"From whom?" said he.

"From the Knight of the Gigantic Sabre," said the Herald; "and I
must speak with the usurper of Otranto."

Jerome returned to the Prince, and did not fail to repeat the
message in the very words it had been uttered. The first sounds
struck Manfred with terror; but when he heard himself styled
usurper, his rage rekindled, and all his courage revived.

"Usurper!--insolent villain!" cried he; "who dares to question my
title? Retire, Father; this is no business for Monks: I will meet
this presumptuous man myself. Go to your convent and prepare the
Princess's return. Your son shall be a hostage for your fidelity:
his life depends on your obedience."

"Good heaven! my Lord," cried Jerome, "your Highness did but this
instant freely pardon my child--have you so soon forgot the
interposition of heaven?"

"Heaven," replied Manfred, "does not send Heralds to question the
title of a lawful Prince. I doubt whether it even notifies its
will through Friars--but that is your affair, not mine. At present
you know my pleasure; and it is not a saucy Herald that shall save
your son, if you do not return with the Princess."

It was in vain for the holy man to reply. Manfred commanded him to
be conducted to the postern-gate, and shut out from the castle.
And he ordered some of his attendants to carry Theodore to the top