I now ask the same thing, and you need not be afraid to answer.

Have you seen anything strange these nights you have been watching here ?' 'My Lord Duke, I be a poor heedless boy, and what I see I don't bear in mind.' 'I ask you again,' said the Duke, coming nearer, 'have you seen anything strange these nights you have been watching here ?' 'O, my Lord Duke! I be but the under-shepherd boy, and my father he was but your humble Grace's hedger, and my mother only the cinder-woman in the back-yard! I fall asleep when left alone, and I see nothing at all!' The Duke grasped the boy by the shoulder, and, directly impending over him, stared down into his face, 'Did you see anything strange done here last night, I say ?' 'O, my Lord Duke, have mercy, and don't stab me!' cried the shepherd, falling on his knees.

'I have never seen you walking here, or riding here, or lying-in-wait for a man, or dragging a heavy load!' 'H'm!' said his interrogator, grimly, relaxing his hold.

'It is well to know that you have never seen those things.

Now, which would you rather--see me do those things now, or keep a secret all your life ?' 'Keep a secret, my Lord Duke!' 'Sure you are able ?' 'O, your Grace, try me!' 'Very well.