The Midnight Queen - Page 92/177

"Down with the bars!" he cried. "This is the one for him--the strongest

and safest of them all. Now, my dashing courtier, you will see how

tenderly your little friend provides for his favorites!"

If Sir Norman made any reply, it was drowned id the rattle and clank

of the massive bars, and is hopelessly lost to posterity. The huge door

swung back; but nothing was visible but a sort of black velvet pall, and

effluvia much stronger than sweet. Involuntarily he recoiled as one of

the guards made a motion for him to enter.

"I Shove him in! shove him in!" shrieked the dwarf, who was getting so

excited with glee that he was dancing about in a sort of jig of delight.

"In with him--in with him! If he won't go peaceably, kick him in

head-foremost!"

"I would strongly advise them not to try it," said Sir Norman, as he

stepped into the blackness, "if they have any regard for their health!

It does not make much difference after all, my little friend, whether

I spend the next half-hour in the inky blackness of this place or the

blood-red grandeur of your royal court. My little friend, until we meet

again, permit me to say, au revoir."

The dwarf laughed in his pleasant way, and pushed the candle cautiously

inside the door.

"Good-by for a little while, my dear young sir, and while the headsmen

is sharpening his axe, I'll leave you to think about your little friend.

Lest you should lack amusement, I'll leave you a light to contemplate

your apartment; and for fear you may get lonesome, these two gentlemen

will stand outside your door, with their swords drawn, till I come back.

Good-by, my dear young sir--good-bye!"

The dungeon-door swung to with a tremendous bang Sir Norman was barred

in his prison to await his doom and the dwarf was skipping along the

passage with sprightliness, laughing as he went.