"I wish the rascal hadn't fought," said one voice. "But he flew at me like a tiger, and I had much ado to stop him. I was compelled to run him through."
"Yet he might have served me alive," said another.
"Your Grace is right. For although we hate these foul schemes, the men had the root of the matter in them."
"They were no Papists, at least," said the second voice.
"But the King will be pleased."
"Oh, a curse on the King, although he's what he is to me! Haven't you heard? When I returned to the Castle from my search on the other side of the town, seeking you or Buckingham—by the way, where is he?"
"Back in his bed, I warrant, sir."
"The lazy dog! Well then, they told me she was gone with Louis. I rode on to tell you, for, said I, the King may hunt his conspirators himself now. But who went with them?"
"Your Grace will wonder if I say Simon Dale was the man?"