As he spoke he bent over the King to draw his cloak about shoulder and throat; but at the first touch of his hands the King started up and caught them fast.


Chapter Forty Five.

The Balas Ruby.

“Who’s this?” cried Francis sharply, and in a much firmer voice. “Hah! You, Leoni?”

“I, M. le Comte.”

“Bah! The Comte! But what is it? Have I been asleep and dreaming? Where are we? What are we doing here?”

“Making for Fontainebleau, sir.”

“Yes, Fontainebleau!” cried the King eagerly. “But like this—in a boat?”