"I came here, because your bully upstairs hammered at my door and bade
me open, which I would not do, defying him to break it down if he had
the power. It so happened that he possessed the power, and used it."
"I deeply regret that you should have been disturbed, Madam. My
lieutenant erred through over-zeal, and I ask your pardon for the
offense."
The girl laughed.
"Why, sir, you are the politest of pirates, but, indeed, your lieutenant
seems a harsh man. Without even removing his bonnet, he commanded me to
betake myself to the courtyard and report to his chief, which obediently
I have done."
"I did not guess that women inhabited this robber's nest. My lieutenant
is searching for men in hiding, so please accept my assurance that you
will suffer no further annoyance. You are surely not alone in this
house?"
"Oh no. Her ladyship the Pfalzgraf's wife, and her entourage, have
sought shelter in another part of the Castle, and presently they will
all troop down here, prisoners to your most ungallant subordinate; that
is, should their doors prove no stouter than mine, or if your furious
men have not dislocated their shoulders.
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