"We
know what you are up to. You were running to tell some one that the
soldiers were getting up. Now, if you are quiet and keep still no harm
will come to you; but if you try to scream or to get away we shall
hand you over to the police, and there's no saying whether they may
not make it a hanging matter for aiding the king's enemies."
"I suppose we needn't fasten her?" Ralph said.
"Not fasten her! Why, she is as slippery as a young eel, and if you
take your hand off her for a moment she would be off like a hare. No,
no, we must make her safe. Beside," he whispered in Ralph's ear, "she
would scream to a certainty if she saw any one else coming, then they
might strike off and get round us. No, no, we can't run any risks;
there is too much depends on it. Now just sit down there, young woman,
by the wall. We are not going to hurt you, but you have got to keep
quiet. Now put your feet together." Desmond took out his pocket
handkerchief and folded it, and tied the girl's ankles firmly
together. "Now then, Ralph, do the same with her wrists. That's right
now. Wrap that shawl of hers three or four times tightly round her
mouth. That's it; let her breathe through her nose. Now you keep a
sharp watch over her, and see she doesn't wriggle out of these things.
If you see any one coming clap your hand over her mouth, and see she
doesn't make a sound.
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