“So Andros dared to use this as a lure!” he muttered in Greek; “well, he has succeeded to his own undoing.”
“I thought you would think so,” said Crispin, who overheard the speech; “as soon as I heard the reason of Andros’ coming to Roylands, I guessed your intention.”
“How could you do that?” asked the old man quickly; “you knew nothing.”
“I know all—Andros told me.”
“Traitor!” said Justinian fiercely. “Well, Crispin, if you do know, keep your own counsel until such time as I choose to tell my own story.”
“I promise you.”
“And in return I will, at my own convenience, tell you what you desire to know about your parentage.”
“Do this,” cried Crispin, springing up and clasping Justinian by the hand, “and I will be your friend for life!”
“You had better be my friend for your own sake,” retorted the King angrily; “united we stand, divided we fall. Remember, Andros is your and my enemy.”
“And Alcibiades?”