s
his wont on such occasions, he seemed to meditate an excursion. Only
that, in deference to the prudent scruples of his council, he was
apparently going forth in strict disguise, for he unbuckled his
jewel-hilted sword, and took off his velvet doublet. Then tucking his
long hair under a fur cap, and putting on a blouse, such as was worn by
the country people, he walked out of the castle in the dark of the
winter evening, passing the sentries by giving the parole of the day.
The tide being low he walked across the "bridge," and at the town end
was accosted by a man, attired like himself, who was waiting for him
there.

"Owls be abroad," said the stranger.

"They mouse by night," answered the king.

Without further communication the two walked silently through the town,
and up the steep lane in which Mme. de Maufant had taken up her abode.
It was on a hill over-looking the town, still known by the name of "The
King's Cliff." At the back were woods and fields.

All this time Alain and the ladies of Maufant had remained in earnest
consultation. Rose was for letting matters take their course. She had
scant sympathy with those whose policy had separated her from her
husband, and who were, as she believed, plotting the betrayal of her
country, Jersey, and her Michael. In these lay all her world. That the
king should be carried off to London was nothing to her. But Marguerite
was younger and more generous. Wronged as she had been by Elliot's
insolent schemes, that account was balanced and closed by the great
audit. But she was not without a woman's romance, and the thought that a
king, young and unfortunate, was to be sold to his father's relentless
enemies and murderers, presented to her ardent mind a thing to be
prevented at all hazards.

While they were thus debating the dog was heard to bark excitedly, and
footsteps were audible in the garden behind the house.

"Mme. de Maufant," said a voice at the window, "come forth. It is I,
Pierre Benoist. I bring a message from your husband."

"Wait an instant, Benoist," answered the lady, unalarmed, "I will let
you in."

She went to the door, and gave admittance to two men in blouses. While
one conversed with Mme. de Maufant, the other advanced to her sister,
and, without taking heed of Le Gallais, addressed her in courtly tones,
holding his fur cap in his hand, his brown hair fell down upon his
shoulders.

"Fear nothing, bright pearl of Jersey," said the stranger. "A tr