The Stoneholding

clipped voice that challenged them from behind the criss-cross grillwork.

"Password, Captain!"

"Terrible trials trouble robin redbreast's roosting rest," Baldrick replied in his rough baritone.

Frysan smiled. A curiously whimsical kind of password, as well suited to the stalwart Captain as a girl's lace-edged frock.

"And what about him too, the fancy-dressed gentleman behind you, sir?"

"He's with me, soldier, can't you see?"

"Aye, but orders is orders, sir. We ain't supposed to open the door for nobody who ain't said the password. You said so yourself. Not even if Lord Gawmage hisself was to come and beg admittance, him and all the Mindal."

"Very well done, soldier. I am impressed." Baldrick's words were clipped and implacable, spoken with steel-edged menace.

"Th-thank you, sir. Now you, gentleman, you've got to give the password." ...