“I knew the Darlington post-boy, and for a good price learned all the news; dressed myself up in his clothes, and went into the very public-house where he and Bates were drinking.” “Then he doesn’t seem to concern himself about apprehending Ned Warbeck, and casting him into prison?” “Not the least, for he is now no longer captain of the Dozen, and Colonel Blood has offered a reward for his head, dead or alive.” “Good news,” said Phillip, grinning like a fiend, “excellent news! I feel happy.” “And who had the commission to capture him?” “Bates, the new captain—the very man who helped to rob the colonel’s mansion.” “What a couple of tricky villains,” said Phillip, biting his lip in rage and disappointment. “When I found this out,” said the spy, “and had deceived them by telling the news I had heard from the true post-boy, I left the public-house.” “And informed Colonel Blood of it all?” “Yes; I wrote a note to the colonel on the instant, and delivered it myself. He had just returned home and found the havoc which had been made of his place. He was in a terrible rage.” “Did he speak to you?” “He did. And when—still in the clothes of the post-boy—I told him of the past murder at Darlington, he stormed and raved like a devil.” “What then took place?” “I did not remain in his sight long, for I was very anxious to come and tell you all the news, but still I watched all the movements.” “Perfectly right.” “The colonel went to the royal barracks and demanded a file of men to assist him in capturing the bold burglars. “The officer in command refused. “Colonel Blood stormed and raved like a madman. “‘Where is the king?’ said he. “‘Dancing in the ball-room.’ “‘Take my card to him,’ said Blood; ‘it is all-sufficient. He will be sure to see me.’ “‘Why not go up into the ball-room yourself?’ said the officer. “I hid myself under a dark archway and listened to all that passed. “Blood complained of his dress, and at last a second officer took up the card. “In a few moments the king descended into the court-yard, apparently in a very bad temper. “They walked towards the dark archway in which I was concealed. “I heard all that passed between them. “‘Well, Blood,’ said the king, in a cross mood, ‘what is the meaning of all this? You want a file of soldiers, I am told.’ “Colonel Blood explained all about the robbery, and swore in the king’s presence like a trooper. “The king listened, smiled and frowned by turns, and at last said— “‘Blood, what has become of that exquisite lass you abducted from Darlington? I am dying to see her.’ “The colonel changed colour, and stammered out some excuse. “‘Nay, no apologies, colonel, and all that kind of thing; I want the girl, I tell you, and will have her. Is she safe?’ “‘Well, sire, I think there cannot be a doubt about it.