ill take the cloak and
valise, go down the long corridor, if possible unseen, and make for the
stables, where you will have the horses saddled at once."

"But--"

"But!" snapped out Leoni. "They must be saddled. Quick! Slip off my
pouch and gird it on. There is gold enough within, and if that will not
move the people there you have your sword."

Denis uttered a sigh of relief as he hastily unclasped the doctor's
belt, for this was work he felt that he could do.

The next minute he was following his companions across the ante-chamber,
ready to close the door behind them and place himself on guard in a
gloomy angle of the corridor, from whence as he watched them he saw
their figures seem to glide along the lighted portion, the Comte
yielding entirely to his leader's every motion, till they passed quickly
out of the sentry's ken.

CHAPTER THIRTY.

BEARDING A LION.

The King walked swiftly on in the direction of that portion of the
castle where he had lodged his guest, the polished oak boards of the
floor resounding beneath his heavy tread, while the chamberlain heard
him keep muttering to himself as he went, till he reached a portion
where a couple of officers stood on duty by a heavy door, ready to
challenge them; but seeing in the half darkness who their visitors were,
they drew back saluting, and opened the doors to allow them to pass.

"Your Majesty," said the chamberlain, in a low tone, as they began
passing down an inner passage, and Henry read in his voice a protest
against the action he was taking.

"Have done with your scruples," he said. "I am not going to assassinate
Francis, or even do him ill, only to make sure." And he proceeded on
his way, motioning to another officer, who came forward and saluted, to
resume his post.

Turning at right angles, and going some distance further on, the King
stopped again.

"It should be here," he said quietly, and he moved towards a wide arched
door, but drew back suddenly, for a figure emerged from the shadow into
the full light, naked sword in hand.

"You cannot pass," said the sentry.

"Who are you?" said Henry.

"A follower of the noble Comte de la Seine," was the reply.

"And he mounts guards at his chamber door?" said the King haughtily.

"Yes; but by what right do you come here and question me?"

Henry advanced into the light of a lamp overhead, and threw back his
robe.

"I have the right," he said.

Denis drew back, but only a step.