core; but I prefer it in the tourney, the mimic
charge, and I don't much care for blood. But you as a wise and
thoughtful man, you tell me that I ought to stir in this and get the
ruby back?"

"I do, Sire," said Leoni sternly.

"Well, well, then I suppose it must be done."

The dog gave a sharp growl and showed his teeth.

"What, sir!" roared the King, snatching back his hand to grasp the
dagger in his girdle. "Do you dare to turn upon your lord?"

"No, no, Sire," cried Denis excitedly. "It was not his fault."

"What do you mean, sir?" said the King angrily.

"You were pulling his ears so hard, Sire, and dragging his head to and
fro."

"Was I?" said the King.

"Yes, Sire. He bore it as long as he could."

"Poor old Tonnerre!" said the King, clapping his hand upon the dog's
head again; and the dog whined with pleasure at the caress. "I was
growing excited, I suppose. Well, never mind the hound. Now then,
Leoni; we must have this ruby back?"

"Yes, Sire. I shall never rest till I see it safely in the ancient
crown."

"And I suppose I must say the same," said the King. "But how is it to
be done? There: speak. You have studied all this out, I suppose? How
is it to be done?"

"By a trusty mission to England, Sire."

"Absurd! I am sure King Henry would never give anything up."

"And I, Sire. He must be forced."

"Send force?"

"No, Sire. The force must be that of one strong, daring envoy who would
seize upon the gem and bring it back."

"What, steal?" cried the King.

"Can one steal that which is one's own, Sire?"

"True. No," said the King. "This is ours by right."

"Your Majesty speaks well," said the doctor triumphantly. "This gem
belongs to France's ancient crown, from which it was wrenched,
plundered, stolen, carried away as spoil. And now it must be
recovered."

"Openly," said the King.

"No, Sire. That means war. My plan is that you should send a trusted
envoy to watch his opportunity, seize the gem or gems, and bring them
back."

"Hah!" ejaculated Denis, in the excitement of the moment; and Saint
Simon turned upon him sharply, and with a resentful look which was
returned.

"But it means a deal," said the King thoughtfully. "That ambassador
would risk his life."

"Hah!" ejaculated Saint Simon, giving vent to his suppressed excitement
in his turn; and Denis now gave him back his resentful jealous look.

"Yes, Sire," continued Leoni; "the envoy would risk his l