The King's Esquires; Or, The Jewel of France

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

  THE DOCTOR IS BUSY.

  But the King could not conceal his anxiety to be once more in the saddle_en route_ for Windsor; and although Sir John Carrbroke urged him toremain so far as the dictates of hospitality required, yet he forborewhen he saw the impatience of his guest to be once more on his way, andat dinner the night before the departure he spoke only of the journey tobe undertaken on the following day.

  "You will find the roads safe enough from here onward, sir," he saidcourteously, and the King bowed gravely.

  "I trust so," he said; "I trust so. England had been represented to meas a land where everyone was safe."

  Sir John leaned forward.

  "I doubt not," he said, "that when you represent to his Majesty theperil you encountered the south will be cleared of that roving band."

  The King laughed.

  "Well, we did something towards ridding the country of the robbers, eh,Leoni? I--" He stopped speaking, for at that minute there was the soundof a horse cantering into the courtyard, and a minute later Sir John'sown serving-man entered the apartment.

  "It is a message, Sir John," he said, "for my young master." And hehanded a document to Ned Carrbroke, who hastily unfastened it and read.

  "Lord Hurst orders me to return at once," he said to his father.

  "Ah," said Sir John. "You see, sir," he exclaimed with a smile, lookingat the King, "how important an individual the boy there is becoming.But," he went on, "you were expecting this summons, my lad, and now asit happens you will be able to act as additional escort to our guest--that is, if he will permit."

  "Permit!" cried the King. "I shall be glad to have our young friend'scompany--glad indeed." And as he spoke Sir John gazed musingly at thesparkling ring which his guest wore, one which flashed in the light ofthe candles as Francis made a gesture with his hand.

  A few minutes later Ned Carrbroke glanced at his father, and then rosefrom his chair, making a sign to Denis as he did so.

  "Come," he said quietly, as the two lads moved to the door and passedout. "It was in my mind before, and now it has happened just as I wouldhave wished. I shall come with you."

  "Yes," answered Denis. "I am glad."

  "I shall be able to show you much," the other went on. "You have neverseen a Court; I shall be able to introduce you to that of our King."

  "Well," said Denis hesitatingly, "I have been to Fontainebleau."

  "Fontainebleau? Where's that?"

  "The Court of the King of France."

  "Ah! You have seen King Francis?"

  "Yes."

  "What is he like?"

  "Brave, handsome, noble!"

  "So is my King too. You will have to stop with me in England and serveKing Henry."

  While Denis accompanied his new-found friend the talk went on in the bigwainscotted dining-room, and the King, who was leaning back in hischair, had finished a long story of the chase, when his host half rose.

  "If you will excuse me, my lord, for a few minutes," he said, "I have togive an order as to your departure to-morrow?"

  Francis made an inclination of assent.

  "When you visit France," he said, "I trust, sir, that I shall be able tomake you some return for your kindness to me and to my followers here."And then a minute later, left alone with his two companions, the Kingyawned. "Gentlemen," he exclaimed, "do not let me detain you." AndLeoni and Saint Simon rose, the doctor hesitating a moment at the door.

  "You do not, sir," he began, "see any disadvantage in--"

  "In what?" said the King sharply.

  "Why, sir, in our taking this English stripling along with us on themorrow?"

  "By my sword, no!" said the King. "Why should I?"

  "He is keen and clever."

  "And what of that?"

  "Simply this, sir: he might divine the truth. A word, a look--"

  "Leoni, have I not acted my part well till now?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "Then--"

  "With your permission, sir; you are a King, and those who are chosen byHeaven to reign cannot assume the guise of other men."

  "But my disguise, Leoni--my disguise!"

  "Has been admirable, sir."

  "Then trust me for the future," was the reply.

  And as the door closed and a puff of air caused the lights on the tableto dance, the King leaned back in his chair and just then caught his ownreflection in a tall glass at the further end of the chamber.

  "Ah," he mused, "Leoni doubts of my address. Let him be quite assured.And this Henry who has ambitions on my land of France! Shortly I shallmeet him, and my strength will be greater than his since I shall knowwho he is, and he--he will be ignorant as to who I am.

  "Never in France Shall England reign!"

  he hummed.

  "To-morrow I shall meet him, and then that stone--for Leoni must beright--that jewel will be mine, and the last link which binds us to theold invasion will be snapped."

  The King rose and took a turn up and down the apartment.

  "I must speak again with Leoni," he said. "Where has he gone?" And helifted a _portiere_ and walked out of the apartment, entering a longcorridor where a coloured lamp hung from the ceiling. "Our host is welllodged," he continued musingly, as he passed on, stopping at a doorthrough which a stream of light issued forth.

  The King pushed the door, which swung back noiselessly on its hinges,and gazed inside, to see Leoni sitting at a table, studiously intentupon some work--lost in the depths. He called softly:

  "Leoni!"

  The doctor did not turn his head.

  "Leoni!" said the King once more, raising his voice; and the man oflearning leaped to his feet and came towards his master.

  "My lord!" he ejaculated.

  The King stepped into the room, and the door closed behind him.

  "Busily engaged, Master Leoni?" he said bluffly.

  The doctor bowed.

  "In your service, sir," he replied humbly.