play this game, or, by the living God, I'll--" Without completing
his threat he leaned forward until Kenneth felt his hot, wine-laden
breath upon his cheek. Cowed by his words, his gesture, and above all,
his glance, the lad drew up a chair, mumbling in explanation--intended
as an excuse to himself for his weakness--that he submitted since a
man's life was at stake.

Opposite him Galliard resumed his seat with a mocking smile that made
him wince. Taking up the cards, he flung a portion of them to the boy,
whilst those he retained he spread fanwise in his hand as if about to
play. Silently Kenneth copied his actions.

Nearer and louder grew the sounds of the approach, lights flashed before
the window, and the two men, feigning to play, sat on and waited.

"Have a care, Master Stewart," growled Crispin sourly, then in a louder
voice--for his quick eye had caught a glimpse of a face that watched
them from the window--"I play the King of Spades!" he cried, with
meaning look.

A blow was struck upon the door, and with it came the command to "Open
in the King's name!" Softly Sir Crispin rapped out an oath. Then he
rose, and with a last look of warning to Kenneth, he went to open.
And as he had greeted Hogan he now greeted the crowd mainly of
soldiers--that surged about the threshold.

"Sirs, why this ado? Hath the Sultan Oliver descended upon us?"

In one hand he still held his cards, the other he rested upon the edge
of the open door. It was a young ensign who stood forward to answer him.

"One of Lord Middleton's officers hath done a man to death not half an
hour agone; he is an Irishman Captain Hogan by name."

"Hogan--Hogan?" repeated Crispin, after the manner of one who fumbles in
his memory. "Ah, yes--an Irishman with a grey head and a hot temper. And
he is dead, you say?"

"Nay, he has done the killing."

"That I can better understand. 'Tis not the first time, I'll be sworn."

"But it will be the last, Sir Crispin."

"Like enough. The King is severe since we crossed the Border." Then in
a brisker tone: "I thank you for bringing me this news," said he, "and I
regret that in my poor house there be naught I can offer you wherein to
drink His Majesty's health ere you proceed upon your search. Give you
good night, sir." And by drawing back a pace he signified his wish to
close the door and be quit of them.

"We thought," faltered the young officer, "that--that perchance you
would assist us by--"

"Assist y