The woman closed her lips and seemed to press them tightly together, as she said in a strange voice: "You will be advised by me, and stay here, where you will be safe. I cannot--I will not--let you go." "Indeed!" said the King fiercely, and the woman started as she realised that her guest had heard her words. "Back into your own place, madam," continued the King. "I allow no one to tamper with my servants." The woman shrank trembling back, for there was that in her guest's manner which she felt she must obey; and with her hands clasped to her breast as if to restrain her emotion, she went slowly into the house, the King watching her, till she turned her head, started on encountering his eyes, and then disappeared. "There, it's plain enough, gentlemen. This woman is in league with a band of the rogues." "I think not, sir," said Denis quickly. "I think she is honest, and her trouble real." "Indeed?" said the King mockingly. "Wait till you have a few more years over your head, boy, before you attempt to give counsel to one who is used to judge mankind. Foolish boy! Can't you see that it is part of her work to trap travellers into staying at her house? Why, I believe if we rested here we should be plunged into a long deep sleep, and one from which we should never wake. Now, Saint Simon, you ought to have finished. I want to mount and go." "The horses are ready, my lord," said the young man quickly. "But you have not paid the woman." "I offered her ample, sir, and she refused it." "Bah! Leave that to me," said the King haughtily. "But what about you, Denis, boy? Don't tell me that you are too bad to mount, and force me to stay in this vile nest of thieves." "No, sir. If Saint Simon will help me to mount, I'll manage to ride the long night through; but I fear if there is need that I could not fight." The King hesitated, and stood striking his two stout riding gloves twisted together sharply in his left hand. "Yes, you look hurt, boy. Perhaps it will be better that we should stay. We could hold one room, unless they burnt us out, and take turn and turn to watch." "Oh no, sir; I am well enough to go," cried the lad. "Here, Saint Simon, give me a leg up. I am better now, and shall feel easier still when in the saddle." "Keep back, Saint Simon!" said the King. "Let me be the judge of that. Here, your foot, boy? Do you hear me, sir? Quick!" The lad raised his foot as the King impatiently clasped his hands stirrup fashion and raised the young horseman smartly, so that he flung his right leg over and dropped lightly into the saddle. "Well," continued the King, as he watched his young esquire keenly, "can you sit there, or are you going to swoon?" The boy smiled scornfully, and the King gave him an encouraging nod.