Colonel Blood elevated his eyebrows, and tried to look the picture of candid innocence and surprise.
“I say, only in some degree,” said the king; and then, turning to Sir Richard, he added, “May I show him the note, and that will show him at once what you mean?”
“If you please,” said Sir Richard.
“Well, I think it best. Read that, Colonel Blood, and when you have read it, remember it is my request that you answer clearly and categorically to the questions put to you.”
With well-acted surprise Colonel Blood read the note, and then placing his hand upon his heart, he returned it in silence.
Ned Warbeck looked sternly at him as he said—
“Colonel Blood, it is well known to you that it is not without reasons that we point at you the finger of suspicion in this case.”
The colonel bowed lowly.
“Therefore,” added Ned, warmly, “the circumstances of our coming in this way to the king, and requesting him to exercise an authority that may prevent useless bloodshed, is not altogether so very extraordinary a one as it might appear.”
The colonel bowed again.