"Ah! dear, dear," said the King; "I had heard of it; my friends die quickly, and there are few to replace them; I ought to have remembered. But tell me what you require of me--what can I do for you?" Mabel endeavoured to explain in a few words, and as clearly as possible, the object of her visit to the King. He listened attentively. "A sad thing that mutiny, though; but are you certain that young man is not guilty? Can you prove it? There's the question," said the King. "People want proofs in these matters. We must not be governed by our feelings." "Oh, yes, your Majesty, I know, I am sure he is not guilty!" exclaimed Mabel, clasping her hands, and looking up imploringly at the King. "My liege, you have the power of saving him; oh! let me entreat you to do so. Exert your royal prerogative, and save the life of one who is innocent of the fearful charges brought against him." "I should like to do so, young lady, indeed I should," said the King, kindly, "but I want proofs. Those are what the lawyers require. What proofs can you bring forward?" "Here, your Majesty, are two men who were on board the ship in which Mr. Tryon served, and they are able to bear evidence that he was compelled by the ringleader to perform the acts for which he has been condemned." "Ah! let them come forward, and I will hear what they have to say," said the King. "Are those the men outside who came with you? Let them be admitted immediately!" On this Jacob and Jack Veal were allowed instantly to go on the terrace, Paul Gauntlett slipping in with them. The King beckoned them forward. Doffing their hats, they stood in a row before his Majesty, Paul a little behind the others ready to make a military salute, while Jacob and Jack kept hauling away at one of the love-locks with which their foreheads were bedecked. "Let me hear all about it. What have you got to say, my man?" asked the King, looking at Jacob. "Please your Majesty, he no more wanted to mutiny against your Majesty than the babe unborn," began Jacob. "Please your Majesty, there's not a more loyal subject of your Majesty's in England, not except old Pike, whom your Majesty recollects at Lynderton, and who used to get drunk regularly on your Majesty's birthday drinking your Majesty's health." "What, do you know old Pike?" exclaimed the King, laughing; "I hope he is well." "Oh! bless you, your Majesty, he was well and as merry as a cricket when I was last at home. I have been foreign since then, and have not seen him or my old mother for many a day." "Ah, well, I wish all my subjects were as loyal as old Pike," observed the King, turning round and narrating the anecdote of the prostration performed by the old mace-bearer before him. "And now about this young man, you say he is innocent, but how can you prove it?"