"Nay, nay, my friend," he said; "another time for that." … Then to Carcea: "Has he spoken?"
"Not yet, Sire; and if it please Your Majesty, it would be well to ask the questions so that they can be answered by a motion of the head. The patient's strength will permit few words."
"Do you understand, John?" Richard asked.
De Bury smiled faintly and indicated that he did.
"Were you attacked?" the King went on.
"Yes," said the nod.
"By highwaymen?"
A pause, and then—"No."
"By men hired for the purpose?"
"Yes," readily.