"Yes," replied Eustace, looking at Arthur. "The recognition of Le Borgne Basque in the Seneschal would have been sufficient to set us on our guard." "But the passage?" asked Sir John, "what knowledge had you of that? for they vow that you could never have discovered it but by art magic." "We found it by long and diligent search." "And what led you to search, Sir Eustace? I you can clear up the matter, it will be the better for you; for this accusation of witchcraft will hang to you like a burr--the more, perhaps, as you are somewhat of a scholar!" "It was I who warned him of it, Sir Knight," said Arthur, stepping forward. "You, young Page!" exclaimed Sir John. "Are you jesting? Ha! then you must have, page-like, been eaves-dropping!--I should scarce have thought it of you." "Oh, uncle!" exclaimed Arthur, in great distress, "you do not believe me capable of aught so unknightly? Do but say that you, at least, trust my word, when I say that I learnt their plots by no means unbecoming the son of Sir Reginald Lynwood." "I believe you fully, Arthur," replied his uncle; "the more, that I should have been the last person to whom you would have brought information gained in such a fashion." "And how was it gained?" asked Sir John. "That," said the boy, "is a secret I am bound never to disclose." "Strange, passing strange," repeated the old Knight, shaking his head. "Clarenham and Ashton would scarce have taken any into their councils who would warn you. And you will or can tell no more?" "No more," replied the boy. "I was bidden secretly to warn my uncle of the entrance to the vaults, and of the treachery of this villain garrison. I did so, and he who says aught dishonourable of him or of me lies in his throat." "Can you read this riddle, Sir Eustace?" asked Chandos, looking rather suspiciously at the very faint glow which mantled in the white cheek of the wounded Knight. "I know nothing but what he has told you, Sir John," replied he. "Nor guess aught?" said Sir John; "but perhaps that is scarce a fair query; and I will to the rest of my business, though it is scarce needed--only I would have the Prince see the full extent of the falsehoods with which he has been gulled." And he then proceeded to inquire into the circumstances of Lady Eleanor's funeral, the brawling, the violent abstraction of Arthur, and of a considerable portion of his property, and the long delay, which had given his enemies so much opportunity to blacken his character. Eustace explained all fully to the satisfaction of Chandos, and appealed to numerous witnesses. "That is well," said the old Knight. "We shall have it all clear as daylight;--and the only wonder is, that the Prince could be so long deceived by such monstrous falsehoods. Let me see--your right to the wardship is established?" "Yes; it hath been so decided by the Bishop of Winchester."