Renard waved his hand, and the others withdrew, Wolfytt observing to Mauger, “I should like to hear what further lies the little varlet will invent. He hath a ready wit.” “Now, speak out—we are alone,” commanded Renard. “The reason why her majesty did not choose to liberate the Earl of Devonshire was the fear of offending your excellency,” replied Xit. “How?” exclaimed Renard, bending his brows. “In a moment of pique she had affianced herself to Prince Philip of Spain,” continued Xit. “But in her calmer moments she repented her precipitancy, and feeling a return of affection for the earl, she employed M. Do Noailles to make up the matter with him. But the whole affair was to be kept a profound secret from you.” “Can this be true?” cried Renard. “But no—no—it is absurd. You are abusing my patience.” “If your excellency will condescend to make further inquiries you will find I have spoken the truth,” rejoined the dwarf. “But I pray you not to implicate me with the queen. Her majesty, like many of her sex, has changed her mind, that is all. And she may change it again for aught I know.” “It is a strange and improbable story,” muttered Renard; “yet I am puzzled what to think of it.” “It was no paltry hope of gain that induced me to act in the matter,” pursued Xit; “but, as I have before intimated, a promise of being knighted.” “If I find, on inquiry, you have spoken the truth,” rejoined Renard, “and you will serve me faithfully on any secret service on which I may employ you, I will answer for it you shall attain the dignity you aspire to.” “I will do whatever your excellency desires,” returned Xit, eagerly. “I shall be knighted by somebody, after all.” “But if you have deceived me,” continued Renard, sternly, “every bone in your body shall be broken upon that wheel. Your examination is at an end.” With this, he clapped his hands together, and at the signal the attendants returned. “Am I to remain in these irons longer?” inquired Xit. “No,” replied Renard. “Release him, and take him hence. I shall interrogate him at the same hour to-morrow night.” “I pray your excellency to desire these officials to treat me with the respect due to a person of my anticipated dignity,” cried Xit, as he was unceremoniously seized and thrown on his back by Wolfytt; “and above all, command them to furnish me with provisions. I have tasted nothing to-night.” Renard signified a wish that the latter request should be complied with, and the dwarf’s irons being by this time removed, he was led back, by the road he came, to his chamber in the Constable Towrer, where some provisions and a flask of wine were placed before him, and he was left alone. XXIV.—HOW XIT ESCAPED FROM THE CONSTABLE TOWER; AND HOW HE FOUND CICELY.