"The enemy and invader of your country, your Majesty: Henry, the English King. But, your Majesty--" The doctor ceased speaking and turned slowly, to let his eyes rest meaningly upon the two young men in turn. "Eh? What? You mean this is secret, and not for other ears?" The two young men made a quick movement as their eyes sought the King's, and mutely asked the question: Your Majesty wishes us to go? "My liege, what I communicated was of the gravest import to you and yours, meant for your ears alone." "To be sure, Leoni, but kings need very long ears indeed to take in all that concerns them--and have them too, sometimes, my learned doctor, as I have no doubt you men of wisdom think. But to be serious; I find I cannot hear all I want for myself, and am glad to have the help of other ears that I can trust. You are suspicious, my good old friend." "No, your Majesty: cautious in your service. Years of experience have taught me to trust no one in your Majesty's service but myself." "Ah, but you are not a king. Where should I be if I trusted none?" The doctor bowed. "There, you see, I trust you; and what is more, I trust these two boys as thoroughly as anyone at Court. You know, old friend, that there are hundreds here who will say they would die for me. Now, those two lads would not say such a thing to save their lives." "Your Majesty!" cried the two young courtiers, in the same tone of protest. "Well," said the King, smiling; "I am right. I believe you would either of you die to save me, and without saying word." The pair drew back, smiling and satisfied, each glancing at the doctor as much as to say, Do you hear that? "There," said the King, "I trust you all; so now go on, Leoni, and say what you have to say; and, boys, mind this; we are in secret conclave now. There must be no chattering afterwards, or discussion." "Your Majesty commands," said the doctor gravely. "Shall I continue from where we left off yesterday?" "No; let's have it all again. My gallop yesterday through the forest gave me so much to do in managing a fiery horse and keeping him from breaking my neck amongst the boughs as he carried me into so many real dangers, that all your imaginary notions were swept away. Let's have it all again." The doctor bowed. "It will save me," said the King, "from making only a half confidence to my young friends here. But be brief. Put it if you can into a few words. You in your studies and porings over black books are convinced-- of what?" "That your Majesty's throne and succession--" "Well, really, Leoni, I don't know that I care much about the succession. But my throne is not a safe seat unless--" "Unless, your Majesty, that half sacred mystic balas ruby that was carried off by Henry of England is brought back and restored to its place in the French Crown."