Henry seemed not to hear; his little mouth had opened in a round hole of
amazed laughter, and he was staring at the old man without hearing him.

"And you were there?" he said. "And your wife? And your aunts and
sisters?"

"My wife is dead," cried the old man. "Your Grace--"

"And on which side was she?"

"She was--was on your Grace's side."

Henry threw himself back in his chair.

* * * * *

For one moment Chris did not know whether it was wrath or laughter that
shook him. His face grew crimson, and his narrow eyes disappeared into
shining slits; his fat hands were on his knees, and his great body
shook. From his round open mouth came silent gusts of quick breath, and
he began to sway a little from side to side.

Across the Archbishop's face came a deferential and sympathetic smile,
and he looked quickly and nervously from the King to the group and back
again. Sir James had fallen back a pace at the King's laughter, and
stood rigid and staring. Chris took a step close to him and gripped his
hand firmly.

There was a footstep behind, and the King leaned forward again, wiping
the tears away with his sleeve.

"Oh, Michael, Michael!" he sobbed, "here is a fine tale."

A dark-dressed man stepped forward from behind, and stood expectant.

"God! What a happy family!" said the King. "And this fellow here?"

He motioned towards Nicholas, with a feeble gesture. He was still weak
with laughter.

The young squire moved forward a step, rigid and indignant.

"I am against your Grace," he said sharply.

Henry grew suddenly grave.

"Eh! that is no way to speak," he said.

"It is the only way I can speak," said Nicholas, "if your Grace desires
the truth."

The King looked at him a moment; but the humour still shone in his eyes.

"Well, well. It is the truth I want. Michael, I sent for you to know
about the priest here; but I know now. And is it true that his brother
in the Tower--Ralph Torridon--was one of the Visitors?"

The man pursed his lips a moment. He was standing close to Chris, a
little in front of him.

"Yes, your Majesty."

"Oh! well. We must let him out, I suppose--if there is nothing more
against him. You shall tell me presently, Michael."

The Archbishop looked swiftly across at the party.

"Then your Grace extends--"

"Well, Michael, what is it?" interrupted the King.

"It is a matter your Majesty might wish to hear in private," said the
stranger.

"Oh