thout the knowledge of the
princess. Upon returning, the ladies were attacked by four ruffians,
and would have met with worse than death had not the bravest heart and
the best sword in England defended them victoriously against such
fearful odds. He left them at Bridewell without hurt or injury, though
covered with wounds himself. This man is condemned to be hanged, drawn
and quartered, but I know not your majesty's heart if he be not at
once reprieved and richly rewarded. Think, my king! He saved the royal
honor of your sister, who is so dear to you, and has suffered so
terribly for his loyalty and bravery. The day I left so hurriedly for
France the Lady Mary promised she would tell you all and liberate
this man who had so nobly served her; but she is a woman, and was born
to betray."

The king laughed a little at my vehemence.

"What is this you are telling me, Sir Edwin? I know of Brandon's death
sentence, but much as I regret it, I cannot interfere with the justice
of our good people of London for the murder of two knights in their
streets. If Brandon committed such a crime, and, I understand he does
not deny it, I cannot help him, however much I should like to do so.
But this nonsense about my sister! It cannot be true. It must be
trumped up out of your love in order to save your friend. Have a care,
good master, how you say such a thing. If it were true, would not
Brandon have told it at his trial?"

"It is as true as that God lives, my king! If the Lady Mary and Lady
Jane do not bear me out in every word I have said, let my life pay the
forfeit. He would not tell of the great reason for killing the men,
fearing to compromise the honor of those whom he had saved, for, as
your majesty is aware, persons sometimes go to Grouche's for purposes
other than to listen to his soothsaying. Not in this case, God knows,
but there are slanderous tongues, and Brandon was willing to die with
closed lips, rather than set them wagging against one so dear to you.
It seems that these ladies, who owe so much to him, are also willing
that he should die rather than themselves bear the consequences of
their own folly. Do not delay, I beseech your majesty. Eat not
another morsel, I pray you, until this brave man, who has so truly
served you, be taken from his prison and freed from his sentence of
death. Come, come, my king! this moment, and all that I have, my
wealth, my life, my honor, are yours for all time."

The king remained a