"Yes, Sire; but your royal life is the greatest of your possessions, and I felt that might be in danger. You gave me a free hand to do what was best in your service, and even if I have offended I deemed it my duty to save my sovereign's life even at the cost of my own. Your Majesty, I have no further defence to make." "Hah!" said the King. "He has disarmed me, boys, and I as his master almost feel that I cannot order him to execution for such a crime as this. What say you, Denis, lad?" "I say, sir," said the boy, laughing softly, "that this is England, sir, and that you are not King, but my Lord the Comte de la Seine, who has no power to inflict such a punishment as this." "Hah!" said the King, chuckling. "And you, silent Wisehead Saint Simon, what is your judgement?" "Oh, sir, I think Denis is quite right; but I should like to add one thing." "Hah!" cried the King. "This fight has made you find your tongue, my lad. Now then, let's have what you think about Master Leoni's offence." "I think, sir, that we had better get on a little faster, for I don't want another fight to-night." "Neither do I," said the King, laughing softly, "for I am sore all over, and I should be miserable if it were not for the thought that this ruffian gang must have suffered far more than we. Why, Master Leoni, the point of your sword I could well believe must have been everywhere at once." "A trick of fence, sir, merely a trick of fence," said Leoni quietly. "Your lordship knows how for years I have studied every Italian trick, and it comes easy and useful at a time like this." "My faith, yes!" said the King, drawing a deep breath. "There, Master Leoni, I must forgive you this time; but don't offend again. Now then, before we drop into a canter, I believe you know the English roads by heart: can you act as our guide to-night?" "I have studied them a little, sir, and been along here three times before." "Then you can take us to a place of safety?" "Yes, sir, I can; and you will pardon me when I tell you that four days ago I sent forward a trusty messenger to an old town some ten miles from here where there is a fine old manor-house, the home of a studious English nobleman of whom I asked for hospitality for the noble Comte de la Seine should he by any possibility on his journey to the English Court appeal to him on his way. I and Sir John Carrbroke have often corresponded upon matters of scientific lore, and you will be made welcome as my patron, you may be sure." "Hah!" cried the King. "There seems to be no end to you, Leoni. You know everything, and are always ready at a pinch. Well, I must let you serve me this time, but to-morrow morning, mind, I shall be sore and stiff, and savage as a Compiegne wild boar, so you had better keep beyond the reach of my tusks when I order you back to France." "I take your warning, sir," said Master Leoni, rising in his stirrups and placing his hand to his ear.