"Is there to be no end to this black night's work?" muttered Francis angrily. "I don't know how it is. I don't think I took too much of my brother Henry's wine, for I wanted to dance; but my head is all confused and strange." "It was the heat of the room, perhaps, sir," said Leoni. "Perhaps so. The place was hot and stifling," said Francis. "There are moments when my brain seems to whirl, and things go round. Did I go to sleep?" "Yes, sir; you were certainly insensible to all that passed for a time." "Of course I was," said the King angrily, "if I was asleep; but why don't you say so? Here, I don't know what's the matter with me. I must have dreamed that you took me by the wrist and led me along one of these dark galleries, to stop and lean against some great piece of furniture while something was going on. Then all was dark and strange again, and I seemed to be going for ever along dark passages, till I felt the fresh air coming in through an open window looking out upon the terrace. Well, come, Saint Simon; that was not dreaming." "No, sir," said the young courtier drily. "You were suffering from excitement, sir," said Leoni quietly. "A touch of vertigo. You have been doing too much of late. But you feel better now?" "Oh yes, better now--and worse, for I am not certain but what this rough dealing with that boy is not part of another dream." "That is no dream, sir," said Leoni meaningly; "but be silent and let me guide. We are on our way to make our escape." "Escape!" whispered back the King excitedly. "Then--then--oh, it's coming back quite clearly. You have tried and failed?" "Hist! Silence, Comte!" whispered Leoni, in a commanding tone, as he turned upon the speaker, but without taking his hand from Carrbroke's lips. "Our task is nearly at an end, sir, and I will answer to you later on.--Now, Saint Simon, lay the boy quickly on that couch." "Have you killed him?" whispered Francis. "No, sir; only plunged him into a deep sleep.--That's right, Saint Simon." And then in a mocking tone, "I am afraid that the faithful sentinel will be in trouble when they find him here asleep. I didn't think to find him here. Now, quick, before we are interrupted again." And he moved a few steps down the gallery, passing his hand along the hangings which veiled the panelled wall. "Somewhere here," he muttered; "somewhere here. I seem to know the place so well." "Leoni," growled the King, "this night will end in our disgrace, and if it does--" "Hist, sir! there is a way out here," whispered Leoni. "You hinder and confuse me, and at a time like this, when everything points to success, you--ah, here it is!" For his hand had at last come in contact with the boss, which he turned quickly, pressed hard, making the concealed door swing back, and then stooped in the gloom to raise the arras. "Now, sir; through here--quick!" "What!" said Francis sharply. "Go through there into what may be a trap?"