here, it were better done than by her mercy. Now, thrall, I have
spoken enough to thee, or more than enough: get thee back out of
earshot!



CHAPTER IV. OF THE WITCH'S PRISON IN THE WAILING-TOWER



Birdalone did as she was bidden, and the witch called unto her Atra,
who came and stood humbly on the footpace beside her, and held
converse with her mistress a while. Then she went backward from her
a little, and then came to Birdalone, and in a somewhat harsh voice
bade her come with her. Birdalone followed her, quaking, and they
came out of the hall and into a long passage, which led to a wide
stair winding round a newel; and all was builded exceeding fair, had
Birdalone's heart suffered her eyes to see it; but her flesh was
weak, and quaked before the torment to come, so that her knees well-
nigh failed her.

But now Atra lays a hand kindly on her shoulder and stays her, and
says: Now meseems the walls of the Wailing-Tower, for so it hight,
have no ears to hear, and we may talk together. Wottest thou why I
have brought thee hither? Said Birdalone in a faint voice: Hast
thou been bidden to whip me? And if I had been so bidden, dear
maiden, said Atra laughing, nowise would I do it. Hold up thine
heart! For all hath gone well so far, and now meseems betwixt us
three we shall save thee.