uest to be once more on his way, and
at dinner the night before the departure he spoke only of the journey to
be undertaken on the following day.

"You will find the roads safe enough from here onward, sir," he said
courteously, and the King bowed gravely.

"I trust so," he said; "I trust so. England had been represented to me
as a land where everyone was safe."

Sir John leaned forward.

"I doubt not," he said, "that when you represent to his Majesty the
peril you encountered the south will be cleared of that roving band."

The King laughed.

"Well, we did something towards ridding the country of the robbers, eh,
Leoni? I--" He stopped speaking, for at that minute there was the sound
of a horse cantering into the courtyard, and a minute later Sir John's
own serving-man entered the apartment.

"It is a message, Sir John," he said, "for my young master." And he
handed a document to Ned Carrbroke, who hastily unfastened it and read.

"Lord Hurst orders me to return at once," he said to his father.

"Ah," said Sir John. "You see, sir," he exclaimed with a smile, looking
at the King, "how important an individual the boy there is becoming.
But," he went on, "you were expecting this summons, my lad, and now as
it happens you will be able to act as additional escort to our guest--
that is, if he will permit."

"Permit!" cried the King. "I shall be glad to have our young friend's
company--glad indeed." And as he spoke Sir John gazed musingly at the
sparkling ring which his guest wore, one which flashed in the light of
the candles as Francis made a gesture with his hand.

A few minutes later Ned Carrbroke glanced at his father, and then rose
from his chair, making a sign to Denis as he did so.

"Come," he said quietly, as the two lads moved to the door and passed
out. "It was in my mind before, and now it has happened just as I would
have wished. I shall come with you."

"Yes," answered Denis. "I am glad."

"I shall be able to show you much," the other went on. "You have never
seen a Court; I shall be able to introduce you to that of our King."

"Well," said Denis hesitatingly, "I have been to Fontainebleau."

"Fontainebleau? Where's that?"

"The Court of the King of France."

"Ah! You have seen King Francis?"

"Yes."

"What is he like?"

"Brave, handsome, noble!"

"So is my King too. You will have to stop with me in England and serve
King Henry."

While Denis accompanied his new-found