"He fought for your father," I replied.
"So did many a knave, until he thought he would gain by joining the rebels."
At this I was silent.
"Why did he send thee to find out if there was any truth in the lying story that his Majesty married the wench Lucy Walters?"
"To discover the truth," I replied, for it seemed to me at that moment as though there were nought else to say.
At this he laughed, but the laugh was cruel, and never did I hear a man's voice that had less mirth in it.
"Well, what have you found?" he said presently. "You left your home many days ago. You went to Folkestone, from thence you made a midnight journey to a lonely house. Tell me how you fared, and what trophies you possess as a result of your valour."
At this I was silent, for in truth never did words appear more dangerous than at this moment.
"How now, sirrah! You do not speak!"
King's brother though he was, he made me angry, and I resented the tones he used towards me.