ToMyFriendJOSEPHE。BRAY
CHAPTERI
Hereisastorythathaslaindormantforsevenhundredyears。AtfirstitwassuppressedbyoneofthePlantagenetkingsofEngland。Lateritwasforgotten。Ihappenedtodigitupbyaccident。Theaccidentbeingtherelationshipofmywife’scousintoacertainFatherSuperiorinaveryancientmonasteryinEurope。
HeletmepryaboutamongaquantityofmildewedandmustymanuscriptsandIcameacrossthis。Itisveryinteresting——partiallysinceitisabitofhithertounrecordedhistory，butprincipallyfromthefactthatitrecordsthestoryofamostremarkablerevengeandtheadventurouslifeofitsinnocentvictim——Richard，thelostprinceofEngland。
Intheretellingofit，Ihaveleftoutmostofthehistory。Whatinterestedmewastheuniquecharacteraboutwhomthetalerevolves——thevisoredhorsemanwho——butletuswaituntilwegettohim。
Itallhappenedinthethirteenthcentury，andwhileitwashappening，itshookEnglandfromnorthtosouthandfromeasttowest；andreachedacrossthechannelandshookFrance。Itstarted，directly，intheLondonpalaceofHenryIII，andwastheresultofaquarrelbetweentheKingandhispowerfulbrother-in-law，SimondeMontfort，EarlofLeicester。
Nevermindthequarrel，that’shistory，andyoucanreadallaboutitatyourleisure。ButonthisJunedayintheyearofourLord1243，HenrysoforgothimselfastoveryunjustlyaccuseDeMontfortoftreasoninthepresenceofanumberoftheKing’sgentlemen。
DeMontfortpaled。Hewasatall，handsomeman，andwhenhedrewhimselftohisfullheightandturnedthosegrayeyesonthevictimofhiswrath，ashedidthatday，hewasveryimposing。ApowerinEngland，secondonlytotheKinghimself，andwiththeheartofalioninhim，heansweredtheKingasnoothermaninallEnglandwouldhavedaredanswerhim。
\"MyLordKing，\"hecried，\"thatyoubemyLordKingalonepreventsSimondeMontfortfromdemandingsatisfactionforsuchagrossinsult。Thatyoutakeadvantageofyourkingshiptosaywhatyouwouldneverdaresaywereyounotking，brandsmenotatraitor，thoughitdoesbrandyouacoward。\"
Tensesilencefelluponthelittlecompanyoflordsandcourtiersastheseawfulwordsfellfromthelipsofasubject，addressedtohisking。Theywerehorrified，forDeMontfort’sboldchallengewastothembutlittleshortofsacrilege。
Henry，flushinginmortificationandanger，rosetoadvanceuponDeMontfort，butsuddenlyrecollectingthepowerwhichherepresented，hethoughtbetterofwhateveractionhecontemplatedand，withahaughtysneer，turnedtohiscourtiers。
\"Come，mygentlemen，\"hesaid，\"methoughtthatweweretohaveaturnwiththefoilsthismorning。Alreadyitwaxethlate。Come，DeFulm！Come，Leybourn！\"andtheKinglefttheapartmentfollowedbyhisgentlemen，allofwhomhaddrawnawayfromtheEarlofLeicesterwhenitbecameapparentthattheroyaldispleasurewasstrongagainsthim。AsthearrasfellbehindthedepartingKing，DeMontfortshruggedhisbroadshoulders，andturning，lefttheapartmentbyanotherdoor。
WhentheKing，withhisgentlemen，enteredthearmoryhewasstillsmartingfromthehumiliationofDeMontfort’sreproaches，andashelaidasidehissurcoatandplumedhattotakethefoilswithDeFulm，hiseyesalightedonthemasteroffence，SirJulesdeVac，whowasadvancingwiththeKing’sfoilandhelmet。HenryfeltinnomoodforfencingwithDeFulm，who，liketheothersycophantsthatsurroundedhim，alwaysallowedtheKingeasilytobesthimineveryencounter。
DeVacheknewtobetoojealousofhisfameasaswordsmantopermithimselftobeovercomebyaughtbutsuperiorskill，andthisdayHenryfeltthathecouldbestthedevilhimself。
Thearmorywasagreatroomonthemainfloorofthepalace，offtheguardroom。Itwasbuiltinasmallwingofthebuildingsothatithadlightfromthreesides。Inchargeofitwasthelean，grizzled，leather-skinnedSirJulesdeVac，anditwashewhomHenrycommandedtofacehiminmimiccombatwiththefoils，fortheKingwishedtogowithhammerandtongsatsomeonetoventhissuppressedrage。
SoheletDeVacassumetohismind’seyethepersonofthehatedDeMontfort，anditfollowedthatDeVacwasnearlysurprisedintoanearlyandmortifyingdefeatbytheKing’ssuddenandcleverattack。
HenryIIIhadalwaysbeenaccountedagoodswordsman，butthatdayhequiteoutdidhimselfand，inhisimagination，wasabouttorunthepseudoDeMontfortthroughtheheart，tothewildacclaimofhisaudience。ForthisfellpurposehehadbackedtheastoundedDeVactwicearoundthehallwhen，withacleverfeint，andbackwardstep，themasteroffencedrewtheKingintothepositionhewantedhim，andwiththesuddennessoflightning，alittletwistofhisfoilsentHenry’sweaponclangingacrossthefloorofthearmory。
Foraninstant，theKingstoodastenseandwhiteasthoughthehandofdeathhadreachedoutandtouchedhisheartwithitsicyfingers。TheepisodemeantmoretohimthanbeingbestedinplaybythebestswordsmaninEngland——forthatsurelywasnodisgrace——toHenryitseemedpropheticoftheoutcomeofafuturestrugglewhenheshouldstandfacetofacewiththerealDeMontfort；andthen，seeinginDeVaconlythecreatureofhisimaginationwithwhichhehadvestedthelikenessofhispowerfulbrother-in-law，HenrydidwhatheshouldliketohavedonetotherealLeicester。DrawingoffhisgauntletheadvancedclosetoDeVac。
\"Dog！\"hehissed，andstruckthemasteroffenceastingingblowacrosstheface，andspatuponhim。Thenheturnedonhisheelandstrodefromthearmory。
