"It is a message, Sir John," he said, "for my young master." And he handed a document to Ned Carrbroke, who hastily unfastened it and read. "Lord Hurst orders me to return at once," he said to his father. "Ah," said Sir John. "You see, sir," he exclaimed with a smile, looking at the King, "how important an individual the boy there is becoming. But," he went on, "you were expecting this summons, my lad, and now as it happens you will be able to act as additional escort to our guest-- that is, if he will permit." "Permit!" cried the King. "I shall be glad to have our young friend's company--glad indeed." And as he spoke Sir John gazed musingly at the sparkling ring which his guest wore, one which flashed in the light of the candles as Francis made a gesture with his hand. A few minutes later Ned Carrbroke glanced at his father, and then rose from his chair, making a sign to Denis as he did so. "Come," he said quietly, as the two lads moved to the door and passed out. "It was in my mind before, and now it has happened just as I would have wished. I shall come with you." "Yes," answered Denis. "I am glad." "I shall be able to show you much," the other went on. "You have never seen a Court; I shall be able to introduce you to that of our King." "Well," said Denis hesitatingly, "I have been to Fontainebleau." "Fontainebleau? Where's that?" "The Court of the King of France." "Ah! You have seen King Francis?" "Yes." "What is he like?" "Brave, handsome, noble!" "So is my King too. You will have to stop with me in England and serve King Henry." While Denis accompanied his new-found friend the talk went on in the big wainscotted dining-room, and the King, who was leaning back in his chair, had finished a long story of the chase, when his host half rose. "If you will excuse me, my lord, for a few minutes," he said, "I have to give an order as to your departure to-morrow?" Francis made an inclination of assent. "When you visit France," he said, "I trust, sir, that I shall be able to make you some return for your kindness to me and to my followers here." And then a minute later, left alone with his two companions, the King yawned. "Gentlemen," he exclaimed, "do not let me detain you." And Leoni and Saint Simon rose, the doctor hesitating a moment at the door. "You do not, sir," he began, "see any disadvantage in--" "In what?" said the King sharply. "Why, sir, in our taking this English stripling along with us on the morrow?" "By my sword, no!" said the King. "Why should I?" "He is keen and clever." "And what of that?" "Simply this, sir: he might divine the truth. A word, a look--" "Leoni, have I not acted my part well till now?" "Yes, sir." "Then--" "With your permission, sir; you are a King, and those who are chosen by Heaven to reign cannot assume the guise of other men." "But my disguise, Leoni--my disguise!" "Has been admirable, sir." "Then trust me for the future," was the reply.