"Yes, there lies the real danger," said Sir John musingly. "Alas, that he lies helpless on a bed of sickness; but for that he should be in Holland, with our dear Vicar, ere twenty-four hours had passed." A sudden thought struck him. "Think you, Susan, that William knows aught of this mad adventure?" "I think so," replied Susan, "for the boys have no secrets apart from each other, and if matters came to the worst, as you say, I believe that William would plead guilty rather than Ralph should suffer!" "Oh, boys, boys! how you wring my heart!" cried Sir John, with uncontrollable emotion. He resumed his seat, and for a short time remained in deep thought; then he spoke slowly and with deep emphasis. "The innocent must not suffer for the guilty—no, God forbid! But let us hope for the best," he continued, as he marked the growing pallor of poor Susan's face. "It was a foolish freak, but no man has been injured— no blood was shed. "Cheer up, my child, we have powerful friends in Court, even in this Court of the Star Chamber—the worst of all our Courts! In the last issue, if all else fails, it may be but a matter of a fine, and we are, happily, rich enough to pay it; or a short imprisonment, and the boy is young, and will live through it. Cheer up, Susan; wipe those tears away, and trust in God that all will come right! "Now go and see the boys, and let me know if I may see them also," continued Sir John. "I go, dear uncle," said Susan, rising to her feet; "but pardon me if I urge that you say nothing to them at present about this sad matter; remember that Dr. Barnes enjoins the most watchful care on our part; they must have rest and peace both for body and mind." "I will remember, most wise nurse!" said Sir John, as he rose to open the door for her with a smile on his grave countenance. Susan had scarcely left the library than, with a preliminary knock at the door, Sir John's valet entered it. Bowing low, the man informed his master that his Excellency the Spanish Ambassador and his son Don Diego d'Olivares were in the entrance-hall, and that they craved the honour of a brief interview. Sir John nodded assent, and a few moments later he heard the steps of his visitors as they ascended the stairs to the library. Hastening to the top of the staircase the Treasurer met his distinguished visitors with deep obeisance. But the Ambassador was evidently in no mood to stand upon points of ceremony. Hurrying forward, with extended hands, he warmly saluted the Treasurer, yet the anxiety which had prompted this early morning call found immediate utterance in the first words he spoke. "Your boys, Mr. Treasurer, are they doing well?" "Dr. Barnes has just left them, your Excellency, and his report is altogether favourable; they have many serious flesh wounds, yet, by the mercy of God, no vital injury has been inflicted; and, if nothing unforeseen occurs, they will make a rapid recovery to health."