the door, but it is locked, and there is a sentry on the other
side."

"I might have known it. I might have known that you would mock me. What
is death to you, to whom life offers nothing? For you the prospect of it
has no terrors. But for me--bethink you, sir, I am scarce eighteen years
of age," he added brokenly, "and life was full of promise for me. O God,
pity me!"

"True, lad, true," the knight returned in softened tones. "I had
forgotten that death is not to you the blessed release that it is to me.
And yet, and yet," he mused, "do I not die leaving a task unfulfilled--a
task of vengeance? And by my soul, I know no greater spur to make a man
cling to life. Ah," he sighed wistfully, "if indeed I could find a way."

"Think, Sir Crispin, think," cried the boy feverishly.

"To what purpose? There is the window. But even if the bars were moved,
which I see no manner of accomplishing, the drop to the river is seventy
feet at least. I measured it with my eyes when first we entered here. We
have no rope. Your cloak rent in two and the pieces tied together would
scarce yield us ten feet. Would you care to jump the remaining sixty?"

At the very thought of it the lad trembled, noting which Sir Crispin
laughed softly.

"There. And yet, boy, it would be taking a risk which if successful
would mean life--if otherwise, a speedier end than even the rope will
afford you. Oddslife," he cried, suddenly springing to his feet, and
seizing the lanthorn. "Let us look at these bars."

He stepped across to the window, and held the light so that its rays
fell full upon the base of the vertical iron that barred the square.

"It is much worn by rust, Kenneth," he muttered. "The removal of this
single piece of iron," and he touched the lower arm of the cross,
"should afford us passage. Who knows? Hum!"

He walked back to the table and set the lanthorn down. In a tremble,
Kenneth watched his every movement, but spoke no word.

"He who throws a main," said Galliard, "must set a stake upon the board.
I set my life--a stake that is already forfeit--and I throw for liberty.
If I win, I win all; if I lose, I lose naught. 'Slife, I have thrown
many a main with Fate, but never one wherein the odds were more
generous. Come, Kenneth, it is the only way, and we will attempt it if
we can but move the bar."

"You mean to leap?" gasped the lad.

"Into the river. It is the only way."

"O God, I dare not. It is a fearsome drop."

"Longer,