argument Lord Douglas replied, "I cannot go--it consorts not with
mine honour to leave this castle so long as the Lady Sybilla is in
their hands."

Sholto told him how they could now escape, and in a week would raise
the whole of the south, returning to the siege of the castle and the
destruction of the traitors Crichton and Livingston. But even to this
the Earl had his answer.

"What--flee like a coward and leave this girl, who has loved and
trusted me, defenceless in their hands! You yourself have heard her
weeping. I tell you I cannot go--I will not go. Let David and you
escape! My place is here, and neither snivelling Crichton nor that
backstairs lap-dog Livingston shall say that they took the Earl of
Douglas, and that he fled from them under cloud of night."

David Douglas had been standing by hopefully while Sholto tied the
rope to the rings. At his brother's words he sat down again. William
of Douglas turned about upon him.

"Go, David, I bid you. Escape, and if aught happen to me, fail not to
make the traitors pay dearly for it."

But David Douglas sat still and answered not. Then Sholto, desperate
of success with his master, approached David, and with gentle force
would have compelled him to the window. But, at the first touch of his
hand, the boy thrust him away, striking him fiercely upon the
shoulder.

"Hands off!" he cried, "I also am a Douglas and no craven. I will