DeVachadgrownoldintheserviceofthekingsofEngland，buthehatedallthingsEnglishandallEnglishmen。ThedeadKingJohn，thoughhatedbyallothers，hehadloved，butwiththedeadKing’sbonesDeVac’sloyaltytothehouseheservedhadbeenburiedintheCathedralofWorcester。
DuringtheyearshehadservedasmasteroffenceattheEnglishCourt，thesonsofroyaltyhadlearnedtothrustandparryandcutasonlyDeVaccouldteachtheart，andhehadbeenasconscientiousinthedischargeofhisdutiesashehadbeeninhisunswervinghatredandcontemptforhispupils。
AndnowtheEnglishKinghadputuponhimsuchaninsultasmightonlybewipedoutbyblood。
Astheblowfell，thewiryFrenchmanclickedhisheelstogether，andthrowingdownhisfoil，hestooderectandrigidasamarblestatuebeforehismaster。Whiteandlividwashistensedrawnface，buthespokenoword。
HemighthavestrucktheKing，butthentherewouldhavebeenlefttohimnoalternativesavedeathbyhisownhand；forakingmaynotfightwithalessermortal，andhewhostrikesakingmaynotlive——theking’shonormustbesatisfied。
HadaFrenchkingstruckhim，DeVacwouldhavestruckback，andgloriedinthefatewhichpermittedhimtodieforthehonorofFrance；butanEnglishKing——pooh！adog；andwhowoulddieforadog？No，DeVacwouldfindothermeansofsatisfyinghiswoundedpride。Hewouldrevelinrevengeagainstthismanforwhomhefeltnoloyalty。Ifpossible，hewouldharmthewholeofEnglandifhecould，buthewouldbidehistime。Hecouldaffordtowaitforhisopportunityif，bywaiting，hecouldencompassamoreterriblerevenge。
DeVachadbeenborninParis，thesonofaFrenchofficerreputedthebestswordsmaninFrance。Thesonhadfollowedcloselyinthefootstepsofhisfatheruntil，onthelatter’sdeath，hecouldeasilyclaimthetitleofhissire。HowhehadleftFranceandenteredtheserviceofJohnofEnglandisnotofthisstory。AllthebearingthatthelifeofJulesdeVachasuponthehistoryofEnglandhingesuponbuttwoofhismanyattributes——hiswonderfulswordsmanshipandhisfearfulhatredforhisadoptedcountry。
CHAPTERII
SouthofthearmoryofWestminsterPalacelaythegardens，andhere，onthethirddayfollowingtheKing’saffronttoDeVac，mighthavebeenaseenablack-hairedwomangownedinavioletcyclas，richlyembroideredwithgoldabouttheyokeandatthebottomoftheloose-pointedsleeves，whichreachedalmosttothesimilarborderingonthelowerhemofthegarment。A
richlywroughtleatherngirdle，studdedwithpreciousstones，andheldinplacebyahugecarvedbuckleofgold，claspedthegarmentaboutherwaistsothattheupperportionfelloutwardoverthegirdleafterthemannerofablouse。Inthegirdlewasalongdaggerofbeautifulworkmanship。
Daintysandalsencasedherfeet，whileawimpleofvioletsilkborderedingoldfringe，laybecominglyoverherheadandshoulders。
Byhersidewalkedahandsomeboyofaboutthree，clad，likehiscompanion，ingaycolors。Histinysurcoatofscarletvelvetwasrichwithembroidery，whilebeneathwasaclose-fittingtunicofwhitesilk。Hisdoubletwasofscarlet，whilehislonghoseofwhitewerecross-garteredwithscarletfromhistinysandalstohisknees。Onthebackofhisbrowncurlssataflat-brimmed，round-crownedhatinwhichasingleplumeofwhitewavedandnoddedbravelyateachmoveoftheproudlittlehead。
Thechild’sfeatureswerewellmolded，andhisfrank，brighteyesgaveanexpressionofboyishgenerositytoafacewhichotherwisewouldhavebeentooarrogantandhaughtyforsuchamerebaby。Ashetalkedwithhiscompanion，littleflashesofperemptoryauthorityanddignity，whichsatstrangelyupononesotiny，causedtheyoungwomanattimestoturnherheadfromhimthathemightnotseethesmileswhichshecouldscarcerepress。
Presentlytheboytookaballfromhistunic，and，pointingatalittlebushnearthem，said，\"Standyouthere，LadyMaud，byyonderbush。Iwouldplayattoss。\"
Theyoungwomandidasshewasbid，andwhenshehadtakenherplaceandturnedtofacehimtheboythrewtheballtoher。Thustheyplayedbeneaththewindowsofthearmory，theboyrunningblithelyaftertheballwhenhemissedit，andlaughingandshoutinginhappygleewhenhemadeaparticularlygoodcatch。
Inoneofthewindowsofthearmoryoverlookingthegardenstoodagrim，gray，oldman，leaninguponhisfoldedarms，hisbrowsdrawntogetherinamalignantscowl，thecornersofhismouthsetinastern，coldline。
Helookeduponthegardenandtheplayingchild，anduponthelovelyyoungwomanbeneathhim，butwitheyeswhichdidnotsee，forDeVacwasworkingoutagreatproblem，thegreatestofallhislife。
Forthreedays，theoldmanhadbroodedoverhisgrievance，seekingforsomemeanstoberevengedupontheKingfortheinsultwhichHenryhadputuponhim。Manyschemeshadpresentedthemselvestohisshrewdandcunningmind，butsofarallhadbeenrejectedasunworthyoftheterriblesatisfactionwhichhiswoundedpridedemanded。
Hisfancieshad，forthemostpart，revolvedabouttheunsettledpoliticalconditionsofHenry’sreign，forfromthesehefelthemightwrestthatopportunitywhichcouldbeturnedtohisownpersonalusesandtotheharm，andpossiblytheundoing，oftheKing。
Foryearsaninmateofthepalace，andoftenalistenerinthearmorywhentheKingplayedatswordwithhisfriendsandfavorites，DeVachadheardmuchwhichpassedbetweenHenryIIIandhisintimatesthatcouldwellbeturnedtotheKing’sharmbyashrewdandresourcefulenemy。
