Therefore I broke in the door,
ordering her and the tirewomen to descend to the courtyard. On examining
her room I find there is no such window as she described, and she could
not communicate with the Count, so I advise that you send her back
again."
Once more the young lady laughed, and exclaimed:
"I could not break down the door for myself, so compelled you and your
clods to do it. I am immured here; a reluctant captive. You will not
have me sent back to my cell, I hope, Commander?"
"No; if you are really my fellow-prisoner, and not one of the enemy."
"She may be deluding you also," warned Greusel.
"I will take the risk of that," replied Roland, smiling at the girl, who
smiled back at him. She had a will of her own, but seemed sensitively
responsive to fair treatment.
"Are there any men-servants?" asked Roland.
"Only three, and they are tottering with age," replied Greusel, "more
frightened than the women themselves. Nevertheless, one of the retainers
is important, being, as he told me, keeper of the treasure-house.
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