“Well,” said the king with a laugh, “I should be the last to teach a Scottish warrior to fly; still the ability to do so would have been, on several occasions, advantageous to us. Have you your wings at hand?”
“Yes, your majesty.”
“Then you yourself shall test them in our presence.”
“But I should like to spend, your majesty, some further time on preparation,” demurred the man uneasily.
“I thought you said a moment ago that the invention was perfect.”
“Nothing human is perfect, your majesty, and if I said so I spoke with the over-confidence of the inventor. I have, however, succeeded in sailing through the air, but cannot yet make way against a wind.”
“Oh, you have succeeded so far as to interest us in a most attractive experiment. Bid your assistant bring them at once, and let us understand their principle. I rejoice to know that Scotland is to have the benefit of your great genius.”
Farini showed little enthusiasm anent the king’s confidence in him. He had, during the colloquy, cast many an anxious glance towards the French ambassador, apparently much to the annoyance of that high dignitary, for now the Frenchman, seeing his continued hesitation, said sharply,—
“You have heard his majesty’s commands; get on your paraphernalia.”
When the Italian was at last equipped, looking like a demon in a painting that hung in the chapel, the king led the way to the edge of Stirling cliff.