"Very good, sir," he answered slowly, beginning to comprehend, "I don't know your honour, I have never seen you before." "That's it; you will be glad you did not recognise me to-morrow." The sergeant nodded, he was not a stupid man. and he began to see the reason for my strange course. "And now," said I, "I am a messenger from my Lord Chief Justice, a private messenger, who must see the King instantly. Lord Jeffreys is now at the point of death, his life's in the greatest danger." "But, your honour," stammered the sergeant, "it will be impossible to see the King to-night. He's got a woman with him, and Lord Stenwold himself keeps everybody from him." "That woman is my wife," said I grimly, "Good God, sir!" exclaimed the sergeant. "What do you want me to do?" "First of all, admit me; then take me to the Officer of the Guard--who is he? Do I know him?" "No, sir, it is Leftenant Brayford; he's a new officer, your honour, and he is at play with Ensign Scarlett in his quarters off the guard-room. They are drinking too, sir." "Good," said I. "That leaves you in virtual command of the guard?" "It does." "Go to Mr. Brayford, and tell him that an urgent messenger from Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys desires to see Lord Stenwold on a most serious business, and contrive that you shall be the one to conduct me to him." "I think that will be easy, sir," said the sergeant, closing the wicket and marching off. It was fortunate that I had found old Harkins at the gate; the man had been devoted to me and was as faithful as the day was long. Whether his devotion to me would overcome his duty to the King was a thing I could not decide, and I stood there, leaning against the rough stones of the wall, a prey to the intensest agonies of apprehension I had ever experienced, lest I should be denied entrance and stopped helplessly at the very beginning of the undertaking on which so much depended. My relief was correspondingly great when the door opened and honest old Harkins appeared again. "I am to conduct you to Lord Stenwold, by orders from Leftenant Brayford, who, with Mr. Scarlett, is well in liquor now, sir," said the old soldier. "This will cost young Brayford his commission, mayhap his head, I fear me," said I under my breath. "And me mine, as well it may be, Sir Hugh," answered Harkins simply, but making no pause on that account. "Man," said I earnestly, "I am off for the Low Countries to-night with my wife, if all goes well. There is plenty of soldiering and good pay there. We have served together for many years; come with me." "That will I gladly if you will take me, Sir Hugh," answered Harkins earnestly, and evidently pleased. "Good; if you serve me well in my great need this night, I promise you shall never have cause to regret it." "What do you propose to do, sir, if I may make bold to ask?" "To take my wife from the King, even if I have to kill him." "Good God, sir, I hope it won't need to come to that!"