Chapter 3. His Majesty

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_ CHAPTER THREE. HIS MAJESTY

Denis glanced at the doctor, grasping his hilt tightly the while, and ready to spring into position for a fresh encounter; but at the same moment he noted the change which came over his adversary, who from being tense, erect and active, suddenly seemed to grow limp of body, though his face was more animated than ever. He hung his head till his chin rested upon his chest, his eyes literally flashed, and he gazed up through his bushy brows at the young courtier who had just joined them, while for answer to his request he slowly finished sheathing his rapier and then took his heavy gown from where he had thrown it upon a chair, and held it out to Denis.

"Help me," he said. "I am growing old and stiff."

The lad looked at him wonderingly as he recalled the marvellous activity of a few minutes earlier, and then helped his instructor to resume his garment.

"What!" cried Saint Simon warmly. "You will not go on? Why, doctor, I want to learn."

The doctor gave him a peculiar, double sinister look, and said, with his unpleasant smile playing about his thin lips:

"The time to bend and train the wand is while it is young and green. You, sir, have grown too old and tough and stubborn to learn."

"At five and twenty?" cried the young man, flushing.

"Yes, at five and twenty. The soil of a court makes a tree old before its time, and--hark! Did I not hear his Majesty ring?"

"Yes," cried Denis quickly, and hurriedly smoothing his hair, which hung loose from his late exertions, and then, readjusting his doublet and seeing to the hang of his sword, he hurried through the arras, those who waited hearing the click of the door latch as he passed into the King's chamber.

"You don't like me, doctor," said Saint Simon, as soon as they were alone.

"I don't dislike you," said the other, smiling. "Have I ever treated you as an enemy?"

"No; but--"

"Hist!" whispered the doctor, as voices were heard beyond the hangings; the door fastening clicked again, and the lad appeared, carrying himself in stiff and formal fashion.

"Gentlemen," he said, "enter. His Majesty will give you audience."

"Both? Together?" said the doctor.

"Yes. His Majesty asked who waited. I told him, and he bade me show both in."

"There, doctor," said Saint Simon; "it is not my doing, so don't visit this upon my head. I daresay he will soon send me away."

Then, following their young escort, the two men stepped into the darkened chamber where his Majesty, heavy-eyed, as if he was hardly yet awakened from sleep, lolled back in a short fur-trimmed robe in the corner of a couch, his left hand behind his neck, his right resting upon the shaggy head of a huge boar-hound which glanced suspiciously at the new-comers and uttered a deep muttering growl.

The King's fingers closed tightly upon the animal's ear, and he gave it a jerk.

"Quiet, Tonnerre!" he said. "Can't you see they are friends?"

_Ugh_! grunted the dog.

"Brute!" cried the King. "You see, gentlemen, he seeks the company of the wild boar so much that he has acquired his uncouth expressions. Well, Saint Simon, you want to see me?"

"Always, your Majesty," said the young man lightly. "You told me to wait upon you this afternoon."

"Did I? Well, I don't know that I want you. But to return your compliment, the place seems dull when you are not here."

The young man smiled and darted a triumphant glance at the saturnine-looking doctor, before turning to give Denis a look, his eyes sparkling with pleasure the while.

"And you, Leoni," said the King, yawning. "Tut, tut!" he added impatiently. "I am hardly awake. I was tired, gentlemen. Tonnerre and his brother here led us such a race yesterday that I feel it yet. Well, Leoni, what do you want?"

"Your Majesty told me that I might come and continue our little debate of yesterday--"

"To be sure, yes," said the King, yawning again. "Let me see; it was a sort of historical, half prophetic discourse, very learned and hard for a hunting man to understand, about the past and the future, and the safety of my throne, and its depending upon the recovery of a certain mystic stone carried off--carried off--let me see, Leoni, who did you say carried it off?"

"The enemy and invader of your country, your Majesty: Henry, the English King. But, your Majesty--" The doctor ceased speaking and turned slowly, to let his eyes rest meaningly upon the two young men in turn.

"Eh? What? You mean this is secret, and not for other ears?"

The two young men made a quick movement as their eyes sought the King's, and mutely asked the question:

Your Majesty wishes us to go?

"My liege, what I communicated was of the gravest import to you and yours, meant for your ears alone."

"To be sure, Leoni, but kings need very long ears indeed to take in all that concerns them--and have them too, sometimes, my learned doctor, as I have no doubt you men of wisdom think. But to be serious; I find I cannot hear all I want for myself, and am glad to have the help of other ears that I can trust. You are suspicious, my good old friend."

"No, your Majesty: cautious in your service. Years of experience have taught me to trust no one in your Majesty's service but myself."

"Ah, but you are not a king. Where should I be if I trusted none?"

The doctor bowed.

"There, you see, I trust you; and what is more, I trust these two boys as thoroughly as anyone at Court. You know, old friend, that there are hundreds here who will say they would die for me. Now, those two lads would not say such a thing to save their lives."