WithallEngland，heknewtheuttercontemptinwhichHenryheldthetermsoftheMagnaChartawhichhesooftenviolatedalongwithhiskinglyoathtomaintainit。ButwhatallEnglanddidnotknow，DeVachadgleanedfromscrapsofconversationdroppedinthearmory：thatHenrywasevennownegotiatingwiththeleadersofforeignmercenaries，andwithLouisIXofFrance，forasufficientforceofknightsandmen-at-armstowagearelentlesswaruponhisownbaronsthathemighteffectivelyputastoptoallfutureinterferencebythemwiththeroyalprerogativeofthePlantagenetstomisruleEngland。
Ifhecouldbutlearnthedetailsofthisplan，thoughtDeVac：thepointoflandingoftheforeigntroops；theirnumbers；thefirstpointofattack。Ah，woulditnotbesweetrevengeindeedtobalktheKinginthisventuresodeartohisheart！
AwordtoDeClare，orDeMontfortwouldbringthebaronsandtheirretainersfortythousandstrongtooverwhelmtheKing’sforces。
AndhewouldlettheKingknowtowhom，andforwhatcause，hewasbeholdenforhisdefeatanddiscomfiture。PossiblythebaronswoulddeposeHenry，andplaceanewkinguponEngland’sthrone，andthenDeVacwouldmockthePlantagenettohisface。Sweet，kind，delectablevengeance，indeed！Andtheoldmanlickedhisthinlipsasthoughtotastethelastsweetvestigeofsomedaintymorsel。
AndthenChancecarriedalittleleatherballbeneaththewindowwheretheoldmanstood；andasthechildran，laughing，torecoverit，DeVac’seyesfelluponhim，andhisformerplanforrevengemeltedasthefogbeforethenoondaysun；andinitssteadthereopenedtohimthewholehideousplotoffearsomevengeanceasclearlyasitwerewritupontheleavesofagreatbookthathadbeenthrownwidebeforehim。And，insofarashecoulddirect，hevariednotonejotfromthedetailsofthatvividlyconceivedmasterpieceofhellishnessduringthetwentyyearswhichfollowed。
ThelittleboywhosoinnocentlyplayedinthegardenofhisroyalfatherwasPrinceRichard，thethree-year-oldsonofHenryIIIofEngland。Nopublishedhistorymentionsthislittlelostprince；onlythesecretarchivesofthekingsofEnglandtellthestoryofhisstrangeandadventurouslife。Hisnamehasbeenblottedfromtherecordsofmen；andtherevengeofDeVachaspassedfromtheeyesoftheworld；thoughinhistimeitwasarealandterriblethingintheheartsoftheEnglish。
CHAPTERIII
Fornearlyamonth，theoldmanhauntedthepalace，andwatchedinthegardensforthelittlePrinceuntilheknewthedailyroutineofhistinylifewithhisnursesandgovernesses。
HesawthatwhentheLadyMaudaccompaniedhim，theywerewonttorepairtothefarthermostextremitiesofthepalacegroundswhere，byalittleposterngate，sheadmittedacertainofficeroftheGuardstowhomtheQueenhadforbiddentheprivilegeofthecourt。
There，inasecludedbower，thetwoloverswhisperedtheirhopesandplans，unmindfuloftheroyalchargeplayingneglectedamongtheflowersandshrubberyofthegarden。
TowardthemiddleofJulyDeVachadhisplanswelllaid。HehadmanagedtocoaxoldBrus，thegardener，intolettinghimhavethekeytothelittleposterngateonthepleathathewishedtoindulgeinamidnightescapade，hintingbroadlyofafairladywhowastobethepartnerofhisadventure，and，whatwasmoretothepointwithBrus，atthesametimeslippingacoupleofgoldenzecchinsintothegardener’spalm。
Brus，liketheotherpalaceservants，consideredDeVacaloyalretainerofthehouseofPlantagenet。WhateverelseofmischiefDeVacmightbeupto，BruswasquitesurethatinsofarastheKingwasconcerned，thekeytotheposterngatewasassafeinDeVac’shandsasthoughHenryhimselfhadit。
Theoldfellowwonderedalittlethatthemoroseoldmasteroffenceshould，athistimeinlife，indulgeinfrivolousescapadesmorebefittingtheyoungersprigsofgentility，but，then，whatconcernwasitofhis？
Didhenothaveenoughtothinkabouttokeepthegardenssothathisroyalmasterandmistressmightfindpleasureintheshadedwalks，thewell-keptsward，andthegorgeousbedsoffoliageplantsandbloomingflowerswhichhesetwithsuchwondrousprecisionintheformalgarden？
Further，twogoldzecchinswerenotoftencomebysoeasilyasthis；andifthedearLordJesussawfit，inhisinfinitewisdom，totakethismeansofrewardinghispoorservant，itillbecamesuchawormashetoignorethedivinefavor。SoBrustookthegoldzecchinsandDeVacthekey，andthelittleprinceplayedhappilyamongtheflowersofhisroyalfather’sgarden，andallweresatisfied；whichwasasitshouldhavebeen。
Thatnight，DeVactookthekeytoalocksmithonthefarsideofLondon；
onewhocouldnotpossiblyknowhimorrecognizethekeyasbelongingtothepalace。Herehehadaduplicatemade，waitingimpatientlywhiletheoldmanfashioneditwiththecrudeinstrumentsofhistime。
Fromthislittleshop，DeVacthreadedhiswaythroughthedirtylanesandalleysofancientLondon，lightedatfarintervalsbyanoccasionalsmokylantern，untilhecametoasqualidtenementbutashortdistancefromthepalace。
Anarrowalleyranpastthebuilding，endingabruptlyatthebankoftheThamesinamolderingwoodendock，beneathwhichtheinkywatersoftheriverroseandfell，lappingthedecayingpilesandsurgingfarbeneaththedocktotheremotefastnessesinhabitedbythegreatfiercedockratsandtheirfiercerhumanantitypes。
SeveraltimesDeVacpacedthelengthofthisblackalleyinsearchofthelittledoorwayofthebuildinghesought。Atlengthhecameuponit，and，afterrepeatedpoundingwiththepommelofhissword，itwasopenedbyaslatternlyoldhag。
\"Whatwouldyeofadecentwomanatsuchanungodlyhour？\"shegrumbled。
