d on with soggy steps, making as wide an arch as the
river would permit, that we might pass as far as possible from the
Tower of St. Thomas.

We at length reached the place where Michael had left the horses. They
were tethered in a shed attached to a vacant house not far from the
walls of the Tower, and on the western side.

The sword that Michael had brought for my use was hanging from the
lance-rest of the saddle. Hastily buckling it on I felt once more a
man and knight. Then, mounting our horses, we rode forth into the
night, and, at no slow pace, started by the nearest way on our journey
to the Sanctuary.

CHAPTER XXVI

THE HOUSE WITH THE FLAG

We had no difficulty in passing through the city's gates. I merely
called out in commanding tone:--"On the King's most urgent business,"
and the great gates swung back upon their mighty hinges as though there
had been magic in my speech. Mayhap 'twas fortunate that the King had
many messengers passing in and out of the city that night, or our exit
had not been so easily accomplished. As we dashed through beneath the
arch the keeper called out:--

"Is it true that Richmond hath landed?"

"Ay, ay, 'tis true indeed," I cried over my shoulder in reply, and on
we went as though the fiends pursued us. Our horses were urged to
their utmost, that we might leave the Sanctuary ere the day did dawn.

Already was the East casting off her dark robe of night and decking
herself in brighter colours.

When we entered Westminster and drew up before the Sanctuary the door
flew open and there, standing by Harleston, by whom she was restrained
from rushing from the house, was my own fair darling; her body leaning
forward, and her hand held above her eyes, as she peered into the
darkness with a world of expectancy in her pose, as shown up right
nobly by the lamp's bright light behind her.

Mary stood at Frederick's other side; her hand upon his arm, and also
gazing forth.

Springing from my horse and handing the reins to Michael, I hastened
towards them; taking care, however, to speak ere I did step into the
rays of light, that the girls might not be startled by mine unannounced
approach.

"Fear not, it is I--Walter."

"Oh, my dear, noble Walter!"

Harleston's arm no longer restrained, and we were locked in each
other's arms in a shorter space of time than takes a thought to travel
unto Heaven.

"Have a care, my darling, lest thou dost destroy that same handsome