"What have you to say?"
"Nothing, sire."
"Yes, there is something. Three hours ago thou didst mention the name of Katharine Harcomb. What did she tell thee?"
"Of that which I have since seen, Your Majesty," I said boldly.
"Ah—and what is that?"
"That which if made known would alter the history of the nation, sire."
"Where is it?" he cried, as if forgetting himself.
"I do not know," I replied like a fool, for the moment I had spoken the words, I realized that I had thrown down the only weapon by which I could defend myself.
The king laughed again quietly.
"You are only fit for the cap and bells after all," he said quietly; "just the cap and bells. Still, a fool may be dangerous if you put a pistol in his hands, so the best way is to keep him out of harm."