ost with terror that she saw him go--a solitary man, with a
price on his head, straight up to those whose business it was to catch
him--armed men, as she could see--she could even see the quilted jacks
they wore--who, it may be, had talked of him in the guard-room only last
night. But his air was so assured and so magnificent that even she began
to understand how complete such a disguise might be; and she watched him
speaking with the officer with a touch even of his own humour in her
heart. Indeed, there was some truth in the charge of Jesuitry, after
all!

Then the figure turned and beckoned, and they went forward.

II

A certain horror, in spite of herself and her company, fell on her as
she passed beneath the solid stone vaulting, passed along beneath the
towering wall, turned up from the water-gate, and came out into the wide
court round which the Lieutenant's lodgings, the little church, and the
enormous White Tower itself are grouped. There was a space, not enclosed
in any way, but situated within a web of paths, not far from the church,
that caught her attention. She stood looking at it.

"Yes, mistress," said the priest behind her. "That is the place of
execution for those who die within the Tower--those usually of royal
blood. My Lady Salisbury died there, and my Lady Jane Grey, and others."

He laid his hand gently on her arm.

"You must not look so grave," he said, "you must gape more. You are a
country-cousin, madam."

And she smiled in spite of herself, as she met his eyes.

"Tell me everything," she said.

They went together nearer to the church, and faced about.

"We can see better from here," he said. Then he began.

First there was the Lieutenant's lodging on the right. They must look
well at that. Interviews had taken place there that had made history.
(He mentioned a few names.) Then, further down on the right, beyond that
corner round which they had come just now, was the famous water-gate,
called "Traitors' Gate," through which passed those convicted of treason
at Westminster, or, at least, those who were under grave suspicion. Such
as these came, of course, by water, as prisoners on whose behalf a
demonstration might perhaps be made if they came by land. So, at least,
he understood was the reason of the custom.

"Her Grace herself once came that way," he said with a twinkle. "Now she
sends other folks in her stead."

Then he pointed out more clearly the White Tower. It was there t