"It is a good excuse, if any be needed," returned the knight gravely. "Of that I can judge better when I hear what you have to say to me."
"Your worship has a son," said Jack, determined to go to the root of the matter at once.
Sir John started and turned pale. "I have—or had," said he, trying to speak calmly. "I know not if he be living or no. Have you heard any news of him?"
"I believe that I have—nay, I am sure of it," replied Jack. "It was that which brought me here this day."
Sir John paused a moment, and then asked, "Is the news good or bad?"
"Altogether good, as I think."
"Tell me at once what you have to say," said Sir John. "I can bear anything better than suspense. My son is then alive?"
"He is alive, and likely, as I trust, to live, though he has been ill and is still very weak," replied Jack.
He then went on and told his tale in as few words as possible, adding, "I am come to you, Sir John, wholly on mine own motion, and without authority from Master Arthur. But it seemed to me no more than right that you should know the truth."
"Does not my son then desire to see me?" asked Sir John.