When the last had entered, the Prince thus addressed the three: "It seems, gentlemen, that in the master of this house I have an enemy."
At which point Mr. Bentinck, without at all staying the flow of the Prince's words, ejaculated a deep and guttural "Ah!" as one finding but what he had looked for.
"I therefore purpose, gentlemen, to question Captain Royston in your presence, and thereafter to take your censures in the matter of bringing him to fitting military trial for treason."
"I am no traitor to Your Highness, nor to any man," cried Royston, with blunt indignation.
"That we shall soon see, I believe," said His Highness. "Did you not appoint yourself this night, with my consent, the innermost guard of my person?"
"I did," answered Royston.
"Then where is the prisoner; he that called himself priest?" asked the Prince, turning on him a gaze that called to my mind tales I had read of the Inquisitors of Spain, so piercing and ruthless was it.
"He is escaped!" replied poor Ned.
"By your aid?" asked the Inquisitor.
"By my aid," replied the accused.