But I can no more parley.
The sun is within a few minutes of twelve, and I must surrender, to meet such fate as may befall me." So saying, with a bow he left them, and again advanced to the castle gate.
"Sir Rudolph," he shouted, "the hour is at hand.

I call upon you to deliver, outside the gate, the lady, my mother.

Whether she wills it or not, I call upon you to place her beyond the gate, and I give you my knightly word that as she leaves it I enter it." Dame Editha would then have attempted resistance; but she saw that it would be useless.

With a pale face she descended the steps, accompanied by the men-at-arms.

She knew that any entreaty to Sir Rudolph would be vain, and with the courage of her race she mentally vowed to devote the rest of her life to vengeance for her son.
As the gate opened and she was thrust forth, for a moment she found herself in the arms of her son.
"Courage, mother!" he whispered; "all may yet be well." Cnut was waiting a few paces behind, and offering his hand to Dame Editha, he led her to the group of archers, while Cuthbert, alone, crossed the drawbridge and entered the portal, the heavy portcullis falling after him.
Cnut, immediately ordering four of his men to escort Dame Editha to the wood with all speed, advanced with his men toward the walls.