human
Place the torch in its holder, said Johnny.
gpt
Now, gentlemen, that will last long enough to light you to your supper, which you will find on the floor behind you. I'm sure you will rest here comfortably for the night. The air is pure at this height, and I think you'll like this eagle's nest better than a dungeon under the ground. For my own part, I abhor a subterranean cell, and goodness knows I've been in many a one, but we're civilised folk here on the Border and try to treat our prisoners kindly.
human
You must, indeed, earn their fervent gratitude,
gpt
We should, we should, returned Johnny,
human
We will give your request our deep consideration,
gpt
I'm glad to hear that. You see, we are such merciful people that we have but one rope to hang our enemies with, while we should have a dozen by rights. Still, I think we could manage three at a pinch, if your answers should happen to displease me. You will excuse the barring of the door, but the window is open to you if your lodgings are not to your liking. And so, good-night, the three of you.
human
Good-night to you, Mr. Armstrong,
gpt
Come, cried the king,
human
Have you been here long?
gpt
A good while, answered the latter despondently.
human
I don't know for how long. They hanged my mate.
gpt
I saw that. Do they hang many here about?
human
I think they do, replied the prisoner.
gpt
Some fling themselves down on the rocks, and others are starved to death. You see, the Armstrongs go off on a raid, and there's no one here to bring us food, for the women folk don't like to tamper with that machine that comes to the lower stair. I doubt if Johnny starves them intentionally, but he's kept away sometimes longer than he expects.
human
Bless me, cried the king,
gpt
I'm wondering if this man would venture out to the end of the beam and untie the rope,
human
Oh, I'll do that, willingly, cried the prisoner.
gpt
But what is the use of it; it's about ten times too short, as the Armstrongs well know.
human
Are we likely to be disturbed here through the night?
gpt
Oh no, nor till late in the day to-morrow; they'll be down there eating and drinking till all hours, then they sleep long.
human
Very well. Untie the other end of the rope, and see you crawl back here without falling.
gpt
What is your plan, cobbler?
human
Well, you see, replied Flemming,
gpt
I don't see how that is to help us.
human
There are nine or ten strands that have gone to the making of it, and I'm thinking that each of those strands will bear a man. Luckily, I have got a ball of my cobbler's wax here, and that will strengthen the strands, keep the knots from slipping, and make it easier to climb down.
gpt
Cobbler! cried the king,
human
I care little for knighthood, returned the cobbler,
gpt
After such a remark as that, your majesty, exclaimed the poet,
human
I think you should have him beheaded, if he doesn't get us out of this safely.
gpt
Indeed, Sir David, said the cobbler, as he unwound the rope,