o more wizardry!" he said
at last. "We have had enough of that. The King has just passed
judgment on the sorcerer. In five minutes he is to die. The doctors
declare this to be the only hope for the Prince's life."

"Oh, let me see him! Let me see my good father!" begged John, clasping
his hands piteously. "I may yet save his life, I and these friends."

As he said this, John had a sudden thought. He fumbled in his bosom
for the silver Cross, and held it out with trembling hands so that the
Chamberlain could see it.

The man started back, turning pale and letting fall his staff of
office. "What does this mean?" he cried, "Who is this lad? How came
he by this token?"

Once more the Captain whispered to him. The Chamberlain looked wildly
at John, then at the hourglass, in which the last grains of sand had
sifted down.

"The time has come," he said; "the fatal moment is here! I should give
the signal for which the executioners wait. But something holds me
back. In Heaven's name, what does it all mean? Is it sorcery or--"

"It is the Lord's will," said John quietly. "Oh, pray, let me see the
King."

"I do not understand," muttered the Chamberlain hoarsely. "But, in the
name of the talisman which you wear, enter. Go alone. I dare not face
the King with his order disobeyed."

A broad aisle was left open down the hall through the ranks of lords
and ladies. At the end of it was a tall gilt throne. And on the
throne, clad in purple and gold, John saw a figure sitting, pale and
terrible. It was the King. John knew his cold, cruel face, although
the man had greatly altered in those weeks since the day of hunting in
the park. For now the King's hair was snow-white and his body was bent
like that of an old man.

John fixed his eyes upon this figure and began to walk forward
steadily. Beside him paced Brutus, looking up anxiously into the boy's
face. In his right hand John led the bear, walking upright. The wolf
slunk behind, with lolling tongue. In his arms John still carried the
kittens, and on his shoulder perched the raven, while Blanche trotted
behind him.

It was indeed a strange sight. A hush came upon the hall, and every
one stared open-mouthed as they passed along. At last the King
himself, who was sitting with bent head, noticed the silence and
glanced up. John, with his queer group, was now almost at the foot of
the throne. The King started up with a cry of rage and surprise. He