"M. de Perrencourt seemed lonely, sir," I answered at last. "A little loneliness hurts no man," said the King. He took out his tablets and began to write. When he was done, he gave me the message, adding, "Read it." I read, "Mr Simon Dale will remain under arrest in his own apartment for twenty-four hours, and will not leave it except by the express command of the King." I made a wry face. "If the Duke of Monmouth wants me----" I began. "He'll have to do without you, Mr Dale," interrupted the King. "Come, M. de Perrencourt, will you give me your arm?" And off he went on the French gentleman's arm, leaving me most utterly abashed, and cursing the curiosity that had brought me to this trouble. "So much for the Duke of Buckingham's 'long head,'" said I to myself ruefully, as I made my way towards the Constable's Tower, in which his Grace was lodged, and where I had my small quarters. Indeed, I might well feel a fool; for the next twenty-four hours, during which I was to be a prisoner, would in all likelihood see the issue in which I was pledged to bear a part. Now I could do nothing. Yet at least I must send speedy word to the town that I was no longer to be looked to for any help, and when I reached my room I called loudly for Jonah Wall. It was but the middle of the day, yet he was not to be seen. I walked to the door and found, not Jonah, but a guard on duty. "What are you doing here?" "Seeing that you stay here, sir," he answered, with a grin. Then the King was very anxious that I should obey his orders, and had lost no time in ensuring my obedience; he was right to take his measures, for, standing where I did, his orders would not have restrained me. I was glad that he had set a guard on me in lieu of asking my parole. For much as I love sin, I hate temptation. Yet where was Jonah Wall, and how could I send my message? I flung myself on the bed in deep despondency. A moment later the door opened, and Robert, Darrell's servant, entered. "My master begs to know if you will sup with him to-night, sir." "Thank him kindly," said I; "but if you ask that gentleman outside, Robert, he'll tell you that I must sup at home by the King's desire. I'm under arrest, Robert." "My master will be grieved to hear it, sir, and the more because he hoped that you would bring some wine with you, for he has none, and he has guests to sup with him." "Ah, an interested invitation! How did Mr Darrell know that I had wine?" "Your servant Jonah spoke of it to me, sir, and said that you would be glad to send my master some." "Jonah is liberal! But I'm glad, and assure Mr Darrell of it. Where is my rascal?" "I saw him leave the Castle about an hour ago; just after he spoke to me about the wine." "Curse him! I wanted him. Well, take the wine. There are six bottles that he got to-day." "There is French wine here, sir, and Spanish. May I take either?"