"The King!" he murmured. "The King!"

Henry nodded quickly.

"You know me? Good. I have another word I wish to say to your master
to-night."

"Sire," said Denis, dropping on one knee, "it is impossible."

"Impossible!" thundered the King.

"Impossible, Sire."

"Impossible! To me! In to your master at once, and tell him I have
words to say to him to-night. By Heaven, it is an honour I do him, I
think!"

"But, Sire--" cried Denis, who still barred the way.

"You heard me, boy?"

"Yes, Sire."

"Then--obey!"

"I regret to repeat to your Majesty that I cannot."

"Cannot!"

"No, Sire."

The King burst into a harsh laugh, and turning to the chamberlain,
pointed angrily at the boy, before facing him again frowningly.

"Stand back, boy, and let me pass."

"I regret, your Majesty. Order me to do something else far more
difficult--I would cheerfully obey your commands."

"But I have nothing else which I wish you to do--only this. Let me
pass."

"No, Sire."

"Boy, it is the first time in my recollection that I have been refused
obedience. Why do you stay me?"

"My master, Sire, has ordered me to keep strict guard here."

"Hurst, what am I to do to this obstinate fool?"

The chamberlain stepped forward.

"Boy," he said, "it is from sheer ignorance that you place yourself in
such a position of danger. Sheathe your sword at once, sir, and let his
Majesty pass. Do you not know that there are guards here at every turn?
My royal master's guests will be well protected without your aid."

Denis stood motionless, and made no attempt to stir.

"Do you hear, sirrah!" roared the King. "I am in no humour to wait
longer. Stand back."

This was too much for the determination of the young esquire. It was a
king who spoke, and drawing back slightly, he yielded to circumstances,
feeling that his puny efforts were in vain, and guarding the door no
longer, he thrust his sword back into its scabbard and stood aside.

"Ah!" cried the King, growing mollified upon seeing himself obeyed, and
looking admiringly at the lad. "Not bad, Hurst, for a mere boy," he
said. "May I always be as well served by followers of mine. There," he
continued, stepping forward towards the door, and looking back at Denis,
"you can follow me, and I will make your peace with your lord, for I am
master here."

He tapped sharply at the panel of the door with the hilt of his sword,
and Denis heard him breathing heavily as if a