nown unto us."

"Verily it was Catesby," I replied. "What other man is there upon this
field would attempt such an act? Besides, he alone hath an interest in
my death.

"Ah! Catesby," said I, betwixt my clenched teeth, "some day we shall
meet again, where there shall be no rules of tourney to put a stop to
my revenge.

"Tell me, Frederick, why it is that such scoundrels are permitted to
have such positions of authority? Why doth the Ruler of Heaven and
Earth permit it? Tell me, for I feign would know."

"My dear Walter," he replied, in that gentle, reasoning way, "thou dost
not observe the laws of nature, or thou shouldst not have asked that
question.

"The brightest flowers in the stagnant pond of life do rise to the
surface with their worthy blooms."

"Surely thou dost not put Richard and Catesby in that class?"

"Nay, nay," he replied, "do but let me finish.

"True, the flowers do come unto the surface," he continued; "but ever
remember, Walter, that they must first make their way through the green
and evil-smelling scum that also floats on top. The beauteous blossom
is made stronger and more large by reason of its stinking opposition.
Such is life in all its forms, and such shall it ever be.

"But come," said he, changing from his philosophical to his practical
style of conversation, "does not this night's work make clear to thee
thy danger? Surely thou wilt not longer hesitate?"

"Verily, I have decided," I replied.

"That is the part of wisdom."

"Do but wait until I have finished; as thou but now saidst to me."

"I do," he smiled.

"Yes, Harleston, I am fully resolved,--to fly not."

"What?"

"Before this incident of the night did happen 'tis possible I might
have decided to follow thine advice, the which is no doubt the
properest and most reasonable course. But sith Master Catesby hath
attempted to play the part of an assassin I am determined to remain and
show to his coward's face that Walter Bradley fears him not. Let him
do his worst. In London I remain until the Earl of Richmond lands."

"Oh, Bradley, Bradley, that hot head of thine will never be content
until it has been severed from its trunk. And yet," he continued
thoughtfully, "thou hast most excellent reason, if it were not for
thine accursed temper. Well, well, I know that it is now useless to
attempt to change thee. The next best thing to do is to try and save
thee, after thou art in his power. 'Tis a difficult tas