"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.