\"Ah，’tisye，mylord？\"sheadded，hastily，astheflickeringraysofthecandlesheborelightedupDeVac’sface。\"Welcome，myLord，thricewelcome。Thedaughterofthedevilwelcomesherbrother。\"
\"Silence，oldhag，\"criedDeVac。\"Isitnotenoughthatyouleechmeofgoodmarksofsuchaquantitythatyoumayeverafterwearmantlesofvillosaandfeastonsimnelbreadandmalmsey，thatyoumustneedsburdenmestillfurtherwiththeafflictionofthyviletongue？
\"Hastthoutheclothesreadybundledandthekey，also，tothisgatetoperdition？Andtheroom：didstsettorightsthefurnishingsIhaddeliveredhere，andsweepthecentury-oldaccumulationoffilthandcobwebsfromthefloorandrafters？Why，theveryairreekedofthedeadRomanswhobuildedLondontwelvehundredyearsago。Methinks，too，fromthestink，theymusthavebeenRomanswineherdwhohabitedthisstywiththeirherds，an’Iventurethatthou，oldsow，hastnevertouchedbroomtotheplaceforfearofdisturbingtheancientrelicsofthykin。\"
\"Ceasethybabbling，LordSatan，\"criedthewoman。\"Iwouldratherhearthymoneytalkthanthou，forthoughitcomeaccursedandtaintedfromthyroguehand，yetitspeakswiththesamesweetandcommandingvoiceasitwerefreshfromthecoffersoftheholychurch。
\"Thebundleisready，\"shecontinued，closingthedoorafterDeVac，whohadnowentered，\"andherebethekey；butfirstletushaveapayment。I
knownotwhatthyfoulworkmaybe，butfoulitisIknowfromthesecrecywhichyouhavedemanded，an’Idaresaytherewillbesomewhowouldpaywelltolearnthewhereaboutsoftheoldwomanandthechild，thysisterandhersonyoutellmetheybe，whoyouaresoanxioustohideawayinoldTil’sgarret。Soitbewellforyou，myLord，topayoldTilwellandaddafewguildersforthepeaceofhertongueifyouwouldthatyourprisonerfindpeaceinoldTil’shouse。\"
\"Fetchmethebundle，hag，\"repliedDeVac，\"andyoushallhavegoldagainstafinalsettlement；moreeventhanwebargainedforifallgoeswellandthouholdestthyviletongue。\"
Buttheoldwoman’sthreatshadalreadycausedDeVacafeelingofuneasiness，whichwouldhavebeenreflectedtoanexaggerateddegreeintheoldwomanhadsheknownthedeterminationherwordshadcausedinthemindoftheoldmasteroffence。
Hisventurewasfartooserious，andtheresultsofexposuretoofraughtwithdanger，topermitofhistakinganychanceswithadisloyalfellow-conspirator。True，hehadnotevenhintedattheenormityoftheplotinwhichhewasinvolvingtheoldwoman，but，asshehadsaid，hissterncommandsforsecrecyhadtoldenoughtoarousehersuspicions，andwiththemhercuriosityandcupidity。SoitwasthatoldTilmightwellhavequailedinhertatteredsandalshadshebutevenvaguelyguessedthethoughtswhichpassedinDeVac’smind；buttheextragoldpieceshedroppedintoherwitheredpalmasshedeliveredthebundletohim，togetherwiththepromiseofmore，quiteeffectuallywonherloyaltyandhersilenceforthetimebeing。
Slippingthekeyintothepocketofhistunicandcoveringthebundlewithhislongsurcoat，DeVacsteppedoutintothedarknessofthealleyandhastenedtowardthedock。
Beneaththeplanks。hefoundaskiffwhichhehadmooredthereearlierintheevening，andunderneathoneofthethwartshehidthebundle。Then，castingoff，herowedslowlyuptheThamesuntil，belowthepalacewalls，hemooredneartothelittleposterngatewhichletintothelowerendofthegarden。
Hidingtheskiffasbesthecouldinsometangledbusheswhichgrewtothewater’sedge，settherebyorderoftheKingtoaddtothebeautyoftheaspectfromtheriverside，DeVaccreptwarilytotheposternand，unchallenged，enteredandsoughthisapartmentsinthepalace。
Thenextday，hereturnedtheoriginalkeytoBrus，tellingtheoldmanthathehadnotuseditafterall，sincematurereflectionhadconvincedhimofthefollyofhiscontemplatedadventure，especiallyinonewhoseyouthwaspast，andinwhosejointsthenightdampoftheThamesmightfindlodgementforrheumatism。
\"Ha，SirJules，\"laughedtheoldgardener，\"VirtueandVicebetwinsisterswhocomerunningtodothebiddingofthesamefather，Desire。Weretherenodesiretherewouldbenovirtue，andbecauseonemandesireswhatanotherdoesnot，whoshallsaywhetherthechildofhisdesirebeviceorvirtue？Orontheotherhandifmyfrienddesireshisownwifeandifthatbevirtue，thenifIalsodesirehiswife，isnotthatlikewisevirtue，sincewedesirethesamething？ButiftoobtainourdesireitbenecessarytoexposeourjointstotheThames’fog，thenitwerevirtuetoremainathome。\"
\"Rightyousound，oldmole，\"saidDeVac，smiling，\"wouldthatImightlearntoreasonbyyourwondrouslogic；methinksitmightstandmeingoodsteadbeforeIbemucholder。\"
\"ThebestswordarminallChristendomneedsnootherlogicthanthesword，Ishouldthink，\"saidBrus，returningtohiswork。
Thatafternoon，DeVacstoodinawindowofthearmorylookingoutuponthebeautifulgardenwhichspreadbeforehimtotheriverwalltwohundredyardsaway。Intheforegroundwerebox-borderedwalks，smooth，sleeklawns，andformalbedsofgorgeousfloweringplants，whilehereandtheremarblestatuesofwoodnymphandsatyrgleamed，sparklinginthebrilliantsunlight，or，halfshadedbyanoverhangingbush，tookonasemblanceoflifefromtheriotousplayoflightandshadowastheleavesabovethemmovedtoandfrointhefaintbreeze。Fartherinthedistance，theriverwallwashiddenbymorecloselymassedbushes，andtheformal，geometricprecisionofthenearerviewwasrelievedbyabackgroundofvine-coloredbowers，andaprofusionofsmalltreesandfloweringshrubsarrangedinstudieddisorder。
