“Robert Bertram,” said he, turning over the leaves quickly. “Yes, of course; I thought I could not be mistaken. You came from Darlington? Your father was murdered——” Poor Bob never thought of this. He shook in every limb, and very nearly fell from his high seat. His confusion was evident to Colonel Blood, who laughing said, “And so you are the servant of Ned Warbeck, eh? If the master is only like the servant, now. Here, guard,” said he, “seize this man; he is a murderer; seize him, I say, in the king’s name.” “In the king’s name, hold off your hands,” said Ned Warbeck, in a passion, as he and Garnet now advanced into the moonlight. The soldiers knew not what to do. “Who are you, sir, that dares interfere in this serious matter? This fellow is a murderer, or, at least, suspected of being such.” “He is no murderer, sir,” said Ned Warbeck, “and, if he was, I have the king’s pardon. Read,” said he, placing the royal warrant under the astonished colonel’s eyes. “Your name, sir?” asked Blood, sternly. “You have no right to demand it,” said Ned, proudly. “But, suppose I insist upon knowing it, and that of your friend?” “Insist, sir?” “Yes, insist.” “If you wish to meet me on important business in a _private_ manner,” Ned haughtily replied, “there is my card,” said he, giving it to the colonel. “And, sir, here is _mine_,” said the colonel, biting his lip in anger. “I do not need it. I know you too well already, colonel.” “Ah, indeed.” “You understand me?” “I do. We shall meet again.” “When you like, and where you like,” said Ned, with a light laugh. “Perhaps we may meet too quickly for your own liking, young sir.” “That cannot be. I fear you not.” “You may learn to do so to your cost, Warbeck.” “It remains with you, then, to name the day and hour. I am always ready to accommodate gentlemen in a small way.” With these words, Ned and Garnet jumped into the coach, and drove homewards. “I must clip that youngster’s wings,” said the colonel; “he is inclined to fly too high.” “Then, colonel, you will have great trouble, I fear,” said one of the royal pages, who, in crossing the palace yard, had heard all that; had been said. “Who is that?” asked the colonel, hastily. “Your friend Simon, the page.” “Ah, Simon, have you been disturbed again?” “Yes, by those two hot-headed fellows who have just left you.” “What news? Did you happen to ascertain their business at this late hour?” “I did.” “Indeed, what was it?” “Come this way; we must not be overheard. It concerns you greatly.” “You speak seriously.” “I do; come this way. I will tell you all, and put you on your guard with the king.” Blood and the page entered a doorway, and were lost to sight and hearing. CHAPTER XLVII. THE COLONEL’S PLANS SUCCEED—THE SPY AND MESSENGER. When Ned Warbeck had left his uncle’s house to go and visit the palace, he was not aware that all his actions had been watched. Yet they had been.