The Captain passed the word, and the Queen's Champion came forward to make obeisance.
"Sergeant," said our Lady, whose voice rang through the silent place, "you are charged with stealing my gloves. Guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty, Madame," said the Queen's Champion, prompt to the word.
"You seem to be mightily pleased. I demand the gloves."
"I have but one left, Madame, and that next my heart."
"And where are the rest, pray?"
"I don't know, Madame."
But every man in the room had produced a glove to wave in triumph, and the officers themselves were first in the offence.
"So this shameful theft has been committed by all my lords and gentlemen of the Guard. Do you all plead guilty?"
The hall rang with the triumphant answer.