Throughthisseemingjunglerantortuouspaths，andthecarvedstonebenchesoftheopengardengaveplacetorusticseats，andswingssuspendedfromthebranchesoffruittrees。
TowardthisenchantingspotslowlywerewalkingtheLadyMaudandherlittlecharge，PrinceRichard；allignorantofthemaliciouswatcherinthewindowbehindthem。
Agreatpeacockstruttedproudlyacrossthewalkbeforethem，and，asRichardran，childlike，afterit，LadyMaudhastenedontothelittleposterngatewhichshequicklyunlocked，admittingherlover，whohadbeenwaitingwithout。Relockingthegatethetwostrolledarminarmtothelittlebowerwhichwastheirtrystingplace。
Astheloverstalked，allself-engrossed，thelittlePrinceplayedhappilyaboutamongthetreesandflowers，andnonesawthestern，determinedfacewhichpeeredthroughthefoliageatalittledistancefromtheplayingboy。
Richardwasdevotinghisroyalenergiestochasinganelusivebutterflywhichfatelednearerandnearertothecold，hardwatcherinthebushes。
CloserandclosercamethelittlePrince，andinanothermoment，hehadburstthroughthefloweringshrubs，andstoodfacingtheimplacablemasteroffence。
\"YourHighness，\"saidDeVac，bowingtothelittlefellow，\"letoldDeVachelpyoucatchtheprettyinsect。\"
Richard，havingoftenseenDeVac，didnotfearhim，andsotogethertheystartedinpursuitofthebutterflywhichbynowhadpassedoutofsight。
DeVacturnedtheirstepstowardthelittleposterngate，butwhenhewouldhavepassedthroughwiththetinyPrince，thelatterrebelled。
\"Come，MyLordPrince，\"urgedDeVac，\"methinksthebutterflydidbutalightwithoutthewall，wecanhaveitandreturnwithinthegardeninaninstant。\"
\"Gothyselfandfetchit，\"repliedthePrince；\"theKing，myfather，hasforbidmesteppingwithoutthepalacegrounds。\"
\"Come，\"commandedDeVac，moresternly，\"noharmcancometoyou。\"
ButthechildhungbackandwouldnotgowithhimsothatDeVacwasforcedtograsphimroughlybythearm。Therewasacryofrageandalarmfromtheroyalchild。
\"Unhandme，sirrah，\"screamedtheboy。\"HowdareyoulayhandsonaprinceofEngland？\"
DeVacclappedhishandoverthechild’smouthtostillhiscries，butitwastoolate。TheLadyMaudandherloverhadheardand，inaninstant，theywererushingtowardtheposterngate，theofficerdrawinghisswordasheran。
Whentheyreachedthewall，DeVacandthePrincewereupontheoutside，andtheFrenchmanhadclosedandwasendeavoringtolockthegate。But，handicappedbythestrugglingboy，hehadnottimetoturnthekeybeforetheofficerthrewhimselfagainstthepanelsandburstoutbeforethemasteroffence，closelyfollowedbytheLadyMaud。
DeVacdroppedthekeyand，stillgraspingthenowthoroughlyaffrightenedPrincewithhislefthand，drewhisswordandconfrontedtheofficer。
Therewerenowords，therewasnoneedofwords；DeVac’sintentionsweretooplaintonecessitateanyparley，sothetwofelluponeachotherwithgrimfury；thebraveofficerfacingthebestswordsmanthatFrancehadeverproducedinafutileattempttorescuehisyoungprince。
Inamoment，DeVachaddisarmedhim，but，contrarytothelawsofchivalry，hedidnotlowerhispointuntilithadfirstplungedthroughtheheartofhisbraveantagonist。Then，withabound，heleapedbetweenLadyMaudandthegate，sothatshecouldnotretreatintothegardenandgivethealarm。
Stillgraspingthetremblingchildinhisirongrip，hestoodfacingtheladyinwaiting，hisbackagainstthedoor。
\"MonDieu，SirJules，\"shecried，\"hastthougonemad？\"
\"No，MyLady，\"heanswered，\"butIhadnotthoughttodotheworkwhichnowliesbeforeme。Whydidstthounotkeepastilltongueinthyheadandlethispatronsaintlookafterthewelfareofthisprinceling？Yourrashnesshasbroughtyoutoaprettypass，foritmustbeeitheryouorI，MyLady，anditcannotbeI。Saythyprayersandcomposethyselffordeath。\"
HenryIII，KingofEngland，satinhiscouncilchambersurroundedbythegreatlordsandnobleswhocomposedhissuit。HeawaitedSimondeMontfort，EarlofLeicester，whomhehadsummonedthathemightheapstillfurtherindignitiesuponhimwiththeintentionofdegradingandhumiliatinghimthathemightleaveEnglandforever。TheKingfearedthismightykinsmanwhosoboldlyadvisedhimagainsttheweakfollieswhichwerebringinghiskingdomtoaconditionofrevolution。
Whattheoutcomeofthisaudiencewouldhavebeennonemaysay，forLeicesterhadbutjustenteredandsalutedhissovereignwhentherecameaninterruptionwhichdrownedthepettywranglesofkingandcourtierinacommonafflictionthattouchedtheheartsofall。
Therewasacommotionatonesideoftheroom，thearrasparted，andEleanor，QueenofEngland，staggeredtowardthethrone，tearsstreamingdownherpalecheeks。
\"Oh，MyLord！MyLord！’shecried，\"Richard，ourson，hasbeenassassinatedandthrownintotheThames。\"
Inaninstant，allwasconfusionandturmoil，anditwaswiththegreatestdifficultythattheKingfinallyobtainedacoherentstatementfromhisqueen。
ItseemedthatwhentheLadyMaudhadnotreturnedtothepalacewithPrinceRichardatthepropertime，theQueenhadbeennotifiedandanimmediatesearchhadbeeninstituted——asearchwhichdidnotendforovertwentyyears；butthefirstfruitsofitturnedtheheartsofthecourttostone，fortherebesidetheopenposterngatelaythedeadbodiesofLadyMaudandacertainofficeroftheGuards，butnowherewasthereasignortraceofPrinceRichard，secondsonofHenryIIIofEngland，andatthattimetheyoungestprinceoftherealm。
