We must shift the scene to the torture chamber.
Imagine a long dark room, below the level of the ground, underneath
the keep; stone flags below, a vaulted ceiling above; dimly lighted
by torches fixed in sconces in the wall; a curtain covering a
recess; in front, a chair for Hugo and a table for a scribe, with
ink horn and parchment.
Around the table were gathered Hugo himself, his guests Raoul de
Broc, Tustain de Wylmcote, Ralph de Bearleigh, his seneschal,
chamberlain, and other confidential officers of his household, and
four strong brawny men-at-arms--sufficient to manage the prisoner
with ease.
Ordgar, son of Haga, stood alone at the foot of the table, before
all this hostile array.
"Villain," said Hugo (the name only imported serf), "thy name?"
"I have told thee, Ordgar, son of Haga."
"Thou art a vassal of Aescendune?"
"I was."
"And art: my rights over thee cease not."
"I do not acknowledge thee as my lord."
"Thou mayst think better of it anon. Now thou wilt please answer my
questions.
"Scribe, take down his replies."
"He will not fill much parchment."
"We shall see.
"Where hast thou been hiding from thy lawful master?"
"I have not been hiding from my lawful lord."
"Fool, dost thou bandy words with me? Answer.
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