Shortly afterwards, Mr. Tombs entered the kitchen, accompanied by Jane Lane. Great consternation had been caused by the visit of the troopers, but as the men conducted themselves so quietly and made no disturbance, Mr. Tombs hoped they might be got rid of without any interference on his part. At last he yielded to Jane's entreaties, and they went to the kitchen together, and were greatly relieved by finding that the enemy had departed. "Look here, sir," cried Bridget, "here's a joint to send to table! But it's not my fault. The rogues forced me to carve it for them." "Never mind, Bridget," cried Mr. Tombs, laughing at her distress. "I'm thankful they're gone. But what brought them here?" "Most likely they only wanted a supper, sir," replied Bridget; "but they pretended they came in search of that young man, declaring he was a Cavalier in disguise." "Ridiculous!" cried Jane. "Evidently a mere excuse to obtain a supper. What did they say to thee, Will?" "They put a few questions to me," replied the king. "But I soon convinced them of their mistake." "They were not very good judges," remarked Mr. Tombs, in a low tone to Jane. "Now I look more narrowly at him, your groom has the air of a gentleman. Besides, it is fair to tell you that my suspicions were excited by the glance he threw at you as we came into the kitchen. Nay, you need have no disguise with me." The king's eyes were fixed upon them, and before making a reply Jane consulted him by a look. She then took Mr. Tombs aside, so as to be quite out of Bridget's hearing, and said in a whisper: "You are right. Will Jones is not what he appears." "I felt sure of it," rejoined Mr. Tombs in the same tone. "He must be a person of the highest importance, for I know you would not run this great risk for any one of inferior degree. I have my suspicions, but I scarcely dare breathe them." "Give them utterance," said Jane. "Is it the king?" he asked. "It is," she replied. "But be careful not to betray the secret by word or gesture. You must not even take your wife into your confidence. My sister and her husband are entirely in the dark, and must be kept so, for Mr. Petre is not a fit depositary for a secret of this vast importance." "I feel the prudence of your counsel, Jane, and will follow it strictly," said Mr. Tombs; "yet I can hardly refrain from throwing myself at his majesty's feet. Had I known who is here, how alarmed I should have felt at the visit of these troopers! Never should I forgive myself if aught were to happen to the king while he is under my roof. But I must see that he is attended to. Hark ye, Bridget, this young man must have a good supper. Do you hear that?"