"Your Majesty!" cried the two young courtiers, in the same tone of protest.

"Well," said the King, smiling; "I am right. I believe you would either of you die to save me, and without saying word."

The pair drew back, smiling and satisfied, each glancing at the doctor as much as to say, Do you hear that?

"There," said the King, "I trust you all; so now go on, Leoni, and say what you have to say; and, boys, mind this; we are in secret conclave now. There must be no chattering afterwards, or discussion."

"Your Majesty commands," said the doctor gravely. "Shall I continue from where we left off yesterday?"

"No; let's have it all again. My gallop yesterday through the forest gave me so much to do in managing a fiery horse and keeping him from breaking my neck amongst the boughs as he carried me into so many real dangers, that all your imaginary notions were swept away. Let's have it all again."

The doctor bowed.

"It will save me," said the King, "from making only a half confidence to my young friends here. But be brief. Put it if you can into a few words. You in your studies and porings over black books are convinced-- of what?"

"That your Majesty's throne and succession--"

"Well, really, Leoni, I don't know that I care much about the succession. But my throne is not a safe seat unless--"

"Unless, your Majesty, that half sacred mystic balas ruby that was carried off by Henry of England is brought back and restored to its place in the French Crown."

"Yes, that's it," said the King. "I remember all now. But do you believe, Leoni, as a man who has long studied the secrets of nature, and the mysteries of life, that there can be such virtue in precious stones that they can influence our lives?"

"Yes, your Majesty," said the doctor solemnly; "and everything goes to prove it the wide world through; amongst the greatest and most civilised down to the most savage nations these talismanic gems have been preserved and treasured up. Prosperity and safety of life have always accompanied their possession; misfortune and destruction their loss."

"Well," said the King thoughtfully, "I don't think that I believe it. It sounds to me like an old woman's tale."

"If your Majesty would read and study the history of the past--"

"I haven't time," said the King. "But look here; do you mean to tell me that this present Henry--what is he--the Eighth?--of England believes all this?"

"Yes, your Majesty, and proves it by treasuring up the ruby that by right is yours."

"Then you think that the holding of this stone, reft from our crown, had something to do with the hold of these English upon our fair domains of France?"

"Certainly, your Majesty, and moreover, I hold that it is your sovereign duty to restore it to its place."

"How?" said the King, and his eyes rested upon those of the two young men, whose intent and watchful faces told how they were drinking in with intense interest the subject that was being discussed.

"That, your Majesty," said the doctor gravely, "is what I am here to urge upon you."

"But what do you want, man?" cried the King impatiently. "If Henry is more wise than I, and believes in all this mystic stuff, is it likely that he will give me back this talisman, as I suppose you would call it, that his ancestors plundered from our crown?"

"No, your Majesty. Efforts have been made by statesmen of the past, in previous reigns, to get the jewel back, but all in vain."

"Very well," said the King impatiently; "and France seems to have got on very well without it. We are at peace with England. Why should I disturb our friendly brotherly intercourse by raking up the past? I am quite content and happy to enjoy my hunting pursuits. Do you want me to go to war, invade England, and bring the jewel back?"

"Far from it, your Majesty."

"Then why disturb the pleasant present?"

"For fear of a troubled future, Sire. It is to ensure your long and prosperous reign that I speak like this. Believe me, Sire, I have no other aim."

"Well, Leoni, I believe your words. You have a good position here at Court, and a good master ready to give you anything in reason; and believe me, I want to enjoy a quiet prosperous reign. Mine is a very pleasant life. There are plenty of boars to kill, and I would rather slay them than Englishmen. War is very attractive and very grand. The clash of arms, the trumpets' bray, and the thunder of chargers' hoofs, all thrill me to the core; but I prefer it in the tourney, the mimic charge, and I don't much care for blood. But you as a wise and thoughtful man, you tell me that I ought to stir in this and get the ruby back?"

"I do, Sire," said Leoni sternly.

"Well, well, then I suppose it must be done."

The dog gave a sharp growl and showed his teeth.

"What, sir!" roared the King, snatching back his hand to grasp the dagger in his girdle. "Do you dare to turn upon your lord?"

"No, no, Sire," cried Denis excitedly. "It was not his fault."

"What do you mean, sir?" said the King angrily.

"You were pulling his ears so hard, Sire, and dragging his head to and fro."

"Was I?" said the King.

"Yes, Sire. He bore it as long as he could."

"Poor old Tonnerre!" said the King, clapping his hand upon the dog's head again; and the dog whined with pleasure at the caress. "I was growing excited, I suppose. Well, never mind the hound. Now then, Leoni; we must have this ruby back?"

"Yes, Sire. I shall never rest till I see it safely in the ancient crown."

"And I suppose I must say the same," said the King. "But how is it to be done? There: speak. You have studied all this out, I suppose? How is it to be done?"

"By a trusty mission to England, Sire."

