Two soldiers hoisted the dwarf to his feet.
"Of your mercy, one word," he said, becoming suddenly serious.
"Speak."