ItwastwodaysbeforetheabsenceofDeVacwasnoted，andthenitwasthatoneofthelordsinwaitingtotheKingremindedhismajestyoftheepisodeofthefencingbout，andamotivefortheabductionoftheKing’slittlesonbecameapparent。
AnedictwasissuedrequiringtheexaminationofeverychildinEngland，forontheleftbreastofthelittlePrincewasabirthmarkwhichcloselyresembledalilyand，whenafterayearnochildwasfoundbearingsuchamarkandnotraceofDeVacuncovered，thesearchwascarriedintoFrance，norwasiteverwhollyrelinquishedatanytimeformorethantwentyyears。
Thefirsttheory，ofassassination，wasquicklyabandonedwhenitwassubjectedtothelightofreason，foritwasevidentthatanassassincouldhavedispatchedthelittlePrinceatthesametimethathekilledtheLadyMaudandherlover，hadsuchbeenhisdesire。
ThemosteagerfactorinthesearchforPrinceRichardwasSimondeMontfort，EarlofLeicester，whoseaffectionforhisroyalnephewhadalwaysbeensomarkedastohavebeencommenteduponbythemembersoftheKing’shousehold。
ThusforatimetherupturebetweenDeMontfortandhiskingwashealed，andalthoughthegreatnoblemanwasdivestedofhisauthorityinGascony，hesufferedlittlefurtheroppressionatthehandsofhisroyalmaster。
CHAPTERIV
AsDeVacdrewhisswordfromtheheartoftheLadyMaud，hewinced，for，mercilessthoughhewas，hehadshrunkfromthiscrueltask。Toofarhehadgone，however，tobackdownnow，and，hadhelefttheLadyMaudalive，thewholeofthepalaceguardandallthecityofLondonwouldhavebeenonhisheelsintenminutes；therewouldhavebeennoescape。
ThelittlePrincewasnowsoterrifiedthathecouldbuttrembleandwhimperinhisfright。SofearfulwasheoftheterribleDeVacthatathreatofdeatheasilystilledhistongue，andsothegrim，oldmanledhimtotheboathiddendeepinthedensebushes。
DeVacdidnotdareremaininthisretreatuntildark，ashehadfirstintended。Instead，hedrewadingy，raggeddressfromthebundlebeneaththethwartandinthisdisguisedhimselfasanoldwoman，drawingacottonwimplelowoverhisheadandforeheadtohidehisshorthair。Concealingthechildbeneaththeotherarticlesofclothing，hepushedofffromthebank，and，rowingclosetotheshore，hasteneddowntheThamestowardtheolddockwhere，thepreviousnight，hehadconcealedhisskiff。Hereachedhisdestinationunnoticed，and，runninginbeneaththedock，workedtheboatfarintothedarkrecessofthecave-likeretreat。
Herehedeterminedtohideuntildarknesshadfallen，forheknewthatthesearchwouldbeonforthelittlelostPrinceatanymoment，andthatnonemighttraversethestreetsofLondonwithoutbeingsubjecttotheclosestscrutiny。
Takingadvantageoftheforcedwait，DeVacundressedthePrinceandclothedhiminothergarments，whichhadbeenwrappedinthebundlehiddenbeneaththethwart；alittleredcottontunicwithhosetomatch，ablackdoubletandatinyleatherjerkinandleathercap。
ThediscardedclothingofthePrincehewrappedaboutahugestonetornfromthedisintegratingmasonryoftheriverwall，andconsignedthebundletothevoicelessriver。
ThePrincehadbynowregainedsomeofhisformerassuranceand，findingthatDeVacseemednottointendharminghim，thelittlefellowcommencedquestioninghisgrimcompanion，hischildishwonderatthisstrangeadventuregettingthebetterofhisformerapprehension。
\"Whatdowehere，SirJules？\"heasked。\"TakemebacktotheKing’s，myfather’spalace。Ilikenotthisdarkholenorthestrangegarmentsyouhaveplaceduponme。\"
\"Silence，boy！\"commandedtheoldman。\"SirJulesbedead，norareyouaking’sson。Rememberthesetwothingswell，noreveragainletmehearyouspeakthenameSirJules，orcallyourselfaprince。\"
Theboywentsilent，againcowedbythefiercetoneofhiscaptor。
Presentlyhebegantowhimper，forhewastiredandhungryandfrightened——justapoorlittlebaby，helplessandhopelessinthehandsofthiscruelenemy——allhisroyaltyasnothing，allgonewiththesilkenfinerywhichlayinthethickmudatthebottomoftheThames，andpresentlyhedroppedintoafitfulsleepinthebottomoftheskiff。
Whendarknesshadsettled，DeVacpushedtheskiffoutwardtothesideofthedockand，gatheringthesleepingchildinhisarms，stoodlistening，preparatorytomountingtothealleywhichledtooldTil’splace。
Ashestoodthus，afaintsoundofclankingarmorcametohisattentiveears；louderandlouderitgrewuntiltherecouldbenodoubtbutthatanumberofmenwereapproaching。
DeVacresumedhisplaceintheskiff，andagaindrewitfarbeneaththedock。Scarcelyhadhedonesoereapartyofarmoredknightsandmen-at-armsclankedoutupontheplanksabovehimfromthemouthofthedarkalley。Heretheystoppedasthoughforconsultationandplainlycouldthelistenerbelowheareverywordoftheirconversation。
\"DeMontfort，\"saidone，\"whatthinkestthouofit？CanitbethattheQueenisrightandthatRichardliesdeadbeneaththeseblackwaters？\"
\"No，DeClare，\"repliedadeepvoice，whichDeVacrecognizedasthatoftheEarlofLeicester。\"ThehandthatcouldstealthePrincefromoutoftheverygardensofhissirewithouttheknowledgeofLadyMaudorhercompanion，whichmustevidentlyhavebeenthecase，couldmoreeasilyandsafelyhavedispatchedhimwithinthegardenshadthatbeentheobjectofthisstrangeattack。Ithink，MyLord，thatpresentlyweshallhearfromsomeboldadventurerwhoholdsthelittlePrinceforransom。Godgivethatsuchmaybethecase，forofallthewinsomeandaffectionatelittlefellowsIhaveeverseen，notevenexceptingmineowndearson，thelittleRichardwasthemosttobebeloved。WouldthatImightgetmyhandsuponthefouldevilwhohasdonethishorriddeed。\"
