“It is not true!” cried Denis angrily; and as he spoke Carrbroke, who had received warning from one of the inn servants of the fight that was going on, shouldered his way in through the halberdiers. “These men, whoever they are—they cannot be gentlemen—”
“What!” roared Sir Robert.
”—insulted my master and these members of his suite,” continued Denis, gazing defiantly at the English captain. “We were standing on our defence.”
“The boy lies,” cried Sir Robert.
“No: Sir Robert lies,” cried Carrbroke hotly. “Captain Bowman, these gentlemen were my father’s guests last night—yes, Sir Robert, my father’s guests, and you must have insulted them, or they would not have drawn.”
“This is insufferable,” cried Sir Robert.
“Yes,” said the captain of the escort coldly; “quite; and I am afraid, Sir Robert, that when his Majesty hears of the treatment which his guests, whom I have been ordered to escort into the palace, have received, I shall have another duty to perform.”
“What do you mean?” cried Sir Robert insolently.
“Your arrest, sir, and that of your friends. I am afraid his Majesty is getting tired of your brawling and overbearing ways.”
“What!” cried Sir Robert fiercely, as he clapped his hand again to the dagger he had sheathed.