e for him
was pure falsehood. And it gratifies me much that, perchance, these
words may aid in the lady's rescue and her dastardly abductor's
punishment. In testimony to the truth whereof, and in full
appreciation of impending death, I hereunto set my hand and affix my
seal of the Swan. Given at the Inn of the Blue Boar, in the town of
Salisbury, this second day of November, in the year of Grace 1483."

The Chancellor folded the parchment. "I have finished, Sire," he said.

"Now, Lord Darby, you have had your wish and heard the statement full
and entire," the King admonished. "If it has not improved your case,
the next witness, methinks, is scarce likely to better it."

At a sign, the Black Rod again withdrew, and once more there was
profoundest silence; and upon the doorway in the corner all eyes were
turned, save those of the accused. He stood stolid and defiant glaring
at De Lacy. Then a cry went up, and after it came cheers and loud
applause. Nor did Richard offer to rebuke it, but himself leaned
forward smiling.

Aroused at this, Lord Darby glanced around--and suddenly his face went
pale, and red, and pale again; and he staggered slightly, passing his
hand across his forehead in a dazed-like way. For there, advancing
toward the Throne, hand in hand with the Queen, was the woman he
thought securely hid in far distant Roxford Castle.

Then sharp panic seized him and he turned to flee.

But close behind him was the wall of courtiers, and beyond flashed the
halberds of the guard. Straightway, the terror passed, and he was
again the cool soldier, contemptuous and indifferent--though he saw
full well the case would go against him and that death was drawing
near. And so he waited, utterly forgotten for the moment, amid the
gladsome welcome for the Countess of Clare, whom all long since had
given up for dead.

At the foot of the dais Beatrix stopped, but the Queen would not have
it so, and with gentle insistence she drew her up the steps. And
Richard met them half way, and with him on one side and the Queen on
the other, she stood before the Court.

Then the King raised his hand for silence.

"Behold!" he said, "the lost Lady of Clare!" and kissed her finger
tips, while the cheers swelled forth afresh.

She curtsied low in response, and sought to descend to her place. But
Richard detained her.

"Fair Countess," he said, "the Lord Darby stands here accused of your
abduction, and of complicity in