"Absurd! I am sure King Henry would never give anything up."

"And I, Sire. He must be forced."

"Send force?"

"No, Sire. The force must be that of one strong, daring envoy who would seize upon the gem and bring it back."

"What, steal?" cried the King.

"Can one steal that which is one's own, Sire?"

"True. No," said the King. "This is ours by right."

"Your Majesty speaks well," said the doctor triumphantly. "This gem belongs to France's ancient crown, from which it was wrenched, plundered, stolen, carried away as spoil. And now it must be recovered."

"Openly," said the King.

"No, Sire. That means war. My plan is that you should send a trusted envoy to watch his opportunity, seize the gem or gems, and bring them back."

"Hah!" ejaculated Denis, in the excitement of the moment; and Saint Simon turned upon him sharply, and with a resentful look which was returned.

"But it means a deal," said the King thoughtfully. "That ambassador would risk his life."

"Hah!" ejaculated Saint Simon, giving vent to his suppressed excitement in his turn; and Denis now gave him back his resentful jealous look.

"Yes, Sire," continued Leoni; "the envoy would risk his life, of course--in the service of his King. But there are men who would do this for their master's sake, to ensure his long and peaceful reign."

"And if he fails?" said the King.

"He would not fail, Sire. He would be carried forward by the knowledge that he was fighting in the cause of right and duty towards the master that he loved. Have no fear of that, Sire. He would succeed."

"But I have fear," cried the King. "Find me such a man as that, and I should look upon him as a treasure whose life I would not risk."

"There would be no risk, Sire. It would be a question not of force but guile. He would make his way to the Court of your brother of England in a way which I have planned."

"With recommendations from me?"

"Perhaps, Sire. I have not settled that."

"No," said the King angrily. "Why, man, when the gems were missed, the theft would be laid at my door. I would sooner march my people across English ground and take them honestly by force."

"That could not be done, Sire. Leave that to me. Your messenger must go, and carry out his ambassage by guile."

"And who is to be the man?" asked the King.

"I!" cried Denis, springing forward, to sink upon one knee before Francis, and so suddenly as to rouse the dog, which leaped towards him, barking furiously.

"You, my boy!" cried the King.

"No, Sire," cried Saint Simon excitedly, following Denis's example, to spring to the King's feet. "I will go. It is work for a man grown, not for a puny boy."

"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the King merrily. "Quiet, Tonnerre! Quiet!" For the great hound, roused by the excitement, was filling the chamber with his deep-toned bay, his eyes glaring redly, and his glistening white fangs bared, as he gazed in his master's face as if asking for orders as to whom he should seize by the throat and pin.

"Down, sir!" cried the King again. "Quiet! There, Leoni, was I not right in letting these boys share our confidence? Who says that Francis of Valois has not followers in whom he can trust?"

"Not I, Sire," said the doctor grimly; "but this is no work for them."

"Not for Denis here," cried Saint Simon excitedly, "but, your Majesty, for me. I would strike, and strike now. Mine be the task to do or die!"

"Silence, boy!" cried the King, laying his hand on Denis's head as he dumbly looked up at him in protest, his eyes appealing the while that his monarch's favour should be awarded to him alone. "No, no; emphatically no! Neither of you will go alone. You hear, boys? I will not send you on this quest."

Francis turned to Leoni as he spoke, and the doctor bowed his head in acquiescence.

"Yours are the words of wisdom, Sire," he said. "The work is not for such as these--these two gallant followers of their King."

"Who then is to follow out the task?" said Francis. "For I like it well, and it must and shall be done. You hear me, Leoni? I have spoken now, and I will not rest, since you have roused me to this task, until this jewel glistens once more in its rightful place above my kingly crown."

"Spoken like the King of France!" cried the doctor, drawing himself up. "And now, Sire, it will be done."

"By whom?" cried Francis sternly.

"By your servant, Sire, who has dwelt upon this for years, thought out and nurtured the plans until the fruit is ripe. By the man who possesses the energy, the guile, and the determination to serve his master in this great duty to his King."

"And who is that man?" cried Francis, rising to his feet and standing proudly before his three courtiers kneeling before him; for as he uttered his next words Leoni sank in turn upon one knee and bent his head, to say in a low deep tone, almost a whisper, but which seemed to fill the silence of the place:

"I, Sire--your faithful servant. I am that man."

The silence for the next few moments was profound, while a cloud that had eclipsed the sun for some time past floated slowly from before the glowing orb, which poured its full beams through the gorgeous panes of the stained-glass windows of the chamber, and flooded the standing monarch with its glowing light as he made reply. His words were quick, sharp, and decisive, and fell upon the listeners like a thunderbolt, stunning them for a moment with the astonishment they felt; but they were only these:

"Neither are you the man to carry out this quest. I will go myself." _

Read next: Chapter 4. The Doctor's Eyes

Read previous: Chapter 2. A Fencing Lesson

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