Beneaththeplanks，notfourfeetfromwhereLeicesterstood，laytheobjectofhissearch。Theclankingarmor，theheavyspurredfeet，andthevoicesabovehimhadawakenedthelittlePrinceand，withastartledcry，hesatuprightinthebottomoftheskiff。InstantlyDeVac’sironbandclappedoverthetinymouth，butnotbeforeasinglefaintwailhadreachedtheearsofthemenabove。
\"Hark！Whatwasthat，MyLord？\"criedoneofthemen-at-arms。
IntensesilencetheylistenedforarepetitionofthesoundandthenDeMontfortcriedout：
\"Whatho，belowthere！Whoisitbeneaththedock？Answer，inthenameoftheKing！\"
Richard，recognizingthevoiceofhisfavoriteuncle，struggledtofreehimself，butDeVac’sruthlesshandcrushedouttheweakeffortsofthebabe，andallwasquietasthetomb，whilethoseabovestoodlisteningforarepetitionofthesound。
\"Dockrats，\"saidDeClare，andthenasthoughthedevilguidedthemtoprotecthisown，twohugeratsscurriedupwardfrombetweenthelooseboards，andransquealingupthedarkalley。
\"Rightyouare，\"saidDeMontfort，\"butIcouldhavesworn’twasachild’sfeeblewailhadInotseenthetwofilthyrodentswithmineowneyes。
Come，letustothenextvilealley。Wehavemetwithnosuccesshere，thoughthatoldhagwhocalledherselfTilseemedoveranxioustobargainforthefutureinformationsheseemedhopefulofbeingabletogiveus。\"
Astheymovedoff，theirvoicesgrewfainterintheearsofthelistenersbeneaththedockandsoonwerelostinthedistance。
\"Acloseshave，\"thoughtDeVac，asheagaintookupthechildandpreparedtogainthedock。Nofurthernoisesoccurringtofrightenhim，hesoonreachedthedoortoTil’shouseand，insertingthekey，creptnoiselesslytothegarretroomwhichhehadrentedfromhisill-favoredhostess。
Therewerenostairsfromtheupperfloortothegarretabove，thisascentbeingmadebymeansofawoodenladderwhichDeVacpulledupafterhim，closingandsecuringtheaperture，throughwhichheclimbedwithhisburden，bymeansofaheavytrapdoorequippedwiththickbars。
Theapartmentwhichtheynowenteredextendedacrosstheentireeastendofthebuilding，andhadwindowsuponthreesides。Thesewereheavilycurtained。Theapartmentwaslightedbyasmallcressethangingfromarafternearthecenteroftheroom。
Thewallswereunplasteredandtheraftersunceiled；thewholebearingamostbarnlikeandunhospitableappearance。
Inonecornerwasahugebed，andacrosstheroomasmallercot；acupboard，atable，andtwobenchescompletedthefurnishings。ThesearticlesDeVachadpurchasedfortheroomagainstthetimewhenheshouldoccupyitwithhislittleprisoner。
Onthetablewerealoafofblackbread，anearthenwarejarcontaininghoney，apitcherofmilkandtwodrinkinghorns。Tothese，DeVacimmediatelygavehisattention，commandingthechildtopartakeofwhathewished。
HungerforthemomentovercamethelittlePrince’sfears，andhesettowithavidityuponthestrange，roughfare，madedoublycoarsebytherudeutensilsandthebaresurroundings，sounliketheroyalmagnificenceofhispalaceapartments。
Whilethechildate，DeVachastenedtothelowerfloorofthebuildinginsearchofTil，whomhenowthoroughlymistrustedandfeared。ThewordsofDeMontfort，whichhehadoverheardatthedock，convincedhimthatherewasonemoreobstacletothefulfillmentofhisrevengewhichmustberemovedashadtheLadyMaud；butinthisinstancetherewasneitheryouthnorbeautytopleadthecauseoftheintendedvictim，ortocausethegrimexecutionerapangofremorse。
Whenhefoundtheoldhag，shewasalreadydressedtogouponthestreet，infactheinterceptedherattheverydoorofthebuilding。Stillcladashewasinthemantleandwimpleofanoldwoman，Tildidnot，atfirst，recognizehim，andwhenhespoke，sheburstintoanervous，cacklinglaugh，asonecaughtintheperpetrationofsomequestionableact，nordidhermannerescapetheshrewdnoticeofthewilymasteroffence。
\"Whither，oldhag？\"heasked。
\"TovisitMagTunkatthealley’send，bytheriver，MyLord，\"shereplied，withmorerespectthanshehadbeenwonttoaccordhim。
\"Then，Iwillaccompanyyoupartway，myfriend，and，perchance，youcangivemeahandwithsomepackagesIleftbehindmeintheskiffIhavemooredthere。\"
Andsothetwowalkedtogetherthroughthedarkalleytotheendoftherickety，dismantleddock；theonethinkingofthevastrewardtheKingwouldlavishuponherfortheinformationshefeltsureshealonecouldgive；theotherfeelingbeneathhismantleforthehiltofalongdaggerwhichnestledthere。
Astheyreachedthewater’sedge，DeVacwaswalkingwithhisrightshoulderbehindhiscompanion’sleft，inhishandwasgrippedthekeenbladeand，asthewomanhaltedonthedock，thepointthathoveredjustbelowherleftshoulder-bladeplunged，soundless，intoherheartatthesameinstantthatDeVac’slefthandswungupandgraspedherthroatinagripofsteel。
Therewasnosound，barelyastruggleoftheconvulsivelystiffeningoldmuscles，andthen，withapushfromDeVac，thebodylungedforwardintotheThames，whereadullsplashmarkedtheendofthelasthopethatPrinceRichardmightberescuedfromtheclutchesofhisNemesis。
CHAPTERV
ForthreeyearsfollowingthedisappearanceofPrinceRichard，abentoldwomanlivedintheheartofLondonwithinastone’sthrowoftheKing’spalace。Inasmallbackroomshelived，highupintheatticofanoldbuilding，andwithherwasalittleboywhoneverwentabroadalone，norbyday。Anduponhisleftbreastwasastrangemarkwhichresembledalily。
