"Take them out, Sir William," he cried; "stand them up against the wall, and shoot them down. As for thee, Sir Thomas, thou shalt go back with me to England, and let the Queen pass upon thy fate." "One word," I said, "there is among them the lad Oliver Gates; he is but a boy, fresh and innocent, and has had naught to do with these deeds of which the ruffians speak. I would not that he should suffer harm." "He is safe," he answered, "and shall go back to England with thee. Hast thou the lad secured outside, Sir William?" "Aye," rejoined the grim old soldier. "And now right about, you rogues." And he marched them outside, surrounded by his men. We sat in silence a few minutes--a volley of shots, and they had passed into eternity, the lie fresh upon their lips. This was the priest's work that the men should testify against me. Dunraven had doubtless planned the scheme, and had through Francis paid these men to swear against me, telling them, not indeed that they would fall into the hands of Drake, but had arranged so that whatever happened they would swear away my life. They had seen the priest in favor, their promise had come back to their minds, and they thought--or perhaps he had promised beforehand--that at all events he would save their lives; and so they had spoken as he had commanded them. The end had come, before they could retreat. Drake glanced up as the sound of the musketoons died away. "Hast thou aught to say for thyself?" he asked. "Simply that I am innocent," I answered. "I have been a captive here for months, and have had naught to do with the forays of these men. The priest is my enemy; these men swore as they did by his command. If thou dost not believe me, ask the boy Oliver Gates." I said naught of Dunraven, for I knew that if I did it would simply make my tale seem the more incredible; and, too, I said naught of my adventures, for I saw that he would not believe me. I would save that for the ear of the Queen herself. Sir James Mortimer leaned over to Drake, and murmured: "Thou dost remember that the priest warned us of the lad, that he was a sworn henchman of this man. "True, Sir James," Drake answered; then turning to me, "Thou surely dost not expect me to believe this, Sir Thomas?" I arose and bowed. "In that event, I wait only to be shown the room in which I am to be confined," I said. Unbuckling my sword, I laid it sheathed upon the table. "Can I leave it in thy hands until I claim it again?" I asked. "I have endeavored to keep the blade bright and spotless since I have worn it. Some day, when I have cleared myself from this false charge, I will ask it back from thee." He bowed his head gravely. "When thou askest for it again, it shall be thine. I pray God that thou mayst be innocent of this charge, but----" and he shook his head gloomily.