"Sire, I am a soldier and slow of speech. Words come not readily to the tip of my tongue. But, sire, on a matter of deepest importance I would speak with thee."
"Is the matter so important that it cannot be declared in the presence of our trusty and loyal subjects?"
"That is for thee to decide, sire. But if so be that thou wilt desire the Earls of Gloucester and York, the Earl Marshal, and His Grace of Canterbury to attend thee in private, I bid so bold as to say that my communication is no ordinary one."
"Be it so, then," replied Henry, rising from his oaken chair. "Fair sirs, we would your presence in private."
"Now, Sir John," continued the King as the doors of the ante-room were closed, "'tis no personal matter of thine, on that I'll stake my crown."
"Sire, saving thy presence, my Sovereign's safety is mine honour, and mine honour I deem a personal matter."
"Thou hast a shrewd argument, Sir John, in spite of thy slowness of speech. Thou hast hinted at danger to our person. Say on."
Briefly, yet concisely, the Constable of Portchester related the treasonable meeting of Lord Scrope of Masham and Sir Thomas Grey under the oak tree, while Geoffrey and Oswald felt their hearts beat rapidly and their cheeks flush as their part in the discovery of the fell plot was unfolded to the royal ears.
"This is no light matter," remarked King Harry at the conclusion of the knight's story. "Justice must be worked upon these traitors. Where are Cambridge, Scrope, and Grey?"
"Lord Scrope is in audience, your Majesty," replied the marshal. "Sir Thomas Grey was at his lodging hard by the Bar Gate but an hour agone. As for His Grace of Cambridge, according to this list I find that he is still at Winchester."