ed it with a
gesture.

"You have heard, my lord," he said. "What is your plea?"

"Not guilty, Sire."

At a nod from the King, De Lacy took place beside Sir John.

"I charge Henry, Lord Darby of Roxford," he cried, "with high treason,
in that he aided and a betted the Duke of Buckingham in his late
rebellion, and stood prepared to betray his Sovereign on the field of
battle."

"You hear, my lord," said the King. "What is your plea?"

But Darby did not answer; and for a while Richard watched him
curiously, as with half-bared dagger and lips drawn back in rage, he
glowered upon De Lacy, forgetful of all things save his hate. And so
imminent seemed the danger, that Aymer put hand to his own poniard and
fell into the posture to receive attack. And doubtless there, before
the Throne itself, would these two men have fought to the death for
very lust of the other's blood, had not the clear, stern voice of the
King aroused them, like cold water in a sleeping face.

"Do you not hear, Lord Darby? We await your plea!"

"Not guilty," Darby answered in tones husky with rage. "And I demand
wager of battle, as against the foul charge of this foreign slanderer
and liar."

"I pray you, my Liege, to grant it to the traitor," said De Lacy
eagerly.

But Richard waved him back. "The wager is refused. By the evidence
shall the judgment be. Proceed, Sir Aymer de Lacy, we will hear you
first."

The Knight drew a packet from his doublet.

"I offer herewith," he said, "the dying statement of Henry Stafford,
late Duke of Buckingham, touching the part taken in his rebellion by
the accused."

"I object to it!" Darby cried.

"For what reason?"

"Because its execution has not been proven; and because, even if
genuine, it is incompetent as being by a condemned traitor."

"Let me see the paper," said the King. . . "It is regular, on its
face--signed by Stafford under his own seal and attested by Sir Richard
Ratcliffe and Sir John Kendale. Do you wish their testimony?"

Lord Darby bowed.

"Sir Richard Ratcliffe and Sir John Kendale," the King said, as they
stood forth, "do you each testify on honor that these are your
respective signatures, and that you saw Henry Stafford sign and affix
his seal hereto?"

"We do, upon our knightly honor," they replied.

"It would appear, Sir John, that the body of this document is in your
handwriting."

"It is, Your Majesty. I wrote it at request of Stafford and at his
dictation