The King's Esquires Part 32

And as he spoke, without leaving his grasp of the King's wrist, Leoni thrust the hand at liberty into his breast and drew forth a little golden _flacon_, which glistened in the light.

"Set down the cup," said Leoni quickly, as Denis returned from the bedchamber with the water. "Now, boy, unscrew the top of this, and hold it in your hand."

Leoni held out the little glistening flask, retaining it tightly, while Denis twisted off the tiny, cup-like top.

"Not that way, boy; turn it up so that I can fill it to the brim. Now,"

he whispered, "empty it into the water, and screw on the top once more."

This was quickly done, and the _flacon_ replaced.

"Now," continued Leoni, "hand the cup to the Comte. The ballroom was overheated, and the wine he has drunk to-night has affected him.--Drink, sir; you will be better then."

The King started slightly, looked wildly in the eyes that seemed to master him, and with a slight shiver took the handed cup, drained it, and uttered a low, deep sigh.

"Ah," said Leoni, smiling in a peculiar way. "Now, gentlemen, the time has come for action. You, Saint Simon, be silent, and alert. There must be no bloodshed unless it is to save the Comte. You will come with us, and I shall depend upon your sword for our protection if there is peril in the way. You, Denis, boy," he continued, turning to the young esquire, who stood looking on now with his lips apart and a strange feeling of misery and despair oppressing him, "you have your duty to perform."

"Not to--" began Denis; but he was checked by the angry gesture the doctor made.

"Silence, sir! Your master's work. Follow us outside, and remain there on guard. The Comte's valise is ready. Never mind our own. Here, quick! Where is the cloak?"

Denis darted to a _garde-robe_ and drew out the monarch's cloak.

"That's right. Throw it down there. You will now allow no one to pa.s.s in here, but stand on guard till we return. If we are not back here by the time the castle clock has chimed twice you will take the cloak and valise, go down the long corridor, if possible unseen, and make for the stables, where you will have the horses saddled at once."

"But--"

"But!" snapped out Leoni. "They must be saddled. Quick! Slip off my pouch and gird it on. There is gold enough within, and if that will not move the people there you have your sword."

Denis uttered a sigh of relief as he hastily unclasped the doctor's belt, for this was work he felt that he could do.

The next minute he was following his companions across the ante-chamber, ready to close the door behind them and place himself on guard in a gloomy angle of the corridor, from whence as he watched them he saw their figures seem to glide along the lighted portion, the Comte yielding entirely to his leader's every motion, till they pa.s.sed quickly out of the sentry's ken.

CHAPTER THIRTY.

BEARDING A LION.

The King walked swiftly on in the direction of that portion of the castle where he had lodged his guest, the polished oak boards of the floor resounding beneath his heavy tread, while the chamberlain heard him keep muttering to himself as he went, till he reached a portion where a couple of officers stood on duty by a heavy door, ready to challenge them; but seeing in the half darkness who their visitors were, they drew back saluting, and opened the doors to allow them to pa.s.s.

"Your Majesty," said the chamberlain, in a low tone, as they began pa.s.sing down an inner pa.s.sage, and Henry read in his voice a protest against the action he was taking.

"Have done with your scruples," he said. "I am not going to a.s.sa.s.sinate Francis, or even do him ill, only to make sure." And he proceeded on his way, motioning to another officer, who came forward and saluted, to resume his post.

Turning at right angles, and going some distance further on, the King stopped again.

"It should be here," he said quietly, and he moved towards a wide arched door, but drew back suddenly, for a figure emerged from the shadow into the full light, naked sword in hand.

"You cannot pa.s.s," said the sentry.

"Who are you?" said Henry.

"A follower of the n.o.ble Comte de la Seine," was the reply.

"And he mounts guards at his chamber door?" said the King haughtily.

"Yes; but by what right do you come here and question me?"

Henry advanced into the light of a lamp overhead, and threw back his robe.

"I have the right," he said.

Denis drew back, but only a step.

"The King!" he murmured. "The King!"

Henry nodded quickly.

"You know me? Good. I have another word I wish to say to your master to-night."

"Sire," said Denis, dropping on one knee, "it is impossible."

"Impossible!" thundered the King.

"Impossible, Sire."

"Impossible! To me! In to your master at once, and tell him I have words to say to him to-night. By Heaven, it is an honour I do him, I think!"

"But, Sire--" cried Denis, who still barred the way.

"You heard me, boy?"

"Yes, Sire."

"Then--obey!"

"I regret to repeat to your Majesty that I cannot."

"Cannot!"

"No, Sire."

The King burst into a harsh laugh, and turning to the chamberlain, pointed angrily at the boy, before facing him again frowningly.

"Stand back, boy, and let me pa.s.s."

"I regret, your Majesty. Order me to do something else far more difficult--I would cheerfully obey your commands."

"But I have nothing else which I wish you to do--only this. Let me pa.s.s."