Page:Guy Mannering Vol 3.djvu/98

88 tell you now,—to show you that I have a conscience, as ye ca't, d—ndamn [sic] me if I charge ye abune sixpence a day for the freedom o' the court, and ye may walk in it very near three hours a day, and play at pitch and toss, and hand-ba', and what not."

With this gracious promise he ushered Bertram into the house, and shewed him up a steep and narrow stone staircase, at the top of which was a strong door, clenched with iron and studded with nails. Beyond this door was a narrow passage or gallery, having three cells on each side, wretched vaults, with iron bed-frames and straw mattresses. But at the farther end was a small apartment of rather a more decent appearance, that is, having less the air of a place of confinement, since, unless for the large lock and chain upon the door, and the crossed and ponderous stauncheons upon the window, it rather resembled the "worst inn's worst room." It was designed as a sort of infirmary for prisoners whose state of health