have settled in a nest of thieves. Have your valises placed
at your saddles. I thank you for the way in which you have saved us
from disaster at the beginning of our journey. We will ride on at
once."

"Oh," ejaculated the hostess, "that it should come to this!" And
ceasing to wring her hands she ran out past them and crossed the yard to
the open stable-door, disappeared for just long enough to verify the
young men's words by a sight of the sleeping grooms, and then came
running back to where her guests were making preparations to continue
their journey.

"Oh, my lord," she cried, "it is a disgrace and shame to my house that
all this should have taken place. I pray your forgiveness."

"Indeed, madam!" said the King haughtily. "Tell my gentlemen there what
there is to pay, and spare your words."

"But, my lord--"

"Silence, madam! I have spoken. Gentlemen--"

"But, my lord," she interrupted, "I will have trusty strong men to watch
the stables and the house all night. This was the work of a stranger--
some horse-thief from afar. It cannot occur again."

The King waved his hand, and turned to his followers.

"Gentlemen, you will not leave those horses a moment. Finish the
preparations. Pay this woman, Saint Simon, and come and tell me when
all is ready for the start."

Then turning his back upon the hostess, he strode into the house, fuming
with rage and glowering fiercely at the group of servants whom he
passed.

"Oh, woe is me!" sobbed the landlady, wringing her hands. "That this
great misfortune should happen to such a noble lord as this! And this
gallant boy too, hurt as he is! No, no, sir," she cried pettishly to
Saint Simon, who approached her, purse in hand; "don't talk to me about
money. I am thinking of the honour of my house. There, there," she
cried, lowering her tone; and she caught Denis by the doublet and signed
to his friend to come closer. "Your lord is angry," she said, "and he
has just cause; but you two must speak to him and try to calm his wrath.
I have made all preparations for his staying here to-night, and believe
me, everything is safe. I will have trusty friends in, and not a soul
here but you shall close an eye. You must sleep here to-night."

"Must, madam?" said Denis, forgetting his own sufferings in something
like amusement at his hostess's pertinacity. "There is no must with our
lord."

"Don't say that, my child," cried the woman anxiously. "He must give
w