"I would not hesitate to raise this blade against the King himself," answered I coolly. "What, sirrah..." he began. He was so accustomed to browbeat helpless victims who came before his court that his course was as natural as breathing, but I was not a victim and this was not a court, as he should very soon find out. "And I am quite aware," I interrupted, "of all that I risk. It disturbs me not a whit. In faith, were I you, my lord, I would not dwell too much on what may happen to me in future; your present predicament is your chief concern. I advise you to give heed to it." "Is it my money you want?" he asked, growing more and more alarmed. "Nay," said I, "keep your hands by your side." My sword made little circles about his throat. It was a trick of fence I had learned and it added greatly to his discomfiture. "Take away that blade," he pleaded. "When it suits me," I replied. I edged around him until I could reach the bedroom door. I knocked upon it, and instantly Macleod presented himself. It pleased me to see that he had his old and terrible Scottish claymore bared and ready. "Who is this?" asked Jeffreys, with a new accession of alarm. "You will learn presently, my lord, that it is now not for you to ask questions, but to answer them." "What would you, sir?" asked Macleod of me. "Lights," said I. "I have no doubt that Lord Jeffreys would fain know whom he entertains; but first bolt the door into the hall." "One shout," growled the Lord Chief Justice, "and I could arouse the Inn." "But you would be so sound asleep, my lord, on the next second, that no shouting that I have heard would suffice to awaken you. Dost take my meaning?" "Curse you, yes!" "Remember, then, to speak softly till I give you leave to call." While I had spoken, Macleod had barred the heavy door precluding any chance interruption; although I trusted to the landlord's zeal and devotion to prevent that, it was well not to neglect any precaution. Then, from the solitary candle, he lighted a number of others. My back was to the light, but presently I moved to let it shine upon my face. "Richmond!" gasped Jeffreys, turning a shade paler under his red. "The same, sir." "What do you here?" queried the Lord Chief Justice. "You are a proscribed outlaw; I can order you seized and executed without formality of a trial; you have no standing in the court." "I know that full well," said I. "I knew it before I heard it from your lips, worthy master of the law, and therefore your repetition of it affects me not at all." "What do you want?" asked the frightened blackguard blusteringly. "A small thing, an it please you--my wife." "You fool," he muttered under his breath, "I haven't got her. Go to the King." "That I shall, sir." The incautious admission of the Lord Chief Justice that I should seek the King apprised me of what I had more than suspected, that he was in the base plot.