whom any
suggestions of a chance of saving her son from Gloucester was as a
voice from Heaven.

"Well, madam, it is this," continued Harleston. "With all expediency
let thy son be conducted from this place, without the knowledge of the
Duke of Gloucester. No doubt my Lord of Dorset knows of some place,
either within the kingdom or across the channel, where the little
Prince need have no fear of falling into the Protector's hands."

"Now, by my soul, that is well thought of!" cried the Marquis, as, in
his delight, he slapped Frederick on the shoulder.

"Oh! I thank thee, sir, for those words of hope!" cried the Queen as
she started from her seat and, in her excitement, grasped my friend by
the hand, as though he were an equal.

Frederick dropped to his knee and touched her fingers gently with his
lips.

"But come, we must make haste!" said her Majesty, "and have my little
son away from here before Gloucester doth send hither for him. Do thou
go, my son," said she, speaking to the Marquis, "and assemble as many
of thy followers as thou canst, whilst I prepare young Richard for the
flight."

"Again, madam, may I crave permission to offer a suggestion?"
interrupted Harleston.

"Indeed I long to hear what thou hast to say," replied the Queen. "And
if thine advice shall be as good this time as it was last much
unquietness of spirit shall it save me."

"Then, madam," said my friend, "I would advise that thou shouldst send
no other than my Lord of Dorset, to escort the little Prince. Were he
to be surrounded by a body of armed men he needs must attract
attention, and therefore could easily be followed. But, madam, if he
goeth unattended, except for one gentleman, no curiosity will be
aroused, and then he will leave no trail behind, that may guide his
pursuers, in case the Duke of Gloucester has him searched for, which
'tis like he will."

"Again art thou right," replied the Queen. "And yet," she said, as a
troubled expression came into her face, "it likes me not to send my
little son so far, without a stronger guard."

"Still, mother, Sir Frederick's plan is safer than if we took a
regiment," put in Dorset. "Besides," he continued, "I promise thee
that no harm shall come unto my little brother so long as I can wield a
sword. And be assured, good mother, that every drop of my heart's
blood shall be spilled ere Gloucester shall wrench him from me."

"Cold comfort for a mother," said the Queen, with a sad