“‘She escaped twice or thrice, it is true; but I know where she is, I think, and it was more with an object to regain possession of her than anything else I wished to have a file of soldiers. But I want a search-warrant, signed by your majesty, for I fear me she has taken refuge in some noble’s house.’ “‘I have not got my seal ring to-night, Blood,’ said the king, with a bitter laugh. ‘No matter, take the soldiers, as many as you need; break open any house you come across, whether rich or poor, it doesn’t matter, so you find the girl and bring her to me.’ “‘Your majesty is very kind,’ said Blood, bowing. “‘Not so kind as you think, perhaps, colonel.’ “‘Sire,’ said Blood, in surprise. “‘Listen to me, Blood, kings can be deceived sometimes as well as other people.’ “‘I don’t understand you, sire.’ “‘I will explain myself; the girl escaped from your custody hence, you say?’ “‘She did.’ “‘When had you the maid last?’ “‘Well, not very long ago, sire.’ “‘No, I think not, not many hours ago, Blood.’ “‘Sire!’ “‘Nay, don’t stare in surprise. She was in your house this very night.’ “Blood turned pale; his deceit was now discovered, and he could not deny it; but, he said, with a bold front, “‘Who has so deceived you, sire?’ “‘No one, Blood.’ “‘I have enemies who have circulated this report.’ “‘But I _know_ it to be true.’ “‘You, sire?’ “‘Yes, me; I saw her in your house not three hours ago.’ “‘You did, most gracious prince?’ “‘Yes, and spoke to her.’ “The colonel bowed, he could not answer a word. “‘Come,’ said the king, ‘no more deception, take the file of men you need—bring the wench to me ere sunrise, or you will incur my lasting displeasure.’ “So speaking, the king left the court-yard.” “This is quite an adventure,” said Death-wing, “go on; what happened next?” “Did they capture Captain Jack?” asked Phillip, in great impatience. “I hear the colonel shot the villain.” “Listen,” said Death-wing, “and don’t speak Redgill. What occurred next?” “Colonel Blood,” continued the spy, “hurried away with the soldiers, and ere long reached the public house. “I followed them, and as we approached the place I ran forward and listened at the shutters. “I could hear old Bates and Jack talking together in the parlor. “There was not any one else in the house, for it was closed. “I darted away into the darkness and watched. “Blood did not at first wish to disclose his name, but at last he did so, and, as the publican was so obstinate, he burst in the door. “The soldiers rushed in at one door, but Jack and Bates escaped the backway. “I ran to intercept their flight, for I could hear the tilt of swords. “When I got to the spot, two soldiers were then on the ground weltering in their blood. “They had been killed by Jack and Bates. “‘Help! help!’ cried Blood’s men; ‘up the street! after them! they have escaped! help! help!’ [Illustration: A STARTLING INCIDENT.—_See Number 21._] CHAPTER XLI.