Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/31

Rh cilors and pronounced unsound. Let it be enough for you, Edgar my son, that I hold the castle from the King and you hold this barony for me, and that you have my word that it is rightfully mine. Defend it, if it should be attacked, even at the cost of the lives of every soul within its walls; and never surrender it except on command of King Henry himself, or his rightful successor. So long as I am in England, Ferrers will make no move; but if in my absence he can get possession, he will stop at nothing to retain the castle, trusting, as many others have done, in his sword as sufficient title.

"No more of that. Leave the priests and clerks to talk of paper-titles, and you keep the stronghold until I return. I ask no pledge or oath from you, Edgar; I leave your mother and Amabel to your guardianship, and I know you will lay down life in their defense if it be necessary.

"As to the command of the castle, I leave it in your hands also, my son, but I counsel you to consult with your mother, who, as you know, has had some experience of warfare; and I leave you also another adviser"

Edgar looked up in surprise, as his father laid his hand upon the veteran's shoulder.

"But, my lord," the old soldier began, "am I not"