“I don’t know that,” said the officer. “The king has been disturbed in his slumbers twice to-night; therefore, you had better call at the levée in the morning, if you are officers and do not wish to anger him.”
“Leave that to us, good sir. You may rely upon it,” said Ned, “if our business were not of the utmost consequence, we are by far too good subjects to annoy the king.”
“But what sign have you that warrants me in waking the king?”
“This,” said Ned, presenting the ring; “take that to his majesty. When he sees it he will not deny us admission to his presence, whatever the hour may be.”
The officer took the royal ring and examined it.
He forthwith went up to the king’s chamber, and, it must be acknowledged, that Charles, majesty as he was, was full of wrath at being disturbed in his slumbers.
When, however, the officer in attendance presented to him the ring, he looked amazed.
He rubbed his eyes and yawned.
“The devil take the impudent rogue!” said he. “But, as I have given my word of honour, why, admit him at once.”
In a moment afterwards Ned Warbeck and Garnet were striding up the broad staircase towards the king’s bed-chamber.