"We have come to you from one of royal blood, Master Rashcliffe, with royal commands."
"From the king?" I asked.
"Nay, not from the king, that is exactly, but doubtless this letter will explain much to you."
I took the letter, and noted that the paper was emblazoned with the royal arms. It contained only these words: "Master Roland Rashcliffe is commanded to appear before us to-night at Whitehall at the hour of eight."
The signature I could not at first make out, but on closer scrutiny I discovered it to be signed by James, Duke of York. On lifting my eyes from the paper, I saw that both my visitors were looking eagerly towards me, as though they would make out what had been written to me, but, knowing so little of them, I folded the missive and put it beneath my doublet.
"Doubtless you have received pleasant news, Master Rashcliffe?" said Master Carew with a meaning smile.
"News from those in high places should always be pleasant," I replied.
"By the saints, no. And truly by the look on your face I judge that joy doth not overcome you, Master Rashcliffe. Well, what then? A man of wit must even use it to his own advantage. Moreover, doubtless the message is of importance, seeing we were charged to deliver it into no hands but your own. Is there aught in the way of information we can give you, Master Rashcliffe?"
Now this set me thinking. It became plain to me that they knew not the contents of the letter; moreover, I judged that they sought to obtain information concerning it, and thereby obtain power which they hoped would be useful.
"No," I replied, "I do not know that there are any questions that I desire to ask."