"
"What for? Send for him directly."
"He is gone."
This way of ordering torture, and then coolly going, irritated Alfred
beyond endurance. Though he knew he should soon be powerless, he showed
fight; made his mark as usual on a couple of his zealous attendants; but
not having room to work in was soon overpowered, hobbled, and handcuffed:
then they cut off his hair, and put a large blister on the top of his
head.
The obstinate brute declined to go mad. They began to respect him for
this tenacity of purpose: a decent bedroom was allotted him; his
portmanteau and bag were brought him, and he was let walk every day on
the lawn with a keeper; only there were no ladders left about, and the
trap-door was locked, _i.e._ the iron gate.
On one of these occasions he heard the gatekeeper whistle three times
consecutively; his attendant followed suit, and hurried Alfred into the
house, which soon rang with treble signals.
"What is it?" inquired Alfred.
"The visiting justices are in sight: go into your room, please."
"Yes, I'll go," said Alfred, affecting cheerful compliance, and the man
ran off.
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