“The colonel changed colour, and stammered out some excuse.
“‘Nay, no apologies, colonel, and all that kind of thing; I want the girl, I tell you, and will have her. Is she safe?’
“‘Well, sire, I think there cannot be a doubt about it.
“‘She escaped twice or thrice, it is true; but I know where she is, I think, and it was more with an object to regain possession of her than anything else I wished to have a file of soldiers. But I want a search-warrant, signed by your majesty, for I fear me she has taken refuge in some noble’s house.’
“‘I have not got my seal ring to-night, Blood,’ said the king, with a bitter laugh. ‘No matter, take the soldiers, as many as you need; break open any house you come across, whether rich or poor, it doesn’t matter, so you find the girl and bring her to me.’
“‘Your majesty is very kind,’ said Blood, bowing.
“‘Not so kind as you think, perhaps, colonel.’
“‘Sire,’ said Blood, in surprise.
“‘Listen to me, Blood, kings can be deceived sometimes as well as other people.’
“‘I don’t understand you, sire.’