ked to
for any help, and when I reached my room I called loudly for Jonah Wall.
It was but the middle of the day, yet he was not to be seen. I walked to
the door and found, not Jonah, but a guard on duty.

"What are you doing here?"

"Seeing that you stay here, sir," he answered, with a grin.

Then the King was very anxious that I should obey his orders, and had
lost no time in ensuring my obedience; he was right to take his
measures, for, standing where I did, his orders would not have
restrained me. I was glad that he had set a guard on me in lieu of
asking my parole. For much as I love sin, I hate temptation. Yet where
was Jonah Wall, and how could I send my message? I flung myself on the
bed in deep despondency. A moment later the door opened, and Robert,
Darrell's servant, entered.

"My master begs to know if you will sup with him to-night, sir."

"Thank him kindly," said I; "but if you ask that gentleman outside,
Robert, he'll tell you that I must sup at home by the King's desire. I'm
under arrest, Robert."

"My master will be grieved to hear it, sir, and the more because he
hoped that you would bring some wine with you, for he has none, and he
has guests to sup with him."

"Ah, an interested invitation! How did Mr Darrell know that I had wine?"

"Your servant Jonah spoke of it to me, sir, and said that you would be
glad to send my master some."

"Jonah is liberal! But I'm glad, and assure Mr Darrell of it. Where is
my rascal?"

"I saw him leave the Castle about an hour ago; just after he spoke to me
about the wine."

"Curse him! I wanted him. Well, take the wine. There are six bottles
that he got to-day."

"There is French wine here, sir, and Spanish. May I take either?"

"Take the French in God's name. I don't want that. I've had enough of
France. Stay, though, I believe Mr Darrell likes the Spanish better."

"Yes, sir; but his guests will like the French."

"And who are these guests?"

Robert swelled with pride.

"I thought Jonah would have told you, sir," said he. "The King is to sup
with my master."

"Then," said I, "I'm well excused. For no man knows better than the King
why I can't come."

The fellow took his bottles and went off grinning. I, being left, fell
again to cursing myself for a fool, and in this occupation I passed the
hours of the afternoon.

CHAPTER XIV

THE KING'S CUP

At least the Vicar would be pleased! A whimsical joy in the anticipation
of his delight