, or intent, down, down into the cruel
waters at his feet. From that day since he hath not been found; but
his hat was by a traveller picked up and brought into the Sanctuary.

"Now my little Princes both have gone to join their father, and
I--though God knows why--remain upon the earth.

"If little Richard be dead--the which must be only too true--we will
make the Earl of Richmond King. Then shall my daughter, Elizabeth, be
his Queen. This is all I can now hope for; but it shall be the means
of ridding England of blood-supping tyrants, and shall give unto me my
long-desired revenge.

"Lord Stanley is now at the head of a strong force, and is marching
from the North, apparently to meet the tyrant near by Leicester.

"Richmond is now well on his way to London; and as he comes great
numbers flock unto his standard.

"Stanley will, at the last moment, leave the Usurper to his fate and
side with the Earl.

"Sir Frederick, here, leaves this morning to join Lord Stanley.

"This evening, when thou dost return with our dear Hazel here, I can
give thee a letter to the Earl. I would send it by Sir Frederick, but
I do desire to give Earl Henry full particulars of the force that
Richard doth take with him along. The powers of the Usurper's friends
Richmond already knoweth. Mine agents shall bring in the desired
information concerning the forces of the Usurper as soon as Richard
doth leave the city."

"Then everything goeth well, so far as preparations are concerned,
madam.

"About what time doth Richard march?"

"Soon after sun-up he did intend to go; at least so said the order
given to me," replied Harleston.

"Then we will return before the set of sun.

"But what, madam, is your opinion of this same strange letter?"

"Truly, Sir Walter, I knew not of it until Sir Frederick told me its
strange contents."

I then showed it to her in the hope that she might recognize the hand.

With great care did she observe the writing; then she raised her head
and said:--"It looketh not unlike the hand of my Lord Stanley; though
there is a tremble here not his. Mayhap he did disguise his hand to
guard him from the danger of its falling into other hands than Sir
Frederick's."

"And, Frederick, what dost thou think?" I asked.

"Verily, Walter, I was about to tell thee at the door--and since it had
escaped my mind--of how I did mistrust that same packet until I saw ye
both arrive safe and free." Then it was that he told