“Let them search and find if they will,” cried the King. “I must have refreshment before I do more.”
“Your Majesty wishes us to row there and take our chance of being discovered?”
“Yes,” said the King, “and at once. But stay. You are certain that the Count’s death warrant was signed?”
“Yes, Sire; sure.”
“Bah! If I declared myself there would be an end to that?”
“No, Sire.”
“What!” cried the King.
“Henry doubtless has his ends and would gladly have you dead. If you declared yourself now he would laugh you to scorn and call you impostor, cheat.”
“Hah!” cried the King, grinding his teeth. “Let him if he dare! But I will not believe it of him, going as I shall now, for nothing shall stay me from hurrying back to save that poor lad’s life.”
“But, your Majesty, let me implore you!” cried Leoni.