Whenthebentoldwomanwassafelyinheratticroom，withbolteddoorbehindher，shewaswonttostraightenup，anddiscardherdingymantleformorecomfortableandbecomingdoubletandhose。
Foryears，sheworkedassiduouslywiththelittleboy’seducation。Therewerethreesubjectsinhercurriculum；French，swordsmanshipandhatredofallthingsEnglish，especiallythereigninghouseofEngland。
Theoldwomanhadhadmadeatinyfoilandhadcommencedteachingthelittleboytheartoffencewhenhewasbutthreeyearsold。
\"Youwillbethegreatestswordsmanintheworldwhenyouaretwenty，myson，\"shewaswonttosay，\"andthenyoushallgooutandkillmanyEnglishmen。YournameshallbehatedandcursedthelengthandbreadthofEngland，andwhenyoufinallystandwiththehalteraboutyourneck，aha，thenwillIspeak。Thenshalltheyknow。\"
Thelittleboydidnotunderstanditall，heonlyknewthathewascomfortable，andhadwarmclothing，andallherequiredtoeat，andthathewouldbeagreatmanwhenhelearnedtofightwitharealsword，andhadgrownlargeenoughtowieldone。HealsoknewthathehatedEnglishmen，butwhy，hedidnotknow。
Waybackintheuttermostrecessesofhislittle，childishhead，heseemedtorememberatimewhenhislifeandsurroundingshadbeenverydifferent；
when，insteadofthisoldwoman，therehadbeenmanypeoplearoundhim，andasweetfacedwomanhadheldhiminherarmsandkissedhim，beforehewastakenofftobedatnight；buthecouldnotbesure，maybeitwasonlyadreamheremembered，forhedreamedmanystrangeandwonderfuldreams。
Whenthelittleboywasaboutsixyearsofage，astrangemancametotheirattichometovisitthelittleoldwoman。Itwasintheduskoftheeveningbuttheoldwomandidnotlightthecresset，andfurther，shewhisperedtothelittleboytoremainintheshadowsofafarcornerofthebarechamber。
Thestrangerwasoldandbentandhadagreatbeardwhichhidalmosthisentirefaceexceptfortwopiercingeyes，agreatnoseandabitofwrinkledforehead。Whenhespoke，heaccompaniedhiswordswithmanyshrugsofhisnarrowshouldersandwithwavingofhisarmsandotherstrangeandamusinggesticulations。Thechildwasfascinated。Herewasthefirstamusementofhislittlestarvedlife。Helistenedintentlytotheconversation，whichwasinFrench。
\"Ihavejustthethingformadame，\"thestrangerwassaying。\"Itbeanobleandstatelyhallfarfromthebeatenway。ItwasbuiltintheolddaysbyHaroldtheSaxon，butinlatertimes，deathandpovertyandthedisfavoroftheKinghavewresteditfromhisdescendants。Afewyearssince，Henrygrantedittothatspend-thriftfavoriteofhis，HenrideMacy，whopledgedittomeforasumhehathbeenunabletorepay。Todayitbemyproperty，andasitbefarfromParis，youmayhaveitforthemeresongIhavenamed。Itbeawondrousbargain，madame。\"
\"AndwhenIcomeuponit，IshallfindthatIhaveboughtacrumblingpileofruinedmasonry，unfittohouseafamilyoffoxes，\"repliedtheoldwomanpeevishly。
\"Onetowerhathfallen，andtheroofforhalfthelengthofonewinghathsaggedandtumbledin，\"explainedtheoldFrenchman。\"Butthethreelowerstoriesbeintactandquitehabitable。ItbemuchgranderevennowthanthecastlesofmanyofEngland’snoblebarons，andtheprice，madame——-
ah，thepricebesoridiculouslylow。\"
Stilltheoldwomanhesitated。
\"Come，\"saidtheFrenchman，\"Ihaveit。DepositthemoneywithIsaactheJew——thouknowesthim？——andheshallholdittogetherwiththedeedforfortydays，whichwillgivetheeampletimetotraveltoDerbyandinspectthypurchase。Ifthoubenotentirelysatisfied，IsaactheJewshallreturnthymoneytotheeandthedeedtome，butifattheendoffortydaysthouhastnotmadedemandforthymoney，thenshallIsaacsendthedeedtotheeandthemoneytome。Benotthisaneasyandfairwayoutofthedifficulty？\"
Thelittleoldwomanthoughtforamomentandatlastconcededthatitseemedquiteafairwaytoarrangethematter。Andthusitwasaccomplished。
Severaldayslater，thelittleoldwomancalledthechildtoher。
\"Westarttonightuponalongjourneytoournewhome。Thyfaceshallbewrappedinmanyrags，forthouhastamostgrievoustoothache。Dostunderstand？\"
\"ButIhavenotoothache。Myteethdonotpainmeatall。I——\"
expostulatedthechild。
\"Tut，tut，\"interruptedthelittleoldwoman。\"Thouhastatoothache，andsothyfacemustbewrappedinmanyrags。Andlisten，shouldanyasktheeuponthewaywhythyfacebesowrapped，thouarttosaythatthouhastatoothache。AndthoudonotdoasIsay，theKing’smenwilltakeusandweshallbehanged，fortheKinghatethus。IfthouhatesttheEnglishKingandlovestthylifedoasIcommand。\"
\"IhatetheKing，\"repliedthelittleboy。\"ForthisreasonIshalldoasthousayest。\"
SoitwasthattheysetoutthatnightupontheirlongjourneynorthtowardthehillsofDerby。Formanydaystheytravelled，ridingupontwosmalldonkeys。StrangesightsfilledthedaysforthelittleboywhorememberednothingoutsidethebareatticofhisLondonhomeandthedirtyLondonalleysthathehadtraversedonlybynight。
Theywoundacrossbeautifulparklikemeadowsandthroughdark，forbiddingforests，andnowandagaintheypassedtinyhamletsofthatchedhuts。
Occasionallytheysawarmoredknightsuponthehighway，aloneorinsmallparties，butthechild’scompanionalwaysmanagedtohastenintocoverattheroadsideuntilthegrimridershadpassed。