uin thee most
thoroughly.

"Thine enemy, that one which doth play the dog for Richard, hath
informed his master of the part that he doth suspect that thou didst
play at Stony Stratford. Before he came to such a position of
influence with the Usurper he feared to so inform on thee. But now
that he doth practically rule England he hath planned for thy
destruction. His object in so doing is no doubt better known to thee
than it is to me. 'Twas Lord Stanley who informed the ex-Queen, and he
had it from Richard himself, who now doth trust Stanley as though he
had ever loved him."

"I thank thee much for thy kindness in thus warning me of the danger
that doth threaten," I replied; "but I scarce see what better I can do
than remain still at court, until Earl Henry doth arrive in England.
The time, you say, is short; therefore Catesby shall not have long in
which to work his vengeance.

"The Usurper cannot molest me unless he doth have more reason for so
doing than Catesby's mere suspicion."

"Did the young and rightful King have fair trial, and was he convicted
of rank treachery to the state?" asked Harleston. Then my friend
answered his own question with a definite "No." This was ever his most
forcible way of driving home his opinions.

'Twas useless for me to try to deceive myself in regard to the danger
threatening me. I ever have considered a man to be but little removed
from a fool when he doth despise his enemies. I therefore admitted
that my friend was right, and asked for his advice.

"Methinks it were best for thee to betake thee from the court, with all
expediency, and journey in the direction of the coast of Wales, in
order that thou mayest be ready there to join the Earl of Richmond when
he lands," said Frederick, after a brief consideration. "I may remain
at court until the last moment, and then follow thine example."

"Thou knowest," said I, "that what thou dost propose is not within the
bounds of possibility. How may I leave the Palace, and risk the danger
of the Lady Hazel falling into that scoundrel's hands. He desires to
be rid of me but that he may have her in his power. Were I to fly his
purpose should then be accomplished as well as if my head had fallen on
the block. No," I said, with full determination, "here must I remain
and risk my fate; there is no other way."

"Why not take the lady with thee, Monsieur?"

"The danger should be too great," I replied.

"Then, gentlemen, I can