"Of what dost thou accuse the King?" asked Charles.
"Of high treason," replied Cromwell—"of treason towards God and England."
A step farther back moved Charles, so that his shoulders touched and ruffled the tapestry.
"By what authority do you use this boldness?" he asked.
"My authority is from within," answered the Puritan. "I can satisfy men of my authority. I am not afraid. I see that in treating with you I have committed folly, but that is over. God will find another way. Get from Hampton, under what excuse you may. I would not, sir, have the army do you a mischief."
"I will," replied Charles, "get as far as may be from the violence of insulting rebels—I will withdraw myself from my subjects until they remember their duty to their King."
"In what way," demanded Cromwell, "hast thou fulfilled thy duty to God or to His people?"
"I have endured much!" cried Charles, in a sharp voice. "But till now I have been spared open insolence!"
Unmoved and unblenching the Lieutenant-General regarded him.